Archives for February 2016

The EU Solidarity Fund was established in 2002 after severe flooding in central Europe. So when flood waters  rose in Bridgwater and on the Levels in 2011 there were quite a few voices calling for us to get our hands of some of this fund. However I knew then that it was never going to be easy. The …
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Once upon a time the trains rumbled through Burtle junction - long gone now though. And Burtle has been without a Post Office since 2008 when the temporary one, in the pub, shut down. But after a long fight I bring better news:  the Post Office will be offering its "home delivery" service in the …
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Along with many of my Parliamentary colleagues I want there to be greater transparency in the NHS after an Alzheimer’s Society investigation which found too many people with dementia are falling while in hospital, being discharged at night or being stuck in hospital after medical treatment finished. …
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Last November the planning authorities gave permission for a new telecoms mast at Haddon Hill. It was meant to connect some of Exmoor's notorious mobile phone and internet blackspots. Then, without explanation, the firm employed to get permission and operate the mast pulled out. Nobody really knows …
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....and £300million will help quite a lot! That is the size of the "relief fund" established by the Government to cover the transitional phase of a new deal for councils which will  enable them, eventually, to hold on to far more of the money raised by business rates. The problem is that the way …
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There are around 60 different cider makers in this county. It is the very heartland of England's ancient cider industry. But these are challenging times. Supermarkets have squeezed prices down so hard that even some of the big players are feeling the pinch. When the C&C group announced the …
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Jose Mourinho's problems (along with his permanently stern expression) continue to make headlines. But today I can guarantee that there will be smiles-a-plenty in Bridgwater's sporting circles. Bridgwater College, which runs first rate courses for tomorrow's Premier League hopefuls (and many others …
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Don't take my word for it. This is the united opinion of South West Tourism, a body representing every aspect of this vital industry throughout Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. Bridgwater's spectacular carnival got Gold for its consistently excellent organisation and unsurpassed crowd-pulling power. …
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The stylish, energy efficient premises of Somerset's Energy Innovation Centre was formally declared open yesterday. I am delighted to see it in action and attended the ceremony. This building will become a real business hub, set in the heart of Bridgwater's most up to date commercial sector and …
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Richard Gibson's story should bring a tear to your eye. It did to mine. Richard lost his family, his business and his dignity a couple of years ago. He became so depressed it required a human miracle to help him. Pluss came to his aid. Pluss is a Government approved body that helps people to find …
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