Monday 18th May

Monday, 18 May 2026 at 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 30th October

Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
Thursday 29th October

A Yeovil man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for attacking his mother with a knife. People in Chard are being reminded that it’s unlawful to attach flags to lamp posts and street furniture. Wincanton Racecourse has called off its 'Badger Chase Day' because the ground is too firm... and more
Wednesday 28th October

Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more
Tuesday 27th October

Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more
Monday 26th October

Eligible groups in Somerset are being encouraged to get their flu jabs. There’s a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Avon & Somerset Police’s control room. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, has visited Yeovil... and more.
Friday 23rd October

Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
Thursday 22nd October

The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more