- Bristol News by HANA
- Posts
- Bristol News by HANA - Edition 2
Bristol News by HANA - Edition 2
Bristol Breakthroughs: Buses, Blood & Council Conundrums
Louis Inglis
September 20, 2024
Bristol News by HANA - Edition 2
Bristol Breakthroughs: Buses, Blood & Council Conundrums
This week, Bristol City Council announced that it was chasing nearly a quarter of a billion pounds in unpaid debts, making it just one of many councils facing a budget deficit nationwide. Another Bristol man faced swift justice following far-right violence in August. Despite forecasts of rain and thunderstorms, it’s not all doom and gloom this week. Medical researchers in Bristol have discovered a new blood group after 50 years, which they hope will help treat patients with rare diseases. And get ready for more transport transformation as the buses take their first step towards enfranchisement. The Bristol-Portishead railway plan remains a national priority.
Louis Inglis | Bristol Editor
The iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge spanning Avon Gorge
This week in Bristol
Bristol City Council debt crisis: £229 million in unpaid debts, £52 million from uncollected council tax, with additional factors like rent arrears and Clean Air Zone charges.
Blood group breakthrough: NHS Blood Transplant and University of Bristol researchers identified the MAL blood group system, solving a 50-year-old mystery.
August protest sentencing: Ashley Hunt, 35, was sentenced to 20 months in prison for violent disorder. He's the 22nd person convicted from the August 3 incident.
Bristol bus franchising: City leaders are exploring bus franchising with a £500,000 commitment to improve local control over routes and fares, modelled after cities like Manchester and Sheffield.
Bristol to Portishead rail line: Metro Mayor Dan Norris is "quietly confident" about reopening the rail line despite recent funding cuts. The line remains a priority in a national list of important railway projects.
Thunderstorm warnings in South West: The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for thunderstorms this weekend. Frequent lightning and potential flooding are expected, and residents in flood-prone areas should prepare.
Bristol City Women: Stephen Kirby, former Leicester City Women’s coach, is appointed as the new manager, aiming to secure promotion back to the Women's Super League.
DATABOX
Bristol City Council’s Medium Term Financial Plan forecasts a budget deficit of £17.8 million for 2024/25, with the gap potentially rising to over £32 million annually by 2028/29. Even in the best-case scenario, Bristol will still see a budget shortfall of at least £6.5 million by 2026/27.
One key contributor to the financial strain is the overspend on special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). In 2023, the council overspent its SEND budget by £16 million, leading to a cumulative deficit of £42.5 million over the past three years.
Other councils around the country are also facing dramatic funding shortfalls, with the gap in England expected to reach £3.4 billion by 2025/26. The top three highest shortfalls are Hampshire Country Council (£132 million), Bradford City Council (£126 million), and Birmingham City Council (£119 million).
Scroll down for property news and more things to do in Bristol this weekend…
Bristol City Hall at College Green
Bristol City Council struggles with over £200 million in unpaid debt
Date: 2024-09-17 11:06:15 | Reading Time: Reading time: 3 minutes | Source: BBC
Bristol City Council is grappling with a staggering £229 million in unpaid debts, with nearly £52 million stemming from uncollected council tax. Acknowledging this financial challenge, the council's latest report highlights additional factors contributing to the debt, such as rent arrears and charges from the Clean Air Zone, while also noting that cost of living pressures and court backlogs have further delayed payments. As they strategise to tackle this issue, Bristol's leaders are urging for community support and understanding during these difficult times. 🌧️
Researchers discover new blood group after 50 year mystery
Date: 2024-09-16 10:55:38 | Reading Time: Reading time: 4 minutes | Source: University of Bristol
In a remarkable breakthrough, researchers from NHS Blood Transplant and the University of Bristol have identified a new blood group system called MAL, solving a 50-year-old mystery surrounding the AnWj antigen. This discovery enables the identification and treatment of rare patients who lack this blood group, often due to a specific inherited condition or haematological disorders. With the development of new genotyping tests, healthcare providers can better match blood donors and recipients, minimising the risk of transfusion-related complications. The findings mark a significant step forward in transfusion medicine, benefiting patients worldwide. 💉
Outside Bristol Crown Court
Another protester sentenced to prison following far-right unrest
Date: 2024-09-18 12:25:41| Reading Time: Reading time: 1 minutes | Source: Avon & Somerset Police
Ashley Hunt, 35, from St George, Bristol, has been sentenced to one year and eight months in prison for his role in the violent disorder that occurred on August 3. Hunt pleaded guilty to his actions, which included punching two individuals and assaulting police officers, which were captured on body-worn cameras. This makes him the 22nd person to be sentenced for related crimes in the aftermath of the disturbance, highlighting the serious consequences of such violence against the community and law enforcement. 🏛️
Metro Mayor 'quietly confident' over reopening of Portishead railway
Date: 2024-09-18 12:25:32 | Reading Time: Reading time: 2 minutes | Source: BBC
