Thursday 12th February

Thursday, 12 February 2026 05:00

By Steve Haigh

The government says it's ‘working flat out’ to arrive at a decision on ordering a new medium lift helicopter with Leonardo in Yeovil. We’re being asked to suggest where new electric vehicle charge points should be installed in Somerset. A new project is inviting people to look up and help map Somerset’s night skies... and more

Defence Minister, Luke Pollard, has reiterated that the government is ‘working flat out’ to arrive at a decision on ordering a new medium lift helicopter with Leonardo in Yeovil. Speaking during an emergency debate in Westminster Hall in London, the Defence Minister, said the government will not allow the decision to ’time out’ but did not provide a date when a final decision will be made. The Yeovil factory’s Italian owners have said that if the contract to build a new medium lift helicopter for the RAF, worth up to £1.4 billion pounds, is not forthcoming by March 31st the Yeovil site will shut. Yesterday’s debate, organised by Yeovil MP, Adam Dance, and attended by other Westcountry MP’s, discussed the closure threat to the Yeovil site and pressed the government to act faster on the medium lift helicopter order.

The Minister for Flooding has been on a visit to the Somerset Levels. Emma Hardy MP said the government was putting £75m into flood defences this year in Somerset and was looking at funding a tidal barrier for Bridgwater. Meanwhile, Bridgwater Conservative MP, Sir Ashley Fox, has welcomed the government’s intervention, but says what is needed is a long-term dredging and pumping plan on the Levels.

We’re being asked to suggest where new electric vehicle charge points should be installed in Somerset. Somerset Council is planning to fit 1600 low-powered charging sockets near homes, on local roads and in places with high footfall. The Council says the charging points will benefit people who don’t have off-street parking and are unable to install a charge point at home. You can submit a suggested locations online via the Somerset Council electric vehicle charging page.

A new project is inviting people to look up and help map Somerset’s night skies. The Somerset Star Count, led by CPRE Somerset, the local branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, runs from this Saturday for one-week, and asks people to count the number of stars they see within the Orion constellation. The CPRE say the data will help to assess light pollution across Somerset.

Entries are being invited to this year’s Ilminster Literary Festival children's writing competition. There are four age categories; five to seven, eight to 11, 12 to 14, and 14 to 16. Organisers say young writers should use their creativity, writing stories on a topic of their choice. Entries, which can be submitted individually or through a school, close on Friday, March 27th.

More from News

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