Bristol News by HANA - Edition 66
Bristol’s New Year’s Resolutions (2026 edition)
It’s that time of year when we look at our post-party reflections in the mirror and try to come up with a list of noble aims to live the next year slightly better than the last.
So, in the spirit of advising a much-loved friend, one who thinks they are organised but often chaotic, and likes to discuss bins, here are some ideas for Bristol (and our committee of councillors) to ponder.
Bristol’s New Year’s Resolutions (2026 edition)
Unclog the city (without widening it)
Sort the pinch points (hello, Cumberland Basin) with smarter signals, better junction design, and proper bus priority. We all want safer cycling lanes, but that shouldn’t mean closing Whiteladies ot Park Street for months. Make “crossing town” feel normal again, not like a day trip.Build homes that normal people can afford
Not “affordable-ish”. Proper social and living-rent homes, plus conversions above shops and faster brownfield builds.In doing so, solve the Downs caravan hell once and for all.
Make buses the main event
Frequent. Reliable. Simple fares. And bus priority means something, so the bus isn’t stuck in the same traffic it’s intended to solve.Turn “bike city” into “safe-to-bike city”
A joined-up network that doesn’t vanish at the scariest bit. Protected routes, calmer rat-runs, safer junctions. And please put an end to balaclava vigilantes on souped-up illegal e-bikes.Fix the messy bits with pride
Target litter hotspots like a proper campaign: bins where needed, enforcement where fair, community where brilliant. Turbo Island energy, applied to clean streets. And renovate around Bristol Temple Meads - it's a frankly embarrassing eyesore for first-time visitors and tourists.Back local so Bristol stays Bristol
Protect indie venues, cafés, studios and shops from death-by-rent. Make it easier to start and grow small businesses without needing three favours and a solicitor.Make the city kinder, visibly
Fewer people stuck in temporary accommodation, more joined-up support that actually reduces rough sleeping—public spaces with benches, loos, lighting, and step-free access — dignity basics. Bristolians are inherently kind and friendly - we need to see that in our public policy.
What would you add? (answers by email - simply reply to this newsletter)
Happy New Year, Bristol!
Mark Riley, CEO Hana News
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Databox
This week, we focus on access to amenities for Bristolians - everything from shopping to sports. It’s a patchy picture.
Number of supermarkets (per 10,000 of population). Bristol 2.9. Marginally more than the national local authority average of 2.7 in 2023.
Sports facilities (per 10,000 of population). Bristol 11.4, significantly below the national local authority average of 18.6 in 2023.
Museums (per 100,000 of population). Bristol 3.0, lower than the national local authority average of 4.2 in 2021. The data is a little crusty (much like some of the exhibits, perhaps).
Residents within a 30 minute walk of their nearest library. Bristol 97%, easily ahead of the national local authority average of 74% in 2024. Data on library borrowing (and reading) might be more useful than walking times.
Residents within a 30 minute walk of their nearest railway station. Bristol 60%, better than the national local authority average of 51% in 2024.
So, if you want to reach a library or a train station by foot, you’re better off in Bristol. And you’re fine for supermarkets, too. But access to sporting facilities seems poor. Ashton Gate attracts 20,000+ crowds for rugby and football matches almost every week. There is huge interest in sport in our city. Relative lack of access to sporting facilities is a data point the council needs to address.
