Friday 29th September

Friday, 29 September 2023 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The £29M project to up-grade Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre, which has run into financial problems, could be bailed out by Yeovil Town Council. New play equipment is to be installed at Ninesprings Country Park in Yeovil. A Martock woman has been fined £95 after being caught speeding in a 20 mph zone...and more.

Yeovil Town Council is planning to give financial support to the upgrade of Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre. The project, costing an estimated £29M has run into problems due to increased building costs and higher interest rates. Somerset Council, who are in charge of the project, say the interest payments to fund the project are currently running at one million pounds a year. Yeovil Town Council will discuss supporting the project at a meeting on Tuesday night. The following day, the Executive of Somerset Council will meet to make a decision about the Octagon's future.

The RSPB in Somerset has welcomed the results of a new study claiming that nearly a sixth of wildlife species in the UK are at risk of becoming extinct. The RSPB says the situation in Somerset is a real worry with populations of Swifts in steep decline.

New play equipment is to be installed at Ninesprings Country Park in Yeovil. Somerset Council, who own and operate the park, say the existing pirate ship be replaced with a ‘mega deck’ of raised play equipment. The ‘mega-deck’ will accommodate up to forty children at any one time.

A local woman has been fined £95 after being caught speeding in a 20mph zone. Lydia Rose Bellchamber who lives in Martock pleaded guilty to the offence when she appeared at Taunton Magistrates' Court. She was also disqualified from holding a driving licence for six months after receiving three penalty points which took her over the threshold for a ban.

It may not be an Olympic Sport but a Somerset teenager has been crowned the youngest world champion of Keepy Uppy. Keepy Uppy is when a football is kicked in the air multiple times without it touching the ground. Izzy Wilkins, who’s 15, won the title in Prague.

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Wednesday 21st January

Councillors have approved controversial plans to build four large carnival club sheds near Ilminster. Somerset Council says there's an increasing gap between the cost of education and the amount the government provides to run local schools. The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, aimed at protecting homes and businesses from flooding, has been reduced in size...and more
Tuesday 20th January

Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more
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.