Friday 6th September

Friday, 6 September 2024 06:00

A man has died after a Yeovilton-based helicopter crashed into the English Channel. A major A-road through Somerset was closed yesterday, due to multiple fallen trees. Somerset Council describes itself as ‘breathing slightly easier’ after balancing its books for the last financial year... and more.

A man has died after a Yeovilton-based helicopter crashed into the English Channel, off the Dorset coast on Wednesday night. The Merlin helicopter, based at RNAS Yeovilton, had been involved in night-flying exercises with the aircraft carrier 'HMS Queen Elizabeth' when the incident happened. One crew man died whilst two others were rescued.

A major A-road through Somerset was re-opened late yesterday afternoon after it had to be closed, due to multiple fallen trees. The A3088 was blocked at Yeovil and at Stoke Sub Hamdon. The westbound stretch was particularly affected towards the Montacute turn off. All trees were clear by 4.30pm.

Meanwhile five people were rescued after a single-vehicle collision in Chard on Wednesday afternoon. The collision took place just before 4pm and the car was reportedly on its side. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service despatched two fire engines and released the occupants using small tools and hydraulic equipment.

Somerset Council describes itself as ‘breathing slightly easier’ after balancing its books for the last financial year. A financial emergency was called in late 2023, with the maximum possible rise in council tax announced earlier this year. These rises, combined with the sale of around £20 million of non-operational assets and the implementation of savings of around £35m have reportedly brought the council back on track.

And a memorial ride in remembrance of Cecil Turner, the founder of the Yeovil Freewheelers Blood Bikes is taking place this weekend. The ride will start at West Bay on Sunday morning, with riders making their way along the Jurassic Coast Road towards Weymouth, and then on to Bere Regis and Sturminster Newton, before ending at Yeovil Rugby Club just after midday.

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Friday 23rd January

New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
Thursday 22nd January

A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more
Wednesday 21st January

Councillors have approved controversial plans to build four large carnival club sheds near Ilminster. Somerset Council says there's an increasing gap between the cost of education and the amount the government provides to run local schools. The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, aimed at protecting homes and businesses from flooding, has been reduced in size...and more
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.