Headlines: Avon and Somerset Police raids and medieval clocks
Here'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 stories
Four people have been arrested in Bridgwater as part of a series of dawn raids on properties linked to anti-social behaviour. The Bridgwater Mercury reported more than 50 officers from Avon and Somerset Police were involved in the operation.Experts say a church clock in Montacute may be one of the oldest working timepieces in the country. Though initially believed to have been made in the 1600s, Somerset Live reported it could date as far back as the 1400s.Workmen have installed what are believed to be the first designated bays for parking e-scooters and hired bicycles in Bristol. It is hoped the scheme will prevent the machines piling up on pavements, according to Bristol Live. A former Wiltshire police officer has admitted making and possessing child sex abuse images. The Gazette and Herald reported Callum Denley was immediately suspended from the force.
Our top three from yesterday
What to watch on social media
A new programme, which goes by the acronym ICON, has started at Great Western Hospital to help prevent abusive head trauma in babies. Notices have begun appearing in Weston-super-Mare, warning dog owners of lethal rat poison pellets being found in nearby wooded areas.Historic England have announced Saltford Manor House in Somerset could be the oldest home in England, dating back to circa 1150.After more than a year, the scaffolding inside Bristol Cathedral has been dismantled following a major restoration project of the historic organ. Its 3,844 pipes will be finely tuned over the summer.
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ITV News
5 days ago
- ITV News
Glastonbury residents 'shaken' after spike of anti-social behaviour in town
The churchyard has become a 'hotspot for crime', residents say. A churchyard in Glastonbury has become the target of increased anti-social behaviour, with individuals using graves as "shop counters" and "dealing drugs over the top of them", residents say. Residents of the town have expressed fear after St John's churchyard closed for a month to keep its visitors and congregation safe. Glastonbury MP Sarah Dyke warned Parliament that some constituents had also been intimidated with demands for money whilst collecting their pensions, leaving them "scared" and "overwhelmed". Church warden David Smith said: "You daren't approach them, because you would have face-to-face abuse." Local resident Melanie Warburton has reported that antisocial behaviour in the area has reached "a peak". A number of traders are concerned that this increase will deter tourists from visiting the town. Shop owners Linda Ravenscroft and her husband John explained: "We've had people coming in [to the shop] for protection." They added that people come into the shop and say they 'don't feel safe'. Ms Dyke has said she will continue to press for more police resources and find ways to improve CCTV in the town. She also noted she would request that the lapsed Public Space Protection order be reinstated in the area. Avon and Somerset Police has been contacted for a statement.
South Wales Argus
03-06-2025
- South Wales Argus
Chepstow, Severn Bridge misinformation over policing of weight limit
Last month, the NHA had assured Monmouthshire County Council's Public Services Committee, that Automatic Number Plate Recognition Cameras (ANPR) would be in place to police the new weight limit on the bridge, which came into force on May 28. However, at present, there are no ANPR cameras on the Severn Bridge. This means enforcement of the weight restrictions is down to traffic police of two separate forces, partner agencies and 'luck or goodwill of hauliers.' Chepstow councillor Armand Watt, chairman of the apparently misled committee said: 'We were told the ANPR cameras would be in place to police the weight limit and they are not in place. The new restrictions are practically unenforceable without an ANPR system.' The enforcement of the weight restrictions was in the news last week following local truckers' claims that foreign lorries were still using the Severn Bridge and their different plate classification system would 'trip' the ANPR system, it was thought. Additionally, old weight limit signs were left in place, which allowed weights of up to 44 tonnes. This added to trucker frustration with the NHA. NHA had blamed bad weather for the oversight. In response to last week's revelations, NHA said only a small number of trucks will flout the weight restriction and systems are in place to enforce the weight limit. However, the NHA were careful not to mention details of enforcement systems. In response to today's questions about ANPR cameras, the NHA said: 'We are working with local police forces to enforce this weight restriction, and the installation of Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras is being explored.' Any ANPR system on the bridge would be the responsibility of Avon and Somerset Police, who wish to assure drivers that enforcement will take place in conjunction with Gwent Police. Local truckers had complained of unfair competition and foreign drivers being able to use the Severn Bridge as UK drivers faced long delays and detours. However, the bridge, we can reveal, is a potential free for all for truckers because there is no effective system to enforce the weight limit. Summing up the confusion, councillor Watt remarked: 'It is difficult to understand what NHA are doing, other than creating a misinformation highway between Avon and Somerset Police, Gwent Police and Monmouthshire County Council. ' NHA has stressed the new 7.5 tonne weight limit is essential for the long term use of the bridge.
