Tuesday 13th January

Tuesday, 13 January 2026 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The Government says it won’t bring forward a decision on buying new helicopters from Leonardo in Yeovil. A bird flu surveillance zone remains in place over the Somerset Levels. Yeovil’s temporary police station on Horsey Lane is to close at the end of the month....and more

The government says it won’t bring forward a decision on buying new helicopters from Leonardo in Yeovil, despite a threat from its Italian owners to shut the Yeovil factory if the order does not materialise. Leonardo says it will close the Yeovil factory on March 31st if the contract for new Medium Lift Helicopters for the RAF is not confirmed. Speaking in the Commons, Yeovil MP, Adam Dance, said the consequences of losing the Yeovil factory were unthinkable. In response, Defence Minister Luke Pollard said talks with Leonardo were ongoing but that no decision would be made about the order until the Defence Investment Programme had been completed.

A bird flu surveillance zone remains in place over the Somerset Levels. Avian influenza was first detected near Bridgwater in November, and a protection zone with tighter biosecurity still operates in the area. Cases of Avian flu have also been reported in commercial flocks near Tiverton and Winsford on Exmoor.

Yeovil’s temporary police station on Horsey Lane is to close at the end of the month. The building is relocating to Brympton Way to begin refurbishing Yeovil Police Station.

The future of a housing development in Wincanton remains uncertain. It follows a decision by Devonshire Homes, which is building 31 homes in the Dancing Green development, not to provide the promised £240,000 towards new community facilities. Somerset Council, backed by Wincanton Town Council, has refused the developer’s request after studying its financial assessment of the housing scheme.

Wells Cathedral has announced a major refurbishment of its historic Grand Organ. 5,000 organ pipes are to be removed and cleaned as part of a £3 million project.

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