Tuesday 11th August

Tuesday, 11 August 2026 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Wessex Water says a hosepipe ban is possible if customers fail to cut their water usage. A record number of illegal dog fights were reported in Somerset last year. Yeovil Town's Mason Obeng has won the traditional sack of potatoes, given to the player who scores Yeovil's first goal of the new season, as a lucky omen... and more

Wessex Water, which supplies most of Somerset, says a hosepipe ban is possible if customers fail to cut their water usage. It says reservoirs are at 58% capacity, but with a 30% rise in water usage over the summer months supplies remain at risk.

The RSPCA says greater awareness is behind an increase in illegal dogfighting in Somerset. 14 incidents were reported in Somerset in 2025, that's the fifth highest number in England.

South Western Railways is operating a reduced service through Crewkerne, Yeovil and Sherborne stations today. SWR, which was re-nationalised last year, says the hot weather is causing 'soil shrinkage' on embankments which could lead to tracks buckling. Only one train every two hours will run between Yeovil and Exeter until further notice..

Plans have been turned down to build 150 homes at Broadway Hill in Horton. Land opposite the village hall had been earmarked for the scheme by developers Gleeson Land. Somerset Council’s Planning South Committee gave a lack of public transport and funding for the local primary school, as reasons for the refusal. The government is expected to announce whether to call-in the decision by the end of August.

Yeovil Town player Mason Obeng will be presented with a sack of potatoes at the club's home game against Carlisle on Saturday. He scored in the 1-1 draw against Scunthorpe in Yeovil’s first game of the new season. By tradition, a sack of potatoes is given to the club's first goal scorer of the new season as a lucky omen.

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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