Bristol News by HANA - Edition 75
Bristol Bites: Crime and Punishment
From our Editor,
Bristol Bites: Crime and Punishment
Crime statistics often make for grim reading, even though villainy has been falling in recent years. Traditional, hard-working burglars appear to have been all but put out of business, for example.
Avon and Somerset Police have released data relating to Bristol (scroll down to news for the full story). It covers crimes reported in January 2026. This column will focus on the (relatively) good news. The top three safest areas in our city.
Coming in at number one is St George Troopers Hill. Just 38 offences reported and recorded in the first month of the year. However, 21 of those related to violence and sexual offences. So, not all rosy by any means.
Second on the list is Redland - 54 crimes reported. The leading offence was vehicle crime (14). It’s not entirely clear whether bicycle theft is included in the data, so let’s assume it’s about cars. To slightly amend Alexei Sayle’s lyrics: “Hello John, you need a new motor.”
Third is Clifton. Easily the poshest quarter of Bristol. Some 65 crimes reported, most being violence and sexual offences (25). Estate agents in Clifton will be relieved that the gilded borough scraped into the top three. The most ridiculous crime in Clifton actually occurred in February - a rather inept ram raid on the Co-op on Princess Victoria Street. Proof positive that criminals are just idiots, rather than the Hole in the Wall gang from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
Crime stats are notoriously tricky to unpick. Which crimes are being reported, for example? Sexual offences are now recorded at much higher levels - and being taken seriously - than in previous decades.
Sex crime should be the priority for our constabulary. A pub fight is unpleasant. A woman sexually assaulted in the street is much more serious. We must all support our coppers to clamp down upon and eradicate such appalling behaviour.
If you live in Redland, however, it’s your car that’s more likely to be nicked or damaged. Keep ‘em peeled, Redlanders.
Rhidian Wynn Davies | Editor in Chief
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Databox
This week, we focus on what the Office for National Statistics describes as “self-reported wellbeing”. Never mind. Let’s dive in anyway, shall we?
Anxiety (score out of 10)
Bristol 3.4, compared with a national local authority average of 3.3 in 2023. Barely higher, but one wonders what anxiety really means. Going to the dentist? Admitting you didn’t empty the dishwasher because the football or rugby was on? Worrying about your children’s exam results? Something much more serious? Who knows.
Feeling life is worthwhile (score out of 10)
Bristol 7.3, compared with a national local authority average of 7.8 in 2023. A surprising stat, given the city is so smiley. It seems obvious that life should be worthwhile in a place of Bristol’s class. But it is home to nearly half a million people, so perhaps not everyone is turning cartwheels every morning.
Happiness (score out of 10)
Bristol 7.2, compared with a national local authority average of 7.4 in 2023. A smidge below the “happiness” mean. One suspects that Bristolians are just a bit more curmudgeonly than the average Briton when it comes to answering questions. We all know that most folk in Bristol are happy. Perhaps they just don’t like talking about it. Let’s not push up house prices with tidings of comfort and joy.
Conclusions? None whatsoever. Self-reported wellbeing is an incredibly difficult thing to measure with any certainty. The ONS is allowed to tease us occasionally, given the rigorous and robust work it does dealing with hard data.
As for “happiness”? Well, it depends on which day of the week one asks me the question. In the words of Bob Geldof and his Boomtown Rats: “I don’t like Mondays.”
Scroll down for best of Instagram, sport, property news and more things to do in Bristol this weekend…
Best Articles From Bristol This Week
as chosen by our editors
Missing student Jack O'Sullivan's family 'continue to keep hope' BBC News - March 2, 2026 The family of Jack O'Sullivan, a 22-year-old student missing for two years after attending a party in Bristol, continues to seek answers and urges the public to recall the night he disappeared. With a dedicated Facebook group exceeding 103,000 members and ongoing police investigations, they hope someone might hold vital information about his whereabouts. |
University of Bristol and Black Trail Runners unite to launch ‘Black to the Trails: Bristol’ The inaugural "Black to the Trails: Bristol" carnival will take place on 11 October 2026 at Blaise Castle estate, celebrating Bristol's cultural diversity and promoting inclusivity in trail running through a vibrant festival atmosphere. Organised by Black Trail Runners in partnership with the University of Bristol, the event aims to increase participation from ethnically diverse communities and encourage outdoor engagement for all ages and abilities. |
Scrapping juries 'a mistake', says Bristol barrister Yahoo News - March 2, 2026 Bristol barrister Lucie Stoker is advocating for the 'Justice needs Juries' campaign, urging the government to reconsider plans to eliminate jury trials for certain criminal cases amidst a significant backlog in the UK justice system. With chronic underfunding being the root cause of current issues, Stoker argues that removing juries will not solve the crisis and threatens democratic freedoms. |
