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'Collapsed bridge findings' and 'Animal cruelty'

News imageBBC A steel pedestrian bridge across a river in Bristol. It has two very striking horn-like structures standing up in the middle, with a kink in the walkway. There are flat-roofed buildings on the bank in the background with a large Ferris wheel also visible BBC
A report has shed new light on the collapse of Pero's Bridge in Bristol

Here's our weekly round up of stories from across local news websites in the West of England.

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

Gloucestershire live reported on a dog called Candy, who had to be put down after being found covered in fleas and suffering from malnutrition. Her owner, Jack Jones, 40, was banned from keeping animals for 10 years.

There was more animal cruelty uncovered in footage filmed secretly at Two Pools dairy farm near Bristol. Mike King, the owner, said he was appalled to see workers kicking cows and force-feeding one calf until it choked and died.

The issue of electric vehicle charging cables trailing unsafely across pavements in Swindon is under discussion. A motion has been put before councillors highlighting the trip hazards the cables can cause, according to the Swindon Advertiser.

A recently-revealed inspection report has shed new light on what contributed to the collapse of Pero's Bridge in Bristol in August. Bristol Live reported that a lack of maintenance caused severe corrosion to the structure.

The Bridgwater Mercury said a new safe walking and cycling route will be coming to Somerset. It will connect the new £4bn so-called 'gigafactory' to the two villages of Puriton and Woolavington, near junction 23 of the M5 motorway.

Top five stories for the BBC in the West

Something longer to read

Times are tough for the restaurant industry, even in a city like Bristol with a large population of potential customers.

Bristol Live has looked back over some of the eating out businesses in the city that have closed over the course of 2026.

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