Monthly Archives: December 2025

Glastonbury multi-million pound regeneration projects axed

Glastonbury multi-million pound regeneration projects axed

Michelle Ruminski,Somerset political reporterandRuth Bradley,Somerset political reporterBBC NewsRed Brick says it is "preparing for the very real possibility of insolvency"A council has terminated two multi-million pound government-funded regeneration projects after an audit of one highlighted concerns over governance and finances. Somerset Council ended the Life Factory and Glastonbury Food and Regenerative Farming Centre projects, both Glastonbury Town Deal schemes, in November. In a new report, the authority says it is seeking repayment of more than £2.4m in grant…

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Man’s leg broken by motorbike rider fleeing police in Bournemouth

Man’s leg broken by motorbike rider fleeing police in Bournemouth

Emily HudsonSouth of EnglandBBCJoe Hart was knocked over in a Bournemouth car parkA man suffered a broken leg when he was knocked over by a motorcyclist that police officers were attempting to stop.Dorset Police said four men were arrested and a number of vehicles were seized on Saturday after an illegal procession of motorbikes and e-bikes was prevented in Bournemouth.Joe Hart, who said the bike came out of nowhere when it hit him in a car park close…

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‘Organ pipes removed’ and ‘More SEND school places’

‘Organ pipes removed’ and ‘More SEND school places’

Gloucester CathedralThe pipes from Gloucester Cathedral's 17th Century organ have been removed for repairsHere's our daily pick of stories from across local websites in the West of England, and interesting content from social media.Our pick of local website storiesPolice have confirmed the body of a missing man was found in the water at Bristol Harbour, while officers were searching for a different person, Bristol Live reports. More than 100 school places for children with special educational needs will…

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Singing at royal concert was like a dream

Singing at royal concert was like a dream

A shanty group who were asked to perform at the annual Christmas carol concert in Westminster Abbey have said the experience was like a dream.Catherine, Princess of Wales, personally invited Fisherman's Friends from Port Isaac, Cornwall, to sing a sea shanty in the Together at Christmas service.Jon Cleave from the band said they were absolutely thrilled to receive the invitation and they "couldn't actually believe it".He said Catherine even shared memories of her time singing their songs through…

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Man who died in Christchurch bus crash was ‘kind and thoughtful’

Man who died in Christchurch bus crash was ‘kind and thoughtful’

The family of a man who died in a collision involving a bus have described him as a "kind and thoughtful" brother and uncle.Richard Parker was struck by the vehicle in Somerford Road, Christchurch, shortly before 08:45 GMT on 3 December.The 73-year-old, who was from Christchurch, died in hospital on the morning of 6 December.A 36-year-old man from Poole who was arrested on suspicion of driving offences has been released while inquiries continue.A family statement, released by police,…

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Turtle Island Liberation Front quartet charged for California NYE bomb plot | News

Pro-Palestine, antigovernment, anti-colonial group accused of targeting immigration agents and companies in ‘massive and horrific terror plot’.Published On 16 Dec 202516 Dec 2025Click here to share on social mediashare2ShareFederal authorities in the United States have arrested four members of an antigoverment left-wing group over an alleged bomb plot targeting immigration agents and companies, among others, in California, officials have said.Announcing the arrests on Monday, US Attorney General Pam Bondi said the Justice Department and the Federal Bureau of…

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Gen Z’s are more likely to recognise the faces of their own age group than Boomers

GenZ’s are better at recognising people within their own age group than those outside it, according to new research. Researchers from the University of Exeter examined the Own-Age Bias (OAB), a well-documented tendency for people to better recognise faces from their own age group. They found that older adults were equally good at recognising both older and younger faces, whereas younger adults struggled to recognise older faces. Ciro Civile Associate Professor in Cognitive and Biological Psychology at the…

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How to avoid delays on the big Christmas getaway

How to avoid delays on the big Christmas getaway

Chris LockyerWest of EnglandBBCThe RAC has predicted this year will be the busiest Christmas getaway on recordThe annual Christmas pilgrimage is soon to get under way and the prospect of delayed trains or motorway tailbacks can often be anxiety-inducing.The RAC has predicted this year will be the busiest festive getaway since it began recording the data in 2013, with Christmas Eve alone set to involve 4.2m trips.But it is not only on the roads - there will also…

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Jamie Cole ‘should be with us,’ says mum after Tenerife death

Jamie Cole ‘should be with us,’ says mum after Tenerife death

Clara BullockandMatthew Hill,SomersetBBCThe mum of an autistic man who died on holiday said she wants care companies to remember their responsibilitiesThe mother of an autistic man who died after falling from a balcony in Tenerife said she hopes his inquest will remind care companies of their responsibilities.Jamie Cole, 25, from Weston-super-Mare, was accompanied on holiday by carer Lousha Rees who worked for private care company Lifestyle, also known as Accomplish.Coroner Dr Peter Harrowing said on Monday that Ms…

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BCP Council puts forward plans for roadworks Lane Rental Scheme

BCP Council puts forward plans for roadworks Lane Rental Scheme

A council is considering plans to introduce a Lane Rental Scheme to help reduce disruption from roadworks on a proportion of its road network.Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council is consulting on the plans for its busiest roads.It said the scheme would encourage utility companies and contractors to work more effectively so less time is needed to complete roadworks and to carry out work at quieter times.Councillor Andy Hadley said: "It is our responsibility to keep traffic moving…

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Primary School Assembly Bangers go festive

Primary School Assembly Bangers go festive

It's not often a performer will fire up the crowds on stage at Glastonbury and delight TV audiences on Songs of Praise, but James B Partridge has done just that.The Dorset-born creator of Primary School Assembly Bangers became an online sensation with his school hymn sets, which have earned him a following up and down the country."The love of music had to come from the assembly hall," he says. "We had fantastic tunes that we sang together and…

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Traders angry as Penzance roadworks extended into 2026

Traders angry as Penzance roadworks extended into 2026

BBCDog groomer Kirsty Stewart-Clarke is concerned her Christmas trade may be disrupted by ongoing roadworksSome business owners in Penzance have said they are frustrated as roadworks in the town have been extended into next year.Penzance town centre has undergone several changes this year - with new streetscapes and planters installed, as well as more pedestrian crossings - most of which has been completed in time for Christmas.However, retailers at the other end of the town have been told…

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