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.

More from News

Friday 14th August

Police are investigating an incident in which obscene words were scratched onto the World War One memorial at Ham Hill. Yeovil MP Adam Dance has repeated his call for the upgrade of the town’s police station to include a custody suite. A Somerset carnival club is building a specially adapted float to allow a wheelchair user and her assistance dog to take part in this year’s carnival circuit...and more
Thursday 13th August

An Ilminster family is celebrating after winning one million pounds on the National Lottery. Police have released a picture of a man they want to speak to in connection with suspected frauds in Somerset. Somerset Council has opened a tendering process to find a main contractor for the £15 million upgrade of Yeovil’s Octagon theatre... and more
Wednesday 12th August

Experts say with good visibility forecast for this evening, people across Somerset should have some of the best views of the solar eclipse anywhere in the UK. A Somerset councillor is calling for the Stop Line cycle route between Chard and Ilminster to be better supported. It's 40-years ago this week since a Lynx helicopter built in Yeovil set a new World Helicopter Speed Record... and more
Tuesday 11th August

Wessex Water says a hosepipe ban is possible if customers fail to cut their water usage. A record number of illegal dog fights were reported in Somerset last year. Yeovil Town's Mason Obeng has won the traditional sack of potatoes, given to the player who scores Yeovil's first goal of the new season, as a lucky omen... and more
Monday 10th August

A local councillor claims anti-social behaviour is putting people off coming into Yeovil town centre. South-West Water has announced a hosepipe ban in the Chard area. Great Western Railway has apologised after a wheelchair user from Chard became stuck at one of its stations... and more
Friday 7th August

Chard's biggest employer, Numatic International, makers of the Henry vacuum cleaner, has announced job cuts. A new Neighbourhood Plan for Hatch Beauchamp has officially been adopted. Two historic artefacts taken from Glastonbury Abbey more than 70 years ago have been returned...and more
Thursday 6th August

A local man and convicted former neo-Nazi, selected by the Conservatives to stand in Crewkerne South in next year’s local elections for a seat on Somerset Council, has pulled out after a backlash against his candidacy. A charity that runs children's homes in Somerset is terminating its contract early following a critical report by Ofsted...and more
Wednesday 5th August

Avon and Somerset's Police and Crime Commissioner is backing the wider use of police drones in towns like Yeovil to help tackle crime. Visitor numbers at Somerset's tourist attractions are down by around sixty per cent so far this year. A gardening expert says it'll take much more than the occasional shower to revive Somerset's parched lawns, parks and open spaces...and more