Unicornfest is a magical trail around Bristol landmarks, collecting selfies at unicorns illustrated by local artists. Roarsome, pictured here, was painted by Paula Bowles and is located at Windmill Hill City Farm. Turn to page 6 for more unicorn magic.
A shopping centre will be knocked down and replaced with 850 homes after councillors made a shock u-turn. Just a month ago, councillors voted to refuse permission to demolish the Broadwalk Shopping Centre
in Knowle, but they have now changed their minds.
Developers want to demolish the shopping centre and build a huge new mixed-use scheme on the Wells Road, known as Redcatch Quarter. Some
buildings could reach 12 storeys tall, and the development would include cinema and theatre community space and a dentist. The development control A
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Jane Williams Editor
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My MP? Karin Smyth MP
By email: karin.smyth.mp@ parliament.uk
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In person: Call the above number for an appointment
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Post: (all councillors) City Hall, College Green, Bristol BS1 5TR.
Tessa Fitzjohn Green, Bedminster
By phone: 07584182801 By email: Cllr.Tessa.Fitzjohn@bristol.gov.uk
Mark Bradshaw Labour, Bedminster. By email: Cllr.mark. bradshaw@bristol.gov.uk
By phone: 0117 353 3160
Tony Dyer Green, Southville
By phone: 07584182862 By email:
Cllr.Tony.Dyer@bristol.gov.uk
Christine Townsend Green, Southville By phone: 07584183843 By email:
Cllr.Christine.Townsend@bristol. gov.uk
Christopher Davies Knowle Community Party. Email: Cllr. Christopher.Davies@bristol.gov.uk
Phone: 07826917714
Gary Hopkins Knowle Community Party. Email: Cllr.Gary.Hopkins@bristol.gov.uk
Phone: 07977 512159
Ed Plowden Green, Windmill Hill
Phone: 07584184577 By email: Cllr.Ed.Plowden@bristol.gov.uk
Lisa Stone Green, Windmill Hill
Phone: 07584186535
By email: Cllr.Lisa.Stone@bristol.gov.uk
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committee at Bristol City Council voted to refuse permission in May after concerns about the lack of affordable housing and the high number of homes crammed into the dense site. But the same committee has now voted to grant permission.
The committee met initially to ratify their previous refusal. But councillors heard from developers pledges to increase the amount of affordable housing, with help from the government and housing associations.
Jonathan Lambert from Savills said: “The developer has committed to working with the council to secure a grant from Homes England to increase the [number] of affordable homes.”
The committee voted unanimously to refuse permission on May 31, due to concerns about how dense and tall the development would be. Other concerns included the many homes that would only have windows and daylight on one side, known as ‘single aspect’, as well as that only 80 homes that would be classed as ‘affordable housing’ – which was less than 10%.
However, the developers had since said that more affordable homes could be included. They would be paid for by a grant from Homes England, the government developer, as well as housing associations.
These extra affordable homes would be “likely, but not guaranteed”, according to council planning officers.
Conservative Councillor Richard Eddy, chair of the committee, said: “St Catherine’s Parade was recently dubbed by the tabloid media as the saddest shopping parade in Britain. My great fear was that actually Broadwalk would soon become the same.
“This mixed-use scheme is a clear opportunity to give certainty and provide the regeneration of the shopping centre with £200 million of investment. Plus we’re talking over 500 jobs, which is no mean feat. If we’re not successful at appeal, what would be the cost? It could be quite considerable on the planning budget here in Bristol.
“The almost 10% minimum offered by the applicant is lower than we would expect, but in
view of the circumstances and the opportunities here, I think it’s worthwhile. And we’ve heard that three housing associations would work with the applicant to augment that further.”
Labour Cllr Philippa Hulme, added: “We think the planning balance has shifted more in favour, particularly taking into account the extant consent and that space standards are met. The living conditions would be acceptable even though we wish the homes could be developed with less density and fewer homes with single aspect.
“But the nature of this site would make that very difficult. Many businesses in the area are desperate to have an improved site there to regenerate the area. Obviously the 9.8% is not ideal and we really hope that the applicant would work very hard to increase the proportion greatly.”
