The Bristol Evening Post, now known as Bristol Post and operating digitally as BristolLive, continues to serve as the city’s primary news source, capturing the pulse of Bristol’s most pressing stories and trending developments. As autumn 2025 unfolds, the publication has been at the forefront of covering extraordinary local events that have captured national attention, from animal welfare crises to criminal convictions, sporting triumphs, and innovative social movements reshaping the city’s landscape.
For nearly a century, this trusted news outlet has documented the lives, challenges, and triumphs of Bristolians. Founded in 1932 as the Bristol Evening Post, the publication emerged from a unique moment in local journalism history when readers themselves demanded its creation. Today, owned by Reach plc, the UK’s largest regional news publisher, the Bristol Post continues its legacy of delivering comprehensive coverage to the 1.2 million residents across Greater Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire.
Recent weeks have seen Bristol dominate headlines with stories that range from the heartwarming to the deeply concerning. From gorillas trapped in a closed zoo to builders convicted of multi-million pound fraud, from pioneering sober bars to remarkable medical recoveries, Bristol’s news landscape reflects a city in constant evolution. These stories reveal not just events, but the character of a community navigating modern challenges whilst maintaining its distinctive identity.
Gorillas Left Behind: The Bristol Zoo Gardens Controversy
Perhaps no story has generated more emotion and debate in recent weeks than the plight of western lowland gorillas still living at the former Bristol Zoo Gardens site in Clifton. The zoo, which closed its doors to the public in September 2022, has become the centre of a fierce welfare debate after videos emerged showing the animals apparently isolated in the abandoned facility.
The situation came to light when urban explorers broke into the site and shared footage on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, showing gorillas tapping on windows and appearing distressed. The videos quickly went viral, sparking outrage and accusations of animal neglect. Many viewers expressed shock that the animals remained at the derelict site three years after closure, with some calling it abandonment.
However, the Bristol Zoological Society has strongly contested this narrative. Hannah Windross, the zoo’s director, explained that it was always the plan for the gorilla troop to remain at Bristol Zoo Gardens until their new habitat at the Bristol Zoo Project was completed. The animals continue to receive daily care from their regular keepers, veterinarians, and researchers, maintaining exactly the same routine they had when the zoo was open to the public.
The real concern, according to zoo officials, is not neglect but the repeated break-ins themselves. Each time trespassers enter the site, alarm systems are triggered, causing significant distress to the gorilla troop. The loud alarms disrupt the animals’ sleep patterns, leaving them groggy and lethargic. This affects the crucial training that keepers are conducting to prepare the gorillas for their upcoming move to their new home.
Staff have been forced to confine the gorillas overnight to ensure their safety, a measure that restricts their freedom to roam as they normally would. This is far from ideal for the animals’ wellbeing. The heightened security measures have prevented trespassers from reaching the gorillas directly, but the damage caused by the intrusions extends beyond physical access.
The new African Forest habitat at Bristol Zoo Project, where the gorillas will eventually live, is four and a half times larger than their current enclosure. Work on this state-of-the-art facility is nearing completion, and the move is scheduled for the coming months. The delay in relocation has been necessary to ensure the new habitat meets the highest welfare standards and that the gorillas can be properly acclimatised.
Zoo keeper Sarah Gedman spoke emotionally about the impact of public misinformation. She emphasised that keepers who have cared for these animals for years find it deeply painful to hear claims that the gorillas are unhappy and abandoned. The zoo’s mission as a wildlife and conservation charity is to protect these creatures, and staff work tirelessly to ensure their welfare.
The controversy highlights the complex challenges facing modern zoos during transition periods. Whilst the public’s concern for animal welfare is understandable and commendable, the spread of misleading information on social media can actually harm the very animals people are trying to help. The zoo has urged the public not to share videos from trespassers, as this only encourages further break-ins and endangers the gorillas.
Doctor Struck Off Following McDonald’s Incident
Bristol made national headlines when a trainee doctor was permanently removed from the medical register after exposing himself to a teenage McDonald’s worker. Emmanuel Hakem committed the offence at a Bristol drive-through in October 2022, when the 16-year-old employee handed him his order.
