Wednesday 4th October

Wednesday, 4 October 2023 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Last night’s meeting of Yeovil Town Council, called to discuss giving financial support to the £29M project to re-build Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre had to be abandoned before it had started. Concern has been expressed about land at Bruton School for Girls being used for new housing. Homeowners in Chard are being offered the use of a free water butt to help cut the risk of flooding...and more.

Last night’s meeting of Yeovil Town Council, called to discuss giving financial support to the £29 million project to re-build Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre had to be abandoned before it had started due to the Council Chamber not being big enough to accommodate all the people wanting to attend. An impromptu meeting was held outside the Town House at which Council Leader Graham Oakes apologised for the upset and said a bigger venue would now be booked for holding the meeting at a later date. Meanwhile, the Executive at Somerset Council meets today to decide the next steps with the Octagon project which has run into problems due to increased building costs and higher interest rates.

Concern has been expressed about land at Bruton School for Girls being used for new housing. The school, which closed in the summer of last year, is currently on offer with a guide price of £9 million. Chairman of Pitcombe Parish Council, Richard Waller, says he’s concerned about the impact a new housing development on the site would have on local services.

Rail operators in Somerset are warning of delays and cancellations today due to further strike action by members of ASLEF. South Western Railway and GWR say only a reduced timetable will operate on both networks.

Homeowners in Chard are being offered the use of a free water butt to help cut the risk of flooding. The butts, provided by Wessex Water, are being given to people living in the Crimchard and Glynswood areas of the town in the hope they reduce the build-up of surface water.

Work starts later this month on resurfacing the B3081 at Bruton. It starts on Monday, October 16th and will last until Monday, October 23rd with the road closed between 6.30 pm and 11.30 pm each evening.

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