Wednesday 14th January

Wednesday, 14 January 2026 05:00

By Steve Haigh

The union representing workers at Leonardo in Yeovil says it needs a clear answer from the government on whether the Yeovil factory will be awarded a contract to build new medium-lift helicopters for the RAF. Somerset Council says more support will be provided to foster carers. A bird flu surveillance zone remains in place over the Somerset Levels...and more

The union representing workers at Leonardo in Yeovil says it needs a clear answer from the government on whether the Yeovil factory will be awarded a contract to build new medium-lift helicopters for the RAF. Leonardo has warned it will shut the Yeovil factory if the order, reportedly worth 1.4 billion pounds, is not confirmed by March 31st. The government says it will make a decision on the order when the Defence Spending Programme is published, but hasn't said when that will be.

Somerset Council says more support is to be given to foster carers after the number of fostering households in Somerset fell again last year. The council will expand its support network for foster families and establish a new intervention team to provide 7-day-a-week support.

A bird flu surveillance zone remains in place over the Somerset Levels. Avian influenza was first detected near Bridgwater in November, and a protection zone with stricter biosecurity measures remains in place. Cases of Avian flu have also been reported in commercial flocks near Tiverton and Winsford on Exmoor.

A group of mothers on Exmoor is highlighting the learning challenges faced by rural schools. ‘Moorland Mums’ says children on Exmoor struggle to get the same opportunities as children in urban areas. They’re planning several events, including a sponsored walk around the perimeter of Exmoor National Park, to raise funds to purchase computers for schools on Exmoor.

Great Western Railway is inviting charities, community groups, and voluntary organisations to apply for funding for rail-related projects. Last year, the rail operator supported more than ninety projects across the region, funding projects worth tens of thousands of pounds.

The village of Winscombe in Somerset is starring in a new TV show to the delight of its residents. The BBC comedy ‘Can You Keep A Secret’ starring Dawn French was filmed at various locations in Somerset, including Axbridge and Cheddar.

More from News

Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more