Kick off the Jubilee celebrations at the Science Park

The Bristol and Bath Science Park (off Westerleigh Road at Emersons Green) is inviting local people to join them at a Jubilee Garden Party starting at 4pm tomorrow, Thursday 31st May. Find out more on their website.

Find out more about cycle path

After the traffic calming drop-in at Westerleigh Village Hall on 14th May, some people still had questions about the cycle route plans. On Monday 2nd July at 7.15pm officers from South Gloucestershire Council will attend the Council meeting in Westerleigh Village Hall to present the current plans for the cycle route from Coxgrove Hill to Yate passing through Westerleigh and then answer any questions. Doors will open at 6.30pm for members of the public to view plans. If you wish to ask a question the Parish Council have asked that you sign in and tick the box indicating you wish to do so. The Chair will then call on all those wishing to ask a question in turn to ensure that everyone is given a chance to speak.

Employment Futures event

The South Gloucestershire Equalities Forum is running a series of pop-up workshops looking at employment and equalities issues:

‘I’m unemployed. Is it just because I’m a woman?’
Southern Brooks Community Partnership will be running this workshop on Monday 11 June, 6.30pm at Coniston Community Centre, The Parade, Coniston Road, Patchway, BS34 5LP.

‘I’m unemployed. Is it just because I’m Black?’ Chinese? Asian?’
SARI (support against racist incidents) will be running this workshop on Tuesday 12, 6.30pm at Filton College WISE Campus, New Road, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS34 8LP.

‘I’m unemployed. Is it just because I’m too young?’
Filton College will be running this workshop on
Wednesday 13, 6.30pm at Armadillo Youth Venue and Cafe, Station Road, Yate BS37 4FW.

‘I’m unemployed. Is it just because I’m disabled?’
The South Gloucestershire Disability Equality Network (DEN) will be running this workshop on
Monday 18 June at 6pm. Paul’s Place, Serridge Lane, Coalpit Heath, Bristol BS36 2TT

‘I’m unemployed. Is it just because I’m too old?’
Age UK South Gloucestershire are running this workshop on
Monday 18 June, 6.30pm at The Park Centre
High Street, Kingswood BS15 4AR.

Each workshop will send representatives to Employment Futures: The Big Debate at Bristol Science Park on Thursday 21 June.

You can find out more and register on the South Glos website - the deadline is Friday 8th June.

Village Jubilee Festival

The Jubilee Festival in Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath runs from 1-7th June. Many of the events will be FREE! Monday’s celebrations will culminate in the lighting of the Jubilee Beacon and a firework display.More details can be found on VillageAction’s website .

Calling young filmakers

If you are a young person interested in making films, check out the competition being run by Smokefree South West and Cut Films. The Plain Packs theme closing date is 10 July - find out more on the Cut Films website.

Church Road bridge to be strengthened

Church Road bridge is due to be strengthened or replaced as needed in 2013/14. The estimated cost is £435,000.

Travelling to the BRI or the Children's hospital?

There are currently major changes to the drop-off area at the BRI and BRHC due to the development work going on at the BRI. More information about the changed arrangements, which are due to last until 22 June, can be found on the Univeristy Hospitals Bristol website.

Speed limit cut in Old Glos Road

Residents are delighted that the new speed limit signs have gone in on Old Glos Road and Perrinpit Road.

Wessex Water installing holding tank

Wessex Water are making progress with installing the holding tank to the south of the Badminton Road viaduct, which the planning committee approved earlier this year. The tank is intended to stop sewage flooding in houses in Vicarage Road. It is not related to Barratt Homes' proposals for Woodlands Farm.

Launch of the Green Dog Walkers scheme

Following a proposal to South Glos Council by Claire Young, the scheme which cut dog fouling problems in Falkirk by 50% is due to be launched in Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath. The launch is at 7.30pm on Monday 28th May in the Brockeridge Centre.

Dave Hockey explained, “When Pat and I carried out a survey of all local residents before the elections last year, 1 in 3 residents complained about the growing problem of dog fouling. It was clear that something needed to be done to encourage responsible dog ownership in our area. The Parish Council agreed to back the introduction of the Green Dog Walkers Scheme which had been pioneered in Falkirk and cut dog fouling by half”.

Local resident Kirstie Bidwell attached a map to her survey response with local roads highlighted. It was headed ‘These are the locations where I see dog mess on a daily basis. With 2 young children, this is the most annoying thing I have to deal with EVERY DAY’.

Claire said, “I am delighted that the scheme is to be piloted in Frampton Cotterell Parish. I hope the trial is successful and it results in a significant cut in dog fouling problems on local pavements, footpaths, parks and sports pitches. If it is, I am sure that other Towns and Parishes across South Gloucestershire will be interested in launching the scheme in their areas”.

Stover Road to close for 2 nights

Stover road will be closed for resurfacing on the nights of 24th and 25th May between Badminton Road and the Yate Road Roundabout. The weight limit on Station Road will be suspended during the closure.

Reducing sewage spills in the Frome Valley

After more than 15 years campaigning, Dave Hockey is delighted that Wessex Water are at last installing a very large screening system which hopefully will  eliminate the solid sewage waste discharged into the River Frome following heavy rainfall.


