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- Bristol News by HANA Edition 17
Bristol News by HANA Edition 17
Bristol’s Budget, Business & Bus Networks
Louis Inglis
January 10, 2025
Bristol News by HANA Edition 17
Bristol’s Budget, Business & Bus Networks
From the Editor
By law in the UK, a council cannot technically go bankrupt. Nevertheless, that won’t stop Bristol City Council from sticking their bums over the precipice. A council can issue a section 114 notice, where they refuse to commit to any new spending. The council is considering various ways to tackle their £52 million budget deficit, including closing three Bristol museums and limiting library provisions in the city. Notably, and as we reported last week, not among these measures is racking up £180 million of debt in refurbishing the Bristol Beacon. But I digress; putting money into cultural institutions is always an investment and cuts to this sector should be considered last.
On another note, last summer, I went to Le Mans, Nantes and Bordeaux in France. Never one to unduly compliment the French, I was amazed at the speed, the price and the cleanliness of the tram system in each city. For less than €2 you can speed past traffic comfortably and in environmentally friendly fashion. Bristol used to be full of trams on every major thoroughfare, from Durdham Down to Kingswood to Knowle. In fact, the lifelessly named square at the heart of the city is called the Centre after the Tramways Centre that used to converge there. Perhaps the £15 million former Mayor Marvin Rees spent on his vanity plans for an underground rail in a city full of hills would have been better spent tackling that propagating budget deficit.
P.S. Petition to rename The Centre something more inspiring and patriotic? Perhaps, Wallace & Gromit Square? Reply to this email with your suggestions.
Louis Inglis | Bristol Editor
Wooster the Sprocker Spaniel after enjoying the snow in Bristol
This week in Bristol
Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder after the death of 72-year-old Stephen Ridgeway during an aggravated burglary in Keynsham.
Bristol City Council faces a £52 million budget shortfall, proposing cuts like closing museums and raising meal charges.
Bristol has been ranked the 2nd best city in the UK for starting a new businesses, coming in behind Oxford, but ahead of Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow.
Major changes are planned for Bristol’s transport network, including new bus routes and re-establishing Bristol’s extensive tram network being touted as ideas.
Bristol has become the UK's second most congested city, with drivers experiencing an average delay of 65 hours annually.
The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School is discontinuing its undergraduate program due to financial issues while continuing postgraduate courses.
Bristol City manager Steven Kirby views the upcoming FA Cup match against Arsenal as crucial for their Women's Super League ambitions.
Ilona Maher drew a record crowd to Bristol Bears Women’s match against Gloucester-Hartpury.
Databox
In the Bristol area (Horfield/Filton), the lowest ever recorded temperatures for January range from -6.6°C (in 2010) to -6.1°C (in 2012)
For the UK overall, the coldest recorded temperatures are much lower, with -27.2°C being the lowest national record, shared between Braemar and Altnaharra on different dates
Bristol is considered one of the UK's warmest cities, sheltered by Exmoor and the Mendip Hills
Winters are cool but not extreme, with average temperatures between 3°C and 9°C
Scroll down for property news and more things to do in Bristol this weekend…
Various tram links along Colston Street and Park Row in the early 20th Century (Credit: East Bristol Auctions)
Hyper-local news articles
Two men arrested after Bristol man dies following burglary BBC News - January 8, 2025 Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of 72-year-old Stephen Ridgeway after an aggravated burglary at his home in Keynsham, near Bristol. Mr Ridgeway was assaulted during the break-in and died days later in the hospital, prompting a Major Crime Investigation Team inquiry into the case. |
Bristol council faces ‘bankruptcy’ if cuts not made Bristol24/7 - January 8, 2025 Bristol City Council is facing a £52 million budget shortfall over the next five years, leading to proposed cuts, including the closure of three museums and increased community meal charges. Council leader Tony Dyer stresses the necessity for careful financial decisions to avoid ‘bankruptcy’ while prioritising vulnerable populations. The council aims to enhance service delivery through comprehensive internal changes and better collaboration with residents and partners, moving beyond traditional efficiency metrics. |
