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- Bristol News by HANA - Edition 29
Bristol News by HANA - Edition 29
Bristol Bites: Booming business, birth rate blues and a very red boat
Rhidian Wynn Davies
April 04, 2025
Bristol News by HANA - Edition 29
Bristol Bites: Booming business, birth rate blues and a very red boat
A booming Bristol business environment, but a plummeting Bristolian birth rate. Excellent research and reporting by The Times reveals that our city’s economy has doubled – yes, doubled – since 2004. Yet the number of Bristol babies born in the last decade has fallen by a third.
Why? One doubts it’s down to a lack of bedroom gymnastics. More likely is that a combination of sky-high property prices and lifestyle choices are driving the trend. The (un)affordability of a family home in Bristol is reaching London levels. Demand for maternity services is nosediving.
The knock-on effects are profound. No kids? Primary schools close down. No primary schools, people move out of our city. The solution may well lie in the provision of decent social housing. Hello councillors, hello MPs.
Bristol may be Britain’s coolest city. Its chic bars and restaurants are great. Its culture, sport, beautiful architecture and breathtaking landscape make it one of the one of the most desirable places on the planet upon which to live. But let’s give families (and those who choose different lifestyles) the incentive to contribute to the verve, vibe and vitality of this magnificent place.
PS: If you only read one piece in hyper-local news this week, please scroll down to the “It’s very… red” super yacht moored in Bristol. Then forward to friends.
PPS: Maybe skip sport. Worth a read but all three of our main male teams lost. Somebody had to bear the bad news.
Rhidian Wynn Davies | Editor in Chief
Clifton Suspension Bridge spanning Avon Gorge in the spring sunshine
Databox
Street litter by numbers
Satisfaction with Street Cleanliness Declines: Only 36.4% of residents in Bristol are satisfied with how public land is kept clear of litter and refuse, down from 41.9% the previous year. Bristol City Council
High Cost of Litter Collection: Bristol spends approximately £6 million annually on litter collection, gathering around 3,700 tonnes each year—the equivalent weight of 300 double-decker buses. Neat Streets
Enforcement Concerns: There have been reports of enforcement officers allegedly targeting individuals at bus and train stations without bins, issuing £100 fines to passengers and drivers who temporarily place items down.
Runners gather for Ashton Court Park Run
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Hyper-local news articles
Bristol has one of the country’s lowest birth rates. Here’s why The Times - March 30, 2025 St Barnabas School in Montpelier, Bristol, closed two years ago after 150 years of community service, leaving behind a haunting "ghost town" atmosphere as local resident Rita Lynch reflects on the vibrant life once filled by children. Despite strong opposition, the city council found the closure necessary due to dwindling enrollment, with the school now locked and abandoned, bearing remnants of its former glory. |
Bristol charity helping to create 'the most incredible place ever' Gympanzees, a Bristol charity, is creating the UK's first fully accessible exercise and play center for children with disabilities, aiming to open in June 2026, having raised £4.5 million of their £8 million goal. This inclusive facility will feature 11 rooms and a soft play area, providing a safe space where children like Conor and Flynn can play, relax, and connect without judgment, fostering community and acceptance. |
Inside Britain's secret gang war: How Bristol is fighting knife crime 'plague' as five teenage boys die in senseless tit for tat bloodshed Mail Online - March 29, 2025 Bristol is grappling with a disturbing rise in knife crime, leading to tragic losses among its youth and prompting calls for urgent preventative measures and community collaboration. Amidst this violence, advocates emphasize the need for better resources and support for at-risk children, as families mourn the senseless deaths of their loved ones caught in gang-related conflicts. |
Bristol University research reveals even cool, wet Northern Ireland is feeling strain of climate change A University of Bristol study reveals that extreme heat could lead to nearly 100 annual deaths in the UK, particularly impacting rural areas, while farmers in Northern Ireland face increasing challenges from unpredictable weather on crop yields and livestock health. The research emphasizes the urgent need for adaptation strategies to address these climate-related risks affecting rural communities. |
Fraiser star Kelsey Grammer sparks fury with plan to demolish 'historic' 200-year-old Bristol cottage: 'Not acceptable!' GB News - March 31, 2025 Kelsey Grammer has received approval to demolish a historic 200-year-old cottage in Portishead, despite local opposition over concerns about losing the area's rural character and heritage. The actor plans to replace it with a modern home, expressing his affection for the Bristol area and its community. |
Eddie Kinuthia murder: Fourth man charged over fatal stabbing of teen BBC News - March 28, 2025 Remi Hitchcock, 29, from Easton, has been charged in connection with the fatal stabbing of 19-year-old Eddie Kinuthia near his home in Bristol on July 21, 2023. The investigation into Kinuthia's death has resulted in multiple arrests as authorities seek to uncover the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident. |
Akula now docked in Bristol Harbour
“It's very... red” – Heads turn and traffic stops as super-yacht arrives in Bristol Bristol Live - April 2, 2025 The luxurious £30 million expedition yacht Akula has docked in Bristol's Floating Harbour, captivating locals with its striking design and impressive features while sparking conversations about wealth inequality. With amenities like a gym, sauna, and a hidden smaller boat, the Akula's presence has overshadowed other notable vessels, reigniting discussions on social media reminiscent of past grand yacht visits. |
