SOUTH BRISTOL’S MONTHLY MAGAZINE
March 2021
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Mikes letter Welcome to March edition of Direct Local,
Well, spring is on it’s way and the hope of some warmer days a head. As its March already! How fast did that come around! Let’s hope the next few months fly by too as the restrictions begin to get eased in the UK over the next few months. It will be nice to be able to sit in the garden with a nice cocktail or cup of tea and bask in the early sunshine that March may bring. March also marks Mother’s Day, so let’s celebrate in style this year and do something special for our super Mums. This month also marks the kids going back to school too, which is great news for all you parents out there. No more juggling home schooling and a full time job. Plus the house becomes a home again. Finally I hope everyone’s looking forward to what looks like a great summer this year. Fingers crossed the coronavirus does not put a dampeners on the whole thing as we all deserve a break I think this year. Till next month Bristol stay safe!
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Disclaimer The opinions expressed in Direct Local do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, publisher or their agents. Whilst every reasonable care is taken to ensure the accuracy of information included within this publication, the publisher takes no responsibility for errors or omissions in Direct Local. The content of Direct Local is not to be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher. Please pass to a friend, recycle or compost. All adverts designed by Direct Local are the property of Direct Local please contact us if you wish to reprint them in other publications as a small release fee Is applied. Use of adverts designed by us will need written permission first.
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This week.. 6. Aardman youth campaign 8. Horoscopes 10. Your Garden in March 12. American Style Pancakes 14. Health benefits of a jigsaws 16. Puzzles 18. Councillors report 20. Drivers on low income 24. Out and about in Brislington 26. Road works 28. Soul of the city
www.directlocalbristol.co.uk The team EDITOR Michael Davies WEB DESIGNER Matthew Clarke
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Lisa Davies PROOF READER Elisabeth Davies Advertising sales Tel: 0117 325 8029 MOB: 07500 017 236 Email: info@directlocalonline.com Regular editoials By: Andrea Sexton, Martin Powell Daren Bane Kayleigh Penny Peter Abraham Andrew Varney Distribution: South Bristol Magazines are delivered to homes and businesses to reach 20,000 people each month.. @directlocal
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Supporting the survival of Bristol’s night-time businesses The search for a new Night Time Economy champion to help Bristol’s clubs, pubs, restaurants and events venues recover from the devastating effects of Covid-19 pandemic has been launched this week.
The Night Time Economy Advisor – who will act as a voice for a sector ravaged by lockdown restrictions and help to spearhead the response – will sit in the City Office, working closely with the Mayor’s Office and taking over the chairing of the Bristol @ Night group, the independent advisory panel first set up to tackle the challenges facing the sector. The high-profile ambassador role is similar to those set up with success in London in 2016 and Manchester in 2018 and will see the successful candidate develop a vision and roadmap to support Bristol’s world-famous cultural venues, bars, restaurants and clubs, including the city’s many independent businesses and its wealth of local talent, positioning Bristol as a leading and resilient 24-hour city. Going out at night is an important part of life for those who live, work and study in Bristol, but the COVID-19 pandemic has left many night-time businesses, and the artists who perform in them, struggling to survive. The night-time economy directly or indirectly supports the employment of around 91,600 people in Bristol, representing 34% of the city’s overall jobs. The Music Venues Trust estimates that for every £10 ticket sale for a grassroots music venue, £17 is spent elsewhere in the local night time economy, highlighting the scale of its importance and the need for Bristol to take action to help the recovery. Following the agreement of the Bristol @ Night panel, the new appointee will champion the sector and work with city partners to make sure the way Bristol functions at night is considered in decision making. The post is part of a wider piece of work that will see Bristol City Council working in partnership with music consultancy Sound Diplomacy, and funded by a number of framework to capitalise on the cultural, social and economic benefits that night-time industries offer the city.
Councillor Nicola Beech, cabinet member for Strategic Design and City Planning, said: “The devastating impacts of COVID-19 have brought into sharp focus the importance of culture, music and the night-time economy in our city. What happens between 6pm and 6am forms a key part of our city’s offering to those who choose to live, work and study here.
