Bridgwater Mercury
Sat, 24 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Your Health, Your Choice: Make exercise part of your life now, not later
Most people regret not taking action on health and fitness, UK research shows. Discover why staying active boosts independence as you age.
Sat, 24 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Somerset National Trust sites launch 2026 with range of events
Discover Somerset National Trust events for February–March 2026, including workshops, family activities, tours and mindfulness sessions at key historic sites.
Sat, 24 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000Nominate your business contribution in the community hero
Here's your chance to nominate a business contribution in the community hero in Somerset.
Sat, 24 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000Somerset residents invited to take part in BBC's Race Across The World
The BBC is looking for people to take part in a new series of Race Across the World - and they want people from Somerset.
Sat, 24 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000Bridgwater duo to release remix of 90s anthem
A duo based in Bridgwater are set to release a remix of a 90's anthem.
Sat, 24 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Pictures - Nature poking its head out in mid-January
Gallery of photographs collated from Somerset Camera Club under the theme of nature
Fri, 23 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Somerset Council invites public feedback on new domestic abuse strategy
Somerset Council makes final feedback call on its 2026–2029 domestic abuse strategy, seeking to improve prevention, protection and recovery services.
Fri, 23 Jan 2026 17:16:00 +000011 major Somerset development sites held up by legal issues
Nearly 2,700 homes across 11 key sites in Somerset cannot be delivered legal agreements haven't been signed off, Somerset Council has admitted
Fri, 23 Jan 2026 17:09:02 +0000School's new 'Happy Hut' supports children's wellbeing and learning
Hamp Nursery and Infant School in Bridgwater has opened a ‘Happy Hut’, designed to support pupils’ wellbeing and learning.
Fri, 23 Jan 2026 16:40:00 +0000Former Avon and Somerset PC barred after gross misconduct
A former Avon and Somerset Police officer will never be allowed on the force again following a gross misconduct hearing.
Fri, 23 Jan 2026 16:38:05 +0000Parish Council for village near Bridgwater tape off play area due to vandalism
A Parish Council for a village near Bridgwater has had to tape off a children’s play area due to vandalism of the equipment.
Fri, 23 Jan 2026 15:54:00 +0000Increase in council tax as Bridgwater Town Council sets budget for 2026/27
Bridgwater Town Council have set its budget and precepts for next year, with council tax set to rise in April.
Fri, 23 Jan 2026 15:07:51 +0000Send us your nominations for community champion of the year
Nominate someone you feel in the community that is pinnacle to the success of our communities - we want to help you to recognise their contributions.
Fri, 23 Jan 2026 13:39:00 +0000CEO of schools in Somerset set to retire after 36 years in education
A CEO of schools across Somerset is set to retire after 36 years in the education sector.
Fri, 23 Jan 2026 14:15:06 +0000Radio 1 DJ Dean McCullough: 'I was homeless as a child - now I want to help others'
Growing up, and later, when he moved to London, Radio 1 presenter and DJ, Dean McCullough never had a fixed address and regularly faced the daunting prospect of sleeping on the streets.
Thu, 22 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Clinton Rogers column: We’re paying the price for being a captive audience
Bristol Airport raises drop-off parking fees to £8.50, sparking debate on rising costs for motorists at airports, motorway services and hospitals across the UK.
Thu, 22 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Gill Slocombe column: My New Year's message to Bridgwater
Cllr Gill Slocombe highlights the need for change in Bridgwater, rising council tax, cost of living, health, and the vital role of volunteers in the community.
Thu, 22 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000New awards launched to honour Somerset’s rural beauty
CPRE Somerset launches the Love Your Countryside Awards to celebrate rural projects across Somerset for the charity’s centenary. Entries open until April 30.
Thu, 22 Jan 2026 13:38:00 +0000More than 9,300 new Somerset homes could be signed off by central government
Under the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025, any plans for 150 homes or more may be signed off by central government rather than local councillors
Thu, 22 Jan 2026 13:31:00 +0000Fire causes 'significant damage' to holiday let in Somerset
A serious blaze caused “significant damage” to a property on Wood Drove, in Langport, on the night of January 21.
Thu, 22 Jan 2026 11:24:00 +0000Met Office issues new weather warning for Somerset
Large areas of Somerset have been forecast to be hit by adverse weather conditions, which are 'likely to cause disruption', according to the Met Office.
Wed, 21 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Sir Ashley Fox: Here's what I've been up to in Bridgwater recently
Sir Ashley Fox MP updates constituency on NHS pressures, care sector challenges, local business visits, and his opposition to the income tax threshold freeze.
Wed, 21 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Column: Why Bridgwater rejects racism and the rise of Reform UK
Bridgwater residents rally against racism, highlighting the town’s historic anti-racist stance. Article also discusses Reform UK and political shifts.
Wed, 21 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Somerset hospice appoints Joanna Hall as chief executive
Joanna Hall appointed CEO of St Margaret’s Hospice Care, bringing 25+ years' charity experience to lead free hospice services across Somerset.
Wed, 21 Jan 2026 11:14:00 +0000Somerset Council to spend more than £5.8m changing street lights to LEDs
Around 18,000 "ageing and inefficient" street lights and related infrastructure will need to be replaced as part of the council's next budget
Wed, 21 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000Harris Fowler proud to receive Excellence in Personal Injury Law Award 2025
Harris Fowler is delighted to have been recognised with the Excellence in Personal Injury Law Award 2025 by Lawyer International – Legal 100
Tue, 20 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Four-bedroom bungalow in North Petherton on the market for £475k
Spacious four-bedroom bungalow for sale in North Petherton listed by Fox and Sons for £475,000. Large gardens, garage, prime location.
