Thursday 5th October

Thursday, 5 October 2023 at 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

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