Yeovil Independents

10/01/2026

Who’s really going to benefit from the proposed Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Scheme? If you’re one of those who can’t charge at home… here’s a quick assessment of how much more it’s going to cost you to charge an EV through this scheme, vs an ‘average’ EV owner who charges overnight on a std domestic rate.

26/11/2025

Quite a depressing summary… but who can argue with it?

11/09/2025

05/09/2025

Well… if your going to make statements, let’s ensure they’re factual, accurate and not misleading.

Great article by Somerset Confidential and an interesting local view by Adrian Wilkes - Yeovil Independents

This week we look at the perils of sheltered housing and help a candidate understand what the "Dem" stands for in LibDem, The Octagon latest, SHOCK in Somerset and a new Post Office in Bridgwater

03/09/2025

Great to see our MP supporting our town and the critical services our District Hospital delivers.

Keep up the good work Adam Dance - MP for Yeovil and South Somerset

Two MPs have visited the maternity unit at Taunton’s Musgrove Park Hospital to witness first-hand the serious issues it is facing.

https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/somerset-news/mps-demand-urgent-action-taunton-10421534

31/08/2025

Seems some Somerset Councillors are spreading misinformation on the Octagon Consultation … and not happy to accept when they have been ‘called out’.

Honesty is always the best policy.

Pls be cautious of misinformation and a complete lack of understanding on the Octagon Project being spread by Somerset Councillors.

Despite my previous request to ask Cllr Oliver Patric of Somerset Council NOT to interfere with the consultation (that is ONLY impacting those in Yeovil Town), he continues to interfere and debate with Parishioners of Yeovil Town who don’t agree with the Councils consultation.

In a post by the ex Leader of Yeovil Town Council, Graham Oakes, his Somerset and Lib Dem colleague, Cllr Patrick is challenged by a Yeovil resident, who requests he should refrain from entering debate on Yeovil Towns consultation, as he does not represent anyone impacted by the consultation.

In his response, Cllr Patrick states that his parish council, East Coker have contributed to the Octagon refurb… which is why he has the right to debate.

As per info released by YTC… that is completely wrong.

No Parish Council has contributed to planned the Octagon Refurb and the continued interference by Somerset Cllrs, who clearly don’t understand what they are talking about… is making me and others somewhat irritated.

I wonder why some Somerset Councillors who have NO links with Yeovil Town Council are continuing to try and influence the consultation on the Octagon?

28/08/2025

Great post… we have a summary of our own coming!

Yeovil Town Council have run their first consultation today. Their OWN INFORMATION, on display at the Consultation, supports everything I and others have said about why this is NOT A FAIR deal for Yeovil Town and simply makes Somerset Council look like they don’t care.

Look at the board YTC have put up … in attempt to sell the need for investment.

1. It shows, clearly, the Octagon is a regional asset and is used by people across Somerset and the South West. I would say there are clearly more people who use it outside of Yeovil Town Parish, than within.

YET THE ONLY OPTION THEY GIVE IS FOR THOSE WITHIN YEOVIL TOWN TO PAY FOR IT!!

2. It states the Octagon is Somersets Largest and Principle Theatre. So, why, oh why won’t the Unitary Somerset Council pay for this Theatre and spread the cost across the region… who clearly use it?

THE WHOLE POINT OF THE UNITARY COUNCILS FORMATION IN 2023 WAS TO CREATE ONE COUNCIL FOR THE WHOLE OF SOMERSET. TO SHARE THE COST OF SOMERSETS ASSETS AND SERVICES (ACCROSS THE COUNTY). ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS SOMERSET COUNCIL HAS DONE IS TO OFFLOAD SERVICES LIKE THE OCTAGON TO INDIVIDUAL PARISH COUNCILS…. CONTRADICTING ITS MAIN VALUE OF SHARING THE COSTS OF SOMERSET, ACROSS SOMERSET.

3. It is clear… the Octagon was an outstanding theatre and was attracting well above average, in terms of ticket sales. Yet they closed it… for a project they never had funding for.

PROOF IF EVER NEEDED THAT SOMERSET COUNCIL MADE A TERRIBLE DECISION AND A HUGE MISTAKE BY CLOSING THIER PRINCIPLE THEATRE - AND NOW WONT FUND THE REVISED AND LESSER VALUE PROJECT.

Come on Somerset Council - this is not right.

Don’t forget, as well as acting on the Consultation, you can email Yeovil Town Council with your views at

[email protected]

28/08/2025

We’ve been interested to see the response to our leaflet…. it would seem that despite various Somerset Councillors attempts to label it as ‘misinformation’ … and Yeovil Town Council banning it from their page, none can actually explain what is wrong with it!!

We care about our town and the people in it. We are not joined at the hip with Somerset Council… who created this sad situation for Yeovil.

It is not unreasonable, therefore, that our views are different to YTC.

27/08/2025

Whatever your decision or views are on the consultation from Yeovil Town Council on the Octagon…. we believe you should be treated fairly.

The supporters of Yeovil Independents have been campaigning to get the Octagon back open, since its closure in 2023.

Somerset Council closed the Octagon in March 2023, which was supposed to be a year long re-design project.

After more than two years… we now have another proposal, this time funded by the new ‘custodians’, Yeovil Town Council.

We believe the financial burden of a regional facility like the Octagon should be a shared cost… not just those who live in Yeovil Town ONLY.

We’ve made up this leaflet to raise awareness of what is not being comminucated… so you can make an informed decision.

23/08/2025

Here’s a great post by one of Yeovil Town Councils Independent Councillors.

There’s been a lot of discussion online regarding the proposed plans by Yeovil Town Council to take out a loan to fund a refurbishment of the Octagon Theatre… at the expense of only those who live in Yeovil Town Parish.

What are your thoughts?

Please see the areas of consideration I am focused on when understanding the potential redevelopment of The Octagon. I'm sure there are more for each but these are my main focus.

I will try to post more on each of the individual pros and cons over the next couple of weeks. Please follow my page to be kept informed. https://www.facebook.com/TCYeovilIndependent

07/06/2025

Interesting update on Yeovil’s Maternity Unit….