by Paul Howe Across the South West, the NHS is facing a sharp and accelerating rise in flu cases at a point in the winter when pressure is already high. Regional data shows hospital admissions linked to influenza have increased steeply in recent weeks, with far more hospital beds occupied by flu patients than at the same stage last winter. This surge is already placing strain on hospitals serving Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire — including those that support

by Paul Howe I’ve just come back from watching a film at The Other Place on Meadow Street — a space where many groups meet and share their stories. The film followed the lives of two Muslim women who grew up here in the UK, revealing what they and their families endured simply because of who they were. It hit me far harder than I expected; at one point, I found myself with tears in my eyes — and I’m not someone who cries easily. Yet this film showed the painful reality that l

How community effort, culture and investment are reshaping our town. by Paul Howe Weston-super-Mare is changing before our eyes — not through grand announcements, but through real progress happening right here in our own town. This year’s carnival reminded me of something important: when Weston comes together, we don’t just celebrate — we rebuild, reinvigorate and rise. Living here, I’m struck by how much is being achieved through local effort. The carnival shines brighter ea

by Dan Heley There’s a lovely, nostalgic impulse behind the calls to “bring the pool back” at the Tropicana. For many people the site is childhood summers, the thrill of a water slide and a town at its seaside best. But nostalgia isn’t a business plan — and the practical, financial and strategic case for reinstating a working pool at the Tropicana simply doesn’t stack up against the realities on the ground. North Somerset Council and its partners have already secured targeted

by Paul Howe As a resident of Weston-super-Mare, and particularly of the Central Ward where I live, I’m increasingly concerned about the creeping influence of powerful figures and movements trying to shape public opinion — both globally and here in our own town. The growing presence of Reform UK in Weston, and their efforts to gain a foothold locally, deserve careful attention. Behind their slogans and easy answers lie misconceptions and distortions that risk misleading decen

Behind the slogans about “putting Britain first” lies a lack of substance and, too often, a willingness to mislead.

“Many residents, particularly those with disabilities or limited resources, are at a huge disadvantage without a physical point of contact”

Simon Harrison-Morse puts forward his passionate argument for using independent pubs before it's too late

The track & trace system headed up by Weston's millionaire MP's wife has failed miserably, but it's still key to returning us to normality.

Cllr Pete McAleer, Labour councillor for Milton, argues that amid the pandemic & Brexit, now is the time for the town to embrace Fair Trade

Barry Edwards, trustee at Somewhere to Go argues we need to tackle rent to tackle homelessness.