Bristol trumps major UK cities as a ‘top business destination’ Bristol24/7 - January 7, 2025 Bristol has been ranked as the second-best city in the UK for launching a new business, following Oxford, thanks to its competitive commercial property prices and strong economic contributions from local universities. With 90% of businesses enjoying high-speed internet access and exciting developments on the horizon for 2025, Bristol is an attractive hub for entrepreneurs looking to thrive amid economic challenges. |
Major changes planned for Bristol's transport network in 2025 BBC News - January 4, 2025 Bristol City Council, led by the Green Party, will transform the city's transport network in 2025. Plans include an overground mass transit system and a review of e-scooter services amid rising costs. Additionally, millions from the Clean Air Zone will support bus services on unprofitable routes, though public transport fares will increase from £2 to £3. |
Bristol is UK’s second worst city for congestion Bristol24/7 - January 6, 2025 Bristol has emerged as the UK's second-most congested city. According to Inrix's Global Traffic Scorecard, drivers face an average delay of 65 hours annually, a 5% rise from last year. London tops the list with 101 hours of delays, while global congestion leader Istanbul sees 105 hours of delays. |
Bristol Drama School That Trained Daniel Day-Lewis, Olivia Colman Shuts Down ‘Financially Unsustainable’ Undergrad Program Variety - January 7, 2025 The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, renowned for producing stars like Daniel Day-Lewis and Olivia Colman, is discontinuing its undergraduate program due to financial challenges but will continue offering postgraduate courses. This decision, aimed at ensuring stability, allows current students to complete their studies while addressing issues such as capped fees and the cost of living crisis. |
Bristol City vs Wolverhampton Wanderers: FA Cup stats & head-to-head Wolves have a strong historical advantage over Bristol City in the FA Cup, winning both previous encounters 1-0 and dominating their recent matches at Bristol. While Bristol City has seen some success in the FA Cup, including wins against Premier League teams, this marks a rare opportunity for Wolves to face a non-Premier League team in the third round. |
Ilona Maher: Bristol Bears' new USA star wants to see more superstars in women's rugby BBC Sport - January 5, 2025 Ilona Maher, a notable American rugby player, made her debut for Bristol Bears before a record crowd of 9,240, highlighting the growing interest in women's rugby. While she celebrates her recognition as a star, Maher emphasises the importance of fostering deeper connections with fans and promote the sport's growth. |
Ex-industrial warehouses refurbished as flats in St Phillip’s
Property news
Former NatWest bank could become flats Yahoo News - January 3, 2025 Empyrean Properties Limited has proposed converting a former NatWest bank in Bristol into nine self-contained flats, facing objections regarding the loss of commercial space amidst local redevelopment plans for the Broadwalk shopping centre. Meanwhile, a scaled-back agreement allows the ‘Redcatch Quarter’ development to proceed after negotiations between local residents and developers, following a three-year campaign against the original proposal. |
The Bristol surnames that could be sitting on an unclaimed fortune Yahoo News - January 5, 2025 This year, Bristol has seen the publication of ten unclaimed estates potentially worth significant sums, offering a rare chance for unaware relatives to claim what rightfully belongs to them. As these estates fall under 'bona vacantia' and pass to the Crown, eligible family members are encouraged to come forward within the 12-year claim window, extendable to 30 years in some cases. |
Inside the 'delightful and distinctive' property below the historic viaduct near Bristol for sale for £795,000 Discover a charming property near the historic Pensford Viaduct, blending modern comforts with unique architectural elements in a picturesque setting. This delightful home offers stunning views and rich local heritage, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a one-of-a-kind residence. |
DJ and revellers on a night out in Bristol
What’s on in Bristol this weekend?
All photos are credited to Louis Inglis unless otherwise specified.
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