Local News Wednesday 25th August

Wednesday, 25 August 2021 06:00

People in Somerset are being urged to sign up to a scheme, designed to make it easier to find dementia sufferers if they're reported missing. The pilot who died when his light aircraft crashed at Buckland St Mary near Chard has been named Joe Mann. Three roads in Ilminster will close next month for resurfacing. Cheddar Gorge and Caves are to remain closed to the public for the foreseeable future...and more.

People in Somerset are being urged to sign up to a scheme, designed to make it easier to find dementia sufferers if they're reported missing. It involves relatives of those with the condition giving the police details like a photograph, mobile number or previous addresses. Officers say the information will help them to find people more quickly.

The pilot who died when his light aircraft crashed at Buckland St Mary near Chard has been named as Joe Mann. Mr. Mann was Deputy General Secretary of the Community Union up to retiring in 2014. In the 1980s, he worked as an Engineer and union leader at Westland Helicopters, now Leonardo, in Yeovil. A woman passenger and family friend, named only as Margaret, also died in the crash.

Cheddar Gorge and Caves are to remain closed to the public for the foreseeable future. Longleat Estates, who operate the site, say due to the enclosed nature of the caves and fears over Covid, it’s unlikely the attraction will re-open until next year at the earliest.

Three roads in Ilminster will close next month for resurfacing. Station Road, West Street and High Street will shut for two days on September 6th and 7th for the work to be carried out.

A new management team has taken over the running of a popular pub on the outskirts of Yeovil. The Carpenters Arms at Chilthorne Domer has been closed for the past two weeks but will re-open on Saturday with a family fun day and bar-be-cue.

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