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- Bristol News by HANA - Edition 27
Bristol News by HANA - Edition 27
Bristol Bites: Busgate scandal and Bristol scores in Times best list
Louis Inglis
March 21, 2025
Bristol News by HANA Edition 27
Bristol Bites: Busgate scandal and Bristol scores in Times best list
From the Editor
When does a scheme become a racket? Head down to my local bus gate on Cumberland Road and see for yourself. Where are the red markings on the road or the red circle saying no entry to cars? What realistic chance does your average motorist have to avoid the fine here? It’s no wonder that the council was racking up a pretty £7,400 a day on this single bus gate.
There is a litany of problems with this: many people (myself included) believe the signage is deliberately ambiguous. Is it really safe to have motorists trying to decipher what a sign means while ploughing along the road? Moreover, why is there a bus gate there? Cumberland Road is the only road that reaches all the way across Spike Island. If you travel from Cumberland Basin, you have to add more than a mile to your journey to go around the bus gate, over the New Cut and carry on along Coronation Road on the south side. How is that environmentally friendly? We can only speculate why the council has installed more bus gates across Bristol - under cover of darkness and with a police escort - but I have my suspicions (cough, £7,400, cough), not that I’m bitter or anything.
Anyway, that’s my rant over. On a much lighter subject, Bristol neighbourhoods yet again make The Sunday Times list for the Best Places to Live in the UK. Also, since 2016, more than £23m has been invested in 136 properties across Bristol to provide sustainable accommodation for homeless people. Check out more of those stories in our property section below.
Louis Inglis | Bristol Editor
P.S. Do you have a Bristol story or photo to share? Please send us your ideas or pictures to [email protected].
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Public artwork next to Castle Park
Databox
Changing priorities:
Concern about climate change has dropped to 83%, down from 87% last year – the lowest level recorded since 2017. This decline suggests growing climate fatigue or shifting public priorities due to economic pressures.
Fewer residents are taking action – only 53% said they’ve reduced household waste because of climate concerns, a drop from 55% the previous year. This figure is even lower in the most deprived areas at 44%, despite a slight improvement from last year.
Wildlife loss remains a major concern for Bristolians – 84% of people said they are concerned about the decline in local biodiversity, slightly down from 85% last year.
Scroll down for property news and more things to do in Bristol this weekend…
Hyper-local news articles
Pero’s Bridge in the Spring sun
‘Sneaky’ Green-led council installs LTNs at 3am under police protection The Telegraph - March 14, 2025 Bristol residents are escalating protests against roadblocks, leading authorities to adopt a "cover of darkness" strategy for night-time roadwork to reduce visibility and tensions. This growing conflict underscores the challenges of balancing infrastructure development with community concerns. |
Multimillion-pound investment gives rocket boost to South West space sector GOV.UK - March 19, 2025 Leading German space company OHB is investing millions to launch a new subsidiary at Bristol & Bath Science Park, creating up to 50 specialist jobs in satellite and spacecraft technology, bolstering the UK’s position as a global leader in space innovation. This move, announced by Industry Minister Sarah Jones, supports the government's Plan for Change and highlights the region's significance in the aerospace sector. |
Police confirm last known location of man missing in Bristol for a week Bristol Live - March 18, 2025 Police in Bristol are searching for 36-year-old Lee Horton, missing since March 11 after last contacting his family while visiting the city. His last confirmed sighting was in Broadmead, and authorities are reviewing CCTV footage as concerns grow over his unusual lack of communication. |
Bristol man who held pharmacy employees at knifepoint jailed BBC News - March 14, 2025 Daniel Bennett, 41, has been sentenced to six years and nine months in prison for a knifepoint robbery at a Bristol pharmacy, where he threatened staff and stole prescription medication. Accomplice Natasha O'Driscoll, 34, received a 12-month community order for her role in the crime, which left the victims traumatised despite no physical harm. |
Southmead Hospital investigates sudden death of father BBC News - March 17, 2025 The family of Sunil Rastogi, a 40-year-old father-of-two, claims he received inadequate medical attention after suffering a cardiac arrest at Southmead Hospital in Bristol, despite showing alarming symptoms and abnormal ECG results prior to his admission. Mr. Rastogi was declared dead shortly after being placed in a ward without continuous monitoring. |
