ANOTHER year is drawing to a close – so we're taking a look back at some of 2023's biggest headlines and stories.
Our first instalment covers the first six months of the year, with a second part coming soon.
Part one covers the declaration of a ‘major incident’ due to an overturned bus on icy roads, well-earned recognition for our famous carnival and the end of an era in local government – plus a local cat making national headlines.
January
A major incident was declared in the early hours of January 17 when a double-decker bus overturned on the A39 Quantock Road.
The bus was carrying 70 workers to Hinkley Point C when it was involved in a collision with a motorcycle in “very difficult, dangerous” conditions.
A total of 27 workers were treated for minor injuries, and a further 26 suffered injuries “consistent with a serious traffic collision”.
After an investigation, police confirmed the two drivers would face no further action, with the ice and poor weather seen as a significant factor in the crash.
Days later, there was good news for Bridgwater as the town was awarded a £19.7 million windfall to turn the decaying old hospital on Salmon Parade into a skills development and learning academy for care workers.
The project, supported by the government's Levelling Up Fund, aims to drive more footfall to the town centre, create jobs and save the listed building.
However, other bids for funding from Somerset – including a joint submission for projects in Cheddar, Highbridge and Shepton Mallet – were turned down.
Later in the month, Luke Hawkes, 28, was jailed for 10 years after admitting causing death by dangerous driving and failing to provide a specimen.
After he was sentenced, the family of Bethany Branson, who was killed when Hawkes collided with two vehicles after running a red light at high speed on the A38 Taunton Road, paid tribute to a “beautiful” and “adored little lady”.
They went on to organise a memorial rugby game in her honour in November at Bridgwater & Albion, where she was a popular player.
February
More than 200 jobs were put at risk at the start of the month when Toolstation said its e-commerce distribution centre was being moved to Northampton.
One worker said: “It's disgraceful after we were all working during Covid, busting a gut to keep the business going.
“Many people have been here for up to 20 years and no one saw it coming. There's a feeling of shock, betrayal, disbelief and anger.”
Toolstation said it would retain colleagues wherever possible and was providing a full package of support for affected workers.
On February 9, Bridgwater proved its credentials as a ‘Clash town’ by marking International Clash Day with live music around the town centre.
Former Clash frontman Joe Strummer lived in the nearby village of Broomfield towards the end of his life.
A shift in the political landscape was signalled later in the month when Ian Liddell-Grainger, Bridgwater's MP since 2001, announced he will stand in the newly formed Tiverton and Minehead constituency at the next general election.
He said: “The new seat will take a lot of getting used to, but everyone who knows me can be certain that I’m up for the challenge and will fight as hard for Tiverton and Minehead as I will continue to do for Bridgwater and West Somerset.”
Cllr Brian Smedley, leader of Bridgwater Town Council, reacted with confidence Labour can win the next election with “the right candidate, the right campaign and the right moment”.
There was soon a big development at Hinkley Point C, when the UK's first new nuclear reactor for over 30 years arrived at the construction site.
The 13-metre, 500-tonne reactor pressure vessel was the first of two that will be installed at the power plant.
It was built in France and arrived in Britain at Avonmouth Docks, before being transported to Hinkley via the River Parrett and a five-hour road journey.
March
March got off to a flyer as Bridgwater Carnival picked up Creative Lives' prestigious People's Choice Award for ‘Jubilation’, the spectacular cart that took part in the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations nine months earlier.
Carnival publicity director Dave Stokes said: “It makes it even more special for us knowing it’s been voted for by members of the public.
“The carnivalites involved with the ‘Jubilation’ project will never forget the experience and have fond memories which will last a lifetime.”
On March 14, Bridgwater welcomed the latest addition to the Northgate Yard entertainment and dining hub as Allstars Sports Bowl opened its doors.
Managing director Pete Wallington said: “We hope Bridgwater locals and visitors alike find as much joy in the alley as we have had in building it for you.”
In other town centre news, plans were unveiled to expand the Mercure Hotel in Eastover and turn the neighbouring former Aldi supermarket into a conference and events centre.
