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

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