'AI scammers lure shoppers' and 'cat's 100-mile trip'

The images of "Patrick and Eileen" are among those generated by artificial intelligence (AI), experts say

Here is our weekly roundup of stories from across local websites in the West of England.

We have a daily round up as well. Make sure you look out for it on the website and the local section of the BBC News app.

What have been the big stories in the West this week?

Stroud Live reported on the leader of Gloucestershire County Council saying she "welcomes the pride people are taking" in Union and St George flags but that they will be removed "where necessary".

Free parking coming back for thousands of blue badge holders in Wiltshire performed well for the Salisbury Journal. A final decision will be made by Wiltshire Council on 21 October.

Somerset Live told the story of a woman reunited with her beloved cat, after he went on a 100-mile round trip to Weymouth in the back of a stranger's car. Maxie, a four-year-old black and white moggy, was eventually traced to a nearby street via an AirTag on his collar.

Five ponies were injured in a "brutal" dog attack in Minehead and all of them needed veterinary treatment.

And photographs of an October Harvest Moon starred in an article from Bristol Live.

Top five local stories for the BBC in the West

Something longer to read

In Bristol 24/7's feature on "The Politics of Bristol's Playgrounds", the article asks the question, "why should some parks and playgrounds have to rely on petitions and campaigns to be protected?".

It was sparked by Bristol City Council's removal of a playground in Bellevue Road Park in St George in September due to health and safety concerns, leaving children and families who use the park "distraught".

A local petition garnered more than 800 signatures in five days, at which point the council pledged "imminent replacement".

Explore more with our daily roundups