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- Bristol News by HANA Edition 16
Bristol News by HANA Edition 16
Bristol’s New Year: Baltic Weather, Beacon Loans and Uber Moans
Louis Inglis
January 03, 2025
Bristol News by HANA Edition 16
Bristol’s New Year: Baltic Weather, Beacon Loans and Uber Moans
Happy New Year, and welcome back to HANA News! We look forward to providing you with more snappy, weekly roundups of all the big news in Bristol throughout 2025. We already have quite a few journalistic irons in the fire, and we will be garnishing them with quality local investigations and features as always. If you missed our last feature, catch up with this link: “The battle so save the last remnant of medieval Bristol”.
Only three days into the New Year and we already have a smorgasbord of headlines to sink your teeth into. This reporter wrote an article in November 2023 which claimed the Bristol Beacon cost over £130 million to refurbish - an eye-watering sum. Yet in the last 14 months, an extra £50 million has been slapped onto that bill and the council will continue to pay off the debt until the 2070s. Check out Bristol Live’s article down below.
But it’s not all dumb and glum. If you need help fulfilling your New Year’s Resolution, a new study from the University of Bristol has found that smartwatch apps can effectively help you quit smoking. It’s a shame they didn’t have an app for Guinness consumption last Tuesday night; I could have used it then.
Louis Inglis | Bristol Editor
The iconic Christmas Steps and late medieval buildings
This week in Bristol
Uber drivers in Bristol face declining earnings and rising costs, prompting longer hours and frustration over compensation.
Bristol authorities activate emergency protocol for snow and ice, supporting vulnerable individuals through local organisations.
The refurbishment of the Bristol Beacon concert hall has exceeded £183 million, raising concerns about financial projections and taxpayer burdens.
University of Bristol study finds a smartwatch app can effectively help users quit smoking.
Activist Claire Petrie will represent Great Britain in the World Plogging Championships and encourage community participation in ‘plogging’ sessions.
Dr Roger Ransome his onoured for over 66 years of research on greater horseshoe bats, contributing significantly to bat conservation.
Plymouth Argyle drew 2-2 with Bristol City after coming back from a two-goal deficit.
Databox
The average speed on local A roads in Bristol was 16.1 mph in 2022, slightly less than 2021 (16.4mph) and significantly slower than the England average (23.7 mph)
Bristol has the highest level of car availability of all the core cities in England. 74% of households have at least one car or van available (England & Wales 77%), up from 71% in 2011. 26% of households in Bristol have no car or van (England & Wales 23%).
Levels of car availability vary widely across the city - the proportion of households with no car ranges from 5% in parts of Henleaze to as high as 74% in parts of the city centre.
Scroll down for property news and more things to do in Bristol this weekend…
Statue of John Cabot by the Harbourside
Hyper-local news articles
'Impossible' to make ends meet, Uber drivers say BBC News - January 1, 2025 Uber drivers in Bristol are grappling with declining earnings and rising costs, leading many to work longer hours just to make ends meet, despite the company's claims of fair compensation and support. As frustrations mount over opaque commission rates and stagnant fares, drivers emphasise the need for unity to navigate these challenges together. |
Severe weather emergency action ahead of freezing weather in Bristol Bristol Live - January 2, 2025 Bristol has activated its Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) in response to forecasted snow and ice, providing vital shelter and support for vulnerable individuals until January 8. With a yellow weather warning in effect, local organisations like St Mungo's and Helping Bristol's Homeless are ramping up efforts to ensure those sleeping rough receive essential clothing, hot meals, and outreach services during this critical time. |
The 'mindblowing' true cost of the Bristol Beacon refurbishment Bristol Live - January 2, 2025 The refurbishment of the Bristol Beacon concert hall's cost has skyrocketed to £183 million, prompting concerns from Councillor Jonathan Hucker about misleading financial projections and rising interest rates that could burden taxpayers. Despite criticisms, Council leader Cllr Tony Dyer defends the venue's successful reopening and its positive impact on the local economy. |