The major scheme at Cog Mill, Iron Acton is well under way. Wessex Water state that work should be completed on site by August when the Frome Valley Walkway will be reinstated along the riverside.


Dave Hockey said, “After years of suffering from sanitary towels, condoms and other sewage waste left stranded on the Glebe Land and along the banks of the River Frome after floodwaters have subsided, I hope that this second scheme is more effective than the first – we’ll watch the results with great interest.”

Olympic flame coming to South Glos

The Olympic flame will be coming to South Glos on Tuesday 22 May and then again briefly on the morning of Wednesday 23 May.

Full details of the route and a detailed map are available online www.southglos.gov.uk/2012olympictorch along with a listed of frequently asked questions.

South Gloucestershire Council has created a £5,000  one-off Challenge Fund to maximise the 2012 Olympic legacy potential. There are 25 grants of £201.20 available for groups registered with the Community Games programme, which aims to bring communities together to take part in sporting and cultural activities inspired by, and in celebration of, the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
You can find out more on the South Glos website - but hurry, you only have until 8th June to apply.

Down Road closed on Monday

Down Road, Winterbourne Down will be closed between the A432 Badminton Road and the Harcombe Hill junction on Monday 21st May.

Rockside Gardens resurfacing

Today and tomorrow South Glos will be resurfacing Rockside Gardens. The work will be carried out between 7am and 5pm and every effort will be made to keep disruption to local residents to a minimum.

Action group leaders to give evidence

Leaders of the Save Woodlands Farm and Save Engine Common action groups have been invited by South Gloucestershire Council to speak as part of its evidence at the Examination in Public (EiP) for the Council's Core Strategy (planning blueprint for the next 15 years). The EiP is for the inspector to hear challenges to the Core Strategy, so residents who support the Council in not allocating Woodlands Farm, Coalpit Heath and Engine Common for housing will not be able to join the discussions. Members of the public are, however, able to attend any of the sessions and sign the attendance register where they can show why they are there. A good attendance from the Action Groups may help the Inspector realise that the development of these areas is not wanted locally. Also, at the pre-hearing meeting the Inspector said that the Council could ask third parties to speak as part of its own evidence. The Council has therefore asked Richard Merrick (Save Woodlands Farm) and Mike Keenan (Save Engine Common) to help them defend the Council's position.

Site visit for stadium proposals

Members of South Gloucestershire Council’s Planning Committee, chaired by Dave Hockey, visited the site of the proposed new stadium for Bristol Rovers last Friday. This is on land now owned by UWE close to Cheswick Village housing development off Cold Harbour Lane. The car access for the stadium would be from the MOD Roundabout on the Ring Road. With a bus only road currently under construction alongside the proposed site and good walking routes from both Parkway and Abbey Wood Stations many of the spectators would be expected to use public transport. Objectors to the proposal had the opportunity to draw the Councillors’ attention to the issues worrying them. These include noise, traffic and ant-social behaviour. The Planning Committee is expecting to be making a decision at their meeting on either June 21st or July 19th, depending on how long it takes to get the further information they asked for.

Recycling update

Since late March, SITA have been distributing bags for cardboard recycling to all those on the waiting list. If you asked for one and haven't got it or would like to ask for one for the first time, please ring 01454 868000 or request one online.

Residents raised a number of concerns when we carried out surveys earlier this year. Officers have investigated complaints of boxes and bags not being put back properly and have answered some of your recycling questions:

• All food waste can be accepted except larged uncooked bones, as these don't break down well in the anaerobic digester.
• Envelopes can go in the paper recycling as long as you remove the plastic windows.
• Pieces of wood of no more than 4" diameter can go in the green waste bin - larger pieces can be recycled at the Sort IT centre.
• Old clothes and shoes can be put out in a carrier bag with the green box.

Save money on heating

In our surveys you told us domestic heating costs are a big concern. Free loft and cavity wall insulation is now available to everyone, subject to survey. For free and impartial advice contact the Severn Wye Energy Agency on Freephone 0800 500 30 76, Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm.

Could you be a foster carer?

Today marks the start of Foster Care Fortnight. South Glos Council are appealing for more foster carers, as currently only about half of the children in their care are placed with local foster families. You can find out more about fostering on the South Glos website.

New speed limit signs

The end of the long campaign for lower speed limits on the B4465, Westerleigh Road and Nibley Lane is in sight. The Traffic Regulation Order has been signed and work will start on installing the new signs in the week beginning 28th May. The work will take about 3-4 weeks to complete.

Thank you to all the residents who collected signatures on the petition, signed it or wrote in to support the proposals during the various consultations. If anyone would like to volunteer to join the Codrington Community Speedwatch, please get in touch.

Join the Big Pull

Would you like to stop the spread of an invasive weed called Himalayan balsam?

Himalayan balsam is a non-native plant which is found along our rivers and streams and its seeds can quickly spread, smothering other native flowers and vegetation as it goes. The balsam can take over so much that the river banks are left completely bare during the winter months which can lead to increased erosion.