At the time of the incident, Hakem was working as a trainee obstetrician and gynaecologist at the Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust. Following his arrest, he was permitted to continue seeing patients but with a mandatory chaperone present. He later transferred to Cornwall Hospital in October 2023, but never commenced work there due to police charges and subsequent suspension from clinical duties.
Despite maintaining his innocence throughout proceedings, a jury found Hakem guilty of exposure in September 2024. He received a 42-day community order, was required to participate in rehabilitation programmes, and was placed on the sex offenders register. The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) then conducted its own hearing to determine his professional future.
The MPTS report acknowledged that Hakem expressed understanding of the distress caused to the victim and the incident’s effects on her. He also recognised that conviction for a sexual offence severely undermines public trust in the medical profession. However, the tribunal noted there was no evidence of remorse, reflection, or corrective action from Hakem regarding his conviction.
Whilst the tribunal found no evidence of predatory or repeated conduct, they determined that his actions caused distress and had the potential to inflict psychological harm on a 16-year-old girl. The tribunal concluded that removing Hakem from the medical register would send a clear message to both the public and the profession that such behaviour is fundamentally incompatible with ongoing registration.
The case reflects broader concerns about sexual misconduct in the medical profession. Recent reviews have highlighted that nearly a quarter of doctors found guilty of sexual misconduct are allowed to continue practising after a period of suspension, raising questions about whether the regulatory system adequately protects patients and maintains professional standards.
Abandoned Boa Constrictor Rescued from Bristol Park
A more unusual story emerged when a dog walker discovered a boa constrictor abandoned in a box at Withywood Park in south Bristol, located near a primary school. Kristie, a volunteer at the park, described the reptile as probably the strangest thing they had ever encountered there.
The snake was found inside a lidded box, cold and lethargic. Kristie initially thought it was dead, but when it raised its head, she realised it was alive, albeit extremely weak. Having experience rescuing dogs but never snakes before, she wasn’t concerned about danger as the snake lacked the strength to cause harm.
Avon and Somerset Police rescued the animal and transported it to a veterinarian in Whitchurch before transferring it to a reptile charity. Officers stated that if left any longer, the boa constrictor might have perished. The incident raised concerns about responsible pet ownership, particularly as many people struggle with the cost of living.
Kristie expressed hope that individuals having difficulty caring for pets would reach out for help rather than abandoning them. The case highlights growing concerns about exotic pets in the UK. According to the British Animal Veterinary Association, approximately 700 snakes are estimated to be kept as pets in the country. The RSPCA recommends that if you encounter a non-native snake, maintain a safe distance and contact them for assistance.
This incident occurred just weeks after another five-foot boa constrictor was spotted slithering across a residential road in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, during the school run. That snake had been on the loose since July but was eventually captured when a concerned neighbour spotted it. These incidents raise questions about regulations governing exotic pet ownership and the responsibilities of those who choose to keep such animals.
Walking Football Gives Hope to People with Parkinson’s
In a heartwarming story of community and resilience, a team of people with Parkinson’s disease has found new purpose through walking football at Portishead Town FC. Manager Nigel Osmond oversees approximately 20 players who were preparing for their inaugural match in late October, describing it as empowering to watch them play.
The team practises every Friday on an artificial surface made possible by a £700,000 investment from a Lionesses football initiative. Osmond remarked that these individuals once faced challenges just navigating a step into the changing area. However, once they began playing football, something shifted, allowing them to move much more freely than in everyday life.
Ian Humphreys, who received a Parkinson’s diagnosis a year ago, now plays as a winger after a two-decade hiatus from sport. He admitted he wasn’t particularly skilled but enjoyed conversing with others who share similar challenges. He noted it was astonishing to witness people who struggle with walking generally transform into seemingly professional players once they have a football in front of them.
Heidi Taylor-Feld, area development manager for Parkinson’s UK, explained that players often move more fluidly on the field because they are not preoccupied with their actions. The activity feels more instinctive, and something about possessing the ball seems to stimulate movement. Maintaining activity is vital for individuals with Parkinson’s, assisting in managing physical symptoms whilst encouraging social interactions beneficial for mental wellbeing.
