Partial reprieve for libraries but mobile library to be scrapped

After a consultation which attracted 3,600 responses, the Conservatives were forced to rethink their original plans for library cuts but unfortunately the new plans are very much a mixed bag.

The good news is that people in Chipping Sodbury have come together to save their library as a volunteer-run service and several other communities have offered to run libraries in village halls and other venues.

We also welcome the use of new technology to open library buildings for longer. Those aged 16 and over will be able to register to access libraries with their library card when staff aren't present. Children will have to be accompanied by an adult.

Unfortunately staff hours will still be cut significantly and the mobile library service will be scrapped altogether. That currently serves over 50 communities, many in our rural areas. The council says it can support up to 10 community libraries. If you will be affected by the loss of the mobile service, please let us know.

Back when the budget was set in February, your Focus Team made it clear we felt services like libraries were more important than shaving a small amount of the green bin charge. Many people have told us they agree. Unfortunately when we backed an amendment to that effect, we were outvoted.

There will now be a consultation on the proposals for each library, for example on which days and times staff should be present. We'll let you know when you can have your say. The changes are due to be made in October 2017.

Reminder - Severn Tunnel to close on Monday

The Severn Tunnel will be closed between Monday 12 September and Friday 21 October but Great Western Railway are keen to reassure you that their services will still be running  - with trains being diverted or replaced by buses.

Alternative timetables will operate throughout the work, with journeys to London taking about 35 minutes longer and Bristol 45 minutes longer. This is essential work towards bringing electrification through to Cardiff and Swansea.

Full details of the changes are on their website.

Discover festival launched

The Discover Festival is running again this autumn. It gives you a chance to discover and enjoy something new in our area.

This weekend there will be a series of Heritage Open Days. Over the coming weeks there will be over 280 events, many of them free, on the themes of Crafts, Nature, Learning, Heritage, Food, Arts, Active and Wellbeing.

To find out more visit www.southglos.gov.uk/discover or like www.facebook.com/discoversouthglos

Street Care using the Road to Nowhere

The council's Street Care team are going to be using the end of the Road to Nowhere nearest the Badminton Road offices as a temporary storage and compound area to support the implementation of the new waste strategy. Initially the site will be used to store vehicles overnight while the existing yard at Dean Road is re-developed. The site will then be used to store the new recycling vehicles and finally will provide space to support the changeover of household bins. All the activity is temporary, they will be off the site by the end of 2017 and no waste will be stored on the site at any time.

This week they have cleared the overgrown vegetation and will be laying some additional gravel over the next few days before securing the front and back with a fence to link the existing side fences. The large rocks will stay in place at the entrance until the site is fully secured. Once in use there will be additional security.

Westerleigh traffic calming concerns

In 2015, the Frome Vale Area Forum supported an investigation into further traffic calming measures in Westerleigh after complaints from residents about some of the measures implemented so far. These include concerns from local cyclists about the safety of the pinch points.

Unfortunately the final outcome of the investigation has been delayed by the departure of the officer who was handling it. Local councillor Claire Young has been talking to officers to get things back on track and on Wednesday met the officer now working on the investigation and a senior manager from Street Care on site to go through the list of problems residents have raised.

We will update you when we have more information.

Finding out about our mining heritage

The next Ram Hill Colliery Open Day will be held on Sunday 11th September between 10am and 4.30pm. Guided walks and refreshments will be on offer. Visitors are advised to take care under foot and children and dogs should be supervised. Donations welcome. If you have any queries, please call David and Marian Gooden on 0117 932 2602.

You can also visit Oldwood Pits at Tanhouse Lane, Rangeworthy (BS37 7PZ) this weekend. There is nothing accessible underground due to flooding, but you can see the mine office, mining artefacts and displays and as part of a guided tour you can see the pit shaft and drift mine entrance. Tours are every half hour between 2pm and 5pm on Saturday 10th September and 11am and 3.30pm on Sunday 11th September. No need to book in advance, you can book your tour on arrival. Any queries, please call David Hardwick on 01454 299053.

These events are part of the Discover Festival.

Time running out to have your say on plan

Time is running out to have your say on the revised Policies, Sites and Places Plan. You have until 7pm on Thursday 8th September to have your say.

The plan provides detailed planning policies that the council will use when making decisions on planning applications and also protects some of our much valued open spaces by designating them Local Green Spaces but not all.