Monday 28th April

Monday, 28 April 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Somerset Council is being criticised for taking too long to re-open Yeovil's Octagon Theatre. The Liberal Democrats have won a seat on Chard Town Council by one vote. Dates have been announced for this year’s illuminated carnival processions in South Somerset...and more.

Somerset Council is being criticised for taking too long to re-open Yeovil's Octagon Theatre. The Vice Chair of the Civic Players amateur dramatics group in Yeovil, Rich Walters, says the closure is having an enormous impact on the town, denying groups like the Civic Players the chance to perform at a professional theatre. Somerset Council says they’re committed to re-opening the Octagon, with improvements costing £15 million expected to be completed by 2027.

The Liberal Democrats have won a seat on Chard Town Council by one vote. Lib Dem candidate Tricia O’Brien held off independent candidate Gary Molloy, securing 178 votes to his 177 in the poll for the Crimchard ward. Green Party candidate Lynsey Arscott came third with 106 votes.

A Somerset cider-maker says they're feeling confident as they grow the business. Harry's Cider in Long Sutton has opened a new shop and taproom and hopes the venture will increase sales by 25 per cent over the next three years.

A bronze medal-winning Olympian from Somerset says funding for athletes must improve, or they will lose future talent. Rower Becky Wilde says the low levels of financial support mean for some, it's often a struggle to stay in the sport. Last year, a survey by the British Elite Athletes Association suggested two-thirds of athletes would quit their careers if funding did not improve.

A Chard man has appeared in court charged with drink driving. John Nichols of Frog Lane in Combe St Nicholas pleaded guilty to the offence at Yeovil Magistrates Court. He was given a 19-month driving ban and fined £184 with £85 costs.

Dates have been announced for this year’s illuminated carnival processions in South Somerset. Ilminster Carnival takes place on Saturday, October 4th. Castle Cary Carnival and Chard Carnival take place on Saturday, October 11th. Bridgwater Carnival is being held on Saturday, November 1st.

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Friday 23rd January

New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
Thursday 22nd January

A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more
Wednesday 21st January

Councillors have approved controversial plans to build four large carnival club sheds near Ilminster. Somerset Council says there's an increasing gap between the cost of education and the amount the government provides to run local schools. The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, aimed at protecting homes and businesses from flooding, has been reduced in size...and more
Tuesday 20th January

Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more
Monday 19th January

The government is facing increasing pressure to clarify whether it will order new medium-lift helicopters from Leonardo in Yeovil. Somerset Council is spending £5 million on new laptops. A new singing group is being set up in Yeovil for people living with dementia...and more
Friday 16th January

The go-ahead has been given to build 200 new homes at Ilchester. Taunton Town Council is increasing its share of the Council Tax by 3 per cent a year. Somerset is featured in a new Agatha Christie drama being shown on Netflix from this week...and more
Thursday 15th January

The company behind a proposed tidal lagoon between Watchet and Minehead says it could create up to eight thousand jobs. A third councillor on Somerset Council has joined Reform UK. St Margaret's Hospice says this year’s Christmas tree collection scheme raised forty-seven thousand pounds...and more.
Wednesday 14th January

The union representing workers at Leonardo in Yeovil says it needs a clear answer from the government on whether the Yeovil factory will be awarded a contract to build new medium-lift helicopters for the RAF. Somerset Council says more support will be provided to foster carers. A bird flu surveillance zone remains in place over the Somerset Levels...and more