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.

More from News

Monday 24th November

A church leader has warned that “irrevocable damage” will be caused to town centres if Somerset Council starts charging for Sunday parking. Fifty new homes are to be built in Castle Cary following a successful planning appeal. A call has been made for a memorial to the victims who died in a plane crash on the Blackdown Hills 80 years ago...and more.
Friday 21st November

A public inquiry is being held into plans to build a large solar farm in the village of Wayford. Fire crews have put out a small blaze at Tesco in Ilminster. Canadian firm KDC One is closing its Wellington factory, putting dozens of jobs at risk. It's Ilminster's turn to switch on the Christmas lights tonight... and more.
Thursday 20th November

Taunton Town Council has agreed to provide funding for five years to support the town's Brewhouse Theatre. The Environment Agency is warning that Somerset could experience a drought next spring if this winter is drier than usual. We’re being asked to look out for rough sleepers during the current cold snap...and more
Wednesday 19th November

Yeovil MP Adam Dance is calling for stronger preventative measures to stop sewage discharges into local waterways. Somerset Council is to provide three new children's homes across the County. Street Football Club has appointed a father-and-son team to manage the club... and more.
Tuesday 18th November

Somerset Council has set up a task force to help identify land for a permanent traveller’s site in the county. Police are appealing for information after a charity shop in Martock was targeted by burglars. A Somerset woman is seeking individuals with a connection to the armed forces to join a new amateur rowing club...and more.
Monday 17th November

Workers belonging to the Unite union at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil are threatening further strike action. Dunelm says its Yeovil store in the Quedam will reopen on Tuesday, December 16th. A nurse working at Yeovil Hospital has won a place in the final of Miss England...and more.
Friday 14th November

Yeovil Hospital has introduced a new system for handling patients at its A&E department aimed at cutting waiting times. It’s claimed that an Iron Age settlement preserved under Somerset's wetlands for 2,000 years is facing erosion due to climate change. Montacute Road in Tintinhull will be closed for five days next week for repairs to a gas main.
Thursday 13th November

Workers at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil are taking part in a second day of strike action in their dispute over pay. Lloyds Bank has closed its branch in Chard permanently. A week-long programme of tree planting will be held at Ham Hill later this month to mark National Tree Week...and more