“Working with the Bristol @ Night panel, the Night-Time Economy Advisor will influence change and spearhead the recovery of the sector. They will bring together an internationally celebrated night-time economy in Bristol and become an ambassador to celebrate and promote our city for both residents and visitors to enjoy”. Marti Burgess, co-chair of the Bristol @ Night panel and owner of Lakota, said: “The nighttime economy is the fifth biggest industry in the country, employing more than 8% of the UK’s workforce and it is part of what makes Bristol unique. The recruitment of the NTE advisor and the commissioning of the work to be done by Sound Diplomacy is great step forward for Bristol at a time when the nighttime economy in the city is virtually on its knees because of the pandemic. “The Sound Diplomacy project and dedicated NTE advisor working with the Mayor’s Office and City Office will build on the fantastic work done by the panel in the last two years. I am looking forward to continuing to work with the Bristol @ Night panel and the new advisor. Together we can draw up plans to make the city’s night-time economy stronger, safer, more inclusive and better connected for everyone who lives in and comes to the city for a great night out” Shain Shapiro, Founder & Group CEO, Sound Diplomacy said: "It's a privilege to be working with Bristol City Council, Bristol @ Night and the wider community on supporting Bristol's recovery through investing in one of its richest assets, its night-time economy. We are honoured to be tasked with supporting the research, data gathering, and policy development and look forward to working closely with the new night-time advisor." For people interested in the Night Time Economy Advisor position, the full job role and specifications can be found on our website. 5
Aardman youth campaign tackles mental health
The What's Up With Everyone? Is A short film series made by Aardman Studios looks at five mental health issues that are affecting young people the most. The project aims to tackle the rise in mental health concerns for the age group during the pandemic. Students who took part said the issues they looked at were the ones that often get "ignored". The series focuses on loneliness, competitiveness, perfectionism, independence and social media. University of the West of England student Charlotte Butler Blondel voiced Tai in the short film about competitiveness. Miss Butler Blondel said the issues they focused on were often “ignored” and hoped that when people watch the films they would “talk about them more”. She said: “I know a lot of people who have TikTok and I have too, but the comments on there are filled with people who are so jealous of people’s figures and their lifestyles. “It’s not a healthy thing.” Bristol film student Matthew Cox voiced Merve in the film about loneliness. 6
He said he hoped it helps others "educate themselves" about mental health issues. Mr Cox said: "There is still a taboo around everything. "You see students who are unfortunately ending their lives. "It needs be treated as if it's a physical illness; treat it the same way we treat cancer." Aardman's interactive and creative director Neil Pyner, who helped produce the series, said the team "really wanted to make a difference" for young people. He said: "If it makes people step back and start a conversation then I think we've done our job." University of Nottingham professor of Health Humanities, Paul Crawford, alongside research teams from other universities and young people's mental health expert, Dr Dominique Thompson, were involved in the research behind the campaign. The Mental Health Foundation, Mental Wellbeing charity and Happy Space also contributed. The series is now available online and on social media.
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March Horoscopes
Aquarius Jan 20-Feb 18 Clear communication would be a real asset to you at this time. There is something you have either put on the back burner or chosen to ignore but it is something you would be wiser to deal with at this time. Whatever is going on for you that is difficult, remember you have a lot of resilience and inner strength, and you will find the right way to deal with things. Keywords: Clear communication & Resilience Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20 You feel that something may not have been dealt with fairly, this could be a situation with a family member or someone close to you. Step back and try and see the situation from all sides and try to bring some change and balance back. Keywords: Fairness & Change
Aries Mar 21 - Apr 19 If you are involved in meetings at this time they may not run as smoothly as you would like or not even happen at all. If the situation feels difficult remember to keep calm. You may also feel time for spring-cleaning, both on the physical and emotional levels. Keywords: Calm & Clearing Taurus Apr 20 - May 20 You could get one of those wonderful lightbulb moments, when something inspiring or enlightening suddenly makes sense. You may find the need to bring some harmony to a difficult situation. There could be some small but interesting changes that are coming your way. Keywords: Sudden Realisation & Changes
