OUR wonderful town is going through many changes and expanding at a great rate.

In recent months there have been a lot of headlines about crime and roadworks but today the Bridgwater Mercury is launching our new Backing Bridgwater campaign where we will be giving an insight on the overwhelming positives of the town.

As outlined in this week’s edition there are plans for thousands of new homes, two new schools and a huge amount of inward investment expected with the construction of Hinkley C.

The roadworks at Wylds Road have been controversial while a number of businesses including This Is It, BB Gowns and Hooper’s have all closed recently, but we want to highlight the positive developments happening and let people know Bridgwater is still open for business.

Each week the Mercury will be running a feature on a community group, school or trader, giving you the stories behind the everyday going-ons in Bridgwater that make the town so special.

If you are interested in taking part our reporter Steven Salter wants to hear from you – you can contact him on 01823 365171 or by email on steven.salter@nqsw.co.uk.

Bridgwater MP, Ian Liddell-Grainger, was among those to pledge their support for the campaign.

“My thanks go to for the Bridgwater Mercury for doing this, I think it is spot on,” he said.

“This is very important, the roadworks are making things difficult for traders at the moment but I have had meetings with EDF, Somerset County Council and Sedgemoor District Council and they are working to improve the situation and minimise the impact on businesses.

“This really is a hell of a town with a lot to offer, and if you can’t find it here, you won’t find it anywhere.

“You can buy absolutely all sorts and it is all very much open for business.”

Bridgwater Town Councillor Mick Lerry is also backing the campaign.

“Bridgwater is a growing town, the population is increasing and the economy is growing, so now is the time to invest in the future," he said.

“There will be real opportunities for employment and businesses.”

As part of the campaign, the Mercury is offering cut-price advertising rates to business in Wylds Road affected by the roadworks, with advertisers receiving 50 per cent off the usual rates.

Mercury editor Paul Jones added: “Bridgwater is going through a time of huge period of change, with a raft of developments on the horizon, including the enormous Hinkley C project.

“We know the people and businesses of Bridgwater are keen to let people know the town is still open for business despite the on-going disruption such change brings.

“The town is a cultural hotbed, as well as a business-friendly area and the Mercury is happy to back Bridgwater and will continue to highlight the many positives, so do get in touch with your stories.”

  • For advertising queries, contact Sharron Kington on 01823 365002 or Jacqui Childs on 07760 470396.