Bridgwater Mercury
Sun, 24 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100Bridgwater MP calls for tougher action on unauthorised traveller camps
Sir Ashley Fox MP calls for tougher action on unauthorised traveller encampments, urging stronger council and police powers to protect Burnham-on-Sea.
Sat, 23 May 2026 10:13:35 +0100RECAP - Delays reported on the M5 southbound in Somerset
Bank holiday weekend traffic delays have been reported on the M5 southbound in Somerset between Portishead (J19) and Taunton (J25).
Sat, 23 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100Spring has sprung for wildlife in Somerset
Members of Somerset Camera Club have been busy snapping pictures of springtime wildlife
Fri, 22 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100Somerset families invited to National Trust half term events
Enjoy family-friendly half term activities in Somerset with the National Trust, including wildlife days, falconry, medieval combat, music, crafts, and more.
Fri, 22 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100Bridgwater shop applies to sell alcohol for 20 hours a day
Perfect Shop Ltd in Bridgwater applies to Somerset Council to sell alcohol 7am–3am daily. Public comments on the licence change accepted until 1 June.
Fri, 22 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100Two roads in North Petherton to close for Openreach works
Queen Street and North Street in North Petherton will close 24/7 from 26–28 May for Openreach cabling works. Somerset Council confirms alternative route.
Fri, 22 May 2026 17:00:26 +0100Police investigating drone 'voyeurism' in Bridgwater
Police are investigating a potential sexual offence after drones were reported flying invasively near homes in the Bridgwater area.
Fri, 22 May 2026 16:37:00 +0100Somerset families waiting up to two years for council house improvements
Dozens of Somerset families living in council houses are waiting for years for essential improvements to make their properties more accessible
Fri, 22 May 2026 15:00:00 +0100Bridgwater man given suspended sentence for theft
A Bridgwater man has been given a suspended sentence for theft.
Fri, 22 May 2026 14:21:13 +0100'Severe delays' reported along the M5 southbound in Somerset
'Severe delays' have been reported along the M5 Southbound in Somerset between Bridgwater (J24) and Portishead (J19). The current average speed is 15 mph.
Fri, 22 May 2026 11:40:00 +0100Somerset Council unites to demand urgent action on SEND assessment delays
Conservatives & Liberal Democrats have come together to act on delayed assessments for children with special educational needs and disabilities
Fri, 22 May 2026 11:29:40 +0100Bridgwater Town Council welcomes new Mayor
Councillor Leigh Redman was elected by fellow councillors on Thursday 21 May for his third term.
Fri, 22 May 2026 11:06:38 +0100Heat health warning issued for Somerset ahead of heatwave
Somerset has been placed under a heat health warning ahead of a projected heatwave across the country.
Fri, 22 May 2026 10:00:00 +0100Monster Truck Motorfest heads to Taunton, Somerset this weekend
Monster Truck Motorfest heads to Somerset this weekend with 25 per cent off tickets, live stunt action and family fun
Fri, 22 May 2026 09:16:24 +0100Waste collection times to be changed for Somerset households
Bins will be emptied earlier than usual as hot weather sets in across the county.
Thu, 21 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100Clinton Rogers: Is dusting off my running shoes a good idea?
Inspired by London Marathon runners Chris Medland and Harry Newton, Clinton Rogers considers running again at 70 and discusses health advice for older runners.
Thu, 21 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100Somerset recycling campaign named finalist for national award
Somerset Council and SUEZ’s food waste recycling campaign shortlisted for recycling award, boosting food waste collections and cutting carbon emissions.
Thu, 21 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100HMRC warns thousands of new parents missing out on Child Benefit
Thousands of UK parents miss out on up to £1,406 Child Benefit in baby's first year, warns HMRC. Claim online or via HMRC app for vital family support.
Thu, 21 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100Bill Revans column: The growing disruption caused by M5 closures
Somerset Council, police, and National Highways join forces to tackle frequent M5 closures, aiming to reduce disruption for Somerset residents and businesses.
Thu, 21 May 2026 13:24:39 +0100Former Avon and Somerset Police officer barred over computer misuse
Former Avon and Somerset police officer Charlotte Turner has been barred over computer misuse, a gross misconduct hearing has decided.
Wed, 20 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100Brian Smedley column: How Bridgwater could inspire Labour to save itself
Labour loses power in Wales as unions, including UNITE, call for new leadership. Bridgwater's working-class roots highlight need for party unity.
Wed, 20 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100Column: Bridgwater businesses must be supported by traffic arrangements
Cllr Gill Slocombe calls for reinstatement of two-way traffic on Eastover to support local businesses, improve access, and boost town centre vitality.
Wed, 20 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100Dragon given official name after Somerset Day festivities
Somerset Day 2026 saw communities unite as 'Dunkery' the dragon toured the county. BBC Radio Somerset led the naming, celebrating local pride and heritage.
Wed, 20 May 2026 16:41:51 +0100Vivary Park fountain hit by bubble vandalism
The foaming furore was reported late this morning (May 20) to the council, who sent a team to burst the bubbles with specialist treatment.
Wed, 20 May 2026 15:35:38 +0100Archaeologists find medieval homestead during tidal barrage works
The discoveries unearthed through the Tidal Barrier Project will be revealed at a talk by the Bridgwater and District Archaeological Society this week.
Wed, 20 May 2026 12:36:54 +0100Campaigner and MP call out "dangerous" M5 Stockmoor bus stop
Stockmoor locals say they're worried for their safety walking to the bus stop near Junction 24 of the M5 roundabout, with MP Ashley Fox supporting their campaign.
