A new store in Exeter will create 120 more jobs than originally planned. The firm John Lewis was going to take over five floors of a building in Sidwell Street, but has now been given approval to occupy all 11 floors.
Crews have tackled a blaze at Writhlington School near Radstock. Avon Fire and Rescue Service said it was not yet known how the fire – which took place in the assembly hall – had started.
‘Serious safety concerns’ have been raised about government plans to close some UK coastguard centres – one of those at risk being Lee on Solent and Portland.
In a boost to the South West market, almost 700 posts will be created when relocating to Porton Down. The jobs are being moved to the military research laboratory at Salisbury following a defence review. The local MP is battling for the future of 800 staff at the Health Protection Agency (HPA) at Porton Down.
Devon and Cornwall’s rural areas will be hit the most by police spending cuts, the area’s police federation claims. There are fears the measures will mean fewer community officers.
A Trowbridge car sales company is offering a reward after an arson attack at the premises. Eve Aylesbury of AMS Cars said the fire caused thousands of pounds worth of damage and added she wanted those responsible for Saturday’s (May 28) fire to be caught.
The number of cabinet members on Gloucestershire County Council will be reduced by two to help save thousands of pounds.
NHS North Somerset, NHS Bristol and NHS South Gloucestershire health authorities are in the process of merging to form a Primary Care Trust (PCT) cluster in order to save money. The three authorities will share one chief executive and management team by June.
There is a confirmed threat to 2,000 jobs at the Abbey Wood Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) centre near Bristol. The cuts are part of job losses set out in the strategic defence and security review last October. Already in March, it was announced 1,400 staff from three establishments in Bath would move to Abbey Wood.
A man has admitted violent disorder during protests in the Stokes Croft area of Bristol when a recently-opened Tesco Express was damaged. Bristol magistrates heard how 32-year-old Stephen Farthing set a car alight and threw missiles at police.