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.

More from News

Tuesday 17th February

Avon and Somerset Police are asking the owners of replica guns to hand them in. It's claimed motorists in the Bruton and Wincanton area are paying out hundreds of pounds in repairs due to the poor state of local roads. And, Yeovil Town take on Aldershot at Huish Park tonight... and more
Monday 16th February

Yeovil MP Adam Dance has warned that the Westlands entertainment venue in Yeovil would be at risk should Leonardo not be awarded a government contract to build new medium life helicopters. A Chard woman has been given a suspended jail sentence for carrying a knife in a public place. A petition has been launched to slowdown motorists using Coker Way and Wyatt Way in Chard... and more
Friday 13th February

Somerset Council has dropped plans to close two town centre car parks in Yeovil. A Yeovil man has been charged with attempted murder after a woman was attacked in her home. The Environment Agency has committed to reviewing its water management of the Somerset Levels following the recent floods... and more
Thursday 12th February

The government says it's ‘working flat out’ to arrive at a decision on ordering a new medium lift helicopter with Leonardo in Yeovil. We’re being asked to suggest where new electric vehicle charge points should be installed in Somerset. A new project is inviting people to look up and help map Somerset’s night skies... and more
Wednesday 11th February

Somerset Council has been told it can’t raise council tax by more than 5 percent. Businesses in Somerset are being warned to watch out for fake £20 notes. A Martock man has successfully completed a parachute-ski jump off the top of Mount Snowdon.
Tuesday 10th February

Eye operations in Somerset have been cancelled, due to a private company running out of NHS funding to provide the surgery. A local MP is calling for the permanent installation of pumps on the Somerset Levels to reduce the flood risk. A £3 million pound project has begun to refurbish the grand organ at Wells Cathedral... and more
Monday 9th February

Multiple flood alerts and warnings remain in place across South Somerset following the weekend’s heavy rainfall. Work starts today repairing a sinkhole on Station Road in Castle Cary. A business in Crewkerne is closing after 50-years trading in the town... and more
Friday 6th September

Leonardo has announced a major deal to build helicopters in India. Campaigners trying to set up a new bus link to Castle Cary railway station from Glastonbury say they need 150 thousand pounds of council money. A community event is being held in Chard for charities and service providers to showcase their activities.... and more