The social aspect proves essential for combating the isolation often experienced by those with Parkinson’s. Andrew Youngs, diagnosed five years ago and now 80 years old, plays on the wing and received his first pair of football boots in January as a birthday gift. He described the enjoyment of gathering in the clubhouse afterwards for tea or coffee, reflecting on the match’s close moments.
Plans are underway for a Parkinson’s UK tournament next year. The initiative demonstrates how sport can provide not just physical benefits but also vital social connections and a sense of purpose for people managing chronic conditions. The camaraderie developed on the pitch extends beyond the game itself, creating a supportive community that helps participants maintain positive mental health and quality of life.
Bristol’s First Sober Bar Leads Alcohol-Free Movement
Bristol is pioneering a new social movement with the opening of Arc, the city’s first dedicated sober bar. The venue on Broad Street represents a growing trend towards normalising alcohol-free social spaces, catering to a demographic shift that sees younger generations consuming significantly less alcohol than previous cohorts.
Manager Javier Tanke explained that Arc aims to collaborate with Bristol Drugs Project and Bristol Sober Spaces, working to make sober outings and venues more mainstream. The bar will open until 11pm every night, offering live music, alcohol-free beers, kombuchas, and CBD-infused sodas. The concept addresses a substantial demand for sober social events whilst also being more economical for patrons.
Lydia Plant from Bristol Drugs Project highlighted that demographic statistics reveal individuals in their 20s are drinking significantly less than they did in previous years. Recent research from Alcohol Change UK and Drink Aware indicates 26 per cent of people aged 16 to 25 are completely abstinent, compared to only 15 per cent of those aged 55 to 74.
Tanke expressed a desire to create a club atmosphere that is safe, uplifting, and welcoming. He acknowledged the enjoyment of night outings whilst recognising potential negative aspects. The venue aims to support those in recovery by maintaining a door policy preventing triggering environments. There won’t be inebriated patrons, and those who exit for a drink will not be permitted to return.
Councillor Stephen Williams of Bristol City Council praised the concept, calling it a fantastic idea and expressing hope that it would provide a great alternative for individuals looking to enjoy a night out without alcohol’s influence. As part of licensing requirements, the venue must conduct a noise assessment to ensure music levels don’t disturb nearby residents.
The opening of Arc reflects broader societal changes around alcohol consumption and nightlife culture. For people in recovery from addiction, having safe spaces free from the temptation of drugs and alcohol is vital. For others simply choosing a sober lifestyle for health, cultural, or religious reasons, or those who are just sober curious, Arc provides a welcoming environment where they can enjoy Bristol’s vibrant nightlife without feeling pressured to drink.
Historic Bailys Buildings Undergo Major Transformation
In Glastonbury, a major restoration project is breathing new life into a key piece of Somerset’s industrial heritage. The Bailys Buildings on Beckery Old Road, owned by the Beckery Island Regeneration Trust, are being redeveloped with £6.3 million in government funding through the Glastonbury Town Deal.
Originally operating as a tannery from the 19th century, the site later specialised in producing sporting goods, including boxing gloves worn by legends like Henry Cooper, Muhammad Ali, and Floyd Patterson. The buildings have been mostly unused since the 1980s, gradually deteriorating into one of Somerset’s worst eyesores.
Construction firm Beard is leading the essential work to transform the Grade II listed factory buildings into a vibrant hub of offices, studios, and workspaces for small and growing businesses, along with a café and workshop spaces for the local community. The western building is being progressed first, with completion expected by March 2026.
Paul Manning from the Beckery Island Regeneration Trust explained that the trust was established to bring these buildings back into economic use and create employment for the town. Matt Tyler from Dowlas Property Group, managing the project, emphasised the need for skilled craftsmen who can work with old materials where no two bricks are the same size.
Sustainability and heritage lie at the heart of this redevelopment, incorporating net-zero construction, clever design, and energy-efficient technologies whilst retaining as much of the buildings’ architectural integrity and character as possible. The project aims to demonstrate how heritage conservation and sustainability can work hand in hand.
