Bridgwater Mercury
Thu, 11 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000Clinton Rogers: Do we really need all this new technology?
Clinton Rogers reflects on the rise of smart home technology, from video doorbells to remote heating, and questions if such tech truly improves our lives.
Thu, 11 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000UK railways enter a new era with unveiling of fresh branding
Great British Railways unveils new branding, logo and livery at London Bridge as Railways Bill progresses to nationalise UK trains and reform passenger service.
Thu, 11 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000Somerset women celebrate major wins at regional awards
Somerset women win at 2025 West Country Women Awards in Plymouth. Clare Farthing honoured for empowering introverted women entrepreneurs and business leaders.
Wed, 10 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000Column: The battle over Bridgwater town centre may be just beginning
Somerset Council scraps Sunday parking charges after public opposition. Bridgwater Town Council calls for review of Celebration Mile scheme in Eastover.
Wed, 10 Dec 2025 15:54:15 +0000Somerset's 'tremendous' Slinky service to benefit from six new minibuses
The Digital Slinky service has completed 10,000 journeys since launching in May 2024 - and will soon benefit from a brand new fleet of minibuses
Wed, 10 Dec 2025 15:36:42 +0000Bridgwater MP announces winner of local Christmas card competition
Bridgwater MP Sir Ashley Fox has announced the winner of his local Christmas card competition, which saw hundreds of entries.
Wed, 10 Dec 2025 12:13:51 +0000Dogs get into the Christmas spirit to raise money for charity
A charity dog walk took place on Sunday, December 7, as owners dressed up their dogs in the Christmas spirit to raise money for local charity Help 4 Hounds.
Wed, 10 Dec 2025 11:14:00 +0000Opening date confirmed for new lunch spot in Bridgwater
The opening date for a new lunch spot in Bridgwater town centre has been confirmed.
Wed, 10 Dec 2025 10:53:53 +0000Work begins on £4.9 million upgrade for carnival cart building site
Contractors have started on the first phase of a long-term scheme to redevelop the Bridgwater Carnival's main cart-building site off Bristol Road.
Tue, 09 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000Yellow weather warning to impact Bridgwater early this week
Yellow weather warning for heavy rain in Bridgwater until 6pm, 9 December. Expect travel disruption, possible flooding and strong winds up to 48mph.
Tue, 09 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000South West bus fares to fall thanks to government funding
The government pledges £245.9m to boost South West bus services. Funding aims for lower fares, more reliable journeys, and improved public transport.
Tue, 09 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000Four-bed Middlezoy home with countryside views for sale for £390k
Four-bed detached house in Middlezoy for sale at £390,000. EPC B, countryside views, garage, air source heat pump, Huish Academy catchment, built 2018.
Tue, 09 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000Historic Bridgwater home from 1700s on the market for £350,000
Historic four-bedroom semi-detached home for sale in Bridgwater’s Blake Place, £350,000. Modernised, original features, private gardens, garage.
Tue, 09 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000Sea shanty fundraiser raises around £1,000 for Burnham RNLI
Burnham-on-Sea RNLI shanty night at the Tennis Club raised £1,000 with The 85ers, supporting volunteer lifeboat crews and lifesaving efforts in Somerset.
Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:26:00 +0000Council seeks to avoid 'any more grief' on Somerset local election boundaries
The Local Government Boundary Commission for England has reopened its consultation - but Somerset Council won't be adding any further submissions
Tue, 09 Dec 2025 14:51:00 +0000Plans for 140 new North Petherton homes clear first hurdle
Bloor Homes South West has teased proposals for 140 homes on Dancing Hill in North Petherton - with more detailed expected in the new year
Tue, 09 Dec 2025 10:26:06 +0000Multiple red flood warnings and amber alerts have been issued across Somerset
Multiple red flood warnings and amber alerts have been issued across Somerset and North Somerset after a yellow rain warning was issued as Storm Bram hits.
Tue, 09 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000'We cannot take it for granted': Here's why you should support our Christmas appeal
THIS year we are supporting St Margaret's Hospice and their Light up a Life campaign - and we've spoken to some well-known faces in Somerset, who have shared why it is so important to support the appeal this Christmas.
Mon, 08 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000What's on in Bridgwater this week: December 9-15, 2025
Discover festive events in Bridgwater this December, including Cinderella pantomime, Christmas music bingo, budget cookery demo, and Somerset short film night.
Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:50:34 +0000I tried out Bridgwater's newest restaurant - here's what I thought
Chickaros is the newest restaurant to hit Bridgwater High Street, to see if it is"better than anywhere else you can find in Bridgwater".
Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:10:22 +0000Surfboards and patio doors among items found at the side of M5
National Highways has said that the M5 is one of the worst roads in the country for obstructions, with over 3000 incidents between January and September.
Mon, 08 Dec 2025 14:03:04 +0000Hinkley Point C reveals rare glimpse into the work taking place at site at night
Hinkley Point C has today (Dec 8) unveiled a rare glimpse into the work that happens after dark on Britain’s biggest infrastructure project.
Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:55:28 +000062 arrests made in seven days amid new police drink-driving campaign
62 arrests have been made in seven days following the new Avon and Somerset Police Christmas drink/drug driving campaign, showing an increase since last year.
Mon, 08 Dec 2025 11:02:44 +0000Award-winning school creates thriving eco-garden
Chilton Trinity School in Bridgwater, Somerset, part of the Futura Learning Partnership, developed the garden for the community.
