Thursday 30 June 2016
Night time ring road closures
The A4174 Ring Road between the Dramway and Deanery Road roundabouts will be closing overnight between 4th July and 17th August for maintenance. The closures will be between 8pm and 6am and a diversion route will be signed. You can get updates along with background information and Frequently Asked Questions at:
http://www.southglos.gov.uk/transport-and-streets/challenge-fund.
Wednesday 29 June 2016
Next Community Engagement Forum next Tuesday
The next Community Engagement Forum (CEF) (formerly Safer Stronger Community Group) meeting for the area covering Frampton Cotterell, Coalpit Heath and Westerleigh is on Tuesday 5th July at 7.30pm in the Greenfield Centre. There will be updates from the local fire and police services and from councillors, feedback on previous priorities and a discussion of local community issues.
Tuesday 28 June 2016
Next Yate, Chipping Sodbury and Dodington SSCG/CEF
The next Safer Stronger Community Group/Community Engagement Forum (SSCG/CEF) for Yate, Chipping Sodbury and Dodington is at 7pm on the 4th July at St Nicholas Family Centre, Abbotswood, Yate. The area covered includes the rural part of Dodington Parish, which is in Westerleigh ward.
Monday 27 June 2016
Devolution and planning document on the agenda
On Wednesday South Gloucestershire Council will be debating the proposed West of England devolution deal, which would result in a Metro Mayor. North Somerset have already rejected the deal so if it did go ahead it would only cover South Gloucestershire, Bristol and Bath & North East Somerset. Also under consideration at the meeting is the revised draft Policies, Sites and Places plan.
You can read more in the agenda papers online. If you attend the meeting you can speak for up to 5 minutes under Items from the Public.
You can read more in the agenda papers online. If you attend the meeting you can speak for up to 5 minutes under Items from the Public.
Friday 24 June 2016
South Glos votes to leave the EU
South Gloucestershire, like the country as a whole, has voted narrowly to leave the European Union. The official result in our area was:
Remain: 74,928 (47.3%)
Leave: 83,405 (52.7%)
Turnout: 76.2%
Your Focus Team campaigned positively with people of other parties and none for the UK to remain in the European Union, so of course we are disappointed. Now the momentous decision has been made to leave, we will continue to work to get the best for local people as our country takes the next steps.
We need to work together to reconcile the divisions this referendum has highlighted – if you would like to join us in doing that, please get in touch.
Remain: 74,928 (47.3%)
Leave: 83,405 (52.7%)
Turnout: 76.2%
Your Focus Team campaigned positively with people of other parties and none for the UK to remain in the European Union, so of course we are disappointed. Now the momentous decision has been made to leave, we will continue to work to get the best for local people as our country takes the next steps.
We need to work together to reconcile the divisions this referendum has highlighted – if you would like to join us in doing that, please get in touch.
Monday 20 June 2016
The most important 10 minutes this year
This Thursday our country faces its most important choice in a generation, as we vote on whether to remain in or leave the European Union. Your Focus Team believes it's vital that you use your vote to support REMAIN.
We believe we should stay in the EU, because that’s how we can tackle our most important problems – through a strong economy that can pay for vital services like the NHS and co-operation to tackle complex global challenges like climate change and terrorism.
Being in Europe keeps many jobs safe and makes sure we get lots of investment in Britain. But it also helps us in simple every day ways, for instance cutting mobile phone roaming charges and making sure we have access to medical care while on holiday.
Here in South Gloucestershire, prominent local businesses that provide jobs for local people have come out strongly in favour of a REMAIN vote. Airbus recently wrote to all employees, telling them: "Our position... is we firmly believe that it makes good economic sense to stay inside the EU which has helped make the company the global success story it is today. Apart from anything else, we simply don't know what 'out' looks like."
This is why your vote this week is crucial. The decision you make this Thursday will shape our country for years to come. We only have one chance – please make plans now for what time of day you will vote. You can vote at your usual place from 7am to 10pm. If you haven't used your postal vote yet, you can take it along to the polling station on the day.
There is still time to learn more and join our campaign by visiting www.libdems.org.uk/europe You can also let us know your views on the referendum by completing this survey.
We believe we should stay in the EU, because that’s how we can tackle our most important problems – through a strong economy that can pay for vital services like the NHS and co-operation to tackle complex global challenges like climate change and terrorism.