Leo July 23 - Aug 22 If something isn’t moving as quickly as you would like, this could be a good time to sort and clear what needs doing. As this can make way for new things and ideas. Keywords: Clearing & New ideas and things Virgo Aug 23 - Sept 22 Balance and harmony are very important to you, somebody doesn’t always bring your sensitivity to the fore, as this will be an asset in this situation. You may also think of starting a new interest, that will involve collecting things or gathering information. Keywords: Sensitivity, connecting & Gathering Libra Sept 23 - Oct 22 It does seem as though study is on your mind at present. You may find yourself either researching or seeking information regarding things of interests to you. You may also feel the need to clear things both emotionally and within your living spaces, as you feel there maybe new things on the way. There is possibly an issue that you will have to deal with later in the month. Keywords: Study & Clearing Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21 This may not be one of the easiest times, as you feel as though you need to be on your guard. A situation would be worth stepping back from, and trying to see it from a different perspective. This month would be good for you to follow those instinctive feelings, and work with your intuition. Remember also you are a lot stronger than you think. Keywords: Protection & Intuition
Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21 There is something you’ve been putting off that you need to sort out and this would be a good time to do Gemini May 21 - June 20 so. You can do the same with some spring cleanBe careful in situations that could become volatile, ing, both in your physical environment and possibly especially in communication, try to be a listener as emotionally too. Once you have sorted a few things much as possible. Otherwise things could get into a out it will give you the space to be able to carry on bit of a tangle. Know that you can deal with and rise with some hobbies and a few relaxing things that you above a difficult situation. have not had time for. Keywords: Time and hobbies Keywords: Listen & Inner wisdom Capricorn Dec 22 0 Jan 19 Your social life won’t be busy this month. Cancer June 21 - July 22 Relationships are a high point this month, as well as A few things look to change for you, so be prepared. Could be a time for reflection and from this some possible a small refresh in the home. If something study or research or new interests or hobbies, may is a bit hard going at the moment, you will find that come from this. you will have the strength and endurance to go Keywords. Learning and changes through this relatively plain sailing Keywords: Opportunities & Relationships Want to find out more about what’s in store for you this month! Contact Marie on: 07949 800354 Disclaimer This zodiac is for entertainment purposes only please do not take the predictions seriously Marie take no responsibility for your actions
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Your garden in March Spring is finally here! The warmer and sunnier days during March provide the oppurtunity for an increasing range of gardening tasks. It’s a great time of the year as new life bursts forth and the garden begins to transform. Preparation of seed beds and borders should be well under the way this month as well as cutting back winter shrubs and generally tidying up the mess that the winter has left behind. Whether you’re preparing for shrubs and bedding plants or sowing seed for vegtables. Once all the tidying is done you’ll be in a better postion to plan the seasons planting. Plant of the Month Pansy/Viola
The essential gardening jobs for March
Sow seeds and plant onion sets, shallots and potatoes As the soil begins to warm you can start to sow broad beans, salads and sweet peas. If bad weather is forecast, be sure to cover seedlings with clothes to protect them. March is also the time to plant out onion and shallot sets – cover with fleece or netting to protect from birds. Early varieties of potato such as ‘Rocket’ and ‘swift’ , can be planted. If they have been kept in a light and frost-free environments, they should be ‘chitting’ (a slight sprouting from seed potato). Chitting before planting can encourage earlier and heavier cropping.
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Feed As the warmer weather promotes fresh growth, a general garden fertiliser should be applied to help boost roots, green foliage and encourage more fruits and flowers from your plants. It can be applied around the base of plants by scattering straight from the box and left to be watered in the rain. Unfortunately, the warm weather will also see weeds start to grow as well. Weeding isn’t the most popular of jobs but its best to pull any that start to appear while they are young to prevent spreading. Scarify the lawn Do some lawn preparations before the growing season gets well under way. Choose a dry day and give the lawn a rake to remove the remnants of winter before cutting with the mower blades set at the highest position. Then aerate with a garden fork or aeration machine. This helps drainage and gets oxygen to the roots. Finally, apply a top dressing of spring lawn feed to add nutrients.
Why Should you plant them? One of the most popular bedding plants, pansies and violas are hardy annuals that have a stunning array of colours to choose from. Bringing the joy of spring to your garden during the colder months, they grow happily in borders or containers as well as providing great ground cover. How should you plant them? Plant them in moist, well-drained soil in a spot with good sunlight to encourage flowering. tough little plants that are extremly hardy, they prefer cooler temperatures and need watering regularly. They are also very versatile - plant them in beds, borders, containers and hanging baskets
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AMERICAN-STYLE PANCAKES WITH BLUEBERRY CARDAMOM Method For the compote, place the blueberries into a small saucepan with the sugar, water and pods (if using) Heat on a medium- high temperature until the fruit starts to soften and most of the liquid has evaporated. Leave in saucepan for the cardamom pods to continue to infuse. Sift the flour, salt and baking powder into a large bowl. Beat together the egg yolks then beat in the milk.