Not all councillors on the committee were in favour of approving the plans. Labour and the Conservatives appeared to change their mind, while Greens and the Liberal Democrat councillor on the committee said they would still prefer to refuse
permission for the plans.
Green Cllr Fi Hance said: “I’m bewildered. This was a unanimous decision we all came to at the last meeting. Nothing has changed with this application that I’m aware of. Our refusal was based on the over-density of the site, based on Bristol City Council planning policy. That hasn’t changed.
“My heart goes out not only to the people living around this site, but also those living within it. Because the quality of housing is not particularly high, it’s very limited, it’s a lot of single-aspect housing and it’s also quite small. I’m astounded today, I was not expecting this.”
Voting in favour of granting permission were Conservative Cllr Richard Eddy, and Labour Cllrs Farah Hussain, Philippa Hulme and Chris Jackson. Voting against were Greens Ed Plowden, Tom Hathway, Fi Hance; and Liberal Democrat Andrew Varney. Conservative John Geater abstained. As the vote was tied, Cllr Eddy used his casting vote as chair in favour.
By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy ReporterTennis players could soon have to pay and book online to use courts at a popular park in Knowle.
Bristol City Council is currently consulting the public on the changes which may be introduced later this year at the tennis courts in Redcatch Park.
The courts would cost £5 per hour to book, or £35 for an annual household membership.
The council has said it can no longer afford to maintain the courts, which are currently free, due to rapidly rising costs and reduced government funding.
Tennis players have already had to pay to use other councilowned courts in Eastville Park, St George Park and Canford Park
since 2019, as well as tennis courts in nearby Victoria Park and Greville Smyth Park. Similar charges could now also be introduced in Redcatch Park later this year.
A council spokesman said: “Currently, use of the tennis courts is free and people can turn up and play.
“There is no way of booking the courts. The council cannot afford to maintain Redcatch Park tennis courts in the way we do now.
“To provide a long-term sustainable plan for tennis at Redcatch Park, we propose that the courts join the operating model that has been used in
Eastville Park, St George Park and Canford Park since 2019. This would mean that people pay to use tennis courts and would book a court to be sure it is available.
“There would be an accessible and inclusive tennis programme which, in addition to public bookings, would include tennis coaching opportunities, competitively priced coaching for children, community tennis initiatives and opportunities for free play.”
Wesport, a sports charity, would be responsible for managing and operating the courts, including repairs and maintenance costs.
After the consultation ends, the council will analyse the responses and they will use the feedback to develop final plans for the tennis courts.
City Hall bosses are then expected to make a final decision on charging later this summer.
Several upgrades are planned for the Redcatch Park tennis courts if the charges are brought in. These include jet washing and repainting the courts with new line markings; adding floodlights; creating an online booking system; and installing a gate access system.
By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporter
The Redcatch Balloon Launch was a great success, with two out of four balloons finally taking off in challenging circumstances. It was an edge-of-the seat climax to the biggest ever community day in the park. Around 2,000 people turned out to see the balloons take off, with huge cheers heard over a mile away when they finally got off the ground.
A total of 26 volunteers stepped up to help on the day which helped the whole event go without a hitch. 89-year-old volunteer Rosemary Bertin took care of the Friends of Redcatch Park (FORP) tent the whole time and gave out badges and stickers to the children, while James Drury, at just 17, was the event runner. All the other volunteers acted as marshals to keep the crowd behind the safe distance perimeter.
It was a remarkable day for Knowle and a great example of thinking big and aiming high.
FORP really did aim high when they thought of doing this event: the first multiple balloon launch in South Bristol.
Sian Ellis-Thomas, chair of FORP, says: “We were blown away by the crowds and the atmosphere in the park. It was electric. Like being at a festival. Some people were so keen to
get a good view they’d found their spot from mid-afternoon. Everybody was so happy and excited.”
Although the event was free to attend, FORP ran an online raffle to win a balloon flight over Bristol, among lots of other prizes. The raffle and other donations raised £3,394 for the park, with all other costs covered by the main sponsors of the event which included South Bristol Voice, Cleverley Builders and Matthews Estates.
