Bristol News by HANA - Edition 69
Bristol’s…..
From our Editor:
Question: were local authorities invented to serve the public or simply to make them laugh?
Bristol City Council members agreed to proceed with a bid to become the UK’s City of Culture for 2029 after a meeting on 20 January.
A day later, the council performed a classic reverse ferret and decided to scrap planned cuts to culture funding in its next budget.
Are these two events related? Judge for yourself. Then chuckle to yourself. Council leader Tony Dyer said the authority would preserve its Cultural Investment Programme for at least three years.
The stick of £700,000 in budget cuts? Or the carrot of £10m in government funding if Bristol wins its bid? Do the sums and then come to your own conclusion.
Speaking of maths and, indeed, other subjects, school attendance figures in Bristol are a scandal when it comes to kids from disadvantaged backgrounds (see Data Box below).
Our council has mishandled vans on the “dumping” Downs. It now appears it can’t ensure large numbers of children attend school.
Elected members need to get a grip. Otherwise, stand down and get a proper job. Ones like teachers, nurses, artists and, er, bricklayers do.
Rhidian Wynn Davies | Editor in Chief
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Databox
This week, we focus on school attendance. Rock star Alice Cooper once sang “School’s Out”. But, in Bristol’s case, the data shows it’s out for months more than the summer for many kids.
Persistent absences for all pupils. Bristol 24.8%. Considerably higher than the national local authority average of 19.9% in 2024.
Persistent absences for pupils eligible for free school meals. Bristol 41.9%. Shockingly higher than the national local authority average of 34.4% in 2024.
Persistent absences for pupils looked after by local authorities. Bristol 27.6%. Much higher than the national local authority average of 21.0% in 2024.
It is a little frustrating that our Office for National Statistics doesn’t define what it deems “persistent” to be, but it’s fairly clear that Bristol has a problem with school attendance by children from lower-income and disadvantaged backgrounds.
Bristol City Council spouts warm words about school attendance on its website, aimed at people who are least likely to read them. Box ticked. Job not done. The data doesn’t lie - a bit like football league tables.
Look. Bunking off once in a while is part of growing up. Angels with dirty faces are still angels. I once decided to skip school with a mate to be an extra in a Queen video. I accidentally head-butted Freddie Mercury after he jumped off the stage. He shook my hand, and 40 years later, I still remember every detail.
I received a royal telling off and detention for that caper. But for many Bristol kids life isn’t so funny. This data should be an alarm call for our elected representatives. Children need to be in school, particularly in a city with a much vaunted academic reputation.
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
Prince William Visits Matter in Bristol: Tackling Microplastic Pollution at Global Scale The Earthshot Prize - January 22, 2026 HRH Prince William visited Bristol-based Matter, a 2025 Earthshot Prize Finalist, to explore their innovative Regen® water filtration system, which captures up to 97% of microplastic fibres from textiles before they enter waterways. This scalable technology aims to combat the growing threat of microplastic pollution to ocean ecosystems and human health. |
January: Prince of Wales visits Bristol During his visit to the University of Bristol, Prince William explored cutting-edge innovations like the Isambard-AI supercomputer and the Bristol Robotics Laboratory, highlighting their transformative research in areas such as climate change and independent living solutions. He engaged with key researchers and visionary start-up founders, showcasing how the university's collaborative efforts are driving impactful advancements that benefit society and stimulate economic growth. |
Bristol bench facing a wall under review, says council BBC - January 19, 2026 A newly installed bench in Bristol city centre, intended to provide a resting spot for older and disabled individuals, may be relocated due to criticism over its placement facing a brick wall. Urban planning experts highlight the need for benches to encourage social interaction and enhance pedestrian experiences, particularly amid climate change. |
New footage of the legendary Bristol crocodile has emerged Yahoo News - January 19, 2026 New footage of the elusive Bristol crocodile has emerged, showing a large reptilian figure on the riverbank and reigniting debates among sceptics and believers alike. Wildlife experts propose alternative explanations, but the sighting has sparked a flurry of social media discussions, with many sharing their own theories and encounters related to this legendary creature. |
Paul John Lumber: Bristol man died after falling from ladder while tying Union flags to lamp posts at night Sky News - January 22, 2026 Paul John Lumber, a 61-year-old painter from Bristol, tragically died after falling from a ladder while trying to hang a Union flag following a night out. Remembered fondly by friends and family, a GoFundMe campaign in his honor has raised over £5,700, showcasing the strong community support for his legacy. |
Suspicious item found in Bristol home after terror arrest as residents evacuated The Mirror - January 20, 2026 Residents in Horfield, Bristol, have been urged to evacuate as police investigate a "suspicious item" linked to a terrorism operation that led to the arrest of a 21-year-old man attempting to join Daesh. Authorities are assuring the community that this was a pre-planned operation and are encouraging residents to voice any concerns. |
Portbury docks: Long delays on M5 due to demo near junction 19 BBC News - January 23, 2026 Motorists near Bristol are experiencing significant delays on the M5 due to a protest at Portbury Docks, especially around junction 19 and extending back to the M49 interchange. Avon and Somerset Police are on site to manage traffic, while National Highways advises drivers to consider alternative routes and allow extra travel time. |