Ingredients For the pancakes: 115g plain flour ¼ tsp salt 1 tsp baking powder 1 egg separated 145 ml milk 20g melted butter Blueberry and cardamom compote: 200g Frozen (defrosted) or fresh blueberries 3 cardamom pods 2-3 tsp. caster sugar 2 tbsp water
Make a well in the centre of the mixture and add the milk mixture, gradually drawing in the flour from the sides until all combined and the batter is the consistency of thick cream. Stir the melted butter into the mixture. Whisk the egg whites until stiff and fold into the batter. Heat a frying pan on a medium-high, when hot, drop spoonfuls of batter on to the surface keeping them well separated (5 should fit in a large frying pan). Cook for a couple of minutes. When the underside of the pancakes are light golden brown and bubbles rise to the surface, lift the pancakes with a fish slice, turn over and brown the other side. Keep warm in a tea towel, whilst cooking second batch. Serve with a dollop of natural yogurt and compote and a generous amount of fresh strawberries
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The health benefits of jigsaw puzzles
Are you looking for a healthy distraction and escape from the world around you? Look no further than your dining room table and a jigsaw puzzle. While we are physically distancing and staying home more due to COVID-19, jigsaw puzzling is a great way to pass time. Putting a jigsaw puzzle together has many health benefits and can help reduce stress and improve memory. Working as a healthcare practitioner can be stressful during normal times, and even more so during a pandemic. This is where self-care and finding ways to be mindful when away from work can be beneficial to your health. Mindfulness is the act of bringing conscious attention to a task in the present moment, and puzzles are a good way to practice it.
The act of putting the pieces of a puzzle together requires concentration and improves short-term memory and problem solving. Using the puzzle as an exercise of the mind can spark imagination and increase both your creativity and productivity. It can be a solitary activity or a collaborative activity with someone else. Spending time alone with a puzzle is also a great way to unwind and reset from a busy day. Working on a puzzle with someone can help you get away from screens and create a personal connection. Every time I visit my family in Michigan, my mom and I have a jigsaw puzzle to work on. I look forward to spending this time with her collaborating and catching up.
When I sit down to do my puzzle, my dog gets to relax in his “puzzle spot,” and I can leave all the stress of the world at the door while I dive into a beautiful mountain scene or There is nothing more satisfying for me a picture of cute puppies or kittens. than putting the last piece of the puzzle in its place. It provides a sense of accomplishPuzzles are also good for the brain. Studies ment. I encourage you to take this time to have shown that doing jigsaw puzzles can find a puzzle of your liking — it will be like a improve cognition and visual-spatial mini-vacation from the outside world. reasoning. 14
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Take a break and solve theses puzzles ! admire buffet cell coalition compact garbage harm housing manual pay reject rotten science scrape section
EASY
MEDIUM
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Here are this weeks 3 puzzles to test your number crunching skills ranging from easy to medium and hard. 16
MAR
8
Step One A
Schools re-opened, childcare allowed One plus one social meeting outdoors One visitor to care home residents Stay at home stays in place
APR
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Step Two
Non-essential retail, personal care Premises, hairdressers , nail salons, libraries, gyms, zoos, and theme parks can reopen.
Pubs and restaurants can reopen outdoors. MAR No need for a meal, 29 Step One B substantial no curfew Rule of six Wider social distancing rules Outdoor sports continue Stay local One household can Work from home stay at a cottage or where possible holiday let. Still no overseas travel
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Step Three
Jun
21
Step Four
Rule of six will be dropped outdoors
All legal limits on social contact go
Two households can meet indoors Hotels, cinema, soft play areas to reopen
Remaining hospitality re-open
1,000 people or half full permitted at indoor sports venues. Outdoor venues 4,000 people or half full 10,000 allowed at Wembley International travel possible Review of social distancing
Restrictions on large events lifted
Restrictions for weddings may still be in effect
Review of certificates for jabs, test
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THIS WEEKS COUNCILLOR REPORT
With the news that 90% of people in the top 4 priority groups have now been vaccinated, a lot of people are naturally starting to look forward in hope to a time when Coronavirus is a manageable illness circulating at low levels within the community, and things can start to get back to something like normal.
