Thursday 4th April

    Fifteen million pounds could be spent on improvements to Yeovil's Octagon Theatre to get it reopened. A police officer with the Devon and Cornwall force, who lives in Ilminster, has been found not guilty of raping a woman. A woman who lives in Milborne Port has completed a seventy-seven-mile walk across India, re-creating a journey made by her grandfather in 1944...and more.

    Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre could have fifteen million pounds spent on improvements to get it reopened. Somerset Council had planned to spend thirty million upgrading the theatre that closed in April last year before deciding the scheme was no longer affordable. The Council now plans to spend half that amount on front-of-house and catering improvements, increased seating and a fly tower. However, the Council says the scheme depends on the Government allowing a grant of ten million, allocated to the original scheme, to be spent on the scaled-back work. If the Government gives the money, a further £3.75 million would be provided by Yeovil Town Council, who have agreed in principle to take over financial responsibility for running the Octagon when the upgrade has been completed. 

    A police officer with the Devon and Cornwall force, who lives in Ilminster, has been found not guilty of raping a woman. David Stansbury had been accused of sexually assaulting a woman at her home in Plymouth. Sergeant Stansbury had denied three counts of rape and was acquitted by a unanimous jury at Bristol Crown Court following a trial lasting three weeks. 

    Chard Town Council is spending £4,000 on a new children’s swing for a local park. The Council says the equipment, to be installed at Halcombe Park, is being paid for from funds set aside to replace faulty play equipment. Meanwhile, the Council says a new BMX track that it plans to build at Halcombe Park should be open within the next 12 months.

    A woman who lives in Milborne Port has completed a seventy-seven-mile walk across India, recreating a journey made by her grandfather in 1944. Charlotte Carty followed the same route as William Brown, when he walked from the village of Jessami to Kohima as Commander-in-Chief of the 1st Assam Regiment, helping to defend Kohima from Japanese attack in the Second World War, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order.

    A famous dress created by a Somerset artist could be going back on display in Somerton. The Red Dress by Kirstie McLeod involved people from more than 50 countries contributing embroidery to help make it. Due to popular demand, ACE Arts is planning another exhibition of the Red Dress at its Somerton gallery.

    A Somerset charity is trying to raise fifteen thousand pounds for a new van. On Your Bike says it needs the van for community outreach work.

    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

    Today's Weather

    • Yeovil

      Sunny intervals

      High: 21°C | Low: 10°C

    • Chard

      Sunny intervals

      High: 20°C | Low: 9°C

    • Crewkerne

      Sunny intervals

      High: 20°C | Low: 9°C

    • Somerton

      Sunny intervals

      High: 22°C | Low: 10°C

    • Wincanton

      Sunny intervals

      High: 21°C | Low: 10°C

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