Source: Office for National Statistics
Scroll down for property news and more things to do in Bristol this weekend…
Best Articles From Bristol This Week
as chosen by our editors
Bristol midwife "amazed" to receive OBE in New Year Honours Bbc - December 29, 2025 Ann Remmers, a dedicated midwife with five decades in the NHS, has been honored with an OBE for her impactful work in maternal and neonatal care, including leading initiatives to address racial disparities in health outcomes. Meanwhile, Mr. Taylor, who received a knighthood for his commitment to educational equity, has successfully expanded the Cabot Learning Federation to support over 18,000 students in transforming underperforming schools in Bristol into thriving educational environments. |
Must-Attend Events and Festivals in Bristol, UK in 2026, Promising Unforgettable Experiences for Travellers and Cultural Enthusiasts Bristol in 2026 will be alive with excitement, hosting a variety of events and festivals such as the dazzling International Balloon Fiesta, the vibrant Bristol Pride, and Europe’s largest street art festival, Upfest. Don't miss out on the city’s rich cultural scene that celebrates everything from food to comedy! |
Inbetweeners star coming to Bristol for one night only Yahoo News - January 1, 2026 Join Joe Thomas, famed for his role as Simon Cooper in The Inbetweeners, for a special evening in Bristol on January 25, celebrating the show's 17th anniversary. Enjoy hilarious anecdotes, behind-the-scenes insights, and a chance to ask questions and take selfies at the Hen and Chicken from 8-10 PM! |
Norovirus outbreak at much-loved restaurant as customers fall ill Bristol Live - December 31, 2025 Three Brothers Burgers in Bristol has temporarily closed due to a norovirus outbreak affecting customers on December 20 and 21 but plans to reopen on January 3 after conducting a thorough deep clean in collaboration with health officials. The restaurant, known for its 5-star food hygiene rating, is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its patrons. |
'Calculating predators' jailed for raping woman at Bristol guest house BBC News - December 30, 2025 Riaz Muhammed and Muhammed Zahid have been sentenced to nine and eight years in prison, respectively, for the rape of a woman at a guest house in 2019, following a jury's verdict after an eight-day trial. The court heard that the assault was a "planned and sustained attack" while the victim was unconscious. |
Bristol City: Harry Cornick banned for three matches after Millwall brawl BBC Sport - December 23, 2025 Bristol City forward Harry Cornick has received a three-match ban for violent conduct following a post-match brawl after a defeat to Millwall on December 6. The incident, which involved multiple players and staff from both teams, highlighted escalating tensions in the aftermath of the game. |
Bristol pub attack leaves man with fractured eye socket Yahoo News - December 31, 2025 A man was hospitalised with serious facial injuries after being assaulted at the Whitchurch Pub in Hengrove, Bristol. Police have identified a suspect from CCTV footage, and the investigation into the October incident is still ongoing. |
The big stories we're proud of as a news-packed 2025 comes to a close Bristol Live - December 31, 2025 In 2025, Bristol faced significant challenges, from addressing knife crime and high-profile murder cases to navigating community disputes over local initiatives like Liveable Neighbourhoods. Amidst these issues, a strong stance against online hate emerged, particularly in support of the LGBTQ+ community during Pride events, emphasising the city's commitment to inclusivity and accountability. |
Sport
Bristol Bears
Christmas came bearing gifts for the Bears. Two fixtures and two big wins.
First, a convincing 40-14 away win at Harlequins, thanks to tries from (among others) Louis Rees-Zammit and Ellis Genge. The Genge try was a barnstormer from the halfway line, provoking astonishment and laughter - not least from Mr Bristol himself. Front row forwards aren’t supposed to do that. But Genge possesses his own power playbook.
Next came a slightly less convincing, if ultimately comfortable, 36-27 victory over bottom-placed Newcastle at Ashton Gate. This time, it was LRZ who stole the limelight. He scored two tries, the second of which was rugby genius. Sheer speed plus fabulous footwork.
The Bears are hanging on to a playoff place in the Prem. They lie fourth in the table. Sale Sharks visit the Gate tonight at 7.45pm. A bonus point victory would see Bristol go top - although almost certainly for just a day as Bath, Exeter and Northampton all play on Saturday.
Top Four Battle
Northampton (33 pts)
Exeter (32 pts)
Bath (31 pts)
Bristol (29 pts)
Leicester (26 pts)
Saracens (26 pts)
Louis Rees-Zammit opens up on Bristol return after signing 'long-term' deal with rebel R360 league delayed Mail Online - January 1, 2026 Louis Rees-Zammit has committed his long-term future to Bristol Bears, praising the club as the ideal environment for his rugby development after returning from a brief NFL stint. The 24-year-old winger has already made waves with six tries in eight appearances and is set to bolster the team's performance and morale moving forward. |
Bristol City
The Robins put up a plucky fight away to Millwall on 29 December, but eventually fell to a 2-1 defeat against their fellow Championship promotion challengers.
It was a blow in an otherwise successful Christmas period for City. An impressive 2-0 victory over high-flying Middlesbrough at Ashton Gate was followed by a 2-1 win away at West Brom on Boxing Day.
The Robins would have probably settled for six points across the three matches and that’s what they netted. So, well played.
And then! City thrashed Portsmouth 5-0 at the Gate on New Year’s Day. Three points and a big boost to their goal difference, which could prove crucial as the Robins battle to secure at least a top six playoff spot.
