Bea Swallow

Traditional crafts including letterpress printing, reverse glass sign painting, dry stone walling and handmade papermaking are at serious risk of disappearing within a generation or two because of limited training opportunities, high costs and declining professional workforces. Heritage Crafts identifies these skills as endangered, while artisans in the west of England are preserving them through workshops, apprenticeships and specialist businesses. Although AI and mass production threaten traditional methods, the craftspeople argue that growing demand for handmade products, individuality and imperfection may help sustain them.

Traditional crafts including letterpress printing, reverse glass sign painting, dry stone walling and handmade papermaking are at serious risk of disappearing as technology, AI and mass production reduce demand and training opportunities. Artisans in the west of England are preserving these skills through workshops, commissions and small businesses, while arguing that handmade imperfection, personal expression and the appeal of historic techniques could attract a new generation despite high costs and limited professional pathways.

Bristol council tenants say newly separated charges for services such as lift maintenance, digital aerials and communal heating amount to stealth rent increases. The scheme is expected to raise about £825,000 in 2026–27, while unlike rents, service charges are not subject to the government’s annual increase limit. Tenants’ representative Nigel Varley criticizes the council’s ability to raise charges across a list of 56 services, amid ongoing resentment over insulation problems at Gilton House. Councillor Barry Parsons and housing director David McNulty defend the changes as transparent and necessary to recover and fairly allocate service costs.

More than 60 firefighters are battling a grassland fire near Devizes Road in Hilperton, Trowbridge, after a bonfire spread rapidly into adjacent fields. The blaze covers approximately 3km by 3km, has destroyed about half of a local farm’s straw bales, and prompted a road closure and a significant smoke warning. Damage to overhead electricity lines left around 114 properties without power, while Wiltshire Search and Rescue Service deployed an incident command unit and drone team to identify hotspots.

A man in his 20s is in hospital in life-threatening condition after allegedly being stabbed with a screwdriver at a building site in Purton, Wiltshire. Wiltshire Police arrested a 36-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder and another 36-year-old man on suspicion of assisting an offender. Police said the incident was targeted and isolated, confirmed they were not seeking anyone else, and warned of an increased police presence while the investigation continues.

A mural honoring Eddie Kinuthia was unveiled in Bristol, offering comfort to his family and community following his 2023 killing. Created by artist Keyane Allman, the artwork highlights Kinuthia’s uplifting presence and includes space for young people to leave messages. His family hopes it reshapes perceptions of his legacy and inspires positivity, while also reminding the community of the consequences of violence. The case’s background includes the conviction of Zachariah Talbert‑Young, sentenced to a minimum of 34 years for Kinuthia’s murder.

Parking fees at Brean and Berrow beaches have been suspended from July to October to boost visitor numbers after the closure of Pontins holiday park reduced footfall. Funded by EDF Energy, the scheme aims to support local businesses and encourage tourism, with council officials and some business owners welcoming the move while others argue more help is needed. Free parking is expected to provide modest benefits, particularly on quieter weekdays, though it is not anticipated to drastically change the area's economic outlook.

Parking fees at Brean and Berrow beaches are suspended for the summer to help boost footfall after the closure of the Pontins holiday park reduced visitor numbers. Funded by EDF Energy to offset the economic impact of housing Hinkley Point C workers at the former Pontins site, the initiative runs from July to October. Local businesses have mixed reactions, with some welcoming the support and others arguing that more assistance is needed. The council and Discover Brean hope free parking will attract more visitors and support nearby attractions and hospitality businesses.

Research by veterans’ charity Combat Stress highlights widespread public misconceptions about PTSD, particularly its impact on non‑combat military roles. Former Army chaplain Mark Christian describes long‑suppressed trauma from witnessing dying children during the Iraq War, later seeking therapy and acknowledging his psychological injury. The article also covers a fundraising challenge in memory of Sgt Andrew Borthwick, who died by suicide following prolonged struggles with PTSD, alongside calls from Combat Stress leadership to reduce stigma and ensure veterans receive timely support.

Prosecutors told a jury that Tony Bartlett fatally shook his four‑week‑old son Atticus after consuming significant amounts of alcohol following a night out. They argued the baby’s severe brain, spinal and rib injuries were the result of a brief but deliberate act of violence carried out while Bartlett was alone feeding him. Bartlett denies murder and manslaughter, and the trial continues.