Monday 2nd June

Monday, 2 June 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The government's strategic defence review could shed light on the £1.3 million contract to build a new medium-lift helicopter for the Royal Air Force. Police investigating an incident in Chard, in which a teenager alleges she was sexually assaulted, are trying to trace a witness to what happened. Fifty homes could still be built in Castle Cary if an appeal proves successful...and more

Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil will be taking a close interest in today’s publication of the government’s long-awaited strategic Defence Review. The Yeovil factory is eagerly awaiting confirmation of an order to supply the RAF with 30 new medium-lift helicopters, which has been delayed by the Defence Review. Leonardo, who is the sole bidder for the contract, is pitching to supply the RAF with the AW149 to replace its ageing fleet of Puma helicopters. The government is on record as saying it will award the contract, reportedly worth £1.3 billion, by the end of the year.

Police investigating an incident in Chard, in which a teenager alleges she was sexually assaulted, are trying to trace a witness to what happened. A girl in her mid-teens was walking on a footpath near Zembard Lane when she said a man approached her. He was later arrested and released on police bail. After the incident, the girl approached another member of the public, who helped her to safety. It is this man who the Police want to trace, as they believe he could have important information that could help their investigation.

A Yeovil man has appeared in court charged with drink driving. Ronnie Howes of Hood Road in Yeovil pleaded to the offence and was given a 16-month driving ban by local magistrates. Howes was also fined £461 and told to pay costs of £85.

Fifty homes could still be built in Castle Cary if an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate proves successful. Developers Castle Cary LLP had a planning application to build the homes on South Street, turned down by Somerset Council in 2023. Now, the developer has appealed the decision, with the Planning Inspectorate expected to make a final ruling by the autumn.

A community cafe in Chard is helping to tackle loneliness in the town. "Chatter and natter" sessions are held at the CommuniTea Waffle Café on Holyrood Street every Thursday between 11 am and 1 pm. The cafe has also introduced a ‘pay it forward scheme’ to help people with the cost of living.

A section of Ilchester Road in Yeovil will be closed to traffic each evening this week, starting from tonight, from 6 pm to 6 am the following morning. It’s to allow for Wessex Water to carry essential repairs to a water main.

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Thursday 26th March

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Wednesday 25th March

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Tuesday 24th March

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Monday 23rd March

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Friday 20th March

Police are appealing for witnesses to a three-vehicle crash in Sherborne. The jobs of housing maintenance staff at Somerset Council could be outsourced to a private contractor. A pie throwing event is taking place in Chard today for Red Nose Day ... and more
Thursday 19th March

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