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 28th January

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced plans to develop a new operational base on the Leonardo airfield in Yeovil. Several people have been rescued from their homes in Ilminster due to flooding. An £800,000 project is underway to restore two staircases at Montecute House...and more
Tuesday 27th January

Last week was the wettest seven-day period in Somerset for twelve years. NHS Somerset says it’s working towards making access to dental care fairer for all. A scout leader in Somerset has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Young People...and more
Monday 26th January

A new group has been formed to challenge plans to build 100 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Bridgwater Town Council has voted to increase its share of the Council Tax by 5%. Organisers of Yeovil in Bloom are appealing for young people to get involved in this year’s competition...and more
Friday 23rd January

New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
Thursday 22nd January

A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more
Wednesday 21st January

Councillors have approved controversial plans to build four large carnival club sheds near Ilminster. Somerset Council says there's an increasing gap between the cost of education and the amount the government provides to run local schools. The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, aimed at protecting homes and businesses from flooding, has been reduced in size...and more
Tuesday 20th January

Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more
Monday 19th January

The government is facing increasing pressure to clarify whether it will order new medium-lift helicopters from Leonardo in Yeovil. Somerset Council is spending £5 million on new laptops. A new singing group is being set up in Yeovil for people living with dementia...and more