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

Monday 19th January

The government is facing increasing pressure to clarify whether it will order new medium-lift helicopters from Leonardo in Yeovil. Somerset Council is spending £5 million on new laptops. A new singing group is being set up in Yeovil for people living with dementia...and more
Friday 16th January

The go-ahead has been given to build 200 new homes at Ilchester. Taunton Town Council is increasing its share of the Council Tax by 3 per cent a year. Somerset is featured in a new Agatha Christie drama being shown on Netflix from this week...and more
Thursday 15th January

The company behind a proposed tidal lagoon between Watchet and Minehead says it could create up to eight thousand jobs. A third councillor on Somerset Council has joined Reform UK. St Margaret's Hospice says this year’s Christmas tree collection scheme raised forty-seven thousand pounds...and more.
Wednesday 14th January

The union representing workers at Leonardo in Yeovil says it needs a clear answer from the government on whether the Yeovil factory will be awarded a contract to build new medium-lift helicopters for the RAF. Somerset Council says more support will be provided to foster carers. A bird flu surveillance zone remains in place over the Somerset Levels...and more
Tuesday 13th January

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
Monday 12th January

Leonardo is threatening to shut its Yeovil factory. Somerset Community Foundation says there's still time to donate money to its Surviving Winter Appeal. The Swan Theatre in Yeovil is staging a number of special performances to mark its 50th anniversary...and more.
Friday 9th January

A Yeovil man has been arrested and then de-arrested after a collision in Dorset. A Somerset food manufacturer could be expanding its Wincanton base. A new dementia-friendly choir has been launched in Yeovil...and more.
Thursday 8th January

Adam Dance MP is welcoming developments in his campaign to support neurodivergent schoolchildren. Somerset was the star of the small screen last night, thanks to BBC comedy ‘Can You Keep A Secret’. A Yeovil gymnastics club has hosted a VIP guest...and more.