Thursday 13th November

Wednesday, 12 November 2025 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

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