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a change of government and Somerset Council declaring a financial crisis, doubts were raised that the funding might be withdrawn.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

Thursday 1st May

There’s been a call for the Somerset Levels to be designated a National Landscape. A Yeovil man has raised £2,000 for a new school minibus at Fairmead School in Yeovil by running the London Marathon. Exmoor Ales, which provides cask ales across the region and beyond, is closing its Somerset brewery and moving the business to Surrey...and more.
Wednesday 30th April

The long-awaited refurbishment of Yeovil police station is finally to get underway this summer. Plans have been approved to build 185 new homes off Bunford Lane in Yeovil. Police have arrested three men in Yeovil for being involved in the supply of Class A drugs. A Somerset jockey has been named Champion Conditional Jockey of 2025...and more.
Tuesday 29th April

New figures have shown that registering as a new patient with an NHS dentist in Somerset is still just as difficult as it was six months ago. The go-ahead has been given to build 160 new houses on Station Road in Castle Cary. A sailor from South Petherton has been chosen to lead a team in the round-the-world Clipper Race...and more.
Monday 28th April

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.
Friday 25th April

Police are investigating the theft of a motorbike in Ilminster. Tributes have been paid to the former Yeovil Town player-manager, Cecil Irwin, who has died aged 83. Town criers from across the South West will be in Yeovil tomorrow competing for the loudest voice in the Yeovil Town Crier Competition 2025...and more
Thursday 24th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to an accident in which a child was struck by a car in Yeovil. This week, a planning inquiry is being held into plans to turn a Somerset shopping centre into a retirement complex. A Somerset woman is planning to walk the 70-miles of Hadrian's Wall to mark her 90th birthday...and more.
Wednesday 23rd April

Tourism bosses in Somerset say they feel confident the County will have a good summer for visitors this year. A group representing care providers in Somerset is warning that some residential homes are at risk of going out of business due to rising costs. A Somerset animal charity has taken into care, three orphaned badger cubs...and more.
Tuesday 22nd April

The Care Quality Commission has given two GP practices in Yeovil a 'good' overall rating. According to insurers, AXA, thefts at commercial premises in Somerset are on the rise. Bus users in Somerset could see changes to the frequency of services when the new West of England mayor takes office. Martock is to host its first Pride event in June...and more.