Wednesday 26th November

Wednesday, 26 November 2025 05:00

By Steve Haigh

Workers at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil, belonging to the Unite union, have accepted a new pay offer of 8% over two years. Yeovil Town has appointed a new first-team Manager. A new NHS dental practice is due to open in Chard next month...and more

Workers at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil, who are members of the Unite union, have accepted a new pay offer of 8 per cent over two years and have called off their threat of further strike action. Unite members across Leonardo sites in Yeovil, Luton, Basildon, Newcastle and Edinburgh had already walked out earlier in the month after rejecting a 3.6% pay rise. Leonardo says the new pay deal reflects the company’s continued commitment to offering fair and sustainable pay.

Yeovil Town has appointed a new first-team Manager. He’s Billy Rowley, who for the past 18 months has been in charge at Southern League Premier side Walton & Hersham. Rowley takes over the manager’s job at Huish Park from Richard Dryden following Yeovil’s run of eight games without a win.

Police forces across England have signed up to a new crime strategy that prioritises catching crime gangs targeting farms. The National Police Chief’s Council says issues such as farm machinery theft strike at the heart of rural life and that better co-ordination is needed between police forces to find those responsible.

A new NHS dental practice is due to open in Chard next month. One Smile Dental, at Unit 21 on Leach Road, will provide general NHS dental services. At the moment, the practice has paused registrations due to higher-than-expected demand, but says its website should reopen for new registrations before the end of the week.

New floodlights have been installed at the Archie Gooch sports ground in Ilminster, home to Ilminster FC. The lights, partly funded by the Gooch Charitable Fund, will be used for the first time on Saturday when Ilminster entertain Torridge. Work has also been completed on building a new stand at the ground.

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Wednesday 28th January

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced plans to develop a new operational base on the Leonardo airfield in Yeovil. Several people have been rescued from their homes in Ilminster due to flooding. An £800,000 project is underway to restore two staircases at Montecute House...and more
Tuesday 27th January

Last week was the wettest seven-day period in Somerset for twelve years. NHS Somerset says it’s working towards making access to dental care fairer for all. A scout leader in Somerset has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Young People...and more
Monday 26th January

A new group has been formed to challenge plans to build 100 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Bridgwater Town Council has voted to increase its share of the Council Tax by 5%. Organisers of Yeovil in Bloom are appealing for young people to get involved in this year’s competition...and more
Friday 23rd January

New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
Thursday 22nd January

A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more
Wednesday 21st January

Councillors have approved controversial plans to build four large carnival club sheds near Ilminster. Somerset Council says there's an increasing gap between the cost of education and the amount the government provides to run local schools. The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, aimed at protecting homes and businesses from flooding, has been reduced in size...and more
Tuesday 20th January

Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more
Monday 19th January

The government is facing increasing pressure to clarify whether it will order new medium-lift helicopters from Leonardo in Yeovil. Somerset Council is spending £5 million on new laptops. A new singing group is being set up in Yeovil for people living with dementia...and more