Thursday 2nd October

Thursday, 2 October 2025 at 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

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