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

Friday 7th August

Chard's biggest employer, Numatic International, makers of the Henry vacuum cleaner, has announced job cuts. A new Neighbourhood Plan for Hatch Beauchamp has officially been adopted. Two historic artefacts taken from Glastonbury Abbey more than 70 years ago have been returned...and more
Thursday 6th August

A local man and convicted former neo-Nazi, selected by the Conservatives to stand in Crewkerne South in next year’s local elections for a seat on Somerset Council, has pulled out after a backlash against his candidacy. A charity that runs children's homes in Somerset is terminating its contract early following a critical report by Ofsted...and more
Wednesday 5th August

Avon and Somerset's Police and Crime Commissioner is backing the wider use of police drones in towns like Yeovil to help tackle crime. Visitor numbers at Somerset's tourist attractions are down by around sixty per cent so far this year. A gardening expert says it'll take much more than the occasional shower to revive Somerset's parched lawns, parks and open spaces...and more
Tuesday 4th August

A Somerset doctor is calling for better community eye care. People in Glastonbury and Street are benefiting from a new bus service to Castle Cary railway station. A sailor from South Petherton is celebrating after sailing around the world... and more
Monday 3rd August

A yellow Heat Health Alert is in force across Somerset today. The swimming and leisure centre in Street remains closed following last Thursday's flooding in the plant room. Plans for a new primary school in Chard have been delayed until at least 2030... and more
Friday 31st July

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service says July has been its busiest month ever for emergency calls. Police have recovered a 1970s Austin Mini pick-up stolen in Shepton Mallet. A specialist spinal injuries service at Yeovil Hospital has treated three hundred patients in its first year... and more
Thursday 30th July

The Environment Agency has declared a drought across Somerset as the hot weather takes its toll on the county's water supplies. Police are appealing for witnesses following a fatal road traffic accident near Crewkerne. A bowls player from Yeovil has won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow...and more
Wednesday 29th July

Police have arrested two suspects in connection with a series of moped thefts in Chard. A combine harvester has been destroyed in a farm fire at Forton, near Chard. A bowls player from Yeovil has won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow... and more