Thursday 18th December

Thursday, 18 December 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Yeovil MP Adam Dance has warned that delays in ordering 30 new medium lift helicopters for the RAF is putting the future of Somerset’s defence industries at risk. Somerset's farmers are being urged to convert more cow manure into biogas to heat homes. A new visitor centre has opened at Ham Hill country park...and more

Yeovil MP Adam Dance has warned that delays in ordering up to 30 new medium lift helicopters for the RAF with Leonardo of Yeovil is putting the future of Somerset’s defence industries at risk. He’s written to the Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey, asking for clarity on the Medium Lift Helicopter programme and the publication of the government’s Defence Investment Plan, which was promised before the end of the year. Mr Dance says the lack of a clear timetable for ordering the new Medium Lift Helicopter is causing concern about the future viability of the Leonardo factory in Yeovil.

Somerset's farmers are being urged to convert more cow manure into biogas to heat homes. The Green Gas Coalition is calling for the UK to increase its biomethane production and says ten times as much gas could be made from our cows' manure.

The community centre and café at the Red Brick Building in Glastonbury says it may have to close. They’ve issued the warning after being asked by Somerset Council to repay a grant of £2m towards redeveloping the former Morland’s factory site.

A social club in Chard says it has to double membership fees to cope with a series of large VAT bills. Perry Street Social Club in South Chard has launched a 'Save Our Club' campaign to help pay running costs.

Plans have been submitted to convert a former farm building in Chard into new homes. The owner of Highfield Farm on Perry Street in South Chard is seeking permission to adapt a redundant storage building into two residential dwellings.

A new visitor centre has opened at Ham Hill Country Park. Funded by the National Lottery and Wolfson Foundation, the centre is described as a place for learning and discovery. Together with a café, it includes a play space called the Hillfort Hideout and an outdoor seating area.

More from News

Wednesday 17th December

Parcel business, Evri, has been criticised by Glastonbury and Somerton MP Sarah Dyke over what she claims have been ‘widespread delivery failures’. Demand for mental health support provided by South Western Ambulance Service is running at record levels. A nine-year-old Somerset boy has completed 100 days of litter picking for charity...and more
Tuesday 14th December

New data shows that crime in the Avon and Somerset police area is at an all-time high. Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard has issued a warning to prospective pet owners ahead of Christmas. The owner of four pubs in Somerset has warned that many could be forced to shut unless the government reconsiders business rates...and more.
Monday 15th December

Toolstream in Yeovil has been put into administration, threatening the jobs of dozens of employees. NHS Somerset has issued a last chance call for people to get a flu jab after hospital admissions increased by 76% in a week. Police are investigating the theft of a bike valued at £7,000 in Sherborne... and more
Friday 12th December

The Chief Executive of Somerset Council, Duncan Sharkey, has admitted to making mistakes in cutting jobs. Yeovil MP Adam Dance is supporting a Lib Dem initiative to introduce a new ‘Farm First’ training scheme. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has launched an appeal to help buy a second helicopter... and more.
Thursday 11th December

A man has appeared in court in connection with an attack in Wincanton. A member of Somerset Council, jailed for 26 months for taking part in a Just Stop Oil protest, may not have to stand down as a councillor. NHS Somerset has announced that changes to stroke services at Yeovil Hospital will "go live" in the spring of next year...and more
Wednesday 10th December

Avon and Somerset Police say 62 drivers were arrested in the first week of the Christmas drink and drug driving campaign. A reindeer farm near Yeovil thinks it may have to close after being told it needs a Zoo licence. Father Christmas has made a special delivery of presents to Charlton Farm Children's Hospice in Somerset...and more
Tuesday 9th December

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset has criticised the government for axing the role. Police are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic accident near Ilminster in which a woman was seriously injured. Residents of Freedom Avenue in Yeovil are raising funds for charity with a big display of Christmas lights...and more.
Monday 8th December

Plans to build 150 new homes in Ilminster have been scrapped. A Somerset councillor has been jailed for 26 months. Marks & Spencer wants to build a new Food Store in Ilminster. Poundland has announced that it’s shutting its store in Middle Street in Yeovil...and more