Monday 25th November

Monday, 25 November 2024 06:00

Yeovil's Octagon Theatre is to get a £10 million grant. Flood warnings remain in force today. The Conservatives have won a by-election to fill a vacancy on Somerset Council. A fraud investigation has been launched into a defence firm...and more.

Yeovil's Octagon Theatre is to get a £10 million grant that the previous Conservative government promised. The money was awarded to help pay towards upgrading the venue when it closed in April 2023. But with a change of government and Somerset Council declaring a financial crisis, doubts were raised that the funding might be withdrawn. Lead member for Culture at Somerset Council, Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, says confirmation of the grant is a positive step towards getting the Octagon re-opened.

Flood warnings remain in force today along the banks of the rivers Yeo, Brue, Parrett, and Isle following Storm Burt and the weekend’s heavy rain. The Environment Agency says properties in low-lying areas are at particular risk and advises owners to take appropriate preventative action.

The Conservatives have won a by-election to fill a vacancy on Somerset Council for the Blackmoor Vale division. Hayward Burt took the seat with 1,120 votes. Howard Ellard for the Lib Dems was second on 714 votes, Peter Ebsworth for the Greens was third on 86 votes, and Gregory Chambers for Labour was fourth on 32 votes. The turnout was 26.07%.

A fraud investigation has been launched into defence firm, Thales, who are based in Templecombe. Police raids of the company’s officers in Europe were carried out in June over suspicions of corruption linked to arms sales. Thales was awarded a 1.8 billion pound UK government contract in January to maintain Royal Navy ships and submarines, securing 300 positions in Templecombe. Thales has confirmed that an investigation has been launched.

Yeovil MP Adam Dance is to continue in his role as a councillor at Somerset Council despite having substantial additional duties to perform as a member of Parliament. Glastonbury and Somerton MP Sarah Dyke stood down as a member of Somerset Council after being elected to Parliament in June. Mr Dance says he’s staying on as a member of Somerset because the bulk of his casework relates to matters concerning Somerset Council.

An apprentice solicitor in Ilminster has been recognised for his good work at a top national award event. Russell Munster, based at Amicus Law Solicitors in Ilminster was highly commended in the 'Outstanding Employee of the Year' category and shortlisted for 'Rising Star of the Year' at the Modern Law Conveyancing Awards held in Liverpool.

More from News

Friday 12th December

The Chief Executive of Somerset Council, Duncan Sharkey, has admitted to making mistakes in cutting jobs. Yeovil MP Adam Dance is supporting a Lib Dem initiative to introduce a new ‘Farm First’ training scheme. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has launched an appeal to help buy a second helicopter... and more.
Thursday 11th December

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
Wednesday 10th December

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
Tuesday 9th December

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.
Monday 8th December

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
Friday 5th December

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.
Thursday 4th December

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
Wednesday 3rd December

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,