All change for our website

Next year all the seats on South Gloucestershire Council will be up for election on new ward boundaries. In preparation we will be putting all our stories for Frampton Cotterell, Coalpit Heath, Iron Acton, Rangeworthy, Tytherington, Westerleigh and the surrounding areas on this blog. We will no longer be updating this site.

Have your say on 30mph limit in Rangeworthy

Rangeworthy Parish Council have asked for the speed limit on Wickwar Road between New Road and Old Wood Lane to be reduced to 30mph. It is a narrow rural lane with no footway for pedestrians and is used by villagers with children and dogs to access Old Wood Lane.

You can find out more and have your say on the consultation page.

Residents gagged in planning process changes

South Gloucestershire’s Conservative administration has announced a raft of new restrictions on the rights of residents and local councillors to question and challenge planning applications in their communities. Changes include:

• Local people will no longer have the right to attend or speak at planning site inspections.
• The two area development control committees for the East and West of South Gloucestershire are to be replaced by a single Spatial Planning Committee for the whole authority. All strategic developments will be considered by one sub-committee, meeting as and when needed, while all the smaller applications will go to another sub-committee, meeting monthly. This means an end to meetings for the western half of South Glos being held in Thornbury and a loss of local knowledge.
• Councillors will no longer have the right to “refer” contentious planning decisions to a meeting of the whole Council.
• There will be restrictions on the type of applications local councillors can refer to committee and they will no longer be able to request a site visit, that will be a decision for the committee itself or the Director.
• If councillors overturn the officer recommendation, it will have to be referred up to the Spatial Planning Committee to make the actual decision, with only those members who didn’t take the original decision allowed to take part. This is apparently to give them pause to reflect on whether this is really in the public interest.

Despite what the report claims, as opposition councillors we were not consulted on these major changes. Your Focus Team believes that they will tip the balance even further in favour of powerful developers and make it harder for local people to get their voice heard.

Good turnout at housing drop-in

Despite the confusion over the format of the event, there was a good turnout at the drop-in on the 1,800 homes proposed for Coalpit Heath.

If you weren't able to get along, we have obtained copies of the FAQ document and the options from the event and made them available for you to view online. Officers stress that, "They are initial draft master planning options designed to stimulate discussion at the event about the issues and neither represent a preferred or fully considered proposal. The references to ‘higher’ and ‘lower’ density on option 1 and 2 respectively are meant relatively to one another and not as a final solution."

Comments can still be made by email until Friday 18th May.

Update on Codrington broadband delivery problems

The council have informed us:

You may be aware that the delivery of broadband to West Codrington has been delayed. We’ve come up against a number of issues in this area, which mean we can’t install fibre through underground ducting to supply this area as we normally would, so need to explore more complex, costly and time-consuming engineering solutions.

Specifically, the existing ducting in this area is blocked, preventing us from running additional cables through it and as the section of road where the ducting is blocked has recently been completely resurfaced, legislation prevents us from digging up the road to clear it. Additionally, a high pressure water main means we can’t install new ducting or poles along the edge of the road.

We continue to explore alternative engineering solutions with a specialist Openreach team, but aren’t able to provide a definitive delivery date in this area at this time.

There is rather better news for other villages in our area - for more information, see the full update here.

Ram Hill 20mph speed limit

The Ram Hill 20mph speed limit was signed off by the Exec Member in March. Officers are putting together a construction plan, which is complicated by the Esso pipeline that runs through Ram Hill. The provisional construction date is 21st May but this could change due to the need to liaise with Esso before they start.

Update following Ruffet Road/Coalsack Lane drop in

Despite the short notice, there was a huge turnout for the three hour drop-in consultation event on Wednesday to discuss the Ruffet Road/Coalsack Lane experimental closure proposals.

Most people agreed that something needed to be done to reduce the number of accidents at Kendleshire crossroads but there were many different views on the best way of doing this. Officers will be taking all the views back to the Cabinet Member responsible so that he can make a decision on what to do next. If you haven't already done so, or wish to submit a revised response, please fill in the consultation online.

One concern was whether comments made before 30th April have the same weight as those submitted since. Officers have assured me that they will take any of the responses into account, either before or after 30th April but multiple responses from the same individual must be treated as a single submission. They will take the most recent response as the relevant one.

Update on drop-in event on 1,800 homes this Thursday

We've now been told that Thursday's drop-in event on the 1,800 homes proposed for Coalpit Heath is not, as we were previously told, for invited stakeholders only. It is open to all, whether or not they have received an invitation.

The event is being held from 1:30 to 6:30pm on Thursday 10th May at Coalpit Heath Village Hall (aka "The Miners"). 

Officers say:

"The 4 West of England Authorities have now submitted the Joint Spatial Plan to the Secretary of State for an Examination in Public, which is likely to take place later this year. Therefore, due to local interest we now wish to provide an opportunity for local people, key stakeholders and local representatives to discuss site master planning options such as: The type and location of new local facilities and employment uses The location and purpose of new green space(s) The location of vehicle, foot and cycle routes into and through the site. It will NOT however consider wider strategic transport issues which will be subject of their own formal public consultation period and events later this year."

They go on to add:

"Please note that final decisions regarding the Strategic Development Locations have not yet been made, and attendance will not affect any representations you may have made to the JSP or new Local Plan objecting to the principle of development at Coalpit Heath. We consider however, that it is important to consult with the local community and key stakeholders on such planning matters as there is developer interest in the location and the Council cannot prevent new planning applications coming forward."

We hope to see as many of you there as possible on Thursday.

Latest on new housing for our area

In April, the Joint Spatial Plan (JSP) for the West of England was submitted to the Government. Now Planning Inspectors have been appointed to carry out the Examination, which will include a public hearing where they will consider arguments from all sides about whether the JSP is "sound".

You can see all the comments people made on the plan online.The precise date for the opening of any formal hearing is yet decided by the Inspectors but it is currently anticipated that the hearings will begin in autumn 2018.

Next Thursday there is a workshop for invited "stakeholders", such as the Parish Council and community groups, to discuss the proposed development east of Roundways, Coalpit Heath.

Fundraising events in Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath

Churches Together are planning a series of events in Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath for Christian Aid Week (May 13-19), to raise money to support the world's poorest.