Being in Europe keeps many jobs safe and makes sure we get lots of investment in Britain. But it also helps us in simple every day ways, for instance cutting mobile phone roaming charges and making sure we have access to medical care while on holiday.
Here in South Gloucestershire, prominent local businesses that provide jobs for local people have come out strongly in favour of a REMAIN vote. Airbus recently wrote to all employees, telling them: "Our position... is we firmly believe that it makes good economic sense to stay inside the EU which has helped make the company the global success story it is today. Apart from anything else, we simply don't know what 'out' looks like."
This is why your vote this week is crucial. The decision you make this Thursday will shape our country for years to come. We only have one chance – please make plans now for what time of day you will vote. You can vote at your usual place from 7am to 10pm. If you haven't used your postal vote yet, you can take it along to the polling station on the day.
There is still time to learn more and join our campaign by visiting www.libdems.org.uk/europe You can also let us know your views on the referendum by completing this survey.
Friday 17 June 2016
Paying tribute to Jo Cox MP
Like many, we were shocked and saddened by the murder of Jo Cox, Labour MP for Batley and Spen. Regardless of political views, most people go into politics to do their best for their communities and the wider world. What shines through in the news reports is that that was exactly what Jo Cox was doing. Our thoughts are with her friends and family, especially her two young children who have so tragically lost their mother.
Thursday 16 June 2016
Nibley Lane to close for cleaning on Wednesday
Nibley Lane, between Westerleigh Road and Badminton Road, is expected to close for cleaning from 9.30am to 2.30pm on Wednesday 22nd June.
Badminton Road resurfacing brought forward
The resurfacing of Badminton Road that we previously reported on will now be carried out between the 27th June and 6th July
2016.
The works will involve the planing off of the existing surface of the carriageway and the laying of a new surface. The work will start at approximately 8.00pm and remain in place until approximately 6.00am, during which time the road will be closed and diversions will be in place.
The works will involve the planing off of the existing surface of the carriageway and the laying of a new surface. The work will start at approximately 8.00pm and remain in place until approximately 6.00am, during which time the road will be closed and diversions will be in place.
Wednesday 15 June 2016
Have your say on Keep Clear Markings
South Glos is asking for your views on a proposed scheme to improve the safety outside of Frampton Cotterell C of E School and make the advisory School keep clear markings mandatory. You can find out more and have your say here.
Tuesday 14 June 2016
HGV monitoring on local roads
Monitoring will be carried out in September as part of the investigation into a possible 7.5T environmental weight limit on the roads leading from the B4465 to Dodington Road.
The number and type of vehicles using the roads will be logged at a number of locations using wires across the roads. The monitoring counters also measure vehicle speeds for census purposes only and not enforcement. It will be done in September, after the peak holiday period, because this will give a better idea of how the roads are used typically. The data will help highways officials at South Gloucestershire Council make a decision about introducing a weight limit.
If a weight limit was introduced, heavy goods vehicles that need to access properties within the limit would still be able to use the roads.
The number and type of vehicles using the roads will be logged at a number of locations using wires across the roads. The monitoring counters also measure vehicle speeds for census purposes only and not enforcement. It will be done in September, after the peak holiday period, because this will give a better idea of how the roads are used typically. The data will help highways officials at South Gloucestershire Council make a decision about introducing a weight limit.
If a weight limit was introduced, heavy goods vehicles that need to access properties within the limit would still be able to use the roads.
Monday 13 June 2016
Resurfacing works around the area
Last week we reported that Badminton Road would be closed overnight for resurfacing work. Other roads around our area will also be resurfaced in the coming weeks:
- 20-23 June - Tytherington Road, Tytherington
- 21-29 June - Westerleigh Road, Pucklechurch
- 24 June - 2 July - Latteridge Road, Iron Acton, between the traffic lights and the railway line.
Friday 10 June 2016
More rogue trader and distraction burglary warnings
Avon and Somerset Police are reminding residents to be wary of unexpected callers.
There have been reports of possible Rogue Traders operating in this area recently, jet-washing driveways. Police advise not to use traders who call at the door unexpectedly, offering to do often unnecessary and overpriced repairs or provide services. Instead use a reputable tradesperson who has been recommended to you, get a written quote and never pay upfront or in cash. It is a legal requirement that any work undertaken that costs over £42 must come with a written 14-day “cooling off” period.