One of the most intricate parts of the site surrounds the former drying sheds, used to dry leather and sheepskin at the height of the tannery’s operation. The structure is believed to be one of the last of its kind in Britain, with campaigners pushing for Historic England to reassess its status and allow preservation work to move forward.
The regeneration represents more than just restoring old buildings. It’s about bringing them back into meaningful use for today’s community and businesses, creating a space where local enterprises and the community can thrive. The transformed buildings will provide much-needed workspace in Glastonbury whilst preserving an important part of the town’s heritage for future generations.
Women’s Urinals Company Secures Major Funding
Two University of Bristol graduates are taking their innovative women’s urinals global after raising £925,000 in their latest funding round. Amber Probyn and Hazel McShane, co-founders of Peequal, have now raised £1.4 million in total across three funding rounds for their queue-cutting urinals designed for festivals and events.
The duo conceived the idea after working at music festivals during summer months in the UK, realising women would appreciate any advancement sparing them from long queues. The urinals are three times faster to use than traditional portable toilets and have been deployed at 25 events this year, including Glastonbury Festival and the London Marathon.
Since their first deployment in 2022, the urinals have been used over 1.25 million times. Users have praised them as amazing, innovative, and game-changing. The new funding will support manufacturing next-generation urinals featuring a stackable design, enabling nearly three times as many units to fit on lorries compared to conventional portable toilets.
McShane explained they’ve heard from events and toilet suppliers worldwide keen to use their women’s urinals. The funding enables them to export this British innovation and provide shorter queues to women globally. The urinals are manufactured in Somerset from sugarcane and plastic recovered from the ocean, demonstrating commitment to sustainability.
The latest design improvements include reversible occupied signs and refined splashback, all informed by feedback from female users. Prepared for the 2026 season, these units will also be more convenient to drain and relocate at event venues. The expansion plans include distribution at events across Europe, the United States, and Australia.
Julia Davies, impact investor at We Have The Power, first encountered Peequal whilst running the London Marathon. She expressed excitement about the potential for significant sustainability impact by reducing toxic waste at events. The success story demonstrates how small, timely investments in innovative ideas can unlock major potential and pave the way for global impact.
Bristol City Secures Victory Over Birmingham
On the sporting front, Bristol City consolidated their place in the Championship play-off positions with a hard-earned victory over Birmingham City at Ashton Gate. Sinclair Armstrong’s first-half strike proved enough to seal a narrow win, marking the team’s third consecutive victory.
The decisive moment came in the 42nd minute when Armstrong raced onto a Rob Atkinson through-ball and outpaced the Birmingham defence before slotting a cool right-footed finish beyond goalkeeper James Beadle. The goal marked Armstrong’s first for City since November 2024, breaking the deadlock just before the break.
Birmingham dominated possession for long periods, particularly in the second half, without seriously testing Robins goalkeeper Radek Vitek. The hosts’ defensive organisation proved crucial, with Atkinson producing several vital interventions to protect the clean sheet. Despite a late push from Birmingham, Bristol City held firm to secure three vital points.
Manager Gerhard Struber praised Armstrong’s training efforts and clinical edge. The victory extended City’s impressive run of form, leaving them well-positioned in the promotion race. The attendance of 24,923, including 3,006 away supporters, reflected the significance of this fixture between two clubs with promotion ambitions.
The match demonstrated Bristol City’s growing maturity and tactical discipline under Struber’s guidance. Whilst not always dominant, they showed the resilience and game management required to win tight matches in the Championship. Such qualities will prove essential if they are to maintain their push for Premier League promotion throughout the season.
Bath Dominates Bristol Bears in West Country Derby
In rugby union, Bath secured a comprehensive victory over Bristol Bears in the fierce West Country derby at The Rec. The hosts ran in six tries to overcome a resilient Bristol side, moving up to second place in the Premiership as the league entered a four-week hiatus.