• Friday 11th May, 7.30pm, Quiz Night, The British Legion, Ryecroft Road, Frampton Cotterell. Teams of 4 at £3/ person. Booking: 776618. No team? Book in and they'll make up on the night.
• Saturday 12th May, 11am-2pm, Coffee & Cake/ Soup Lunch, St Saviour’s Church Hall, Coalpit Heath. Good food & good company. 
• Sunday 13th May, 6pm, A Service of Praise to celebrate Rogationtide, Latteridge Green Farm, BS37 9TS. Everybody welcome- cheese & wine after the service & an opportunity to look first hand at modern farm vehicles. 
• Friday 18th May 7.30-10.30pm Folk@Frampton Concert, Crossbow House, School Rd, Frampton Cotterell. A great night of folk music. 
• Saturday 19th May 8.30-10.30am Big Brekkie, Zion Hall, Woodend Rd, Frampton Cotterell. Come & join in our magnificent community breakfast. 
• Saturday 19th May 10am-1pm Plant Sale & Coffee Morning, The Lilacs, Station Rd, Iron Acton, Come & buy your summer plants- loads to choose from.
• Sunday 20th May 2-4pm Train Rides & Cream Teas, Bridge House, Rectory Rd, Frampton Cotterell. A fun afternoon for all ages.

Drop-in event on experimental road closures next Wednesday

At last week's on-site meeting in Ruffet Road to discuss the experimental road closures, Claire Young asked highways officials to hold a proper consultation event in a local hall so that everyone could have their say.

A drop-in will be held from 3pm to 6pm next Wednesday (9th May) in Henfield Hall. If you live in Ruffet Road, Coalsack Lane or any of the other local roads that could be affected by the proposed closures, this is a great chance to talk to highways officials about them.

The proposals for Ruffet Road and Coalsack Lane are currently on hold so that officials can discuss the exact locations of experimental closure points with the local community. The closure of the Bromley Heath Road service road at its junction with Quakers Road is remaining in the same position as during the Bromley Heath Viaduct works at the request of residents. Further consultation will take place with regard to the form and location a permanent closure might take. The experimental closures of Bromley Heath Road north of the ring road, Bury Hill and Cuckoo Lane are continuing in the positions advertised.

For more details and to have your say, please go to the consultation web page.

Update on experimental road closures

There was a big turnout of residents in Ruffet Road yesterday at the meeting organised by Claire Young to discuss the experimental road closures.

The closures are due to start on Monday, having only been announced last Tuesday. Whether they agreed with the closure or not, people were unhappy about how this has been done. The Conservative Cabinet Member left before the end without saying whether he'd put the proposals on hold but Claire secured a promise from officers of a proper public consultation event.

This morning highways officials have confirmed that following yesterday's meeting there will be a pause to allow further consultation - details will be posted on the consultation web page today.

Cuts to winter gritting? Have your say!

Conservative-run South Glos Council is proposing to stop gritting some roads in icy weather to save money. It's yet another "saving" they have identified in the face of Government funding cuts.

The cut would reduce their fleet from 11 gritters to 9 and take 30 km of roads off the list that are salted when freezing conditions seem likely.

Affected roads include Park Lane and Perrinpit Road (Frampton Cotterell) and Claypit Hill, part of Dodington Road, Gibbs Lane and Sodbury Lane (Dodington Parish).

A consultation on these cuts is running until 18 June. If you want to find out more, there will be a drop-in event with Street Care staff in the meeting room at Yate Outdoor Sports Complex (YOSC), Broad Lane, Yate, BS37 7LB from 3pm to 5pm on Wednesday 2nd May.

You can read more and have your say on the consultation website.

Campaigners welcome new cycle path link

Cllrs Claire Young (left) and Paul Hulbert (centre)

joined cyclists Kate Kelliher, Denis Butterworth 

and Bob Keen and horse rider Ann Fay on the new section

Campaigners who have been pushing for the completion of the "Yate Spur" cycle path are celebrating the opening of the latest section, which is designed for use by horse riders and walkers as well.

The off-road cycle path will eventually link Yate to the Bristol Bath Railway Path, opening up the cycle network to many more people. The latest section links Broad Lane, Westerleigh with the cycle crossing point on Westerleigh Road.

Paul Hulbert and Claire Young with 

 the cycle path petition in 2014

Cllr Claire Young, the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for Thornbury and Yate, started a petition in 2014 calling for the completion of the cycle path. She said:

"It is fantastic to see another important link in this route open. Hundreds of people showed their support for completing the path by signing our petition. When finished it will make commuting to work by bike an option for more people as well as being a great way for families to get out into the countryside."

"We will keep pushing for the final sections to be completed. The link from Dodmoor Crossing to the Nibley Lane junction and the section under the railway bridge by the Shire Way roundabout will bring some of the biggest safety improvements. I look forward to celebrating the opening of the finished path."

But there's disappointing news too. Paul Hulbert, chairman of the Joint Cycleway Group, said:

"The JCG has just been told that the next leg - from Broad Lane to Nibley Lane Corner - will cost more than is available in the current spending round because of drainage and access problems. We've asked South Glos to look at alternative ideas and funding sources. However we have been told that some small improvements we requested on the A432 Kennedy Way will be done this financial year"

Reminder - have your say on Local Plan

Don't forget you only have until 30th April to have your say on South Gloucestershire Council's new Local Plan at www.southglos.gov.uk/newlocalplanfeb2018.

This is your chance to have your say on how up to 1,800 extra homes can be delivered in smaller developments in our rural areas. This is in addition to the thousands of new homes already proposed in large developments at Coalpit Heath, west and north west of Yate in Westerleigh and Iron Acton Parishes, Charfield, Thornbury and Buckover.

A46 traffic lights update

At a meeting of the Council's Cabinet on Monday, I raised the issue of finding a permanent replacement for the temporary A46 traffic lights with the Cabinet Member responsible for transport.

He said that Highways England, who look after motorways and other major roads, were not happy for the temporary lights to stay in place but are happy for the council to investigate a permanent solution.

The next step will be for South Glos to ask the West of England Combined Authority for funding. Don't forget you can sign our petition to show your support.

Good news on 82 bus

Thank you once again to everyone who signed our 82 bus service petition. The great news is that both the 82 and X49 bus services will be extended to Chipping Sodbury from 27th May.