On Thursday there was a distraction-type burglary in Malmains Drive, Frenchay. The offenders knocked on the front door claiming to have lost a ball in the back garden and it is thought that while the resident was helping to look for the ball, another offender entered the property and searched upstairs. The Police are reminding residents to ensure that all doors and windows are kept locked at all times. Be wary of any unexpected callers, use a door chain if fitted, and don’t let anyone you don’t know into your home. Consider joining a Nominated Neighbour Scheme – speak to your local Beat Team or Neighbourhood Watch for details.
If you have any information regarding these incidents, please contact the Police on 101. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
The Coalpit Heath and Frampton East Neighbourhood Watch are reporting that a white transit van has been seen driving slowly along on a number of local roads in Coalpit Heath, with the occupants apparently looking around, and that young boys have been calling on residents offering to do jobs around the house. You can get their weekly updates on Facebook or by email.
There have been reports of possible Rogue Traders operating in this area recently, jet-washing driveways. Police advise not to use traders who call at the door unexpectedly, offering to do often unnecessary and overpriced repairs or provide services. Instead use a reputable tradesperson who has been recommended to you, get a written quote and never pay upfront or in cash. It is a legal requirement that any work undertaken that costs over £42 must come with a written 14-day “cooling off” period.
On Thursday there was a distraction-type burglary in Malmains Drive, Frenchay. The offenders knocked on the front door claiming to have lost a ball in the back garden and it is thought that while the resident was helping to look for the ball, another offender entered the property and searched upstairs. The Police are reminding residents to ensure that all doors and windows are kept locked at all times. Be wary of any unexpected callers, use a door chain if fitted, and don’t let anyone you don’t know into your home. Consider joining a Nominated Neighbour Scheme – speak to your local Beat Team or Neighbourhood Watch for details.
If you have any information regarding these incidents, please contact the Police on 101. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
The Coalpit Heath and Frampton East Neighbourhood Watch are reporting that a white transit van has been seen driving slowly along on a number of local roads in Coalpit Heath, with the occupants apparently looking around, and that young boys have been calling on residents offering to do jobs around the house. You can get their weekly updates on Facebook or by email.
Another Queen's birthday celebration event
Last week we highlighted events taking place this weekend to celebrate the Queen's official birthday in Frampton Cotterell, Westerleigh and Iron Acton:
- Beesmoor Road Playing Fields will be hosting a "Big Lunch" with a 90 year old guest of honour from 11.30am to 3.30pm on Sunday 12 June. There will be a children's fancy dress with the theme of royalty. Light refreshments will be on sale, bring your own picnic and a rug or seat. The Management Committee will be raising funds for the redevelopment of the children's play area and general maintenance of the playing fields through the sale of teas, coffees, cakes and a BBQ.
- Also on Sunday 12th June there will be a celebration in Westerleigh village. The Olde Inne car park will be filled with benches so everyone can bring their own picnic and the Neighbourhood Watch will be running a boules competition from 3pm on the grass area. St James Church will be open with a cake stall and exhibition.
- In Iron Acton there will be a Parish Picnic and Party in the Parish Hall and gardens on Saturday 11th June. The family BYO picnic with traditional children's games runs from 2pm to 5pm and is free of charge. From 7.30pm to 11pm there will be a party with bar, hot supper and music, tickets £10 per person.
Thursday 9 June 2016
Fact checking websites
If you feel confused by the claims and counter-claims made by the two sides in the EU referendum debate, it's worth checking out the BBC Reality Check and Channel 4 News FactCheck.
EU funding for rural businesses
LEADER is part of the EU's Farming and Rural Development Programme. Its priorities are:
The first step is to ring the LEADER office on 01275 333 701 or email to see if your postcode falls within the remit of the programme and whether it qualifies for financial support. The call for applications closes on 11th July.
- Support for Cultural and Heritage Activities
- Support for increasing Forestry productivity
- Support for Micro and Small Enterprises including Farm Diversification
- Support for Rural Tourism
- Support for increasing Farm Productivity
- Provision of Rural Services
- Rural/City links and Social Enterprise
The first step is to ring the LEADER office on 01275 333 701 or email to see if your postcode falls within the remit of the programme and whether it qualifies for financial support. The call for applications closes on 11th July.
