Independent Taunton Urges Community Support to Revive the Town Centre Saturday, July 19, 2025 taunton highstreet independent business closure economy towncouncil promotion pedestrianisation community A Taunton businesswoman has issued an urgent call to support independent shops amid a wave of closures impacting the town this year. Susie, co-owner of the local gift shop Rocket and Bird, shared her concerns with over 6,200 … Read More
How Somerset Has Fared Since the General Election Sunday, July 13, 2025 somerset labour government election politics nhs transport economy rural reform Last week marked one year since the general election that saw Sir Keir Starmer lead Labour back into government after 14 years in opposition. As Somerset’s local democracy reporter, I’ve looked back over the past 12 months to … Read More
Difficult but Inevitable: Taunton’s Ninkasi Bar Closes After Months of Struggle Thursday, July 10, 2025 ninkasi taunton barclosure craftbeer gin hospitality economy pubs independentquarter brewing Ninkasi, a cherished bar nestled in the heart of Taunton’s Independent Quarter, has permanently closed following a “difficult but inevitable” decision by its owners. Located at 1 Riverside Place, Ninkasi had gained a devoted … Read More
Rising Rents Threaten Weymouth’s Seaside Tourism and Small Businesses Thursday, July 3, 2025 weymouth tourism dorset rents smallbusiness council economy hotels regeneration growth Weymouth’s economy faces potential damage as rent increases loom over 65 council-owned hotels, sparking concerns from local representatives. Littlemoor and Preston councillor Louie O’Leary warned that significant rent hikes … Read More
Ilminster Faces Economic Risk as Free Parking Plans Spark Concern Wednesday, July 2, 2025 ilminster parking somersetcouncil economy freeparking localbusiness consultation transport carparks policy Ilminster is at the centre of a heated debate as Somerset Council’s plans to introduce parking charges threaten to impact the town’s economic health. The council, led by the Liberal Democrats, aims to impose fees on currently … Read More
UK’s Largest Battery Plant Reaches Key Milestone as Steel Structures Rise Monday, June 30, 2025 agratas gigafactory battery construction somerset steel ukmanufacturing ev industrialstrategy economy The Agratas gigafactory near Bridgwater, Somerset, has reached an important milestone with the installation of its first steel frames. This signals the commencement of vertical construction on what promises to be the UK’s … Read More