Monday 18th May

Monday, 18 May 2026 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The RSPCA is investigating after eleven newborn puppies were abandoned in Snowdon Park in Chard. Major funding has been announced for a new two-year arts programme in Yeovil. Plans have been unveiled to improve sports facilities at Somerton Recreation Ground...and more

The RSPCA is investigating after eleven newborn puppies were abandoned in Snowdon Park in Chard. Three of the dogs, believed to have been only hours old, had already died when they were discovered by a member of the public, who took the surviving puppies to a vet. RSPCA Chief Inspector Lewis Taylor is appealing for anyone with information about the puppies, or the person responsible for abandoning them, to come forward.

Major funding has been announced for a new two-year arts programme in Yeovil. ‘Yeovil Reimagine’, led by Yeovil Art Space, has secured four hundred thousand pounds to bring inclusive arts and cultural events to the town centre. The project includes public art commissions, community partnerships and opportunities for young people to lead creative enterprises. Funding includes two hundred thousand pounds from Arts Council England, with additional support from Somerset Council and local partners. Organisers say the programme will help revitalise Yeovil’s high street and strengthen community pride.”

Plans have been unveiled to improve sports facilities at Somerton Recreation Ground. Proposals include a new pavilion, a sports hall and additional parking. Somerset Council is expected to decide by the autumn whether to fund the project.

A historic ship’s bell has been put back on display in Chard after undergoing a thorough restoration and polish. The bell, from HMS Campion, had been displayed in the Guildhall for more than forty years before being removed for cleaning after losing its shine. It was originally presented to the town after the vessel was decommissioned, in recognition of the people of Chard and their efforts in helping fund the ship’s construction at the beginning of the Second World War.

Four members of the same family from Crewkerne completed the London MoonWalk at the weekend. Evie, Chris, George and Rob took on the twenty-six-mile overnight challenge to raise money for cancer research. Rob said the cause is one that means a great deal to the whole family.

More from News

Wednesday 3rd June

A Yeovil man has appeared in court charged with assaulting three police officers. Somerset Council has begun legal action to recover more than £320,000 owed by housing developers. The line-up has been announced for this year’s Ilminster Midsummer Experience...and more
Tuesday 2nd June

Somerset Prostate Cancer Support Group says a decision not to introduce mass screening for prostate cancer is the wrong one. A Martock woman has been banned from driving for 28 months. Somerset Council is marking Volunteers’ Week by thanking the volunteers who help deliver council services... and more
Monday 1st June

People in Somerset with Football Banning Orders are being reminded they must surrender their passports by the end of today ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup tournament. A road in Yeovil will close for nine days later this week. Farmers from Somerset were among the winners of this year's ITV Britain's Got Talent final...and more
Friday 29th May

South Western Ambulance Service is struggling to cope after a surge in 999 calls during the hot weather. Glastonbury and Somerton MP Sarah Dyke says a shortage of rental homes is making it harder for rural employers to attract workers. The National Trust is warning that changing weather patterns are making it difficult to maintain the Cerne Abbas Giant... and more
Thursday 28th May

People are being asked to take extra care in parks and open spaces as high temperatures and dry conditions increase the risk of fire. Plans to build hundreds of new homes in Yeovil can now go ahead after a High Court challenge by Mudford Parish Council was dismissed. A Somerset bakery chain has sparked a reaction after it stopped making iced buns... and more
Wednesday 27th May

The UK Health Security Agency has increased its heat health alert for Somerset to amber. Trading Standards officers have shut down three shops in Taunton after illegal cigarettes and vapes were discovered on the premises. Bridgwater Town Council is considering running its own bus services...and more
Tuesday 26th May

A Martock agricultural machinery business has gone into administration, putting around thirty jobs at risk. A new sensory room has opened at a Yeovil schook to support neurodiverse pupils. The headteacher of a Chard primary school is stepping down... and more
Friday 22nd May

The National Farmers Union in Somerset has welcomed the government’s new trade deal with six Gulf countries. Campaigners say Somerset’s canals and locks are in urgent need new investment. The Liverpool comedian John Bishop is heading to Somerset later this year...and more