Chris Lockyer

Teenagers in Porlock launched the Quench campaign to eliminate single‑use plastic water bottles by encouraging local businesses to offer free refill points, securing commitments from most shops and installing numerous refill stations. The initiative, supported by community groups and corporate donations of reusable bottles and a water filter, aims to make Porlock the first UK village to remove plastic water bottles from retail shelves. Local business owners express support, noting increased use of refillable containers among visitors and residents.

Teenagers in Porlock have launched Quench, a campaign to eliminate single-use plastic water bottles by encouraging local businesses to offer free refill points. About 85% of businesses have joined, and refill stations now include a 24/7 facility at the village church. Led by 14-year-old Imogen, the effort is supported by community groups and local shops, with companies donating reusable bottles and filtration equipment. Supporters cite environmental concerns and the desire to secure a better future for young people.

Haygrove School in Bridgwater plans to move to a new site north of Spaxton Road by September 2028 after its current main building was deemed structurally unsafe in 2023. The Department for Education says the project will include modern facilities, sports and community spaces, and a net‑zero design. Head teacher Aaron Reid and Quantock Education Trust chief executive Chrysta Garnett describe the development as a long‑term investment in students and the local community. Parents and stakeholders are invited to take part in an online consultation and an upcoming information event.

The Strawberry Line path in Somerset has been nominated as one of Britain’s favourite walking routes in the Ramblers’ annual competition. Local supporters, including the Strawberry Line Society, welcomed the recognition as work continues to extend the traffic‑free path toward Shepton Mallet. Somerset Council has allocated £730,000 for the project, with additional funding from the Mendip Hills National Landscape. Public voting is now open, with the winning path to be announced later in 2026. Other nominated routes include paths in Cumbria, Sussex and Northumberland.

Allotment holders in Highbridge, Somerset face losing their community growing space when the current lease ends in 2027, with no renewal possible. The plot, created in 2022, has become an important source of family time and mental health support for Martin and his family. The allotments’ chair notes the current landowner has been supportive but cannot extend the agreement. Members are appealing for anyone with two acres of land in the Highbridge or Burnham area to help secure a new location.

An MP for Tiverton and Minehead called planned cuts to volunteer coastguard callout pay dangerous, arguing they could lead volunteers to quit and weaken coastal safety. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency proposed shifting from hourly pay to an expenses‑only model after a court ruling classed volunteers as employees. The GMB Union warned many volunteers may leave or significantly reduce their availability. A transport minister said the changes were necessary to help volunteers balance the role with other jobs and promised further engagement with stakeholders.