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

Wednesday 29th April

Somerset Council says Hendford Hill in Yeovil should be fully reopened to traffic by the end of May. Plans have been approved to build 40 new homes in Crewkerne. A huge pile of illegally dumped rubbish in Glastonbury has been cleared... and more
Tuesday 28th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision at Rimpton. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in South Petherton. Former Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson has been retained as first-team manager of Taunton Town for next season... and more
Monday 27th April

A former school in Sherborne has been badly damaged by fire. A care home in Yeovil has been rated outstanding. ublic spaces in West Coker owned by Somerset Council are being handed over to the parish council. Mendip Golf Club has presented a cheque for £12,000 to Mind in Somerset... and more
Friday 24th April

Plans have been submitted to turn a property on Preston Road in Yeovil into a House in Multiple Occupation. Yeovil’s Marlie Packer has been recalled to the England Red Roses starting line-up for tomorrow’s Women’s Six Nations game against Wales. Three sisters from Yeovil will be running the London Marathon this weekend in support of Guide Dogs UK... and more
Thursday 23rd April

Helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton have completed six weeks of sorties, protecting Cyprus from attacks by Iran. People in Somerset who use domestic heating oil are calling on the government to regulate the oil supply industry. Patients are being invited to register at a new NHS dentist in Crewkerne... and more
Wednesday 22nd April

Expectant mothers are using Yeovil Hospital once again to give birth following the reopening of the maternity unit. A Yeovil man has been jailed for four years for committing sexual offences against two young girls. Plans have been approved to convert a pub in Milborne Port into housing... and more
Tuesday 21st April

NHS Somerset has delayed closing the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. A former Avon and Somerset Police officer has been jailed for making indecent images of children. A Somerset man has been fined after pleading guilty to hunting a wild animal with dogs... and more
Monday 20th April

Nearly one hundred roads in Somerset will be surface dressed this summer to prevent further damage. Almost all children starting primary school in Somerset in September have been offered a place at one of their top three school choices. People in Somerset are being asked to record wild mammals in gardens and other green spaces over the summer... and more