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.
A man has appeared in court in connection with an attack in Wincanton. A member of Somerset Council, jailed for 26 months for taking part in a Just Stop Oil protest, may not have to stand down as a councillor. NHS Somerset has announced that changes to stroke services at Yeovil Hospital will "go live" in the spring of next year...and more
Avon and Somerset Police say 62 drivers were arrested in the first week of the Christmas drink and drug driving campaign. A reindeer farm near Yeovil thinks it may have to close after being told it needs a Zoo licence. Father Christmas has made a special delivery of presents to Charlton Farm Children's Hospice in Somerset...and more
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset has criticised the government for axing the role. Police are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic accident near Ilminster in which a woman was seriously injured. Residents of Freedom Avenue in Yeovil are raising funds for charity with a big display of Christmas lights...and more.
Plans to build 150 new homes in Ilminster have been scrapped. A Somerset councillor has been jailed for 26 months. Marks & Spencer wants to build a new Food Store in Ilminster. Poundland has announced that it’s shutting its store in Middle Street in Yeovil...and more
Police are appealing for witnesses after an assault on a man in Chard. Lloyds Banking Group has announced a date for closing the Halifax in Yeovil. Train journeys on the Castle Cary to Taunton line will be disrupted next week due to engineering work. The mental health charity MIND in Somerset has produced a Christmas advent calendar... and more.
The Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police says her force is doing all it can to reduce anti-social behaviour. Somerset Council has deferred a decision on introducing Sunday car parking charges. People living in deprived areas in Somerset are being fast-tracked for hospital treatment...and more
Fire crews have rescued the driver of a car that got stuck in floodwater near Ilminster. Avon and Somerset Police are urging people going out to celebrate this Christmas to book a taxi or use public transport. A woman from South Petherton has come top at the British Down Syndrome Swimming Championships...and more,
A 33-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a serious assault in Wincanton. Fire crews have dealt with a house fire in the village of Pitney. Plans have been submitted to redevelop Bridgwater Docks into a cultural and tourist destination. Ilminster's annual Christmas tree festival has opened in the town...and more