Friday 29th September

Friday, 29 September 2023 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

Thursday 30th April

More than 4,500 people have expressed interest in joining a new NHS dental practice in Crewkerne. Somerset Council says a long-term solution is needed to make Hendford Hill in Yeovil fully safe for motorists. A Somerset man has won first prize at the World Marmalade Awards... and more
Wednesday 29th April

Somerset Council says Hendford Hill in Yeovil should be fully reopened to traffic by the end of May. Plans have been approved to build 40 new homes in Crewkerne. A huge pile of illegally dumped rubbish in Glastonbury has been cleared... and more
Tuesday 28th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision at Rimpton. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in South Petherton. Former Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson has been retained as first-team manager of Taunton Town for next season... and more
Monday 27th April

A former school in Sherborne has been badly damaged by fire. A care home in Yeovil has been rated outstanding. ublic spaces in West Coker owned by Somerset Council are being handed over to the parish council. Mendip Golf Club has presented a cheque for £12,000 to Mind in Somerset... and more
Friday 24th April

Plans have been submitted to turn a property on Preston Road in Yeovil into a House in Multiple Occupation. Yeovil’s Marlie Packer has been recalled to the England Red Roses starting line-up for tomorrow’s Women’s Six Nations game against Wales. Three sisters from Yeovil will be running the London Marathon this weekend in support of Guide Dogs UK... and more
Thursday 23rd April

Helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton have completed six weeks of sorties, protecting Cyprus from attacks by Iran. People in Somerset who use domestic heating oil are calling on the government to regulate the oil supply industry. Patients are being invited to register at a new NHS dentist in Crewkerne... and more
Wednesday 22nd April

Expectant mothers are using Yeovil Hospital once again to give birth following the reopening of the maternity unit. A Yeovil man has been jailed for four years for committing sexual offences against two young girls. Plans have been approved to convert a pub in Milborne Port into housing... and more
Tuesday 21st April

NHS Somerset has delayed closing the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. A former Avon and Somerset Police officer has been jailed for making indecent images of children. A Somerset man has been fined after pleading guilty to hunting a wild animal with dogs... and more