Bridgwater Mercury

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Bill Revans column: How Somerset won support for flood projects
Government funding secured to boost Somerset flood resilience after Storm Chandra. Investment aims to protect communities and improve infrastructure.

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Column: Clinton Rogers on a social media ban for under-16s
Debate grows in the UK over banning social media for under 16s, as Australia’s restrictions struggle to work. Experts question impact on youth mental health.

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Senior citizens fair by Bridgwater MP praised as a success
Bridgwater senior citizens’ fair, organised by MP Sir Ashley Fox at St Mary’s Church, offered support, advice, and activities for older residents and carers.

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0100
School in Cannington to host open day and country fair this month
Brymore Academy in Cannington hosts its open day and country fair on 27 June, featuring livestock shows, vintage vehicles, family activities, and local food.

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Retired Somerset education leader receives OBE in King’s Honours
Andrea Arlidge, former Futura Learning Partnership CEO, awarded OBE in King’s Birthday Honours for services to education across Somerset and the South West.

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 08:30:00 +0100
Teen on trial for death of Aria Thorpe says he 'wishes he never did it'
A teenager who is on trial for the death of Aria Thorpe said he was ‘upset’ about ‘the fact [he had] taken her life’ in a police interview, a court heard.

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Shake-up at UK’s biggest EV battery plant as main builder steps aside
The company behind the UK's biggest electric vehicle battery factory has announced it's parting ways with the contractor building the plant

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0100
Ryanair boss slams 'gobbledygook' EU rule change to flight bookings
Michael O'Leary called changes to air passenger rights "gobbledygook" and "bureaucratic bunkum" in a statement

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0100
Yellow heat health alerts issued with parts of the UK to reach up to 30C this weekend
The UK Health Security Agency has issued yellow heat health alerts for several parts of the UK

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Ex-Bridgwater detective bursts into tears after being cleared of sexual misconduct
Detective Inspector Andrew Greaves was cleared of misconduct and unwanted sexual behaviour towards a junior colleague

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Column: Bridgwater deserves better and should be a town to be proud of
Bridgwater faces rising living costs, crime, flooding, and social care challenges. Locals voice concerns over refugees, housing, and community safety

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Brian Smedley: A potted history of tax and public spending in Bridgwater
Cllr Brian Smedley reflects on poll tax protests, Sedgemoor Splash closure, and Somerset Council finances, highlighting lessons for local government in the UK.

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 16:25:00 +0100
Mother recalls final hours with nine-year-old daughter before she was stabbed
The mother of nine-year-old Aria Thorpe has described the final hours with her daughter before her death.

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 16:02:00 +0100
Alarm after unknown drone flown over Bridgwater school's sports day
St John and St Francis' Primary School have reported concerns to police after an unknown drone was spotted hovering over a school sports day

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 16:00:00 +0100
'We’ve lost everything' - the Somerset village with no shop or bus as pub becomes HMO
Locals in Combwich has criticised the lack of facilities in the village as The Anchor Inn's closure leaves it without a pub

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 16:00:00 +0100
VIP ticketholders refused refunds after Summer Fest disruption
VIP ticketholders at Weston-super-Mare’s Summer Fest at the Beach have been refused refunds after parts of the VIP area closed during bad weather

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 16:00:00 +0100
Children in care in Somerset living in 'unlawful homes', damning Ofsted report finds
Somerset Council’s children’s services have been downgraded in a new report, which warned children are living in "unlawful, unregistered children’s homes"

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 14:29:00 +0100
M5 closed for several hours in Somerset due to 'public nuisance'
People are set to appear in court after the M5 was closed for several hours in Somerset.

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 13:51:20 +0100
Rachel Gilmour MP accuses Hinkley Point C of "bullying" and poor engagement
Tiverton and Minehead MP made the comments in the Public Accounts Committee session with Sizewell C bosses on June 8.

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 12:30:00 +0100
Teenager on trial for death of Aria Thorpe told young people he was a 'murderer'
A teenager on trial for causing the death of Aria Thorpe was ‘shaking’ and told young people he was a ‘murderer’, the court heard.

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0100
Man jailed for multiple fragrance thefts from Somerset Boots
Corrie Moore has been sentenced to 23 months in prison for theft and robbery

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0100
Volunteers urged to get involved in 'awesome' Somerset green space near M5
The Wilstock and Stockmoor Country Park is located near junction 24 of the M5 - and more volunteers are needed to help shape and secure its future

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 09:23:43 +0100
Jeremy Clarkson reveals 'aggressive' cancer diagnosis in heartbreaking scenes
Former Top Gear and Grand Tour host Jeremy Clarkson has revealed he has been diagnosed with an “aggressive” form of cancer

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0100
ITV commissions two new series of 'record-breaking' hit show
The series follows former Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher, who played Andy Sugden, as his family transitions to life on a 120-acre farm in the Peak District.

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0100
Brits to face travel chaos at major Spanish airport this week as long queues expected
Workers at Palma Airport in Majorca, Spain, are due to strike this week - see how it will impact travellers.