The prospects for reopening the Bristol to Portishead rail line might be revitalised, as the area's metro mayor, Dan Norris, expresses a "quietly confident" outlook despite recent funding cuts. Although the new Labour government's decision posed a significant challenge, Norris believes the line is well-positioned to advance, especially after being included in a newly identified list of important railway projects nationwide. This revitalisation plan could transform local transport options and boost the community. 🚆
Queues outside a bus in Bristol
First steps towards Bristol bus franchising
Date: 2024-09-13 12:31:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 3 minutes | Source: Bristol Post
Exciting developments are on the horizon for Bristol’s public transport system as city leaders take significant steps toward bus franchising. With a proposed commitment of £500,000 to explore a revamped travel system, this initiative seeks to empower local authorities to regain control over routes and fares currently managed by private companies. The plan emerges from a broader campaign advocating for better bus services amid continuous cuts, reflecting a pressing need for reform in the region's mass transit approach. As Bristol looks to emulate successful models in cities like Manchester and Sheffield, a comprehensive feasibility study is set to map out the future of bus services, promising a more efficient and user-friendly network. 🚌
Met Office issues double thunderstorm warning for entire South West
Date: 2024-09-19 10:37:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 2 minutes | Source: Bristol Post
This weekend, the Met Office has issued consecutive yellow weather warnings for thunderstorms across the South West, with temperatures soaring into the mid-20s. Expect heavy showers and frequent lightning strikes starting Friday afternoon and continuing into Saturday, bringing the possibility of significant rainfall—up to 40mm in just three hours in some areas. Those living in flood-prone regions are urged to prepare emergency kits, as driving conditions may be treacherous. Stay safe, and keep an eye on the weather updates! 🌧️
Bristol City set to name Kirby as women’s manager
Date: 2024-09-19 08:02:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 1 minutes | Source: BBC
Bristol City Women have appointed Stephen Kirby, previously the first-team coach at Leicester City Women, as their new manager. Kirby is eager to revitalise the team and aims to secure promotion back to the Women’s Super League after a challenging season. With the club without a manager since Lauren Smith's departure, Kirby is ready to lead Bristol City as they seek to bounce back from their recent league draws. Exciting times lie ahead as Kirby looks to fire up the team this season! ⚽
Property News
Snapshot of the Bristol skyline by the Harbourside
Opinion: Bristol 'still putting our lives at risk' after Grenfell report
Date: 2024-09-18 04:09:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 5 minutes | Source: Bristol Post
A recent report examining the Grenfell Tower disaster has raised concerns about the safety of Bristol's tower blocks, particularly those clad with expanded polystyrene (EPS), similar to materials used in Grenfell. Despite assurances from Bristol City Council regarding the safety of its cladding systems, experts warn of serious fire risks associated with EPS, raising questions about the council’s past maintenance and oversight practices. With 38 blocks in Bristol using the same type of cladding, residents are understandably anxious, especially following recent fires that highlighted vulnerabilities in evacuation procedures and fire safety protocols. As the council continues to improve safety measures, including removing cladding and introducing interim safety protocols, community engagement remains crucial for fostering trust and ensuring the well-being of all residents. 🔍
Warning over '£20,000 of property damage' after 'dog-sized' rats plague the UK
Date: 2024-09-19 02:59:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 2 minutes | Source: Bristol Post
As rodent season approaches, homeowners are urged to take preventative measures against rats, which not only cause health risks and unsightly messes. Still, they can also diminish property values by a staggering £20,000. Experts warn that these persistent pests can chew through vital materials, leading to costly damages if infestations spiral out of control. To safeguard your home, it's essential to seal any gaps, reduce clutter, and maintain cleanliness around your property to deter these unwelcome guests. Keep an eye out for signs of infestation, like gnawed holes and droppings, to stay ahead of the problem. 🐀
Popular fashion brand among businesses forced to close as Art Club Market landlord takes back property
Date: 2024-09-19 10:13:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 3 minutes | Source: Yahoo News UK
Sisters Katie and Lauren Hobbs, renowned for their famous fashion brand Wild Thing, are set to close their shop at Bristol's Art Club Market by mid-December due to the landlord reclaiming the property. The pair expressed their disappointment on Instagram, noting the challenges of finding a new location amidst a busy festive season and setbacks in their trading plans, especially after recently reaching 100,000 Instagram followers. Despite this setback, the sisters remain optimistic about launching new collections. They are actively seeking a new space to continue their business, thanking the Art Club for their support along the way. 🌟
What’s on in Bristol this weekend?
Nighttime shot of Bristol Harbourside
Bristol Sea Shanty Festival
When: Saturday, September 21; 12:00-5:00PM | Where: Various stages, Harbourside BS1
On Mono Festival
When: Saturday, September 21; 2:00-6:00PM | Where: Exchange, Old Market BS2
Art Battle Bristol
When: Saturday, September 21; 6.30-9.30PM | Where: We The Curious, Anchor Road BS1
All photos are credited to Louis Inglis unless otherwise specified.
This newsletter was partly curated and summarised by AI agents, who can make mistakes. Check all vital information.
For any issues or inaccuracies, please notify us here
View our AI Ethics Policy