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

Monday 19th January

The government is facing increasing pressure to clarify whether it will order new medium-lift helicopters from Leonardo in Yeovil. Somerset Council is spending £5 million on new laptops. A new singing group is being set up in Yeovil for people living with dementia...and more
Friday 16th January

The go-ahead has been given to build 200 new homes at Ilchester. Taunton Town Council is increasing its share of the Council Tax by 3 per cent a year. Somerset is featured in a new Agatha Christie drama being shown on Netflix from this week...and more
Thursday 15th January

The company behind a proposed tidal lagoon between Watchet and Minehead says it could create up to eight thousand jobs. A third councillor on Somerset Council has joined Reform UK. St Margaret's Hospice says this year’s Christmas tree collection scheme raised forty-seven thousand pounds...and more.
Wednesday 14th January

The union representing workers at Leonardo in Yeovil says it needs a clear answer from the government on whether the Yeovil factory will be awarded a contract to build new medium-lift helicopters for the RAF. Somerset Council says more support will be provided to foster carers. A bird flu surveillance zone remains in place over the Somerset Levels...and more
Tuesday 13th January

The Government says it won’t bring forward a decision on buying new helicopters from Leonardo in Yeovil. A bird flu surveillance zone remains in place over the Somerset Levels. Yeovil’s temporary police station on Horsey Lane is to close at the end of the month....and more
Monday 12th January

Leonardo is threatening to shut its Yeovil factory. Somerset Community Foundation says there's still time to donate money to its Surviving Winter Appeal. The Swan Theatre in Yeovil is staging a number of special performances to mark its 50th anniversary...and more.
Friday 9th January

A Yeovil man has been arrested and then de-arrested after a collision in Dorset. A Somerset food manufacturer could be expanding its Wincanton base. A new dementia-friendly choir has been launched in Yeovil...and more.
Thursday 8th January

Adam Dance MP is welcoming developments in his campaign to support neurodivergent schoolchildren. Somerset was the star of the small screen last night, thanks to BBC comedy ‘Can You Keep A Secret’. A Yeovil gymnastics club has hosted a VIP guest...and more.