Local News Wednesday 22nd September

Wednesday, 22 September 2021 06:00

Leonardo in Yeovil says 70 UK-based companies would benefit if it wins a critical order to build a fleet of new medium-sized helicopters for the British military. Police are hunting for a Yeovil man in connection with a number of offences including rape and false imprisonment. Recycling centres in South Somerset will be reverting to winter opening hours from next month. A grandmother from Chard has raised £1500 for the NHS with a sponsored wing-walk...and more.

Leonardo in Yeovil says 70 UK-based companies would benefit if it wins a critical order to build a fleet of new medium-sized helicopters for the British military. It’s pitching the AW 149 against a rival bid from Boeing. Leonardo claims that for every £1 spent on building a Leonardo helicopter in the UK £2.40 flows back into the economy. It’s thought the government will announce who has won the contract in the next few weeks.

Police are hunting for a Yeovil man in connection with a number of offences including rape and false imprisonment. He’s Curtis Yaldiz, aged 24, white, 6ft tall, of slim build, with short brown hair. Police say not to approach him but to call 999.

Leaders of Somerset’s four district councils have written to the government expressing concern about the number of councillors who will sit on the new one Somerset Council. Currently, across all councils in Somerset there are 255 councilors but this could drop to just 85 on the new unitary council.

Recycling centres in South Somerset will be reverting to winter opening hours from next month. From Friday, October 1st, local recycling sites will be open from 9 am to 5 pm, while weekends remain the same 9 am to 4 pm.

A grandmother from Chard has raised £1500 for the NHS with a sponsored wing-walk. Patricia Dare stood on the wing of a biplane for 10-minutes in a flight over Devon. Patricia described the experience as exhilarating even though it left her feeling a little stiff in the shoulder.

Somerset's cider producers say they're cautiously optimistic of reaping a good crop as the autumn harvest gets underway. Last year, many apples were wasted because of lockdown.

Yeovil Town are in action tonight – they’re playing Bridgwater United in the Somerset Premier Cup at Huish Park, kick-off at 7.45 pm. Tickets are £5 with Under 16’s let-in for just £1.

More from News

Friday 12th December

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.
Thursday 11th December

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
Wednesday 10th December

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
Tuesday 9th December

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.
Monday 8th December

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
Friday 5th December

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.
Thursday 4th December

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
Wednesday 3rd December

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,