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

Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more