Monday 25th November

Monday, 25 November 2024 at 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a change of government and Somerset Council declaring a financial crisis, doubts were raised that the funding might be withdrawn.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 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