Still time to register to vote or apply for a postal vote

There is still time to register to vote or apply for a postal vote for the local elections on 5th May.

Registering to vote

To vote, you must be on the electoral register. If you have moved in since 15 October last year, you will need to re-register at your new address to be able to vote there. If you are unsure if you are registered to vote please contact the helpline on 01454 863030.  The deadline for applications to vote at these elections is 5pm on the 14th April 2011 but it's best to make sure you are registered as early as possible.You can download the form from the South Glos website.

Voting by Post or Proxy 
 
If you want to apply to vote by post, or want to change your existing postal or proxy voting arrangements, the deadline for South Glos to receive your form is 5pm on 14th April. New proxy voting applications can be received up until 5pm on the 21 April. Download the postal or proxy forms from the South Glos website.

Postal votes will be issued on the 18th April 2011 by first class post.

Wickwar - Downs Road new safety signs

 The new signs and chevrons have just been installed. This will hopefully make this dangerous corner safer, and more obvious, for all drivers to take at a reduced speed. This has been partly paid for by CEMEX related to their plans to extend the quarry. The entrance to King George V Playing Field has now been widened to improve visibility, and the realignment of the wall opposite is underway. This will dramatically improve visibility for drivers entering Wickwar.

Take Note 2011 Festival

Take Note 2011 gives you a chance to sample the best local amateur and youth music at free events at your local library.

The events for Yate Library are:

Saturday 2 April
2.15-2.45pm   Yate Choral Society
3.00-4.00pm    Dodington Parish Band

Thursday 7 April
2.00pm    Raysfield Primary School

Council wins case against car traders

Residents have been very unhappy about the large advert for a car sales company in the field by the viaduct on Badminton Road. It's been a real eyesore.

Claire Young is delighted to be able to report that it has been removed after South Glos Council's planning enforcement team won the day in court yesterday. The car firm involved were fined £2,000 with £500 costs for display of adverts without consent. Fingers crossed this will deter other traders from using illegal advertising.

New 30mph limit coming to Cromhall

With a 30mph speed now in place through Rangeworthy, Charfield councillor, Sandra O'Neil felt it was very unsatisfactory that the same Wotton Road through Cromhall should continue with a 40mph limit.

Sandra, pictured left with husband John, said, "The heavy lorries and constant stream of cars travelling between Yate and the motorway all go through Cromhall and Tortworth as well as Rangeworthy. It is just as difficult for local residents to walk to school with their children or to cross the road."

Sandra succeeded in convincing the other councillors on the Thornbury & Severn Vale Area Forum that this was a priority. They agreed to allocate funding from their local transport budget to enable the 30mph speed limit to go ahead for Cromhall.

Rangeworthy 30mph speed limit in place

The new speed limit has now been installed and is in force and enforceable. Flashing warning signs will be installed near the P.C. Car Park and in New Rd.

This had been requested by Rangeworthy Parish Council to reduce the danger from lorries going through the village at the time when children were walking to school. The flashing reminder sign opposite the Rose and Crown, has been recording the number and speed of vehicles, but not details of individual vehicles.

Rethink forced on care home closure timetable

At last week's South Glos Council meeting, there was a debate on the Council's care home closure plans, triggered by local resident Mr John Williams presenting a petition with over 2600 names at Cabinet. During the debate, Lib Dem Alan Lawrance won cross-party backing for a rethink of the closure timetable.  Read more on the South Glos Lib Dems website.