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.
New figures have shown a sharp rise in crime in Chard in the last six months. A retired RAF pilot in Somerset has been speaking about the joys of being a foster parent at the age of 88. Councillor Pauline Parsons has been honoured for her 40 years service to the local community...and more
A man has been arrested in connection with an unlicensed music event held near Bruton. Police are appealing for witnesses to a crash involving a tractor and car in Yeovil. Accommodation providers are being urged to put themselves forward to provide lodgings to actors and film crews visiting Somerset...and more
The Leader of Yeovil Town Council is calling on the public to treat the town centre with more respect. Somerset Waste Partnership is asking householders not put blister packs or, pill packets as they’re called, out for recycling. Police are appealing for witnesses to a crash near Ilminster in which a learner motorcyclist was seriously injured .... and more
Somerset Council says 900 miles of the County’s roads will be gritted on a regular basis this winter. Work will start soon to strengthen Chard Reservoir to protect local communities from flooding. The first advent calendar produced by the charity Mind in Somerset has gone on sale...and more
St Margaret's Hospice says increased employer’s national insurance contributions will cost them an extra £300,000 a year. A man has been arrested after more than 200 cannabis plants were found in a Yeovil property. Voting will take place on November 21st in the Blackmore Vale to fill a vacant seat on Somerset Council...and more
The A303 between Ilchester and Sparkford can now be used as a dual carriageway for the first time. People living in rural parts of South Somerset may not get high-speed broadband until 2027. Plans have been submitted to build 150 new homes on the site of the former Horlicks Factory in Ilminster...and more
Farmers in Somerset are warning of increased food prices and farmers going out of business as a result of last week’s budget. Police have released pictures of items stolen in a raid on Montacute House. A Somerset man has completed the 630-mile-long South West Coast Path, raising money for the RNLI...and more.
Somerset Council is looking at new ways to ease traffic congestion on the A358 between Ilminster and Taunton. Bridgwater and Taunton College and Strode College in Street have announced plans to merge. The Westland Entertainment venue in Yeovil is selling tickets at £3 to make its shows more affordable for low-income families...and more
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