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- Bristol News by HANA Edition 22
Bristol News by HANA Edition 22
BREAKING: Bristol van dwellers quadruple
Bristol News by HANA Edition 22
BREAKING: Bristol van dwellers quadruple

As inevitably vain efforts to obtain last-minute Valentine’s Day restaurant bookings and garages sell out of cheap bouquets, we can at least celebrate the fact (sort of) that Bristolians are officially the most romantic folk in the UK (see story below).
It must be something in the air – if not the water (take note, River Avon polluters: just stop it). Cracking culture, sensational sport, iconic architecture, and life-affirming countryside are just some of the reasons why Bristol may inspire romance.
Life, though, is rarely all wine and roses. Bristol City Council is investigating an exponential rise in the number of van dwellers in the city. While some may choose to live in a van, one suspects the majority would prefer a proper roof over their heads. Elsewhere, the Bristol Zoo Gardens site seems set to be developed into nearly 200 new homes, including affordable housing. We hope the proposed developers stay true to their word.
Bristol remains at the forefront of innovation, technology and research. Perhaps fittingly, on a day devoted to hearts, we report on a fascinating Bristol study about the success of various heart valve replacements.
Bristol has a big heart – let’s keep it beating loudly and proudly.
Alright, my luvver?
Rhidian Wynn Davies | Bristol Editor-in-Chief
The iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge spanning Avon Gorge
This week in Bristol
Van Dwelling: Bristol has experienced a significant rise in van dwelling, increasing over 400% in five years to around 680 vehicles, prompting the city council to consider revised policies.
Teen Assault Investigation: A Bristol teenager is recovering from non-life-threatening injuries as part of an ongoing investigation into an assault.
Covid Inquiry: UK Covid-19 Inquiry has hosted its first community event in Bristol on February 11 and 12.
Palestine Action Activists: Concerns raised over the treatment of activists detained under anti-terrorism laws, highlighting legal support issues and allegations of enforced disappearance.
Greenhouse Gas Monitoring: Bristol is enhancing greenhouse gas emissions monitoring with a new station at Jodrell Bank Observatory to help achieve its net zero goals.
Bristol Hi-Fi Show: Chord Electronics will launch innovative amplifiers at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show on February 23, 2025, catering to audio enthusiasts.
Think Big Scholarship Winners: Newlyweds Maria Aguillon and Santiago Muriel from Mexico have won the University of Bristol's competitive Think Big scholarship.
Heart Valve Study: A Bristol study indicates that mechanical heart valves may offer better long-term survival rates than biological valves, though data limitations exist.
Upcoming Match: Bristol City aim for back-to-back wins in the Severnside derby against Cardiff City, who are looking to end their winless streak.
Databox
Bristol is getting healthier:
67% of Bristolians do enough regular exercise each week (+3 % from 2019)
56% play sports at least once a week (up 10% since 2019)
15% of households with a smoker (down 2% since 2019)
13% at a higher risk of alcohol-related health problems (down 2% since 2019)
Scroll down for property news and more things to do in Bristol this weekend…

