Bristol News by HANA Edition 8

Bristol Buses, Beacon Takeover & Midnight Raves

Bristol News by HANA Edition 8

Bristol Buses, Babies’ Brains & Midnight Raves

From the Editor

It was a big week for the hospitality sector as students and partygoers clad in various fancy dresses hit the town for Halloween. Those wishing to forego formality/taxation/legality in their revelry could be spotted at the illegal rave on Winterstoke Road, South Bristol. Unfortunately, I am neither young nor cool enough to inform you where the next one will be, but check out our What’s On section below for some less obstreperous fun this weekend.

In other news: While controversial in its earlier stages, the Clean Air Zone has certainly proved lucrative. Bristol City Council announced millions worth of investment into First Bus for new and improved routes. Coupled with the baby steps toward franchising, maybe the tide is finally turning for bus transport in this great city.

Louis Inglis | Bristol Editor

The Clifton Suspension Bridge spanning Avon Gorge at the Western Harbour

This week in Bristol

  • Police shut down an unlicensed music event in Bristol, dispersing 600-1,000 attendees and making two arrests for public nuisance; sound equipment was seized, and officers stressed the need for future community cooperation.

  • The Care Quality Commission identified overcrowding and staffing issues at Bristol Royal Infirmary's emergency department, while hospital leaders are working on improvement plans, especially for patient safety on weekends.

  • Bristol will invest £4.7 million from Clean Air Zone fines into bus route expansions starting in April, aiming to improve transit access for underserved areas and reduce city centre congestion.

  • A UK project led by the University of Bristol introduces new clinical codes for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, enhancing diagnosis accuracy and awareness in medical records for better care support.

  • Sculptor Alex Chinneck’s three playful installations, including a twisted phone box and knotted lamp posts, bring unique art pieces to Bristol’s waterfront, blending practicality with whimsy.

  • Bristol Bears secured a 31-23 comeback win over Northampton, led by standout Kalaveti Ravouvou and overcoming a 15-point deficit, while Northampton's effort fell just short of a bonus point.

  • Bristol City head coach Liam Manning has returned after compassionate leave following the loss of his newborn son, Theo, and expressed heartfelt gratitude for the fans' support and special tribute.

Databox

  • In its first year of operation, from November 2022 to November 2023, Bristol's Clean Air Zone (CAZ) generated £31 million in revenue. After accounting for £5 million in operational costs, the net income was £26 million.

  • Data indicates a 9.7% decrease in nitrogen dioxide levels citywide, with a 12.8% reduction within the zone, suggesting positive environmental outcomes.

  • In April 2022, First West of England announced cuts to 25 services in Bristol and surrounding areas due to these issues. Additionally, in November 2022, the company reduced nearly 1,500 weekly journeys across 19 routes in Bristol, citing ongoing driver shortages

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

College Green in autumn sunlight

Hyper-local news articles

Arrests made during police response to unlicensed music event in Bristol

Date: 2024-10-27 13:42:23 | Reading Time: 2 minutes | Source: Avon & Somerset Police

In a recent operation in Bristol, police intervened to shut down an unlicensed music event that drew an estimated 600 to 1,000 party-goers to a disused building near Winterstoke Road. Officers worked diligently to manage the chaotic situation, including dealing with attendees' hostility and successfully cleared the venue by 10 am. Two individuals were arrested on public nuisance charges, and sound equipment was seized from two vehicles attempting to leave the area. Inspector Gareth Pike emphasised the importance of public safety and expressed regret over the disturbance caused to local residents, urging better community cooperation in the future.

Immediate action needed at Bristol hospital after concerns about overcrowding and fire risks flagged

Date: 2024-10-31 09:26:00 | Reading Time: 4 minutes | Source: Bristol Post

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has highlighted areas for improvement at the Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI), particularly regarding overcrowding, fire safety, and staffing levels in the emergency department, especially on weekends. While the overall rating for BRI and its parent organisation remains good, the emergency services have been rated as requiring improvement due to concerns over medical staffing and patient safety. Leaders at the trust are aware of the issues. They are actively working on plans to enhance safety and care quality, receiving praise for their collaborative efforts to improve patient journeys and timeliness of treatment.

An empty double-decker bus

Millions raised from clean air zone to pay for buses

Date: 2024-10-30 11:43:22 | Reading Time: 1 minute | Source: BBC

Bristol is set to enhance its public transport system with a significant £4.7 million investment to support under-served bus routes in the city. Starting in April, new and improved routes will roll out, benefiting neighbourhoods that lack access to reliable bus services. The initiative focuses on connectivity and aims to create a potential new circular route that circumvents the busy city centre, ultimately fostering cleaner air and better transit options for all.