Council response to recent fatality
Police are still investigating the tragic incident where a pedestrian was fatally injured in a collision with a car near the Park Lane junction on Badminton Road just after midnight on Monday 16th May.
Following the incident, South Glos highways officers reviewed the accident record and found there had been three accidents involving slight injury since January 2013. There is an existing yellow backed ‘junction to the left’ warning sign for northbound vehicles on Badminton Road. However this was observed to be obscured by vegetation and partially faded. Streetcare have now cut back the vegetation and the sign will be replaced and supplemented by a ‘SLOW’ road marking to highlight the junction.
Following the incident, South Glos highways officers reviewed the accident record and found there had been three accidents involving slight injury since January 2013. There is an existing yellow backed ‘junction to the left’ warning sign for northbound vehicles on Badminton Road. However this was observed to be obscured by vegetation and partially faded. Streetcare have now cut back the vegetation and the sign will be replaced and supplemented by a ‘SLOW’ road marking to highlight the junction.
Tuesday 7 June 2016
Badminton Road resurfacing in Coalpit Heath
The good news for local residents who have been concerned about the state of Badminton Road in Coalpit Heath is that the section between the railway viaduct and the junction with Bell Road is going to be resurfaced.
Unfortunately this does mean the road will have to be closed at nights, with diversions in place. The works will involve removing the existing surface and laying a new one and will be carried out between 8pm and 6am from 29th June to 7th July. There will be a significant amount of noise. Access to properties and amenities will be maintained, but it is essential that the road is kept clear of vehicles, so the council is asking residents to park them elsewhere. The road will be open to all traffic in the daytime.
Unfortunately this does mean the road will have to be closed at nights, with diversions in place. The works will involve removing the existing surface and laying a new one and will be carried out between 8pm and 6am from 29th June to 7th July. There will be a significant amount of noise. Access to properties and amenities will be maintained, but it is essential that the road is kept clear of vehicles, so the council is asking residents to park them elsewhere. The road will be open to all traffic in the daytime.
Thursday 2 June 2016
Safer cycling
"Learn to ride" and "Fix" courses have been added to the Bikeability scheme in South Gloucestershire. The first gives children basic cycling skills and road safety, while "Fix" involves mechanics teaching basic maintenance such as puncture repairs. Most Bikeability training for children takes place in schools but there are also free course available in the summer. Adults can book individual lessons here.
A scheme called Bikeability Recycled, which saw used and unwanted bikes refurbished and made roadworthy before being redistributed to people in the community, is being extended until the end of August. The council hopes to win funding to continue it for 4 years.
A scheme called Bikeability Recycled, which saw used and unwanted bikes refurbished and made roadworthy before being redistributed to people in the community, is being extended until the end of August. The council hopes to win funding to continue it for 4 years.
Queen's 90th birthday events
Although the Queen's actual 90th birthday was on 21st April, an occasion marked in South Glos by a service in Thornbury, her official birthday is in June. There are a number of events happening locally to celebrate this.
Beesmoor Road Playing Fields will be hosting a "Big Lunch" with a 90 year old guest of honour from 11.30am to 3.30pm on Sunday 12 June. There will be a children's fancy dress with the theme of royalty. Light refreshments will be on sale, bring your own picnic and a rug or seat. The Management Committee will be raising funds for the redevelopment of the children's play area and general maintenance of the playing fields through the sale of teas, coffees, cakes and a BBQ.
If you are involved in a voluntary organisation who would like a stall to raise funds, would like to put on a display in the area, could help with planning or on the day, make suggestions or would like further info, please contact Sue Walters.
Also on Sunday 12th June there will be a celebration in Westerleigh village. The Olde Inne car park will be filled with benches so everyone can bring their own picnic and the Neighbourhood Watch will be running a boules competition on the grass area. St James Church will be open with a cake stall and exhibition.
In Iron Acton there will be a Parish Picnic and Party in the Parish Hall and gardens on Saturday 11th June. The family BYO picnic with traditional children's games runs from 2pm to 5pm and is free of charge. From 7.30pm to 11pm there will be a party with bar, hot supper and music, tickets £10 per person.
The annual Chipping Sodbury Big Lunch, due to take place on Sunday 5th June, will this year have a royal theme. You can find out more on their Facebook page.
If you know of any other celebrations, please let us know.
