county news

North Somerset Council secures refund for faulty recycling bags

North Somerset Council secures refund for faulty recycling bags

John WimperisLocal Democracy Reporting ServiceBBCResidents were given faulty recycling bags that rapidly faded and rippedA council has said that it has been given a refund by a company that supplied thousands of faulty household recycling bags.Residents in the North Somerset Council area were issued with red bags for their plastic and metal waste in March, following a successful trial in November 2024 that aimed to boost recycling.But there were complaints from residents as many of the bags were…

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Justin Hood close to ‘dream’ goal of opening Chinese restaurant after PDC World Championship run

Justin Hood close to ‘dream’ goal of opening Chinese restaurant after PDC World Championship run

Every sportsperson has a dream - but for most that is reaching the pinnacle of their chosen pursuit and winning trophies or medals.Not for English darts player Justin Hood, who has turned a long-held dream into reality with his stunning run to the PDC World Championship quarter-finals.Hood's dream - more than 10 years in the making - is to open a Chinese restaurant. "I think we're there," Hood said - after beating 11th seed Josh Rock to reach…

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Penzance cannabis driver asked Appleby police for directions

Penzance cannabis driver asked Appleby police for directions

A motorist who asked police for directions while she was smoking a cannabis joint has been banned from driving for 17 months.Fiona George, 52 and from Penzance in Cornwall, was visiting Appleby Horse Fair in Cumbria when she was caught drug-driving on 7 June, Carlisle Magistrates' Court heard.A police officer immediately smelled cannabis when George stopped her silver Citroen on Long Marton Road in Appleby to ask for directions at about 14:25 BST.George, who admitted drug driving, was…

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Tributes paid to animal welfare campaigner Sarah Fisher

Tributes paid to animal welfare campaigner Sarah Fisher

Alexandra BassinghamWest of EnglandPeter Andrews/Corbis via Getty ImagesAnimal welfare advocate Sarah Fisher has died at the age of 61Tributes have been paid to an "extraordinary, kind and talented mother" and animal-welfare advocate.Sarah Fisher, who lived in Bath, with her partner, actor Anthony Head - famous for his role in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Little Britain - ran Tilley Farm, a sanctuary for rescued horses, ponies and donkeys.Her daughters, Emily and Daisy Head, said: "No words could ever…

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Help for homeless as South West amber cold-health alerts issued

Help for homeless as South West amber cold-health alerts issued

Extra support for homeless people is in place as temperatures are predicted to drop below freezing.Amber cold-health alerts come into force across England at 20:00 GMT on Wednesday until 6 January and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned of "significant impacts across health and social care services".The UKHSA warned the weather could lead to a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions. Torbay Council in Devon said it had…

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‘Boxing history’ and ‘Free Christmas dinners’

‘Boxing history’ and ‘Free Christmas dinners’

Here's our daily pick of stories from across local websites in the West of England, and interesting content from social media.A fundraiser for a man who lost his wife and two children in a house fire in Stroud, has raised more than £160,000 in two days, according to Gloucestershire Live. The fire happened in the early hours of Boxing Day.Labour MP for Filton and Bradley Stoke, Claire Hazelgrove, says she is "concerned" over plans for housing on land…

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Record number of illegal e-bikes and e-scooters seized in Dorset

Record number of illegal e-bikes and e-scooters seized in Dorset

The highest number of e-bikes and e-scooters have been seized this year across Dorset by police in an effort to curb anti-social behaviour.Dorset Police said the 99 e-bikes - including scramblers and motorbikes - along with 128 illegal e-scooters had been taken under road safety laws in response to an increase in reported incidents over illegal e-vehicle misuse.The force said the record number came alongside officers using a new forensic spray from March to tag anti-social cyclists and…

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Warnings over new year swims

Warnings over new year swims

Jonathan MorrisSouth WestPA MediaKnow your limits and check the conditions, the RNLI saysPeople planning New Year sea swims are being urged to think carefully before entering cold, rough water after two swimmers went missing on Christmas DayTwo men - a man in his 40s and antiques dealer Matthew Upham, 64 - were reported missing from a swim at Budleigh Salterton in Devon.The RNLI said winter sea temperatures of 6-10C (42.8-50F), far below the 15C (59F) point where cold…

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People asked to avoid area after gas leak at business park

People asked to avoid area after gas leak at business park

A main road in Cornwall has been closed and a 500m (1,640ft) cordon is in place following a gas leak.Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service advised people to avoid the area and to find an alternative route due to the leak near to Tresillian Business Park, in Truro. Crews from Truro Fire Station were called to the incident at about 08:25 GMT and closed the A390 and B3275.Fire crews are working alongside Devon and Cornwall Police and engineers who…

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Frome police inspector finishes year-long run challenge for women

Frome police inspector finishes year-long run challenge for women

Bea SwallowWest of EnglandBBCRachel Clark says she wanted to "promote and highlight women's safety" by encouraging residents to tag along for her final runA female police inspector is completing the final leg of her 'mile-a-day' runs to raise awareness of women's' safety while running, particularly during darker evenings. Rachel Clark, from Frome in Somerset, will be handing out personal safety alarms during her last run later to help combat violence against women and girls.She has been encouraging residents…

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