Wednesday 5th November

Wednesday, 5 November 2025 05:00

By Steve Haigh

Members of the Unite union at Leonardo in Yeovil have called off a planned strike for today. South Western Railway says trains on the West of England Line will start running normally again at the end of the month. A memorial post box has been placed at the entrance to Crewkerne cemetery...and more.

Members of the Unite union at Leonardo in Yeovil have called off a planned strike for today after being made an improved pay offer. The stoppage would have seen around 3,000 workers at all Leonardo plants around the UK walk out for the next three days. Leonardo has offered staff a 3.2 % pay rise, which Unite members rejected in a ballot. Details of the new offer, which have yet to be made public, will now be voted on in a second ballot. Unite says pending the outcome of the ballot, the threat of strike action remains. Leonardo says it's hopeful the improved pay offer, which it describes as competitive, will be accepted, allowing for the pay rise to be implemented in December.

South Western Railway says trains on the West of England Line through Somerset will resume normal service at the end of the month. A reduced service has been operating between Yeovil and Exeter since August due to track damage caused by the hot summer. From November 29th, direct services between London Waterloo and Exeter St Davids, passing through Yeovil and Crewkerne stations, will again run every hour.

People have less than one month left in which to comment on plans to reshape children’s services in Somerset. Parents, children, professionals, and the wider public are being encouraged to participate in the consultation to inform Somerset Council on what is working well and what changes are needed to children’s services. The consultation, which can be viewed on the Somerset Council website, is the result of national proposals for families and practitioners to work together to promote the well-being of children. The closing date for comments is November 27th.

A seven-metre wide sculpture of the Earth has gone on display in Bridgwater. Created by the local artist Luke Jerram, the sculpture can be viewed at Bridgwater Town Hall until Sunday, November 23rd.

A road in West Somerset is shut to traffic today. The A396 between Wheddon Cross and Timberscombe will remain closed until 4:30 pm this afternoon. It’s for the police to carry out inquiries into a recent road traffic accident.

A memorial post box has been placed at the entrance to Crewkerne cemetery for people to place letters, cards, or messages in memory of someone special to them. Crewkerne Town Council, which is behind the idea, says it’s a new way for people to remember a loved one who has passed away.

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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