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.
EDF has completed another milestone in constructing the new 'Hinkley C' nuclear power plant near Bridgwater. The Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire opens today with helicopters built in Yeovil on display. A road leading to Chard reservoir, shut two months ago for strengthening work to a dam wall, has re-opened...and more
Yeovil MP Adam Dance says he has serious concerns about plans that could see the closure of inpatient beds at Crewkerne Community Hospital. Ilminster residents are being asked to vote in a referendum on adopting a new neighbourhood plan for the town. An event in which people take part in a race against horses is returning to Somerset later this year...and more
A children’s play area in Ilminster has been closed on safety grounds after badger setts were found on the land. Somerset Council sold off £90m of property assets last year to help fight off bankruptcy. Crewkerne Community Hospital could be turned into a neighbourhood health centre...and more.
The fire service has blamed a discarded portable barbecue for starting a blaze at Ham Hill Country Park. A care home for people with autism and complex needs in Crewkerne has been rated 'good'. A seven-year-old Yeovil boy has set a new world record for completing the most number of consecutive sit-ups for his age group...and more
Somerset Council is warning motorists against scanning QR codes at its car parks payment meters. Chard Town Council is spending £10,000 on short-term youth provision over the summer months. Former Yeovil Town player Marcus Stewart says he wants to continue raising money towards finding a cure for motor neurone disease...and more.
A Yeovil woman has shared how she is still on the waiting list for a transplant, a year on. A Crewkerne community group saved two tonnes of food from landfill last month and gave it to residents in need. Yeovil Town have announced their fixture list for the 2025/26 season....and more.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued a yellow heat health alert for the South West. A former Cherry Farm in Chard has donated its netting and high-tensile wire to Somerset Aid for Ukraine. Somerset Council is moving forward with its next phase of plans for the county...and more.
Demolition work at Yeovil’s Glovers Walk has been held up after two colonies of bees were discovered. Refurbishment of the town’s Dunelm store is underway. A teenager from Crewkerne has represented his country, winning a gold medal in a national boxing competition... and more.