The Assistant Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police says she wants to instil trust in the force. Chard businesses are voicing their concerns after major roadworks started in the town. A farmer who produces potatoes for the crisp industry says the rainfall is welcome but yields will be down... and more.
The newly appointed Assistant Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police says she wants to instil trust in the force. Rachel Shields has spent two decades policing in Northern Ireland. Avon and Somerset Police has seen a decline in its public trust and confidence over the last few years but a recent inspection found a number of improvements including neighbourhood policing and crime prevention.
Chard businesses are voicing their concerns after major roadworks started in the town earlier this month. The gas pipe work in the Old Town area has led to a road closure around the junction of Mill Lane and looks set to be closed for a number of weeks. Wales & West Utilities say the work needs to be undertaken to ensure the safety and reliability of the gas supply.
Meanwhile, a bakery in the town has permanently closed. Mortimer’s on Fore Street is now pointing customers to the nearest store in Crewkerne.
A farmer who produces potatoes for the crisp industry says the rainfall is welcome but yields will be down. Philip Vaux based in South Petherton reckons he will lose 30 percent of his crops due to the hot weather and not being able to irrigate. The Met Office this week revealed provisional data that shows the UK had its hottest summer on record. Philip says in the past they've been able to sell at higher prices to make up for losses but not-so these days.
And continuing the potato theme, Yeovil Town player Josh Sims has received a sack of spuds in celebration of scoring the first league goal of the season. It used to be a club tradition, but died out. Now it's been revived by a local greengrocer to help celebrate the Glovers's 130th anniversary.
The Chief Executive of Somerset Council, Duncan Sharkey, has admitted to making mistakes in cutting jobs. Yeovil MP Adam Dance is supporting a Lib Dem initiative to introduce a new ‘Farm First’ training scheme. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has launched an appeal to help buy a second helicopter... and more.
A man has appeared in court in connection with an attack in Wincanton. A member of Somerset Council, jailed for 26 months for taking part in a Just Stop Oil protest, may not have to stand down as a councillor. NHS Somerset has announced that changes to stroke services at Yeovil Hospital will "go live" in the spring of next year...and more
Avon and Somerset Police say 62 drivers were arrested in the first week of the Christmas drink and drug driving campaign. A reindeer farm near Yeovil thinks it may have to close after being told it needs a Zoo licence. Father Christmas has made a special delivery of presents to Charlton Farm Children's Hospice in Somerset...and more
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset has criticised the government for axing the role. Police are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic accident near Ilminster in which a woman was seriously injured. Residents of Freedom Avenue in Yeovil are raising funds for charity with a big display of Christmas lights...and more.
Plans to build 150 new homes in Ilminster have been scrapped. A Somerset councillor has been jailed for 26 months. Marks & Spencer wants to build a new Food Store in Ilminster. Poundland has announced that it’s shutting its store in Middle Street in Yeovil...and more
Police are appealing for witnesses after an assault on a man in Chard. Lloyds Banking Group has announced a date for closing the Halifax in Yeovil. Train journeys on the Castle Cary to Taunton line will be disrupted next week due to engineering work. The mental health charity MIND in Somerset has produced a Christmas advent calendar... and more.
The Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police says her force is doing all it can to reduce anti-social behaviour. Somerset Council has deferred a decision on introducing Sunday car parking charges. People living in deprived areas in Somerset are being fast-tracked for hospital treatment...and more
Fire crews have rescued the driver of a car that got stuck in floodwater near Ilminster. Avon and Somerset Police are urging people going out to celebrate this Christmas to book a taxi or use public transport. A woman from South Petherton has come top at the British Down Syndrome Swimming Championships...and more,
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