Lesley Powell of FORP says: “We are so very grateful to our sponsors, volunteers and all the local businesses that donated prizes for the raffle. We really couldn’t do events like this if these people didn’t step up.”
Recatch Community Garden
supplied refreshments for those who hadn’t brought their own picnics. The Garden laid on two food pop-ups and a bar as well as their usual café. They had their best trading day ever, proving the day was a great success all around.
Sian adds: “Our biggest thanks goes to Phil Hooper from Sky High Ballooning, a fellow Knowler, who shared our big vision right from the beginning and without whom it would never have happened. It was a truly wonderful day which many will remember forever.
“Of course, we want to do it again bigger and better next year. Knowle done good! Right now, we’re planning one more event in the park before the end of the summer.”
Locals are objecting to plans for a 10-bed shared house in a converted church hall without any parking. Developers are applying for planning permission to convert an old church hall in Brislington into a giant shared house, and could get approval for their plans next week.
Build Logistics Ltd is applying to convert the Christadelphian Meeting Room on Church Hill into a house of multiple occupation (HMO) with 10 bedrooms, 10 en-suite bathrooms, one kitchen, a utility room and a lounge. Twelve new windows would also be installed.
The church hall has been empty for the last four years, and the conversion would provide homes for 20 people, amid a dire shortage of housing in Bristol. But the plans have no off-street parking spaces, sparking concerns from people living nearby over added pressure on the roads.
Officers are recommending councillors approve plans, but several residents wrote to the council to object to the new homes being built.
One neighbour said: “There’s not adequate parking for a new 10-bedroom property. This could mean an additional 20 cars if all residents were living as couples, plus the addition of visitors’ cars. When the property was being used as an active church, there was not enough on-street parking on Church Hill and residents could not always park near their houses.
“This, plus the added traffic up and down the residential dead-end road, could make living for the residents really uncomfortable. We are a road of varying residents from young families to older tenants, and the peace of our road and ability to park is of great importance to us.”
Another neighbour added: “Parking is already under enough strain on Church Hill and surrounding roads at the best of times. Adding a potential 20 more vehicles is unnecessary and has the likelihood to result in more dangerous, inconsiderate and illegal parking than what currently exists.”
The developers carried out a parking survey in the local area, and found that there
was enough space to accommodate an extra five cars. However, council experts criticised their survey method and claimed they were underestimating the parking pressures on nearby roads.
In planning documents, architects said: “There is no concentration of HMOs within the area and the proposed use can be accommodated without giving rise to any harm to residential amenity, local parking provision or the character of the area.”
By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporter
Part of the 650th anniversary celebrations for Bristol, Unicornfest seeks to unite the business and creative sectors, as well as communities and schools across the area, bringing art, colour and fun to the streets of the city this summer. The unicorns are spread across Bristol and the South West, from the Clifton Suspension Bridge to Weston-Super-Mare pier.
South Bristol has several unicorns to discover on our doorsteps and here are a few photos of the local ones that the South Bristol Voice team found on our travels recently.
We also caught up with local artist Farrah Fortnam, who has painted many murals around Bristol and abroad, and has painted two of the unicorns on the trail.
Farrah’s mission is to make people feel happy and calm but more importantly to create discussions about nature and how to
protect it. She loves rainforests and coral seas. She had seen the destruction of these delicate ecosystems so she wants to highlight how precious life is and to cherish what we have. Farrah has so many murals around Bristol that there’s now her own art trail map so you can go and find them all in the city. Her map can be downloaded from her Facebook and Instagram pages.
One of her unicorns is ‘Guardian of the Forest’, which is on Clifton Suspension Bridge. The other is ‘Guardian of the Ocean’, situated by Broken Dock on the harbourside. They both have their own important messages, as Farrah explains:
“Be a ‘Guardian of the Forest’ like me. Protect, grow, rewild. We don’t need much to survive. But we do need a lot of nature. We need oxygen, clean air, shelter and life. If you love unicorns like me, then please listen. We want to walk in lush green forests. And swim in clean and thriving oceans. Please reduce your consumption. Instead increase the wildness in you. Fall in love with nature and do all in your power to protect it. As you are nature, too.
