Wednesday 24th December

Wednesday, 24 December 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A formal planning application has been made to carry out significant improvements to Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre, costing £15 million. The Halifax Bank in King George Street in Yeovil could be converted into 17 flats. A new young people’s centre opens in Chard early in the New Year...and more.

A formal planning application has been made to carry out significant improvements costing £15 million to Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre. The works include improvements to the auditorium and rehearsal space, as well as to the front-of-house facilities, toilets, and stage and backstage areas. Providing the plans are approved, Somerset Council and Yeovil Town Council, who’re working jointly on the project, say work will start during the 2026/2027 financial year.

The Halifax Bank in King George Street in Yeovil could be converted into flats. Plans have been submitted to convert the former banking premises into a house of multiple occupation, providing 17 co-living rooms with associated shared communal facilities. The Halifax in King George Street closes permanently on Monday, January 12th, and re-opens within Lloyds Bank in The Borough on Wednesday, January 14th.

Plans have been submitted to widen a level crossing near Crewkerne. Network Rail says it needs to widen the Cathole Bridge Road level crossing near the Crewkerne Tunnel to create a new pedestrian link to a nearby housing development.

A community group has been established to try to reopen the village pub in Chiselborough. The Cat's Head Inn, which has been in existence for around 400 years, closed suddenly in May and is now up for sale.

Donyatt Parish Council has developed proposals to minimise flood risk in the village. They include improving the drainage on Crow Lane and changes in farming practices in local fields.

A new young people’s centre opens in Chard early in the New Year. The Hive Centre in Essex Close will begin operating on Monday, January 5th. It will host three evening sessions each week and four after-school drop-in sessions.

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