Wednesday 4th September

Wednesday, 4 September 2024 at 06:00

Yeovil’s Leonardo Helicopters appear to be the only remaining bidder for new MoD helicopter projects. A major Castle Cary employer will be able to expand its operations, following the backing of local councillors. The donations to Yeovil’s MP Adam Dance have been revealed... and more.

Yeovil’s Leonardo Helicopters UK appear to be the only remaining bidder for the new Ministry of Defence helicopter projects. The company submitted a bid alongside Airbus and Lockheed Martin but it is understood that the latter two companies are no longer pursuing the contract.

Meanwhile, a major Castle Cary employer will be able to expand its operations, following the unanimous backing of local councillors. MWI Animal Health has been based on the Torbay Road industrial estate for over 40 years. The approval for the company to partially demolish its existing buildings and construct a new storage facility with improved lorry loading and an overflow car park, means work could get underway before the end of the year.

The donations to Yeovil’s MP Adam Dance have been revealed. MPs are required to declare their financial interests and the declaration shows that Dance received £30,500 in donations in the last year, including funding from former Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg, the former Yeovil MP David Laws and Lady Jane Ashdown, the widow of Paddy Ashdown.

1^st Chard Scout Group is looking for adult volunteers to join them. They meet on Monday and Tuesday nights and are hoping there are some local people with a few hours to spare each week who can help out. You can find more information, along with job criteria, on their Facebook page.

And a damaged boxing glove that once belonged to Mohammad Ali will be opened to bids this month through Chard’s Stuart Bull Auctions. The glove, originally manufactured by Baily’s of Glastonbury, was worn in a famous match with Henry Cooper in 1963.

More from News

Friday 30th October

Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
Thursday 29th October

A Yeovil man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for attacking his mother with a knife. People in Chard are being reminded that it’s unlawful to attach flags to lamp posts and street furniture. Wincanton Racecourse has called off its 'Badger Chase Day' because the ground is too firm... and more
Wednesday 28th October

Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more
Tuesday 27th October

Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more
Monday 26th October

Eligible groups in Somerset are being encouraged to get their flu jabs. There’s a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Avon & Somerset Police’s control room. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, has visited Yeovil... and more.
Friday 23rd October

Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
Thursday 22nd October

The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more