UK’s hidden disability: new codes to help thousands with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Date: 2024-10-31 11:43:25 | Reading Time: 2 minutes | Source: University of Bristol

A new initiative in the UK is revolutionising the documentation of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) within medical records through the introduction of three new clinical codes. This significant advancement comes from a project led by the University of Bristol, which aims to improve awareness and diagnosis of FASD, which affects an estimated 2-4% of children in the general population but is often under-recognised. Clinicians can now accurately record these diagnoses in electronic medical records, fostering better care and support for individuals living with FASD. As Dr. Cheryl McQuire emphasises, improved documentation will help "make the invisible visible," ensuring that those affected receive the attention they deserve.

Alex Chinneck’s “Wring Ring” sculpture at the Assembly, Cheese Lane

Alex Chinneck's twisted trail of street furniture lights up a new corner of Bristol

Date: 2024-10-30 11:43:20 | Reading Time: 2 minutes | Source: Creative Boom

British sculptor Alex Chinneck has unveiled three whimsical public installations at Assembly Bristol, cleverly merging art and practical design along the city's waterfront. Among his creations is "Wring Ring," a vibrant red phone box twisted at a surreal 720 degrees, adding a striking visual to the area, especially at night. The installations also feature knotted lamp posts, aptly named "First Kiss Last Light," that elevate everyday street fixtures into delightful sculptures.

Bristol Bears maintain challenge for play-off place

Date: 2024-10-25 19:08:00 | Reading Time: 3 minutes | Source: The Independent

Bristol Bears celebrated a thrilling 31-23 victory over champions Northampton, thanks to standout performances from Kalaveti Ravouvou, who scored two tries upon his return from injury. Despite a shaky start, facing a 15-point deficit, Bristol rallied to secure their fourth win out of six league matches, with key contributions from Gabriel Ibitoye and AJ MacGinty. Northampton fought valiantly, led by debutant fly-half George Makepeace-Cubitt, but fell just short of claiming a bonus point as they could not convert a late try.

Liam Manning sends Bristol City fans message of gratitude in first interview after Robins return

Date: 2024-10-31 09:26:00 | Reading Time: 5 minutes | Source: Bristol Post

Liam Manning, the head coach of Bristol City, has returned to his role after a compassionate leave following the heartbreaking loss of his newborn son, Theo. Expressing gratitude towards the fans for their overwhelming support during this difficult time, he highlighted the special tribute from fans that made the experience significantly meaningful. Manning emphasised the importance of perspective in football, reminding everyone that while results matter, it’s the connections and support that truly count. As he continues to lead the team, he’s hopeful for unity and success moving forward.

Homes and rooftops along Park Street

Property news

'Chaos' as home sales fall through amid stamp duty shock in Budget

Date: 2024-10-31 10:44:00 | Reading Time: 4 minutes | Source: Bristol Post

The recent hike in stamp duty for second properties has sparked significant disruption in Bristol's housing market, particularly affecting buy-to-let landlords and aspiring holiday home buyers. The increase of 3% has added approximately £7,000 to the average property purchase, causing many potential buyers to pause their plans, with forecasts predicting that first-time buyers might incur an additional £3,500 in costs starting April. Experts anticipate a rush of sales as homeowners scramble to finalise deals before the deadline to avoid these heightened fees. Still, the short notice of the tax change has already led to aborted purchases and frustrations across the industry. This upheaval could hinder the rental market and impact potential homebuyers who rely on buy-to-let transactions.

Historic university building refurbished in latest Bristol planning applications

Date: 2024-10-31 05:06:00 | Reading Time: 3 minutes | Source: Bristol Post

Exciting developments are on the horizon for Bristol as a historic university building and a local church entrance may undergo significant renovations. Plans have been submitted to refurbish the 18th-century Royal Fort House, home to University of Bristol staff, while efforts are underway to enhance the front entrance of the Broadmead Baptist Church, a site with roots dating back to the 17th century. Additionally, a new noodle restaurant, Nala Noodles, is set to replace a former cafe in the Clifton shopping centre, promising an infusion of Southeast Asian flavours to the area. Check out the Bristol City Council planning portal for more details on these projects and others.

Student developments underway at Moon Street in vibrant Stokes Croft area

Date: 2024-10-30 07:27:00 | Reading Time: 2 minutes | Source: Construction Index

Exciting developments are underway at Moon Street in Bristol's vibrant Stokes Croft area, where a £20 million student accommodation scheme is taking shape, designed by Angus Meek Architects. The project will feature 184 student rooms across five stories, alongside retail spaces at street level, while paying homage to the site's historic silhouette from 1772. Red Construction South West is leading this ambitious project and managing a significant £15 million fire safety renovation across three local buildings, marking a major step in the region's regeneration efforts. With a commitment to preserving the area's unique heritage, the team’s local expertise promises a bright future for the community's growth.

The Bristol Wheel and businesses along the harbourside seen from Pero’s Bridge

What’s on in Bristol this weekend?

All photos are credited to Louis Inglis unless otherwise specified.

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