Bin collection day changes

Watch out for your new bin calendar 'hanger' between 12th and 23rd May.

SITA are changing the collection rounds from 2nd June to accommodate the new materials you can now recycle and to cope with the major new developments being built around South Glos. It's important to read the hanger carefully because you may have a new collection day and there are changes to which items are put out on which weeks.

From 2nd June the fortnightly schedule will change so that black and green bins will go out together, with the green recycling box being collected in the other week. Plastics and cardboard will be collected on alternate weeks, the hanger will say which, while food waste will continue to be collected weekly.

If you don't get a bin hanger by Monday 26th May, please contact the council on streetcare@southglos.gov.uk or by calling 01454 868000. You can check your collection schedule online at any time via www.southglos.gov.uk/sortit

Sainsbury's Local application given the go ahead

Plans to build a Sainsbury's Local Store in the car park of the Badminton Arms pub in Coalpit Heath were given the go ahead today by the DC (East) planning committee.

Despite impassioned pleas from local traders and residents to turn it down because of the impact it would have on the existing village shops, a motion to do that proposed by Pat Hockey was voted down. The committee went on to support the application by 7 votes to 3 with 3 abstentions.

A large crowd of objectors turned out and extra time was allowed so that a Westerleigh Parish Councillor, local trader Edwina Pennell and resident Kath Aldom could all have their say. Ward councillor Claire Young talked about the results of the survey she carried out, which attracted over 200 responses, and Frampton Cotterell councillor Dave Hockey spoke of the importance of protecting local independent shops, as set out in the Village Design Statement for the two villages. He read out a letter from the owners of Coalpit Heath Post Office demonstrating the effect the application was already having.

When the result of the vote was declared, there were cries of dismay from the packed public gallery. As news of the decision sunk in, there was a clear message from local traders - "Use us or lose us".

Application for dairy farm following wind turbine approval

Following the approval on appeal for a wind turbine south of the B4465 at Wapley, the applicant has now made an application to South Glos for a dairy on the land. You can find the details online (if for any reason that link doesn't work, please go to the planning application search page and enter the reference number PK14/1112/F).

Have your say at Area Forum

The latest Area Forum meetings take place next week:

Severn Vale (including Charfield ward) - Wednesday 14 May, 7pm, Turnberries Community Centre, Thornbury 
Frome Vale (including Frampton Cotterell, Laddenbrook and Westerleigh wards) - Thursday 15 May, 7pm, Frampton Cotterell Primary School, Frampton Cotterell

The meetings will include an open session where you can have your say on any issue affecting our area and you can also join in the discussions before any formal decisions are made. We will be making decisions on the latest New Homes Bonus applications and receiving progress reports on local transport schemes.

For more information visit www.southglos.gov.uk/areaforum

Volunteer for the Summer Reading Challenge

Are you, or do you know, a young person who would like to help children to enjoy reading?

Every summer, South Glos libraries run a Summer Reading Challenge to encourage children to keep reading during the holidays. Over 7000 took part last year. South Glos is currently looking for volunteers to get involved in a variety of activities from talking to children about the books they are reading and helping them to choose what to read next, to helping with the summer activities and creating displays in the library. The closing date for applications is Monday 16 June. Volunteers must be aged 14 or over.

As well as being a great way to help others, being a Summer Reading Challenge volunteer is also an opportunity for young people to get new skills and experience for their CVs. This year’s Summer Reading Challenge runs from 12 July to 13 September, and the theme is Mythical Maze. Once again children are challenged to read six books to collect their very own medal and certificate.

For more information on how to get involved ask a member of staff at any South Gloucestershire library, phone 01454 868451 or email emma.fisher@southglos.gov.uk

Apply for a grant

Local voluntary groups can now apply for a grant of up to £3,000 from South Gloucestershire Council to benefit their local community.

The old grant system has been streamlined and the Area Forums will be making a decision on grants up to four times per year. The grants are available to groups to develop specific projects and provide activities that meet local needs. Projects can include a range of topics including arts and culture, sport, children and play, community safety, developing communities, supporting vulnerable people to promoting equality and tackling poverty.

If you would like to apply for funding, applications for the first round can be made up until the closing date on Monday 2 June. For more information and to make an application visit www.southglos.gov.uk/grants Alternatively, you can call the helpline Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm on 01454 865865, or email grants@southglos.gov.uk

May Day Fun on the Green

The sun shone, the crowds came - everyone had a great time.

Children from Iron Acton and Frampton Cotterell schools both did superb maypole dancing displays which were thoroughly enjoyed and roundly applauded. Some of the entertainment on offer was a bit scary if you didn’t like heights but the kids had a whale of a time. Many stalls were doing a roaring trade, especially the hot dog stall and the beer tent!

 

Loads of Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath residents and their children celebrated the closure of Frampton End Road and walked, cycled or scooted to Iron Acton. 

Congratulations to Iron Acton on another superb event.