Bridgwater Mercury

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Blake Museum to celebrate 100th anniversary with special event
Celebrate Blake Museum Bridgwater’s centenary at Living History Day, 22 August. Enjoy 1920s music, cream teas, re-enactments, and Somerset history. Free entry.

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Met Office forecasts spells of rain for Bridgwater this week
Met Office forecast: Bridgwater weather brings spells of rain, sunny intervals and highs of 23°C this week. Expect gusty winds and high UV levels daily.

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Safety warning issued for Bridgwater park after 'concerning' discovery
Bridgwater Town Council has issued a reminder to park visitors after fire damage was discovered at a popular park despite the increased wildfire risk

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
High-flying fitness centre reopening in new Bridgwater premises
Bridgwater fitness studio is reopening at a larger venue, where visitors will be able to try a range of high-flying activities

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0100
HMRC Child Benefit warning for parents as payments could stop this month
Child Benefit payments could stop for parents who fail to extend claims by August 31. Find out who qualifies and how to act

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 06:00:00 +0100
Former UK high street giant operating for 85 years faces 'material uncertainty'
Mothercare, a former hgih street giant that sells baby essentials, could collapse under financial pressures.

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
What's on in Bridgwater and Burnham: August 18-24, 2026
Discover what's on in Bridgwater and Burnham-on-Sea: Friday Lunch Club, Legally Blonde musical, Living History Day, and gentle yoga classes.

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 17:16:44 +0100
All the rules and exemptions as Somerset hosepipe ban announced
A hosepipe ban will be in force across Somerset this week after Wessex Water introduced legal restrictions on non-essential outdoor water use

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 16:24:07 +0100
Man in his fifties dies following serious Bridgwater crash
A man in his 50s has died after a serious collision in Bridgwater

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 16:00:00 +0100
Man sentenced for 'malicious' attack at Bridgwater nightclub
Thomas Loxton has been sentenced after admitting an attack at a Bridgwater nightclub

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0100
Man lost temper to 'spectacular degree' and pointed knife at woman
Paul Smith, who lost his temper to a ‘spectacular degree’ during which he pointed a knife at another person, has been sentenced for affray.

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 11:30:38 +0100
Bridgwater road cordoned off amid huge police presence
A huge emergency service presence has been spotted in Bridgwater, and a road closure has been put in place to Tolchards Brewery following a serious incident

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 10:52:00 +0100
Wessex Water announces first hosepipe ban in Somerset for 50 years
A hosepipe ban is due to come into force for Wessex Water customers across Somerset this week, as hot and dry weather puts pressure on water supplies

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 10:32:00 +0100
Traveller encampment pitches up at Burnham-on-Sea park
Traveller encampment moved on from Winchester Park after arriving at the weekend

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 09:24:11 +0100
Lovely landscapes photographed in Somerset
Members of Somerset Camera Club have been busy taking pictures of beautiful landscapes in Somerset.

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 08:31:08 +0100
Severe delays reported along the M5 in Somerset after earlier crash
Severe delays and congestion have been reported along the M5 in Somerset following an earlier incident.

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Efforts to combat drought and flooding in rural Somerset ramped up
The Somerset Rivers Authority and the local drainage boards are working hard during the hot weather to ensure Somerset's rivers are in good shape

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Rural parts of Somerset could miss out on funds from housing developers
Part of Somerset are not currently covered by the community infrastructure levy, making it hard to secure funding for vital local services

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 09:29:42 +0100
Rain and thunderstorms forecast for UK as weather cools after fifth heatwave
The Met Office has predicted fresher, more changeable weather in the coming week.

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0100
Police sergeant warns why you should never do this one thing on the motorway
A police sergeant has warned about why you should never undertake on the motorway due to its potential dangers

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 06:00:00 +0100
HMRC pays back almost £4,000 each to thousands of pension savers after new guidance
HMRC has refunded more than £50m to around 12,500 pension savers. An expert warns people to check emergency tax and pension deductions

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Bridgwater planning decisions: August 2-8, 2026
Here are the latest planning decisions in and around Bridgwater made by Somerset Council.

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Bridgwater planning applications: August 2-8, 2026
Here are the latest planning applications submitted to Somerset Council in and around Bridgwater.

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Bridgwater MP calls for action over rising haulage fuel costs
Bridgwater MP Sir Ashley Fox urges government to address rising diesel costs and support UK haulage firms after meeting with Gillards Transport and RHA.

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Young people placed at centre of new Somerset initiative
Passion for Somerset CIC partners with Young Somerset to boost youth opportunities, skills, and employment through the Unlocking Somerset Talent initiative.