“‘Guardian of the Ocean’ is there to protect all oceans. Hoping to create discussions and urgent action for healthy seas and oceans. We must do much more to protect our precious ecosystems around the world. From overfishing, illegal fishing, plastic pollution, contamination and climate change. The huge challenges are endless and overwhelming. But we must act now.”
If the murals and unicorns aren’t enough, Farrah has a solo art exhibition at the Tobacco Factory until September 7. For more info, find Farrah Fortnam Art on Facebook and Instagram, or email her at farrahfortnam@gmail.com
A by-election will be held after Bristol’s youngest city councillor announced she is standing down.
Cllr Lily Fitzgibbon, who was 18 when she was elected as one of the two new Green members for Bishopston & Ashley Down ward in 2021, is moving away to be nearer her family.
The student, who grew up in Bishopston, was a Bristol Youth Strike 4 Climate organiser while still at school and helped arrange the Greta Thunberg protest on College Green in February 2020. She clashed with mayor Marvin Rees at one of her first council meetings two months after being elected during a row over Bristol Airport’s “greenwashing” claims.
Cllr Fitzgibbon said: “I’m moving away from Bristol to be closer to my family, but I’ll be very sad to leave this wonderful community. This hasn’t been an easy decision, and is not one I have taken lightly.
“It has been a tremendous honour to be able to make a difference for local people here, alongside my fellow Green councillor Emma Edwards. Together, we got safety improvements to the roads outside our local primary schools and City of Bristol College.”
The Greens have already chosen their candidate to fight the forthcoming by-election, James Crawford. No date has yet been announced for the contest.
By Adam Postans, Local Democracy ReporterThe ever popular Victoria Park Festival returns to Windmill Hill next month, on Saturday, September 16.
Festivities kick off in the morning with the much-loved dog show with competition categories including Best Junior Handler, Golden Oldies and Best Dog and Owner look-alike (registration at 10.30am, judging from 11am).
You are also invited to join the family 5K fun run challenge, which is an energetic three laps of the park
(registration at 11.30am, start at noon).
The full festival begins at noon with live music and a beer tent, which has been kindly organised by The Shakespeare pub in Totterdown, plus other food and drink stalls, a BBQ, raffle, children’s entertainment, bouncy castle and more stalls.
There will also be an opportunity for you to have your say on the plans drawn up for an inclusive recreation area which is coming to Victoria Park very soon.
Local dad Jamie Spiers is attempting a gruelling cycle across the length of Wales during September to raise funds for a hospital charity as a tribute to his heroic son Hugh Spiers.
Hugh died in June 2022, aged four, from T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. Despite the massive void left after Hugh’s death, he continues to be a source of inspiration and joy for his family and their close friends in the Knowle community.
Hugh’s treatment over the course of one year involved chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a stem cell transplant at the Bristol Children’s Hospital, all of which he took in his stride. The world class care and attention he received there from the specialist consultants, doctors and nurses there was second to none. As a result, Hugh was able to thrive, despite the drastic treatments and serious side effects he had to deal with each and every day.
Jamie and his family were overwhelmed by the additional support they received from the
hospital charity (The Grand Appeal) while Hugh was in hospital. “Hugh often had to be treated in an isolation ward, especially throughout his stem cell transplant, when his immune system was temporarily compromised by the therapy itself,” said Jamie. “For a fouryear-old boy this could have been extremely daunting, however he received multiple visits from specialist play therapists, music therapists and teachers who provided us with lots of activities and games to stave off boredom and the inevitable anxiety which can accompany long hospital stays. He remained happy and cheerful despite the extreme circumstances we found ourselves in.”
The charity provides a real lifeline for children like Hugh and their parents, who can be separated from family and siblings for extended periods. “Seeing the joy and happiness in Hugh’s face whilst in the wards, especially over Christmas, was a real testament to the amazing support he received from the charity,” said Jamie.
Hugh’s bravery has inspired Jamie (plus friends Tom and Kevin) to raise funds for The Grand Appeal. The team hope to complete their challenge of cycling across Wales in 2.5 days.
From there they plan another 0.5 day cycle across to finish at the Children’s Hospital itself.
