Local News Wednesday 3rd August

Wednesday, 3 August 2022 06:00

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.

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Wednesday 21st January

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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
Friday 16th January

The go-ahead has been given to build 200 new homes at Ilchester. Taunton Town Council is increasing its share of the Council Tax by 3 per cent a year. Somerset is featured in a new Agatha Christie drama being shown on Netflix from this week...and more
Thursday 15th January

The company behind a proposed tidal lagoon between Watchet and Minehead says it could create up to eight thousand jobs. A third councillor on Somerset Council has joined Reform UK. St Margaret's Hospice says this year’s Christmas tree collection scheme raised forty-seven thousand pounds...and more.
Wednesday 14th January

The union representing workers at Leonardo in Yeovil says it needs a clear answer from the government on whether the Yeovil factory will be awarded a contract to build new medium-lift helicopters for the RAF. Somerset Council says more support will be provided to foster carers. A bird flu surveillance zone remains in place over the Somerset Levels...and more
Tuesday 13th January

The Government says it won’t bring forward a decision on buying new helicopters from Leonardo in Yeovil. A bird flu surveillance zone remains in place over the Somerset Levels. Yeovil’s temporary police station on Horsey Lane is to close at the end of the month....and more