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

Thursday 30th April

More than 4,500 people have expressed interest in joining a new NHS dental practice in Crewkerne. Somerset Council says a long-term solution is needed to make Hendford Hill in Yeovil fully safe for motorists. A Somerset man has won first prize at the World Marmalade Awards... and more
Wednesday 29th April

Somerset Council says Hendford Hill in Yeovil should be fully reopened to traffic by the end of May. Plans have been approved to build 40 new homes in Crewkerne. A huge pile of illegally dumped rubbish in Glastonbury has been cleared... and more
Tuesday 28th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision at Rimpton. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in South Petherton. Former Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson has been retained as first-team manager of Taunton Town for next season... and more
Monday 27th April

A former school in Sherborne has been badly damaged by fire. A care home in Yeovil has been rated outstanding. ublic spaces in West Coker owned by Somerset Council are being handed over to the parish council. Mendip Golf Club has presented a cheque for £12,000 to Mind in Somerset... and more
Friday 24th April

Plans have been submitted to turn a property on Preston Road in Yeovil into a House in Multiple Occupation. Yeovil’s Marlie Packer has been recalled to the England Red Roses starting line-up for tomorrow’s Women’s Six Nations game against Wales. Three sisters from Yeovil will be running the London Marathon this weekend in support of Guide Dogs UK... and more
Thursday 23rd April

Helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton have completed six weeks of sorties, protecting Cyprus from attacks by Iran. People in Somerset who use domestic heating oil are calling on the government to regulate the oil supply industry. Patients are being invited to register at a new NHS dentist in Crewkerne... and more
Wednesday 22nd April

Expectant mothers are using Yeovil Hospital once again to give birth following the reopening of the maternity unit. A Yeovil man has been jailed for four years for committing sexual offences against two young girls. Plans have been approved to convert a pub in Milborne Port into housing... and more
Tuesday 21st April

NHS Somerset has delayed closing the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. A former Avon and Somerset Police officer has been jailed for making indecent images of children. A Somerset man has been fined after pleading guilty to hunting a wild animal with dogs... and more