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.

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Somerset Council says Hendford Hill in Yeovil should be fully reopened to traffic by the end of May. Plans have been approved to build 40 new homes in Crewkerne. A huge pile of illegally dumped rubbish in Glastonbury has been cleared... and more
Tuesday 28th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision at Rimpton. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in South Petherton. Former Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson has been retained as first-team manager of Taunton Town for next season... and more
Monday 27th April

A former school in Sherborne has been badly damaged by fire. A care home in Yeovil has been rated outstanding. ublic spaces in West Coker owned by Somerset Council are being handed over to the parish council. Mendip Golf Club has presented a cheque for £12,000 to Mind in Somerset... and more
Friday 24th April

Plans have been submitted to turn a property on Preston Road in Yeovil into a House in Multiple Occupation. Yeovil’s Marlie Packer has been recalled to the England Red Roses starting line-up for tomorrow’s Women’s Six Nations game against Wales. Three sisters from Yeovil will be running the London Marathon this weekend in support of Guide Dogs UK... and more
Thursday 23rd April

Helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton have completed six weeks of sorties, protecting Cyprus from attacks by Iran. People in Somerset who use domestic heating oil are calling on the government to regulate the oil supply industry. Patients are being invited to register at a new NHS dentist in Crewkerne... and more
Wednesday 22nd April

Expectant mothers are using Yeovil Hospital once again to give birth following the reopening of the maternity unit. A Yeovil man has been jailed for four years for committing sexual offences against two young girls. Plans have been approved to convert a pub in Milborne Port into housing... and more
Tuesday 21st April

NHS Somerset has delayed closing the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. A former Avon and Somerset Police officer has been jailed for making indecent images of children. A Somerset man has been fined after pleading guilty to hunting a wild animal with dogs... and more
Monday 20th April

Nearly one hundred roads in Somerset will be surface dressed this summer to prevent further damage. Almost all children starting primary school in Somerset in September have been offered a place at one of their top three school choices. People in Somerset are being asked to record wild mammals in gardens and other green spaces over the summer... and more