Our petition in autumn 2016 showed that hundreds of people wanted the 82 service to run to and from Chipping Sodbury again, so they wouldn't have to change buses in Yate. At the time we were told that wasn't possible, but we have kept up the fight. We are delighted that First Bus has finally listened.

Not all of the changes being made by First Bus are good news though. On Sundays, the 82 service drops to 2 hourly. We will continue to campaign for better bus services for local people every day of the week.

You can check out the new timetables on the Traveline South West site.

Concerns raised about experimental road closures

Tuesday's announcement of experimental road closures in the Kendleshire area has provoked a strong reaction from local residents and businesses.

The Experimental Traffic Order will close roads to motor vehicle through traffic on Bromley Heath Road at Moorend, access road at Bromley Heath Road near Bromley Drive, Bury Hill, Coalsack Lane, Cuckoo Lane and Ruffet Road from 30th April 2018.

Many of the closures have been in place during the Bromley Heath Viaduct work under a temporary Traffic Regulation Order, but those in Coalsack Lane and Ruffet Road are new. They would turn the cluster of houses at the Badminton Road end of Ruffet Road into a cul-de-sac, with their only route out being straight on to Badminton Road. You can see the details in this plan.

This is not what the residents requested at our meeting back in February They suggested that if any roads were to be closed, it should be the short section between the Coalsack Lane/The Hollows junction and Westerleigh Road. They felt this would stop rat running, while still allowing all parts of Henfield and Kendleshire to remain connected. Highways officials say the closures would improve safety at the notorious Kendleshire crossroads.

When the consultation started on Tuesday, Claire Young alerted the Kendleshire Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator and a representative of the Golf Club. Since then she and residents have been lobbying officers to put this aspect of the proposals on hold so the concerns can be investigated. Claire has arranged a site meeting next week with highways officials for people who live in the roads and representatives of the Golf Club.

You can have your say on the council's consultation site.

Viaduct re-opening and A46 traffic lights going

The good news is that the council is planning to re-open the Bromley Heath Viaduct over the weekend of 27th April.

The bad news is that this coming weekend they will be removing the temporary traffic lights on the A46 near Tormarton, at the junction with the B4465 Westerleigh Road, which were installed to manage traffic diverted by the viaduct works. To carry out the removal there will be four-way lights in operation from 8am on Saturday until 6pm on Sunday.

Many local people believe these lights have made the junction safer. With the help of all of you that have shared your views with us, we've already convinced the council to start looking into a permanent solution. If it's to happen though we need to make sure this is a high priority for funding. If you would like to see permanent traffic lights installed and you haven't already signed our petition, please do it today.

Have your say on housing for older people

With life expectancy increasing and people from the post-war "baby boom" reaching old age, the number of older people in South Gloucestershire is increasing. To help them plan for older people's housing needs, the council are carrying out a survey.

You can find out more and complete the survey via the consultation web page. The survey will run until the 27th April.

Latest section of Yate Spur cycle path open

We are delighted that the latest section of the Yate Spur cycle path, from Westerleigh Road to Broad Lane, Westerleigh, is now open.

Temporary closure of North Road and Nibley Lane

These roads are expected to be closed for cleansing work to be carried out:

• North Road,between Armstrong Way and the bridge over the River Frome, will be closed from 6.00am – 9.00am on 19th April 
• Nibley Lane between Badminton Road and the Holly Hill junction is expected to be closed from 11.30am - 2.30pm on 20th April

Broadband delays

South Gloucestershire Council have informed us that work to install fibre to a number of cabinets/structures is currently on hold whilst they work with Openreach to identify solutions to problems including severely blocked ducting, land subsidence and wayleave issues.

The list of affected cabinets can be found here. We will update you once we have further information.

Good news on mud and rocks on Westerleigh Road

Good news for anyone driving on Westerleigh Road or walking along the pavements - the mud and stones are being cleared and tipping stopped until further notice.

Local people were horrified when tipping started at Beech Hill Farm three weeks ago, leaving the roads strewn with mud and debris. I raised it with the council's planning enforcement team and since then have been continuing to share residents' complaints with them and Street Care, the team that looks after our roads. I also wrote directly to Keyway, the firm carrying out the tipping.

When I spoke to the Head of Street Care yesterday he told me that Keyway had been told to get a sweeper and team of workers with shovels out that day to clear the roads, otherwise the council would do the job and charge them for it. Even by the time this picture was taken at lunchtime yesterday the situation was much improved and as you can see a sweeper was in action.

Now someone is out with a pressure washer hosing down the pavements and a sweeper is cleaning all the roads around and leading to the land fill. Keyway have confirmed to me that they have closed the tip until further notice.

Could you be a foster carer?

There are more than 160 children in care in South Gloucestershire who need a stable home. South Glos Council want to hear from anyone who has ever considered fostering and would like to know more about this rewarding role.

They are holding a series of information sessions during April and anyone who is interested can come along to get information and talk to professionals about what’s involved.

Drop-in sessions are being held throughout South Gloucestershire where the fostering team will be available to answer any questions:

• Saturday 7 April, 10.30am to 12.30pm, at South Gloucestershire Council Offices, Badminton Road, Yate BS37 5AF 
• Wednesday 11 April, 1pm to 3pm, at Emersons Green Village Hall, Emerson Way, Emersons Green BS16 7AP 
• Thursday 19 April, 7pm to 9pm, at Filton Community Centre, Elm Park, Filton BS34 7PS 
• Friday 27 April, 12 midday to 7pm, at Kingswood Civic Centre, High Street, Kingswood BS15 9TR.

Mud on road near Beech Hill

Thank you to those who have raised concerns that tipping has started at Beech Hill Farm and there is mud on the road. Claire Young raised this with the relevant officers at South Gloucestershire Council, who have promised to investigate.

Concerns at latest plans for Frenchay and Thornbury hospital sites

Having promised community rehabilitation beds at both Frenchay and Thornbury hospital sites in 2015, last year local NHS chiefs abandoned those plans and went back to the drawing board.

Your Focus Team's concerns deepened in January when we learnt that North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) had given the nod to developer Redrow to put in a planning application on land previously set aside for new health facilities at the former Frenchay Hospital site.