Bristol had opened strongly, establishing a 10-point advantage through tries from Kalaveti Ravouvou and Gabriel Oghre, along with a Sam Worsley penalty. However, Bath responded swiftly, scoring twice within four minutes through Ollie Lawrence and Cameron Redpath, adding to Guy Pepper’s earlier try to take a narrow lead at halftime.
Despite Bristol’s impressive defensive work throughout the second half, Bath’s bench strength proved decisive. Joe Cokanasiga added the hosts’ fourth try with Bristol’s Santiago Grondona in the sin bin. In the dying moments, Sam Underhill and Henry Arundell crossed to complete the scoring and skew the final scoreline.
The match showcased the intensity and passion that characterises this local rivalry. Pat Lam’s Bristol side showed commendable resilience, defending stubbornly against sustained pressure. However, Bath’s superior squad depth and finishing quality ultimately proved the difference.
For Bath, the victory consolidated their position near the top of the table heading into the international break. The bonus-point win demonstrated their credentials as genuine title contenders. For Bristol, despite the disappointing result, there were positive elements in their performance that they can build upon when the Premiership resumes.
Tom Lockyer Returns to Bristol Rovers After Cardiac Arrest
In one of the most emotional stories of recent weeks, Wales defender Tom Lockyer has signed a one-year deal with Bristol Rovers, nearly two years after suffering a cardiac arrest during a Premier League match. The 30-year-old has been training with the League Two club after regaining fitness following the incident during Luton Town’s game against Bournemouth in December 2023.
Lockyer is returning to the club where he began his professional career, six years after departing to join Charlton Athletic. He subsequently moved to Luton in 2020, playing a key role in their promotion to the Premier League through the play-offs in 2023. However, that triumph at Wembley was overshadowed by his collapse during the match, which led to heart surgery.
He made a comeback later that year before suffering the cardiac arrest against Bournemouth. Lockyer expressed that it felt absolutely fantastic to once again don the Bristol Rovers jersey. He acknowledged trying to avoid overthinking the uncertainties but described the opportunity to return home as straightforward once manager Darrell Clarke wanted to finalise the arrangement.
Lockyer reflected emotionally on his journey, stating it was difficult to articulate but represented everything he had worked towards over the past two years. He hopes to create many more cherished memories whilst wearing a football shirt, celebrating small victories on the pitch and simply enjoying the game. He emphasised he wouldn’t be pursuing this if he didn’t love playing football, expressing his tremendous desire to play again.
Clarke, who coached Lockyer from a young age, spoke about the defender’s character and determination. He praised what Lockyer and his family have endured, describing their resilience as truly showcasing the character and drive he admires. The signing represents not just a return to football for Lockyer, but a homecoming to the club that gave him his start.
The story has captured hearts across the football world, highlighting the fragility of life and the determination of elite athletes to return to the sport they love. Lockyer’s recovery journey has involved extensive medical monitoring and careful rehabilitation. His return to competitive football represents a remarkable achievement, demonstrating both medical advances and his personal courage.
Prolific Cowboy Builder Convicted of £1.25 Million Fraud
Mark Killick, one of Britain’s most prolific cowboy builders, has been found guilty of defrauding customers out of more than £1.25 million. The 56-year-old from Paulton was convicted on 37 counts of fraud by jury after a 14-week trial at Bristol Crown Court, marking his fourth fraud conviction since 2008.
The prosecution revealed that Killick, who often traded under the name Marc Cole, dishonestly took payments from customers between December 2019 and November 2021, intending all along to keep their money rather than use it for promised work. He would request large upfront payments to enable him to pay for orders or materials, stressing to customers they needed to pay urgently.
However, the court heard he was running a Ponzi scheme, effectively using new customers’ money to fund work for customers who had paid months before for jobs he had not completed. He also failed to pay suppliers and contractors, increasing his company’s liabilities. Some customers paid Killick for work that never even started, whilst others saw their homes turned into building sites with no progress for weeks or months.
The jury heard that victims were in a weak bargaining position because their houses had been turned into building sites. They felt compelled to pay more money when Killick requested it to avoid writing off their financial losses. The prosecution estimated the value of work not done across his 37 victims was approximately £1.27 million from a total spent of £1.47 million with his company TD Cole Ltd.
