Dear Editor,

Twice in the last month I have had near misses on the mini roundabout in Midsomer Norton where Somervale Road meets the Sainsbury’s turn off, just up from the NatWest bank.

I was turning right from the Sainsbury’s direction and well across the roundabout when a care from the Somervale Road direction came speeding round the half bend like a ‘bat out of hell’.

He started to bang his hooter and swear his head off as I finished my turn. Most drivers are considerate, cautious and follow the protocol, the other type don’t bother with fine distinctions between a priority and a right.

They think they have an automatic right of way because there is no road to their immediate right.

The Highway Code clearly says the vehicle already on the roundabout has priority (self preservation would agree) and priority to the right applies when clear to proceed.

Of course things are never that simple, which is why The Highway Code urges caution and consideration for everyone’s sake!

I understand a local councillor who takes pride in the road signs in our area; perhaps she would erect one near the roundabout in question (to go with the roundabout signs already there) to remind drivers they are approaching a priority junction and not an automatic right of way, no matter how angry they get.

Thank you,

Yours faithfully,

Terry O’Mahoney

Foxcote

Dear Editor,

After a long life, I could justly be accused of sometimes being cynical about human nature. Therefore, I must celebrate three wonderful, selfless, Paulton residents; Sam Ford, Stuart Wells and Colin Brown, who rushed to help my seriously injured husband this week, when he fell, near the shopping centre.

One positioned their car to protect his body; another called for an ambulance; they supported his weight to keep him sitting up; they ensured he did not move; they comforted us; and they generously stayed a considerable amount of time, with no thought of how they would be inconvenienced. The first responder and the paramedic team were marvellous; many shoppers and residents of Ashleigh Close showed great, compassionate patience and the very best of humanity was on display.

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Peter has a fractured neck and broken hip, but he is alive and doing well in our wonderful RUH.

Yours faithfully,

Pamela Leah

Paulton

Dear Editor,

I would like to give a massive thank you to all my family and friends for the wonderful support for the Fundraising evening for the Great Western Air Ambulance held at Timsbury RBL Club on July 12.

Thank you for all the Raffle Prizes that were given, and the very generous donations made, and to the many people who kindly bought raffle tickets.

I am very pleased to say that the final total for the night came to an amazing £952.50.

Every donation however large or small helps to keep this vital charity working to help save lives.

Many, many thanks to you all.

Colin Coombes

Haydon, Radstock

Dear Editor,

How good to see the return of more local news and letters in August 6’s edition.

I'm sure our local readers and advertisers appreciate this. It's a pity that the publication day was moved to a Wednesday from Thursday in times past as it can mean hard pressed correspondents burning the midnight oil over the weekend so that up to date news does not become yesterday's news sometime later.

Finally, there is a wealth of talent and newsy events in the locality of Midsomer Norton and Radstock and District. Perhaps a nudge in the form of an Editor's comment is needed to persuade local contributions rather than needing to include happenings, etc. from south Somerset and places beyond our locality?

Best wishes

D A Shearn

Midsomer Norton

Response from the Editor: Thank you for your letter. We welcome all new contributions and would encourage readers from across Midsomer Norton, Radstock and District and beyond to get in touch. To share your story with us email the team on [email protected]

Dear Editor,

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The Great British Bake Off winner 2021