Beesmoor Road Playing Fields will be hosting a "Big Lunch" with a 90 year old guest of honour from 11.30am to 3.30pm on Sunday 12 June. There will be a children's fancy dress with the theme of royalty. Light refreshments will be on sale, bring your own picnic and a rug or seat. The Management Committee will be raising funds for the redevelopment of the children's play area and general maintenance of the playing fields through the sale of teas, coffees, cakes and a BBQ.
If you are involved in a voluntary organisation who would like a stall to raise funds, would like to put on a display in the area, could help with planning or on the day, make suggestions or would like further info, please contact Sue Walters.
Also on Sunday 12th June there will be a celebration in Westerleigh village. The Olde Inne car park will be filled with benches so everyone can bring their own picnic and the Neighbourhood Watch will be running a boules competition on the grass area. St James Church will be open with a cake stall and exhibition.
In Iron Acton there will be a Parish Picnic and Party in the Parish Hall and gardens on Saturday 11th June. The family BYO picnic with traditional children's games runs from 2pm to 5pm and is free of charge. From 7.30pm to 11pm there will be a party with bar, hot supper and music, tickets £10 per person.
The annual Chipping Sodbury Big Lunch, due to take place on Sunday 5th June, will this year have a royal theme. You can find out more on their Facebook page.
If you know of any other celebrations, please let us know.
Wednesday 1 June 2016
More roadworks on ring road
If you travel to the Filton Area, you may need to allow extra time for your journey from now until September.
As part of the MetroBus works, from Thursday 2nd June, the eastbound 2+ lane on the A4174 from the Cold Harbour junction towards the M32 junction 1 will be closed for approximately 8 weeks.
Once that work is completed, the contractors will then install traffic management on the west bound section of the A4174 from the M32 junction 1 to Cold Harbour Lane, again closing the 2+ lane and then moving into the central reservation for approximately 6 weeks. They hope to complete the work and remove all traffic management by 16th September. Work will be carried out 7.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays.
You can find out more about the MetroBus works here.
As part of the MetroBus works, from Thursday 2nd June, the eastbound 2+ lane on the A4174 from the Cold Harbour junction towards the M32 junction 1 will be closed for approximately 8 weeks.
Once that work is completed, the contractors will then install traffic management on the west bound section of the A4174 from the M32 junction 1 to Cold Harbour Lane, again closing the 2+ lane and then moving into the central reservation for approximately 6 weeks. They hope to complete the work and remove all traffic management by 16th September. Work will be carried out 7.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays.
You can find out more about the MetroBus works here.
M32 closures
There will be some closures on the M32 between junctions 1 and 3 from 8pm on Friday June 10 until 6am on Monday June 13.
The closures will allow a new bridge to be put in place over the motorway for the MetroBus bus-only junction and are required to carry out this work safely.
To minimise disruption, Highways England plan to carry out the work in four shifts:
Fri 10 June 8pm to Sat 11 June 8am
Full closure between Junction 1 and 3 in both directions
Sat 11 June 8am to 8pm
Full closure between Junction 1 and 2 in both directions
Traffic management between Junction 2 and 3 in both directions.
Sat 11 June 8pm to Sun 12 June 6am
Full closure between Junction 1 and 3 in both
directions
Sun 12 June 6pm to Mon 13 June 6am
Full closure between Junction 2 and 3 in both
directions
Between 6am and 6pm on Sunday 12th June all junctions would be open.
You can read more here. You might also like to sign up for a daily or weekly travel update at travelwest.info/subscribe
The closures will allow a new bridge to be put in place over the motorway for the MetroBus bus-only junction and are required to carry out this work safely.
To minimise disruption, Highways England plan to carry out the work in four shifts:
Fri 10 June 8pm to Sat 11 June 8am
Full closure between Junction 1 and 3 in both directions
Sat 11 June 8am to 8pm
Full closure between Junction 1 and 2 in both directions
Traffic management between Junction 2 and 3 in both directions.
Sat 11 June 8pm to Sun 12 June 6am
Full closure between Junction 1 and 3 in both
directions
Sun 12 June 6pm to Mon 13 June 6am
Full closure between Junction 2 and 3 in both
directions
Between 6am and 6pm on Sunday 12th June all junctions would be open.
You can read more here. You might also like to sign up for a daily or weekly travel update at travelwest.info/subscribe
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