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.

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Friday 14th August

Police are investigating an incident in which obscene words were scratched onto the World War One memorial at Ham Hill. Yeovil MP Adam Dance has repeated his call for the upgrade of the town’s police station to include a custody suite. A Somerset carnival club is building a specially adapted float to allow a wheelchair user and her assistance dog to take part in this year’s carnival circuit...and more
Thursday 13th August

An Ilminster family is celebrating after winning one million pounds on the National Lottery. Police have released a picture of a man they want to speak to in connection with suspected frauds in Somerset. Somerset Council has opened a tendering process to find a main contractor for the £15 million upgrade of Yeovil’s Octagon theatre... and more
Wednesday 12th August

Experts say with good visibility forecast for this evening, people across Somerset should have some of the best views of the solar eclipse anywhere in the UK. A Somerset councillor is calling for the Stop Line cycle route between Chard and Ilminster to be better supported. It's 40-years ago this week since a Lynx helicopter built in Yeovil set a new World Helicopter Speed Record... and more
Tuesday 11th August

Wessex Water says a hosepipe ban is possible if customers fail to cut their water usage. A record number of illegal dog fights were reported in Somerset last year. Yeovil Town's Mason Obeng has won the traditional sack of potatoes, given to the player who scores Yeovil's first goal of the new season, as a lucky omen... and more
Monday 10th August

A local councillor claims anti-social behaviour is putting people off coming into Yeovil town centre. South-West Water has announced a hosepipe ban in the Chard area. Great Western Railway has apologised after a wheelchair user from Chard became stuck at one of its stations... and more
Friday 7th August

Chard's biggest employer, Numatic International, makers of the Henry vacuum cleaner, has announced job cuts. A new Neighbourhood Plan for Hatch Beauchamp has officially been adopted. Two historic artefacts taken from Glastonbury Abbey more than 70 years ago have been returned...and more
Thursday 6th August

A local man and convicted former neo-Nazi, selected by the Conservatives to stand in Crewkerne South in next year’s local elections for a seat on Somerset Council, has pulled out after a backlash against his candidacy. A charity that runs children's homes in Somerset is terminating its contract early following a critical report by Ofsted...and more
Wednesday 5th August

Avon and Somerset's Police and Crime Commissioner is backing the wider use of police drones in towns like Yeovil to help tackle crime. Visitor numbers at Somerset's tourist attractions are down by around sixty per cent so far this year. A gardening expert says it'll take much more than the occasional shower to revive Somerset's parched lawns, parks and open spaces...and more