A man was arrested after a woman was assaulted at The Clink Retail Park in Bridgwater on January 5. Avon and Somerset Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which unfolded around 2:30 PM. A key moment occurred when a woman flagged down police shortly after the assault, but she left the scene without providing her details.
Police are particularly interested in speaking with this witness to gain more insight. A statement from Avon and Somerset Police highlighted the urgency: “We are seeking witnesses after a woman was assaulted in Bridgwater yesterday. We would like to speak with the woman to fully understand what, if anything, she witnessed of the assault, as well as anyone else who was in the area at the time.”
Following the events at the retail park, authorities arrested a 36-year-old man who remains in custody as the investigation continues. The police are encouraging anyone with information to contact them by calling 101 and referencing number 5225003390.
Meanwhile, Bridgwater is also undergoing changes with the proposed construction of three townhouses on the site of the former Elkin Tyres. The site has been submitted for development following the tire company’s closure after 57 years of operation as of September 2023. Originally established by Ernie Elkins and run by Phil Elkins since 1983, Elkin Tyres has been part of the local community for decades.
The recent application, submitted to Somerset Council, includes plans for the access, landscaping, and layout for the new properties located on Horsepond Lane. This development is poised to replace the existing, outdated tire sales buildings. The individual designs for the new townhouses have been crafted to fit within the conservation area and adhere to traditional architectural styles.
Each proposed townhouse will boast four bedrooms and be built up to three stories, with the third floor integrated within the roofspace. They will feature gardens at the rear and parking areas located at the front, aligned with national space standards.
The plans for the new townhouses seamlessly fit within the broader patterns of development occurring across Bridgwater, including recent proposals to convert two local pubs. One of those developments involves transforming the former Bridgwater Arms pub, located on St. Mary Street, to provide over 30 short-stay studio flats aimed at accommodating workers connected to the Hinkley Point C project.
Another project includes constructing nine townhouses on the site of the former Three Crowns pub, which highlights the growing demand for housing solutions within the area. Due to Bridgwater's increasing proximity to significant developments, including the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station, the town is witnessing economic regeneration and housing redevelopment.
For those interested or affected by the townhouse development plans on Horsepond Lane, details can be accessed through Somerset Council’s planning portal using reference number 08/24/00166.
The recent assault incident alongside the progress made on housing developments paints a complex picture of Bridgwater as it navigates issues of public safety, community involvement, and urban renewal. Local residents are encouraged to remain engaged—whether by assisting police with investigations or by taking part in discussions concerning new developments.