Thursday 23rd October

Thursday, 23 October 2025 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Yeovil-born actress Sarah Parish is supporting efforts to reopen the Octagon theatre. Mobility scooter campaigners in Somerset have welcomed a government review of the legislation governing the use of mobility scooters on public highways. Changes are being made to the dates when garden waste is collected in Somerset...and more

Yeovil-born actress Sarah Parish is supporting efforts to reopen the Octagon theatre. Sarah, best known for her appearances in TV’s Cutting It and Doctor Who, says her career would not have been possible without the Octagon, where she made her stage debut with Yeovil Youth Theatre. She wants the Octagon reopened so young people in Yeovil can have the same opportunities to perform and learn about acting that she had.

Mobility scooter campaigners in Somerset have welcomed a government review of the legislation and regulations around the use of mobility scooters. Currently, no training is required to purchase a mobility scooter, despite owners using them on the public highway.

The River Yeo at Cheddar could once again be used to help generate energy, thanks to a new project. If successful, it could revive the hydropower legacy at the site of the former Cox’s Mill Hotel, with all profits being channelled into local community ventures.

Changes are being made to the dates when garden waste is collected in Somerset. Somerset Council states that not all households are affected, but those that are should check their new collection date on the Somerset Council website. Collection dates remain the same until November 24th, when the new collection timetable takes effect.

This year’s Christmas lights switch-on in Ilminster will take place on Friday, 21st November. A Christmas market with live music will take place along the High Street, which will be closed to traffic from 4 pm onwards on the day of the event.

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