Friday 29th September

Friday, 29 September 2023 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The £29M project to up-grade Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre, which has run into financial problems, could be bailed out by Yeovil Town Council. New play equipment is to be installed at Ninesprings Country Park in Yeovil. A Martock woman has been fined £95 after being caught speeding in a 20 mph zone...and more.

Yeovil Town Council is planning to give financial support to the upgrade of Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre. The project, costing an estimated £29M has run into problems due to increased building costs and higher interest rates. Somerset Council, who are in charge of the project, say the interest payments to fund the project are currently running at one million pounds a year. Yeovil Town Council will discuss supporting the project at a meeting on Tuesday night. The following day, the Executive of Somerset Council will meet to make a decision about the Octagon's future.

The RSPB in Somerset has welcomed the results of a new study claiming that nearly a sixth of wildlife species in the UK are at risk of becoming extinct. The RSPB says the situation in Somerset is a real worry with populations of Swifts in steep decline.

New play equipment is to be installed at Ninesprings Country Park in Yeovil. Somerset Council, who own and operate the park, say the existing pirate ship be replaced with a ‘mega deck’ of raised play equipment. The ‘mega-deck’ will accommodate up to forty children at any one time.

A local woman has been fined £95 after being caught speeding in a 20mph zone. Lydia Rose Bellchamber who lives in Martock pleaded guilty to the offence when she appeared at Taunton Magistrates' Court. She was also disqualified from holding a driving licence for six months after receiving three penalty points which took her over the threshold for a ban.

It may not be an Olympic Sport but a Somerset teenager has been crowned the youngest world champion of Keepy Uppy. Keepy Uppy is when a football is kicked in the air multiple times without it touching the ground. Izzy Wilkins, who’s 15, won the title in Prague.

More from News

Friday 30th October

Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
Thursday 29th October

A Yeovil man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for attacking his mother with a knife. People in Chard are being reminded that it’s unlawful to attach flags to lamp posts and street furniture. Wincanton Racecourse has called off its 'Badger Chase Day' because the ground is too firm... and more
Wednesday 28th October

Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more
Tuesday 27th October

Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more
Monday 26th October

Eligible groups in Somerset are being encouraged to get their flu jabs. There’s a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Avon & Somerset Police’s control room. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, has visited Yeovil... and more.
Friday 23rd October

Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
Thursday 22nd October

The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more