Detective Sergeant Louise Sinclair described how Killick sold customers a housing redevelopment dream but left them with a nightmare and thousands of pounds out of pocket, calling it fraud on an eye-watering scale. The change of name prevented customers researching his credentials from seeing media reports of his previous fraud convictions.
Killick’s criminal history dates back to 1995, with convictions at magistrates’ courts in South Wales. He was made bankrupt in 2004 and received a 12-year Bankruptcy Restriction Order in 2006. His first confirmed fraud convictions occurred in 2008 and 2009, with another conviction in 2014 under the name Mark Jenkins. He was released from prison in 2016 but continued to defraud customers after legally changing his name to Marc Cole in 2019.
Many victims had tried to check him out but found no red flags, instead encountering glowing reviews online and a slick website. The case has prompted fresh calls for tighter rules on convicted fraudsters and more regulation in the building trade, with fears the system is failing victims. Killick was remanded in custody to be sentenced in December.
Major M4 Motorway Closure Causes Weekend Disruption
A busy stretch of the M4 motorway was closed for an entire weekend to allow construction work on a new bridge. The motorway was shut in both directions between junctions 18 at Bath and 19 for the M32 from 8.45pm on Friday October 24 until 6am on Monday October 27.
The closure enabled National Highways to install eight large steel beams for the new A432 Badminton Road Bridge, seven months after the original structure was demolished. The bridge, originally constructed in 1966, was removed in March after engineers identified structural cracks that made it unsafe.
National Highways estimated up to 4,000 vehicles use this stretch of motorway every hour during peak weekend times, warning of significant disruption throughout the closure period. A 15-mile diversion was put in place using the A46, A420, A4174, and M32 routes. Motorists were urged to avoid the area or travel at alternative times if possible.
On the second day of closure, half-hour delays were reported at either end, with eastbound traffic bunching up as far as junction 20. The A46 was also badly affected between the A420 and the M4. Despite the disruption, the works were understood to be running on schedule, with the bridge due to open to the public in early 2026.
The closure represented the final full shutdown of the motorway for the bridge’s construction. Once this weekend’s beam installation was complete, the remainder of the bridge works were expected to cause minimal disruption. The project demonstrates the challenges of maintaining critical infrastructure whilst minimising impact on motorists and businesses relying on this vital transport link.
E-Scooter Collision Highlights Road Safety Concerns
Dashcam footage captured the moment an e-scooter rider had a lucky escape when he crashed head-on into a car at a notorious Bristol crossroads. The incident occurred at the junction of Wessex Avenue and Filton Avenue in Horfield at 4.41pm on Monday October 20.
The rider, using one of the legal e-scooters operated by hire firm Dott, was attempting to turn right at the crossroads but lost control and ploughed straight into the front of a car being driven in the opposite direction. The collision was captured by a local taxi driver who described it as the latest incident of scooter riders getting involved in collisions.
As the taxi driver stopped at a red light, the e-scooter entered the junction heading south and began to turn right. The driver of a white car was heading north over the crossroads on a green light, and the e-scooter rider simply didn’t stop to give right of way. A split second before impact, the scooter rider took one foot off the board to try to stop, but it was too late.
Miraculously, the e-scooter rider appeared relatively unhurt from the collision, though the video showed damage to the front of the car. The junction is traffic light controlled, but none of the approaches have filter lanes or road markings to guide road users turning right. Local residents have long complained of prangs, near misses, and challenges for pedestrians.
Ugi from Rufus Taxis Bristol emphasised that the scooter rider had no helmet or protection, warning this could have ended much worse. He urged riders to always wear helmets and stay alert, noting these scooters can be more dangerous than they seem. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about e-scooter safety and the need for riders to follow traffic rules and wear appropriate protective equipment.
The Bristol Post’s Enduring Legacy
The Bristol Evening Post’s transformation into Bristol Post and BristolLive reflects the broader evolution of regional journalism in the digital age. Founded in 1932 by local interests with the rubric “The paper all Bristol asked for and helped to create,” the publication has maintained its commitment to serving the community whilst adapting to changing media consumption habits.