Now new plans have been announced that would see only 40-50 “rehabilitation” beds provided, fewer than previously suggested and all at Frenchay. Thornbury would have just 6-10 NHS-funded beds, not for rehabilitation, within a new privately run Nursing Care home.

We welcome efforts to treat more people at home but with a fast growing population are they providing enough beds for those for whom that is not appropriate?  We also think that allowing homes to be built on the land at Frenchay previously set aside for health facilities would make the latest proposals for the old hospital site hard to deliver.

They've also made another promise of a new health centre at Thornbury - we’ll believe it when we see it!

Your Focus Team will keep fighting for the health services we need.

Railways and pharmacies at Easter

A quick reminder that Network Rail will be upgrading the railway around Bristol over Easter. Work starts today, Good Friday 30 March, and train services will resume on Wednesday 4 April.

Full details including replacement services are on their dedicated web page www.gwr.com/travel-updates/planned-engineering/bristol2018

The upgrade work on the signalling system will mean they can reduce delays caused by congestion, and introduce a new timetable in January 2019 with faster, more frequent services, adding more seats and more capacity to this very busy part of the railway.

Meanwhile, if you find yourself in need of a pharmacy over the Bank Holiday weekend, you can find which ones are open here.

Enjoy the Easter weekend!

Don't forget the clocks go forward on Sunday

It might not feel like spring yet, but British Summer Time starts this Sunday, 25th March. The clocks go forward an hour at 1am.

Interestingly, according to this report, people are more likely to miss hospital appointments in the week after the move to British Summer Time.

Taking up your concerns

Thanks to everyone who has filled in our survey recently - you can fill it in online here.

We have been busy following up the issues you raised. Claire Young took up the issue of anti-social behaviour at the bottom of St Saviour's Rise with the police beat manager at the Community Engagement Forum. He assured us the police will be keeping an eye on this location as the weather warms up.

Residents living alongside the drainage channel on Park Farm where oak trees were axed were furious that their local environment had been trashed without any notice or discussion.

Pat Hockey and Dave took the matter up with South Glos Council’s Tree Officers as they had put a blanket tree preservation order (TPO) on all oak trees on both Park Farm and The Meads estates before the sites were developed – Pat and Dave had not realised that oak trees by drainage channels were not covered by the TPO.

Officers confirmed that just one other oak tree by a drainage channel was still at risk - they agreed to put a Tree Preservation Order on it as a matter of priority to protect it.

Huge funding bid success for "The Park"

Cash-strapped Frampton Cotterell Parish Council has been awarded more than £238,000 funding to improve drainage and pitch conditions at ‘The Park’ in School Road.

The money was provided by Barratt Homes contribution from ‘The Meads’ development to improve local sports facilities. The pitches at The Park used by Frampton Cotterell Rugby and Cricket Clubs and Frampton Rangers Football Club have suffered from flooding and poor grass quality due to lack of an effective drainage system for many years – this has caused lots of disappointing match cancellations each season.

Specialist consultants prepared a report for the Parish Council recommending the drainage system and soil/grassing techniques to be used to minimise the risk of flooding and to improve the quality and durability of the pitches.

Dave Hockey was proud to be involved in helping the Parish Council to prepare its funding bid and liaising with South Glos Officers and the Executive Member who made the recommendation and decision to award the funding.

New school plans - and success in campaign to save Brockeridge School building

For seven years since the merger of Brockeridge Infant School and Highcroft Junior School, Watermore Primary School has been operating across two sites. Now plans have been submitted to build a new 420 place Watermore Primary School on the Meadow site on Lower Stone Close (the old Highcroft Junior School). You can find out more by going to the planning application search page and entering the reference number PT18/0930/R3O.

In the same application they are seeking outline permission to demolish the old junior school buildings and erect 5 new homes on the Meadow site and 22 homes on the Orchard site, including converting the old Brockeridge School building to 6 flats.

Your Focus Team is delighted that the campaign to save this ‘Locally Listed’ school building built in 1846 from demolition looks set for success.

Local History Group Members, Stella and Cllr Andy Beecher, researched the history of the school. They found from records in the archives held in Gloucester that it was founded by members of Zion Congregational Church to enable “poor children from Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath to be educated”. We understand that the cost per pupil was just two old pennies a week!

Generations of local children have been educated at this lovely old landmark building. We know that the school holds precious memories for many local families. Most of them would be horrified if the old building was flattened to make way for new development on the site.

Local Cllrs Dave & Pat Hockey, backed by Frampton Cotterell Parish Council and members of the Local History Group, made their strong views on this  clear to South Glos Council’s Head of Property Services Department. The good news from the Property Services Department is that the £175,000 funding that they were awarded on 16 February is for “Demolition of part of the existing school building (retaining the older part of the school)".

Reminder - drop-in event on Local Plan next week

As we reported last month, South Glos is currently consulting on its new Local Plan and there is a drop-in event next Tuesday when you can find out more.

The event is being held 6-8pm on Tuesday 20 March at the Ridgewood Community Centre, Yate, BS37 4AF. Planning officers will be there to answer your questions about any aspects of the Local Plan - including the options for further development in our villages and proposals for making better use of land in Yate and other urban areas.

Full details of the consultation can be viewed at www.southglos.gov.uk/newlocalplanfeb2018 - you can also view a short video about it here.

Planning to travel by train at Easter?

Network Rail have warned us that they will be carrying out their largest ever resignalling project this Easter, from Friday 30 March to Tuesday 3 April, in and around Bristol Temple Meads. The aim is to improve reliability and increase capacity to meet growing demand. No trains will run to, through or from Bristol Temple Meads during this time.

While this is bad news for those planning to travel over Easter, they promise that in the long run it will mean fewer delays and faster journey times, and enable an increase in trains from 2019. Passengers will benefit from almost twice as many trains between Bristol and London Paddington from 2019.

You can find out more on the Network Rail website.

New bungalow on Ram Hill refused by planning committee

Last Thursday the Planning Committee voted to refuse an application for a new bungalow on Ram Hill.

The planning officer had argued that it could be considered to be "limited infilling in a village", justifying it as being within a village by asserting that residents have access to services within Coalpit Heath. Residents and local ward councillor Claire Young spoke against this. A narrow majority of members concluded that it was not "in a village" and therefore did not constitute appropriate development in the Green Belt.

