Across The West.

(From Western Daily Press)

Bath DRIVER LEFT FOR DEAD City A man was dragged from his car and beaten by carjackers when he stopped at traffic lights. The 50-year-old was left for dead by the thieves in the middle of the road in the early hours of yesterday morning. The assailants, who had followed the victim in a car from the Keynsham bypass, attacked him at the junction with Noads Corner and sped off in his Volkswagen Bora. The unnamed victim, from Radstock, was treated in hospital for cuts and bruises.

ALL CLEAR FROM BUG City The Royal United Hospital has been declared free of the Norwalk-type vomiting bug. The RUH has been struck by the virus twice in the past year and four wards were closed at the height of the infection. The latest report from the hospital's chief executive says that all the beds are open for the first time in many months. It is estimated that the latest outbreak has cost in the region of GBP400,000 to contain and clear up.

SUPPORT FOR TROOPS City A local group of war veterans has written to the Desert Rats fighting in Iraq with messages of support. Members of Bath and District Star Association, who all served in the North African Desert in the 1940s, sent their letters to the Seventh Armoured Brigade on the eve of war. Ex-serviceman Bill Burlton said: "The task ahead of the Desert Rats then was identical to what they're doing now. We see ourselves in them and support them." Bristol BUS PLAN ANGER Bedminster A revised plan for a new bus lane at a busy traffic junction has been agreed despite objections by residents. The Parson Street scheme was approved by council deputy leader Helen Holland at a meeting on Tuesday. Campaigners, …