Bristol News by HANA - Edition 24

Breaking News: Fatal Bully Dog Attack In Bishopsworth - updated 5.30pm Friday 28 Feb

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Bristol News by HANA - Edition 24

Breaking News: Fatal Bully Dog Attack In Bishopsworth

Breaking news: Avon & Somerset Police name 19-year-old Morgan Dorsett, from Shropshire, as the victim of a fatal dangerous dog attack in the Bishopsworth district of Bristol. A man and a woman, both in their 20s, have been released on bail in connection with the case.

EDITORIAL

Bristol is, by and large, a city of dog lovers. Stroll up to the Downs, and you’ll witness boisterous breeds bounding after balls and paddling in puddles. I may be biased, but my favourite Bristolian hound is my mate’s dog, Wooster. A glossy black Sprocker spaniel with a keen sense of canine humour.

Sadly, there can be a dark side to dogs when they are not properly trained and controlled. News that a woman of just 19 was killed on Wednesday night by a suspected XL Bully at a property in the Bishopsworth area has shocked our city. Teenagers carrying knives is problem enough – idiots with dangerous dogs present a rare but equally terrifying threat.

On a lighter – if slightly nervy note – Bristol City FC remain tantalisingly close to the Championship play-offs following last Friday’s hard fought 2-1 victory over Middlesbrough at Ashton Gate. City are just two points behind West Bromwich Albion and Blackburn Rovers, who currently occupy the last two play-off berths. The dream of a Wembley final and the possibility of promotion to the heady heights of the Premier League lingers. But first, they face a tricky trip to Millwall in south London next Tuesday night. Never an easy place to visit – to put it politely. All we can do is roar on the Robins (Rovers fans excused, naturally).

Finally, former Bristol mayor Marvin Rees has donned the ermine and been officially elevated to the House of Lords. Many Bristolians believe his position should never have been abolished in favour of a wider, regional mayoralty. We hope that Lord Rees will continue to champion Bristol from the red benches of the Upper House.

Rhidian Wynn Davies | Editor in Chief

Bristol Harbour from Spike Island

Table of Contents

Databox

  • Public Satisfaction with Council Plummets: Only 34% of people are satisfied with the way Bristol City Council runs things, down from 39% last year and 43% in 2019. In the most deprived areas, this figure is only 23%.

  • Council's Value for Money Perception Drops: Only 23% of residents believe Bristol City Council provides value for money, down from 26% last year. In the most deprived areas, this figure is even lower at 15%, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with local governance.

  • Residents Feel Ignored on Decision-Making: Just 29% of respondents are satisfied with how the council asks for their views before making changes that affect them, a figure that has barely changed from last year (30%). In deprived areas, this has dropped significantly to 21%, showing growing frustration with community engagement efforts.

Scroll down for property news and more things to do in Bristol this weekend…

City Centre by Night

Hyper-local news articles

Woman, 19, dies in suspected XL bully dog attack

BBC - February 27, 2025

A 19-year-old woman tragically died after an attack by a dog, believed to be an XL bully, in south Bristol, leading to the arrest of two individuals on charges related to the incident. The community is in shock as police assure residents that this type of event is "incredibly rare" and are conducting a thorough investigation.

Read more at BBC (3 mins)

Greater openness about the use of complementary and alternative medicines in UK dairy farming could bring benefits

Bristol - February 26, 2025

A groundbreaking study from the University of Bristol reveals that UK dairy farmers have diverse interpretations of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). They use various treatments motivated by holistic farming philosophies. The research highlights the need for open dialogue between farmers and veterinarians to enhance animal health management and reduce antibiotic use.

Read more at Bristol (5 mins)

Cancer scans could be revolutionised by Bristol nuclear start-up

BBC News - February 26, 2025

Bristol's Astral Systems has unveiled a groundbreaking technique for producing vital cancer-scanning radioisotopes using nuclear fusion. This technique addresses supply issues caused by ageing reactors in Europe. This innovative approach allows for the creation of small, cost-effective plants near hospitals, significantly enhancing the availability and efficiency of essential medical isotopes while reducing transportation costs..

Read more at BBC News (3 mins)

Bristol M4 death investigated after 'predator' sting

BBC - February 24, 2025

A man in his 40s was found dead on the M4 motorway near Bristol after being arrested by an online child protection team and later released on police bail. His death, which is being treated as non-suspicious, has led to a mandatory referral to the Independent Office of Police Conduct amid calls for public sensitivity towards the grieving family.

