BRIDGWATER residents have been given a glimpse of the Town Bridge’s new lighting.

Work is ongoing to install new architectural lighting and has been tested this week ahead of the official launch.

The new lighting will be programmable to change colour for different times of year and for different events.

The scheme is one of the projects within of the Bridgwater Town Centre Support scheme, supported by CIM funds from EDF Energy.

But while the lights have received a lot of praise for making the town look more attractive - it has also drawn attention to the rubbish strewn in the River Parrett including trolleys and plastic.

The mayor of Bridgwater Cllr Diogo Rodrigues said: “The lights look brilliant when they are on and it brings the two ends of town together.”

“Unfortunately it has highlighted the unsightly rubbish underneath but it least it means we are closer to action being taken.

“Sadly it is a small minority of the public who dump items.”

Sedgemoor District Council (SDC) said that while river maintenance is not its responsibility, it will do what it can to help improve the situation.

An SDC spokesman said: “In this case, we are acutely aware of the problem, especially as the Bridgwater Town Bridge is looking so spectacular with its new lighting.

“Unfortunately, it also highlights the perennial problem of rubbish in the river.

“The contrast between our wonderful floral displays along West Quay and the sordid sight of upended muddy trolleys, in particular, could not be greater.

“That aside, SDC has teamed up with volunteers and organisations to see if we can come up with practical and safe plan to get rid of the unsightly eyesore.

“The Inland Waterways Association, SDC’s Clean Surroundings, Bridgwater Town Council, Somerset Boat Centre and the fire service, along with Rage Against Rubbish are all involved.

“We have looked the possibility of using a machine like the one used to install the lighting but operators advise us that it would not be suitable.

“We are also considering using boats and ropes; however safety is a big concern.

"We would appeal to anyone who is interested in this and has practical suggestions for how it might be done to contact us as SDC on 0300 303 7800."