Thursday 26th February

Thursday, 26 February 2026 at 05:00

By Steve Haigh

Workers at Leonardo in Yeovil have been to Downing Street to hand-in a petition calling on the government to back British jobs. The decision to grant planning permission to upgrade Yeovil's Octagon Theatre has been enthusiastically welcomed by staff who work there. The search is on to find a defibrillator that has gone missing in Chard... and more

Workers at Leonardo in Yeovil have been to Downing Street to hand-in a petition calling on the government to back British jobs and confirm a £1.4 billion order to build new medium lift helicopters in Yeovil. Leonardo’s Italian owners are threatening to shut the Yeovil factory, putting thousands of jobs at risk, if the order isn’t confirmed by March 31st. The government says it won’t make a decision on the medium lift helicopter until after the delayed Defence Investment Programme has been published.

The decision to grant planning permission to upgrade Yeovil's Octagon Theatre has been enthusiastically welcomed by staff who work there. The Octagon closed four years ago with performances transferred to the Westland Entertainment venue. Somerset Council, who own the theatre say a £10 million government grant towards the £15 million upgrade project still has to be secured.

People living in flats in Somerset will soon be able recycle the same items as everyone else. Leaflets and food caddies are being sent to flat dwellers for when the new collection system for food waste, soft plastics and cartons begins at the end of March.

The search is on to find a defibrillator that has gone missing in Chard. It had been located outside the former Oscar Mayer site and was reported missing earlier this month. Chard Town Council says it’s the second time a defibrillator has been taken from the location and have appealed for it to be returned.

A church in Glastonbury, which closed its churchyard last year due to anti-social behaviour says its planning to reopen it very soon. The churchyard at St John’s in the centre of Glastonbury was closed last summer to stop it being miss-used for drug taking and drinking alcohol.

Taunton is planning a bid for the title of UK Town of Culture 2028. If successful, it will receive £3million to deliver a cultural programme showcasing the people, heritage, and stories that make Taunton special.

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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