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

Friday 12th June

It's claimed the increasing availability of drugs such as ketamine and cocaine has normalised drug use among young people in Somerset. The trial of a man accused of killing his one-month-old son in Chard begins today at Bristol Crown Court. A stone pillar outside the Langport Arms Hotel in Langport has been replaced after it was destroyed in a car crash... and more
Thursday 11th June

Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to the three aircrew from RNAS Yeovilton who died in last week's helicopter crash in Devon. Two men have been arrested and stolen vehicles seized following a major multi-agency operation in South Somerset. An event highlighting opportunities for women in the aerospace industry has been held in Yeovil... and more
Wednesday 10th June

The public will be consulted on how best to spend fifty million pounds of government funding to tackle flooding in Somerset. Avon and Somerset Police are backing a new road safety campaign aimed at reducing motorcycle fatalities. New welcome signs have been installed at entrances to the Mendip Hills National Landscape... and more
Tuesday 9th June

The government has announced a £50 million investment to strengthen Somerset’s flood defences. A woman from Stoke-sub-Hamdon has been banned from driving for 14 months after admitting drink-driving. Somerset Council has been told it must improve its adult social care services... and more
Monday 8th June

Plans for a new railway station in Langport remain stalled in Whitehall, according to Somerset Council. Plans to build 50 new homes in Broadway, near Ilminster, have been refused. The new water fountains in Yeovil’s Triangle, in Lower Middle Street, are being switched off during very hot weather because of safety concerns... and more.
Friday 5th June

A new NHS dental practice in Crewkerne says it won’t start operating at full capacity until July due to staff shortages. Somerset Council says it has no plans to show England matches in the World Cup on the Big Screen in Yeovil town centre due to safety concerns. A Somerset family has been thanked after completing a 73-mile walk raising money for a third world charity... and more
Thursday 4th June

An investigation continues today into the crash of a Royal Navy helicopter, based at RNAS Yeovilton, in which all three aircrew were killed. Somerset Council has confirmed that a new operator will take over several leisure centres across the county. The new live-action Masters of the Universe movie, filmed in Somerset, is released this week...and more
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