Monday 2nd June

Monday, 2 June 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The government's strategic defence review could shed light on the £1.3 million contract to build a new medium-lift helicopter for the Royal Air Force. Police investigating an incident in Chard, in which a teenager alleges she was sexually assaulted, are trying to trace a witness to what happened. Fifty homes could still be built in Castle Cary if an appeal proves successful...and more

Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil will be taking a close interest in today’s publication of the government’s long-awaited strategic Defence Review. The Yeovil factory is eagerly awaiting confirmation of an order to supply the RAF with 30 new medium-lift helicopters, which has been delayed by the Defence Review. Leonardo, who is the sole bidder for the contract, is pitching to supply the RAF with the AW149 to replace its ageing fleet of Puma helicopters. The government is on record as saying it will award the contract, reportedly worth £1.3 billion, by the end of the year.

Police investigating an incident in Chard, in which a teenager alleges she was sexually assaulted, are trying to trace a witness to what happened. A girl in her mid-teens was walking on a footpath near Zembard Lane when she said a man approached her. He was later arrested and released on police bail. After the incident, the girl approached another member of the public, who helped her to safety. It is this man who the Police want to trace, as they believe he could have important information that could help their investigation.

A Yeovil man has appeared in court charged with drink driving. Ronnie Howes of Hood Road in Yeovil pleaded to the offence and was given a 16-month driving ban by local magistrates. Howes was also fined £461 and told to pay costs of £85.

Fifty homes could still be built in Castle Cary if an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate proves successful. Developers Castle Cary LLP had a planning application to build the homes on South Street, turned down by Somerset Council in 2023. Now, the developer has appealed the decision, with the Planning Inspectorate expected to make a final ruling by the autumn.

A community cafe in Chard is helping to tackle loneliness in the town. "Chatter and natter" sessions are held at the CommuniTea Waffle Café on Holyrood Street every Thursday between 11 am and 1 pm. The cafe has also introduced a ‘pay it forward scheme’ to help people with the cost of living.

A section of Ilchester Road in Yeovil will be closed to traffic each evening this week, starting from tonight, from 6 pm to 6 am the following morning. It’s to allow for Wessex Water to carry essential repairs to a water main.

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Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more