Tuesday 18th August

Tuesday, 18 August 2026 06:00

By Steve Haigh

People across Somerset are banned from today from using hosepipes to water gardens, clean windows or cars, or fill swimming and paddling pools. More cases of the potentially deadly livestock disease Bluetongue have been confirmed in Somerset. Work is underway to improve disabled access at Holyrood Academy in Chard... and more

People across Somerset are banned from today from using hosepipes to water gardens, clean windows or cars, or fill swimming and paddling pools. The hosepipe ban, announced by Wessex Water, is the first time since the drought of 1976 that water restrictions have been imposed in Somerset. Wessex Water, which supplies almost all homes and businesses in the county, says its reservoirs are around half full, but it cannot maintain the current high level of demand for water.

More cases of the potentially deadly livestock disease Bluetongue have been confirmed in Somerset. Bluetongue is spread by biting midges and can affect sheep, cattle, goats and deer. Symptoms include fever, lameness, facial swelling, mouth ulcers and breathing difficulties. Defra says the hot weather has accelerated the spread of the virus and is urging farmers to report suspected cases immediately.

Work is underway to improve disabled access at Holyrood Academy in Chard. Accessible upgrades are being carried out across the school site, with the work expected to be completed before the start of the new school term in September.

The Women’s Institute in West Buckland is celebrating its 90th anniversary with a coffee morning this Saturday. The event is at the village hall, starting at ten o’clock in the morning, with everyone welcome. Photographs and memorabilia from the group’s archives will be on display.

And, Lawrences Auctioneers of Crewkerne is holding a special valuation day in support of Ferne Animal Sanctuary. The event takes place at the sanctuary in Wambrook, near Chard, on Thursday, September 24th. For a donation of just one pound, a team of experts will value your items, with proceeds supporting the animal sanctuary.

More from News

Monday 17th August

Wessex Water, who supplies almost all homes and businesses in Somerset, has introduced a hosepipe ban effective from midnight tonight. A sinkhole on Station Road in Castle Cary has been repaired, two years after it was first discovered. A Wildcat helicopter from RNAS Yeovilton has taken part in the annual passing-out parade at the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth... and more
Friday 14th August

Police are investigating an incident in which obscene words were scratched onto the World War One memorial at Ham Hill. Yeovil MP Adam Dance has repeated his call for the upgrade of the town’s police station to include a custody suite. A Somerset carnival club is building a specially adapted float to allow a wheelchair user and her assistance dog to take part in this year’s carnival circuit...and more
Thursday 13th August

An Ilminster family is celebrating after winning one million pounds on the National Lottery. Police have released a picture of a man they want to speak to in connection with suspected frauds in Somerset. Somerset Council has opened a tendering process to find a main contractor for the £15 million upgrade of Yeovil’s Octagon theatre... and more
Wednesday 12th August

Experts say with good visibility forecast for this evening, people across Somerset should have some of the best views of the solar eclipse anywhere in the UK. A Somerset councillor is calling for the Stop Line cycle route between Chard and Ilminster to be better supported. It's 40-years ago this week since a Lynx helicopter built in Yeovil set a new World Helicopter Speed Record... and more
Tuesday 11th August

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
Monday 10th August

A local councillor claims anti-social behaviour is putting people off coming into Yeovil town centre. South-West Water has announced a hosepipe ban in the Chard area. Great Western Railway has apologised after a wheelchair user from Chard became stuck at one of its stations... and more
Friday 7th August

Chard's biggest employer, Numatic International, makers of the Henry vacuum cleaner, has announced job cuts. A new Neighbourhood Plan for Hatch Beauchamp has officially been adopted. Two historic artefacts taken from Glastonbury Abbey more than 70 years ago have been returned...and more
Thursday 6th August

A local man and convicted former neo-Nazi, selected by the Conservatives to stand in Crewkerne South in next year’s local elections for a seat on Somerset Council, has pulled out after a backlash against his candidacy. A charity that runs children's homes in Somerset is terminating its contract early following a critical report by Ofsted...and more