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.

Get involved in improving health services

Do you receive health or social care in South Glos? Do you want to help make the services better? Then why not join the LINk (Local Improvement Network)? The next meeting is taking place in Westerleigh village hall on Monday 3rd August from 2pm to 4pm. There will be a short talk from the Independent Complaints and Advocacy Service. For more information ring Sarah Booker on 0117 9589351 or 0117 9589349.

Latest swine flu advice from Council

You can read the latest swine flu advice from South Glos Council on their website. In particular, they stress that if you need anti-viral medication, rather than go out yourself and risk spreading the illness to other people, including health professionals, you should ask a "flu friend" to collect the medication on your behalf.

If you have children, you can find the latest information about schools, nurseries, pre-schools, children's centres and other services online.

The safe way to dispose of energy-saving light bulbs

Did you know, energy saving lightbulbs should not be put in your black bin? Instead, save them up for your next trip to the nearest Sort It centre, where they will be treated as hazardous waste.