Electric scooter schemes reduce bicycle collisions by 20%, study suggests University of Bristol - March 21, 2025 A recent study in the UK reveals that areas with e-scooter schemes saw a 20% reduction in bicycle collisions post-pandemic, supporting the 'safety in numbers' hypothesis that more cyclists can enhance road safety. Experts stress the need for improved cycling infrastructure to foster a culture of bike riding and promote healthier communities. |
Elbit Systems UK: Four charged after Palestine Action protest BBC News - March 17, 2025 Four individuals linked to Palestine Action have been charged with conspiracy to damage property after a protest at a defence firm's facility in Bristol, where they vandalised the building using a cherry picker and a hammer. The group faces additional assault charges and has been remanded in custody, awaiting their court appearances. |
Bristol abandoned 'Harry Potter' puppies searching for new homes BBC News - March 18, 2025 Five abandoned puppies, named after Harry Potter characters, were rescued in Bristol, highlighting a troubling trend of pet abandonment. The Bristol Animal Rescue Centre is seeking foster homes to help these young pups build confidence and find loving families. |
Amber Reed: England and Bristol Bears centre retires BBC Sport - March 19, 2025 Amber Reed, the Bristol Bears centre and member of England's 2014 World Cup-winning team, has announced her retirement at 33 after a remarkable 16-season career, earning 67 caps and achieving numerous titles. Reflecting on her journey, she expressed gratitude: "It's been one helluva ride!" |
Sport
Bristol City
The Robins ground out a hard-fought 2-1 win against Norwich City at Ashton Gate last Friday night. The victory sent them (albeit briefly) into the Championship play-off places. City currently lie seventh in the table, level on points with West Brom in that crucial sixth place, but with an inferior goal difference. Next up is a tough match away to Burnley (Saturday 29 March 3pm).
Bristol Rovers
Rovers are six points clear of the League One relegation zone, despite a 5-0 drubbing at Lincoln last Saturday. Next up are Crawley away (Saturday 22 March 3pm).
Bristol Bears
Bristol Bears tackle Exeter Chiefs at Ashton Gate tomorrow (Saturday 22 March) at 5.30pm. A mouthwatering south west clash if ever there was one. Our beloved Bears lie second in the English Premiership behind arch rivals Bath. But a home draw in the play-off semi-finals seems like a solid bet. Seven games to go.
Property news
Houses rising up from Hotwells to Clifton, with the iconic Suspension Bridge
Hotwells and Cliftonwood in Bristol named one of the best places to live 2025 The Times - March 21, 2025 Hotwells and Cliftonwood, celebrated in The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2025, offer a vibrant community with charming Victorian streets, local volunteering initiatives, and a mix of shopping and dining options nearby. With excellent schools, strong transport links, and a friendly atmosphere, this Bristol neighbourhood is ideal for families seeking a lively yet welcoming environment. |
£23m investment into homelessness property funds helps move 530 people into sustainable accommodation The Business Desk - March 19, 2025 Over 500 individuals in Bristol have benefited from sustainable housing through a collaboration between Resonance and local charity DHI, with over £23 million invested to purchase and refurbish properties. This initiative not only provides stable homes but also offers essential support, helping tenants like Bruno transition from rough sleeping to personal growth and community engagement. |
Bristol home buyers race to beat stamp duty rise Bristol24/7 - March 14, 2025 Bristol's housing market is booming as buyers rush to secure homes before significant stamp duty changes on April 1, 2025, with first-time buyer exemptions currently set at £425,000. The impending return to higher rates is expected to drive property sales and potentially inflate prices, making it crucial for prospective buyers to plan carefully and seek expert guidance. |
Abandoned farmhouse stuck in middle of huge new-build estate on market for £500k Yahoo News - March 18, 2025 White House Farm, a derelict 17th-century Grade II listed farmhouse in Bristol, is set to auction for £500,000, offering unique architectural features and potential for renovation or conversion amidst modern developments. Local residents are hopeful for its restoration, highlighting the charm it could bring back to the area. |
What’s on in Bristol this weekend?
Bristol’s Arnolfini Gallery
All photos are credited to Louis Inglis unless otherwise specified.
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