River Island to Close 33 Stores Including Somerset Branch Following Court-Approved Restructuring Saturday, August 9, 2025 riverisland retail restructuring storeclosures highstreet fashion insolvency rescues ukretail leasing River Island is set to close 33 stores across the UK, including its Somerset branch on Taunton’s North Street, after receiving court approval for a significant restructuring plan. The closures also impact branches in the West … Read More
Armed Police Respond to Threats Made by Man in Shepton Mallet Town Centre Friday, August 8, 2025 sheptonmallet armedpolice threats knife arrest avonsomerset highstreet publicsafety investigation gunclaims Armed police swiftly responded to an alarming incident in Shepton Mallet town centre on Tuesday, August 5, following reports of a man making serious threats. Around 4:10 pm, Avon and Somerset Police received a call about a … Read More
High Street Revival: Simplifying Bar and Cafe Openings to Boost Local Communities Monday, July 28, 2025 highstreet hospitality pubs cafes government licensing redtape businessrates alfreco planning The Government has announced ambitious plans to revitalise the high street by making it significantly easier to open bars, music venues, and cafes. Chancellor Rachel Reeves emphasized the commitment to “protect pavement … Read More
Londoners Love Frome – But Locals Say They’ve Had Enough Sunday, July 27, 2025 frome somerset highstreet londoners housing cultureclash independentbusinesses rent migration community Frome, often celebrated as one of the UK’s best high streets, continues to flourish even as many towns face economic challenges. Yet beneath the surface, tensions bubble among residents who feel their cherished Somerset town … Read More
Somerset Village High Street to Close for Footpath Upgrade During Summer Holidays Monday, July 21, 2025 chewmagna highstreet footpath somerset construction footway safety transport pedestrian upgrade High Street in the Somerset village of Chew Magna is scheduled to close for more than four weeks this summer as Bath & North East Somerset Council undertakes a significant footpath upgrade. The project aims to enhance … Read More
Independent Taunton Businesswoman Urges Support to Revive the Town Centre Saturday, July 19, 2025 taunton independent highstreet smallbusiness towncentre retail pedestrianisation promotion community council Susie, co-owner of local gift shop Rocket and Bird, has issued a heartfelt plea to the community to support independent businesses in Taunton. Over the past six months, several beloved local shops and venues—including sweet … Read More