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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Thursday 30th April

More than 4,500 people have expressed interest in joining a new NHS dental practice in Crewkerne. Somerset Council says a long-term solution is needed to make Hendford Hill in Yeovil fully safe for motorists. A Somerset man has won first prize at the World Marmalade Awards... and more
Wednesday 29th April

Somerset Council says Hendford Hill in Yeovil should be fully reopened to traffic by the end of May. Plans have been approved to build 40 new homes in Crewkerne. A huge pile of illegally dumped rubbish in Glastonbury has been cleared... and more
Tuesday 28th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision at Rimpton. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in South Petherton. Former Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson has been retained as first-team manager of Taunton Town for next season... and more
Monday 27th April

A former school in Sherborne has been badly damaged by fire. A care home in Yeovil has been rated outstanding. ublic spaces in West Coker owned by Somerset Council are being handed over to the parish council. Mendip Golf Club has presented a cheque for £12,000 to Mind in Somerset... and more
Friday 24th April

Plans have been submitted to turn a property on Preston Road in Yeovil into a House in Multiple Occupation. Yeovil’s Marlie Packer has been recalled to the England Red Roses starting line-up for tomorrow’s Women’s Six Nations game against Wales. Three sisters from Yeovil will be running the London Marathon this weekend in support of Guide Dogs UK... and more
Thursday 23rd April

Helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton have completed six weeks of sorties, protecting Cyprus from attacks by Iran. People in Somerset who use domestic heating oil are calling on the government to regulate the oil supply industry. Patients are being invited to register at a new NHS dentist in Crewkerne... and more
Wednesday 22nd April

Expectant mothers are using Yeovil Hospital once again to give birth following the reopening of the maternity unit. A Yeovil man has been jailed for four years for committing sexual offences against two young girls. Plans have been approved to convert a pub in Milborne Port into housing... and more
Tuesday 21st April

NHS Somerset has delayed closing the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. A former Avon and Somerset Police officer has been jailed for making indecent images of children. A Somerset man has been fined after pleading guilty to hunting a wild animal with dogs... and more