Thursday 5th October

Thursday, 5 October 2023 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The planned £29 million upgrade of Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre has been put on hold. A new primary school will no longer be built as part of a major housing development planned for Ilminster. Castle Cary is celebrating winning gold at the South West in Bloom awards...and more.

The planned £29 million upgrade of Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre has been put on hold. Members of the Executive at Somerset Council voted for the delay after being told the plan was no longer affordable and that a loan of £17 million, costing one million pounds a year in interest, would be needed to carry out the upgrade. A new business case will now be drawn up aimed at finding ways of improving the Octagon at a lower cost.

A new primary school will no longer be built as part of a major new housing development planned for Ilminster. Persimmon Homes South West intended to build 400 new homes and a primary school on land south of Canal Way. The developer now says it will build 360 new homes on the site. Somerset Council, who have yet to approve the plans, say a new school will not be delivered as part of the development but that a nearby school will be extended instead.

The Conservatives have chosen local councillor, Faye Purbrick, to stand as their candidate in the newly created Glastonbury and Somerton parliamentary constituency. The constituency takes in a large part of the existing Somerton and Frome constituency, including Bruton, Castle Cary, Langport, Somerton, Glastonbury, and the parts of Street that are currently part of the Wells constituency. Faye Purbrick, who represents Yeovil South on Somerset Council, stood for the Conservatives in the recent Somerton and Frome by-election that was won for the Lib Dems by Sarah Dyke.

Castle Cary is celebrating winning gold at the South West in Bloom awards having entered the competition for the first time this year. Yeovil was the overall winner of the St. Bridget Cup and winner of the Tourism Trophy for Best Judges Portfolio. Haselbury Plucknett was the overall winner of the Mary Mortimer Cup.

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Thursday 29th January

Somerset Council has warned that more homes are likely to flood with further heavy rain forecast to end the week. Discount retailer, The Original Factory Shop, which has an outlet in Crewkerne, has gone into administration. A Barista at Costa Coffee in Ilminster has won a place in the finals of a national competition...and more
Wednesday 28th January

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced plans to develop a new operational base on the Leonardo airfield in Yeovil. Several people have been rescued from their homes in Ilminster due to flooding. An £800,000 project is underway to restore two staircases at Montecute House...and more
Tuesday 27th January

Last week was the wettest seven-day period in Somerset for twelve years. NHS Somerset says it’s working towards making access to dental care fairer for all. A scout leader in Somerset has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Young People...and more
Monday 26th January

A new group has been formed to challenge plans to build 100 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Bridgwater Town Council has voted to increase its share of the Council Tax by 5%. Organisers of Yeovil in Bloom are appealing for young people to get involved in this year’s competition...and more
Friday 23rd January

New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
Thursday 22nd January

A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more
Wednesday 21st January

Councillors have approved controversial plans to build four large carnival club sheds near Ilminster. Somerset Council says there's an increasing gap between the cost of education and the amount the government provides to run local schools. The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, aimed at protecting homes and businesses from flooding, has been reduced in size...and more
Tuesday 20th January

Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more