“We hope to raise funds in Hugh’s name and carry on his legacy by helping to support the amazing staff at the Children’s Hospital in any way possible,” said Jamie. “The support we have received through donations and kind messages from the South Bristol community has been incredible. We feel truly lucky to live in a community with such supportive folk, who have helped us begin to deal with our grief as a family.”
The Grand Appeal is the Official Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity, who are committed to saving lives and supporting families at the Children’s Hospital.
All funds raised will support other children and families on Starlight and Ocean wards where Hugh was cared for.
Any funds raised will also contribute to future medical research into life saving treatments for T-Cell ALL.
Please see the link to Hugh’s Tribute Fund page below. This contains details of the fundraiser and instructions on how to donate. Donations can also be made directly by scanning the QR code above.
Jamie, Katy and Hugh’s brother Angus would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all the people donating to the event. “Through the amazing support from the community, we will continue to hold Hugh close in our hearts and minds.”
hughspiers.muchloved. com/Fundraising/ Events/666987309
Now that the end of the school term has reached us, many parents in Bristol South are faced with the challenge of how to entertain their kids for the six-week long summer holiday. This break is great for the children and provides a welldeserved rest for our teachers and others who work in our schools, but for some families it can bring headaches and real financial strain.
Relying on family and friends only ever gets you so far. Summer holiday clubs, including those run by our local professional sports teams, voluntary organisations and some schools, can fill a few more days, if you can secure a place. However, when we have a cost of living crisis on the scale we see today, many parents can’t afford the clubs they once used. Add into the mix the cost of childcare for younger children and we see a cocktail ready
to cloud over the sunny summer we all would want to see.
All of the above means that we see women once again taking on the majority, if not all, of the child caring responsibilities during the holidays. This can mean missing out on promotion or other opportunities at work as well as losing valuable income at this most difficult time.
The current Government recently announced, with much fanfare, its policy for under-fives childcare: promoting it as the solution to the overstretched system. However, it’s often term time only and requires significant ‘top-up’ payments from many parents. There are reports of families getting into debt to cover these fees only to find themselves being unable to budget going forward as repayments of the loans harm their
The community group Let’s Walk Bedminster has announced the publication of the sixth edition of the Bedminster Toilet Map. The latest version shows 24 community and commercial toilets which people can use without necessarily making a purchase.
The map is available from GP surgeries, community centres and some cafes and pubs. Initial research was undertaken by residents and costs of printing were met by the Bedminster Business Improvement District.
A spokesperson said: “We want everyone to feel welcome in Bedminster.”
Most of the toilets will be accessible by most people, but people wanting to change babies, wheelchair users, dementia sufferers and their carers and others will have special needs not met by some toilets. Lets Walk Bedminster have
therefore formed a Bedminster Access Group (BAG) to act as advisors. This group will assess accessibility of public and commercial buildings, not just of toilets, and share the information, probably via Facebook. The group is still quite small but could become really influential. Please contact them at letswalkbedminster@ virginmedia.com if you would like to help with BAG.
BAG will also be looking at the walkability of the area. For example, many wheelchair users report poorly constructed or blocked dropped kerbs. There are even a few places with a drop on one side of the road but not on the other. Let’s Walk Bedminster wants to identify these and other problems.
For more information, email letswalkbedminster@ virginmedia.com
incomes. I have also met with local nursery providers, and they tell me that the support they receive from national government is simply not enough to meet increasing costs.
Finally, there is the issue of holiday hunger. Some children eligible for free school meals will be able to access a decent lunch at a holiday club supported by Bristol City Council, but many will not.
What should be a happy time for families can end up being one filled with worry. It doesn’t need to be this way.
It is possible to deliver all families the support over the summer they need, remove this worry and ensure a fair spreading of the burden of care. This would offer every parent the reassurance that if they have to work over the summer, their children will be properly looked after. It is likely that we will have a general
election within the next 12 months and I hope it will deliver the change we so badly need.
The BS3 Wildlife Group is happy to announce that they have secured £500 from the Wessex Water Environment Fund for plants at a proposed community garden on Somerset Terrace in Windmill Hill. The space, about 300 square yards, is currently short grass. With local support, they will add some trees, berry bushes and flowers. The space, like many community gardens, will be attractive for humans but also offer food and shelter to wildlife including birds, insects and hedgehogs.
