Wednesday 25th February

Wednesday, 25 February 2026 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.

More from News

Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more