1 Feb

February High Tide pass with minor incidents

F1 River Levels
F1 River Levels

The predicted high tide of early morning February 1st failed to reach the levels of the January 4th floods in central Bridgwater but again drains on West Quay failed and the street filled with water whilst in Blake gardens the Durleigh brook again overtopped and filling the park once more this time was diverted by the new St Saviours temporary flood barrier sending gallons of water cascading via a new water-feature into the Old Taunton road underpass.

On West Quay by the time had turned at 8.30 Somerset Highways engineers were pumping out the drains whilst in Blake Gardens Derek Wall, Sedgemoors Engineer on the spot was waiting forn the river to drop before giving the order to pump out the underpass. Continue reading “February High Tide pass with minor incidents”

30 Jan

All Eyes on Westover as Weekend High Tides Approach

George Goodenough explaines the history of drainage in Somerset.
George Goodenough explaines the history of drainage in Somerset.

It’s fair to say that the world’s eyes have been firmly fixed on the Somerset Levels this week as the argument for dredging appears to be won and something seems to be about to be done, but might it not be in time for this weekends predicted high tides?

Journalists from Prague and Barcelona were in town today interviewing residents about their fears for the weekend. Pictured right is St Saviours Avenue resident George Goodenough who explained to them the history of drainage on the Somerset levels going back to the days of King Alfred. Behind him is the Fountain inn on West Quay currently surrounded by sandbags but resolutely open for business. Continue reading “All Eyes on Westover as Weekend High Tides Approach”

27 Jan

Food Bank in Urgent Plea for Permanent Home

Volunteer Ted Stock
Volunteer Ted Stock

Westover councillors made a special visit this week to the Bridgwater Food Bank in it’s new temporary location in a back lot opposite the Cinema soon to be transformed into yet another urban housing scheme. Having been turfed out of their former home at the former Enterprise centre on Northgate by Somerset County Council and temporarily rehoused, the days are ticking away for the towns foodbank unless it finds somewhere permanent.

Staffed entirely by volunteers, the food bank was set up in May 2013 with funds raised around the district including a grant from the Town Council. During these past 8 months the foodbank has served 1,246 clients in a crisis situation. Of these 835 were adults and 411 were children. Continue reading “Food Bank in Urgent Plea for Permanent Home”

2 Jan

Flooding

Flood - Wednesday 5 January
Flood – Wednesday 5 January

Severe Flood Warning Issued – Danger to Life

A Severe Flood Warning has been issued by the Environment Agency for the Salt Moor and North Moor including Moorland.

This Severe Flood Warning is for Salt Moor and North Moor including East Lyng, Burrowbridge, West Yeo, Moorland and Fordgate.

Flooding is expected to affect up to 100 properties in this area.

The River Tone is continuing to spill into Currymoor reservoir via Hookbridge spillway. The drain level at Currymoor pumping station is 7.8 m and is continuing to rise in response to this. There is an imminent risk that Baltmoor Wall will overtop resulting in a specific increased risk from flooding to properties in the Moorland, Northmoor and Fordgate areas. The police are currently on site advising the most vulnerable properties to evacuate their properties. Continue reading “Flooding”

14 Dec

Bridgwater Skatepark is here (at last)

Skatepark opening
Skatepark opening

It seems like years. That’s because it is. Years and years people have campaigned to get a skatepark in Bridgwater. Now they have one. It’s in Westover and it’s one of the biggest and best in the South West. It’s been designed by the users (who’ve had their names engraved into the concrete..with only one slight mis-spelling) and now it’s finally open.

The skatepark was opened today, Saturday 14th December 2013, with the cutting of the ribbon by long term skatepark campaigner and skater George Rollinson, who,several years back, had led a skateboard protest through the High Street with others wearing only their boxer shorts. Well, it’s probably what Trotsky would have done. Although when he asked Stalin for a skatepark it didn’t turn out too well. Continue reading “Bridgwater Skatepark is here (at last)”