Coalsack Lane to close on Wednesday

Coalsack Lane will be closed on 26 August between 9.30am and 2.30pm so that the road can be cleaned and maintenance work carried out on the drainage system. People will still be able to access properties along the road during the works.

MP urges action on spiralling unemployment

Local MP Steve Webb has called for urgent Government action to tackle the spiralling level of unemployment in this area. Although it remains well below the national average, the number of people out of work and claiming benefit has more than trebled in the last year.

Steve said, "It is a source of great concern that unemployment levels are rising rapidly in our area. There is a danger that the Government concentrates all of its attention on traditional unemployment 'blackspots' and neglects areas such as ours which have had low unemployment in the past but are now being hard hit by the Recession."

"I am urging the Government to ensure that local JobCentres have more resources to assist those who are unemployed. We also need to make sure that the banks lend money to the many viable local businesses who are struggling to raise finance".

If you are a local employer being hit by the recession, Steve would like to hear from you. You can find all his contact details on the front page of his website.

Free testing for electric blankets

If you would like to have an electric blanket tested free of charge (normal cost £20) and can get to The Pavillion, Elm Park Filton on Friday 18th September, please book an appointment by calling 01454 863632.

Worried about local roads and pavements?

Your Focus team is receiving complaints about the state of the local roads and pavements. The number of potholes and uneven surfaces are causing particular problems for cyclists. Cracked pavements are difficult for people with mobility problems and for buggy pushers.

South Glos Council has put extra funding into highway maintenance this year but clearly it isn't enough to do all that is needed. Woodside Road, Ram Hill, Broad Lane, Newlands Avenue, Fernleaze, Vicarage Road, The close, Lower Chapel Lane, Rylestone Close, The Land, Harris Barton and Henfield Road are all either scheduled to be done or have been done already this financial year.

If you spot particular problems, contact Street Care on 01454 868000 or online.

We say no to Windmill Green

If you want to help protect the fields next to Park Farm make a note in your diary for October 20th. That is when the three day Public Inquiry into Barratts proposals for 220 houses starts. It will be held in the Ship Inn at Thornbury.

Local residents made it very clear to Frampton Cotterell Parish Council when they came along to the planning committee meeting that they found these proposals totally unacceptable. Many more of you signed a petition. South Glos Council refused the planning application and will be defending its decision at the Inquiry held by a Government Inspector.

Frampton Cotterell Parish Council has agreed that Pat Hockey should represent it at the inquiry. It is very important that the Inspector can clearly see that she is speaking on behalf of local residents!

More change in Yate

Yate town centre has seen a lot of development recently and there is more to come. Tesco now has permission to build its new store in Yate (you can read more in the Gazette). Also Yate Town Council has agreed its half of the joint funding with South Glos Council for the Youth Cafe.

The new Health Centre is still on track and the NHS are asking people to come up with a name for it.