30mph speed limit for Bristol Road

The proposals for a 30mph speed limit on the B4058 Bristol Road, Frampton Cotterell have now been formally advertised. More details are available here.

Local history talk - 21 March

The latest Frampton Cotterell and District Local History Society talk takes place at 7.30pm on Wednesday 21 March at Zion Church,Woodend Road , Frampton Cotterell, BS36 2HY

Alan Freke of Frenchay Museum will be doing a talk entitled ‘The GWR Badminton Line'. All welcome, entry £4 or free to members (annual subscription £15), light refreshments included.

Quiet Lanes Scheme - latest updates

Claire campaigning for safety
improvements in Ruffet Road in 2011

I recently met residents and highways officers regarding the ongoing problems with rat running through Ruffet Road/Coalsack Lane. During the Bromley Heath Viaduct Closure there have been even worse problems with traffic driving up on to the pavement where the road is narrow, including HGVs that shouldn’t be accessing the lanes as there is a weight restriction in place.

In the short term, the highways officers have got agreement from the police that they will aim to have a presence on site in the near future.

In the new financial year, a number of options are being considered to tackle this problem as well as reduce casualties at the Kendleshire Crossroads. There will be a consultation process on this in due course.

Officers also explained why the vegetation has been cut back at the Coalsack Road/Westerleigh Road junction. The barriers that run along to the M4 overbridge on Westerleigh Road have old wooden supports which do not meet current standards and need replacing. This has been scheduled for the coming financial year, but at the point the work will be done there may be nesting birds present. They have therefore carried out the vegetation clearance in advance, in line with their standard practice.

Elsewhere in the Quiet Lanes Scheme, the 20mph limit for Ram Hill/Serridge Lane/Broad Lane (Ram Hill end) is being recommended to go ahead.

M4 J18a - Cabinet set to support Western option

Following last year's consultation on a possible new junction 18a on the M4, South Gloucestershire's Conservative Cabinet looks set to support the Western option via Emersons Green as the preferred route.

This option involves re-aligning the motorway at Henfield. Residents have already contacted us to raise concerns. As yet we have seen no plan for how they intend to manage the additional traffic this will push through our villages and the residential roads in the south of Yate. Nor have we seen a plan for how, when or where a link will be provided from the new junction to Yate and how that will feed into the already congested road network in the town. If these issues are not properly addressed ahead of time, this new junction will just add to local transport problems.

After the snow - reporting potholes

A huge thank you to the emergency services, NHS staff, gritter teams and other council staff and everyone else who worked hard to keep the rest of us safe during the snowy and icy weather.

Unfortunately severe cold weather often creates more potholes on our roads. If you spot one you think could be dangerous, you can report it online.

Waste and recycling changes due to snow and ice

South Gloucestershire Council have announced the following:

Collections 

We are sorry that waste and recycling collections will not be taking place on Friday 2 March due to snow and ice, this is protect the safety of residents and staff. Please take your bins and recycling containers back on to your property until your next normal collection.  For  Recycling the next collection is Friday 9 March, please present any extra recycling. Residual and Garden bins will be collected Friday 16 March. If you have extra non-recyclable waste we will collect up to two bags left next to your black bin on Friday 16 March. 

Sites Closed 

We are sorry but due to the snow and ice we have had to shut all four Sort It Recycling Centres in South Gloucestershire. The sites will be shut from 2pm on Thursday 1 March until 8.30am Sunday 4 March.  This is to protect the safety of residents and staff and to clear the sites of snow and ice before opening on Sunday.

Don't forget you can find out more about how the weather is affecting all the council's services on their website and school closures are listed here.

Severe weather information

With snow predicted Thursday and Friday, you can find out the latest information on local services and get other cold weather advice on the South Glos Council website.

It's obviously a particularly difficult time for people who are sleeping rough - if you are aware of someone, you can send an alert to StreetLink via the StreetLink app or via http://streetlink.org.uk so they can be visited and get the support they need.

Chance to raise local issues on Tuesday

The next Community Engagement Forum covering the area including Frampton Cotterell, Coalpit Heath, Westerleigh, and Iron Acton area is on Tuesday 6 March 7.30pm at the Greenfield Centre, Park Avenue, Winterbourne BS36 1NJ. The meeting gives you a chance to raise local issues and will include a presentation on fostering in your local community. For more information see www.southglos.gov.uk/cef

Tackling loneliness

A recent survey by Contact the Elderly showed 1/3 of people had noticed a lonely older person in their community and been concerned, and 40% did not feel confident that they knew how they could help.

South Gloucestershire Disability Network are hosting an information evening for community members to find out:

• How to approach this situation
• What you can do to help
• What schemes exist to help isolated people locally 

The event will take place on Tuesday 20th March at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall. Registration starts at 6pm, after which attendees can have some nibbles and a look around stalls of local organisations should they wish. The main event will start at 6.30pm, to end around 8.30pm.

The event is aimed at businesses, workers, volunteers and members of the community who have, or might have, contact with lonely people, but who may not be sure what they can do to help. The aim is to increase confidence and provide some new skills in approaching situations with potentially lonely people, as well as provide attendees with information about schemes which may be of use to others in the community – for example First Contact and Community Connectors.

Booking is essential via Eventbrite.

Confusion over recycling rules

The new weekly recycling system was supposed to make it easier for people to recycle their waste but for some residents that hasn't been the case.

Having been contacted by local people confused by the recycling instructions on the bin hangers, Claire Young questioned the relevant council Cabinet Member at last week's council meeting.

The bin hanger says that items of the same kind should be grouped together in boxes. What some people weren't clear about was the fact that if you only have a small amount of recycling, you can put it all in one box. You just need to group similar items together within it.

Unfortunately it appears the collection crews aren't clear either. One crew refused to collect recycling presented in a single box and left new recycling bags with flyers insisting residents must use those.

This is absolutely not the case. You don't need to use bags at all, you can put all your recycling in one, two or more green boxes. Just make sure that you group similar items together to make it easier for the crews to sort.

You can find more detailed advice here. If you think your recycling has been rejected when it was presented correctly, you can report a missed collection here. If you need to speak to someone you can call 01454 868000. Do let your Focus Team know if you are having ongoing problems.

