West England News Roundup: Storm Darragh, Market Incident, and Local Discoveries

Met Office alerts regarding Storm Darragh were prominent news on Friday as Somerset prepared for severe weather. Earlier in the week, the incident involving an elderly driver who injured seven individuals, including two young children, at a Christmas market, garnered significant attention. The unearthing of a tunnel beneath Salisbury railway station captured the interest of local historians. Additionally, an art installation featuring red dresses displayed in parks and churchyards, alongside a snowman constructed from 2,500 wine bottles, provided various topics of discussion throughout the West region. Somerset Live informed its audience about the Met Office’s “rare” red warning, indicating “significant damage” was anticipated across the Bristol Channel as Storm Darragh approached on Friday. This fourth named storm of the season delivered winds reaching 90mph and substantial rainfall from Friday afternoon through Saturday, leading to numerous event cancellations across the west and considerable travel disruption. Organizers of the Bath Christmas Market, which was called off on Saturday, conveyed a common sentiment on Facebook: “We take the safety of the public, stall holders and our staff seriously.” An elderly driver, reportedly in his 80s, struck pedestrians on Sunday in Chipping Sodbury, South Gloucestershire. The incident occurred at a low speed as the man was exiting a parking space on the High Street. Among those injured were a baby and five adults. This event prompted extensive discussion on Reddit concerning additional driving tests for older motorists. A Facebook post reflected this sentiment, stating: “I wonder how many people are secretly praying that mum or dad don’t hurt someone but it’s taboo to actually raise it with them.” On Monday, Wiltshire 999s’ report about a man in his 60s who collapsed while running in Quarry Hill was the most viewed item. Emergency services responded to the occurrence near Box around midday. Bystanders attempted to resuscitate the man, but he passed away shortly thereafter. Wiltshire Police issued a statement: “Our thoughts are with his next of kin at this incredibly difficult time.” The unearthing of a tunnel beneath Salisbury railway station generated considerable interest among readers, especially local historians. Frogg Moody, writing in the Salisbury Journal, suggested it might connect to the former Fisherton Asylum, which later became The Old Manor Hospital. Mr. Moody previously held a position as a gardener at the location. He affirmed: “I can vouch for this tunnel because I actually walked the whole length.” He added that “It was said to be for patients who were arriving for admittance to the asylum via train.” The Bridgwater Mercury reported on a disabled woman who stated she was left stranded for two hours in the town after her mobility scooter’s tire was punctured due to roadworks. Reporter Seth Dellow quoted Sally Jones, who expressed: “I feel no one listens to disabled people in Bridgwater. Disabled people and mobility scooters should be taken into consideration when roadworks are thought up.” Somerset Council responded by saying: “We’re sorry to hear about this. The new wider pavements will provide much greater accessibility for all.” Nevertheless, this event has led approximately 100 individuals to sign a petition advocating for the cessation of roadworks on Celebration Mile in Eastover. Bristol Live reported on the debate concerning 40 red dresses displayed across east Bristol, an art installation intended to highlight awareness of women who are victims of violence, either killed or missing. Church leaders at St Mary’s Church, Fishponds, granted authorization for the red dresses to be placed within the churchyard. Chief Reporter Tristan Cork observed: “The subject matter, the poignant and perhaps eerie nature of the display, and the very public location, has sparked a debate in the community.” A Facebook post described the installation as “powerful,” while another user commented that “graveyards are a place which command dignity, respect and peace. Leave the politics out of it.” An announcement by Bristol City Council regarding a public consultation for the planned new Regional Cycling Hub in Lawrence Weston generated numerous comments. The facility aims to offer new and current cyclists opportunities to enhance their skills, confidence, fitness, and overall wellbeing. Responses on the council’s Facebook page varied, from labeling the hub “an utter waste of money” to asserting that “Bristol is extremely successful at cycling and spaces like this help the sport grow.” Lastly, a question arises: is this the most festive pub in the West? Somerset Live presented the Queen Victoria Inn in Priddy as a contender, noting its extensive Christmas decorations. Operated by Mark and Debs Walton, the establishment is adorned with over 55,000 lights. The festive display, anticipated to draw thousands of visitors, also features an 8m (26ft) snowman constructed from 2,500 wine bottles. Mr. Walton commented: “We spend a lot of time up a ladder in the days before the big switch on.”