The Strategic Outline Business Case for St Annes Station is due to be completed by June, and I hope to re-commence negotiations with WECA about the 513/4 bus services as soon as control is returned from the government. There are many unknowns of course. Will people return to work in the city centre, or will many continue In my capacity as Deputy Cabinet Member for to work from home? Transport, I have been involved in a number of conversations over the last few weeks What impact will this have on transport and about what the Labour administration wants life in general, not just in terms of the City to (and has the power to) deliver over the Centre businesses that rely on those workers, next few years if we remain in control of the but also on local neighbourhoods with more Council after May’s elections. people working from home and accessing local services. Bus and rail both feature heavily, as you would expect, although the reality of the current situation is that these are both areas over which the Council has limited influence. I have, however, already been involved in projects to try to bring forward much-needed 18
As well as transport, the recovery will also need to address issues such as the renovation of local high streets, and the provision of more shared working spaces for the self employed and people who need access to office infrastructure but only on an occasional basis. With this in mind I have continued to have conversations within the Council regarding areas such as The Concourse and the attached Brislington Hill shopping precinct, where I feel there is a lot of room for improvement and development. New working spaces would bring additional footfall, for instance, and could help to revitalise the area. There is Covid-19 related funding coming soon to help with High Streets and I am hoping that we may be included in any such regeneration efforts. Brislington certainly deserves it after having been largely ignored for many years.
Last week I also had meetings about the renovation work at Bristol Beacon, and the latest Covid-19 Surge Testing in Bristol, as well as managing to finally meet with a local resident to discuss the safety issues on Allison Road, where the current cameras are at the end of their life and due to be replaced by other measures in the near future. I will ensure that the local community are fully consulted on any future plans, as I know there have been a number of small schemes delivered by the Council recently which have taken local residents completely by surprise. This is something that I don’t think should ever happen! Tim Rippington Labour Councillor for Brislington East
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Drivers on low income exempt from Bristol (CAZ) charges
Thousands of motorists will be charged a £9 daily fee to enter the Clean Air Zone in Bristol if the council’s plans are approved by the Government. However some drivers of air polluting vehicles will be able to apply for a one-year exemption before they have to start paying the Clean Air Zone fee, and others will not have to pay at all. Bristol City Council must have a Clean Air Zone in place by October 29th 2021 and, after years of planning and consultation, it has decided to seek permission for a small clean air zone in the city centre. Bristol City Council had hoped to avoid forcing drivers of polluting vehicles to pay to enter the Clean Air Zone (CAZ), but said in a statement online that it must impose charges to meet a legal obligation to reduce traffic and air pollution to within legal limits in the shortest possible time frame. However charges will only apply to diesel vehicles that are Euro 5 standard and below, so roughly 2014 and older, and to petrol vehicles that are Euro 3 and below, so about 2006 and older. Those people who live in the Clean Air Zone as well as Bristol-based Blue Badge holders will be able to apply for a one-year exemption before they have to start paying a fee. People on low incomes will also be able to apply for a one-year exemption if they have to drive in and out of the zone to get to work. This group – individuals earning less than £24,000 a year and no more than £12.45 per hour – will also be prioritised for financial support packages under the council’s proposals. The council is also proposing exemptions for people who have to go to hospital for admissions and appointments or to visit-loved ones regularly. 20
Mayor Rees said in a online statement: “We’re looking at a scheme with hospitals for families that have to be frequent visitors to loved ones, particularly children, for example, in hospital.” Most of the exemptions are for one year to allow time for people to upgrade to cleaner vehicles and take advantage of financial support and scrappage schemes. Vehicles such as ambulances, police and fire engines and disabled passenger vehicle tax classes 78 and 85, motorcycles, and classic cars are automatically exempt under CAZ rules set out by the Government. Bristol city council estimates about 74,700 out of 258,000 vehicles would be charged to enter the zone each day. They estimate around 27 per cent of private cars are not compliant with emission standards and will attract a clean air charge. Similarly, they believe about 39% of LGVs, 25% of HGVs and 5% of buses and coaches will have to pay a daily fee. The council is currently asking the government for money to provide financial support packages for households and businesses to upgrade their vehicles. Mayor Rees said online: “We have a moral responsibility to deliver clean air, we recognise that, but never forget we have a legal responsibility [to deliver] compliant air in the shortest possible time. “We will be putting mitigations in place to support people through the transition… We don’t want the burden falling disproportionately on people who are most vulnerable and we don’t want to undermine jobs within the city."