Wed, 20 May 2026 14:25:00 +0100Devastating fire at Somerset scotch egg company unit determined to be accidental
Investigations into a devastating fire at an industrial unit belonging to an award-winning Somerset scotch egg business concluded that the cause was accidental.
Wed, 20 May 2026 14:16:52 +0100'We are seeing too many closures on the M5 that last too long' - Somerset leader
The leader of Somerset Council, Bill Revans, has hit out at the number of M5 closures in Somerset.
Wed, 20 May 2026 11:34:00 +0100Small village near Somerset 'gigafactory' could double in size with 1,550 new homes
A small village near Somerset's new 'gigafactory' could double in size in the space of a few years if plans for more than 1,500 new homes are approved.
Wed, 20 May 2026 10:37:26 +0100'Special Measures' needed at Bridgwater College Academy
Ofsted have said the college needs "urgent improvements", saying pupils "do not receive an acceptable standard of education."
Wed, 20 May 2026 09:17:02 +0100Local talent chosen for carnival Front of Curtain acts
Singers, dancers and groups impressed judges at McMillan Theatre auditions for the 2026 Bridgwater Carnival Concerts.
Tue, 19 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100Three-bed Bridgwater home with summerhouse in garden for sale for £260k
Three-bedroom house for sale in Kingslake Villas, Bridgwater, £260,000. Features garden, summer house, garage, and is listed by Charles Dickens Estate Agents.
Tue, 19 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100'Impressive' four-bed house in North Petherton on market for £375,000
Four-bedroom semi-detached house for sale in North Petherton near Bridgwater, £375,000. Features en-suite, large kitchen, off-road parking, garden and gym.
Tue, 19 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100Mild week of weather expected for Bridgwater by Met Office
Met Office forecasts mild weather in Bridgwater this week, with cloud, sunny intervals and highs up to 22°C. UV levels high.
Tue, 19 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100Two North Petherton roads to close for three days this month
Queen Street and North Street in North Petherton will close for Openreach cabling and civil works from 26–28 May, says Somerset Council. Diversion in place.
Tue, 19 May 2026 16:11:00 +0100Somerset Council leader reshuffles top team for last time before local elections
Numerous changes have been made to the line-up of Somerset Council's ruling Liberal Democrat administration before the next elections in May 2027
Tue, 19 May 2026 13:15:00 +0100Village pub near Bridgwater saved and reopened after two years
A historic Somerset village pub has had its future secured, as it is set to reopen two years after it seemingly closed for good.
Tue, 19 May 2026 12:49:19 +0100Aldi asks Somerset shoppers to suggest new store locations
Somerset shoppers are being asked by Aldi to help identify new store locations in the county.
Tue, 19 May 2026 12:38:00 +0100Man sentenced for drink driving while 'tyre was hanging off' in Bridgwater
A man has been sentenced for drink driving and driving without insurance in Bridgwater.
Tue, 19 May 2026 11:10:03 +0100Mayor of Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge re-elected by town councillors
We are pleased to announce that at the Annual Town Council Meeting Cllr Mike Facey was voted in as Mayor and Cllr Paul Wynn as Deputy Mayor for the coming civic year.
Mon, 18 May 2026 05:00:00 +0100What's on in Bridgwater and Burnham: May 19-25, 2026
Discover local events in Bridgwater and Burnham-on-Sea this week, including live music, creative workshops, health walks, and the Neil Diamond tribute show.
Mon, 18 May 2026 17:21:48 +0100Queuing traffic and lanes closed along the M5 northbound due to vehicle fire
Two lanes are closed, and traffic is queuing due to a vehicle fire on the M5 Northbound from J24 A38 Taunton Road (Bridgwater South) to J23 A39 (Bridgwater North).
Mon, 18 May 2026 17:00:00 +0100Investigation launched into cause of large industrial fire
An industrial unit has been completely destroyed by a large fire after it was evacuated earlier today - with the cause under investigation.
Mon, 18 May 2026 14:25:13 +0100Bridgwater woman who survived meningitis celebrates overcoming adversity
Natasha Dines had triple amputations after suffering meningitis as a child and endured childhood bullying, but is now thriving at University.
Mon, 18 May 2026 14:34:49 +0100MP slams police response to anti-social behaviour in Somerset town
Bridgwater MP Ashley Fox said he tried reporting anti-social behaviour to 101, but that the police did not pick up after six minutes.
Mon, 18 May 2026 14:29:00 +0100Couple sentenced for lying about who was driving during collision
A couple were sentenced in court yesterday (May 14) after lying about who was driving during a collision.
Mon, 18 May 2026 14:19:07 +0100Somerset Council announces bank holiday changes to recycling collections
The dates for waste and recycling collection across Somerset will be different from usual this upcoming bank holiday, Somerset Council has confirmed.
Mon, 18 May 2026 11:20:00 +0100Closed Bridgwater pub could become convenience store
The Sportsman pub on the A39 Bath Road - which closed in November 2025 - could soon be replaced with a convenience store, creating new local jobs
Mon, 18 May 2026 11:10:00 +0100Somerset bus tickets could be simplified under 'Project Coral'
Bus operators and central government is currently negotiating the details of multi-operator contactless ticketing - which could be adopted in Somerset
Mon, 18 May 2026 09:16:09 +0100Steam on the Levels: Meet the characters bringing heritage engineering to life
Westonzoyland Pumping Station Museum hosts enthusiasts of all ages, bringing antique cars, tractors and more to celebrate Britain's engineering heritage.