The space is a few hundred yards from Victoria Park, so will contribute to the wildlife corridors that we are seeking to create as part of our Greater Bedminster Urban Nature Reserve initiative.
The land belongs to BCC Housing Dept and they are happy to pass it over for community use. Consultations
with local people will take place over the summer and BS3 Wildlife Group hopes to start digging and planting in September. Of course, if the consultation suggests that people oppose the idea, they will have to give the money back.
If you want to help, please contact mywildbedminster@ virginmedia.com
Waterways thread like arteries through cities, breathing life into urban areas by creating wildlife corridors as well as providing human residents with space for leisure and relaxation. Local author Judy Darley writes for South Bristol Voice.
Bristol is fortunate enough to host two major rivers, the Avon and the Frome. It’s also home to a surprising number of smaller waterways, each of which adds to the biodiversity and attracts the occasional surprising wild visitor. Rivers and streams are more pleasant to walk beside than busy roads, but is there more to their attractive qualities than that?
During the first lockdown of 2020, South Bristol’s waterways became a lifeline for many of us living in this part of the city. With Arnos Vale Cemetery locked for the duration, I was hungry for nature. Despite having lived in South Bristol since my 20s, I grew up in the countryside and need my daily portion of green views.
I soon discovered more pockets of greenery on my doorstep than I’d anticipated, and some of the best of it sprouted around water.
From Nightingale Valley’s Brislington Brook to the Hidden Malago flourishing just beyond Victoria Park, not to mention the stream wending its way at the foot of the Bommie section (Wedmore Vale) of the Northern Slopes, there were wild, watery idylls just a brisk stroll from my home in Knowle.
If you cut through Arnos Vale, now it’s reopened to the public, you’ll reach Bath Road. Trot down Edward Street and you’ll pass the end of the Paintworks and reach Sparke Evans Bridge, an elegant suspension bridge crossing the River Avon. The water here rises and falls with tides, and each stretch of river offers different sights, from young seagulls practicing taking flight to busy moorhens riding eddies.
As local waterways go, I’m particularly fond of the Hidden Malago, which appears and disappears throughout South Bristol before becoming Pigeonhouse Stream and wriggling into Hartcliffe.
Working from home, I find it essential to get out and walk at lunchtime. The glimmer of treeshaded water enhances my sense of wellbeing, and I’m irresistibly drawn to the Malago Greenway
and Hidden Malago set between Malago Vale trading estate and the back gardens of Windmill Hill’s Cotswold Road.
Ambling through here sheltered by sycamore trees, I’ve yet to glimpse the kingfisher fabled to live here, but I’ve seen the buttercup-feathered flash of a yellow wagtail zipping past. Recently I viewed my own personal Spring Watch-esque drama as my attention was drawn to the hubbub of two frantic blackbirds.
While I watched, a magpie raided their nest and flew off with a helpless chick, while the parents, and an anxious bluetit, presumably with its own nest nearby, cheeped abuse and flapped their wings, to no avail. Other wildlife here includes mallards, wrens, sparrows and grey squirrels.
One unexpected sighting here planted the seed for a story in my imagination. In January, a white shimmer among the trees revealed itself as an egret. These majestic wading birds only became a resident in the UK in around 1990, and are more commonly seen on estuaries than trickling civic streams.
It made me feel anything is possible, but it also, sitting alone on a branch, looked somewhat out of place. Standing staring at it, I noticed how many people sped by on bike or foot without following my gaze to share my wonder.
Thanks to BS3 Wildlife Group on Facebook, I soon discovered other people shared my pleasure at seeing this bird, and happily realised how easily we become part of a flock. These musings prompted my tale ‘The egret and I don’t belong here’, published by Phare Magazine.
In my story, the egret represents our need for connection and a sense of belonging. Water provides a backdrop or metaphor in many of my other stories published in my short fiction collections ‘The Stairs Are a Snowcapped Mountain’ and ‘Sky Light Rain’. It also provides the inspiration
for the writing workshop I run with Bedminister-based poet Helen Sheppard, ‘Writing on Water’, aboard the John Sebastian Lightship. During our first session in September 2022, we were struck by how water brings story ideas to the surface, encouraging new writers as well as experienced ones to dive deeper into their writing.
