Thursday 13th November

Wednesday, 12 November 2025 19:25

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.

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Friday 31st July

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service says July has been its busiest month ever for emergency calls. Police have recovered a 1970s Austin Mini pick-up stolen in Shepton Mallet. A specialist spinal injuries service at Yeovil Hospital has treated three hundred patients in its first year... and more
Thursday 30th July

The Environment Agency has declared a drought across Somerset as the hot weather takes its toll on the county's water supplies. Police are appealing for witnesses following a fatal road traffic accident near Crewkerne. A bowls player from Yeovil has won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow...and more
Wednesday 29th July

Police have arrested two suspects in connection with a series of moped thefts in Chard. A combine harvester has been destroyed in a farm fire at Forton, near Chard. A bowls player from Yeovil has won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow... and more
Tuesday 28th July

The former Beales department store in Yeovil could be brought back into use as part of a wider masterplan for the future of the town. A yellow heat health alert is in place across Somerset from nine o’clock this morning until nine o’clock on Friday morning. A Somerset farmer says this year is the driest on his land since 1976... and more
Monday 27th July

Gooch and Housego, based in Ilminster and one of the town’s biggest employers, has been sold in a multi-million-pound deal to an American private equity firm. A father who shook his four-week-old baby to death at a house in Chard has been sentenced to life in prison. A doctor who works for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is one of five people to have jointly set a new world record for rowing around Great Britain... and more
Friday 24th July

Avon and Somerset Police are warning people to watch out for scammers posing as Amazon. The CEO of the company that provides Somerset's recycling is warning of a major incident if people continue to put used batteries in waste bins. A former Yeovil pub could be demolished to make way for a major hotel expansion.
Thursday 23rd July

The West Country is officially one step closer to being declared in drought. Somerset Council says it's remodelling its service after a children's home was closed following an inspection. A new McDonald's planned off the M5 at Bridgwater could create up to 120 local jobs... and more
Wednesday 22nd July

Two men have been jailed for stealing electrical items and cash from a property in Yeovil. Somerset Council has defended its use of Yeovil’s new performance area in The Triangle, in Lower Middle Street. Tintinhull Primary School, near Yeovil, has won a top national award for outdoor play... and more