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 16:00:00 +0100
'Such a natural' - Bridgwater trainer celebrates award-winning collie
Lesley Bloska and her two-year-old border collie have won a major title at one of the world’s largest open agility shows

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Somerset seaside town named UK's top hidden gem staycation spot - here's where
Weston-super-Mare has been named among the UK's top hidden gem staycation destinations in a new study of holiday hotspots

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
The latest Bridgwater offenders in Taunton Magistrates' Court this week
Here are some of the latest Bridgwater offenders who have appeared in Taunton Magistrates’ Court

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Expansion of caravan park near Bridgwater can remain in place
A caravan park between Bridgwater and the Quantock Hills which recently doubled in size will be able to remain in place following a unanimous vote

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0100
DWP warning for pensioners and benefits claimants as August payment date changes
The DWP has put out a fresh warning for anyone who receives Universal Credit, State Pensions, Child Benefit, PIP and other benefits

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 06:00:00 +0100
When to see upcoming lunar eclipse in the UK after solar eclipse dazzles skies
The upcoming lunar eclipse will follow the deep partial solar eclipse that happened on Wednesday (August 12).

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0100
OPINION: 'Can Somerset’s difficult relationship with the M5 ever be solved?'
Frequent M5 motorway closures in Somerset spark concern, as incidents involving people in crisis rise. National Highways apologises for disruption.

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Bridgwater MP gives students behind-the-scenes look at political role
Sir Ashley Fox MP visited Bridgwater College Academy, giving year 10 students insight into UK politics, Parliament, and democracy during Enrichment Week.

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Your Health, Your Choice: Meet columnist and fitness coach Pete
Coach Pete Richards shares how regular exercise, healthy habits and strength training can boost fitness and wellbeing in your 60s and beyond.

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 16:00:00 +0100
Bridgwater town centre set for tasty takeover as food festival returns
Bridgwater town centre is hosting a flavour-filled Saturday, as dozens of local producers and makers gather for a family-favourite free event

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 11:54:03 +0100
RECAP - M5 weekend traffic congestion reported
This Live Blog has now closed. Congestion and delays were reported in both directions on the M5 in Somerset today, Saturday August 15, in the late morning and early afternoon.

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 11:10:35 +0100
‘The whole village is up in arms’ - Locals hit out at road closure disruption
Village residents have raised concerns about dust, traffic disruption and little notice as a key route has been closed for five weeks for bridge repair work.

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 09:57:46 +0100
Somerset village faces losing Post Office and shop as owners retire
A post office and village shop that has been part of community life for generations is facing an uncertain future after the owners announced plans to retire.

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Heroic fire crews rescue distressed horse from Somerset weir
Distressed horse Delia was rescued by heroic firefighters after becoming trapped in a weir

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
New training scheme marks next step for major Bridgwater factory project
Agratas has launched its first Somerset training programme as the company prepares to build the workforce for its new battery manufacturing facility in Bridgwater

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Wetherspoons takes 'urgent action' as rats spotted at Bridgwater pub
Wetherspoons has issued a statement saying "urgent action" is being taken after rats were photographed at the Carnival Inn

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0100
Ryanair passengers urged not to bring common toiletry item in their hand luggage
Ryanair passengers are being urged to check what kind of razors they can bring in their hand luggage on flights.

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 06:00:00 +0100
Andy Burnham warns all smokers as disposable barbecue ban comes into effect
Andy Burnham issued a warning to all smokers today (August 14) as he imposed a temporary ban on disposable barbecues.

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 08:30:00 +0100
UCS College Group students celebrate after 'fantastic' A-level results
Somerset’s UCS College Group celebrates 98 per cent A-level pass rate, record T-levels, and vocational results at Bridgwater, Strode, and Taunton Colleges.

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
How Bridgwater residents can have their say on traffic changes
From road closures to speed limit changes, councils must consult the public before making decisions. Here's how to find out what's planned near you.

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 16:14:57 +0100
Man killed in collision with car on major Somerset A-road
Collision occurred involving a car while he was pushing a bicycle on the A38 in Somerset

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0100
Bristol Airport announces four new restaurants as £400m transformation continues
Bristol Airport has announced four new restaurants, including wagamama, Bill's and Cosy Club, as part of its £400m transformation

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 11:14:45 +0100
Huge M5 delays in Somerset amid 'holiday traffic' rush and earlier crash
Severe delays have been reported on the M5 Northbound between Strowland Lane (Sedgemoor Services) and J20 B3133 Ettlingen Way (Clevedon).

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 09:30:58 +0100
Strong smell of smoke spreads across parts of Somerset as residents urged to act
Residents across parts of Somerset have reported smelling smoke as fire crews issue advice to keep windows and doors closed

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0100
Bridgwater council issues fire warning after concerning discovery
Discovery by council staff has prompted an appeal to residents to consider how they celebrate as the ongoing hot, dry weather raises fire risks

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