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

Thursday 30th April

More than 4,500 people have expressed interest in joining a new NHS dental practice in Crewkerne. Somerset Council says a long-term solution is needed to make Hendford Hill in Yeovil fully safe for motorists. A Somerset man has won first prize at the World Marmalade Awards... and more
Wednesday 29th April

Somerset Council says Hendford Hill in Yeovil should be fully reopened to traffic by the end of May. Plans have been approved to build 40 new homes in Crewkerne. A huge pile of illegally dumped rubbish in Glastonbury has been cleared... and more
Tuesday 28th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision at Rimpton. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in South Petherton. Former Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson has been retained as first-team manager of Taunton Town for next season... and more
Monday 27th April

A former school in Sherborne has been badly damaged by fire. A care home in Yeovil has been rated outstanding. ublic spaces in West Coker owned by Somerset Council are being handed over to the parish council. Mendip Golf Club has presented a cheque for £12,000 to Mind in Somerset... and more
Friday 24th April

Plans have been submitted to turn a property on Preston Road in Yeovil into a House in Multiple Occupation. Yeovil’s Marlie Packer has been recalled to the England Red Roses starting line-up for tomorrow’s Women’s Six Nations game against Wales. Three sisters from Yeovil will be running the London Marathon this weekend in support of Guide Dogs UK... and more
Thursday 23rd April

Helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton have completed six weeks of sorties, protecting Cyprus from attacks by Iran. People in Somerset who use domestic heating oil are calling on the government to regulate the oil supply industry. Patients are being invited to register at a new NHS dentist in Crewkerne... and more
Wednesday 22nd April

Expectant mothers are using Yeovil Hospital once again to give birth following the reopening of the maternity unit. A Yeovil man has been jailed for four years for committing sexual offences against two young girls. Plans have been approved to convert a pub in Milborne Port into housing... and more
Tuesday 21st April

NHS Somerset has delayed closing the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. A former Avon and Somerset Police officer has been jailed for making indecent images of children. A Somerset man has been fined after pleading guilty to hunting a wild animal with dogs... and more