Thursday 13th November

Thursday, 13 November 2025 05:00

By Steve Haigh

Workers at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil are taking part in a second day of strike action today in their dispute over pay. Lloyds Bank has shuts its branch in Chard for good. A week-long programme of tree planting will be held at Ham Hill later this month to mark National Tree Week.... and more

Workers at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil are taking part in a second day of strike action today in their dispute over pay. Members of the Unite union have rejected a 3.6% pay offer and are asking management to make an improved offer that isn't below the current inflation rate. Leonardo says it's disappointed that the 'revised pay offer' has been rejected.

Lloyds Bank in Chard closed for the last time this week. The branch on Fore Street, which shut for good on Tuesday, is one of 16 across England being permanently closed by Lloyds. Lloyds says its community banking team will be available for customers at Chard Guildhall on Tuesday, 25th November and, thereafter, every fortnight.

Improvements are being made to Taunton Crown Court, including new safeguards to prevent prisoners escaping from the dock. The Ministry of Justice says the layout of the two court rooms in Shire Hall are being reconfigured to overcome poor sight-lines, restricted seating, and unsafe routes into the courtrooms. No date has been given for when the work will be completed.

A week-long programme of tree planting at Ham Hill is planned for later this month. It’s to mark National Tree Week and will culminate with a Community Tree Planting Day on Saturday, 29th November, when volunteers will begin work on a new planting scheme at Pit Wood.

Somerset Community Foundation has launched its annual Surviving Winter appeal. The appeal has raised more 1.6 million pounds with 100,000 people receiving cash grants to help with energy bills since its launch in 2010.

The Christmas lights switch-on in Somerton is being held on Sunday, November 30th. The event, with market stalls and live music, starts at 3 pm in the Market Place.

More from News

Thursday 13th November

Workers at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil are taking part in a second day of strike action in their dispute over pay. Lloyds Bank has shut its branch in Chard for good. A week-long programme of tree planting will be held at Ham Hill later this month to mark National Tree Week.... and more
Wednesday 12th November

Workers belonging to the Unite union at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil begin a two-day strike today. Yeovil MP, Adam Dance, has been speaking in a parliamentary debate on improving dyslexia support in schools. South Western Ambulance Service is inviting applications for positions on its governing council...and more
Tuesday 11th November

Somerset residents are being urged to get a flu jab as cases of flu continue to rise. Seven horse saddles have been stolen in a break-in at a riding school in Queen Camel. Donations of children’s toys are needed for this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal...and more
Monday 10th November

It’s claimed Somerset Council has lost nearly £5 million selling the Marks and Spencer building in Yeovil. A car has been set on fire in a suspected arson attack in Shepton Mallet. A Crewkerne man says night-time noise from the town's Waitrose store is causing him and his family "sleep disturbance" ... and more.
Friday 7th November

A man from Yeovil has been jailed for eight years after being convicted of three counts of rape. Smoking rates in Somerset remain higher than in many other parts of the UK. Students at three schools in Yeovil have created a new shoe design for Clarks.
Thursday 6th November

The Supreme Court has ruled that building thousands of homes in Somerset has been "unlawfully held up". The Head of Holyrood Academy in Chard has described the building of a new primary school in the town as an ‘incredible opportunity’. A pub near Chard has been named one of the best in Britain by The Good Food Guide...and more
Wednesday 5th November

Members of the Unite union at Leonardo in Yeovil have called off a planned strike for today. South Western Railway says trains on the West of England Line will start running normally again at the end of the month. A memorial post box has been placed at the entrance to Crewkerne cemetery...and more.
Tuesday 4th November

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service says from today it will no longer respond to automatic fire alarms. School in a Bag, based in Chilthorne Domer, is sending 400 school bags to Jamaica, following Hurricane Melissa. Yeovil Town has paid tribute to former manager Colin Addison, who has passed away...and more.