The new CEO of Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil says the business is in good health. Wessex Water says it had no plans to introduce a hosepipe despite the above-average dry spell. The cost of rural crime in Somerset has fallen by 22% in the space of twelve months, that's according to NFU Mutual. An ancient oak tree has been cut down to make way for a new slip road off the A303 at Sparkford despite a protest to keep it standing and a new Lord Lieutenant has been appointed to represent Somerset.
The new CEO of Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil says the business is in good health. Adam Clarke, who’s taken over the top job from Nick Whitney, was commenting on the recent contract awarded to Leonardo to supply "drone-type" helicopters to the British military.
Wessex Water says it had no plans to introduce a hosepipe despite the above-average dry spell. Bans have been put in place or are imminent in other areas but Wessex says it’s confident of keeping taps running without any restrictions. The company says reservoir and groundwater levels are below average for the time of year but there are no supply problems at present.
The cost of rural crime in Somerset has fallen by 22% in the space of twelve months, that's according to NFU Mutual. In 2021, rural thefts in Somerset topped £900,000 a fall of 22% from the previous year.
An ancient oak tree has been cut down to make way for a new slip road off the A303 at Sparkford despite a protest to keep it standing. Protesters, who had been occupying the site for three weeks were evicted by bailiffs at the weekend, with the tree felled a day later. National Highways say the tree had to come down to create a new slip road to Hazelgrove Prep School as part of dualling the A303 between Sparkford and Podimore.
A new Lord Lieutenant has been appointed to represent Somerset. Mohammed Saddiq, who is Executive Director of Operations at Wessex Water, will take over from Annie Maw when she retires at the end of October after eight years in the role. Mr. Saddiq says he’s keen to engage with the business community and voluntary sector in Somerset and support them in any way he can.
There’s been a call for the Somerset Levels to be designated a National Landscape. A Yeovil man has raised £2,000 for a new school minibus at Fairmead School in Yeovil by running the London Marathon. Exmoor Ales, which provides cask ales across the region and beyond, is closing its Somerset brewery and moving the business to Surrey...and more.
The long-awaited refurbishment of Yeovil police station is finally to get underway this summer. Plans have been approved to build 185 new homes off Bunford Lane in Yeovil. Police have arrested three men in Yeovil for being involved in the supply of Class A drugs. A Somerset jockey has been named Champion Conditional Jockey of 2025...and more.
New figures have shown that registering as a new patient with an NHS dentist in Somerset is still just as difficult as it was six months ago. The go-ahead has been given to build 160 new houses on Station Road in Castle Cary. A sailor from South Petherton has been chosen to lead a team in the round-the-world Clipper Race...and more.
Somerset Council is being criticised for taking too long to re-open Yeovil's Octagon Theatre. The Liberal Democrats have won a seat on Chard Town Council by one vote. Dates have been announced for this year’s illuminated carnival processions in South Somerset...and more.
Police are investigating the theft of a motorbike in Ilminster. Tributes have been paid to the former Yeovil Town player-manager, Cecil Irwin, who has died aged 83. Town criers from across the South West will be in Yeovil tomorrow competing for the loudest voice in the Yeovil Town Crier Competition 2025...and more
Police are appealing for witnesses to an accident in which a child was struck by a car in Yeovil. This week, a planning inquiry is being held into plans to turn a Somerset shopping centre into a retirement complex. A Somerset woman is planning to walk the 70-miles of Hadrian's Wall to mark her 90th birthday...and more.
Tourism bosses in Somerset say they feel confident the County will have a good summer for visitors this year. A group representing care providers in Somerset is warning that some residential homes are at risk of going out of business due to rising costs. A Somerset animal charity has taken into care, three orphaned badger cubs...and more.
The Care Quality Commission has given two GP practices in Yeovil a 'good' overall rating. According to insurers, AXA, thefts at commercial premises in Somerset are on the rise. Bus users in Somerset could see changes to the frequency of services when the new West of England mayor takes office. Martock is to host its first Pride event in June...and more.
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