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.
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 the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance with a big display of Christmas lights...and more
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
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.
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
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,
A 33-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a serious assault in Wincanton. Fire crews have dealt with a house fire in the village of Pitney. Plans have been submitted to redevelop Bridgwater Docks into a cultural and tourist destination. Ilminster's annual Christmas tree festival has opened in the town...and more
New figures show that crime in the Avon and Somerset police area rose by 8% in the year to June. South Western Railway has restarted running hourly services through Sherborne, Yeovil and Crewkerne following months of disruption. Persimmon Homes South West has donated £1500 towards the running costs of Castle Cary Rugby Club...and more
Somerset Council has failed to stop 150 homes being built in Crewkerne. Posters of a drag act coming to Somerset, displayed in Shepton Mallet, have been vandalised. Avon and Somerset police are using proceeds from drug crime to fund community projects...and more,
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