Have you had your bin hanger?

By now you should have had a "bin hanger" on your black bin explaining about the round changes. It's important to read this carefully because not only may the day you put your bin out be changing but also what goes out on which weeks.

From June 2nd, the black and green bins will go out on the same week, with the recycling box going out the other week. Check your bin hanger to see which week your plastic and cardboard go out. If you have any problems, visit www.southglos.gov.uk/sortit or call 01454 868000.

Weather worry for Church Road work

Torrential downpours are putting the timescale of the Church Road bridge demolition and replacement in doubt. The work is very dependent on the water levels in the River Frome, which are currently high due to all the rain. We wait to see what the impact will be if we have another wet summer like two years ago.

Dairy application latest

Last week Claire Young attended the Dodington Parish Council Planning Sub-Committee meeting, along with the applicant for the dairy farm at Wapley and concerned residents. At the meeting, the Parish Council asked for it to be referred to committee and for a site visit to look at concerns about the scale and location of the proposed dairy building. There were also worries about the impact on the water course. Claire has written to the case officer indicating that this is what she will do if the recommendation is for approval.

Success for Beesmoor Road Playing Field pavillion roof application

At the recent Frome Vale Area Forum, Pat Hockey’s proposal seconded by Dave that the full amount of £9, 991 should be paid from the New Homes Bonus funds to Beesmoor Road Playing Field Committee so they could reroof the pavilion was unanimously approved by the Area Committee.

Pat stated that the roof has been in dire need of replacement for many years. Dave explained to the Area Committee that Beesmoor Road Playing Field Committee (BRPFC) does raise funds each year through car boot sales in the summer to help run and maintain the field and play equipment on behalf of the village. £9,991 was however far beyond their accumulated funds.

The bid which was submitted by Alison Lee on behalf of the Committee stated that the Football Club aimed to get the pavilion reroofed over the summer in time for the new season. Because the existing roof contains asbestos, the appropriate measures will need to be taken when it is removed.

We are delighted that this bid was successful – well done BRPFC.

Badminton Road phone mast to be upgraded

Vodafone have notified South Glos that they are going to replace the Badminton Road phone mast with a 4G one a few metres away and install three new cabinets. This is not a full planning application and the council cannot stop them installing the new mast but can comment on its position and design. Claire Young knocked on doors of those closest to the site and fed back comments to Vodafone. You can comment on the South Glos website by going to the Simple Search page and searching for PK14/1841/PN1. The deadline for comments is Monday 9th June.

Yate Station Celebration - and looking to the future

Twenty five years ago Yate station reopened, following a major campaign by local people. This enabled Pat Hockey, pictured second from right in the cake cutting photo and at that time Joint Chair of Avon County Council’s Planning and Transport Committee, to get approval for the scheme to go ahead. 

The Friends of Yate Station organised a special celebration event last Sunday with stalls, a brass band, afternoon tea, vintage and railway display, and a heritage tent to share artefacts and memories. The sun shone and the cake was stunning! Sarah not only made it but also helped Baroness Kramer cut it (see above).

The Friends of Yate Station have helped get many improvements in recent years, like improved cycling parking, a ticket machine, new flower beds and the attractive plaque in the picture above. Baroness Kramer is the Transport Minister so we made sure she knew we need more trains, including later evening ones and earlier ones on Sunday. There's always plenty more to do, so if you are a regular user of the station why not get along to one of the meetings and get involved? You can find out more on the Yate Town Council website.

More pictures of the day are available on Facebook.

Half term events in local libraries

Libraries across South Gloucestershire are holding an exciting programme of free activities for young people during the school holidays. These include rhymetimes, stories, crafts and activities, with fun themes ranging from springtime to under the sea.

All activities are free drop-ins for 4 to 10-year-olds unless otherwise stated. Some of those local to our area are:

Tuesday 27 May
Pirate craft fun
Yate Library, 10.30am to 12pm

Wednesday 28 May
Under the sea
Fishy and watery crafts that will make you look forward to your summer holiday at the sea side.
Winterbourne Library, 10am to 11.30am

Thursday 29 May
Mosaic madness
Make a mega mosaic mural to decorate the library and mini ones to take home.
Emersons Green Library, 2pm to 4pm

Some libraries will also be holding free story time and rhymetime for babies and toddlers and their parents or carers to enjoy stories, action songs and rhymes together.

Tuesday 27 May
Story time for 2 to 5 year olds
Emersons Green Library 2pm to 2.30pm

Rhymetime
Winterbourne Library 9.30am to 10am

For more information, contact the libraries on 01454 868006.