Tuesday 20th January

Tuesday, 20 January 2026 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more

Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount after being moved onto Universal Credit. Somerset Council is urging people struggling to pay their bills to get in touch, as they could be eligible for discretionary funds.

The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, Proteus, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. The aircraft, built for the Royal Navy and designed to unlock the potential of uncrewed aerial systems, made its inaugural flight from the Predannack Airfield in Cornwall.

HGV drivers can now stop off for a free health check at a new NHS clinic in Somerset. Based at the Truckstop at Junction 24 on the M5, the clinic recognises the mental health issues associated with lorry driving.

Approval has been given to build 12 new homes in Chard. The properties, four of which will be ‘affordable’, will be built on land off Jarman Way.

A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton. The Medicine Clinic is on the High Street, next to Clementina.

The cancer charity Marie Curie is seeking volunteers to help with its Great Daffodil Appeal. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the appeal and aims to raise £20,000 to support Marie Curie's end-of-life services.

The Friends of Chard Reservoir are looking for new members. The group serves as a hub of community involvement, focusing on enhancing health and well-being through the reservoir and nature reserve. Details about joining can be found on the Friends of Chard Reservoir Facebook page.

More from News

Friday 13th March

The first of the new medium lift helicopters being built by Leonardo in Yeovil for the RAF will be delivered in 2031. Somerset Council has launched a public consultation on planned new charges at its two hundred public car parks. More women in Somerset are said to be taking up walking football... and more
Thursday 12th March

A Yeovil headteacher says he’s concerned about plans to stop giving school holiday food vouchers to families on low incomes. The owner of Yeovil Town is calling on fans to be patient as he continues his overhaul of the National League side. A high voltage fault is being blamed for plunging 1700 homes into darkness in the Ilminster area... and more
Wednesday 11th March

Plans have been submitted to convert two properties in Yeovil into houses of multiple occupation. A new court date has been announced for a Yeovil man charged with attempted murder. An engineer who has worked at the Leonardo factory in Yeovil for 40-years has won a top industry award... and more
Tuesday 10th March

Police say a fire at the former Oscar Mayer food factory in Chard was started deliberately. Yeovil College says it would have been adversely affected had Leonardo not won the contract to build new medium-lift helicopters. A seven-foot dragon will be visiting towns and villages in our area during the next few weeks to promote Somerset Day... and more
Monday 9th March

Two Wildcat helicopters from 815 Squadron at RNAS Yeovilton have arrived in Cyprus to help protect RAF Akrotiri from further Iranian drone strikes. New figures show that 40 people were killed on Avon and Somerset’s roads in the last 12-months. A Somerset man has been recalling the day 60-years ago when he was a passenger on the last train on the Somerset and Dorset Railway... and more
Friday 6th March

Defence Minister Luke Pollard has been explaining why it took the government so long to confirm a contract for the Leonardo in Yeovil to build new medium lift helicopters for the RAF. Police are investigating a break in at a pet shop in Ilminster. Somerset Council is to stop using red ink on council tax reminder letters... and more
Thursday 5th March

Two military helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton are being sent to Cyprus to help bolster UK’s defences amid the US-Israel war with Iran. Yeovil Town Council is seeking legal advice over the closure of the hyper acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. Flood warnings have been lifted on the Somerset Levels... and more
Wednesday 4th March

A man has died in a fire in Wincanton. Somerset Council is planning further cuts of twenty-one million pounds to help balance its books. A campaign to raise £30,000 for a minibus has been launched in Chard... and more