Monday 28th April

Monday, 28 April 2025 at 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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People in Somerset will go to the polls in May 2028 to elect a new mayor for the Wessex region. A Somerset farmer who failed a breath test after being caught asleep at the wheel of his tractor has narrowly avoided losing his driving licence. The new Ham Hill Visitor Centre has been named a regional winner in the Building Excellence Awards 2026... and more
tuesday 3rd November

Somerset Council says it doesn’t have the money to improve its planning enforcement team. Drivers are being advised that work to replace the central barrier on the M5 near Wellington starts this week. A health food shop in Chard has been crowned High Street Shop of the Year... and more
Monday 2nd November

A motorist was caught driving at 133mph on the A303 between Podimore and Sparkford, according to newly released data from Avon and Somerset Police. Taunton's Brewhouse Theatre closed for the last time at the weekend. Public firework displays in Ilminster and Martock have been cancelled due to rising costs... and more
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.