Mon, 08 Dec 2025 10:15:00 +0000Met Office issues yellow weather warning across Somerset and North Somerset
A yellow Met Office warning for rain has been issued over the next two days across Somerset and North Somerset, with flooding and travel disruption expected.
Sun, 07 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000Bridgwater planning decisions, November 23-29, 2025
Here are the latest planning decisions made by Somerset Council in and around Bridgwater.
Sun, 07 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000Bridgwater planning applications: November 23-29, 2025
Here are the latest planning applications in and around Bridgwater submitted to Somerset Council.
Sun, 07 Dec 2025 13:30:11 +0000Burnham-on-Sea author publishes book about Isambard Kingdom Brunel
An author based in Burnham-on-Sea has self-published a biography on the life of Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
Sun, 07 Dec 2025 10:28:09 +0000Calls for better town bus travel as survey launched
Bridgwater Bus Users Group has launched a survey, campaigning to improve public transport in the town, with the support of Bridgwater Town Council.
Sat, 06 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000Charity sends gift parcels to homeless dog owners in the South West
Dogs Trust delivers over 2,400 Christmas parcels to homeless dog owners across the UK, supporting people and pets with gifts, care and vital services.
Sat, 06 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000Bid lodged for goods vehicle operating centre near Bridgwater
Chaplin A Limited seeks licence for a goods vehicle operating centre at Martlands Farm, Woolavington. Submit objections to the Traffic Commissioner by Dec 18.
Sat, 06 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000RSPCA calls for urgent help from cat foster carers in Somerset
The RSPCA urgently appeals for volunteers in Somerset to foster rescued cats as catteries reach capacity. Help give cats a home; all costs covered.
Sat, 06 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000Somerset drains company scoops awards at national awards ceremony
West Country Drainage Services near Bridgwater wins Best Small Contractor and Sustainability Champion at the National Drainage Awards 2025 in London.
Sat, 06 Dec 2025 11:21:49 +0000Bridgwater turns PINK to raise money for Cancer Research UK
Throughout October, the streets of Bridgwater turned pink to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
Sat, 06 Dec 2025 09:48:46 +0000Bridgwater Town Council unanimously object to HMO application
Bridgwater Town Council has unanimously objected to a House of Multiple Occupation application on Rhode Lane, Bridgwater.
Sat, 06 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000Christmas is coming for Somerset Camera Club
Members of Somerset Camera Club capture pictures of the county preparing for Christmas
Sat, 06 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000Somerset bakery named best at National Bakery Awards 2025
A Somerset bakery has been named Bakery of the Year at the National Bakery Awards 2025.
Fri, 05 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000Somerset unveils new recycling lorries to replace ageing fleet
Somerset is replacing its existing refuse collection vehicles with greener, more efficient models as part of a fleet upgrade.
Fri, 05 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000Goods vehicle operating licence application lodged in Bridgwater
Daniel Gilbert of Gilberts Machinery Installations seeks a goods vehicle operator licence for Sunnyview, Bath Road, Bridgwater. Objections close 16 Dec 2025.
Fri, 05 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000South West adults voice concern over children’s safety at Christmas
NSPCC poll reveals 75 per cent of South West adults fear increased child abuse and domestic violence at Christmas. Childline urges vigilance and support.
Fri, 05 Dec 2025 16:56:00 +0000Take an inside look at Bridgwater's newest restaurant
Chickaros is set to open its newest restaurant in Bridgwater this weekend. Take an inside look at the restaurant and its new menu.
Thu, 04 Dec 2025 12:09:21 +0000M&S reveals 12 locations in Somerset where it wants to build new stores
Marks & Spencer (M&S) has revealed a list of 500 locations across the UK where it wants to build new stores, with 12 in Somerset
Thu, 04 Dec 2025 09:33:21 +0000Drivers warned of 'costly Christmas' as RAC urges them to do one thing
Supermarket petrol prices increased, with unleaded petrol up 2.46p to 134.48p and diesel up 3.6p to 143.08p
Thu, 04 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000Week-long closures planned for Somerset railway routes
Network Rail engineering works near Somerton Tunnel will disrupt Somerset train journeys 8–14 Dec. Expect delays, diversions, and replacement buses.
Thu, 04 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000New county lines awareness campaign launched in South West
New South West police campaign targets county lines child exploitation, warning teens on TikTok and Snapchat to spot criminal signs and seek local support.
Thu, 04 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000Clinton Rogers: Men are short-changed in prostate cancer fight
New report reignites debate on routine prostate cancer screening for men in the UK, as 56,000 diagnosed yearly. Calls grow for improved men's health checks.
Thu, 04 Dec 2025 14:00:00 +0000Brand new Lidl store opens near Bridgwater
The new Lidl store near just off Junction 24 of the M5 had its grand opening on Thursday, December 4.
Thu, 04 Dec 2025 12:13:00 +0000Bridgwater MP accused of 'openly supporting criminal activity' over flag removals
Somerset Council leader Bill Revans has accused Bridgwater MP Sir Ashley Fox of "openly supporting criminal activity" regarding flags on local lampposts
Thu, 04 Dec 2025 11:22:00 +0000NHS bosses urged to put pressure on Bridgwater developers over GP funding
NHS Somerset has been urged to ensure housing developers contribute fairly towards new health facilities in Bridgwater as the town expands.
Thu, 04 Dec 2025 10:49:00 +0000'Stop this idiotic behaviour': MP slams council over costs of flag removal
Ashley Fox MP has responded to the costs of removing Union Jack flags from lamp posts, calling on Somerset Council to "stop this idiotic behaviour".