Thursday 4th April

Thursday, 4 April 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Fifteen million pounds could be spent on improvements to Yeovil's Octagon Theatre to get it reopened. A police officer with the Devon and Cornwall force, who lives in Ilminster, has been found not guilty of raping a woman. A woman who lives in Milborne Port has completed a seventy-seven-mile walk across India, re-creating a journey made by her grandfather in 1944...and more.

Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre could have fifteen million pounds spent on improvements to get it reopened. Somerset Council had planned to spend thirty million upgrading the theatre that closed in April last year before deciding the scheme was no longer affordable. The Council now plans to spend half that amount on front-of-house and catering improvements, increased seating and a fly tower. However, the Council says the scheme depends on the Government allowing a grant of ten million, allocated to the original scheme, to be spent on the scaled-back work. If the Government gives the money, a further £3.75 million would be provided by Yeovil Town Council, who have agreed in principle to take over financial responsibility for running the Octagon when the upgrade has been completed.

A police officer with the Devon and Cornwall force, who lives in Ilminster, has been found not guilty of raping a woman. David Stansbury had been accused of sexually assaulting a woman at her home in Plymouth. Sergeant Stansbury had denied three counts of rape and was acquitted by a unanimous jury at Bristol Crown Court following a trial lasting three weeks.

Chard Town Council is spending £4,000 on a new children’s swing for a local park. The Council says the equipment, to be installed at Halcombe Park, is being paid for from funds set aside to replace faulty play equipment. Meanwhile, the Council says a new BMX track that it plans to build at Halcombe Park should be open within the next 12 months.

A woman who lives in Milborne Port has completed a seventy-seven-mile walk across India, recreating a journey made by her grandfather in 1944. Charlotte Carty followed the same route as William Brown, when he walked from the village of Jessami to Kohima as Commander-in-Chief of the 1st Assam Regiment, helping to defend Kohima from Japanese attack in the Second World War, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order.

A famous dress created by a Somerset artist could be going back on display in Somerton. The Red Dress by Kirstie McLeod involved people from more than 50 countries contributing embroidery to help make it. Due to popular demand, ACE Arts is planning another exhibition of the Red Dress at its Somerton gallery.

A Somerset charity is trying to raise fifteen thousand pounds for a new van. On Your Bike says it needs the van for community outreach work.

More from News

Friday 20th February

10,000 incidents of potholes on Somerset’s roads have been reported to Somerset Council in the past four weeks. The Met Office is warning of more unsettled weather into March for Somerset. The Crowshute link in Chard will close for eight nights next month for road repairs... and more
Thursday 19th February

Yeovil fire station is to undergo a major refurbishment. A Yeovil based charity is appealing for adults to become mentors to young people. A Somerset woman has completed a 10,000 kilometre solo bike ride across Africa... and more
Wednesday 18th February

New figures have shown a rise in cases of suicide involving farmers, including in Somerset. Plans to merge the parishes of Castle Cary and Ansford have been scrapped. A Somerset-based charity working to end homelessness is marking its 50th anniversary... and more
Tuesday 17th February

Avon and Somerset Police are asking the owners of replica guns to hand them in. It's claimed motorists in the Bruton and Wincanton area are paying out hundreds of pounds in repairs due to the poor state of local roads. And, Yeovil Town take on Aldershot at Huish Park tonight... and more
Monday 16th February

Yeovil MP Adam Dance has warned that the Westlands entertainment venue in Yeovil would be at risk should Leonardo not be awarded a government contract to build new medium life helicopters. A Chard woman has been given a suspended jail sentence for carrying a knife in a public place. A petition has been launched to slowdown motorists using Coker Way and Wyatt Way in Chard... and more
Friday 13th February

Somerset Council has dropped plans to close two town centre car parks in Yeovil. A Yeovil man has been charged with attempted murder after a woman was attacked in her home. The Environment Agency has committed to reviewing its water management of the Somerset Levels following the recent floods... and more
Thursday 12th February

The government says it's ‘working flat out’ to arrive at a decision on ordering a new medium lift helicopter with Leonardo in Yeovil. We’re being asked to suggest where new electric vehicle charge points should be installed in Somerset. A new project is inviting people to look up and help map Somerset’s night skies... and more
Wednesday 11th February

Somerset Council has been told it can’t raise council tax by more than 5 percent. Businesses in Somerset are being warned to watch out for fake £20 notes. A Martock man has successfully completed a parachute-ski jump off the top of Mount Snowdon.