Ram Hill bus concerns

At last week's Safer and Stronger Community Group meeting, local beat manager PC Finbar Simmons reported back on the concerns raised at the previous meeting that buses were speeding on Ram Hill.

Between them, the police and Community Speed Watch visited Ram Hill nine times to check the speed of buses. Because they weren’t trying to gather evidence with regards to prosecution, they could do it more discretely, and they tried a number of different positions, including on the steep hill. Eight buses were found to be doing under 30mph, one other was slightly over but still below the enforcement level.

The conclusion was that although there is a perception they are speeding, perhaps because of their size on a comparatively narrow road, there is no evidence they are routinely doing so.

There is still the question of whether 30mph is appropriate on this road. Prior to raising this issue on behalf of residents at the last meeting, ward councillor Claire Young had asked highways officials at South Glos to add investigating a possible 20mph limit on this road to the list of highways schemes to be considered for future selection. That is a long process though, even once a scheme is selected. In the meantime, if you have any views, please contact Claire.

How could maternity services improve?

The NHS Maternity Review wants to hear what you think is good about maternity services and what could be done to improve them. The consultation is open until 31 October to anyone with an interest in maternity, including women and their families, professionals, commissioners and other organisations. You can have your say here.

Road works next week

Anyone who has travelled through Coalpit Heath on Badminton Road will have seen the large illuminated signs warning of road works starting on Monday.

Also starting next week are night time roadworks on the A4174 ring road, between Emerson's Green and Kingswood. The works will be undertaken between the hours of 8pm and 6am, during which time the road will be closed to all traffic and signed diversions put in place. During the daytime traffic may have to run on a temporary surface so speed restrictions will be in place. The work is expected to last until 22nd October, but dates could vary due to problems like poor weather.

Have your say on adult social care changes

South Glos Council is looking to increase its income from adult social care charges. Three areas are being considered:

• Telecare (sometimes known as “Piper Lifeline” or the “Life Line Service”)
• Deferred Charges of care fees
• Home Care Charges (for home care and community based support)

Service users who already receive subsidised charges will not contribute any more, only self-funders will be affected. Further information is available here:

https://consultations.southglos.gov.uk/consult.ti/cahfees2015/consultationHome

You have until 31 October 2015 to have your say.

Paul's Place Fashion Show

There will be a Fashion Show and Sale in aid of Paul's Place on FASHION SHOW & SALE In aid of  Thursday 29th October at 7.00 pm for 7.30 pm in the Greenfield Centre, Park Avenue, Winterbourne. Tickets are £5.50 and a full range of sizes will be available with an opportunity to try before you buy. For tickets and further information, please contact Paul’s Place on 01454 777236.

Harvest events

This weekend is a popular one for harvest events. Winterbourne Medieval Barn is holding its Orchard Harvest Day 11am - 4pm on Sunday 4th October. As usual there will be all things apple, food and drink to consume on site or take away. There will also be ferret racing, falconry, archery and a working medieval kitchen. Entrance is £2 for adults, under 16s go free. Car parking will be available next to the barn at £2 per vehicle, all proceeds going to the charity Paul’s Place. Note that the diversion due to work on the M4 motorway bridge will not be in place so you will be able to travel along Beacon Lane.

Also on Sunday, St James, Westerleigh is holding a harvest lunch at 12.30pm. More info including a booking link is available on their website.

Businesses in Codrington can apply for broadband connection vouchers

Following a request from a resident, a South Glos official has liaised directly with Central Government's Super Connected Cities Programme team to get Codrington postcodes added to the eligible postcode list. The scheme gives businesses a connection voucher of up to £3,000 for faster, better broadband. You can find out more and apply here:

https://www.connectionvouchers.co.uk/