Wednesday 10th June

Tuesday, 9 June 2026 06:00

By Steve Haigh

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

Somerset Council says local communities will be at the heart of decisions on how best to spend fifty million pounds of government funding aimed at tackling flooding across the county. The money could be used to improve drainage systems and strengthen flood defences. The council says a wide-ranging public consultation will take place before decisions are made.

Leonardo in Yeovil says it stands ready to support the investigation into last week's crash of a Royal Navy Merlin helicopter, which claimed the lives of the three aircrew on board. The aircraft, built in Yeovil, was on a training flight when it came down in open countryside near Okehampton. Leonardo says the company will provide any assistance required to help investigators establish the cause of the accident.

Avon and Somerset Police are backing a new national road safety campaign aimed at reducing motorcycle fatalities. Since 2022, forty-six motorcyclists have been killed on roads across the force area. The campaign is urging drivers to show greater awareness and consideration for motorcyclists, as well as riders of e-scooters and e-bikes.

A public footpath in Yeovil will close for three days next week. The route between Mudford Road and Fairmead Road will be shut from Tuesday the 16th of June until Thursday the 18th, while Openreach carries out ducting work.

New signs have been installed at gateways to the Mendip Hills National Landscape. The markers feature brushed steel plates, displaying the updated National Landscape logo, and have been installed at nine locations as part of a rebranding project.

St John Ambulance is looking for youth leaders to work with young people and train the next generation of lifesavers. Vacancies are available in Shepton Mallet, Wells, Street and Yeovil.

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