Bristol News by HANA - Edition 34

Bristol: "the most underrated city in the UK"

Bristol News by HANA - Edition 34

Bristol: "the most underrated city in the UK"

I was walking my dog Wooster, a Sprocker Spaniel, on the Downs last week and made a point of steering clear of the Roma Traveller encampment. I then let Wooster off the lead and he promptly rolled in some fox poo - something he does occasionally. I noticed it was a large amount of poo and all over his harness and ears. I then saw some loo roll…

I am not pointing fingers, but this is clearly a biohazard. When does a nuisance become a serious health risk?

We should not conflate the Roma Travellers with the “van dwellers”, but they are not helping their cause. Over 100 caravans now line the Downs, presenting huge problems with waste and rubbish disposal - there simply isn’t the infrastructure.

The problem is deep-seated and nuanced, but the solution requires leadership. The Council needs to step up and realise that prevarication will only make it more entrenched. How many caravans does it take to turn a problem into a full-blown crisis?

In happier news, Bristol was nominated by Wonderlusttravelcouple (106k followers) on Instagram as “the most underrated city in the UK.” Read the comments below the post for a heartwarming affirmation that we live in a truly great city.

Mark Riley | CEO Hana News

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Databox

Just to rub it in, the five largest cities in the UK without a Premiership football club as of the latest data are:

  • Sheffield (population around 552,698) – the largest city without a Premier League team (for now)

  • Bradford (population approximately 522,452) – also without a top-flight club currently

  • Bristol (population about 428,234) – no Premier League team despite being a large city

  • Cardiff (population near 346,090) – the capital of Wales, currently without a Premiership club

  • Wakefield (population roughly 325,837) – no Premier League representation.

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

Hyper-local news articles

Rugby player, 28, dies after collapsing at Great Bristol Run

BBC - May 12, 2025

Jon Devereux, a beloved 28-year-old rugby player from Chester, tragically collapsed during the Great Bristol Run on May 11 and later passed away in the hospital, with the cause of death still under investigation. Known for his energy and sportsmanship, Devereux's legacy resonates deeply within the rugby community, as tributes pour in honouring his journey from an Under-6 player to a senior athlete at Chester RUFC.

Read more at BBC (2 mins)

Handy octopus robot can adapt to its surroundings

Bristol Uni - May 14, 2025

Researchers at the University of Bristol have created a groundbreaking soft robot that mimics octopus behaviour using a unique suction system for movement and sensing, offering potential advancements in agriculture, manufacturing, and medicine. This innovation, detailed in Science Robotics, enhances adaptability and safety in soft robotics by integrating "embodied suction intelligence" to replicate the octopus's neuromuscular capabilities.

Read more at Bristol Uni (3 mins)

Bristol arrests after man suffers serious injuries in park stabbing

BBC News - May 10, 2025

Three individuals have been arrested following a stabbing in Newtown Park, Bristol, where a man in his 20s suffered potentially life-changing injuries. Police are urging anyone with information about the incident, which involved multiple assailants fleeing on bicycles, to come forward.

Read more at BBC News (1 min)

Credit:Bristol Sounds

The Voice star joins line-up for Bristol Sounds 2025

Yahoo News - May 14, 2025

Bristol Sounds is set to light up the Bristol Amphitheatre from June 25 to June 29. Headliners include Kaiser Chiefs, Supergrass, and Olly Murs, with special guests including Billy Lockett and Lucy Spraggan. This year’s open-air concert series promises an extended schedule of live performances, ensuring a vibrant summer experience!

Read more at Yahoo News (3 mins)

Alarming 57% decline in women-owned enterprises across Bristol, according to latest data

Bristolworld - 

Despite the UK witnessing a surge in new businesses, female entrepreneurs face significant hurdles such as limited funding, gender biases, and insufficient support networks. This highlights the urgent need for targeted initiatives to promote gender equality in entrepreneurship.

Read more at Bristolworld (1 min)

Bristol named UK’s best city for child-friendly streets

Bristol24/7 - May 14, 2025

Bristol has been named the UK's top city and eighth in Europe for child-friendly streets, thanks to initiatives like School Streets and 30km/h speed limits, according to a Clean Cities report. The city's commitment to safer roads and improved cycling infrastructure highlights its dedication to fostering children's independence and active travel.

Read more at Bristol24/7 (2 mins)

Sopranos stars coming to Bristol Beacon for live show

Bristol Live - May 13, 2025

Join Steve Schirripa and Michael Imperioli from The Sopranos for a live show, "Talking Sopranos," at Bristol Beacon on February 25, 2026! Enjoy 90 minutes of behind-the-scenes stories, video clips, and a Q&A session, all based on their award-winning podcast and bestselling book, Woke Up This Morning.

Read more at Bristol Live (3 mins)

British traveller Eli Sweeting missing in New Zealand after hike

BBC - May 9, 2025

A search is ongoing for Eli Sweeting, a 25-year-old British traveller missing in New Zealand's Fiordland National Park after failing to return from a solo hike at Mitre Peak. Despite his hiking experience and preparation, dense vegetation and weather conditions have complicated rescue efforts, prompting local communities to raise over £7,000 to support the search.

Read more at BBC (2 mins)

Yate explosion neighbours: 'We've seen best and worst of people'

BBC News - May 16, 2025

Neighbours of a Yate home destroyed by a gas explosion are alarmed after reports of a burglary, with the homeowner, Rich Cainey, witnessing a man fleeing the scene with his belongings. The Avon and Somerset Police are investigating the incident, as Mr. Cainey grapples with the trauma and anxiety following the explosion that has rendered his home uninhabitable for months.