Originally appearing six days per week, the Bristol Post now publishes five days weekly, with its website BristolLive providing round-the-clock digital coverage. Owned by Reach plc, which publishes over 120 titles across the UK, the Bristol Post benefits from resources and expertise whilst maintaining its local focus and identity.
The publication’s history reflects Bristol’s own story. Through periods of industrial decline and regeneration, economic challenges and growth, social changes and movements, the paper has documented the city’s journey. From the closure of major employers like Bailys Factory to their modern regeneration, from medical scandals to sporting triumphs, the Bristol Post has been there to inform, investigate, and illuminate.
Today’s journalists working for BristolLive continue this tradition, breaking news about everything from zoo controversies to major criminal convictions, from innovative social enterprises to infrastructure projects. Their work reaches millions through digital platforms whilst maintaining the standards of accuracy, fairness, and community service that have characterised the publication for nearly a century.
The breadth of stories covered in recent weeks alone demonstrates the complexity and vibrancy of modern Bristol. A city grappling with heritage preservation and modern development, celebrating sporting success whilst addressing social challenges, pioneering new movements whilst honouring its past. The Bristol Post and BristolLive remain essential guides through this constantly evolving landscape.
As Bristol continues to grow and change, facing challenges from housing affordability to transport infrastructure, from climate change to social inequality, the role of local journalism becomes ever more vital. The Bristol Post’s commitment to comprehensive, accurate, and engaging coverage ensures that Bristolians remain informed about the issues affecting their lives, empowered to participate in civic discourse, and connected to their community’s rich tapestry of stories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the Bristol Evening Post?
The Bristol Evening Post continues to publish but dropped “Evening” from its name in April 2012, becoming simply the Bristol Post. The publication now appears five days per week rather than six. In April 2018, the website was relaunched as BristolLive. The newspaper is owned by Reach plc and maintains its headquarters on Temple Way in Bristol, continuing to serve Greater Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire with comprehensive news coverage.
Why are gorillas still at the closed Bristol Zoo Gardens?
The gorillas remain at the former Bristol Zoo Gardens site in Clifton because it was always planned for them to stay there until their new habitat at Bristol Zoo Project is completed. The animals continue to receive daily care from the same team of keepers, veterinarians, and researchers who looked after them when the zoo was open. Their new African Forest habitat will be four and a half times larger than their current enclosure, and they are scheduled to move in the coming months once construction is complete.
What is Arc Bristol and why is it significant?
Arc is Bristol’s first dedicated sober bar, located on Broad Street, representing a pioneering social movement towards normalising alcohol-free spaces. The venue opens until 11pm every night, offering live music, alcohol-free beers, kombuchas, and CBD-infused sodas. It’s significant because it caters to a growing demographic of younger people who drink less than previous generations, whilst also providing safe spaces for people in recovery from addiction and those choosing sobriety for various reasons.
How common are e-scooter accidents in Bristol?
Whilst specific statistics on e-scooter accidents in Bristol aren’t publicly available, incidents have been increasingly reported at various junctions across the city. The recent collision at Wessex Avenue and Filton Avenue highlights ongoing safety concerns about e-scooter use, particularly regarding riders’ failure to follow traffic rules, lack of protective equipment like helmets, and challenges at complex junctions. Local authorities and operators continue to work on safety measures and rider education programmes.
What should I do if I discover an abandoned exotic pet?
If you encounter a non-native animal like a boa constrictor, the RSPCA recommends maintaining a safe distance and contacting them immediately for assistance. Do not attempt to handle the animal yourself, as even weak or injured exotic pets can be unpredictable. For native UK wildlife that appears injured or in distress, you can approach cautiously if safe to do so, but professional help should still be sought. The Bristol incident highlighted the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need for people struggling to care for animals to seek help rather than abandoning them.
For more UK focused stories and trending news, check these out:
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- https://bristolchronicle.co.uk/bristol-news/
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- https://www.bbc.com/news
- https://www.gov.uk/