Next up? Preston North End at the Gate on Sunday. A victory against the Lilywhites would see City right in the promotion mixer.
Premier League dreamers?
1st: Coventry City (52 pts)
2nd: Ipswich Town (44 pts)
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3rd: Middlesbrough (43 pts)
4th: Watford (41 pts)
5th: Hull City (41 pts)
6th: Preston NE (40 pts)
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7th: Millwall (40 pts)
8th: Bristol City (39 pts)
Bristol Rovers
The Gas are not much fun right now. Laughing Gas, perhaps. Relegation is a real prospect, given their abysmal form. The plank is quivering for a team seemingly all at sea. But read until the end.
A calamitous 3-2 Boxing Day defeat at home to Bromley (the Pirates having been 2-0 up at halftime), was followed by yet another loss at the Mem three days later. Barnet saw Rovers off 2-0. Zero points from two home fixtures.
Then, to quote the crooner Billy Ocean, suddenly! The Pirates pulled off a 3-0 win at Shrewsbury on New Year’s Day. Where on earth did that come from?
Rovers are now five points clear of the drop zone. Next up are Barrow away on Sunday. Let’s applaud any Pirates hardy enough to make the trip to the far north west to support the Gas.
The League Two Plank
20th: Bristol Rovers (21 pts)
21st: Crawley (19 pts)
22nd: Shrewsbury (19 pts)
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23rd: Newport (17 pts)
24th: Harrogate (17 pts)
Property news
The seaside town near Bristol that house hunters can't stay away from Yahoo News - January 2, 2026 Weston-super-Mare is experiencing a property boom as city dwellers seek affordable housing, with average prices still lower than Bristol's, despite a recent market slowdown due to rising mortgage rates. New housing developments and revitalization projects are underway, highlighting the town's appealing blend of seaside living and proximity to Bristol, making it an attractive destination for buyers. |
Air passengers warned of higher fares as regional airports face bigger tax bills The Guardian - December 29, 2025 Regional airports in the UK are facing steep increases in business rates, leading to potential ticket price hikes for passengers. Critics warn that these tax rises could harm local economies reliant on airports, prompting calls for a comprehensive review of how airport business rates are calculated. |
What salary do you need to buy an 'average' house in Bristol? Bristol Live - December 27, 2025 Bristol's average salary of £39,312 is overshadowed by soaring property prices, with households needing an income of £87,322 to buy a typical home. Neighbourhoods like Easton and Horfield illustrate the city's housing challenges, requiring incomes ranging from £51,095 to over £100,000 for an average house purchase. |
86-home Somerset housing development sells out Barratt Bristol's Brue Place on Huntspill Road in Highbridge has successfully sold all of its homes since launching in 2022, reflecting strong demand for new properties in the area. This milestone underscores the ongoing growth and appeal of Barratt’s offerings, benefiting both the developer and the local community. |
Add £7K to your property value with 3 simple DIY tweaks Bristol Live - December 28, 2025 Estate agent Luke Saywell from Gascoines suggests three DIY improvements that could boost your home's value by nearly £10,000 by 2026. Enhancing kerb appeal, updating modern fixtures, and adding privacy fencing are simple yet effective upgrades to consider. |
Flats with 'best view in Bristol' go up for sale Bristol Live - January 1, 2026 The 'River Gateway' project in Bristol is set to be completed by mid-2026, featuring 220 modern flats with stunning views and energy-efficient designs on a previously vacant site. With 98 affordable units available, this development marks a significant transformation of the former Ashton Rail Yard, which has a controversial history dating back to its neglect in the 2010s. |
What’s on in Bristol this weekend?
Theatre & Pantomime
Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime runs at Bristol Hippodrome until 4th January, offering family fun with lavish sets and laughs. Bristol Old Vic presents Treasure Island and Antarctica from 2nd to 10th January, ideal for immersive storytelling.
Music & Nightlife
Bristol Northern Soul Club takes place on Saturday, 3rd January at Old Market Assembly, featuring classic soul vibes. Friday night live music at Barbara's provides steins and entertainment until midnight on 2nd January.
Other Highlights
Parkrun events occur at various locations on Saturday mornings for a free, active start. Bristol Comedy Festival kicks off this month, with potential early shows; nearby music like at The Crown Tavern adds options.
All photos are credited to source articles or Mark Riley unless otherwise specified.
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