Thursday 2nd October

Thursday, 2 October 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Councillors have voted to go ahead with taking out a loan of £3.3 million to re-open Yeovil's Octagon Theatre. A cafe owner in Yeovil has started a petition to stop Somerset Council from selling off public car parks in the town. Chard boxer, Brendon Moore, will compete for a new world title later this month ... and more

Councillors have voted to go ahead with taking out a loan of £3.3 million to re-open Yeovil's Octagon Theatre. At a special meeting last night, councillors and members of the public spoke both in favour and against borrowing the money, and loading the re-payment charges onto the council tax bills of households within the parish of Yeovil. Three councillors voted against and one abstained when the vote was taken, which follows a public consultation in which a small majority said it would be wrong to ask Yeovil town residents to pay extra in council tax to re-open the Octagon.

A cafe owner in Yeovil has started a petition to stop Somerset Council from selling off public car parks in the town. Jane Talbot, who owns Cafe 50 in Princes Street, says her business will go bust if Somerset Council close and sell off the Court Ash, North Lane and Stars Lane car parks.Somerset says no decisions on selling the car parks will be made until the end of the year.

A so-called ‘quiet zone’ for children and adults with special needs could be introduced at this year Chard Carnival. Organisers plan to provide a dedicated area along the route of the carnival for spectators with sensory needs and their families to gather in.

Chard boxer, Brendon Moore, will compete for a new world title later this month. The 38-year-old and current UK Boxing Union London champion takes on Connor O’Rourke for the World Boxing League Hybrid Boxing title, in Torquay, on Saturday, October 11th.

A volunteer scout leader in South Petherton has been recognised for his good work. Andrew Doble of the 2nd South Petherton Scout Group has been given the Chief Scout’s Commendation for his “extraordinary commitment and dedication to the local scouting movement”.

More from News

Wednesday 1st October

Local MP, Sarah Dyke, is calling for the introduction of a national caravan licensing and registration scheme. Members of 40 commando based in Somerset have started legal action after being given ear protection they say was faulty. Children at Hatch Beauchamp Primary School have held a coffee morning, raising £300 for Macmillan Cancer Support.... and more
Tuesday 30th September

The go-ahead has been given to build eighteen new homes in Curry Rivel. NHS Somerset is claiming positive results from a pilot scheme aimed at cutting waiting times. A fashion designer from Somerset has hit the heights by having his collection modelled at London Fashion Week..and more
Monday 29th September

A Yeovil woman, who’s visually impaired, says she’s had to stop using Pen Mill station because no staff are available. NHS Somerset says a final decision on the relaunch of maternity services at Yeovil Hospital will be made in October. A woman in Street is causing a stir on social media after putting up a Christmas tree at her home...and more
Friday 26th September

Lloyds Banking Group has announced that it is closing its Halifax branch in Yeovil. Avon and Somerset Chief Constable, Sarah Crew, is calling on the public to stand firm against hate. A helicopter from RNAS Yeovilton has been involved in tracking a Russian warship over the English Channel...and more.
Thursday 25th September

Police are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic accident in Chard involving a car that was being chased by police. A new NHS eye treatment service has opened in Yeovil. People are being asked to help write a new Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Somerset...and more
Wednesday 24th September

Yeovil Town says the sudden departure of manager Danny Webb won't affect the club's long-term plans. The Somerset family of a teenage boy with special educational needs say they can’t afford to pay for the specialist transport he needs to take him to school. A Reform UK candidate has won a by-election for a seat on Chard Town Council...and more.
Tuesday 23rd September

Two cars have been destroyed by fire in Martock. A Somerset cider maker says it's expecting a record-breaking apple crop this year. The Woodland Trust has awarded Manor Court Primary School in Chard a Gold Standard...and more.
Monday 22nd September

Yeovil Town’s recently appointed new manager, Danny Webb, has resigned from the role after only one game in charge. Workers at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil are threatening to walk out in a dispute over pay. Plans to build up to 765 new homes at Up Mudford on the outskirts of Yeovil could be halted by a judicial review... and more