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- Bristol News by HANA - Edition 32
Bristol News by HANA - Edition 32
Bristol Bites: A new mayor and sporting slumps
Rhidian Wynn Davies
May 02, 2025
Bristol News by HANA - Edition 32
Bristol Bites: A new mayor and sporting slumps
Helen Godwin is the new mayor of the West of England Combined Authority, holding the office for Labour after Dan Norris was obliged to step down in order to become an MP, perhaps showing that his political ambitions lay outside our region. Mr Norris was subsequently arrested on suspicion of serious sexual offences. He has had the Labour whip withdrawn, pending ongoing police investigations.
Sections of the national media suggested it was a close run race between Ms Godwin and Reform UK’s Arron Banks – the man laughably nicknamed ‘Banksy’ by his chums. In truth, Labour secured a 6,000 majority. Healthy, if not emphatic.
Voter turnout was poor (30%). The Greens came third – close but not close enough to Reform. The Conservatives limped across the line in fourth. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch’s days may well be numbered.
But, once the polling day dust settles, it’s time for local politicians to focus on the issues that matter to local people. Among them in Bristol are van dwellers on the Downs. Opinion is divided. On the one hand, residents are keen to preserve and cherish the beauty of Bristol’s natural landscape. On the other hand, there are people living in makeshift accommodation – either through choice, but more likely through their lack of access to social housing and their inability to afford private rental prices.
Whatever the solution, this is a problem that needs to be solved. Bristolians rocking up to polling stations to put pencil to paper deserve better from their local representatives.
Finally, skip sport this week if you want. It’s not entirely happy reading.
Rhidian Wynn Davies | Editor in Chief
The iconic Temple Meads station – immaculate in the sunshine
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Databox
Here are some key data points on local politics in Bristol:
Only 26.7% of Bristol residents feel they can influence decisions affecting their local area.
Approximately 34.2% of residents are satisfied with how Bristol City Council responds to residents' views.
Council Tax in Bristol will rise by 4.99% for 2025/26, including a 2% precept to support Adult Social Care.
Scroll down for property news and more things to do in Bristol this weekend…
Royal York Crescent in the spring sunshine
Hyper-local news articles
Labour wins the West of England Mayor election BBC News - May 1, 2025 Labour's Helen Godwin has been elected mayor of the West of England Combined Authority, winning a close race against Reform UK's Arron Banks, who noted a significant shift in voter sentiment. Turnout was 30%, down from previous elections. |
Bristol man who had Covid for 290 straight days dies years later Bbc - April 29, 2025 Dave Smith, a 76-year-old man from Bristol, passed away peacefully at home on April 1, 2023, after enduring a remarkable 290-day battle with coronavirus that left him with only 51% lung capacity. Known as a "miracle man," he faced seven hospitalisations and significant health challenges but fought valiantly through his struggle with the virus. |
Road traffic accidents leading cause of pet cat deaths in the UK, Bristol Cats study finds Bristol - April 30, 2025 A recent study from Bristol University reveals that road traffic accidents (RTAs) are the leading cause of death among pet cats in the UK, particularly affecting those under 8 years old, while disease-related deaths rise significantly in older felines. Researchers emphasise the need for early detection and awareness of health issues to enhance the quality of life for cats. |
'Uber makes billions but drivers get peanuts' BBC News - April 25, 2025 Uber drivers in Bristol are protesting against rising commission rates and increased costs, claiming they now earn half of what they did a year ago, with one driver revealing she makes just £1.20 per mile after lengthy shifts. As tensions rise, the company's spokesperson acknowledges the commission has increased but characterises it as only "slightly higher". |
Vivobarefoot to open second UK store in Bristol FashionUnited - April 28, 2025 Vivobarefoot is set to open a new store in Bristol on April 30, transforming the space into a vibrant hub for foot health and natural movement. The 83 square metre location will feature a Living Biophilic Wall, a foot scanning zone, and a dedicated area for its Revivo re-commerce program, promoting sustainability through shoe recycling. |
Horror scene
