Headlines: Trees removed from high street and free bus tickets

Here's our daily pick of stories from across local websites in the West of England, and interesting content from social media.
Our pick of local website stories
Most of the trees on Weston High Street have been removed because of vandalism. The Weston Mercury reports eight out of 10 of them - planted in 2023 - are gone.Burnham-on-Sea.com says the Minor Injuries Unit in the town is being relocated rather than shutting down.News that a hedge in Castle Cary has been "ripped out" for a new housing development has caused quite a stir on the Somerset Live Facebook page.And a woman from Cheltenham has won £45,000 on ITV's The Chase.
Our top three from yesterday
What to watch on social media
People living in the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood trial are being offered bus gate exemptions and free bus tickets to help people adjust to the changes, according to this post by the city council.Wiltshire Search and Rescue has a new canine recruit. After a year of "bonding and obedience training", Dio has officially joined the team.And a popular Tardis bin has had a makeover in Aldbourne in Wiltshire. The structure has been a fixture there for 13 years, according to this post in a local group.

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Scottish Sun

24 minutes ago

• Scottish Sun

Woman, 44, dies after stabbing inside shop as man, 47, arrested on suspicion of murder

KNIFE HORROR Woman, 44, dies after stabbing inside shop as man, 47, arrested on suspicion of murder Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A WOMAN has been stabbed to death inside a shop in broad daylight as cops arrest a man, 47, on suspicion of murder. Police were called to Stanley Road, in Bootle, Merseyside, on Friday evening at just after 5pm. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up Emergency services responded to reports of a 44-year-old woman being knifed in the torso. Officers arrested a 47-year-old man, from Widnes, on suspicion of attempted murder. He was re-arrested on suspicion of murder after the victim died later in hospital. Merseyside Police Det Insp Gavin Mulcahy said: "It is desperately sad that a woman lost her life earlier today as a result of this incident. "Our thoughts first and foremost are with her family, who are now left to grieve her loss in the most tragic of circumstances. They will be fully supported by specialist officers in the coming days and weeks." Det Insp Mulchahy added: "We are in the very early stages of our investigation but this is currently being treated as a domestic assault in which the suspect and victim knew each other, and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with it." Anyone with information, or may who been in the area at the time, has been urged to come forward. 1 Police were called to Stanley Road, in Bootle, Merseyside, on Friday evening at just after 5pm More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.

Daily Mirror

4 hours ago

• Daily Mirror

Taxi drivers buying cars in one city due to 'easy' regulations putting people

Drivers are flogging cars including black cabs on social media with licences already attached from Wolverhampton where it's believed that the rules to obtain a taxi licence are far more easier than other areas Motorists are flocking to social media to snap up vehicles, including black cabs, already registered in the West Midlands city of Wolverhampton, where it's perceived that licensing requirements are more lenient than elsewhere. There are now grave worries that some taxi drivers could be skirting stringent safeguarding checks, particularly in areas previously rocked by child sexual exploitation scandals, according to The Times. ‌ The newspaper initially brought the issue to light back in 2018, revealing that Wolverhampton had become the go-to authority for drivers across England seeking to secure a minicab licence. ‌ And the problem is only escalating. Data from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority reveals that, as of this year, over one in 10 taxi licences in England were issued by Wolverhampton council. Baroness Casey of Blackstock recently highlighted the loopholes allowing private-hire drivers to operate anywhere across the UK as a significant safeguarding risk for youngsters, reports the Express. Has the government agreed new taxi rules? Ministers have agreed to all 12 of her suggestions and vowed to act "at pace" to put an end to this practice. However, campaigners argue that the government needs to do more, demanding stricter licensing checks nationwide. While drivers must pass checks - including a DBS background check - regardless of where they are licensed, some local councils impose much higher standards than others. Rotherham, scarred by the harrowing revelations of the 2014 Jay report which uncovered the grooming of 1,400 girls, often via taxis, has since clamped down with stringent taxi licensing rules. ‌ The borough council's response included making CCTV compulsory in all cabs, setting a clear definition for what makes a "fit and proper person," and requiring a perfect score on a safeguarding test for licence applicants. However, these robust measures are being undermined by a law passed in 2015 under David Cameron's leadership, allowing private hire drivers to operate nationwide, irrespective of where they got their licence. How many taxi drivers are licenced from other areas? Greater Manchester's mayor Andy Burnham has raised the alarm that nearly half the private hire drivers in his jurisdiction hold licences from other areas. ‌ Investigations by the Manchester Evening News last year revealed a staggering 8,952 drivers in the region were licensed by Wolverhampton council, located some 80 miles away, accounting for 35 per cent of its private hire fleet. In a similar vein, the Liverpool Echo disclosed that in 2024, Wolverhampton issued close to 500 licences to drivers residing in Liverpool postcodes. A Facebook advert for a Prius highlighted the issue, with the seller noting: "People like the council in Wolverhampton - it's easier to get a badge. The test there is easy. In Manchester, it's very hard. That's why people go to Wolverhampton." ‌ How much does a taxi licence cost? The cost of a taxi licence varies dramatically across councils, with Rotherham charging £210 for a one-year licence while Wolverhampton charges a mere £49. Social media is rife with cars being sold complete with a Wolverhampton taxi licence, though new owners must still secure a personal licence from the council to drive them legally. This week, Casey issued a stark warning that despite most taxi drivers being law-abiding, "as a key part of the night-time economy, taxis have historically been identified as a way children can be at risk of sexual exploitation." ‌ She further stated: "Local authorities issue taxi licences in line with statutory guidance as a means of combating child sexual exploitation, but they are being hindered by a lack of stringency in other local authorities and legal loopholes which mean drivers can apply for a licence anywhere in the country." What does Wolverhampton say about taxi licences? Meanwhile, a spokeswoman for the City of Wolverhampton council emphasised that safeguarding is their "number one priority in taxi licensing," proudly noting that it is "the only local authority which checks drivers on the Update Service DBS status every day." She explained: "It is illegal for the council to refuse applicants a taxi licence on the basis of where they live. Under the current law, applicants are able to apply to any licensing authority for a licence. It is also illegal for licensing authorities to impose a limit on the number of private hire licences they issue. The council does not gain financially from taxi licensing, as the fees are legally ringfenced for spend only on related activities. "Our early adoption of digital technology has allowed us to offer a simple and efficient online application procedure, with the requirement that drivers attend in person for training and strict assessment before an application can be processed." The Department for Transport was reached out for a response.