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Heat Recruitment Donate Laptops to HITZ Students
If the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted anything it is that there still exists a large equality issue within society surrounding education. Lack of access to devices used for learning at home is a big issue in the age of home schooling, indeed Ofcom estimates that around 9% of UK children do not have access to a laptop or desktop device at home. “This generous donation will ensure that these students will have access to a laptop This was also the case for a handful of young regardless of them working from home or people on the Bristol Bears Community onsite. On behalf of the HITZ group, I would Foundation and Premiership Rugby HITZ like to thank Heat Recruitment, this will have a programme, some of this year’s cohort were significant impact on ensuring that the young forced into completing their work and aspeople get the most benefit from being on the signments on their mobile phones – making programme.” learning more difficult. Steve Preston, Managing Director at Heat HITZ is Premiership Rugby’s award-winning Recruitment, said: “Community is an education and employability programme important component to us at Heat, especially which works with over 2,000 14 to 18-yearin these current times. Giving back and olds across England every year. BBCF have supporting each other wherever possible is been delivering the HITZ programme for two one of our passions and commitments, years and have worked with around 30 partic- especially enhanced, thanks to our close ipants during this time. relationship with the Bristol Bears Community Foundation. We are extremely thankful, therefore, for the charitable contribution that we received from “Recently at Heat we have been able to assist Bristol based company Heat Recruitment who the foundation by donating laptops to local recently donated a number of laptops for the children to aid their ability to learn and partake students on the HITZ programme to use to in school lessons and help shape them for help enhance their learning experience. their full potential. We all play a vital role in the development of children and we want to take Nick George, HITZ Officer & Camps Manager a leading role in giving back to the community at Bristol Bears Community Foundation, said: with this support. “Since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic students on our HITZ programme have had “While we deeply care for our customers, we to adapt to learning online, which has been a strongly believe that we must help the youngchallenge for some as they have only had ac- est and most vulnerable and come to together cess to a mobile phone or via telephone calls. to all have a better and brighter future”. 22
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OUT AND ABOUT IN BRISLINGTON WEST Sorry State of Sparke Evans Bridge The elegant Sparke Evans footbridge was recently added to the Bristol Local List as Asbestos Removal at Callington Road Flats an important heritage asset. Unfortunately, despite being structurally sound, the beautiful Over the past few weeks, a number of residents from the Callington Road flats have lattice work railings have become badly corroded and are quite jagged and sharp in placbeen in touch to complain about their treates. However, it would be a travesty if these ment by Bristol City Council during recent were replaced with unattractive sheet metal asbestos removal work. The asbestos was panels, which would also be an invitation to found in the separate lockable storage area local graffiti artists to grab their spray cans! below the flats where many residents store their valuables in metal cages. Before work by Therefore, we have written to the Council to specialist contractors commenced, residents insist that when repairs are carried out, they are done so in a sympathetic manner and the were told that items that could be saved beautiful character of the bridge is protected. would be washed and returned to them and items that needed to be disposed of would be photographed for compensation purposes Successful School Streets Since February, 2020, An 18-month School before being destroyed. Unfortunately, we Streets pilot scheme has been trialled at two have been informed that many items which could have been cleaned and saved, such as Bristol primary schools, Wansdyke Primary School in Whitchurch and St Peter’s C of E bicycles, have instead been thrown away. Primary School in Bishopsworth. The aim of Furthermore, other items have been School Streets is to make roads directly discarded without being recorded by the outside of schools safer, by turning them into contractors for compensation. This has left pedestrian and cyclist priority zones before residents feeling upset as they have lost not and after the school day using moveable only items of value, but items of sentimenbollards. Residents living within the new tal value too. We are working on behalf of school street zones are issued with permits, residents to try and sort out this unfortunate allowing them to continue to enter and leave situation. the zone freely. Emergency services and Blue Badge holders are also exempt and Arbour Walk Care Home Briefing have normal access. The trial is proving to be We were all worried recently when popular and BCC is