Monday 25th November

Monday, 25 November 2024 06:00

Yeovil's Octagon Theatre is to get a £10 million grant. Flood warnings remain in force today. The Conservatives have won a by-election to fill a vacancy on Somerset Council. A fraud investigation has been launched into a defence firm...and more.

Yeovil's Octagon Theatre is to get a £10 million grant that the previous Conservative government promised. The money was awarded to help pay towards upgrading the venue when it closed in April 2023. But with a change of government and Somerset Council declaring a financial crisis, doubts were raised that the funding might be withdrawn. Lead member for Culture at Somerset Council, Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, says confirmation of the grant is a positive step towards getting the Octagon re-opened.

Flood warnings remain in force today along the banks of the rivers Yeo, Brue, Parrett, and Isle following Storm Burt and the weekend’s heavy rain. The Environment Agency says properties in low-lying areas are at particular risk and advises owners to take appropriate preventative action.

The Conservatives have won a by-election to fill a vacancy on Somerset Council for the Blackmoor Vale division. Hayward Burt took the seat with 1,120 votes. Howard Ellard for the Lib Dems was second on 714 votes, Peter Ebsworth for the Greens was third on 86 votes, and Gregory Chambers for Labour was fourth on 32 votes. The turnout was 26.07%.

A fraud investigation has been launched into defence firm, Thales, who are based in Templecombe. Police raids of the company’s officers in Europe were carried out in June over suspicions of corruption linked to arms sales. Thales was awarded a 1.8 billion pound UK government contract in January to maintain Royal Navy ships and submarines, securing 300 positions in Templecombe. Thales has confirmed that an investigation has been launched.

Yeovil MP Adam Dance is to continue in his role as a councillor at Somerset Council despite having substantial additional duties to perform as a member of Parliament. Glastonbury and Somerton MP Sarah Dyke stood down as a member of Somerset Council after being elected to Parliament in June. Mr Dance says he’s staying on as a member of Somerset because the bulk of his casework relates to matters concerning Somerset Council.

An apprentice solicitor in Ilminster has been recognised for his good work at a top national award event. Russell Munster, based at Amicus Law Solicitors in Ilminster was highly commended in the 'Outstanding Employee of the Year' category and shortlisted for 'Rising Star of the Year' at the Modern Law Conveyancing Awards held in Liverpool.

More from News

Wednesday 4th December

Two weeks after Storm Bert, people in the village of Chaffcombe near Chard are still without broadband and landline phones. A new report warns that drivers are far more likely to be killed or seriously injured on rural roads in Somerset than on urban roads. Staff and children at Tatworth Primary School near Chard are celebrating after winning the annual Somerset School's Maths Challenge.
Tuesday 3rd December

Police are appealing for witnesses to an incident in Shepton Mallet in which a man was beaten up. A major emergency exercise is taking place at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil today. A Crewkerne dental surgery has been voted UK Dental Practice of the Year...and more.
Monday 2nd December

Wessex Water has issued an apology for last Friday’s major disruption to water supplies in Yeovil. Planned reforms to stroke services at Yeovil Hospital could be delayed following the discovery of asbestos in parts of the building. Rail travellers are being warned of disruption on the West of England Line over the Christmas and New Year period...and more.
Friday 29th November

Work has started demolishing Glovers Walk in Yeovil. Chard Town Football Club says being given planning permission to build a new ground is a huge step forward for the Club. Police are appealing for information concerning the theft of farm equipment and a Land Rover. The Christmas lights are being turned on in Crewkerne tonight...and more
Thursday 28th November

Residents in Somerset had the worst level of access to NHS dental treatment in England last year. Plans have been passed to build 300 new homes on the northern edge of Chard. Fourteen people have been arrested and 18 vehicles seized in five days of co-ordinated road policing operations by Avon and Somerset Police...and more
Wednesday 27th November

NHS Somerset says one hundred thousand people in the county have yet to receive the latest Covid booster jab. The road between Merriot and Lopen at Eggwood Hill remains closed following a landslip. Guests at a B&B in Cornwall can now book an overnight stay in a Lynx helicopter...and more.
Tuesday 26th November

A Somerset councillor has criticised government plans to relax the planning laws. A new group has been formed in Somerset aimed at cutting the number of motorcycle thefts. A retired Royal Naval Reserve Officer in Somerset has set a new Guinness World Record...and more.
Friday 22nd November

Somerset Council has provided rough sleepers with emergency accommodation due to the extreme cold weather of the past few days. Three men from Somerset, charged in connection with a series of burglaries, are due in court today. The Christmas lights get turned on in Ilminster tonight...and more