Call for regeneration action

Local councillor Claire Young has called upon South Gloucestershire Council to kick-start the regeneration of the “western gateway to Yate.”

Although on the edge of Yate, most of the industrial estates are in Westerleigh and Iron Acton Parishes. With the Conservatives proposing thousands of new homes in the area, it's vital we have the jobs to go with them and an improved Yate station that links all the different forms of transport together.

The recent sale of Stover Road Trading Estate and the development of the new Local Plan make this the ideal time to look again at this issue. At last week's council meeting, Claire asked the Leader of Council to bring together the owners of all the trading estates and involve local councillors in the process. He was non-committal but your Focus Team will keep pressing for action.

South Glos Mines Research Group - AGM and talk

The South Glos Mines Research Group are holding their AGM and what they jokingly refer to as a “Boring” Talk on Wednesday 7th March 2018 in the Miners (aka Coalpit Heath Village Hall).

The AGM is 7:30pm for a prompt 8:00pm start followed at about 9:15pm by a short talk by David Hardwick on Boreholes in South Gloucestershire. Non-members are welcome for a charge of £2.

Coalsack Lane to close for repairs

Coalsack Lane will be closed from Monday 26th February to allow repair works to be carried out.

Budget passed with £36m in cuts and 5.99% council tax increase

On Wednesday the Conservatives on South Gloucestershire set a budget containing £36 million in cuts in 2019-2022, including over £16 million from adult and children's social services. This was despite a 5.99% council tax rise, including 3% for social care services.

Last week Claire Young chaired a detailed scrutiny of the budget where the Conservatives admitted they don't yet know how many of these cuts will be made. While the Liberal Democrats support some elements, such as the ongoing commitment to keeping free parking to support our town centres and  money for school improvement, we could not support a budget with so many holes and no proposals of how to fill them.

Councils across the country are being squeezed by the Conservative Government. An amendment, seconded by Claire, was passed noting with dismay the ongoing reduction in central government Settlement Funding for South Gloucestershire Council and its impact on the council's core spending power.

Council car park extension approved

Last week the planning committee unanimously approved the application to extend the car park at the Badminton Road council offices. Having listened to the concerns raised by residents and ward councillor Claire Young, an additional condition around lighting was added to try to limit the impact on local residents. However local residents remain concerned about the impact the extension will have on them.

Claim a partial power of attorney refund

If you applied for lasting powers of attorney (LPA) or enduring powers of attorney (EPA) between 1 April 2013 and 31 March 2017, you can claim a refund of part of your fee. More information is available on the Government website.

Broadband latest

There is good news for some of our villages, with fibre broadband being delivered to new parts of communities including Coalpit Heath, Codrington, Dodington, Tytherington and Westerleigh. To find out what broadband speeds and packages are available to you, contact your chosen Internet Service Provider (ISP). Note that broadband speeds will not automatically improve, you need to order a suitable package.

Some parts of Codrington have had their upgrade delayed due to the need to close a road. They hope to complete deployment in Codrington by the end of February 2018.

An extra 4,300 homes and businesses will get ultrafast and Next Generation Access broadband by the end of 2018 and Openreach have now confirmed which areas will be included. As with previous phases of the scheme, not all premises within postcodes will be upgraded and individual householders/businesses should check via the Openreach website.

For more information on the rollout of broadband across South Gloucestershire see this website.

Have your say on new Local Plan

South Gloucestershire Council has started a consultation on the new Local Plan, which will set out how the development proposed in the Joint Spatial Plan for the West of England will be delivered in South Gloucestershire. The consultation will run until 30th April and documents are available to view on the Council’s website at www.southglos.gov.uk/newlocalplanfeb2018.

A hard copy of the consultation document is available to view from 8.45am - 5pm Mondays to Wednesdays and 8.45am - 4.30pm Thursdays and Fridays, at the Council’s One-Stop Shops, which are located at:

• Patchway One Stop Shop, The Patchway Hub, Rodway Road, Patchway BS34 5PE
• Kingswood One Stop Shop, Civic Centre, High Street, Kingswood BS15 9TR
• Yate One Stop Shop (access via West Walk), Kennedy Way, Yate BS37 4DQ

There will also be public drop-in events. The nearest to us is 6-8pm on Tuesday 20 March at the Ridgewood Community Centre, Yate (BS37 4AF). Details of all the events are available at www.southglos.gov.uk/newlocalplanfeb2018.

Part 2 of the document introduces the proposed strategy for delivering the development:

• building out the developments already allocated in the council's Core Strategy
• maximising the use of brownfield land within the urban areas
• building the 5 large scale Strategic Development Locations set out in the Joint Spatial Plan for the West of England (Coalpit Heath, North West and West of Yate, Thornbury, Buckover and Charfield)
• smaller scale development in the rural areas. 

Yate is one of the areas being looked at for maximising the use of brownfield land in urban areas and the question about how to approach development in the rural areas affects all our villages. The consultation document also sets out what is happening with the Strategic Development Locations and how the local communities will be involved further but does not ask specific questions around those.

The council would prefer you to use the response form available online to make comments. If you are unable to do so, you can submit comments by email to PlanningPolicy@southglos.gov.uk or by post. There is no need to submit comments in multiple different ways.

Frome Valley Relief Sewer on TV

On Thursday local councillor Dave Hockey featured in a BBC Points West news story on the Frome Valley Relief Sewer - you can watch the extract here. Dave has been campaigning for the last two decades on this issue. Let's hope the new sewer will make a difference.

Half term activities in libraries

South Gloucestershire Libraries have lots of fun activities for children and families this February half term. All activities are FREE drop-ins, most suitable for primary school aged children. Children must be accompanied by an adult. More information is available online.

Yate Community Engagement Forum

The next Yate Community Engagement Forum, which covers an area including the rural part of Dodington Parish, is being held at 7pm on Thursday 15 February at St Nicholas Church, Chargrove, Abbotswood, Yate BS37 4LG.

The meeting will include a drop in event on Your Community Cares before the Community Engagement Meeting at 6.30pm where you can speak to representatives from the Police, Neighbourhood Watch, Next Link (domestic abuse), DH&I (drug and alcohol service) and the Anti-Social behaviour team.

