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Council prioritises potholes
Over 1,500 potholes in 366 locations have been repaired by North Somerset Council in April thanks to the use of specialist equipment. And the repairs will continue throughout May with an average of 400 holes being filled each week, depending on the weather the council has said. NSC have deployed a spray injection patcher – a specialist piece of equipment that uses high velocity air to clean debris then sprays material to fill holes instantly. Repairs take around two minutes t

Dan Heley
39 minutes ago


Man found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving of 18yr old Alfie Gray
Kasper Stankiewicz, of Congresbury, appeared before Bristol Crown Court this week accused of causing death by dangerous driving. The court was told that on September 10, 2024, Stankiewicz attempted to overtake another vehicle on the A370 near Puxton Park, where he collided with an oncoming motorbike. The motorbike was being ridden by Alfie Gray, who tragically died at the scene. A trial was held to determine whether the 19-year-old was guilty of causing death by careless driv

Dan Heley
2 hours ago


Mead Vale Primary School Tops UK Active Travel Challenge
Pupils at Mead Vale Community Primary School in Weston-super-Mare are celebrating after finishing first in North Somerset in the UK’s biggest inter-school active travel challenge, the Big Walk and Wheel 2026. Photo: Mead Vale Organised by Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (formerly Sustrans), the national event ran from 16–27 March 2026, encouraging children and families to walk, wheel, cycle or scoot to school to improve health, reduce congestion and cut air pollution. Abbie Edbrooke,

Dan Heley
10 hours ago


Police Action Targets Illicit Tobacco Supply
The Town Centre Neighbourhood Team has today arrested a 20-year-old man in connection with the supply of illicit and counterfeit tobacco linked to a locally parked “stash vehicle.” A significant quantity of suspected non-duty paid products has been seized, with an estimated retail value of £16,000. The male remains in police custody, and the vehicle has been seized. A spokesperson for Avon & Somerset Police said; “This method—where customers request “cheap tobacco” inside a s

Dan Heley
1 day ago


Weston Mela returns to Italian Gardens this July
Get ready for vibrant day filled with music, dance, delicious food and activities for all ages as the Weston Mela takes place once again at The Italian Gardens this year. Weston Mela is a free, family‑friendly celebration of the rich cultural diversity that makes Weston-super-Mare vibrant. Weston Mela in Grove Park last year (Photo: Supplied) Rooted in South Asian tradition, a “mela” is a joyful gathering — a place where people meet, mix and come together through food, music,

Dan Heley
1 day ago


Councillors “being sold a pig on a poke” as Tropicana vote passes and meeting interrupted
Councillors have overwhelmingly voted in favour of North Somerset Council continuing its journey to give custodianship of the Tropicana to Live Nation. Cllr Mike Bell opened the meeting thanking members for their scrutiny of the information presented to them and acknowledged the anxiety and risks that came with the decision that needed to be made. (Photo: Weston Independent News) He also thanked residents for their engagement in recent weeks over the topic and highlighted tha

Dan Heley
3 days ago


Samaritans volunteer visits Weston-super-Mare as part of mission to walk to every branch in UK and Republic of Ireland
A Samaritans volunteer visited Weston-super-Mare last week as part of a mission to walk to every branch across the UK and the Republic of Ireland. David Matthews, known as The Listening Walker, is currently undertaking a 6,000-mile journey over 12 months to visit more than 200 Samaritans branches to raise awareness of its work on suicide prevention and raise £50,000 for the charity. David Matthews outside the Weston Branch of Samaritans (Photo: Supplied) As part of the challe

Oliver Pritchard-Jones
4 days ago


“The Union Jack Man”; Weston’s Terry Hutt, dies aged 91
A devoted supporter of the Royal Family—once nicknamed “The Union Jack Man” by Queen Elizabeth II—has died at the age of 91, it has been announced, by his daughter. Terry Hutt, from Weston-super-Mare, became well known for camping outside hospitals ahead of royal births. In 2016, he said the effort was always worthwhile if it brought a smile to the Queen’s face, even if it meant staying out for several nights. Photo: Terry Hutt (Provided by Tracey Joy) His daughter, Tracey Jo

Dan Heley
5 days ago


Opinion: Returning the Tropicana back to a Lido will waste tens of millions of taxpayers money
by Dan Heley (Editor) The development of a lido once again at Weston-super-Mare’s Tropicana might sound like a nostalgic and exciting idea, but when you look closely at the numbers and realities, it quickly becomes clear that it would be a waste of taxpayers money and a financial black hole for North Somerset Council. The issue of a Lido and the Tropicana rears its head from time to time, and it’s that time now, as residents offer their views on North Somerset Councils plan t

Dan Heley
5 days ago


Lib Dem Councillor pushes back over her scrutiny of Tropicana future
Ahead of a Full Council meeting of North Somerset Council, Liberal Democrat councillor; Cllr Jemma Coles has hit out at criticism of her scrutiny of the proposed Live Nation lease of the Tropicana. North Somerset councillors will meet on Tuesday 12 May and vote on recommendations that could see world-class event organiser Live Nation sign a lease to run the Tropicana in Weston-super-Mare for the next 25 years. In a statement issued by Cllr Jemma Coles, the Liberal Democrat co

