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.

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