Local News Monday 13th February

Monday, 13 February 2023 06:00

The Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil says the company's future will be bright even if they fail to secure a new government contract to replace the UK's fleet of Puma helicopters. Yeovil MP Marcus Fysh says the way GP surgeries are run needs to be streamlined with better financial incentives to tackle a shortage of doctors. The Cartgate Link Road in Yeovil is closed today and for the next 10 days for the removal of diseased trees...and more.

The Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil says the company's future will be bright even if the company fails to secure a new government contract to replace the UK's fleet of Puma helicopters. Adam Clarke says they have secured lucrative contracts and that more are on the horizon. Leonardo is bidding against Boeing and Lockheed Martin to win a £1.3 billion order to build the AW149 for the RAF. Leonard says if they win the work the AW149's will be built entirely in Yeovil.

Yeovil MP Marcus Fysh says the way GP surgeries are run needs to be streamlined with better financial incentives to tackle a shortage of doctors. He was commenting on the closure of the Springmead GP practice in Chard due to staff shortages. The government says it’s working on a workforce strategy to improve recruitment and retention in the NHS.

The A3088 Cartgate Link Road in Yeovil is closed today and for the next 10 days for the removal of diseased trees. Somerset County Council says the trees have become a hazard and need to be urgently taken down. The road between the Cartgate roundabout and the Garador roundabout will be shut every day until Friday 24th February from 7 am in the morning to 6 pm in the evening.

The second phase of improvements to Chard town centre has begun. Phase-1 of the Chard Regeneration Project has seen pavements areas widened and upgraded, new trees and flowerbeds planted, and the eastern entrance to the town made more attractive. Phase-2 will see shops on the High Street given a lick of paint and new life injected into some of Chard’s historic buildings.

A Somerset woman who set up a walking football team for people with Parkinson’s has won a national award. Caroline Pike has been given the title of Coach of the Year by the England Walking Football Association.

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Wednesday 28th January

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced plans to develop a new operational base on the Leonardo airfield in Yeovil. Several people have been rescued from their homes in Ilminster due to flooding. An £800,000 project is underway to restore two staircases at Montecute House...and more
Tuesday 27th January

Last week was the wettest seven-day period in Somerset for twelve years. NHS Somerset says it’s working towards making access to dental care fairer for all. A scout leader in Somerset has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Young People...and more
Monday 26th January

A new group has been formed to challenge plans to build 100 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Bridgwater Town Council has voted to increase its share of the Council Tax by 5%. Organisers of Yeovil in Bloom are appealing for young people to get involved in this year’s competition...and more
Friday 23rd January

New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
Thursday 22nd January

A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more
Wednesday 21st January

Councillors have approved controversial plans to build four large carnival club sheds near Ilminster. Somerset Council says there's an increasing gap between the cost of education and the amount the government provides to run local schools. The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, aimed at protecting homes and businesses from flooding, has been reduced in size...and more
Tuesday 20th January

Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more
Monday 19th January

The government is facing increasing pressure to clarify whether it will order new medium-lift helicopters from Leonardo in Yeovil. Somerset Council is spending £5 million on new laptops. A new singing group is being set up in Yeovil for people living with dementia...and more