Tue, 20 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Five-bed house dating back to 1908 for sale in Bridgwater for £650k
Five-bedroom detached house, The Elms, Bridgwater, for sale for £650,000. Period features, modern upgrades, solar panels, spacious garden, parking.
Tue, 20 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Short film about Bridgwater coming to town's cinema
Brick by Brick, a Somerset Film drama about TikTok influencers in Bridgwater, screens at Scott Cinemas 6–12 Feb with free tickets. Local community-led film.
Tue, 20 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Somerset Council backs new policy to support volunteers
Somerset Council launches new Volunteering Policy to support 1,400+ volunteers across 22 teams, recognising their contribution to services and communities.
Tue, 20 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Somerset Business Expo to move to new venue near Bridgwater
Somerset Business Expo 2026, hosted by Sedgemoor Chamber, returns on 12 June at Junction 24, with over 80 exhibitors and expanded business networking.
Tue, 20 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Varied weather forecast by Met Office across Bridgwater this week
Met Office forecasts mixed weather for Bridgwater: sunny intervals, heavy rain, strong winds up to 39mph, and temperatures ranging 3–12°C this week.
Tue, 20 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Southern Co-op and Deliveroo offer chance to win weekly groceries for a year
Southern Co-op and Deliveroo launch Somerset prize draw: win a year’s free groceries delivered weekly. Enter with code WINCOOP15 on £10+ orders via Deliveroo.
Tue, 20 Jan 2026 17:30:24 +0000Multiple amber warnings say 'flooding is possible' for Somerset's low-lying land
Multiple amber “flooding is possible” flood warnings are in place across Somerset following heavy rainfall.
Tue, 20 Jan 2026 15:48:00 +0000Legal challenge launched to prevent Somerset village from becoming 'wasteland'
Westonzoyland Parish Council is crowdfunding for a legal challenge to prevent existing EA permits for soil storage and processing to be expanded
Tue, 20 Jan 2026 15:31:39 +0000A beloved brand providing delicious, sustainable seafood
A beloved brand providing delicious, sustainable seafood.
Tue, 20 Jan 2026 13:36:21 +0000Another business to close due to Celebration Mile roadworks
Another business in Bridgwater has announced that it will be closing later this month, and has blamed the Celebration Mile as a reason for its closure.
Tue, 20 Jan 2026 11:58:00 +0000Average cost of fixing potholes in Somerset revealed
Somerset Council has revealed how much it costs on average to repair a pothole on Somerset's road network, based on work carried out in 2025
Tue, 20 Jan 2026 11:17:00 +0000More than 1,200 Bridgwater residents oppose plans for 220 new homes
Bloor Homes South West wishes to build 220 new homes on Rhode Lane - but more than 1,200 local residents have signed a petition against the plans
Mon, 19 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000What's on in Bridgwater and Burnham: January 20-26, 2026
Discover live events in Bridgwater and Burnham-on-Sea this week, including Hal Cruttenden at Bridgwater Comedy Club, music gigs, open mic nights and Bond Live.
Mon, 19 Jan 2026 15:59:15 +0000Town council unanimously recommends refusal of 8-bed HMO
Bridgwater Town Council has unanimously agreed to recommend Somerset Council refuse plans for an eight-bedroom HMO on Taunton Road.
Mon, 19 Jan 2026 16:21:51 +0000'Vital repairs' to begin on A38 from next week
Roadworks are set to get underway next week for "vital repairs" on Taunton Road in Bridgwater.
Mon, 19 Jan 2026 15:44:27 +0000New gritters get pun-tastic names thanks to Somerset children
The two new gritters joining Somerset Council’s winter fleet have been given pun-tastic names by children in the county.
Mon, 19 Jan 2026 15:56:19 +0000Man accused of mother's murder says he 'lost his mind', court hears
Day six of the trial of Richard Breed sees two psychiatric reports discussed at Bristol Crown Court.
Fri, 16 Jan 2026 10:14:36 +0000What did Bridgwater look like in 2016?
The '2016 trend' has gone viral, with everyone taking a look back at what life was like a decade ago. But what were the biggest news stories from Bridgwater?
Mon, 19 Jan 2026 11:46:00 +0000500-bed campus for Agratas 'gigafactory' staff planned near Somerset crematorium
Staff at Somerset's new £4bn 'gigafactory' could be housed at a purpose-built, 500-bed campus to prevent additional pressure on local housing
Mon, 19 Jan 2026 10:42:00 +0000Upgrading key Bridgwater roundabout would have 'limited benefit' to locals
A planned upgrade to the Cross Rifles roundabout in Bridgwater was scrapped by Somerset Council in 2024 - much to the chagrin of the local MP
Mon, 19 Jan 2026 11:00:21 +0000Somerset Council shows short films to promote library services
Somerset Council hosted an event at the Bridgwater Arts Centre last week to showcase the services that Somerset Libraries can offer to residents.
Mon, 19 Jan 2026 10:09:00 +0000Council debunks Reform UK claims over asylum seeker numbers at Bridgwater school
Reform UK claimed that one in five pupils at a Bridgwater secondary school were asylum seekers - but the actual figure is far lower
Mon, 19 Jan 2026 13:44:10 +0000UK’s best and worst energy suppliers, according to new Which? rankings
Scottish Power, EDF and British Gas have been named the worst energy suppliers in an annual consumer ranking by Which?