Babcock Festival of Engineering kicks off Bristol leg The Engineer - March 4, 2026 Babcock's STEM Festival at its Filton site in Bristol successfully inspired early secondary school students through hands-on engineering activities, highlighting the importance of traditional tasks in generating interest. In response to a broader need for STEM outreach, Babcock is spearheading an initiative in Plymouth to engage 650 local schools and create a replicable model for enhancing STEM education across regions. |
Concerns Neo-Nazi group will join Bristol Patriots march this weekend Bristol Live - March 3, 2026 Fears are mounting over the potential involvement of the Neo-Nazi group Aryan Front in a far-right march organised by the Bristol Patriots, which has faced backlash for excluding Muslims and promoting division. In response, author Nikesh Shukla is rallying support for a counter-protest on March 7 to champion unity and stand against extremism in the community. |
Bristol, UK: Sustainable Air Mobility Set To Transform Tourism - Travel And Tour World Travel And Tour World - March 3, 2026 Vertical Aerospace is revolutionising sustainable air travel with its electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, Valo, designed for zero-emission flights between city centres and tourist hotspots. With 1,500 pre-orders from global airlines and a hybrid-electric variant in development, the company aims to enhance regional connectivity and support net-zero tourism goals, aligning with the UK Government's initiatives for sustainable aviation. |
Bristol benefits from new on-street EV chargers ElectricDrives - March 4, 2026 Bristol has launched 150 new lamppost-based EV chargers to facilitate overnight charging for drivers without private driveways, funded by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority Green Recovery Fund. This initiative aligns with the city’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and enhancing air quality, joining other UK cities in expanding on-street electric vehicle infrastructure. |
Penny Black stamps to sell in Bristol for up to £200k BBC News - March 3, 2026 A rare block of 12 Penny Black postage stamps, valued at up to £200,000 and known for their pristine condition and rich hue, is set to be auctioned after being discovered in a cupboard. This intact collection, originally found at the Dublin General Post Office in 1905, highlights the rarity and desirability of these historic stamps among collectors. |
Women Strike Back! New exhibition explores histories of Black and South Asian feminist activists Bristol - March 5, 2026 Discover the powerful stories of Black and South Asian women in postwar Britain at the 'Women Strike Back' exhibition, curated by Dr. Saima Nasar and showcasing rich archival materials from the Bishopsgate Institute and Feminist Archive South. Highlighting the activism of groups like OWAAD and BBWG, this exhibition celebrates the fight for rights in housing, healthcare, education, and more during the 1970s and 1980s. |
Search after man exposes himself to three women in Kingswood BBC News - February 28, 2026 Avon and Somerset Police are investigating a series of incidents involving a man who exposed himself to three women in Kingswood, Bristol, with the first incident occurring on Wednesday evening. The police are urging the public to come forward with any information related to these unsettling events. |
Plimsoll Swing bridge in Bristol open to traffic after fault Bbc - Motorists faced significant delays on Bristol's A3029 Brunel Way due to a malfunctioning swing bridge that couldn't close, prompting authorities to address the disruption. Commuters are advised to seek alternative routes as efforts to repair the bridge continue. |
Schools celebrate World Book Day in costume Bbc - Join us for an annual event that ignites a lifelong love of reading in children through engaging activities, interactive storytelling, and exciting book giveaways! This initiative not only enhances reading skills but also fosters imagination and creativity, inspiring young readers to cherish the joy of books for years to come. |
Girl hurt in 'sickening' hate crime attack by teens in Bristol BBC News - March 5, 2026 A girl was hospitalised after a hate crime assault by a group of teenagers in Bristol, linked to the violent "school wars" trend on social media. Local authorities are increasing patrols and urging parents to monitor their children's activities amid rising concerns over school-related violence. |
Bristol's 15 safest areas where the fewest crimes were reported in January 2026 - see full list Avon and Somerset Police have released the latest crime rate data for Bristol neighbourhoods, highlighting trends in criminal activity to keep residents informed about local safety. For ongoing updates and insights, residents can subscribe for free to the BristolWorld newsletter, fostering a more engaged community. |
Bristol's 17 most dangerous areas where the most crimes were reported in January 2026 Avon and Somerset Police have released the latest crime rate data for Bristol neighbourhoods, revealing trends in criminal activity and promoting community safety awareness. Residents can stay informed and engaged by subscribing to the free BristolWorld newsletter for ongoing updates on local crime statistics. |
Best Of Instagram
Sport
Bristol Bears
An agonising 36-41 defeat at Ashton Gate against Sale Sharks last Saturday brought an end to a miserable Prem Cup campaign for The Bears. Bottom of their pool with just nine points and a single win from eight games. Thin gruel.
Upsides? The Bears scored six tries against The Sharks (who scored seven - the winner coming in the 78th minute). The scoreline meant Bristol won two bonus points - one for tries and one for losing narrowly. Perhaps more important were some match minutes for key players.