now looking to extend it Brislington West became one of the worst to other schools. Following discussions with places in the country for COVID infections. parents and local residents, we have asked It quickly became clear that an outbreak in a for Holymead Junior School on Wick Road local care home, Arbour Walk in Hungerford to be included in the trial. This would likely Road, was the location of this spike in numinvolve the closure of neighbouring Eton Road bers. As the councillor for Brislington West, to through-traffic at school opening and Jos had a number of briefing sessions with council officers to ensure that everything was closing times. Once full details have been and is being done to bring the numbers down worked out, local people will be consulted before any changes are implemented. and put in place measures to prevent this from happening again. The Council and the Care Quality Commission are working together with the care home to deal with the current infections and prevent further infections when they are able to admit new residents. We want to give all the affected residents, family members and care staff our very best wishes at this challenging time. Another round-up of local news from your hardworking Lib Dem team:
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WITH JOS AND ANDREW Brislington Tree Champions Unite Both of us are members of the Bristol Tree Forum and are Tree Champions for Brislington West. Our role is simply to see Bristol’s trees protected and new ones planted. To help coordinate our efforts we have started working closely with our fellow Tree Champions in Brislington East and we held our first meeting recently. Top of the agenda was of course the illegal felling of trees at the former Wyevale Garden Centre site on the Bath Road, but we also spoke about the Environment Agency work in the Nightingale Valley and discussed possible future sites for tree planting. If you spot a tree at risk or have suggestions for planting locations, please let us know. Dumped Bikes Reported As local residents, we regularly spot issues that need dealing with such as blocked drains, broken lampposts and flytipping. Last week, Andrew spotted two dumped bicycles in Brislington Brook by Water Lane. These were immediately reported and we are pleased to say have already been removed. If you spot a local issue such as this, let us know and we will deal with it. Pond Restoration on Stockwood Open Space Work continues on one of the old ponds on Stockwood Open Space. Council staff have now fenced it off to prevent dogs from accessing it, as dogs create a turbulent, silt-rich environment that is detrimental to the establishment of aquatic plants and spawning amphibians. Great crested newts have been spotted here in the past, so the work will hopefully create the right conditions to help this protected species thrive. There is also money available from Natural England to create new ponds for great crested newts and the council are looking at Stockwood Open Space as a prime place for this habitat creation work. There are a further two ponds on the adjacent golf course and we are working with the golf club and a conservation officer to see if they can also be included in this habitat improvement work.
West Town Lane Update Construction work has now finished on the new look scheme for the small green on West Town Lane. Most of the unpopular yellow hoops have been removed and the remaining ones have been repositioned and are now much less visually intrusive. We have been in touch with the Tree Bristol team and are hoping to get three trees planted this autumn. New Parking Scheme Problems Unfortunately, the new Permit Parking scheme on Edward and Chatsworth Roads has not got off to a very auspicious start. We have received several complaints from residents and local businesses concerning the signage, the operating hours of the scheme, and the inclusion of Bath Road properties in the scheme. We have followed up these concerns with council officers and have written to all local residents. We hope the PPA is a success but we have consistently expressed our misgivings about the viability of the scheme. We believe that local people may still struggle to find a parking spot as there are around 100 households and space for only around 80 cars. Having paid out for a parking permit, it would be incredibly frustrating for residents if they were then unable to park their cars. Furthermore, local business owners whose customers can no longer park nearby have told us they may well be forced to close. The empty units will most likely be converted into residential use, meaning the pressure on parking in the area is likely to increase still further. Keeping in Touch We believe in keeping residents up to date on important local issues and publish a quarterly newsletters, Focus on Brislington West’ but unfortunately, we are currently unable to deliver a paper version due to new government guidelines during the pandemic. However, we have a digital version of our newsletter and if you would like to receive it, please register using this link: http://www.bristollibdems.org/efocus. Best wishes, Jos Clark, Liberal Democrat Councillor (Brislington West) & Andrew Varney, Liberal Democrat Councillor Candidate (Brislington West)