Dan Heley
6 days ago


Mayor welcomes rail renationalisation
Great Western Railways (GWR) will be brought into public ownership this year, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced yesterday. The Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, has confirmed GWR’s contract with DfT will end on 13 December. The West of England's Mayor has welcomed the news. Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: “I’m sure everyone in the West who – like me – catches the train will welcome this news. “We need a transport network which wor

Dan Heley
6 days ago


Man arrested in connection with attack on child
Police have arrested a man in connection with an assault in Weston-super-Mare. A man, in his mid-thirties, has been arrested on suspicion of affray and attempted wounding with intent. He has been released on conditional bail while investigations continue. The arrest comes after a child was assaulted near a convenience store in Ebdon Road, in Weston-super-Mare, at around 6pm on Wednesday 8 April. The victim suffered bruising to his face, back, arms and shoulders and did not re

Dan Heley
May 8


Councillors to consider decision on joining the West of England Combined Authority
Councillors will meet next week to consider whether North Somerset Council should become a full member of the West of England Combined Authority (WECA). The Full Council meeting on Tuesday 12 May follows a period of public consultation earlier this year, which asked residents, businesses, community groups and stakeholders for their views on the proposal. The consultation was part of a formal process required by government before any decision can be taken. A report summarising

Dan Heley
May 7


Dementia-friendly ‘Sing and Smile’ sessions launch in Weston-super-Mare
A dementia-friendly singing initiative that has tackled loneliness and brought music and friendship to the people of Yatton is now inviting residents in Weston-super-Mare to take part in new weekly sessions in the town. Right at Home North Somerset is expanding its ‘Sing and Smile’ sessions to the Front Room Theatre at Central Walk, every Friday from 2.30pm until 3.30pm. Attendees at the first Sing and Smile session at the Front Room Theatre in Weston-super-Mare. (Photo: Supp

Dan Heley
May 7


Weston’s MP to host Summer School for 2nd year
Weston-super-Mare’s MP, Dan Aldridge, is to host a summer school once again this year after last years success. Last year more than 40 young people from Weston-super-Mare and surrounding areas attended a two-day summer school hosted on The Grand Pier which gave young people the opportunity to learn from leaders in tech, media, and business. The Summer School last year (Photo: Supplied) Dan Aldridge MP said; “I’m really excited to be having my Second Summer School in Weston-su

Dan Heley
May 6


Weston motorcyclist disqualified after riding at 110mph in 50mph zone
A man has been disqualified from driving and fined £450 after he was caught riding a motorbike at 110mph in a 50mph zone. Zephan Thompson, 26, of Rowan Close, Weston-super-Mare, pleaded guilty to one charge of exceeding a 50mph speed limit at Bath Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 23 April. He was disqualified from driving a motor vehicle for 70 days and must also pay a victim surcharge of £180 and court costs totalling £130. Thompson was riding a Yamaha MT on Chapel Lane, Chew

Dan Heley
May 5


Wanted man believed to be in Weston-super-Mare area
Have you seen George Ford, 31, who is wanted for a recall to prison by Avon & Somerset Police. Photo: Avon & Somerset Police He is white, of medium build, is around 6ft 1in tall, has dark brown hair, and is unshaven. Police believe he is in the Weston-super-Mare area. If you know where George is please call 999 quoting reference 5226111366, or call 101 with any other information.

Dan Heley
May 5


ELAN school pupils undertake training programme on mental health and wellbeing
Pupils across the Extend Learning Academies Network (ELAN) have taken part in an impactful threeday Resilience Reps training programme. Delivered by YouthShoots’ founder Paul Hanmore, the training focused on mental wellbeing, resilience, online safety and personal development. The programme engaged Year 4 and 5 pupils in thoughtful, age appropriate discussions around some of today’s most important challenges. Throughout the training, pupils explored key themes including menta

Dan Heley
May 5


Hospice gardens open to the public for summer event following last years sell out
A popular event which sees the beautiful gardens at St Peter’s Hospice open to the public, is returning this June. The annual Open Gardens Day, which last year sold out, is taking place on Sunday 7 June where guests can enjoy the impressive and much-loved Hospice gardens in bloom. As well as having the opportunity to spend time in the beautiful and welcoming outdoor space, there will be relaxing and creative workshops, local performers, live music, handmade crafts to purchase

Dan Heley
May 5


Rugby-loving bride cheers husband on from sidelines in her wedding dress hours after marrying him
A rugby-loving bride cheered her husband on from the sidelines in her wedding dress, just hours after the newlywed couple tied the knot. Photo: Craig & Amy Vinson Amy Vinson, 42, insisted Craig Vinson, 40, play for Hornets RFC after discovering his team’s last fixture of the season fell on their wedding day. So after donning a suit and marrying Amy at Weston Registry Office on Saturday, Craig put on his kit, which included a new pair of white boots engraved with the date, and

Oliver Pritchard-Jones
May 4
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