Read more at BBC (1 min)

Former mayor of Bristol joins red benches in House of Lords

The Independent - February 24, 2025

Former Bristol mayor Marvin Rees has been appointed to the House of Lords as Lord Rees of Easton. Following a ceremonial introduction, he pledged allegiance to the King. Alongside him, Dinah Caine was introduced as Baroness Caine of Kentish Town, recognized for her leadership role in supporting young people in digital and creative fields.

Read more at The Independent (1 min)

Noah's Ark Zoo Farm is raising £175k to care for mistreated tiger

BBC News - February 28, 2025

Aqua, a tiger rescued from illegal trade conditions on the Poland-Belarus border in 2019, will soon be relocated to Noah's Ark Zoo Farm in Bristol, where £175,000 is being raised to create a special habitat for him. The zoo's director, Larry Bush, praised Aqua's inspiring story of survival and resilience, noting how he has touched the hearts of the team.

Read more at BBC News (1 min)

Plans to reopen public toilets across Bristol announced

Bristol Live - February 28, 2025

Bristol's public toilets are set to reopen following a commitment from the Green-led city council, despite recent opposition from Labour regarding funding proposals. Community advocates like ACORN have rallied for this change amid criticism over the inconsistency of alternative community toilet options, with plans for a gradual reopening expected by 2027/28.

Read more at Bristol Live (7 mins)

Bristol City 'not close' to takeover says owner Steve Lansdown

BBC Sport - February 24, 2025

Bristol City owner Steve Lansdown has stated that the club is "not close" to a takeover, emphasising the need for the right investor and highlighting ongoing developments like the 'Sporting Quarter.' Despite financial challenges and recent player sales, he remains committed to a long-term strategy focused on improving sponsorships and nurturing homegrown talent.

Read more at BBC Sport (6 mins)

Bristol City rivals target Bournemouth ace as Leeds plot £25m move

Bristolworld -

In transfer news from Bristol City's Championship rivals, Sunderland has signed a young midfielder from the Premier League, while West Bromwich Albion is pursuing a seasoned defender. Meanwhile, Norwich City has added a forward to their squad, Blackburn Rovers are looking to loan a goalkeeper, and Cardiff City is in talks with another Championship team.

Read more at Bristolworld (1 min)

Property News

Bristol house prices increase by thousands in just a year

Yahoo News - February 23, 2025

House prices in Bristol rose to an average of £356,000 by December 2024, a 1.9% increase, while South Gloucestershire saw an even steeper rise of 5.3%. Overall, the average home price in the UK reached £268,000, reflecting a 4.6% increase, with Bristol's January report indicating a further 1.7% uptick to £341,800.

Read more at Yahoo News (2 mins)

The Cheapest and Most Expensive Places to Rent in the UK February 2025 – NerdWallet UK

NerdWallet UK - July 10, 2024

As of January 2025, Kingston upon Hull is the most affordable major city for renters, with an average of £630 per month, while London remains the priciest at £2,227. Despite slight declines in rent growth, the UK rental market faces challenges with high prices and limited supply, prompting calls for revitalizing existing housing to support tenants. Bristol is the third most expensive place to rent, up 2.3% to £1756 per month.

Read more at NerdWallet UK (7 mins)

Where to find most expensive homes as number of £1m houses soars

Bristol Live - February 24, 2025

The number of homes in Britain valued at £1 million or more has surged by 34% over the past five years, reaching around 702,580 properties, with London experiencing the most significant growth. Meanwhile, average rents for new tenants rose by just 1.8% in January 2025, marking the slowest growth since October 2020, while renewal contracts saw a steeper increase of 6.0%.

Read more at Bristol Live (4 mins)

The Bristol area 'on the up' with some of the cheapest properties in the city

Yahoo News - February 23, 2025

In 2024, Bristol's house prices rose by 1.7%, with Avonmouth standing out as the city's most affordable area at an average of £225,481. Despite its appealing prices and employment opportunities, residents are feeling underserved following the closure of the local Co-op, prompting a search for alternative shopping options.

Read more at Yahoo News (3 mins)

What’s on in Bristol this weekend?

All photos are credited to Louis Inglis unless otherwise specified.

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