Source bbc.co.uk
Bristol: Council to meet as van-dweller numbers quadruple BBC News - February 14, 2025 Bristol's van dwelling community has skyrocketed by over 400% in five years, comprising 680 vehicles in M32 and The Downs. As Bristol City Council prepares to address this surge in an upcoming meeting, councillors recognise the urgent need for revised policies to support those living in vehicles, including individuals facing financial hardships. |
Teenager arrested in Bristol after stabbing incident BBC News - February 13, 2025 A teenage boy has been arrested in St Pauls, Bristol, following a suspected stabbing incident involving another teenager on Thursday afternoon. The victim was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, while the suspect remains in police custody. |
Covid inquiry wants to ensure Bristol citizens are heard BBC News - February 11, 2025 The COVID-19 inquiry underscores the inevitability of future pandemics and urges better preparedness. It is gathering public experiences through its "Every Story Matters" initiative, which has collected over 50,000 testimonies. In a recent session, Nurse Sally Quigley highlighted the emotional challenges faced by frontline workers, particularly student nurses, during the pandemic. |
Human rights expert concerned over Bristol's Elbit protesters Professor Ben Saul has raised alarms over the UK Home Office's detention of Palestine Action activists under anti-terrorism laws, criticizing the severe restrictions on their access to legal support and family contact. The activists, charged with serious offences following a break-in at Elbit Systems UK, are being treated as high-security prisoners amid concerns that counter-terrorism measures are being misused and disproportionately applied. |
‘We always say I love you’: Bristolians named most romantic people in UK Thetimes - February 7, 2025 A recent survey by Moonpig reveals that Bristolians are the UK's most romantic, with 40% showing daily affection and expressing "I love you" about nine times a week. Their warm culture, exemplified by the friendly greeting “Alright, my luvver?”, likely enhances their reputation for romance. |
A one in 10,000 chance: Newlyweds win same university scholarship The Independent - February 14, 2025 Newlyweds Maria Aguillon and Santiago Muriel from Mexico have triumphed against the odds by both securing the prestigious Think Big scholarship at the University of Bristol, which boasts a mere 1% acceptance rate. Celebrating their marriage, they are now pursuing their dreams in education and computer science, inspired by their passion for making a positive impact on the world. |
Bristol part of UK initiative to advance monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions Bristol - February 11, 2025 A new greenhouse gas monitoring station at Jodrell Bank Observatory, led by the University of Bristol and University of Manchester, will enhance the UK's emissions tracking capabilities by providing high-quality data on key greenhouse gases. This initiative supports the UK's net-zero goals and improves regional emissions estimates in north-west England and Wales. |
Chord Electronics’ innovative amps make their UK debut at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show Whathifi - February 13, 2025 Chord Electronics will unveil its new Alto and Suzi amplifiers at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show on February 23, 2025. The event promises to offer enthusiasts cutting-edge audio technology and a rich exploration of high-fidelity sound systems. Tickets are available now for just £17! |
Mechanical heart valve replacements have better long-term survival, study finds Bristol Uni- February 11, 2025 A 27-year study at the Bristol Heart Institute reveals that while short-term outcomes of heart valve replacements are similar for biological and mechanical valves, mechanical valves offer superior long-term survival rates, particularly in patients with optimal sizes. The research highlights significant risks associated with patient prosthesis mismatch and emphasizes the need for comprehensive data collection to better understand valve performance and patient outcomes. |
Bristol City vs Stoke City LIVE: Championship result, final score and reaction Aol - February 12, 2025 Bristol City secured a solid 2-0 victory over Stoke City in a fiercely contested Championship match, highlighted by Anis Mehmeti's impressive goal and key defensive efforts. Despite Stoke's attempts to rally back, including missed chances and several fouls, they couldn't overcome Bristol City's lead, maintaining their competitive edge in the promotion race. |
Preview: Cardiff City vs. Bristol City Sports Mole - February 13, 2025 Bristol City aim for back-to-back wins in the Severnside derby against Cardiff City, who are desperately seeking their first victory over their rivals since August 2022. With both teams grappling with injury concerns, this clash promises to be a gripping encounter as Cardiff looks to leverage their home advantage despite recent struggles. |

John Cabot's ship, the Matthew
Property news
Buyers told to 'consider obligations' as one of Bristol's biggest homes for sale Bristol Live - February 10, 2025 Wick House, a historic mansion in Brislington, Bristol, is up for sale for the first time in 25 years, raising concerns for its current residents recovering from addiction as they may face eviction. The auction, scheduled for March 12, could leave vulnerable individuals at risk of homelessness, prompting Bristol City Council to prepare for potential fallout and assist those affected. Read more at Bristol Live (3 mins) Dark reality of life in UK's caravan 'shanty town'… frost-bitten winters with broken heating & immigration raids at dawn The Sun - February 9, 2025 In Bristol, a makeshift "caravan city" has emerged under an Ikea superstore as gig economy workers and others struggle with the city's severe housing crisis. Without adequate heating, they face harsh winter conditions. While some local residents express sympathy for those living in caravans, concerns over noise, litter, and antisocial behaviour continue to create tension within the community. Sale contracts exchanged on former Bristol Zoo site Savills - February 11, 2025 Acorn Property Group has secured plans to transform the former Bristol Zoo Gardens site into 196 new homes, featuring 20% affordable housing, alongside a public park, café, and playground, restoring access to the gardens for the first time in 189 years. The project will also repurpose the iconic entrance as a Conservation Hub, supporting the Bristol Zoological Society's conservation efforts at their new location. |
Bristol Harbourside
What’s on in Bristol this weekend?
All photos are credited to Louis Inglis unless otherwise specified.
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