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

Thursday 19th February

Yeovil fire station is to undergo a major refurbishment. A Yeovil based charity is appealing for adults to become mentors to young people. A Somerset woman has completed a 10,000 kilometre solo bike ride across Africa... and more
Wednesday 18th February

New figures have shown a rise in cases of suicide involving farmers, including in Somerset. Plans to merge the parishes of Castle Cary and Ansford have been scrapped. A Somerset-based charity working to end homelessness is marking its 50th anniversary... and more
Tuesday 17th February

Avon and Somerset Police are asking the owners of replica guns to hand them in. It's claimed motorists in the Bruton and Wincanton area are paying out hundreds of pounds in repairs due to the poor state of local roads. And, Yeovil Town take on Aldershot at Huish Park tonight... and more
Monday 16th February

Yeovil MP Adam Dance has warned that the Westlands entertainment venue in Yeovil would be at risk should Leonardo not be awarded a government contract to build new medium life helicopters. A Chard woman has been given a suspended jail sentence for carrying a knife in a public place. A petition has been launched to slowdown motorists using Coker Way and Wyatt Way in Chard... and more
Friday 13th February

Somerset Council has dropped plans to close two town centre car parks in Yeovil. A Yeovil man has been charged with attempted murder after a woman was attacked in her home. The Environment Agency has committed to reviewing its water management of the Somerset Levels following the recent floods... and more
Thursday 12th February

The government says it's ‘working flat out’ to arrive at a decision on ordering a new medium lift helicopter with Leonardo in Yeovil. We’re being asked to suggest where new electric vehicle charge points should be installed in Somerset. A new project is inviting people to look up and help map Somerset’s night skies... and more
Wednesday 11th February

Somerset Council has been told it can’t raise council tax by more than 5 percent. Businesses in Somerset are being warned to watch out for fake £20 notes. A Martock man has successfully completed a parachute-ski jump off the top of Mount Snowdon.
Tuesday 10th February

Eye operations in Somerset have been cancelled, due to a private company running out of NHS funding to provide the surgery. A local MP is calling for the permanent installation of pumps on the Somerset Levels to reduce the flood risk. A £3 million pound project has begun to refurbish the grand organ at Wells Cathedral... and more