Wednesday 4th October

Wednesday, 4 October 2023 at 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

Friday 30th October

Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
Thursday 29th October

A Yeovil man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for attacking his mother with a knife. People in Chard are being reminded that it’s unlawful to attach flags to lamp posts and street furniture. Wincanton Racecourse has called off its 'Badger Chase Day' because the ground is too firm... and more
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

Eligible groups in Somerset are being encouraged to get their flu jabs. There’s a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Avon & Somerset Police’s control room. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, has visited Yeovil... and more.
Friday 23rd October

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