'B&Q travellers' and 'naked rough sleepers'

Several caravans parked in a car park outside a B&Q store in Patchway, near Bristol. There are trees and hedges in the car park and the orange storefront can be seen in the distance.
Image caption,

A DIY store closed temporarily after a group of travellers moved onto the site's car park

  • Published

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?

Gloucestershire Live reported on the 20-year-old tractor driver from Wiltshire, who died following a crash in Birdlip, external on Thursday.

Plans for 325 new homes in Crewkerne, external caused consternation this week. Somerset Live reported one resident who said the local infrastructure was already "at breaking point".

Gloucestershire Live reported concerns of rough sleepers defecating and walking naked, external around Imperial Gardens, in Cheltenham.

Videos of the annual "Hoggin the Bridge" - when 1,000 motorbikes cross the Severn Bridge, external - was a top post for Gloucestershire Live and Bristol Live.

And a photographer from Salisbury had his pictures chosen from 6,500 entries, external to go on display at a prestigious event in London. Kieran Marsh, will showcase his work at a Mall Galleries exhibition this autumn.

Top five local stories for the BBC in the West

Something longer to read

Bristol 24/7 has talked to disabled residents living in the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood, external, who claim they feel "trapped and excluded".

When the trial was introduced in October 2024, council leaders promised "safer streets, less traffic and a healthier environment".

However two residents with disabilities said their daily lives had been turned upside down and it felt "like an open prison".

Explore more with our daily roundups

Follow BBC West social channels in Bristol, external, Gloucestershire, external, Somerset, external and Wiltshire, external. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.