Winger Gabriel Ibitoye (who scored a brace of tries) and mercurial scrum-half Harry Randall both had runouts. One suspects coach Pat Lam has seen the cup as a training exercise. Seven defeats in eight matches doesn’t exactly boost dressing room morale, though.
The Six Nations dominates the rugby schedule right now, so The Bears will not face Leicester Tigers away in the league until 22 March. The Bears (3rd) are just one point ahead of The Tigers (4th). Big game.
Bristol City
Dear oh dear. A 2-1 home defeat against Watford last Friday night was bad enough. But losing 1-0 to lowly Port Vale in the FA Cup on Tuesday was an absolute shocker.
The Valliants prevailed in extra time. The Robins blew the chance of a lucrative ball in the hat for the 5th round draw. A truly terrible result. Port Vale are rock bottom of League One.
Up next for the red-faced men in red are Coventry City. The Sky Blues lead the Championship by four points. The Robins lie 10th. It’s at the Gate, Saturday 3pm. Don’t hold your breath.
Bristol Rovers
Rovers simply refuse to die. Last Saturday saw them screw out a 1-1 draw with Swindon Town. Ok, another draw. But Swindon are fourth in League Two, so no mean feat.
The Pirates are four points clear of the drop zone in 20th position. Next up are Crewe at The Mem on Saturday at 3pm. The plank wobbles a little less.
Property News
Bristol flats approved at third attempt UK Property Forums - March 4, 2026 Bristol City Council has approved a controversial development plan to replace buildings at the top of Whiteladies Road with two new blocks, overcoming previous rejections and addressing resident concerns about amenity. The decision followed a narrow committee vote and comes as the developers repositioned their plans to mitigate impact on nearby cottages. |
One change could add £7,000 to value of your home Plymouth Live - March 3, 2026 New research from Samsung reveals that the right artwork can boost a home's value by up to £7,000, prompting the launch of a scheme where sellers can display over 4,000 artworks on The Frame TV to enhance appeal during viewings. Property experts stress the importance of first impressions and emotional connections, suggesting soothing art choices to create inviting atmospheres that resonate with potential buyers. |
Savills announces six promotions in Bristol UK Property Forums - March 5, 2026 Savills has announced six promotions within its Bristol office, effective March 1, including four new associate directors and two associates, recognising their exceptional contributions to the firm's success. Head of the Bristol office, Paddy Hales, expressed pride in celebrating their commitment and expertise. |
Should fines depend on who the tenant is? Landlordzone - February 27, 2026 Bristol City Council's proposal to introduce higher civil penalties for landlords based on tenant vulnerability raises concerns about discouraging housing availability for those in need, such as individuals with addiction issues and low incomes. Critics argue that while aiming to improve rental standards is important, penalties should focus on the breach itself rather than tenant profiles to avoid unintended consequences in an already strained housing market. |
Chain-free house for sale in Winscombe on Bristol Road Weston Mercury - March 5, 2026 Discover this stunning three-bedroom detached home in Winscombe, listed for £535,000, featuring modern amenities like triple-glazed windows and a new gas combi-boiler. Set in a tranquil location with a wrap-around garden and ample outdoor space, this property offers a perfect blend of comfort and style for family living. |
Bristol is the least affordable city to rent outside of London Bristol Live - March 3, 2026 Bristol has emerged as the least affordable city for renters outside London, with rents soaring to £1,893 a month, consuming 57% of the average salary. This sharp rise over the past decade highlights a growing affordability crisis, trailing only Salford in the UK. |
Revised plans submitted for Bristol co UK Property Forums - March 2, 2026 Revised plans for a co-living scheme in Southville, Bristol, designed by Alec French Architects, now feature 87 larger one-bedroom studio apartments with communal amenities, responding to local housing needs and enhancing the area by replacing an outdated office block. Developer Land & Buildings expressed pride in collaborating with Bristol City Council to refine the project and better serve single individuals seeking housing. |
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What’s on in Bristol this weekend?
Big one‑off events
Bristol Anime & Gaming Con (Spring / Winter edition branding varies) at Mercure Grand, running across 7–8 March, with cosplay, gaming and trader stalls.
Free From Festival (Bristol 2026) on Sat 7 March, a food festival focused on gluten‑free, dairy‑free and refined sugar‑free products.
Festival of Stories event listed on Sat 7 March in the evening, aimed at spoken‑word and storytelling fans.
Gigs and live music
Sleaford Mods at Bristol Beacon on Thu 5 March, and John Bramwell on Fri 6 March, both good options if you’re starting early for the “weekend”.
Multiple smaller gigs on Saturday such as “Georgia Dagaki – Bristol” at Moor Beer Co and other indie/alt shows via Skiddle and similar local listings.
Club nights and late events
Swiftogeddon – the Taylor Swift–themed club night on Sat 7 March late evening.
Nu:Motive with Taiki Nulight & P Money plus others during the
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