An inspectorate report says there are concerns about the behaviours of some staff members of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil has set out its case for manufacturing a new fleet of aircraft for the British military. A Somerset charity that supports disadvantaged young people is looking to recruit more volunteers and the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Annie Maw, has completed her 70-mile Jubilee Jaunt.
An inspectorate report says there are concerns about the behaviours of some staff members of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, including at stations in South Somerset. A report found some staff groups didn’t feel respected or valued. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service says it's pleased with the progress it's made since the last inspection but knows there's more work to do.
Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil has set out its case for manufacturing a new fleet of aircraft for the British military. Leonardo says it can deliver the AW149 into service by 2025 if chosen by the UK Government for the £1.2 billion contract. Leonardo claims it has the strongest commercial and social value offering for the contract with a platform that meets the requirements of the UK Armed Forces.
A Somerset charity that supports disadvantaged young people is looking to recruit more volunteers. Promise Works provides mentors to help young people improve their self-esteem and raise their aspirations. Kev O’Donnell, Deputy Chair of Promise Works says they’d like to hear from anyone who feels they could work as a mentor.
The Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Annie Maw, has completed her 70-mile Jubilee Jaunt. Mrs. Maw, who broke her back in a horse riding accident 20 years ago, has spent the past two months criss-crossing Somerset in a motorised buggy, to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70-year reign.
Yeovil MP, Adam Dance, is calling on the Chancellor to deliver ‘real economic growth’ for Yeovil in her budget tomorrow. The government has given Yeovil College £2 million to upgrade its engineering facilities. A Chard-based charity has sent 7,000 boxes filled with Christmas gifts to Ukraine...and more.
A church leader has warned that “irrevocable damage” will be caused to town centres if Somerset Council starts charging for Sunday parking. Fifty new homes are to be built in Castle Cary following a successful planning appeal. A call has been made for a memorial to the victims who died in a plane crash on the Blackdown Hills 80 years ago...and more.
A public inquiry is being held into plans to build a large solar farm in the village of Wayford. Fire crews have put out a small blaze at Tesco in Ilminster. Canadian firm KDC One is closing its Wellington factory, putting dozens of jobs at risk. It's Ilminster's turn to switch on the Christmas lights tonight... and more.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.