Latest news with #publicgreenspace
BBC News
a day ago
- BBC News
Caravan destroyed in arson attack on the Downs in Bristol
A caravan has been destroyed in an arson attack at a popular public green and Somerset Police has launched an investigation into the incident, which happened on Parry's Lane near the Downs in Bristol, at 11:10 BST on Saturday. Avon Fire and Rescue Service said the fire was put out quickly using three appliances and a hose reel jet, with the cause deemed to be recent months, tensions have been rising among residents over anti-social behaviour and littering on the Downs, where more than 100 vehicles are being lived in. A cordon was put in place while emergency services attended the scene, and the road has since have appealed for anyone with information which might aid their investigation to come forward. Some van dwellers say they were forced into the lifestyle due to the cost of living crisis and high rent prices across Bristol. Bristol City Council has recognised the growing need to offer alternative housing and is now looking to find a permanent site for van-dwellers elsewhere. The authority is also working on establishing temporary "meanwhile sites", where people would be offered pitches in exchange for a small fee, and have access to services like toilets and running water.
BBC News
30-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Unsafe former Preston city centre pub set to be demolished
A former pub in Preston city centre is unsafe and needs to be demolished, the council has said. The Tithebarn, which closed in 2016, has been deemed to be "beyond viable repair" after a structural survey, the city council authority's task force, which monitors empty and derelict buildings in the city amid growing concerns around safety, said there had been "extensive deterioration" to the council is to apply for permission to demolish it while preserving the Grade II-listed mill building next door, formerly known as Aladdin's Cove warehouse. The proposal includes turning the site into an open public greenspace. Trees, shrubs, grassed areas The latest inspection revealed significant structural issues, including bowing elevations caused by increased pressure on the walls as the roof deteriorates, along with extensive deterioration to the internal floor areas, many of which are rotten, the council said.A planning permission application is being made pending a formal decision on the future of the building at a cabinet meeting on the 18 approved, demolition works would be scheduled to begin in the summer and a subsequent public greenspace could feature trees, shrubs, grassed areas and Martyn Rawlinson, cabinet member for resources, said: "This is a difficult but necessary decision. "The former Tithebarn building has sadly deteriorated beyond repair, but this gives us an opportunity to create a new, attractive green space that complements the Harris Quarter." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
