Thursday 13th November

Wednesday, 12 November 2025 at 19:29

By Steve Haigh

Workers at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil are taking part in a second day of strike action in their dispute over pay. Lloyds Bank has closed its branch in Chard permanently. 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 is disappointed that the 'revised pay offer' has been rejected.

Lloyds Bank has closed its branch in Chard permanently. It's one of 16 Lloyds branches being permanently closed this month. 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 the installation of new safeguards to prevent prisoners from escaping from the dock. The Ministry of Justice states that the layout of the two courtrooms in Shire Hall is being reconfigured to address poor sightlines, 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 than £1.6 million, 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 scheduled for Sunday, November 30th. The event, with market stalls and live music, starts at 3 pm in the Market Place.

More from News

Friday 30th October

Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
Thursday 29th October

A Yeovil man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for attacking his mother with a knife. People in Chard are being reminded that it’s unlawful to attach flags to lamp posts and street furniture. Wincanton Racecourse has called off its 'Badger Chase Day' because the ground is too firm... and more
Wednesday 28th October

Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more
Tuesday 27th October

Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more
Monday 26th October

Eligible groups in Somerset are being encouraged to get their flu jabs. There’s a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Avon & Somerset Police’s control room. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, has visited Yeovil... and more.
Friday 23rd October

Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
Thursday 22nd October

The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more