Daily Mirror

6 hours ago

• Daily Mirror

Family's fury as women pose for 'photoshoot' in front of murder victim's home

The family of hit-and-run murder victim Brandon Lee Porter-Kershaw have been left distressed and 'disgusted' after two women staged a 'photoshoot' in their front garden The family of a teenager who was tragically killed in a hit-and-run incident have expressed their shock and outrage after two women conducted an odd 'photoshoot' in the front garden of his home. A murder probe is ongoing following the death of 19 year old Brandon Lee Porter-Kershaw in Bury in May. Flowers left at the scene and at his former school in tribute to Brandon were relocated to the front garden of his Bury home. ‌ The family has now disclosed that on Tuesday, two women posed for photos and videos in the garden, as captured by a Ring video doorbell. Uncensored footage has been shared on Facebook by the family, who say they are distressed, appalled and bewildered by the incident. ‌ In strange scenes, one of the young women flicks her hair and poses for photos and a video, even lifting her dress at one point. The other woman stands at the entrance to the garden with a mobile phone. Brandon lost his life when a red Audi car 'accelerated' and then 'turned into him' while he was standing on a street with two friends, according to what was revealed at the opening of his inquest. The two friends managed to dodge the car, but the father-of-one was hit on Porritt Street and was later pronounced dead, reports the Manchester Evening News. Police have confirmed that a man wanted for questioning in relation to his death - identified as 23 year old Tino Williams - remains at large, with a manhunt underway. The family expressed their utter confusion over the actions of two women who took part in the photoshoot at the home of a recently murdered young man, pleading with them to erase the footage they captured on their phones during the photoshoot. A family spokesperson conveyed their shock to the Manchester Evening News: "How dare they? It is just ridiculous. She even floats her dress in the video and puts down her jacket on the table in the front garden. These two very inconsiderate women took it upon themselves to trespass onto the front garden and have a little photoshoot at the house of a young lad who has just been murdered. ‌ "We cannot understand why these people would do such a thing. We are all just flabbergasted. We do not know why this has happened. It is disgusting and it is bizarre. We want to find out who these people are so we can ask them why?" Speaking to the M. E.N. , the family's representative said: "Because we do not know who these two are, we do not know what they have done with the videos and pictures they took. This has caused a lot of distress and we would ask them to delete all the images and pictures they took at once. ‌ "This situation is not a bit of entertainment for other people. This is real life and we are trying to grieve in peace without mindless people taking advantage" Brandon's family has disclosed that they haven't yet informed the Greater Manchester Police about a particular situation but are mulling over filing a formal report. Following Brandon's sudden passing, his family gave an emotional statement saying: "We are all truly shocked and heartbroken by the sudden loss of Brandon. "He was a gentle, kind-hearted young man whose warmth and social nature touched everyone around him. Brandon was taken far too soon, and his passing has left a deep void in all our lives. ‌ "They also paid homage to his role as a parent, stating: "Brandon was a devoted dad to his young daughter, who he loved deeply. His family meant everything to him, and the bond he shared with his mum was incredibly special, they were best friends. "Amid their sorrowful period, the family entreated for privacy: "As we come to terms with this devastating news, we kindly ask for privacy as we grieve and support one another through this difficult time. ". In connection to Brandon's death, a 38 year old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and subsequently released on bail pending further police investigations. Information on Williams' whereabouts can also be passed on to GMP by calling 0161 856 0110 or sharing it on the online public portal here. Anyone who sees him should dial 999 immediately.