Wednesday 12th November

Wednesday, 12 November 2025 05:00

By Steve Haigh

Workers belonging to the Unite union at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil begin a two-day strike today. Yeovil MP, Adam Dance, has been speaking in a parliamentary debate on improving dyslexia support in schools. South Western Ambulance Service is inviting applications for positions on its governing council...and more

Workers belonging to the Unite union at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil begin a two-day strike today following their rejection of the company’s latest pay offer. Workers at sites in Edinburgh, Newcastle, Basildon and Luton are also on strike. Unite says its members rejected an initial 3.2% pay rise, followed by a further offer of a 3.6% rise, claiming both offers were below the rate of inflation. Leonardo says it's disappointed that its 'revised pay offer' has not been positively received and welcomes the union back to the table to resolve the situation. Unite is planning another two-day stoppage on the 25th and 28th of November.

Yeovil MP, Adam Dance, has been speaking in a parliamentary debate on improving dyslexia support in schools. Mr Dance, who has dyslexia and ADHD, is calling for early screening of neurodivergent traits and more assistive technology in schools. The government states that it's spending an additional £1 billion on SEND provision this year.

Avon and Somerset Police are attempting to prevent uninsured drivers from using their vehicles. They've joined a national campaign after seizing nearly 2,500 uninsured vehicles in Somerset so far this year.

Wessex Water, which manages wastewater in much of Somerset, could be forced to spend £11m on sewage improvements. Ofwat states that the company has failed to maintain the system, resulting in sewage entering rivers and seas. They've proposed an enforcement package to reduce spills and fix pipes. Wessex Water states that the company will pay the bill, not its customers.

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust is inviting applications for positions on its governing council. The role involves helping to shape the ambulance service's future and making sure the service is accountable and responsive to those it serves. Nominations close next Wednesday, November 19th.

Yeovil Town has appointed a new Head of Recruitment. He’s Jamie Hedges, who joins from Aldershot Town. The Club states that Hedges will report directly to the Board, working alongside the first-team manager to identify and secure players who fit Yeovil Town’s style, ethos, and budget.

More from News

Tuesday 11th November

Somerset residents are being urged to get a flu jab as cases of flu continue to rise. Seven horse saddles have been stolen in a break-in at a riding school in Queen Camel. Donations of children’s toys are needed for this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal...and more
Monday 10th November

It’s claimed Somerset Council has lost nearly £5 million selling the Marks and Spencer building in Yeovil. A car has been set on fire in a suspected arson attack in Shepton Mallet. A Crewkerne man says night-time noise from the town's Waitrose store is causing him and his family "sleep disturbance" ... and more.
Friday 7th November

A man from Yeovil has been jailed for eight years after being convicted of three counts of rape. Smoking rates in Somerset remain higher than in many other parts of the UK. Students at three schools in Yeovil have created a new shoe design for Clarks.
Thursday 6th November

The Supreme Court has ruled that building thousands of homes in Somerset has been "unlawfully held up". The Head of Holyrood Academy in Chard has described the building of a new primary school in the town as an ‘incredible opportunity’. A pub near Chard has been named one of the best in Britain by The Good Food Guide...and more
Wednesday 5th November

Members of the Unite union at Leonardo in Yeovil have called off a planned strike for today. South Western Railway says trains on the West of England Line will start running normally again at the end of the month. A memorial post box has been placed at the entrance to Crewkerne cemetery...and more.
Tuesday 4th November

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service says from today it will no longer respond to automatic fire alarms. School in a Bag, based in Chilthorne Domer, is sending 400 school bags to Jamaica, following Hurricane Melissa. Yeovil Town has paid tribute to former manager Colin Addison, who has passed away...and more.
Monday 3rd November

Plans have been approved to convert Old Viney Bridge Mill in Crewkerne to residential use. The go-ahead has been given to decommission Hinkley Point B nuclear power plant in Somerset. We’re being asked to provide food for hedgehogs that come into our gardens this winter...and more.
Friday 31st October

There's anger in Chard about a road diversion in place alongside two sets of roadworks through the town. A motorcyclist has been injured in an accident in Bruton. £100,000 has been donated towards re-opening Shepton Mallet’s Amulet theatre...and more