Thursday 18th December

Thursday, 18 December 2025 at 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

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