Woman raped in Victoria Park in south Bristol BBC News - April 3, 2025 Police in Bristol are investigating a serious sexual assault that took place in Victoria Park, Bedminster, early Thursday morning. The suspect, described as being of mixed heritage and wearing jeans and a black top, remains at large as officers continue their inquiries. |
Bristol 'Tesla takedown' protesters urge boycott of Elon Musk's cars BBC - March 29, 2025 Protesters gathered outside Tesla showrooms in Bristol to voice their opposition to Elon Musk's political influence, particularly his role in the Trump administration, as part of a global day of action urging a boycott of the company. With reported sales in Europe plummeting by 45% in January 2025 compared to last year, organisers stressed the need for awareness and change regarding Musk's actions. |
Reform UK: Arron Banks 'banned' from using 'Banksy' nickname as Bristol local elections row erupts GB News - April 3, 2025 Reform UK candidate Arron Banks is facing backlash in the Local Elections after the Bristol Green-run council banned his campaign slogan "Banksy for Bristol," igniting a heated debate over political messaging and cultural references in election campaigns. The controversy highlights the challenges candidates face in navigating creative branding amidst regulatory scrutiny. |
Arron Banks put forward as Reform UK Weca candidate Reform UK has named businessman Arron Banks as its mayoral candidate for the West of England, aiming to win amid a competitive five-way race despite his unpopularity in Bristol. Known for his role in the Leave EU campaign and past donations to UKIP, Banks's candidacy comes as the current mayor prepares to step down this spring. |
Sport
Bristol Bears
Being a Bears fan is a rugby rollercoaster ride. A bonkers victory over Exeter Chiefs at Ashton Gate was followed all too swiftly by a humbling 53-28 defeat away to West Country rivals Gloucester. A crumb of comfort? Four tries scored to secure a bonus point. Other key results went Bristol’s way. Leicester Tigers slipped to a home loss to Saracens. A favourable Ashton Gate semi-final draw remains firmly on the cards. And a win against the Tigers on Easter Sunday would probably seal it. A Premiership final at Twickenham beckons – but with the Bears, well, you just never know. Hold on to the safety bar on that rollercoaster.
Bristol City
The Robins put up a good fight but ultimately fell to a 1-0 defeat at high-flying Burnley last week. No disgrace there. The Clarets are the most parsimonious team in the Championship. But the battle for a play-off place remains tight. Only goal difference separates City from West Brom and Middlesbrough in the race for that precious sixth place and a shot at Wembley glory. Next up: Watford (h) - (Saturday 5 April. 3.00pm).
Bristol Rovers
Rovers lost narrowly 1-2 to League One runaway leaders Birmingham City last Tuesday –an 85th minute penalty was a painful way to lose. The Pirates will hope that Wrexham do them a favour by beating fellow strugglers Burton Albion in tomorrow’s lunchtime kick-off. But the onus is on Rovers to pull off a result away to Bolton Wanderers.
Ashton Gate hosts England Lionesses tonight
The England women’s football team take on Belgium in Bristol at 8pm in the UEFA Nations League. A win could take them top of their group, as Portugal and Spain face each other in the Iberian international derby. Go girls!
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Property news
College Road, Clifton
Bristol property hotspots making more than £50,000 over the auction guide price Yahoo News - March 30, 2025 In Bristol, the property market is experiencing significant auction sales above guide prices, with homes often fetching £50,000 to over £100,000 more than expected. For instance, a quirky two-bedroom cottage in Hambrook sold for £381,000 against a £275,000 guide, highlighting the diverse and competitive nature of the local real estate market. |
Inside Bristol's most expensive property for sale at £2.5m Bristol Live - March 30, 2025 Cooks Folly, a stunning Grade II listed house dating back to 1672, is now on the market for £2,550,000 in the desirable Sneyd Park area, offering five bedrooms, luxurious leisure facilities including an indoor pool, and breathtaking views of the Avon Gorge. This beautifully renovated family home features extensive gardens, woodlands, and ample parking, making it a perfect blend of historic charm and modern living. |
Fraiser star Kelsey Grammer sparks fury with plan to DEMOLISH 'historic' 200-year-old Bristol cottage: 'Not acceptable!' GB News - March 31, 2025 Kelsey Grammer has gained approval to demolish a historic 200-year-old cottage in Portishead, despite local opposition, to make way for a modern home for himself and wife Kayte Walsh. The decision has sparked outrage among residents who cherish the cottage's historical significance and the green space it occupies. |
The property laws that could see you fined £30k including untidy gardens and overflowing bins Bristol Live - April 3, 2025 Homeowners are at risk of hefty fines for property law violations, with issues like untidy gardens, overflowing bins, and neglected drains potentially costing thousands of pounds. Experts urge proactive maintenance to avoid penalties and ensure safety. |
Salary needed to buy average Bristol home revealed Bristol Live - March 30, 2025 In Bristol and its surrounding areas, prospective homeowners face significant income shortfalls to secure a 90% mortgage, with average home prices outpacing typical salaries by substantial margins. Nationwide, the disparity is similarly pronounced, especially in London and the South East, where the gap between required and actual earnings can exceed £100,000. |
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