'Hundreds of homes approved' and 'hare coursing damage'

Here is our daily pick of stories from across local websites in the West of England, and interesting content from social media.

ITV West Country has shared a video of Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner Phillip Wilkinson talking about the damage to farms caused by illegal hare coursing gangs who he said have been violent towards enforcement officers.

The Telegraph has reported on a Bristol pub landlord's plans to pass the increased costs of the higher business rates on to MP Darren Jones. The government announced on Thursday that it was scaling back the increase.

Meanwhile, Duchy of Cornwall plans to build 620 homes in Shepton Mallett have been approved, reports Somerset Live. The development is on one of Prince William's estates, just south of the A371, and will include a primary school, a care home and commercial space.

In Gloucestershire, people are being warned about a seven-month road closure outside Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. Claremont Road will be shut until mid-August as part of upgrades to the hospital's infrastructure, reports Gloucestershire Live.

And Bristol Live got people talking when it asked what nickname they have for Bedminster - Bemmie, or Bedmo?

Police in Swindon arrested a 34-year-old drink-driver who was six times over the legal limit. The force said the man was seen walking unsteadily as he bought alcohol from a supermarket in Rodbourne. He was arrested in the store's car park after getting into a car and turning the engine on.

Two members of the South West Ambulance Service have raised more than £4,000 for an ambulance staff charity by walking 35 miles (56km) from Street in Somerset to their base in Bristol.

And finally, footage of colourful Mandarin ducks swimming in a pool in the Forest of Dean has emerged.

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