Thursday 20th March

Thursday, 20 March 2025 05:00

By Steve Haigh

There has been a further delay to reopening Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre. Police are appealing for witnesses to an accident in Wincanton in which a motorcyclist was killed. A debt advice charity in Somerset is recruiting more volunteers to help with an expected increase in people going into debt...and more.

Somerset Council says Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre may not reopen until early 2027. The theatre closed in April 2023, with Somerset Council initially planning to spend £30 million on a major upgrade. That figure was later reduced to £15 million with a reopening date set for the end of 2026. The Council says a revised business case for the project still hasn't been submitted to the government, meaning the reopening will be delayed to 2027. Of the £15 million allocated to up-grade the Octagon, £10 million will come from a government grant, with £3.75 million provided by Yeovil Town who, once the refurbishment is completed, have agreed in principle to take over running the theatre.

A debt advice charity in Somerset is recruiting more volunteer advisers to help with an expected increase in people going into debt in the next few months. Council tax and other utility bills will rise in April with Somerset Debt Advice saying it’s likely to lead to more people running out of money.

A bus service between Shepton Mallet and Castle Cary is now stopping at Castle Cary railway station. This follows the introduction of a turning space on the station forecourt, allowing route bus-1 to drop off and pick up passengers.

Police are appealing for witnesses to an accident in Wincanton in which a motorcyclist was killed. It happened yesterday at around 6 am on the B3081 at Old Hill near Wincanton racecourse. Anyone who witnessed the accident or has dashcam footage is asked to please call the non-emergency number 101.

The RSPB's site at Ham Wall in Somerset recorded a record year for bitterns in 2024. 15 booming males were recorded at Ham Wall and 41 across the whole of Avalon Marshes. The UK's loudest bird population has increased by 20 per cent in the last year.

A Yeovil primary school will welcome a visit by a top athlete next month. Robert Mitchell, a finalist in the High Jump at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, will be at St Michael’s Academy on Friday, April 25th, where he’ll share his stories, to inspire children to lead a healthy and active lifestyle.

More from News

Wednesday 3rd September

Yeovil’s MP, Adam Dance, will introduce his first Bill to Parliament next week, proposing dyslexia screening. The 2025 Ilminster Neighbourhood Plan referendum has won a massive majority in the town. Chard residents are being encouraged to report crime and antisocial behaviour...and more.
Tuesday 2nd September

An ex-Somerset MP who quit politics after allegations of sexual misconduct has died suddenly. The A378 in Langport has now reopened after extensive work. Crewkerne’s annual Charter Fair, which can be traced back to Saxon times, returns this weekend...and more.
Monday 1st September

The taps are back on in Yeovil, after large parts of the town were left without water on Friday. South Somerset is now considered the UK’s top alternative to the Cotswolds. Yeovil is gearing up for the return of its Literary Festival this October...and more.
Friday 29th August

The Assistant Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police says she wants to instil trust in the force. Chard businesses are voicing their concerns after major roadworks started in the town. A farmer who produces potatoes for the crisp industry says the rainfall is welcome but yields will be down... and more.
Thursday 28th August

A Marston Magna man who fell ill on holiday has died. A film of Yeovil’s fundraiser for famine relief is being screened tonight, forty years on. A South Somerset contestant has been ranked fifth place at the World’s Strongest Man (Natural) contest...and more.
Wednesday 27th August

Concerns are being raised over the maintenance of the River Cary, following reports of planned cutbacks. It could be an earlier harvest for Somerset cider growers this autumn after a warm summer. The Teals Farm Shop has revealed plans to broaden its services...and more.
Tuesday 26th August

An investigation is underway after a man was found seriously injured in the Queensway Place area of Yeovil . A man has been charged with murder following an incident in South Petherton. Yeovil Town FC have confirmed that Mark Cooper has been relieved of his duties... and more.
Friday 22nd August

Six hundred parking spaces could be lost in Yeovil town centre if plans to build new homes on public car parks go ahead. The Environment Agency is to stop maintaining some rivers and streams in Somerset to save money. People in Somerset are being warned about a scam involving fake communications from the tax authorities...and more