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.