Bridgwater Mercury

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Clinton Rogers: Why water conservation matters more than ever
Somerset faces drought as reservoir levels drop to 73 per cent. With no hosepipe ban yet, residents are urged to conserve water amid UK heatwaves.

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Children in Bridgwater offered free lunches and activities
Free summer lunch clubs and activities for children in Bridgwater at Recreation Community Hub and Parkway Hub, August 2026. No booking required.

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Primary school pupils return to Bridgwater after memorable London trip
Year six pupils from St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Bridgwater, enjoyed a London residential trip visiting iconic landmarks, museums, and the West End.

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Bill Revans column: A decade on, what has Brexit meant for Somerset?
Cllr Bill Revans reviews Jonty Broom’s A History of Brexit in 256 Disasters, exploring Brexit’s economic, political and social impact on Somerset and the UK.

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Football fundraiser scores big for South West air ambulance charity
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance’s Big Keepy Uppy Challenge raises £3,400 for emergency helicopter care, with AFC Bournemouth backing community fundraising.

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Calls for greater M5 safety measures following lorry incident in Somerset
A crash involving a lorry on the M5 near Weston-super-Mare has prompted renewed calls for National Highways to improve road safety measures

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Red Arrows to fly over Somerset border to mark major anniversary
The RAF Red Arrows will fly over Longleat in September as part of celebrations marking the safari park's 60th anniversary

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Proposed £20m regeneration of Bridgwater discussed at landmark meeting
The Bridgwater Pride in Place board will be responsible for spending £20m over the next decade to transform one of the most deprived parts of the town

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
48 new council houses to be built near Hinkley Point C in £7.5m deal
Plans for 160 new homes on the western side of Cannington are under consideration - which would include 48 affordable properties if approved

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 06:00:00 +0100
The £60,000 pension rule catching workers out – and many don't realise for years
HMRC data shows more than 30,000 people exceeded their pension annual allowance in 2024/25. Experts explain why more savers are facing unexpected tax bills.

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0100
European holidays face disruptions and itinerary changes - see those affected
River cruise holidays across Europe are facing disruptions this summer due to low water levels.

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Woman makes fresh start near Bridgwater after moving seven times
Kirsty Baughan relocates from Bristol to Polden Orchards, Puriton, Somerset, seeking community life and a fresh start in a modern David Wilson Redrow home.

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Brian Smedley column: Opposing the far-right is in Somerset's DNA
Analysis of far-right politics in the UK, anti-fascist protests in Leeds, Cable Street and Taunton, and the rise of groups like Britain First and UKIP.

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Somerset celebrates achievements of hundreds of young people
Somerset Council’s Celebrating Care and Achievement event in Taunton honoured 570 looked-after and care-experienced children for their resilience and progress.

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Bridgwater teen walks from hometown to Wellington for charity
Bridgwater teen Freya Bird raises over £1,000 for Children’s Hospice South West with charity walk to Wellington in memory of friend, despite health challenges.

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 16:00:00 +0100
Bridgwater pub turns garden into alfresco cinema for five‑day film screenings
The Bower Inn is swapping pints for popcorn later this month, launching a five‑night outdoor cinema run with classics on a big screen in its garden

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 11:48:20 +0100
Three people rushed to hospital after M5 crash in Somerset
Three people have been hospitalised following a crash on the M5 between Taunton and Bridgwater

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 06:00:00 +0100
'Important message' issued as 106 chain restaurants set to close
Pub and restaurant brand Beefeater has issued an 'important message' as all of its restaurants are set to close in the UK

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
'Deep concerns' as Somerset village to lose its pre-school for good
Village pre-school that has served families in Somerset for many years is set to close permanently from September

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0100
Jet2 issues hand luggage update as new Europe-wide rules are confirmed
Jet2 has confirmed customers will continue to receive 10kg of free hand luggage despite new Europe-wide cabin baggage rules due to come into force in 2027.

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 06:00:00 +0100
Parents urged to claim up to £2,000 as thousands miss out on HMRC scheme
HMRC is urging working parents to check if they qualify for Tax-Free Childcare, with eligible families able to claim up to £2,000 per child

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
What's on in Bridgwater and Burnham: August 5-11, 2026
Discover top events in Bridgwater & Burnham-on-Sea this week, including dancing at the Ritz, LDN Wrestling, RuMac live, and McFly’d tribute at The Cobblestones.

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Consistent weather forecast for Bridgwater this week
Met Office Bridgwater weather forecast: Sunny intervals, light showers, highs up to 26°C and gusty winds. High UV levels expected this week.

