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 June

It's claimed the increasing availability of drugs such as ketamine and cocaine has normalised drug use among young people in Somerset. The trial of a man accused of killing his one-month-old son in Chard begins today at Bristol Crown Court. A stone pillar outside the Langport Arms Hotel in Langport has been replaced after it was destroyed in a car crash... and more
Thursday 11th June

Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to the three aircrew from RNAS Yeovilton who died in last week's helicopter crash in Devon. Two men have been arrested and stolen vehicles seized following a major multi-agency operation in South Somerset. An event highlighting opportunities for women in the aerospace industry has been held in Yeovil... and more
Wednesday 10th June

The public will be consulted on how best to spend fifty million pounds of government funding to tackle flooding in Somerset. Avon and Somerset Police are backing a new road safety campaign aimed at reducing motorcycle fatalities. New welcome signs have been installed at entrances to the Mendip Hills National Landscape... and more
Tuesday 9th June

The government has announced a £50 million investment to strengthen Somerset’s flood defences. A woman from Stoke-sub-Hamdon has been banned from driving for 14 months after admitting drink-driving. Somerset Council has been told it must improve its adult social care services... and more
Monday 8th June

Plans for a new railway station in Langport remain stalled in Whitehall, according to Somerset Council. Plans to build 50 new homes in Broadway, near Ilminster, have been refused. The new water fountains in Yeovil’s Triangle, in Lower Middle Street, are being switched off during very hot weather because of safety concerns... and more.
Friday 5th June

A new NHS dental practice in Crewkerne says it won’t start operating at full capacity until July due to staff shortages. Somerset Council says it has no plans to show England matches in the World Cup on the Big Screen in Yeovil town centre due to safety concerns. A Somerset family has been thanked after completing a 73-mile walk raising money for a third world charity... and more
Thursday 4th June

An investigation continues today into the crash of a Royal Navy helicopter, based at RNAS Yeovilton, in which all three aircrew were killed. Somerset Council has confirmed that a new operator will take over several leisure centres across the county. The new live-action Masters of the Universe movie, filmed in Somerset, is released this week...and more
Wednesday 3rd June

A Yeovil man has appeared in court charged with assaulting three police officers. Somerset Council has begun legal action to recover more than £320,000 owed by housing developers. The line-up has been announced for this year’s Ilminster Midsummer Experience...and more