Wednesday 14th August

Wednesday, 14 August 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Somerset Council has reaffirmed its commitment to upgrading Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre. A Somerset woman has appeared in court charged with murder. A music concert, held at St Mary's church in Chard, has raised £1,000 towards repairing the church's vandalised windows...and more.

Somerset Council has reaffirmed its commitment to upgrading Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre after councillors approved a new cultural strategy for the county. The theatre has been closed since April 2023, with the council voting to scrap spending £30 million extending the building and to keep it shut until a new business case has been agreed. It’s planned that when the Octagon re-opens, Yeovil Town Council will take over its running.

A Somerset woman has appeared in court charged with murder. Christine Kekkonen, of Dunsford Terrace in Baltonsborough, was appearing at Bristol Magistrates Court where she pleaded not guilty to the murder of Henri Kekkonen. She was remanded in custody and sent for trial at Bristol Crown Court.

Experts say people in Somerset were treated to the best meteor shower of the year earlier this week. Hundreds of shooting stars, known as a Perseid shower, were seen crossing over Somerset skies on Monday night. Local astronomy photographer, Josh Dury, says there are still more shooting stars that will be visible over Somerset over the weekend.

Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner, together with the Chief Constable and the Chief Crown Prosecutor for the West say they're appalled by the recent violence and disorder in the force area. They've written an open letter saying that anyone being violent under the guise of protest will face the full force of the law. They asked that anyone with any information about planned violence or disorder to contact Crime Stoppers.

A music concert, held at St Mary's church in Chard, has raised £1,000 towards the cost of repairing the church's vandalised windows. Another concert is planned for December, with a further £3,000 needed to complete the repairs.

More from News

Friday 18th July

EDF has completed another milestone in constructing the new 'Hinkley C' nuclear power plant near Bridgwater. The Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire opens today with helicopters built in Yeovil on display. A road leading to Chard reservoir, shut two months ago for strengthening work to a dam wall, has re-opened...and more
Thursday 17th July

Yeovil MP Adam Dance says he has serious concerns about plans that could see the closure of inpatient beds at Crewkerne Community Hospital. Ilminster residents are being asked to vote in a referendum on adopting a new neighbourhood plan for the town. An event in which people take part in a race against horses is returning to Somerset later this year...and more
Wednesday 16th July

A children’s play area in Ilminster has been closed on safety grounds after badger setts were found on the land. Somerset Council sold off £90m of property assets last year to help fight off bankruptcy. Crewkerne Community Hospital could be turned into a neighbourhood health centre...and more.
Tuesday 15th July

The fire service has blamed a discarded portable barbecue for starting a blaze at Ham Hill Country Park. A care home for people with autism and complex needs in Crewkerne has been rated 'good'. A seven-year-old Yeovil boy has set a new world record for completing the most number of consecutive sit-ups for his age group...and more
Monday 14th July

Somerset Council is warning motorists against scanning QR codes at its car parks payment meters. Chard Town Council is spending £10,000 on short-term youth provision over the summer months. Former Yeovil Town player Marcus Stewart says he wants to continue raising money towards finding a cure for motor neurone disease...and more.
Friday 10th July

A Yeovil woman has shared how she is still on the waiting list for a transplant, a year on. A Crewkerne community group saved two tonnes of food from landfill last month and gave it to residents in need. Yeovil Town have announced their fixture list for the 2025/26 season....and more.
Thursday 10th July

The UK Health Security Agency has issued a yellow heat health alert for the South West. A former Cherry Farm in Chard has donated its netting and high-tensile wire to Somerset Aid for Ukraine. Somerset Council is moving forward with its next phase of plans for the county...and more.
Wednesday 9th July

Demolition work at Yeovil’s Glovers Walk has been held up after two colonies of bees were discovered. Refurbishment of the town’s Dunelm store is underway. A teenager from Crewkerne has represented his country, winning a gold medal in a national boxing competition... and more.