Monday 17th November

Monday, 17 November 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Workers belonging to the Unite union at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil are threatening further strike action. Dunelm says its Yeovil store in the Quedam will reopen on Tuesday, December 16th. A nurse working at Yeovil Hospital has won a place in the final of Miss England...and more.

Workers belonging to the Unite union at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil are threatening further strike action in support of their pay claim. It follows Unite members' rejection of a 3.6% pay rise and last week’s two-day stoppage at plants in Yeovil, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Basildon and Luton. Leonardo says it’s disappointed that its improved pay offer was not positively received and would welcome Unite back to the table in a bid to resolve the issue. Unite says if Leonardo fails to offer a pay rise to match inflation, its members in Yeovil will strike again for two days on November 25th and 28th.

Two out of three people in Somerset say they’re unhappy with local bus services, according to the results of a consultation on a new transport plan for Somerset. It sets out how Somerset Council’s priorities for delivering local bus services over the next 20 years. The results of the consultation also show a strong desire amongst the public for a reduction in carbon emissions and improvements to walking and cycling routes.

A man has appeared in court charged with stealing £4,000 worth of goods from M&S, Waitrose, and Co-op stores in Somerset. Appearing at Taunton Crown Court, Benjamin Holt, aged 41, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to theft, including twelve hundred pounds in alcohol from Tesco in Langport, and was jailed for nine months and given a Criminal Behaviour Order.

Dunelm says its store in the Quedam in Yeovil will reopen to customers on Tuesday, December 16th. The shop closed in August last year following a major fire which destroyed most of the building.

A Yeovil nurse has won a place in the final of Miss England. Skye Dorland, aged 23, a midwife at Yeovil Hospital, was crowned Miss Somerset last month, and will represent the South West in the Miss England final being held over two days in Wolverhampton on November 20th and 21st.

A Scout group in South Somerset is seeking volunteers to help run its 10-to 14-year-old section. Ilminster Scout Group is seeking more adult helpers. No previous experience is required to volunteer, as full support and training will be provided. Anyone interested in joining is asked to please email: ilminsterscoutsection@gmail.com

More from News

Thursday 20th November

Taunton Town Council has agreed to provide funding for five years to support the town's Brewhouse Theatre. The Environment Agency is warning that Somerset could experience a drought next spring if this winter is drier than usual. We’re being asked to look out for rough sleepers during the current cold snap...and more
Wednesday 19th November

Yeovil MP Adam Dance is calling for stronger preventative measures to stop sewage discharges into local waterways. Somerset Council is to provide three new children's homes across the County. Street Football Club has appointed a father-and-son team to manage the club... and more.
Tuesday 18th November

Somerset Council has set up a task force to help identify land for a permanent traveller’s site in the county. Police are appealing for information after a charity shop in Martock was targeted by burglars. A Somerset woman is seeking individuals with a connection to the armed forces to join a new amateur rowing club...and more.
Friday 14th November

Yeovil Hospital has introduced a new system for handling patients at its A&E department aimed at cutting waiting times. It’s claimed that an Iron Age settlement preserved under Somerset's wetlands for 2,000 years is facing erosion due to climate change. Montacute Road in Tintinhull will be closed for five days next week for repairs to a gas main.
Thursday 13th November

Workers at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil are taking part in a second day of strike action in their dispute over pay. Lloyds Bank has closed its branch in Chard permanently. A week-long programme of tree planting will be held at Ham Hill later this month to mark National Tree Week...and more
Wednesday 12th November

Workers belonging to the Unite union at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil begin a two-day strike today. Yeovil MP, Adam Dance, has been speaking in a parliamentary debate on improving dyslexia support in schools. South Western Ambulance Service is inviting applications for positions on its governing council...and more
Tuesday 11th November

Somerset residents are being urged to get a flu jab as cases of flu continue to rise. Seven horse saddles have been stolen in a break-in at a riding school in Queen Camel. Donations of children’s toys are needed for this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal...and more
Monday 10th November

It’s claimed Somerset Council has lost nearly £5 million selling the Marks and Spencer building in Yeovil. A car has been set on fire in a suspected arson attack in Shepton Mallet. A Crewkerne man says night-time noise from the town's Waitrose store is causing him and his family "sleep disturbance" ... and more.