For more information see www.southglos.gov.uk/cef

New mental health website for children and young people

This week is Children's Mental Health Awareness Week and a new Mind You website for children and young people (www.mindyou.org.uk) has been launched to promote mental health and emotional wellbeing in South Gloucestershire.

It has separate sections for children, young people, parents and carers and professionals and was designed with input from local children and young people. It suggests practical ways to improve their wellbeing and guidance on where to go if they need more support.

Kidney Hill to be closed on Monday

Kidney Hill, Westerleigh will be closed for roadworks all day on Monday 12 February. This is the length of road that runs from the Broad Lane junction (next to what used to be Cornerways Day Nursery) down to the T junction with the main road.

TV historian to give talk in Frampton Cotterell

Well known historian and TV presenter Prof Ronald Hutton will be giving a talk, "Tudor History- Bloody Mary", at 7.30pm on Wednesday 21 February at the Zion Church, Woodend Road, Frampton Cotterell, BS36 2HY. All welcome, entry is £4 or free to members of Frampton Cotterell and District Local History Society (annual subscription £15). Light refreshments are included.

Consent given for 3 new houses in the Green Belt on Bristol Road

Local residents and Frampton Cotterell South Glos Councillors are horrified that consent has been given for three new houses in the Green Belt on Bristol Road.

At the planning committee meeting on 25th January, the application to build 3 new houses on Green Belt land in a paddock between the bungalow at 119 Bristol Road at the entrance to the former Sunbeam Nursery site and the front garden of 127 Bristol Road was approved by councillors despite strong objections from local Cllrs Pat and Dave Hockey, Frampton Cotterell Parish Council and several local residents.

When the planning officer’s report was written and the recommendation for approval was given, no account was taken of the reason why the Government Inspector turned down a recent appeal in May 2015 against refusal of planning consent “for the erection of a triple garage with accommodation above” in the front garden of 127 Bristol Road because it “was found to disturb the openness of the site and thereby the Green Belt”.

This should have been taken into account by the Planning Officer before the recommendation was made – so should the grade of the land (Grade 2 – “Very good” agricultural land). These issues were only investigated at Dave Hockey’s request when he realised they had not been considered.

Local residents stated in their objections to this application that:

• The recommendation for approval sets a dangerous precedent.
• If this application is approved it will open the floodgates.
• If this application is approved houses will be built all the way along Bristol Road in the Green Belt.
• The Green Belt should be protected for all, not disregarded for the short term financial interest of a few. 

 A recorded vote was taken so the split along political party lines can be seen.

To find the details of the planning application, go to the planning application search page and enter reference number PT17/2904/O .

Woodlands Farm planning appeal officially started

The start letter has now been published for the appeal against the Blackberry Park application for up to 215 homes on land at Woodlands Farm.

Any comments you made at the application stage will be passed on to the Planning Inspectorate. If you want to make any additional comments, you must submit 3 copies of them to the Inspector by 9 March 2018. The Planning Inspectorate will not acknowledge representations.

For more advice on taking part in an appeal you can read a 'Guide to taking part in planning appeals proceeding by an inquiry' online.

Campaigners brave the rain

Despite the rain and strong winds, local people turned out in force on Wednesday to protest about how difficult it was to respond to the consultation on the Joint Spatial Plan (JSP). The JSP proposes that 1,800 homes should be built in the fields to the east of Roundways.

Volunteers needed at Brockeridge Youth Club

Are you thinking of working with young people? Or do you have interests or skills to share, such as sports, craft or gardening? If so, Brockeridge Youth Club would like to hear from you.

The club is looking for people willing to help for a couple of hours on some Tuesday or Thursday evenings. It's a thriving group offering fun activities but unfortunately the youth leader has to turn young people away because of the lack of adults. Free training and references given, the hours are 6.30-8.30pm on Tuesdays and 7-9pm on Thursdays.

To find out more email volunteering@southernbrooks.org.uk or phone Catherine on 01454 868 570.

Airbus Community Awards

Do you know of a community group that is making a difference locally and could do with some extra funding? If you do, you might like to nominate them for the Airbus Community Awards. To find out more, visit www.bristolpost.co.uk/airbus

How to complain to Tulip about smell in Westerleigh

Following the drop-in earlier this month at Westerleigh Village Hall, the owners of the abattoir, Tulip Ltd, have issued a complaints process to use whenever there is a smell that you suspect may be coming from the abattoir. You can read it here.

Houses proposed on land set aside for health facility at Frenchay

Your Focus Team was shocked to learn that North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) have given the nod to developer Redrow to put in a planning application on land previously set aside for new health facilities at the former Frenchay Hospital site.

Back in November we were told that the future requirements for community health and care facilities at Frenchay and Thornbury were going back to the drawing board. We know now that, by that time, NBT were already in talks with Redrow about developing housing across much of the Frenchay site.

We think it is outrageous that the NBT are considering allowing houses to be built on land that was supposed to be used for community health facilities before they’ve worked out how they are going to provide those facilities. It's a sad reflection on Government underfunding of our local NHS that they feel under pressure to do this.

Photo on fields off Roundways on Wednesday

Local resident Stephie Richardson has started a petition challenging the whole Joint Spatial Plan process. It already has over 900 signatures.

Now the action group VALID are asking local people to meet by the gate into the fields off Roundways, near the Manor School at 9.30am next Wednesday (24th) for a group photograph.

New South Glos wards confirmed

The Local Government Boundary Commission for England has published its final recommendations for the new wards for South Gloucestershire Council, to take effect from the elections in May next year. In the area covered by this blog:

• Charfield ward will be unchanged. 
• Westerleigh and Ladden Brook wards will disappear. 
• Frampton Cotterell ward will be enlarged to become a three member ward, covering the parishes of Frampton Cotterell, Iron Acton, Rangeworthy and Tytherington and the Coalpit Heath ward of Westerleigh Parish. 
• The Westerleigh ward of Westerleigh Parish and Dodington South ward of Dodington Parish, which are both currently in Westerleigh ward, will move into an enlarged Boyd Valley ward.
• Wickwar Parish will move into a new two member Chipping Sodbury and Cotswold Edge ward.