‘You’re Not Zionists, Are You?’ UK Jewish Family Driven Out of Bristol by Antisemitic Pressure A Jewish family in Bristol has decided to leave the city due to increasing antisemitism, reflecting a worrying trend among Jewish communities in the UK as they seek safer environments for their families amidst rising hostility and discrimination. Their departure underscores the urgent challenges faced by these communities in light of recent global tensions. |
England A international signs new contract with Bristol Bears Yahoo Sports - January 22, 2026 Bristol Bears have secured versatile forward Joe Owen on a long-term contract, following his impressive 51 appearances and recent England A debut. The 24-year-old, who has made significant strides since joining the club in 2022, expressed gratitude for the opportunities at Bristol and excitement for what lies ahead. |
Sport
Bristol Bears
Bristol Bears suffered their first defeat since October, falling 27-15 at home to reigning Champions Cup holders Bordeaux-Bègles in a pool decider that saw Louis Bielle-Biarrey’s hat-trick deny them top spot and home knockout advantage. Tries from Will Oghre and Johan Janse van Rensburg offered early promise, but handling errors and a late breakaway try undid Pat Lam’s side despite their league-leading line-out accuracy near 97%. The loss tempers their “historic” European campaign—built on prior wins over Scarlets, Pau, and the Bulls—but keeps them among the competition’s most ambitious attackers as domestic rugby
Bristol City
Bristol City’s week hinges on their statement 5-0 demolition of Portsmouth at Ashton Gate on New Year’s Day, a result that vaulted them into Championship play-off contention with 39 points from 25 games and a revitalised goal difference. Goals from Adam Randell, Anis Mehmeti, Scott Twine, and Sinclair Armstrong showcased the attacking fluency around their key trio, turning Ashton Gate into a fortress against mid-table and lower opposition. Fans can sense genuine promotion momentum if this rhythm—blending press and precision—holds through spring.
Bristol Rovers
Bristol Rovers fluffed their lines with a flat 1-0 home League Two defeat to Colchester United, their first league loss of 2026 ending in front of 7,500 at the Mem via Owura Edwards’ long-range strike. After a seven-goal thriller with Plymouth, this cagey affair exposed their struggle converting possession into clear chances, stalling early-year momentum in a compressed promotion race. Regaining that Mem cutting edge will define whether the Gas climb or drift back to mid-table.
Property news
Hillwood sells Bristol shed let to Evri UK Property Forums - January 21, 2026 Hillwood has successfully sold a 113,573 sq ft warehouse in Avonmouth, Bristol, leased to Evri, to Swiss Life Asset Managers, marking their first UK investment for a pan-European industrial fund. The facility, developed in 2022 with strong ESG credentials, is part of a larger project that includes a pre-let unit to Oxford Instruments, underscoring its appeal to tenants and investors alike. |
Fire breaks out at block of flats in Bristol Yahoo News - January 21, 2026 Emergency services swiftly extinguished a balcony fire at a flat on Duckmoor Road in Bedminster, Bristol, on January 21, with no injuries reported. The incident, which involved multiple fire engines and police cars, is believed to have been caused accidentally. |
What's happening to house prices? Which? - April 22, 2024 UK house prices have risen by 2.5% annually, reaching an average of £271,188, despite mixed trends across regions and other indices suggesting declines. As mortgage rates begin to fall, experts anticipate further price increases in 2026, making it crucial for homeowners to stay informed on remortgaging options and market updates. |
I’ve given my landlord £33,000 in five years – it's worth every penny Metro - January 17, 2026 After five years of renting a vibrant two-bedroom flat in Bristol, I've invested over £32,000 in my dream lifestyle while enjoying the independence and experiences that come with it. Despite traditional views on homeownership, I prioritize quality of life and plan to buy a home within the next five years, remaining open to various locations as long as they're within an hour's walk from the city center. |
Private rent and house prices, UK Ons - January 21, 2026 In December 2025, UK private rents saw a modest 4.0% annual inflation rate, while average house prices rose by 2.5%, reflecting significant regional variations in rental growth across the country. With improvements in data collection methods and ongoing revisions to the House Price Index, users are encouraged to consider both current trends and potential revisions when evaluating the housing market. |
Puma Property Finance provides £74m loan for Bristol redevelopment Puma Property Finance has granted a £74 million development loan to a joint venture between Mactaggart Family & Partners and Kinrise, aimed at enhancing the local real estate landscape with a new project that promises to create valuable residential and commercial opportunities. This partnership leverages Mactaggart's development expertise and Kinrise's innovative urban revitalization strategies to drive significant economic and social benefits for the area. |
The realities of affordable renting in Bristol - just eight homes under £900pcm Bristol Live - January 18, 2026 The Bristol rental market is facing a severe shortage of affordable housing, with only eight properties under £900 available—most lacking separate living spaces and requiring hefty deposits. Many listings misleadingly advertised as affordable are actually shared accommodations, leaving renters frustrated and trapped in a competitive market where demand far outstrips supply. |
What’s on in Bristol this weekend?
Comedy Highlights
The Bristol Comedy Festival runs through January 31, featuring over 150 shows at dozens of venues, including acts like Maisie Adam and special events such as the King Street Takeover on January 20 (with profits to charity). Specific weekend shows include Ria Lina: Riabellion at Redgrave Theatre on Saturday and Joe Thomas (Inbetweeners) at The Hen and Chick
All photos are credited to source articles or Mark Riley unless otherwise specified.
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