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.

More from News

Monday 15th June

People in Somerset are being asked to take part in a new survey about alcohol use. Yeovil's MP Adam Dance will lead a debate in Parliament today on NHS dentistry. A Yeovil runner has been selected to represent England at a national endurance championship... and more
Friday 12th June

It's claimed the increasing availability of drugs such as ketamine and cocaine has normalised drug use among young people in Somerset. The trial of a man accused of killing his one-month-old son in Chard begins today at Bristol Crown Court. A stone pillar outside the Langport Arms Hotel in Langport has been replaced after it was destroyed in a car crash... and more
Thursday 11th June

Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to the three aircrew from RNAS Yeovilton who died in last week's helicopter crash in Devon. Two men have been arrested and stolen vehicles seized following a major multi-agency operation in South Somerset. An event highlighting opportunities for women in the aerospace industry has been held in Yeovil... and more
Wednesday 10th June

The public will be consulted on how best to spend fifty million pounds of government funding to tackle flooding in Somerset. Avon and Somerset Police are backing a new road safety campaign aimed at reducing motorcycle fatalities. New welcome signs have been installed at entrances to the Mendip Hills National Landscape... and more
Tuesday 9th June

The government has announced a £50 million investment to strengthen Somerset’s flood defences. A woman from Stoke-sub-Hamdon has been banned from driving for 14 months after admitting drink-driving. Somerset Council has been told it must improve its adult social care services... and more
Monday 8th June

Plans for a new railway station in Langport remain stalled in Whitehall, according to Somerset Council. Plans to build 50 new homes in Broadway, near Ilminster, have been refused. The new water fountains in Yeovil’s Triangle, in Lower Middle Street, are being switched off during very hot weather because of safety concerns... and more.
Friday 5th June

A new NHS dental practice in Crewkerne says it won’t start operating at full capacity until July due to staff shortages. Somerset Council says it has no plans to show England matches in the World Cup on the Big Screen in Yeovil town centre due to safety concerns. A Somerset family has been thanked after completing a 73-mile walk raising money for a third world charity... and more
Thursday 4th June

An investigation continues today into the crash of a Royal Navy helicopter, based at RNAS Yeovilton, in which all three aircrew were killed. Somerset Council has confirmed that a new operator will take over several leisure centres across the county. The new live-action Masters of the Universe movie, filmed in Somerset, is released this week...and more