Daily Mirror
31-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Everything we know about M5 crash as three dead and child fighting for life
Paramedics raced to a 'very complex scene' last night, where they tried to save lives in the 'most tragic of circumstances' - but three people succumbed to their injuries and sadly died Two adults and a teenager have died following a devastating crash on the M5 last night, with a second child left severely injured and fighting for their life in hospital. Avon and Somerset Police said a white BMW left the northbound carriageway at around 9pm on Friday, between J14 (Falfield) and Michaelwood services in South Gloucestershire. Paramedics raced to a "very complex scene" last night, where they tried to save lives in the "most tragic of circumstances". Three people, including a teenager, succumbed to their injuries and sadly died in the single-vehicle crash, while a second child sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital where they remain, police said. National Highways said that "due to the severity of the incident and complexity of the vehicle recovery", the M5 was likely to remain closed until about 4pm. It partially re-opened southbound between J13 (Stroud) and J14 (Falfield) on Saturday afternoon, but Northbound remains fully closed while officers continue to work at the scene. M5 closed for 'next few hours' Avon and Somerset Police say vehicle recovery work is ongoing, and that the carriageway will need to be assessed and undergo necessary repairs before it will be safe to re-open. The M5 southbound re-opened between J13 (Stroud) and J14 (Falfield) just before noon on Saturday. Northbound remains fully closed while officers continue to work at the scene, National Highways said. Inspector Mark Vicary, of the roads policing unit, said: 'It has been necessary to keep the road closures in place at this time to enable further collision investigation work during daylight hours. As a result the M5 remains closed this morning and we estimate it will need to stay shut in both directions for the next few hours, however we are doing all we can to reopen it as soon as possible. 'We appreciate this closure is causing delays and disruption to the public, particularly at the end of the half-term break. But given the severity of this distressing incident, we hope the public can understand the reasons why this is necessary and ask them to consider alternative travel plans.' Three dead and one seriously injured Three people have died and a fourth is seriously injured after the single-vehicle collision in South Gloucestershire. Avon and Somerset Police said in a statement: 'We're sad to report two adults in their 40s and one teenage child who were travelling in the vehicle have died from their injuries. A second child sustained serious injuries and they have been taken to hospital.' Inspector Vicary added: 'Our thoughts first and foremost are with the child in hospital and loved ones who have received the most awful news overnight. A specially-trained officer will provide them with support at this difficult time.' Paramedics worked in 'most tragic of circumstances' Emergency service crews were called to the M5 yesterday evening after a white BMW left the northbound carriageway. They arrived to a "very complex" scene, police said, and worked throughout the night to try and save lives. Inspector Vicary said: 'Emergency services have worked throughout the night at what has proved to be a very complex scene. They have worked diligently and professionally to try to save life in the most tragic of circumstances.' Investigation ongoing at scene Police are currently on scene to carry out a vehicle recovery operation. National Highways warned drivers that delays are building on approach of the closures, with expected delays of at least 60 minutes northbound and 45 minutes southbound. Officers said earlier that vehicle recovery work still needs to be completed and National Highways will need to assess the carriageway and make any necessary repairs before it will be safe to reopen the motorway. Witnesses and anyone with dashcam footage have meanwhile been asked to contact police online or on 101 quoting reference number 5225151145.