The external boundaries of the Parishes are unchanged. For example Westerleigh Parish will still cover Westerleigh village, most of Coalpit Heath, Henfield, Ram Hill, Kendleshire, Mayshill, Nibley (south of the River Frome) and the Stover Road area of Yate. However, instead of being in the one member Westerleigh ward, the Parish will now be covered partly by the 3 member Frampton Cotterell ward and partly by the 2 member Boyd Valley ward.

Site visit for car park extension plans

At the DC (East) planning committee last week, councillors decided that they needed to see the land where the council is proposing to extend their Badminton Road office car park before making a decision on whether it should go ahead.

The visit will take place at 10.20 am on Friday 26th January. The officer's report is available online.

Ram Hill 20mph limit formally advertised

Following last year's consultation on the proposed 20mph limit on Ram Hill, Broad Lane (Ram Hill end) and Serridge Lane, the Statutory Notice for the new limit has now been published. You can find out more here.

Roll out of smaller black bins starts

Back in July 2016, we reported that the Conservative council would be cutting the black bin sizes from 240 litres to 140 litres. The roll out of the new smaller bins starts next Monday and will take around three months to complete.

 This is what will happen on the day yours changes:

• Your black bin will be emptied into the usual lorry.
• A crew following behind will remove the wheels and stack the old bins at the roadside in groups of ten. The stacks will be placed on their sides without blocking pavements, driveways or footpaths. 
• Later the same day, another vehicle will remove the old bins - most parts of the bin will be recycled. 
• Another crew will follow the round in the other direction, delivering new bins, so depending on where you are in the round you may get your new bin delivered before the old one is taken away.

Throughout this process your collection day will stay the same. You can find out more about recycling on the South Glos website. If you can't find the help you need online, call 01454 868000.

Wessex Water unveil new sewer plans

There was a good turn out at the drop-in at Westerleigh Village Hall on Monday, where Wessex Water unveiled their plans to build a sewer bypassing the village for the abattoir waste. It is hoped this will address both flooding and odour issues in the village.

The new 1.6km pipe will be exclusively for Tulip trade effluent and will join the main Yate 600mm sewer north of the Nibley Lane junction. The work will cost £1 million and start in September 2018, taking an estimated 5-6 months.

There were also representatives from Tulip and the Environment Agency on hand to answer questions. Tulip will be putting in place a dedicated phone number to report any further issues.

Let's hope the new sewer will put an end to the bad odours affecting the village.

Temporary closure of Henfield Road

South Glos have issued a notice to say that Henfield Road will be closed from Station Road to Ram Hill at some point on or after 24th January. The closure will only operate while signs are in place and is expected to take place over one night between 8.30pm and 4am.

History talk next Wednesday

The latest Frampton Cotterell and District Local History Society talk will take place on Wednesday 17 January 2018 at 7.30pm in the Zion Church, Frampton Cotterell. "A Little Kingdom – the Harman family’s Lundy 1925 to 1969" is a talk by Andre Countanche. All are welcome, the entry is £4, including light refreshments, or you can pay an annual subscription of £15.

Time running out to have your say on housing plans

Time is running out to have your say on plans for thousands of new homes in our area - all comments have to be made by the end of 10th January - that's next Wednesday.

How to have your say

You can comment online - you can step through the Joint Spatial Plan section by section and there is a button at the bottom of each section that allows you to add a comment. You'll need to register with the site, if you haven't already done so for a previous consultation, and log in. Do make sure you submit each comment before moving on to the next section.

Policy 2 sets out the Spatial Strategy - this lists the locations where large numbers of houses are proposed and explains why. The five locations in South Gloucestershire are covered by policies 7.8 to 7.12. Don't be misled by the latter being labelled Yate, the land is actually in Iron Acton and Westerleigh Parishes.

If you're short of time, focus on the policy for the area of most interest to you, you don't have to respond to every policy.

Before making your comments, it is well worth reading this page on how to comment and this guide to commenting.

Remember, this is your last chance to have your say so don't leave it to others. Once the plan has been adopted it will be too late to change where the new development goes.

Reminder - Westerleigh smell drop-in on Monday

Before Monday's Westerleigh Parish Council meeting in Westerleigh Village Hall, there will be a drop-in from 5.30-7pm where local people can talk to Wessex Water, Tulip (abattoir owners) and the Environment Agency about the smell problem in the village. This follows the good news that Wessex Water plan to start on a Flood Alleviation Scheme in the autumn, which will introduce a new section of sewer that will take the discharge from the abattoir and bypass the village.

Woodlands Farm - Barratt Homes to appeal

As some eagle-eyed residents have spotted, correspondence on the web page for the Woodlands Farm "Blackberry Park" application shows that Barratt Homes are going to appeal against the council's refusal last summer.

What is on the website at the moment is pre-appeal correspondence, where they're sorting out what form the appeal will take. The Planning Inspectorate have agreed with Barratt Homes that there will be a public inquiry but Barratt Homes have not yet submitted the Appeal Start Letter. This is the official notification of the start of the appeal and is key because all the dates (for example, the deadline for comments) will flow from that. When South Glos gets the Appeal Start Letter they will then notify Claire Young as ward member, the Parish Council and so on.

For the hundreds of people who objected to the application, this will not be a welcome start to the new year. When the appeal does start, we will let you know how you can have your say.

Have your say on Climate Change Strategy

Climate Change is one of the biggest challenges facing the world today. South Glos Council is currently consulting on its draft Climate Change Strategy for 2018 - 2023. You can find out more and have your say at www.southglos.gov.uk/climate18 until 12th March.
There are several ways you can respond:

• Take part in the online survey
• Download and print a paper copy of the survey and send to Freepost  RTXL-YJXJ-BXEX, South Gloucestershire Council, Corporate Research & Consultation Team, Climate Change Strategy, Council offices, Badminton Road, Yate, BRISTOL BS37 5AF
• Email: consultation@southglos.gov.uk
• Telephone: 01454868154

Next mining talk

The next South Glos Mines Research Group talk will take place on Wednesday 10th January, 2018 at the Cricket Club, Serridge Lane, Coalpit Heath, BS36 2TT (7:30pm for an 8:00pm start). The talk by Jonathan Maisey will be about the history and exploration of Windrush Quarry, one of the underground sources of Cotswold Stone. Non-members pay £2 or you can pay £17.50 to become a member and attend the regular talks for free.