Both proposals were given the green light by Somerset Council later in the year.
April
It was the end of an era as Sedgemoor District Council was dissolved and replaced by Somerset's unitary authority on April 1.
The end of the district council, which was founded in 1979, was marked with a tree-planting and time capsule burial at Apex Park in Highbridge.
The council leader, Cllr Alan Bradford, said Sedgemoor was a “terrific team” of loyal councillors, officers and staff members.
Out at sea, two enormous vessels appeared in the Bristol Channel as offshore work at Hinkley Point C entered its final stages.
The vessels, named Neptune and Sea Challenger, are being used to install vital components for the power station’s cooling water system.
On April 21, a man was jailed at Taunton Crown Court for raping a woman in Bridgwater.
Alin-Vasile Iercosan, 27, followed the 25-year-old woman as she walked home before carrying out the attack in a parking area off Friarn Street.
The victim's strength and determination was praised by the police after she stood up in court to face Iercosan, who had fled the country after the attack.
It was a mixed month for carnival news: there was joy as plans to upgrade the carnival's permanent base were approved, but disappointment as the curtain came down on YMCA Carnival Club after more than 50 years.
Ending the month on a positive note was the news that Elsa, a popular cat with shoppers in Bridgwater, was named as a finalist in the National Cat Awards.
Elsa, who belongs to Gavin Dalley, beat thousands of other entries to take his place as one of three contenders in the Social Star category.
The popular feline has a Facebook page with over 1,500 adoring fans.
May
Reports that Jaguar Land Rover-owner Tata planned to create 9,000 jobs at the Gravity business park dominated local headlines in May.
The BBC claimed the UK was set to beat Spain to bring a multi-billion-pound electric car battery factory to the Somerset site.
Two months later, Mr Liddell-Grainger confirmed the plant will be built at Gravity.
“Why Bridgwater? It's simple,” he said.
“Because we do it best, we have a huge ready-made site with amazing transport links and the finest workforce in Britain.”
However, two businesses left the town centre due to a lack of footfall.
Barclays explained the reasons behind its closure at the end of April, saying customers had turned to online and mobile banking.
Oxfam then left its Eastover shop behind after 25 years, explaining it ‘constantly evaluates the profitability of all our shops’ and has to make “difficult decisions”.
And it was all change at Bridgwater United Football Club, where Adam and Sarah Murry announced they were selling up due to personal commitments.
IT entrepreneur Ian Davies soon became the new sole owner of the men's club, with hotelier Steven Graham appointed as CEO.
Towards the end of the month, councillor Mick Lerry became the new mayor of Bridgwater, praising the legacy of NHS founder Aneurin Bevan in his first speech.
June
The leader of the Labour Party came to Somerset to meet workers at Hinkley.
Sir Keir Starmer praised the huge workforce, saying they were “absolutely determined to deliver the energy for the future” – but also accused the Conservative government of “holding our country back” after delays to the project.
Ahead of the next election, the former barrister said his party has huge aspirations for Somerset but must work hard and use forward-thinking policies to win votes in a county that has not had a Labour MP since 1950.
On June 14, a Bridgwater man was jailed after pleading guilty to manslaughter.
Thomas Webber was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court after killing 59-year-old Simon Edney at a property on Old Taunton Road a year earlier.
Detective inspector Mark Newbury, of the force's Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “While Webber may not have intended to kill his victim, his actions led to Simon’s death and, when you choose to be violent, this is always a risk.
“This is an incredibly sad incident in which a much-loved family man was taken too soon.”
Bridgwater later welcomed a new dental practice thanks to a £1.8 million investment from {my}dentist.
The Bridgwater House practice, on Taunton Road, is an expansion of the company's existing East Quay practice.
And it was a good month for fans of Nando's PERi-PERi chicken as the South African-Portuguese chain welcomed its first customers at Northgate Yard.
The restaurant, which can seat up to 89 people indoors and eight outside, created 30 jobs.
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