Read more at BBC News (2 mins)

Sport

Bristol Bears

The Bears, the Bears, the bloody Bears. Just when you think they’ve blown it they pull off a bonus point victory against arch rivals Bath at Cardiff’s magnificent Principality Stadium. 36-14. Admittedly against a b-team Bath but still, one barnstorming win in front of more than 50,000 West Country fans. The semis await the boys in blue and white.

Bristol City

Play off pain. A 6-0 aggregate loss to Sheffield United in the semi seems humiliating. The red card and penalty in the first leg may well have swung the tie. But 6-0 is 6-0. Yet context is everything. The fact that The Robins made the upper echelons is an achievement. And one the Bristol City boys should be proud.

Bristol Rovers

Beach, boys. The Pirates need to have the odd rum punch, top up their suntans and then focus on life in League Two. 

Property news

Introducing Bristol’s Oliver Burleigh: The Entrepreneur Quietly Shaping the Future of UK Property and Beyond

Business Matters - May 14, 2025

Oliver Burleigh, a British entrepreneur with roots in the construction industry, has successfully built a diverse portfolio that includes mechanical and electrical contracting, construction management, short-term rental services, and fintech innovation. With plans to expand into the UAE's premium real estate market, Burleigh remains focused on long-term stability while balancing his professional ambitions with family life.

Read more at Business Matters (4 mins)

The new wave of property developers in the UK: Who’s shaping the future?

Luxury Lifestyle Magazine - Luxury Lifestyle Magazine - May 15, 2025

The UK housing market is experiencing a transformative shift with a diverse range of developers, from boutique firms prioritizing design and sustainability to institutional build-to-rent operators creating amenity-rich communities. This evolution enhances consumer choice and reflects changing preferences toward climate-resilient, community-oriented living spaces, while also presenting challenges in planning and resource allocation.

Read more at Luxury Lifestyle Magazine - Luxury Lifestyle Magazine (10 mins)

The Bristol property hotspots that Londoners can't keep away from

Yahoo News - May 14, 2025

Bristol has become the top destination for Londoners relocating, thanks to its lower cost of living, attractive housing options, and vibrant cultural scene. With excellent transport links to London, areas like BS3 are particularly popular among movers seeking a blend of city life and accessibility.

Read more at Yahoo News (3 mins)

Over 1,000 properties without power in Bristol

Bristol Live - May 15, 2025

On May 15, over 1,200 properties in Bristol faced a power outage caused by a voltage network issue, impacting areas like BS15, BS16, and BS30. Fortunately, engineers swiftly resolved the problem, restoring power to all affected homes by 7:50 AM.

Read more at Bristol Live (1 min)

Bristol's best park: vote for your favourite as top five announced

Yahoo News - May 11, 2025

Bristol's outdoor enthusiasts have spoken, with Blaise Castle, St Andrew's Park, Victoria Park, Page Park, and St George Park emerging as the top five parks for enjoying nature and socializing. Meanwhile, the city's culinary scene shines with The Famous Royal Navy Volunteer winning best Sunday roast, Abbots Kitchen taking the title for best greasy spoon, and Marios Fish Bar being crowned the best fish and chip shop.

Read more at Yahoo News (2 mins)

Live: Easton High Street closed after fire breaks out

Bristol Live - May 15, 2025

Fire crews from Temple, Hicks Gate, and Bedminster swiftly responded to a residential fire on High Street in Easton, successfully extinguishing flames on the ground floor while ensuring all occupants were safely accounted for. The brave firefighters used high-pressure hose reels and breathing apparatus to tackle the blaze, highlighting their commitment to community safety.

Read more at Bristol Live (1 min)

Embrace your space: Renters reveal their top home improvements

Bristol Live - May 14, 2025

A recent study by Smart Energy GB highlights June as the prime month for British renters to refresh their homes, with many investing nearly £700 in stylish upgrades while prioritizing energy efficiency. Tips from interiors expert Kate Watson-Smyth encourage renters to personalize their spaces creatively and sustainably, fostering a sense of belonging and comfort.

Read more at Bristol Live (5 mins)

New green jobs and big money are coming to Filton’s airfield site

Bristol Live - May 14, 2025

Tungsten Properties has acquired a 4.6-acre industrial site in Filton, Bristol for £5 million, planning to develop nearly 100,000 sq ft of commercial space with Euro Property Investments Limited. The project aims for BREEAM Excellent standards and includes features like high ceilings and electric vehicle charging infrastructure, enhancing the area’s status as a key employment hub.

Read more at Bristol Live (2 mins)

'Neighbours were fighting over smoking in building – so I wrote note that shut them down'

Bristol Live - May 12, 2025

In an amusing apartment saga, a dog owner found himself inadvertently caught in a note war between two neighbors over smoking indoors, leading to his humorous clarification that they were not involved and highlighting the lack of a no-smoking policy. His intervention surprisingly brought an end to the ongoing feud, resulting in the removal of all previous messages.

Read more at Bristol Live (3 mins)

More civil service jobs coming to Bristol in £729m boost

Bristol Live - May 13, 2025

The UK government is relocating civil service jobs from London to towns like Bristol, aiming for a £729 million economic boost by 2030 and enhancing regional equity. With plans for 50% of senior roles and Fast Stream placements outside the capital, this initiative seeks to stimulate local economies and foster sustainable development across 12 key locations.

Read more at Bristol Live (3 mins)

What’s on in Bristol this weekend?

Sundowners at The White Lion Terrace

All photos are credited to Mark Riley unless otherwise specified.

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