Bridgwater Mercury
Wed, 06 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100Sir Ashley Fox column: My recent work around Bridgwater
Sir Ashley Fox MP updates Bridgwater constituency on local issues, food labelling, rail station accessibility, and community events in Somerset constituency.
Wed, 06 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100Column: Reflecting on a recent visit to the site of the D-Day landings
Cllr Brian Smedley reflects on D-Day, the Normandy landings, British troops at Sword Beach, and the legacy of WWII in Europe. Remembering sacrifices made.
Wed, 06 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100New law stops landlords in England from refusing renters' pets
New Renters Rights Act gives tenants in England the right to request pets in rental homes, easing restrictions and supporting RSPCA rehoming efforts.
Tue, 05 May 2026 08:40:00 +0100Sunshine and cloud expected in Bridgwater this week
Met Office Bridgwater weather forecast: Sunny intervals and cloud, highs of 21°C, gusts up to 22mph expected 5–9 May. Check full local outlook.
Tue, 05 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100Three-bedroom Bridgwater house up for sale for £250,000
Spacious three-bedroom end-terrace house for sale in Bridgwater. Features garage, off-road parking, en-suite, garden, and excellent transport links.
Tue, 05 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100Three-bed house in Woolavington on market for £275,000
Three-bedroom semi-detached house for sale in Woolavington, Somerset, £275,000. Features views of Brent Knoll, landscaped gardens, parking, and carport.
Tue, 05 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100Road in Wembdon to be closed for Wessex Water works
Moores Lane in Wembdon, Somerset will close from 11–12 May for Wessex Water roadworks. Diversions in place. See public notice for full details.
Tue, 05 May 2026 12:44:30 +0100Pub near Bridgwater to reopen under new management soon
The Aschott Inn, in the Somerset village of Ashcott, is due to welcome back locals mid-May.
Tue, 05 May 2026 12:15:00 +0100Man given suspended sentence for strangulation of child
A man from Bridgwater has been given a suspended sentence for strangulation and causing unnecessary suffering to a child/young person.
Tue, 05 May 2026 11:00:00 +0100M5 fully closed by fuel leak after crash involving tanker
Multiple fire engines were sent to the M5 southbound after a crash occurred between Junction 22 and Junction 23.
Tue, 05 May 2026 07:15:11 +0100'Severe delays' reported along the M5 Southbound after early morning crash
A road closure and severe delays have been reported due to a crash involving a tanker and a car, which caused a fuel spillage on the M5 Southbound between J22 (Burnham-On-Sea) and J23 (Bridgwater North).
Tue, 05 May 2026 17:32:38 +0100Free webinar: 5 easy wins to help funeral directors stand out online
LOCALiQ UK is hosting a free 45‑minute online seminar designed to give increased Google visibility to funeral directors
Mon, 04 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100What's on in Bridgwater and Burnham: May 5-11, 2026
Discover top events in Burnham-on-Sea and Bridgwater: adult Cinderella pantomime, Mark Steel comedy, ska and reggae weekend, and Bon Jovi tribute band.
Mon, 04 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100Roads in Woolavington to close for underground cabling works
Overnight road closures in Woolavington from 11–30 May. Somerset Council announces diversions on Lockswell, The Causeway and Higher Road.
Sun, 03 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100Bridgwater road to close for 47 days for resurfacing works
Ascot Drive and sections of Bristol Road in Bridgwater will close for 47 days from 11 May 2026 for resurfacing works, Somerset Council confirms.
Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100Bridgwater MP praises 'hidden gem' sewing machine firm during visit
Somerset Sewing Machines in Bridgwater praised by MP Sir Ashley Fox for 20+ years' service, expert repairs, sales, and training.
Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100Somerset residents urged to make use of free NHS health check
Somerset Council urges residents aged 40–74 to book a free NHS health check. Assess heart, diabetes and dementia risk. Appointments across Somerset.
Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100Camera club members showcase beauty in Somerset nature
Gallery of pictures showcasing the beauty of Somerset's nature
Fri, 01 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100Green Focus: Why you should see this important climate film
The People’s Emergency Briefing, a UK documentary chaired by Prof Mike Berners-Lee, explores urgent climate and nature crises. Local screenings nationwide.
Fri, 01 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100Somerset pilots home vaccination scheme for children
Somerset launches pilot offering childhood vaccinations at home via health visitors, aiming to boost immunisation rates and improve NHS access for families.
Fri, 01 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100Dawn chorus brings beauty to spring mornings in Somerset
Experience Somerset’s spectacular dawn chorus as birdsong peaks for International Dawn Chorus Day. RSPB hosts events to celebrate this unique wildlife event.
Fri, 01 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100Waste management firm in Bridgwater opens new weighbridge facility
S Roberts Group opens new weighbridge office in Bridgwater, streamlining waste management, recycling, and aggregate collection for South West customers.
Fri, 01 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100Bridgwater packaging manufacturer praised by MP following visit
Bridgwater's Sharpak, praised by MP Sir Ashley Fox, leads UK packaging innovation with sustainable, recyclable food packaging for major retailers nationwide.
Fri, 01 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100Blake Museum host special event delving into infamous Somerset battle
Discover Bridgwater’s Battle of Sedgemoor at Blake Museum’s history talk on 12 May. Learn about Somerset’s 1685 battle, artefacts and local heritage.
