Wednesday 25th February

Wednesday, 25 February 2026 at 05:00

By Steve Haigh

Plans have been passed to carry out a £15 million upgrade of Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre. A new medical unit providing NHS and private treatments has opened in Shepton Mallet. Manor Court Community Primary School in Chard is celebrating after receiving a Gold Artsmark for excellence in arts and cultural education...and more

Plans have been passed to carry out a £15 million upgrade of Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre. The work will see accessibility improved throughout the venue, new technical equipment to support more ambitious productions installed, including enhanced systems for moving scenery and props. It’s understood the work upgrading the Octagon will begin during the new financial year, beginning in April.

The government has approved Somerset Council’s request for £30 million of Exceptional Financial Support. £25 million will be used to cover a budget gap and £5 million to support the transformation of services. The money will be raised through a Capitalisation Direction, allowing Somerset Council to fund day-to-day spending through additional borrowing or selling under-utilised assets.

A new medical unit providing NHS and private treatments has opened in Shepton Mallet. The facility on Bucklers Way, close to the town's community hospital, includes consulting rooms and a minor operating theatre, and offers a range of services including hip and knee replacements and treatment for age-related macular degeneration.

A Yeovil man has been given a 1-year driving ban after being caught drug-driving. Reuben John Clare, aged 20, of Preston Road pleaded guilty to driving on Wyndham View in Yeovil with more than double the legal limit of cannabis in his blood.

Manor Court Community Primary School in Chard is celebrating after receiving a Gold Artsmark for excellence in arts and cultural education. The school says the arts are embedded within its development plan, with arts leads appointed to help students develop and improve.

And, members of Chardstock Amateur Dramatic Society are in final rehearsals for their production of Jack and the Beanstalk. Director Jen Parker says audiences will be enchanted by captivating sets, and mesmerising special effects. Jack and the Beanstalk will be performed at Chardstock Community Hall beginning Thursday, March 5th, to Saturday, March 7th.

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Thursday 29th October

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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

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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