Bristol man raises blood cancer awareness after diagnosis delay BBC News - January 2, 2025 Jerry Cowhig, a 68-year-old father from Bristol, is raising awareness about myeloma after enduring a frustrating year of misdiagnoses before discovering he had incurable blood cancer. He highlights the urgent need for GPs to consider myeloma in their diagnoses, stressing that patients shouldn't have to wait so long for answers. |
Smartwatch technology helps people quit smoking, new study finds A recent feasibility study suggests that a smartwatch app designed to detect smoking-related hand movements can aid in quitting by delivering timely relapse prevention messages, with 66% of participants finding it feasible. While digital tools show promise, traditional smoking cessation methods remain vital, prompting calls for sustainable funding and further research into the long-term effectiveness of such interventions. |
Bristol woman to represent Great Britain in world 'plogging' event BBC News - January 2, 2025 Bristol activist Claire Petrie is gearing up to represent Great Britain in the World Plogging Championships, an event combining jogging with litter picking that promotes both physical fitness and environmental care. She invites everyone, regardless of fitness level, to join monthly plogging sessions in Horfield and make a positive impact on their communities. |
Tireless bat conservationist celebrated in King’s New Years Honours Bristol Uni - December 31, 2024 Dr. Roger Ransome, an 84-year-old bat conservationist from Dursley, has dedicated over 66 years to studying the greater horseshoe bat, earning a Guinness World Record for his extensive research and significantly contributing to bat conservation efforts at Woodchester Mansion. His work includes establishing a public exhibition with infrared cameras and publishing over 50 scientific papers, shedding light on bat physiology, behaviour, and longevity. |
Plymouth Argyle 2-2 Bristol City: Managerless Pilgrims rescue point Plymouth Argyle, without manager Wayne Rooney, showed resilience in a 2-2 draw against Bristol City. Thanks to Rami Al Hajj and Julio Pleguezuelo's late equaliser, the team battled back from two goals down. Meanwhile, City manager Liam Manning highlighted the need for his team to finish matches decisively despite their strong performance and expressed hope for future progress. |
Pero’s Bridge and businesses along the Harbourside
Property news
The salary Bristol house-hunters need to be earning in each part of the city Yahoo News - December 27, 2024 A June 2023 report from Zoopla highlights a 1.5% rise in UK house prices, but Bristol has seen a decline of 0.2%, with average prices falling to £371,834, necessitating an income of around £82,630 for residents to afford homes. Neighbourhoods vary significantly in pricing and required incomes, with Clifton being the most expensive at £652,223, while areas like Hartcliffe offer more affordable options. |
Bristol Live - January 2, 2025 Weston-super-Mare is emerging as a sought-after destination for homebuyers from Bristol, offering larger homes at more affordable prices amid a property boom fuelled by post-pandemic demand and ongoing local investments. With its attractive coastal lifestyle, new developments, and improved amenities, the town is poised for continued growth despite national market challenges. |
Plans for 88 flats at end of terraced street in South Bristol Yahoo News - December 24, 2024 Godwin Developments is set to propose the construction of up to 88 new flats in Bedminster, Bristol, on the site of a former warehouse, amid local concerns over parking and construction disruption. This development, part of a larger trend to convert land into housing, aims for a "predominantly car-free scheme" and will be submitted for planning approval early next year, with decisions expected by 2025. |
The world's coolest Airbnb is on a UK industrial estate — and it has some interesting ex-owners Metro - January 2, 2025 In Bristol, entrepreneur Johnny Palmer has turned a decommissioned Boeing 727 into a luxurious Airbnb experience, complete with a hot tub and gold-plated shower, while uncovering its intriguing past linked to infamous figures like Pablo Escobar. With an eye for creativity and community, Johnny reinvests the rental income to enhance his unique project, inviting guests to live like billionaires in an extraordinary setting. |
Remnants of Bristol’s industrial past by M-Shed
What’s on in Bristol this weekend?
All photos are credited to Louis Inglis unless otherwise specified.
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