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Five-bedroom house for sale in Bridgwater for £695,000
Five-bed detached house for sale on Wembdon Hill, Bridgwater, with panoramic views, double garage, gardens and more. £695,000 via Charles Dickens Estate Agents.

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Four-bed Somerset house with 'outstanding views' listed for £925,000
Four-bedroom detached house for sale in Durleigh, near Bridgwater, with Quantock Hills views, gardens, double garage, and modern upgrades. £925,000.

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Somerset youth awards celebrate county's rising stars
The 2026 Pride of Somerset Youth Awards at McMillan Theatre honoured young achievers for courage, kindness, and community impact across Somerset.

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Sir Ashley Fox column: An update on my recent work in Bridgwater
Sir Ashley Fox MP updates Bridgwater residents on local visits, NHS dentistry access, community concerns, and support for businesses and schools.

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Bridgwater to experience a week of sunny and cloudy spells
Met Office Bridgwater weather forecast: Sunny intervals, cloudy spells and highs of 24°C from 16–20 June. Expect gusty winds, high UV and pollen levels.

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:00:00 +0100
Bid to bring new high speed rail services to Bridgwater takes step forward
Train operator has been instructed by the government to consider adding a stop in Bridgwater after town council lobbying

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 14:39:27 +0100
Police launch appeal to help find missing teen with Bridgwater links
Roberto, who has links to several Somerset towns, has been reported missing for more than two weeks

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 13:30:00 +0100
Family friend who found Aria Thorpe describes house as 'eerie', court hears
A family friend who found nine-year-old Aria Thorpe just after she was killed said the house was ‘eerie’, ‘cold’ and ‘everything was silent’ when he arrived.

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0100
Village festival celebrates local beer, cider and cricket in the sun
Wembdon Beer, Cider and Music Festival returned for a weekend of sports, brewing and family fun raising funds to keep the sports ground open for the community

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0100
World Cup is 'no excuse' for domestic abuse, warn police and council
Police and councils across Somerset unite to tackle domestic abuse during the FIFA World Cup

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Flood defences downstream of Bridgwater barrier to finish this year
The Environment Agency (EA) is working to deliver flooding defences downstream of the £249m Bridgwater tidal barrier

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0100
MP challenges loss of pay for Somerset coastguards
Bridgwater MP Ashley Fox raised concerns in Parliament over plans to end payment for volunteer coastguards attending emergency callouts

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 09:23:10 +0100
3 simple energy-saving tips to cut your bills by up to £433 before July's price hike
Energy bills are forecast to rise by 13% from July, but experts say three simple changes could save households up to £433 a year

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Pedestrian path in Bridgwater to close temporarily
Bridgwater footpath between Rhode Lane and Daws Close to close 22–24 June for Openreach duct works, Somerset Council confirms. Check diversion routes.

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Road in North Petherton to close for five days for cabling works
Petherton Road in North Petherton will close from 22–26 June for Openreach cabling works, Somerset Council confirms. Motorists advised to use diversions.

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0100
What's on in Bridgwater and Burnham: June 16-21, 2026
Discover top events in Bridgwater and Burnham-on-Sea, including Bridgwater Cultural Festival 2026, live music, model railway open day, and Metal To The Masses.

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0100
East Somerset Railway to welcome Thomas the Tank Engine
Enjoy Day Out With Thomas at East Somerset Railway. Family event with train rides, Thomas & Friends activities, live shows, and exclusive merchandise.

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 16:00:00 +0100
Bridgwater couple left in limbo as 'unfair dementia tax' costs thousands
Dr Michael Staunton and Dr Avril Staunton are waiting for a government response to what they call an “unfair dementia tax”

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 16:00:00 +0100
Police warning as drink-driving operation in force across Somerset during World Cup
Avon and Somerset Police will carry out enhanced patrols and roadside checks during England’s FIFA World Cup matches

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 15:59:57 +0100
Teenager stabbed nine-year-old girl to death in Weston-super-Mare, court hears
A teenage boy Googled 'What happens if you kill' minutes after stabbing a nine-year-old girl to death, a court heard.

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0100
Bridgwater MP visits school to talk politics with students
Students put their political knowledge to the test as Ashley Fox MP fielded questions on democracy, public service and life in Westminster

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 08:35:44 +0100
M5 lanes reopen between Taunton and Bridgwater after multi-vehicle crash
Two lanes are closed, and delays have been reported due to a multi-vehicle crash on the M5 Southbound from J24 A38 Taunton Road (Bridgwater South) to J25 A358 (Taunton).

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Bridgwater planning applications: May 31-June 6, 2026
Here are the latest planning applications in and around Bridgwater.

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Bridgwater planning decisions: May 31-June 6, 2026
Here are the latest planning decisions made in and around Bridgwater.

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 11:31:47 +0100
RECAP - Lane closed on M5 between Taunton and Bridgwater due to rolled over vehicle
One lane is closed, and slow traffic has been reported on the M5 northbound between J25 A358 (Taunton) and J24 A38 Taunton Road (Bridgwater South) due to a rolled-over vehicle.

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