To help stop the spread, South Glos are launching a conservation campaign called the Big Pull and are looking for community groups and large businesses to get involved. They are running free workshops with practical demonstrations where you will learn how to identify, pull and dispose of Himalayan balsam, including one in Frampton Cotterell from 6pm to 8pm on Thursday 14th June. Meet in the car park at The Globe Inn.

For more information and to book a place on a workshop, please call 01454 863592, email naturalenvironment@southglos.gov.uk or visit www.southglos.gov.uk/thebigpull.

Badminton Road part night lighting

Last December, South Glos officers attended a meeting of Westerleigh Parish Council to present plans for switching street lights off in the early hours on A-roads, including Badminton Road. They have now decided to go ahead with the scheme. Some lights will be left on due to road safety issues or in areas of significant night time crime. If you have any concerns about particular locations, please use the contact form on the South Glos website.

Clean Slate art competition for young people 13-19

Time to create your masterpiece...

Calling all budding young painters, potters, sculptors, aerosol artists, photographers, illustrators and installation artists - Avon and Somerset Police are hosting the West Country's answer to The Turner Prize!

Clean Slate is an Art Competition open to young people aged 13 - 19 who live, work or are educated in the Avon and Somerset force area.

There are three categories - 2D, 3D and Digitally Generated Art, each split into two age brackets, 13 to 15 and 16 to 19.

With exhibition opportunities and celebrity guests the competition is a must for any emerging talents.

There is no theme. You can do whatever you want (as long as it's suitable for a family audience)

The slate is clean! The canvas is blank! Find your inspiration and create your masterpiece!

Check out the competition details here - closing date May 18th.

Urgent drainage works on Westerleigh Road, Henfield

The temporary traffic lights on Westerleigh Road, Henfield are in place so that urgent drainage works can be carried out. It's hoped the work will be complete by Wednesday 16th May.

Monday's traffic calming drop-in is 5-7pm

Contrary to the report in the Gazette today,  Monday's drop-in on the proposed traffic calming proposals in Westerleigh is 5-7pm, as advertised in the Parish Council flyer and this blog. There will be a chance to talk about not only the traffic calming plans for Shorthill Road and Westerleigh Road but also how the Mangotsfield-Yate cycle path will bring safety improvements to the village.

Children and Youth services consultation - a reminder

Last month we let you know about some drop-in sessions to discuss dramatic changes proposed for South Glos Council's services for children and young people. Don't forget you can find out more about the consultation and make your comments on the Council’s website.

Staff at Fromeside Youth Venue are considering taking over the service there as a charity. If you would be interested in becoming a trustee, contact Charlie Williams on 865736 or email charlotte.williams@southglos.gov.uk.

Broadband survey - thank you!

Thank you to everyone who responded to South Gloucestershire Council's broadband survey (you can see what we wrote about it in December here). You can read the full analysis of the results on the Council's website but the response from Westerleigh ward is very strong, especially when you consider that response mainly came from the relatively small proportion of the population who don't live in Coalpit Heath where the broadband provision is already good.

Thornbury EcoFair

If you are interested in all things eco-friendly, why not attend the Thornbury EcoFair between 10am and 4pm on Saturday 19th May at The Chantry in Castle Street, Thornbury. You can find more information on the Sustainable Thornbury website.

Drop-in to discuss Westerleigh traffic calming proposals

A number of issues were raised during the consultation on the traffic calming proposals for Shorthill Road and Westerleigh Road in Westerleigh. Officers are now going to hold a drop-in session from 5pm-7pm on Monday 14th May in Westerleigh Village Hall so that people can discuss their concerns face-to-face with them.

As well as giving residents a chance to discuss these plans, officers will also bring along the latest plans for the Mangotsfield to Yate cycle path, which will involve other road safety improvements in the village of Westerleigh. You can read more about progress on this on our sister blog.

After the drop-in, officers will stay on to answer questions on the plans at the start of the Annual Parish Meeting.

482/483 bus service changes

The current operator of the 482 and 483 bus services, from Chipping Sodbury to Cribbs Causeway via Coalpit Heath and Frampton Cotterell among others, had announced that they no longer intended to operate the service from 20 May, as the services were no longer commercially viable. Following an emergency tender, Wessex Connect will now run the service for a year with increased journeys in the afternoon peak times.

Capital grants available for community and voluntary groups

South Glos Council's capital grants scheme are now open for bids, with a deadline of 11 June for applications to be submitted.

Voluntary and community groups in South Gloucestershire can apply for help with the cost of capital projects such as buying or enhancing buildings or purchasing new equipment, machinery or vehicles.

A total of £125,000 is available to projects that benefit South Gloucestershire residents, with funding mainly available to smaller projects costing no more than £3,000. Decisions on funding will be made at the Area Forum in September.

Further information on the scheme is available at www.southglos.gov.uk/communitygrants.

Ram Hill Colliery Open Day - Sunday 6th May

The Friends of Ram Hill Colliery are holding an open day from 10am-4.30pm tomorrow (Sunday 6th May). If you would be interested in joining them as a volunteer, why not go along to their AGM on at 7.30pm on Wednesday 16th May in the Miner's Institute (Coalpit Heath Village Hall).