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 16:00:00 +0100
Five Somerset children's homes closed as charity apologises for failings
Shaw Trust is ending its "innovative" partnership with Somerset Council after Ofsted reports criticised failures in care

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 16:00:00 +0100
Here are some of the latest Bridgwater offenders in magistrates' court
Here are some of the latest Bridgwater and wider Somerset offenders who have appeared in Taunton Magistrates' Court

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Council officers under fire over 'dodgy' dinner with consultants
Somerset Council officers have been reprimanded for accepting dinner from Newton Europe, which is aiding with the council's transformation programme

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Popular Bridgwater attraction closes as lack of rainfall takes its toll
Stowey Sunflowers and Maize Maze in Bridgwater, Somerset has closed for the season after a lack of rainfall

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Major high street chain with numerous Somerset stores announces 130 shops to close
Over 600 jobs are set to be cut as a UK high street chain closes 130 shops for good

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0100
Little-known DVLA rule could see UK drivers fined £1,000 for simple mistake
Failing to notify the DVLA of this change can result not only in a hefty fine

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0100
Binman reveals how to get rid of a disposable BBQ without causing a fire
The No. 1 Binman on TikTok has revealed how to safely dispose of a BBQ without melting your bin or causing a fire.

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 06:00:00 +0100
Major UK supermarket announces change to deliveries across UK stores
Waitrose extended its rapid delivery hours at 35 stores nationwide following a successful trial during the FIFA World Cup.

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 01:00:00 +0100
UK punter could win HUGE Powerball Jackpot with bet offer
Do you want the chance to become the UK's biggest jackpot winner?

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Hundreds call for action over rise in HMOs in Bridgwater
Concerns grow over rising HMOs in Bridgwater as nearly 400 residents share experiences

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Popular Bridgwater gym undergoes major £370,000 refurbishment
PureGym Bridgwater unveils £370k refurbishment with new training zones and beginner-friendly Shape area. MP Sir Ashley Fox praises investment in local fitness.

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 13:59:00 +0100
M5 incident leaves car destroyed following blaze near Somerset border
Vehicle has been left destroyed after it caught fire following a crash on the M5 between Wellington and Tiverton

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 12:07:13 +0100
M5 traffic recap - motorway blocked with emergency services on the scene
There are huge delays on the M5 Motorway following an incident in Somerset today (August 3).

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 10:04:47 +0100
Huge M5 delays as serious fire stops traffic near Somerset border
There are 'severe delays' and traffic building on the M5 between Wellington and Devon amid an incident which has seen all lanes stopped today (August 3).

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 09:15:10 +0100
Pictures that make you smile and laugh found in this collection
Members of the Somerset Camera Club have been busy taking pictures of things that make them smile or laugh.

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Big recycling change in effect in Somerset from this month
New limit is being imposed on fridge and freezer recycling in Somerset, the council have confirmed

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 10:00:59 +0100
Teenager’s success story as he becomes Centrepoint's student of the year
A teenager who arrived in the UK alone after a dangerous journey across Europe says he now feels “happy” and “proud” after rebuilding his life through education.

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0100
The Royal Mint Beatrix Potter 50p coins sold on eBay for nearly £500 - how to spot
Beatrix Potter coins are a collection of commemorative 50p pieces issued by The Royal Mint to celebrate Beatrix Potter’s tales.

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 06:00:00 +0100
Tesco announces discount fuel offer for UK shoppers who do this one thing
The coupon can be used at Tesco petrol stations across the UK on petrol or diesel, and the offer is valid until Sunday, August 23.

Sun, 02 Aug 2026 16:00:00 +0100
Five-bedroom Bridgwater home with three reception rooms listed for £575k
Five-bedroom 1930s detached house for sale on Durleigh Road, Bridgwater

Sun, 02 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Bridgwater planning applications: July 12-25, 2026
Here are the latest planning applications submitted to Somerset Council in and around Bridgwater.

Sun, 02 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Bridgwater planning decisions: July 12-25, 2026
Here are the latest planning decisions made in and around Bridgwater by Somerset Council.

Sun, 02 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Full fibre broadband reaches 20,000 premises in Bridgwater
Openreach invests £6m to bring high-speed full fibre broadband to 20,000 Bridgwater homes and businesses.

Sun, 02 Aug 2026 12:16:01 +0100
11 Somerset pubs named among the best in the UK - see the full list
Eleven Somerset pubs have been named among the UK's best in The Telegraph's 2026 pub guide

Sun, 02 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Somerset residents allowed more time to give views on Local Plan
Somerset residents have been granted an extra two weeks to give their views on the new Local Plan, which allocates new housing up to 2045

Sun, 02 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
New Bridgwater primary school delayed as costs rise by £3.5m
The new Wilstock Primary School was originally due to open in September 2027 - but it could be another two years before it sees the light of day

Sun, 02 Aug 2026 06:00:00 +0100
Parasite causing explosive diarrhoea arrives in UK from holiday hotspot
Brits are being warned about a parasite that has come to the UK following the return of holidaymakers from destinations such as Mexico

home