Thursday 26th February

Thursday, 26 February 2026 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 11th June

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Wednesday 10th June

The public will be consulted on how best to spend fifty million pounds of government funding to tackle flooding in Somerset. Avon and Somerset Police are backing a new road safety campaign aimed at reducing motorcycle fatalities. New welcome signs have been installed at entrances to the Mendip Hills National Landscape... and more
Tuesday 9th June

The government has announced a £50 million investment to strengthen Somerset’s flood defences. A woman from Stoke-sub-Hamdon has been banned from driving for 14 months after admitting drink-driving. Somerset Council has been told it must improve its adult social care services... and more
Monday 8th June

Plans for a new railway station in Langport remain stalled in Whitehall, according to Somerset Council. Plans to build 50 new homes in Broadway, near Ilminster, have been refused. The new water fountains in Yeovil’s Triangle, in Lower Middle Street, are being switched off during very hot weather because of safety concerns... and more.
Friday 5th June

A new NHS dental practice in Crewkerne says it won’t start operating at full capacity until July due to staff shortages. Somerset Council says it has no plans to show England matches in the World Cup on the Big Screen in Yeovil town centre due to safety concerns. A Somerset family has been thanked after completing a 73-mile walk raising money for a third world charity... and more
Thursday 4th June

An investigation continues today into the crash of a Royal Navy helicopter, based at RNAS Yeovilton, in which all three aircrew were killed. Somerset Council has confirmed that a new operator will take over several leisure centres across the county. The new live-action Masters of the Universe movie, filmed in Somerset, is released this week...and more
Wednesday 3rd June

A Yeovil man has appeared in court charged with assaulting three police officers. Somerset Council has begun legal action to recover more than £320,000 owed by housing developers. The line-up has been announced for this year’s Ilminster Midsummer Experience...and more