Tuesday 25th November

Tuesday, 25 November 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Yeovil MP, Adam Dance, is calling on the Chancellor to deliver ‘real economic growth’ for Yeovil in her budget tomorrow. The government has given Yeovil College £2 million to upgrade its engineering facilities. A Chard-based charity has sent 7,000 boxes filled with Christmas gifts to Ukraine...and more.

Yeovil MP, Adam Dance, is calling on the Chancellor to deliver ‘real economic growth’ for Yeovil in her budget tomorrow. Mr Dance wants a cut in VAT for hospitality and accommodation businesses, the removal of the green levy on household energy bills, and better funding for public services. He’s also calling for fair investment in rural areas, claiming Somerset needs proper funding for river and stream maintenance to reduce the flood risk.

The government has given Yeovil College £ 2 million to upgrade its engineering facilities. The cash will be spent on creating a hub for manufacturing, clean energy and defence.

Charity, Blythswood, has sent 7,000 boxes filled with Christmas gifts and everyday essentials to Ukraine. Items include toothpaste, soap, clothing, and children’s toys, all gifted by people from across the South West. Volunteers from RNAS Yeovilton helped to pack the boxes, which have been delivered to Ukraine by Chard transport firm, J B Wheaton and Sons Ltd.

A man from Ilminster has been jailed for one year after pleading guilty to various theft offences. Ashley Raybould, aged 36, was appearing at Taunton Crown Court in connection with the theft of meat and alcohol from Poundland, Lidl, Tesco, and Waitrose.

Ellie and Scott Quilter, founders of Yeovil-based business Techosaurus, have won two trophies at the South West Tech Awards. They were presented with the Best EdTech Provider award and the Somerset Cluster Award for their community work with the Yeovil Digital Hub team.

In cricket, Riley Meredith will return to Somerset County Cricket Club for the 2026 Vitality Blast. The Australian fast bowler will be available for the duration of the T20 tournament. This year, he finished the competition as the leading wicket-taker.

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