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.

More from News

Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more