Monday 21st October

Monday, 21 October 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Unmarked police vans will be in use across the Avon and Somerset force area this week aimed at catching persistent speeding motorists. Yeovil MP, Adam Dance, says progress is being made on a potential order for Leonardo to build a new medium-lift helicopter for the RAF. Chard ladies rugby team members have raised £5,300 by completing the Three Peaks Challenge...and more.

Unmarked police vans will be in use across the Avon and Somerset force area this week aimed at catching persistent speeding motorists. Equipped with 360-degree cameras and long-range detection, they’ll be spotting offences like speeding, seatbelt violations and illegal mobile phone use.

Yeovil MP, Adam Dance, says progress is being made on a potential order for Leonardo to build a new medium-lift helicopter for the RAF. Following a meeting with the Minister for Defence Procurement, he's had it confirmed that the Leonardo bid is the only one on the table for the £1.3 billion contract. In her written reply, the Minister says Leonardo’s bid is being examined to ensure it represents value for money, and that placing the order will not be delayed by the new Strategic Defence Review.

Members of Chard Ladies rugby team have raised £5,300 by completing the Three Peaks Challenge. In Scotland, they scaled the thirteen hundred meters of Ben Nevis, in Wales the eleven hundred meters of Snowdon, before travelling to the Lake District to climb the one thousand meters of Scafell Pike. The money has been divided equally between Chard Community Hub and Chard Rugby Club.

Organisers of this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal are hoping it will be their most successful for donations ever. They’re asking for donated toys and books suitable for children aged 0 to 16. The items will be given to children who might otherwise not receive any gifts this Christmas. Donations, including cash gifts, can be made through the Forefront Community Centre, South Chard Hub and Chard Community Hub. A spokesperson says donating just one toy will bring a smile to a child's face. The deadline to donate is November 15th.

More from News

Wednesday 29th April

Somerset Council says Hendford Hill in Yeovil should be fully reopened to traffic by the end of May. Plans have been approved to build 40 new homes in Crewkerne. A huge pile of illegally dumped rubbish in Glastonbury has been cleared... and more
Tuesday 28th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision at Rimpton. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in South Petherton. Former Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson has been retained as first-team manager of Taunton Town for next season... and more
Monday 27th April

A former school in Sherborne has been badly damaged by fire. A care home in Yeovil has been rated outstanding. ublic spaces in West Coker owned by Somerset Council are being handed over to the parish council. Mendip Golf Club has presented a cheque for £12,000 to Mind in Somerset... and more
Friday 24th April

Plans have been submitted to turn a property on Preston Road in Yeovil into a House in Multiple Occupation. Yeovil’s Marlie Packer has been recalled to the England Red Roses starting line-up for tomorrow’s Women’s Six Nations game against Wales. Three sisters from Yeovil will be running the London Marathon this weekend in support of Guide Dogs UK... and more
Thursday 23rd April

Helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton have completed six weeks of sorties, protecting Cyprus from attacks by Iran. People in Somerset who use domestic heating oil are calling on the government to regulate the oil supply industry. Patients are being invited to register at a new NHS dentist in Crewkerne... and more
Wednesday 22nd April

Expectant mothers are using Yeovil Hospital once again to give birth following the reopening of the maternity unit. A Yeovil man has been jailed for four years for committing sexual offences against two young girls. Plans have been approved to convert a pub in Milborne Port into housing... and more
Tuesday 21st April

NHS Somerset has delayed closing the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. A former Avon and Somerset Police officer has been jailed for making indecent images of children. A Somerset man has been fined after pleading guilty to hunting a wild animal with dogs... and more
Monday 20th April

Nearly one hundred roads in Somerset will be surface dressed this summer to prevent further damage. Almost all children starting primary school in Somerset in September have been offered a place at one of their top three school choices. People in Somerset are being asked to record wild mammals in gardens and other green spaces over the summer... and more