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.
The Chief Executive of Somerset Council, Duncan Sharkey, has admitted to making mistakes in cutting jobs. Yeovil MP Adam Dance is supporting a Lib Dem initiative to introduce a new ‘Farm First’ training scheme. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has launched an appeal to help buy a second helicopter... and more.
A man has appeared in court in connection with an attack in Wincanton. A member of Somerset Council, jailed for 26 months for taking part in a Just Stop Oil protest, may not have to stand down as a councillor. NHS Somerset has announced that changes to stroke services at Yeovil Hospital will "go live" in the spring of next year...and more
Avon and Somerset Police say 62 drivers were arrested in the first week of the Christmas drink and drug driving campaign. A reindeer farm near Yeovil thinks it may have to close after being told it needs a Zoo licence. Father Christmas has made a special delivery of presents to Charlton Farm Children's Hospice in Somerset...and more
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset has criticised the government for axing the role. Police are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic accident near Ilminster in which a woman was seriously injured. Residents of Freedom Avenue in Yeovil are raising funds for charity with a big display of Christmas lights...and more.
Plans to build 150 new homes in Ilminster have been scrapped. A Somerset councillor has been jailed for 26 months. Marks & Spencer wants to build a new Food Store in Ilminster. Poundland has announced that it’s shutting its store in Middle Street in Yeovil...and more
Police are appealing for witnesses after an assault on a man in Chard. Lloyds Banking Group has announced a date for closing the Halifax in Yeovil. Train journeys on the Castle Cary to Taunton line will be disrupted next week due to engineering work. The mental health charity MIND in Somerset has produced a Christmas advent calendar... and more.
The Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police says her force is doing all it can to reduce anti-social behaviour. Somerset Council has deferred a decision on introducing Sunday car parking charges. People living in deprived areas in Somerset are being fast-tracked for hospital treatment...and more
Fire crews have rescued the driver of a car that got stuck in floodwater near Ilminster. Avon and Somerset Police are urging people going out to celebrate this Christmas to book a taxi or use public transport. A woman from South Petherton has come top at the British Down Syndrome Swimming Championships...and more,
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