23 Aug

Music By The River

The third concert of the new afternoon series, Music by the River, takes place at 2pm on Wednesday afternoon (2nd September) at Bridgwater Arts Centre.. Somerset quartet Kalima will provide a relaxing afternoon of light classical music along with commentary and anecdote. “Tickets are £10, accompanied children free – no need to book, plenty of room.” Says Westover based organiser Val Bannister “And the icing on the cake?  All £s except necessary expenses to St.Margaret’s Hospice, and the total from the last one has brought it to just over £1,000.” The Kilima Quartet is a professional string quartet based in South Somerset and formed in 2025. As individuals, they bring a wide variety of experience, performing in groups from symphony orchestras to folk bands, from electric to baroque, as well as working in education and therapy settings. As the Kilima Quartet, they aim to give quality concerts showcasing classical music, with some lighter styles thrown in.

Get Tickets here

30 Jul

Bridgwater Town Council appoints Town Clerk and Chief Executive Officer

Sally Jone. Bridgwater Town Council Town Clerk and Chief Executive

Bridgwater Town Council has confirmed the appointment of Sally Jones as its new Town Clerk and Chief Executive Officer, following a robust recruitment and interview process that attracted a strong field of candidates for the role. Throughout the process, candidates spoke positively about Bridgwater, the ambitions of the Town Council and the unique opportunity presented by the position, reflecting the growing profile and potential of both the Council and the town.

The appointment was approved at an Extraordinary Full Council Meeting held on Tuesday 28 July 2026.

 Sally has been serving as Interim Chief Executive since 1 April 2026 and has demonstrated strong leadership throughout the transition period. She joined Bridgwater Town Council in April 2024 as Director of Finance and Responsible Financial Officer (RFO). Continue reading “Bridgwater Town Council appoints Town Clerk and Chief Executive Officer”

16 Jul

Serious Challenges facing Somerset Council But Town is Fine

Bridgwater Town Council notes with concern the Government’s decision to issue a Best Value Notice to Somerset Council. While recognising the seriousness of the challenges facing upper-tier local authorities, the Town Council wishes to reassure residents that the notice has no direct impact on Bridgwater Town Council, which remains financially sound and well governed.

Since Local Government Reorganisation, Bridgwater Town Council has taken early and decisive action to protect local jobs, services and community assets. These measures have helped place the Council in a strong and sustainable position, enabling it to continue delivering for residents at a local level. Continue reading “Serious Challenges facing Somerset Council But Town is Fine”

12 Jun

Town Council raises fresh concerns over increasing spread of HMOs in Bridgwater

Bridgwater Town Council has reiterated its growing concern over the increasing number of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) across the town, following consideration of a new planning application at a recent Planning Committee meeting. The application, submitted to Somerset Council, proposed converting 127 Bristol Road from an existing six-bedroom HMO into an eight-bedroom property. Somerset Council notifies Bridgwater Town Council of all planning applications within the parish boundary, with the Town Council acting as a non-statutory consultee. While the Town Council reviews applications and submits comments reflecting local concerns, the final decision lies with Somerset Council’s Area North Planning Committee. After reviewing the proposal, Bridgwater Town Council’s Planning Committee objected to the application, citing concerns about overdevelopment and pressures on local infrastructure.

Continue reading “Town Council raises fresh concerns over increasing spread of HMOs in Bridgwater”

11 Jun

Town Councillors Welcome ‘Pride in Place’ Chair Appointment

Sam Smith is Pride in Place Chair for Bridgwater South

An important step forward has been made in the delivery of a major government funding initiative for a Bridgwater community.Pride in Place is a 10-year programme aimed at making a difference to people’s lives in Bridgwater South and a board made up of local people will be at the forefront of making decisions on how the funding is spent. A Chair of the Pride in Place board has now been confirmed following a selection process. Bridgwater Town Council, Somerset Council, and the local MP will work alongside the board and new Chair, Sam Smith.

The Bridgwater South area is made up of the communities which surround the Meads which includes the Hamp neighbourhood and parts of Westover and is one of 169 areas in England to be selected. It will receive up to £20 million over the next decade to support projects that matter to the community. Continue reading “Town Councillors Welcome ‘Pride in Place’ Chair Appointment”