Thunderworld moves to Hengrove

Funderworld moves to Hengrove this half term

Guess what’s coming back to Bristol next month? But will be held in a different spot this year. The fun fair is usually held on Durdham Down, but was delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

It will now be held in Hengrove Park instead and is set to open on Tuesday, June 1st, and run until Sunday, July 4th. Funderworld’s website has described this year’s fun fair as “bigger than ever” with twenty five rides and attractions that are all included in a single entrance fee.

It says it will open between midday and 9pm every single day during the school half-term holiday, from Tuesday, June 1st to Sunday, June 6th. After that, it will open between 5pm and 9pm on week days and between midday and 9pm on weekends.

The local councillors did alert the residents to the development in a letter drop to about 500 households last Sunday, May 16th.

The Park representatives Andrew Brown, Sarah Classick and Tim Kent warned people in the area that Funderworld would start setting up in Hengrove Park on Monday, May 17th.

They said online: “they understood from Bristol City Council officers that the fun fair would likely set up on the old Whitchurch Airport landing strip and that the entrance would be near the play area. “Normally Funderworld is at the Downs but due to Covid and a change of time for venues and bookings, there is no room this year,” the Liberal Democrat councillors said.

“It is anticipated they will return to the Downs for future events.” Funderworld is very popular with teenagers and families and will have measures in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Cllrs Brown, said: “The council have given a lease to Funderworld to operate from Tuesday 1st June until Sunday 4th July. “They expect the site to be clear and closed by 9.30pm each night.” The councillors said they have contacted the local police about providing extra policing while Funderworld is on “due to anti-social behaviour”.

“At the moment they don’t believe that to be necessary,” they said. “If you do experience any issues, do please log this with the police.” The councillors also have urged residents to contact Funderworld directly with any noise or disturbance issues.

New leader for the Bristol Lib Dems

Cllr Jos Clark, councillor for Brislington West, has been elected to lead the local Liberal Democrat Group with Councillor Andrew Brown as Deputy Leader. Councillor Tim Kent will continue as group whip, and former Councillor Anthony Negus will retain his involvement, taking on the role of Chair. After seven years of leading the Bristol Liberal Democrats in the council, Councillor Gary Hopkins has decided to step down from the role.

At the same meeting, we agreed to call for the establishment of a Climate Change and Wellbeing Scrutiny Commission to reflect the need for cross parting working on the issues we all face. Councillor Kent has now formally proposed this to the other parties in Council.

Commenting, leader-elect, who will take up her post at next week’s Council AGM when she ceases to be Lord Mayor, Jos Clark said, “I am delighted to have been elected to lead the Liberal Democrat Group and our team of talented councillors. We will work to ensure that the administration - whatever form it takes - is held to account, and to promote liberal values and policies”.

Councillor Andrew Brown said, “It is an honour and a privilege to be elected by my Council colleagues. Bristol’s politics needs a liberal voice and I look forward to working to ensure that the Liberal Democrat voice is heard across the city”.

Concerning the proposal to establish a Climate Change and Wellbeing Scrutiny Commission, Cllr Alex Hartley, councillor for Hotwells & Harbourside, said, “Climate change is the biggest issue facing the world and Bristol and it is essential that Bristol Council plays its part. Meanwhile, the past year has shown the importance of health and social care. A new commission would allow councillors to monitor the progress made by the administration. This will allow us to track the progress of two of the biggest issues affecting the residents of Bristol, and I hope other parties will back this proposal”.

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By Jos Clark, Liberal Democrat Councillor (Brislington West) Email: cllr.jos.clark@bristol. gov.uk Mobile: 07584 370429