Wednesday 18th December

Wednesday, 18 December 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The Unite union says it is becoming ‘increasingly anxious’ about a delay in awarding Leonardo in Yeovil a multi-million-pound contract to build a new medium-lift helicopter for the RAF. The government has set Somerset a target to build 3,700 new homes next year. A boxing glove once worn by Muhammad Ali is being auctioned in Chard today...and more

The Unite union says it is becoming ‘increasingly anxious’ over the time the government is taking to award Leonardo in Yeovil a multi-million-pound contract to build a new medium-lift helicopter for the RAF. It follows a meeting between Unite’s general secretary, Sharon Graham, and defence secretary, John Healey, at which Unite, asked for the government's assurance that it will commit to purchase UK-produced defence equipment. The MOD has confirmed that Leonardo in Yeovil is now the sole bidder for the new medium-lift helicopter contract.

The government has set Somerset a target to build 3,700 new homes next year. In the whole South West, the target is to build 39,992 which is 11 percent of all homes to be built in England in 2025. The targets are set by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, as part of a government aim to build one and a half million new homes by 2029.

A boxing glove worn by Muhammad Ali is being auctioned in Chard today. The left-hand glove, made by Baily’s of Glastonbury, was worn by Ali or Cassius Clay as he was known when he fought Henry Cooper in June 1963 and is signed by Henry Cooper. It’s being sold together with a letter hand-written by the late Richard Mayers, managing director of Baily’s, stating the glove is genuine. The auction at Chard Auctioneers gets underway at 3 pm today, with a starting bid of half a million pounds.

A pothole between Glastonbury and Shepton Mallet is continuing to cause hundreds of pounds worth of damage to vehicles. The hole, dubbed the 'Pilton Pothole' has been reported as a danger to Somerset Council but has still not been filled in.

Children at Herne View Primary School in Ilminster have raised £200 in support of the Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Appeal. They were joined by Christmas jumper-wearing pupils at the Apple Orchard Pre-School in raising the money.

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