Local News Monday 30th May

Monday, 30 May 2022 at 06:00

South Somerset District Council says it’s planning to begin the £30 million pound upgrade to Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre in January. It’s been announced that Bruton School for Girls is to permanently close in July due to a drop in pupil numbers. Conservation groups are warning walkers in Somerset to beware of disturbing baby deer over the next few weeks. A report has found what caused a flight from RNAS Yeovilton to crash last summer narrowly avoiding houses...and more.

South Somerset District Council says it’s planning to begin the £30 million pound upgrade to Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre in January. The redevelopment will include a fly tower, expanding the main auditorium capacity from 622 to 900, and creating two smaller cinema or studio spaces, with a dance studio and community studio. The Council says the project is subject to an ongoing review but the current plan is for the Octagon to close for work to begin early in the New Year.

It’s been announced that Bruton School for Girls is to permanently close in July due to a drop in pupil numbers. In 2018 the school had 199 pupils. The predicted number on roll from September is 45. Bruton School for Girls is part of The King's School Bruton Foundation. The two other schools in the Foundation, King's of Bruton and Hazlegrove, are not affected by the decision.

Conservation groups are warning walkers in Somerset to beware of disturbing baby deer over the next few weeks. Pregnant deer are currently giving birth and nursing their young across the Mendips and the Blackdown Hills. A new campaign is asking people not to approach young deer hidden in the grass and to keep dogs under close control.

A report has found what caused a flight from RNAS Yeovilton to crash last summer narrowly avoiding houses. The Hawker Sea Fury’s crankpin failed causing the engine to seize less than five minutes after take off. The pilot and his passenger both escaped without serious injury.

A petition’s been started calling on Somerset County Council to ban trail hunting on land that it owns and manages. The petition organisers, The League Against Cruel Sports, say trail hunting is a smokescreen for illegal hunting and claim that Somerset remains a hotspot for fox and deer hunting.

A shop in Chard has presented a cheque for £760 to Chard Hospital League of Friends. The Original Factory Shop on Great Western Road in Chard raised the money by selling carrier bags and holding a Christmas Bingo.

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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.
Friday 23rd October

Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
Thursday 22nd October

The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more