China clay firm announces job losses

A Devon clay firm has announced it is to lay off more than 60 staff before the end of the year.

Watts Blake Bearne blames a slowdown in the international china clay market and the strength of the pound.

WBB says it hopes the 62 job losses can be found through early retirement and voluntary redundancies.

The company's sites in north and south Devon, and the china clay operation at Cornwood will all be affected by the cuts.

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Cables cause road hold-up

Repairs to a busy main road in Gloucestershire have been delayed after fibre optic cables were found below ground.

The A46 between Stroud and Cheltenham is dotted with temporary traffic lights because of subsidence.

Repairs were due to start this week but BT cables have been found lying under the surface in unstable ground.

Talks are under way on how to protect the cables during work.

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Isolation worries lead to transport talk

People living on two Bristol housing estates are calling for improvements to public transport.

Residents in Hartcliffe and Withywood say the areas run the risk of falling into deeper decline.

They are now meeting the city council to have their say.

They are saying that those who do not own cars feel isolated and find it difficult getting to work, to the shops and meeting friends.