somerset

A man in his 60s who was taken to the hospital after a crash with a motorcycle has died 16 days later.The collision, involving a blue Yamaha motorcycle and a pedestrian, took place on the A36 Rossiter Road in Bath at about 19:40 BST on 11 October.Avon and Somerset Police confirmed the man died in hospital on Monday. His family are receiving support from a specially trained officer.The motorcyclist was also taken to hospital but has since been…

Avon and Somerset Police needs to improve how it reviews its vetting decisions and handles complaints, according to a new report. His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) assessed the force in three areas, which covered vetting of police officers and staff, professional standards and counter-corruption arrangements. Kathryn Stone, His Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary, said the force "requires improvement in all areas" of the inspection.In response, deputy chief constable Jon Reilly said: "We are…

A tiger which was rescued from traffickers in eastern Europe has been given a new home in the UK.Aqua has been brought to Noah's Ark Zoo Farm in Wraxall, near Bristol, as part of a project to protect threatened carnivores. He was one of several tigers found at the border between Poland and Belarus in 2019.Emma Ogborne, a head keeper at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm, said: "Aqua's story is one of incredible endurance and resilience."Before arriving in North…

Carys NallyWest of EnglandGetty ImagesBridgwater Carnival is the UK's oldest carnival and is visited by thousands of people each yearThe UK's oldest carnival is returning this weekend, when more than 150,000 are expected to descend on the area.This year's Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival, which has been running since 1847, will feature an illuminated procession, fairground rides, concerts and fireworks.The event is set to take place on Saturday - and below, we've rounded up everything you need to know…

A council has installed two height barriers at a park and ride car park to deter illegal encampments. The work is to try to deter unauthorised visitors on the site at Silk Mills in Taunton, Somerset. Somerset Council is advising motorists with tall vehicles not to drive in as both the entry and exit points now have height restrictions.Councillor Richard Wilkins, the lead member for transport and waste services at Somerset Council, said: "These barriers are a practical…

Five climate activists have been fined for a protest at the UK's largest milk factory.They were all sentenced at Bristol Magistrates' Court after being found guilty of aggravated trespass.It follows the arrest of ten people after the entrance of the Muller Bridgwater factory in Somerset was blocked in 2022.Five people - Carol Wood, 56, Philip Sleigh, 69, Catherine Cannon, 47, Christopher White, 32, and Oliver Stevens, 23 - were given a nine-month conditional discharge, ordered to pay £200…

Onyi UbadighaWest of EnglandFamily handoutChloe (L), with mum Wendy, raised more than £1,100 through her 12-hour swimming challengeA teenage girl with ADHD, who said being in water helps her find peace when she is feeling overwhelmed, has completed a 12-hour swim to fundraise for her town's only public pool.Chloe, 17, from Minehead, Somerset, swam from 05:00 until 17:00 GMT on Monday in aid of St Michael's Swimming Pool, which is a community organisation run by volunteers.Speaking after the…

The RSPB has closed a hide at one of its nature reserves after a number of cases of bird flu were identified.The charity confirmed Canada Geese and Mute Swans at Ham Wall, near Glastonbury in Somerset, were found to be carrying the disease, though numbers were "relatively low", it said, with fewer than 20 cases identified in eight weeks.None of the birds were found in public areas, so the reserve remains open except for the Avalon Hide. "This…

Jack Killah,West of England and Matty Edwards,West of EnglandStar SchemeChard RFC in Somerset is one of the clubs giving opportunities to young people through the schemeA charity has helped more than 1,000 disadvantaged children across the country have access to rugby.The charity - Star Scheme - takes away practical barriers to children playing the sport by paying for transport, fees and kit.First piloted during the pandemic at Chew Valley Rugby Club, the project has now expanded to almost…