Wednesday 14th August

    Somerset Council has reaffirmed its commitment to upgrading Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre. A Somerset woman has appeared in court charged with murder. A music concert, held at St Mary's church in Chard, has raised £1,000 towards repairing the church's vandalised windows...and more.

    Somerset Council has reaffirmed its commitment to upgrading Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre after councillors approved a new cultural strategy for the county.  The theatre has been closed since April 2023, with the council voting to scrap spending £30 million extending the building and to keep it shut until a new business case has been agreed. It’s planned that when the Octagon re-opens, Yeovil Town Council will take over its running.

    A Somerset woman has appeared in court charged with murder. Christine Kekkonen, of Dunsford Terrace in Baltonsborough, was appearing at Bristol Magistrates Court where she pleaded not guilty to the murder of Henri Kekkonen. She was remanded in custody and sent for trial at Bristol Crown Court.

    Experts say people in Somerset were treated to the best meteor shower of the year earlier this week. Hundreds of shooting stars, known as a Perseid shower, were seen crossing over Somerset skies on Monday night. Local astronomy photographer, Josh Dury, says there are still more shooting stars that will be visible over Somerset over the weekend.

    Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner, together with the Chief Constable and the Chief Crown Prosecutor for the West say they're appalled by the recent violence and disorder in the force area. They've written an open letter saying that anyone being violent under the guise of protest will face the full force of the law. They asked that anyone with any information about planned violence or disorder to contact Crime Stoppers.

    A music concert, held at St Mary's church in Chard, has raised £1,000 towards the cost of repairing the church's vandalised windows. Another concert is planned for December, with a further £3,000 needed to complete the repairs.

    More from News

    • 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

    Today's Weather

    • Yeovil

      Heavy rain shower

      High: 8°C | Low: 6°C

    • Chard

      Light rain

      High: 8°C | Low: 5°C

    • Crewkerne

      Light rain

      High: 8°C | Low: 5°C

    • Somerton

      Heavy rain shower

      High: 8°C | Low: 5°C

    • Wincanton

      Heavy rain shower

      High: 7°C | Low: 6°C

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