20 Apr

Town Forum calls for roads, waterways and regeneration

bridgy
Sedgemoor planners tell us their ‘plans’.

At this months meeting of the Bridgwater Town Development Forum, organised by the Town Council in order to bring together different organisations in the town through a system of delegates, NICK TAIT(Senior planning officer Sedgemoor District Council) gave an overview of the consultation results to the Local Plan, focusing on Bridgwater, and including the main development site options , transport and the  Tidal Surge Barrier.

Mr Tait said Sedgemoor had an annual target of delivering 505 houses but were currently delivering 580 and they had to consider whether to spread development around the district or to concentrate it. In doing so they had to be aware of environmental impact and infrastructure requirements specifically  transport, schools and health. Other key considerations included minimising greenfield development and the danger of flooding. Continue reading “Town Forum calls for roads, waterways and regeneration”

13 Apr

Internationalism on the Agenda for St George’s Day

Twinning-Week-Logo-WebThis year the Bridgwater Twinning Conference will be spread over the weekend of 21st to 25th April. Bridgwater with  5 twin towns, (La Ciotat  France, Homberg-Germany, Uherske Hradiste-Czech Republic, Marsa-Malta, Priverno-Italy)  leads the way in modern day Internationalism around Somerset

Organiser, Westover Councillor Brian Smedley, says “When we say ‘conference’ what we really mean is the opportunity to meet the people that run the twinning groups in our town and some visitors from our twin towns.” Continue reading “Internationalism on the Agenda for St George’s Day”

29 Mar

Hope Extinguished as Sedgemoor Planners Vote for Demolition

No Hope as demolition approved.
No Hope as demolition approved.

At todays meeting of Sedgemoor District Council Development Committee members voted 11-3 to approve plans for the demolition of Bridgwater’s iconic Hope Inn on the Taunton road ‘within 3 months’ and in the face of strong opposition by ward councillors and Bridgwater Town Council. The plan will pave the way for 22 apartments on a busy road.

Westover ward councillor and Town Council Leader Cllr Brian Smedley (Labour, Westover) said “I want to start by thanking the committee for their courageous stand last August when against officers recommendations you supported the wishes of the town and rejected the previous proposals. You would also have been very proud to have received the Inspectors report later that year which justified your position.The application is back on the table again and Ward members and the town council again have to object. Continue reading “Hope Extinguished as Sedgemoor Planners Vote for Demolition”

19 Mar

Orienteerers Orientate themselves to Westover

The Orienteerers gather at the birthplace of Breaker Morant.
The Orienteerers gather at the birthplace of Breaker Morant.

200 lycra, parka and sweatband clad orienteering enthusiasts from all over England spread out across Westover, sometimes at breakneck speed, in mad quest for small orange and white markers indicating the key points on their makeshift racetrack created as it was from amidst the historic backdrop of Bridgwater. The Quantock Orienteerers were in town.

But not just the Quantock ones, enthusiasts from everywhere. One lady, casually eating a fruit and yogurt compot from a tupperware container, said she’d travelled down from Berkshire. Another from London said it was her first time here and she was pleasantly surprised and would come again. Continue reading “Orienteerers Orientate themselves to Westover”

18 Mar

Residents Parking : Making sure it works for everyone

Friarn Street
The Zones are demarked

After years of campaigning on behalf of the 80% of people in the streets affected who wanted residents parking in Westover we are almost there -but we need to make sure we get it right so that it works for everyone. Today letters to residents have arrived from Somerset County Council which is in effect giving the long awaited green light.

The letter from the man in charge-Jeff Bunting – tells people the following.
1. The line painting and signage will be completed by the end of March

2. Enforcement will only begin on Monday 18th April

3. Between 1st and 18th April Parking Attendants will only issue warnings.

4. Permits can be obtained from 21st March either online (here) or by email somerset@parkingenquiry.co.uk or by phoning 03339998889.

5. The prices for the permits will be as follows;- 1st vehicle permit £60, 2nd vehicle permit £100 Visitor permit £60, scratch cards 30p each (max 100 pa)
Continue reading “Residents Parking : Making sure it works for everyone”