Worrying noises from Government about Yate Minor Injuries Unit

Focus Team councillors demanding better use of the MIU

A letter from Jeremy Hunt, the Secretary of State for Health, has cast doubts on the effectiveness of Yate MIU in reducing the number of people going to casualty at Southmead Hospital. Although he hasn't shared his evidence, he's using that as an excuse to stop the project for another MIU at Cossham Hospital.

But the health service locally is hindered by the lack of services being provided at the Yate MIU:

• It doesn't open on Saturday afternoons when lots of sporting and children's accidents happen.
• It shuts its doors early when they've got too many patients (i.e. they haven't got enough staff to deal with a rush).
• People still have to go to Southmead for outpatient clinics that could be delivered locally.

Some parts of the service work well, such as the walk-in X-Ray facility, where you can often be seen very quickly. But until this very good facility is opened and staffed properly, it won't have the desired impact on Southmead casulaty numbers. We need to make sure that we keep the services we've already got and stop the Government even thinking that it's ineffective. More clinics and longer hours please!

Severn Vale Area Forum tomorrow

The Severn Vale Area Forum (which covers Charfield ward) takes place on Wednesday 1st July at 7pm at Turnberries Community Centre, Thornbury.

As well as the usual open session, the agenda includes the allocation of community grants, presentations about food/waste recycling plus a presentation from BT about broadband.

Time running out to have your say on Plan

Time is running out to have your say on protecting our countryside.

You only have until 5pm on 3 July 2015 (not 2nd as we previously reported) to make comments on the Policies, Sites and Places (PSP) Plan which South Glos Council approved for submission to the planning inspector in March.

There have been a number of concerns in our area - including the rejected proposals for new development in Westerleigh and the proposals to change the designation of some traveller sites.
Claire will make sure that the petition that local residents collected in relation to the latter gets to the Inspector but we strongly advise people to write again with their comments as individual letters always carry more weight.

At this stage comments should focus on whether the Plan was prepared according to the legal requirements and whether it is “sound”. This is explained in more detail on the consultation pages on the South Glos website. The best way to comment is using the Council’s online consultation system or you can  email PlanningLDF@southglos.gov.uk

Don't forget there is a separate, informal consultation on the sites put forward for Local Green Space designation, which runs until 30th July. We'll be writing more on this shortly.

Latest news on the Manor Hall and Coalpit Heath Pre-School

There was a lengthy debate at the Manor Hall SGM on Monday evening about the issues surrounding Coalpit Heath Pre-School being given notice. This ended with the Parishioners present voting on whether the notice should be withdrawn, although the Trustees said that under their constitution they would not be bound by the outcome. In the event the Parishioners voted 54 votes to 36 against withdrawing the notice.

Pat Hill said that she wishes to stand down as Chair of the Trustees at the AGM, which is due to be held on 11th August. Notices will be posted at least 14 days before. She invited new people to come forward to apply to be trustees by 1st July - more information is available here.

It was announced that a new pre-school provider had already agreed to move into the Manor Hall as early as possible in the new school year. The new provider will be circulating information shortly.

Coalpit Heath Pre-School has announced they will be moving to Mafeking Hall off Serridge Lane from September. They will have sole use of the building during the day, which will enable them to offer an increased service for 2-5 year olds, with a breakfast club, longer opening hours and a large outdoor forest school play area. They are putting in place assisted travel arrangements. For more information phone 07715 531066 or 07979 475757 or email Charnicholls12@hotmail.co.uk

Roadworks on Badminton Road

Wales and West Utilities are due to start work outside 294 Badminton Road today. They will be using Stop/Go boards and the work is expected to be completed by 30th June.

Refresh 2 Impress

South Gloucestershire and Stroud College are holding a "Refresh 2 Impress" event aimed at the over 50s.

The course offers:

• Free Maths qualification
• Option of choosing 3 fun and interactive sessions including:
•  2 Art options – Painting/Photography
• Sport options – Gentle gym (strength and conditioning) or bowls/Table tennis/Golf 
• First Aid at home
• Technology – Tablets, Skype, Emails/Using the Internet to save time & money – Ebay, Uswitch, Online shopping, On line banking, Booking trips
• Free Lunch each day
• Free tea/coffee with biscuits/cakes
• Chance to have an amazing 3 days, meet like-minded people and just have fun…

There are 2 start dates: Monday 13th July – Wednesday 15th July and Wednesday 15th July - Friday 17th July. Each day will start at 9.30 finishing no later than 4pm. Both taking place at WISE campus, New Road, Stoke Gifford. Bristol, BS348LP (plenty of free parking available). For more information read the online flyer or contact 0800 056 6940.

Have your say on solar farm

South Glos Council is currently considering options for a ground-mounted solar panel project at Leigh Farm 1 in Pucklechurch, near the boundary with Westerleigh Parish.

The consultation is now open and runs until Wednesday 15 July. There will be a drop in exhibition where council officers will be available to answer questions about the proposals at Pucklechurch Community Centre, Abson Road, Pucklechurch, BS16 9RH on Tuesday 30 June from 3pm to 7.30pm.

Officer want to hear your views on whether this is a suitable site, would you prefer a council owned or community owned project and would you like to be involved in taking it forward?

You can find out more on the consultation web page.