by Dan Heley There’s a lovely, nostalgic impulse behind the calls to “bring the pool back” at the Tropicana. For many people the site is childhood summers, the thrill of a water slide and a town at its seaside best. But nostalgia isn’t a business plan — and the practical, financial and strategic case for reinstating a working pool at the Tropicana simply doesn’t stack up against the realities on the ground. North Somerset Council and its partners have already secured targeted

Little Paws Rescue has appealed for information after kittens and their mother were found dumped at a local vets. A spokesperson for Little Paws Rescue said; “ Sadly this afternoon in the downpour of rain a young tabby mum & her kittens were found dumped in a makita tool box outside Weston Vets4Pets on Milton Road. If you were the owner or know who left them please contact us. We just want to know some more information about them especially mum so we know a bit about her back

North Somerset Council have announced they are delaying the launch of an online booking system for the Recycling Centre in Weston which was due to start this year. North Somerset Council said; “ The booking system is ready to launch but with Christmas coming up, and the significant changes we’ve already made to recycling and waste collections this year, we’re delaying the booking system until early next year. Unfortunately this means queues are more likely at the recycling ce

The Met Office has issued a widespread Yellow warning for rain that includes Weston-super-Mare as Storm Claudia is due to bring pro-longed rain throughout Thursday and into the early hours of Saturday morning. Issued by the Met Office a Yellow Warning means that Storm Claudia may lead to some flooding and disruption - Spray and flooding leading to difficult driving conditions, some road closures, and some bus and train services delayed or cancelled - Homes and businesses c

World Kindness Day is observed on November 13th each year and is a global observance dedicated to promoting and celebrating acts of kindness. This day serves as a reminder of the positive impact that kindness can have on individuals, communities, and the world at large. It encourages people to perform intentional acts of kindness and foster a culture of compassion and generosity. Participating in World Kindness Day is a simple yet impactful way to make a positive difference i

by Paul Howe As a resident of Weston-super-Mare, and particularly of the Central Ward where I live, I’m increasingly concerned about the creeping influence of powerful figures and movements trying to shape public opinion — both globally and here in our own town. The growing presence of Reform UK in Weston, and their efforts to gain a foothold locally, deserve careful attention. Behind their slogans and easy answers lie misconceptions and distortions that risk misleading decen

Dan Aldridge, MP for Weston-super-Mare and Co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Hospitality and Tourism, has joined MPs from across Parliament in urging the Government to take decisive action to support pubs, restaurants, and hospitality businesses ahead of the Budget on 26 November. In a joint letter to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, the APPG outlined the urgent need to reduce VAT from 20% and reform the business rates system, arguing that the current tax regi

An officer has been dismissed without notice after gross misconduct was found to be proven. PC Thomas West was found to have breached two standards of professional behaviour and has been barred from serving in policing again. A misconduct hearing was held between 10-11 November at Avon and Somerset Police headquarters, in Portishead, which was told that PC West had breached the standards of discreditable conduct, as well as honesty and integrity. In March 2024, PC West was ar

North Somerset Council may seek permission to push council tax above the usual 5% cap next year as it battles a £25m budget shortfall. The authority is in talks with the government over “ exceptional financial support ,” which could allow it to avoid a local referendum and impose a higher increase. Normally, councils can raise tax by 3%, with a further 2% for adult social care. Council leader Mike Bell said the council is “ doing everything we can ” to close the gap. “ That i

Every Child Needs Christmas is returning this year and the organisers need your help to create happy memories for local children in Weston-super-Mare and surrounding areas. The scheme which is run by volunteers was launched in 2013 by Sara & Khurm Arshad. Sara, who runs the popular and well known Bentley Road Bakery operating out of Wick St Lawrence and is supported by a whole host of volunteers and local businesses. Sara Arshad who created the scheme said; “ The campaign is

Get ready to unwrap the ultimate festive treat as Seren Dippity presents Weston Super Bare: Christmas Cracker! — a sparkling night of music, dance, and comedy at the Front Room, WSM on 29th November 2025. Featuring the dazzling talents of Ruby Derriere, Suit Kase, It’s Llywellyn, Natalie Sings, and The Bearded Idiot, this cabaret is set to sleigh audiences from start to finish. Whether you’re naughty or nice, this is the place to be for a holly jolly good night out!  To grab

Road closures have now been lifted and police have left the scene after significant parts of Weston-super-Mare town centre were cordoned off whilst a Explosive Ordnance Unit attending the scene to assess a “suspicious item” contained with a bag near Weston College. Officers found the bag just before 3.30pm on West St and established a cordon to secure the area whilst the bag was being investigated. As a precaution a Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit attended the scene and asse

Weston Independent News has been issued a statement by Avon & Somerset Police regarding the ongoing police activity in Weston-super-Mare town centre tonight; “Police have closed West Street in Weston-super-Mare after finding a rucksack containing a suspicious item. Officers found the bag just before 3.30pm on Sunday 9 November. As a precaution, they set up a cordon pending the arrival of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit to assess the object. A 39-year-old man of no fixed

Weston Town Centre is currently cordoned off by police after reports of a suspicious package. Knightstone Rd and Lower Church Rd are closed with police on the scene. There has been one report that at this time has not been verified that a male suspect has been arrested as the scene. This is a developing story and Avon & Somerset Police have been contacted for a statement.

A Weston parent has been been left £150 out of pocket after being a victim of fraud from a roaming light toy stall during Weston Carnival. Hannah Farnell was with her young children when she purchased two light-up toys from a roaming seller near Weston College. Each toy was £10 each however Hannah was charged over two transactions £20 and then a further £150 for the toys. Posting on social media Hannah Farnell said; “ I’ve been scammed at the carnival tonight. I asked the men

Avon & Somerset Police have thanked the public for their vigilance after they were notified of a suspicious male that when searched was found in possession of a knife. Avon & Somerset Police said; “Thanks to a vigilant member of the public, officers at Weston Carnival were able to swiftly respond to a report of a suspicious individual Thanks to their quick thinking and willingness to speak up, the person in question was located, searched and a bladed article was taken off the

Avon & Somerset Police have issued an appeal for the public’s help in locating a wanted man from Weston-super-Mare. George Ford, a 30-year-old, who has links to Weston-super-Mare, is wanted for breaching the terms of a court order. Avon & Somerset Police request that if you see him then please call 999 quoting reference number 5225290497 or 101 if you have any other information.

North Somerset Council has been forced to spend more than £300,000 on “ numerous maintenance issues ” at a poorly constructed car park that is losing around £250,000 a year. Carlton Street Car Park, built in 2012, has suffered such serious structural problems that its upper floors have remained closed since November 2023. The council pays over £500,000 a year to lease the Weston-super-Mare multi-storey, yet reported a £269,000 loss on it in the last financial year. Carlton St

A man from Weston-super-Mare has been sentenced for an offence of affray committed during the Bristol riot in 2021 Jacob Dolphin, 24, of Weston-super-Mare, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday 23 October. Dolphin kicked out at officers on five occasions and threw an object during the riot outside Bridewell Police Station on 21 March 2021. He pleaded guilty to the offence and received an 18-month community order and will have to complete 170 hours of unpaid work. H

Work starts today on the Tropicana in Weston-super-Mare as part of North Somerset Council’s renovation plans. The council’s vision for the seafront site is to provide purpose-built indoor and outdoor entertainment spaces, increase capacity and elevate the Tropicana’s status as a nationally significant multi-use entertainment venue. Following an open procurement exercise, the council has appointed Morgan Sindall Construction to strip out and demolish the existing 1980s interna