West of England headlines: Bus conversion and 'parking plagues'
What have been the big stories in the West this week?
A new parent and baby bay has been opened at Bath's Royal United Hospital. It has been named the Lori Grace room, in memory of Lori Robertson, who died in a car accident shortly before starting a role as a paediatric nurse there. Bristol 24/7 featured a double decker bus which has been converted into a classroom. The bus, at Blaise Primary & Nursery School in Henbury, will be a space for 30 pupils. A "plague" of illegal parking in Trowbridge was the focus of this Wiltshire Times article, reflecting calls for "stronger enforcement" in the centre.Gloucestershire Live reported on concerns that Gloucestershire Constabulary is paying its chief constable more than £150,000 while he continues his national work on the National Police Chiefs' Council. This comes as the police force faces a £12.3m funding gap.And a single mum has become the first female fire fighter in Winscombe for more than 30 years, reports the Weston Mercury. She told them that she wanted to show her children that "anything is possible".
Top five local stories for the BBC in the West
Something longer to read
Gloucestershire Live ran an article on discord in the county over plans to potentially split it into two new unitary authorities. The area's Labour MPs and councillors say devolution could unlock more funding for the area, but Conservative County Council leader Stephen Davies says the plan will waste taxpayer's money.
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BBC News
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Dan Hunt BBC News, Leicester Google The two vehicles crashed close to the entrance of Buckwell Lodge Farm on Lutterworth Road A 34-year-old woman has been arrested after a motorcyclist in his 60s was left with life-threatening injuries following a crash near North Kilworth on Saturday. Leicestershire Police said at 14:50 BST two vehicles - a black Ford Fiesta and a green Kawasaki ZX400 - crashed close to the entrance of Buckwell Lodge Farm on Lutterworth Road, North Kilworth. The force said the woman was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and released under investigation while inquiries continue. Officers said the motorcyclist was taken to hospital and was in a critical condition, while the driver of the car was not injured. The investigation was being led by specialist officers from the force's serious collision investigation unit, Leicestershire Police said. PC Ellise Timmins said: "Sadly this incident has left a man with serious injuries, and he is currently in hospital in a critical condition. "We are working to establish the full circumstances and as part of our enquiries we are looking to speak to anyone who was travelling in the area and saw the collision occur or has captured any dash cam footage." Related internet links
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