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Roadworks on major Bristol city centre roads The resurfacing work is taking place on Cumberland Road between the Baltic Wharf Sailing Club and the Baltic Wharf Caravan A lane on Newfoundland Road - at the end of and Motorhome Club sites. Access to the rest of the road, these clubs, and the docks will the M32 - will close on Wednesday 24th ebruary to allow for drainage repairs to reduce remain possible for motorists. flooding on the road. The northern footway will also remain open This work is due to take eight to 10 weeks and for pedestrians along the whole route. Cyclists will be required to dismount and walk where will require the closure of the inbound lane the works are taking place. Bus stops on one from the end of the motorway up to the Houlton Street traffic lights. General traffic will Cumberland Road will not be in use, with services diverted during the works. be permitted to use the middle lane and the bus lane during this time. A Bristol City Council spokesperson said: “We are carrying out these works while traffic In addition, Cumberland Road will be fully levels are reduced due to COVID-19 closed to traffic from Monday 22nd to Thursday 25th February to allow for important restrictions, but there will inevitably be some disruption. We ask Bristolians to bear with us resurfacing works in the inbound lane that leads into the city centre. This work requires a while we carry out these essential repairs to ensure road safety and prevent disruption to full road closure due to the existing lane closure in place on Cumberland Road to allow Bristolians in the long-term.” for stabilisation works to the riverbank. Diversion signs for traffic will be in place. Work to carry out essential repairs to key city centre roads starts this week in Bristol.
For up to date travel and bus service information, including MetroBus, visit www.travelwest.info
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Bristol people invited to discover the ‘soul of the city’
People interested in the ‘hidden history’ of Bristol can now pre-order the first volume of an indispensable treasure trove of fascinating discoveries from the city’s rich and diverse past. Manson’s Bristol Miscellany is being published by Bristol Books on March 22 and anyone who pre-orders it will be invited to a virtual launch on March 24 with author Michael Manson. The book began simply as a compilation of things that piqued his own curiosity as he wandered around the streets he has called home for 45 years in a quest to find the ‘soul of the city’. He said: “I’m still finding new corners, new streets, new communities even. I’d be delighted if the Miscellany helps readers to see their environment just that little bit more clearly, and maybe embark on their own voyage of discovery. “The toppling of Edward Colston’s statue in the city centre last June prompted an increased interest in Bristol’s history. It made me think that it was time for a revaluation, and I’ve very much tried to look at Bristol from ‘below’, hence the items included in the book. 28
From hidden rivers, medieval walls and public protests to links with slavery, prisons and the treatment of mental illness, Michael’s search for the soul of the city has resulted in a ‘curiosity shop’ compendium of interesting snapshots of the city. He added: ““It was thanks to being in lockdown that I gained the motivation to pull all the loose ends of my compilation together and finish the Miscellany.” Sometimes informative, frequently fascinating, occasionally shocking, the book is extensively illustrated with some striking images to help recount the city’s power and politics, business and trade, markets and fairs, law and order, mines, plague and much more. From Britain’s first female doctor to Bristol Cars, even people who think they know Bristol well are likely to discover something new to them in this book’s clearly-written, bitesize sections. Did Bristol once have its own time zone? Why is the city’s High Cross 40 miles away? Did a Bristol citizen really invent the blanket? It’s all here, and plenty more besides.
Eugene Byrne, Editor of the Bristol Times, said the new publication was: “The result of a long love-affair with the city, and a splendid introduction to all the important milestones in Bristol’s history, with plenty of oddities and surprises for those who think they know it already.” Steve Poole, Professor of History and Heritage at the University of the West of England, and Director of the Regional History Centre, described the book as: “An indispensable compendium of Bristol ephemera for streetwalking and armchair explorers alike…dig in and enjoy!” Michael has written four history books on Bristol as well as three novels. His debut work of fiction, the Bristol-based Where’s My Money?, which was published in 2015, was selected by BBC TV as one of their ‘Books That Made Britain’. He is also co-founder of the Bristol Short Story Prize and is an organiser of the Bristol Festival of Literature.
Manson’s Bristol Miscellany is available to pre-order now from the Bristol Books website, www.bristolbooks.org priced £18. Anyone who pre-orders will receive a signed copy of the book, which will be posted on or before 22 March. Purchasers will also be emailed a link to the virtual book launch which will take place on Wednesday 24 March at 12.30pm
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