Headlines: Winter fuel payments, evacuations and goats

MPs voted to scrap winter fuel payments earlier this week

Residents voiced their concerns this week after the government voted for the removal of the winter fuel allowance for millions of pensioners in the UK.

Sir Keir Starmer said the measure is "necessary" to fill a £22bn budget shortfall left by the previous Conservative government.

The move has sparked controversy around the country, with many concerned about the upcoming energy price cap increase from Ofgem.

Joshua Searle from the Somerset County Gazette has broken down all the changes and what to expect in the coming months.

The B4069 has been closed since 2022

Repair work is well under way on the B4069 Lyneham Banks in Wiltshire.

The route, which has been dubbed 'England's wonkiest' road, has been closed for more than two-and-a-half years, following a landslip.

Jason Hughes from the Gazette and Herald went down to see how the construction team was getting on.

The force's headquarters was evacuated on Tuesday

On Tuesday night, the Wiltshire Police headquarters in Devizes was evacuated.

Wiltshire Times kept readers updated with a live blog throughout the evening as details were released.

The following day, the force's Deputy Chief Constable released a statement to clarify what had happened and assure the public that there was no security breach.

Chloe Tuff wrote all about it.

Passengers were left standing on the tarmac after the evacuation

Thousands of passengers were evacuated from Bristol Airport on Wednesday after a fire alarm was triggered.

After the "brief" evacuation, everybody had to re-join the security line to get back into the departure lounge.

No flights were cancelled and a spokesperson from the airport said delays were "minimal".

Sarah Lumley from Bristol Live spoke to one passenger who was caught up in the evacuation.

Numerous fake QR codes were displayed on parking machines

Residents in Stroud have been warned after a number of fake QR codes were displayed on parking ticket machines.

Stroud District Council officers discovered the scam.

When the QR codes are scanned, it directs to a fraudulent website.

Ashley Loveridge from Stroud Times has all the details.

Buckley the pygmy goat was reported missing

Some happy animal news - on 3 September, Wiltshire Police released an appeal to find a missing black pygmy goat, called Buckley.

On Wednesday, the force shared an update that Buckley had been found safe and well after being located near to where he went missing.

Ben Gardner from the Gazette and Herald shared the story.

Universities are welcoming students back for a new academic year

And finally - September means it is time to go back to school.

The streets of Bristol have certainly appeared busier this week as university students return for the new academic year.

Many may be moving to the city for the first time, which can be daunting.

If you're feeling this way, Susie Long from Bristol 24/7 has spoken to some recent local graduates who have offered some tips and advice about what to expect in this new, exciting chapter of life.