ANOTHER ROUND-UP OF LOCAL NEWS FROM YOUR HARDWORKING LIB DEM TEAM

WESTLINK PUBLIC MEETING:

There has been a lot of bad news for Bristol bus users in recent months, especially the loss of nearly all our supported bus services. However, from the beginning of April, we will be getting a new bus service, called WESTlink, which is a form of Demand Responsive Transport. In short, many parts of the region will be divided into zones in which a fleet of minibuses will provide a flexible bus service.

We imagine local residents have lots of questions about this new service (we certainly do!), so we have asked the WECA transport officer in charge of delivering WESTlink to come to Brislington for a public meeting to explain the new system and answer all your questions. Details coming soon.

A4 CORRIDOR PROJECT UPDATE:

We recently met with West of England Combined Authority (WECA) transport officers to discuss progress on the A4 Corridor Project. The project aims to implement infrastructural changes from Bristol to Bath, with an emphasis on improving bus journey times. However, post Covid, and with high inflation and a huge increase in construction costs, the project may not be as ambitious as originally planned. Since we last met transport officers at the end of last year, they have been conducting a review of over 80 possible options for the route. This has now been reduced to a short list of 8, and they are hoping to bring a smaller number of final options forward for public consultation in June. We will of course keep you fully updated.

PAVEMENT PARKING PETITION:

Passengers will be able to use an ‘Uber-style’ app and book journeys up to 24 hours in advance, or on demand. The minibuses will mostly pick up and drop off at current bus stops but will not follow set routes, rather the routes will be determined by where and when passengers are boarding and alighting. Bookings can also be made by phone for those who don’t have the app, and disabled passengers can be collected from their homes. Minibuses will be able to travel between different zones but they won’t be able to travel outside the zones. Bristol City Centre, for example is outside the zone so passengers would need to use regular buses.

Pavement parking is a widespread problem, but a particular concern on Sandy Park Road in Brislington West. Drivers regularly block the narrow pavements on this busy, shopping street, sometimes forcing pedestrians onto the road to get past. It’s an accident waiting to happen. Drivers often reverse over the zebra crossing to access the local shops rather than using the local car park and walking a few metres! Drivers regularly park on the zigzag lines of the zebra crossing reducing visibility for people crossing the road. We have repeatedly asked Bristol City Council to do something about it but to no avail. We are now demanding the council step up enforcement and find a long-term solution such as railings and/or bollards. Please sign our petition if you would like the council to take action: https://chng.it/BXhMFvf8PM

Recycling fees update:

Since informing residents about the council’s plan to introduce fees for recycling bin replacement, Christmas tree collection and disposal of DIY waste at our recycling centres, we have received a huge amount of correspondence from local people who are justifiably angered by these proposals. Often, bins are damaged or go missing through no fault of their owners so it seems unfair that they should be asked to fund their replacement. Unfortunately, our budget amendment to cancel these charges was voted down by Labour and Green councillors, but we have now heard that there has been a rethink and the charges have been dropped. It’s not all good news as there will still be a £2.50 delivery charge for replacement boxes and a £28 charge for black bins. In our view, any form of charging is going to have a negative impact on the levels of domestic recycling and could also lead to an in crease in fly-tipping, which will end up costing the council more in the long run.

FRIENDS OF ARNOS COURT PARK WIN FUNDING:

Many congratulations to the Friends of Arnos Court Park who have won funding for biodiversity enhancements and increased recreation amenity in the park. The Area Committee responsible for the allocation of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding has awarded £7,000 to deliver the project. As the project is a Parks Improvement Project it will be passed on to the BCC Parks Team to deliver. Plans include a new seasonal swale and more seating.

FIND A WELCOMING SPACE:

Are you feeling the cold or do you just want to meet others? As the cold weather continues, don’t forget about the city’s network of Welcoming Spaces. Open to everyone, there are spaces located all across the city in community centres, leisure centres and faith venues. They are not just places for you to keep warm. They have been designed to help you socialise and connect with other people in your community. You can take part in community activities, charge your electrical items or use the Wi-Fi, have some hot food or a drink and work from them if you want to. What is available at each space does vary so visit the link below to find one: https://www.bristol.gov.uk/residents/people-and-communities/welcoming-spaces/find-a-welcoming-space