It might be April Fool’s Day but unfortunately this isn’t a joke for many residents. North Somerset Council’s tax hike of 8.99% will start today and is the joint highest increase in the country. The rise, for which special permission from central government was required, will hit residents hard amongst an increasingly hard hitting cost of living crisis. In data released by the government, the majority of local authorities are increasing council tax by 4.99%. However a number

Walliscote Primary School came together on Friday 27 March to celebrate the end of Ramadan with a vibrant and inclusive Eid Party. Pupils, staff, and families joined in marking the occasion, which highlighted the school’s commitment to recognising and valuing the diverse cultures within its community. The celebration featured a feast with delicious food provided by Pappadoms and Aisha’s kitchen, alongside traditional treats, creative activities, and opportunities for children

Residents in Weston-super-Mare could soon see the town’s famous tides running to a brand-new schedule, under what officials are calling a “ world-first coastal timing initiative .” In a joint proposal announced this week, Environment Agency and North Somerset Council have outlined plans to better align the timing of high tide with peak visitor hours, ensuring that tourists arriving in Weston-super-Mare are greeted by a “visually appealing seafront experience.” The scheme, cur

Today marked another effective day of multi-agency work addressing issues in Weston-super-Mare town centre. Local Neigbourhood Policing Team officers, supported by North Somerset Community Response, BID Street Wardens, North Somerset CCTV operators, and the Police Mounted Section, carried out high‑visibility patrols throughout the area. Their activity led to the arrest of a prolific shoplifter, the issuing of two Community Protection Warnings, one Community Protection Notice,

Three new or expanded school-based nurseries across the West, including one at Locking Primary School in Weston-super-Mare, are set to open in September providing a lifeline for thousands of parents juggling children and work.  The new childcare settings are being funded by national government, are part of a second wave of schools across the country who have successfully applied for a share of the government’s £45 million fund to build or expand nurseries on school sites, to

Thousands of Disabled people across the West of England and North Somerset are set to benefit from life-changing support, from April, following a recent expansion of specialist employment support by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).  The new funding, which is worth up to £15.4million for the West, is part of the Connect to Work programme to help break down barriers which can prevent people from finding good, secure jobs.  This new, tailored support from DWP will help

A second male has been arrested as part of the ongoing investigation into alleged poisoning from an illegal vape at Weston Supermarket A statement from Avon & Somerset Police said; “Yesterday, officers from the Town Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team arrested a 42‑year‑old man as part of the ongoing investigation into the poisoning incident that occurred on 21 March 2026. “He was detained on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and being concerned in the supply of Cl

by Dan Heley (Editor) “I am a Christian, I wasn’t born into holding a faith but discovered it later in life when I moved to Weston-super-Mare and became involved in a church in Worle that my best friend attended. It turned out to be a cult but that’s another story all together.” “I am hugely disappointed that the Assisted Dying Bill has all but failed to pass this time around, with the most ardent opponents of the change in the law being people of faith, including many Christ

Somerset Chamber of Commerce is expanding its support in Weston‑super‑Mare with a new Weston business breakfast — a dedicated networking event designed to strengthen local relationships and boost economic growth.   A spokesperson for Somerset Chamber of Commerce said; “Recent Chamber events in the town have shown just how eager Weston’s business community is to connect, collaborate and stay informed. From conversations with the Bank of England to insights on major infrastruct

Kids Go Free is coming back again for the Easter school holidays, giving free bus travel for a fortnight to around 150,000 kids aged under 16 across the West. The hugely popular, nationally unique initiative saw big increases in children and young people taking the bus over the summer and Christmas school holidays in 2025, with many places seeing the number of journeys double, compared to the same times the previous year. Every free journey is putting money back into families

Reset WSM are a community interest company (CIC) who work tirelessly to support young people, especially those with additional needs, to access an inclusive education for those struggling in mainstream settings, a valuable resource for children and young people across North Somerset. Already offering alternative provisions, school sessions, and targeted groups, the team at RESET went above and beyond for young people in 2024, hosting the first annual North Somerset Youth Awar

A 16-year-old boy has denied the murder of nine-year-old Aria Thorpe, who died in Weston-super-Mare in December 2025. The teenager, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, is accused of killing Aria after emergency services were called to the Mead Vale area at 6:09pm on 15 December. She was later pronounced dead at the scene. A previous hearing at Avon Coroner’s Court was told that Aria died from a single stab wound to the chest at her home. During a hearing at Bristol Cr

Dan Aldridge, MP for Weston-super-Mare and member of the Business and Trade Select Committee, has challenged senior leadership at Royal Mail over serious concerns about declining service and reports of staff being told to hide undelivered post. During a Parliamentary evidence session, Dan directly questioned Alistair Cochrane Chief Executive Officer of Royal Mail, raising concerns from frontline postal workers about pressure on staff and reports that some may have been told t

UK Town of Culture is a new national competition that celebrates towns with strong identities, creative ambition and a great story to tell. The winning town will host a year of arts, heritage and community activity, bringing together local people, artists, organisations and visitors to tell the story of the place they call home. Cllr Ciaran Cronnelly, leader of Weston Town Council said; I love Weston-super-Mare, I love the creativity of our town, the energy of residents and b

by Paul Howe A Ukrainian war veteran who lost both legs in combat has been given a new chance at independence — thanks to the efforts of a Weston fundraiser, a local mobility supplier and a volunteer who regularly drives humanitarian aid to the front line. The veteran told volunteer driver Norbert Istvan Fejes  that his greatest wish was for a mobility scooter adapted for someone with double lower-limb amputation. Within weeks, that wish became reality. Norbert, who lives in

A 20 year old man has been arrested on suspicion of administering a noxious substance and drug supply offences. Several vapes have been seized and will be sent for examination. The man remains in custody while officers continue further enquiries and searches. A spokesperson for Avon & Somerset Police said; “We are aware of an incident that occurred on Saturday 21 March, in which a woman became unwell shortly after being given a sample vape at Weston Supermarket on St James St

Jewson has donated £1,000 to Mendip Green Primary School to support its new outdoor play and learning (OPAL) project, as the builders’ merchant celebrates the relaunch of its refurbished Weston-super-Mare branch. The donation will support the next phase of the school’s OPAL journey, helping expand outdoor play opportunities for more than 600 pupils. The funding will enable the school to purchase materials including topsoil and turf to complete the banks around its giant sandp

Grand Pier Limited, Weston Super Mare, that operate The Grand Pier failed to pay £3,307.08 to 94 workers. They have been named and shamed amongst 400 companies nationally that have been issued fines and are on a Government list for failing to pay workers the minimum wage. Those aged 18 to 20 are entitled to £10 an hour, which is set to go up to £10.85, and the minimum for under-18s and apprentices is £7.55, rising to £8. Photo: ( gov.uk ) Published on Thursday 19th March it i

The Town Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team for Weston-super-Mare carried out a high‑visibility operation today, supported by colleagues from CCTV, Community Response, and the Business Improvement District. The operation was a success with multiple arrests and seizures. During the operation police undertook a range of actions including; Two prolific offenders were located and arrested A 44‑year‑old woman was arrested for multiple shoplifting offences. She has been charged and

Weston Independent News has learned that the former M&S has been purchased by a development company and that advertisements for renting the space were not authorised. ABL Group who have purchased the store are a property investment group which specialises in conversions of unused commercial/office space and have successfully carried our multiple projects. They have a small portfolio which is forever growing and have around 15 companies that operate under the ABL Group. In a