Graffiti Defaces Closed Bath Shop Following Dispute with Council Friday, June 5, 2026 graffiti bath shopclosure council vandalism independentbusiness retail conflict community economy The front of the recently closed Chapter 22 shop in Bath has been vandalized with graffiti containing offensive language, including the phrase “F*** Bath” and derogatory remarks targeting the local council. Chapter 22, a … Read More
Iconic Waverley Paddle Steamer Set to Make Daily Calls at Reopened Birnbeck Pier Thursday, June 4, 2026 waverley paddlesteamer birnbeckpier restoration westonsupermare bristolchannel heritage tourism maritime economy The iconic Waverley paddle steamer may soon be making daily visits to Weston-super-Mare with the reopening of Birnbeck Pier. A comprehensive restoration is underway to revive the historic, deteriorated pier, with plans to … Read More
Somerset Cider Barn Faces Closure After Business Rates Surge by 500% Wednesday, June 3, 2026 cider somerset businessrates hospitality smallbusiness government taxation rural economy inflation A beloved Somerset establishment, known as the Cider Barn, is at risk of shutting its doors after a staggering 500 percent increase in its business rates. Since 2012, Jason Law has operated the Cider Barn, nestled just off … Read More
Why Somerset Council Cannot Implement a 'Holiday Tax' Wednesday, May 27, 2026 somerset council holidaytax visitorlevy tourism localgovernment legislation devolution economy hospitality Conservative councillors in Somerset have been accused of misleading residents over a proposed “holiday tax” on local tourism businesses—a claim that doesn’t align with the council’s actual powers. The UK … Read More
Why Somerset Council Can't Impose a 'Holiday Tax' Wednesday, May 27, 2026 somerset council holidaytax visitorlevy tourism localgovernment legislation devolution economy politics Conservative councillors in Somerset have faced criticism for allegedly “misleading” residents about a proposed “holiday tax” following government consultations on visitor levies. The UK government has … Read More
Weston MP Fully Supports Ambitious Tropicana 10,000-Person Arena Project Wednesday, May 27, 2026 weston tropicana arena livenation regeneration music economy government funding aldridge Weston-super-Mare’s Labour MP, Dan Aldridge, has expressed unwavering support for plans to transform the Tropicana into a premier 10,000-person outdoor arena. The initiative, led by North Somerset Council, proposes leasing … Read More