Fri, 01 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100Bridgwater care home praised for compassionate environment and high standards
Casa di Lusso Care Home in Bridgwater praised by Stuart Andrew and Sir Ashley Fox for its high standards, compassionate care and role in improving social care.
Fri, 01 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100Bridgwater gym raises almost £1,500 for DSAA in 12-hour challenge
Bridgwater’s Goat Shed Fitness raised nearly £1,500 for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance with a 12-hour ‘Woodathon’ challenge, almost doubling its target.
Fri, 01 May 2026 14:40:00 +0100Bridgwater carnival dates and times confirmed for 2026
Every date and time for each carnival procession in Somerset has been confirmed.
Fri, 01 May 2026 12:57:00 +0100Man likely to spend rest of his life in prison for rape of a child
A man who lived in a Somerset village near Bridgwater is likely to spend the rest of his life in prison.
Fri, 01 May 2026 15:20:26 +0100Newsquest's Young Reporter Scheme returns with early bird price offer
To mark the milestone, new schools have the chance to benefit from special early bird pricing until June 30.
Fri, 01 May 2026 15:15:48 +0100'Pressure makes diamonds': Kai's journey from homelessness to independence
A young man who became homeless after caring for his terminally ill father has spoken about how he rebuilt his life with the support of Centrepoint
Fri, 01 May 2026 10:42:15 +0100Rare £10 note snapped up by collectors due to serial number - how to spot
Featuring Queen Elizabeth II on the front and author Jane Austen on the reverse, the note also features a rare ink error.
Fri, 01 May 2026 10:40:04 +0100Asda shoppers warned 'do not eat' as food items may contain plastic and metal
Asda apologised to shoppers who have been issued with “do not eat” warnings as food items may contain pieces of plastic or metal.
Thu, 30 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0100County prepares to celebrate as Somerset Day nears
Celebrate Somerset Day 2026 on 9–10 May with county-wide events, food festivals, live music, heritage celebrations, and family activities across Somerset.
Thu, 30 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0100Clinton Rogers: Why poor grammar is becoming more common
Clinton Rogers examines the decline of grammar and spelling standards in UK media, official documents, and politics, and debates importance of correct English.
Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:25:00 +0100Taunton and Bridgwater fire crews tackle barn blaze in Creech St Michael
Taunton and Bridgwater fire crews were called to extinguish a property fire in Creech St Michael.
Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:05:00 +0100Former police officer faces prison sentence for harassing colleague
A former police officer who admitted to harassing a colleague has been warned that he could be jailed.
Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:48:03 +0100Homebuyers face ‘gruelling’ delays as MPs demand urgent overhaul of broken system
MPs calling for urgent reforms to speed up property transactions and stop sales falling through
Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:40:30 +0100Premier Inn owner to cut thousands of jobs in cost‑saving drive
Premier Inn owner Whitbread said it wanted to save money in light of cost pressures coming from business rates and national insurance contributions.
Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:37:59 +0100UK dog owners issued May bank holiday weekend warning amid 'perfect storm'
Dog owners are being urged to check for everyday hazards over the May bank holiday weekend
Wed, 29 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0100Column: Why Ann Marie Gould is a worthy Bridgwater Cup winner
Ann Marie Gould wins Bridgwater Cup for outstanding community work. Discover her inspiring journey from 1980s Bridgwater to local community leader.
Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:43:00 +0100Push for more buses at Somerset hospital blocked by helipad rules
The Somerset Bus Partnership has been pushing for increase bus services to Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton - but there's a big obstacle in the way
Wed, 29 Apr 2026 14:18:00 +0100Councillor warns of AI's "environmental damage" amid Somerset data centre plans
A new data centre could soon be built near the M5 in Bridgwater - but Councillor Henry Hobhouse has warned of the environmental impact
Wed, 29 Apr 2026 11:20:00 +0100Former police officer charged with harassment and stalking offences
A former police officer has been charged with harassment and stalking offences following an investigation carried out by the Professional Standards Department.
Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:15:00 +0100Warning issued as M5 traffic in Somerset to be busiest in years
Drivers are being warned as Bank Holiday traffic along the M5 Motorway is set to be the busiest it has ever been in the last 10 years.
Tue, 28 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0100Tickets on sale this week for 2026 Bridgwater Carnival concerts
Tickets for the 2026 Bridgwater Carnival Concerts at The McMillan Theatre go on sale 1 May. Enjoy top carnival acts, dazzling shows and community celebration.
Tue, 28 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0100Four-bedroom house in Bridgwater on the market for £285,000
Four-bedroom terraced house for sale in Bridgwater, £285,000. Well-presented, no onward chain, near M5, garage, garden. Charles Dickens Estate Agents.
Tue, 28 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0100Three-bed Period home on market near Bridgwater for £525,000
Period three-bedroom home with stables, paddock and outbuildings for sale near Bridgwater. Marsh Farm, Chilton Trinity listed at £525,000.
Tue, 28 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0100High temperatures forecast for Bridgwater this week
Met Office forecast for Bridgwater: high temperatures up to 21°C, sunny intervals, rising pollen levels and gusty winds this week.
Tue, 28 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0100Somerset Day campaign boosted by new partnership
Passion for Somerset partners with Somerset Concrete to promote Somerset Day 2026, launching the Journey of the Dragon campaign.
Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:36:46 +0100Indian takeaway gets hygiene rating of 1
An Indian takeaway in Bridgwater has received a food hygiene rating of 1 at its latest inspection.