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.

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