Label on suitcase dumped in Bristol led police straight to freezer containing human heads Bristol Live - May 1, 2025 Yostin Andres Mosquera is on trial for the brutal murders of Albert Alfonso and Paul Longworth, whose dismembered bodies were discovered in a freezer after Mosquera attempted to dispose of them by throwing their remains from Clifton Suspension Bridge. Despite admitting to manslaughter due to diminished responsibility, he denies murder, with evidence including CCTV footage of a violent attack and attempts to steal from the victims following the killings. |
The destructive force of a gas blast. Fortunately, there are no known fatalities
Bristol 'gas explosion': Flames pour from rubble after blast rips through property The Mirror - April 29, 2025 A suspected gas explosion in Yate near Bristol has devastated a house, prompting the evacuation of 40 residents and leaving three individuals hospitalised with minor injuries. Emergency services quickly responded to the scene, where flames spread to neighbouring homes, and a refuge centre was established for those displaced. |
Breaking the cycle: supporting young boys in abusive homes could prevent relationship violence, study suggests Bristol - May 1, 2025 A University of Bristol study reveals that young men who witness parental violence are 43% more likely to become perpetrators of abuse in their own relationships, highlighting the urgent need for interventions to break the cycle of domestic violence. |
Bristol Downs: Residents form group against van dwellers BBC News - April 29, 2025 Residents near Bristol's Downs have formed the Protect the Downs group to tackle concerns over anti-social behaviour linked to van dwellers, citing dangers to pedestrians and health risks from unsanitary conditions. While local residents urge the council for action, van dwellers like Flora Sidebottom highlight the struggles of unaffordable rents and the trauma of eviction, urging the council to seek long-term solutions. |
Jonathan Dittia: Man jailed for life after murdering 'gentle giant' Bbc - April 25, 2025 Caine Lonsdale was sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murder of his friend Jonathan Dittia, who suffered 63 injuries during a violent attack fuelled by Lonsdale's alcohol addiction. The court condemned Lonsdale's actions as a merciless betrayal, highlighting the horror of Dittia being killed by someone he trusted. |
Sport
Bristol Bears
The Bears may have got themselves stuck in the woods. Cruising in second place in the English Rugby Premiership for so long, they now find themselves fourth. The difference could be crucial – a home play-off semi-final or an away tie. And making the play-offs is far from certain. The chasing pack is hard on the heels of brilliant but bewildering Bristol.
The Bears have three games to go:
Bath (h, well actually in Cardiff)
Sale (a)
Harlequins (h)
Bristol City
It’s tighter than a gnat’s chuff for The Robins in terms of securing a promotion play-off semi-final in the Championship. A 4-0 drubbing away to Leeds was a blow, especially as goal difference could prove pivotal in the final reckoning. City lie fifth, but Coventry, Millwall, Blackburn and Middlesbrough are all breathing down their neck. It comes down to the final game of the season against Preston at Ashton Gate. A draw might just sneak The Robins over the line but it feels like a must-win fixture.
Bristol Rovers
Rovers are relegated. The brutal truth is their League One run-in was an utter disaster, littered with defeat after defeat. All The Pirates can do is sip a tot of rum and pray for triumph and treasure in League Two next season.
Property
A harbour view from a height
Calls for more homes for families as hundreds of student flats set for approval Bristol Live - April 25, 2025 Dominus is seeking to redevelop the Premier Business Park site in St Philips into a mixed-use scheme featuring student accommodation and a community centre, despite previous rejections due to concerns from local businesses and residents. The proposal includes 549 managed student homes alongside flexible employment spaces, sparking debates about Bristol's transformation into a student city and its impact on housing availability for families and existing community needs. |
Tungsten splashes £5m on Bristol site for industrial scheme Property Week - April 30, 2025 Tungsten has invested £5 million in a new industrial development project near Filton Airfield, Bristol, with plans for 94,000 square feet of industrial space aimed at boosting local capacity and job creation. The venture has submitted its planning application, promising an exciting opportunity for businesses in the area. |
What’s on in Bristol this bank holiday weekend?
Sundowners at The White Lion Terrace
All photos are credited to Mark Riley unless otherwise specified.
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