Water fuels life, and imaginations. Luckily for us, South Bristol is overflowing. Judy Darley and Helen Sheppard are teaching their next ‘Writing on Water’ workshop on September 30 at The John Sebastian Lightship, Bathurst Basin. For info, please visit: shorturl.at/bluwO
There are some open green spaces in Windmill Hill that are special to many people, such as the playground at School Road in Totterdown, Bushy Park Open Space, Broad Plain Rugby and Social Club, and the Belle Vue Road Open Space.
Yet, in the Council’s new draft Local Plan policies GI1 to GI4, these little oases have been given the status of ‘Reserved Open Space’ indicating that the area at some point could be sold for development.
To be designation a ‘Local Green Space’ and benefit from protection, the council’s Local Plan Review (2019) states an area needs to be ‘in reasonably close proximity to the community it serves; has to be demonstrably special to a local community and holds particular local significance, tranquillity or richness of its wildlife; and, that it is local in character and is not an extensive tract of land.’
The local community action group TRESA says: “The School Road Park is more than a playground and comprises several different areas. It is popular with dog walkers, there is a semi-natural green space containing two small woodland areas, open grass and a lower
boundary of trees and shrubs, for all to enjoy.”
Green councillors Ed Plowden and Lisa Stone encourage residents to submit statements to the next full council meeting on 12 September, to demonstrate the strength of local opinion and give reasons why they feel
these green spaces should be protected. The more statements that can be delivered the better the chances that these Green Spaces will be designated as Local Green Space, and will feed into the final consultation period after October 31, before the Local Plan is submitted for approval.
Thanks to budget amendments supported by all opposition councillors, some of the 80% of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL - development tax), kept for strategic schemes and plans, can now be spent on parks. This is focussed on parks that are near to growth and development, which now includes Redcatch Park. Although now potentially on the list, we want to make sure it is regarded as number one and are launching a petition to push that view. You can find the petition on the 38Degrees website by searching for ‘Redcatch Park’.
Investment in our parks has been very low since the mayor took over, but Knowle parks have fared better over the years because of many years of local volunteering and previous funding. However, that is not the limit of ambition, as the scheme, as well as paying for specific items like the new cycle path on Broad Walk and
parking protection, will generate £4m in strategic CIL, and we want more of that spent on real schemes, rather than consultants’ fees for pie in the sky ideas that might never happen.
The plans for the Redcatch Quarter passed by Labour and Tory members of the recent planning committee are outlined, and a lot of work remains to be done with planning officers to get the important details and controls right before shovels hit the ground. That is at least 18 months away.
The much needed pedestrian crossing on the Wells Road near Woodbridge Road is now scheduled to be built this summer after 10 years of hard work. This was paid for out of local funds but held up by central distractions. This is more evidence to support our view that local decision making and funding must be a key element in the new council structure post the mayor.
Why the long grass? In parks and other green spaces, residents may notice grass being left uncut. This is to encourage wildlife, increase biodiversity and improve nature in our neighbourhoods. Wildlife, including key species of insects, have declined sharply not just in our area but almost everywhere in Bristol. The decline in insects in turn impacts on other larger species such as birds and insectivores like hedgehogs.
Many older residents recall frequently seeing large clouds of starlings (known as murmurations) sweeping and diving in unison across the twilight sky. Sadly, this has largely become a distant memory due to ecological decline. Allowing grass to grow a bit longer is just one of many small steps being taken to improve nature.
However, it is not just about creating areas of increased wildlife
potential but also providing corridors linking those wildlife friendly areas together.
This is why Christine and I were happy to support Yew Tree Farm, Bristol’s last working farm and a species rich ‘Site of Nature Conservation Interest’ to prevent its development. By preserving areas rich in biodiversity and linking them with our urban environments, we can ensure that even densely populated areas like ours can contribute to tackling the ecological emergency.
This becomes even more important given the levels of development being proposed for our area, and is why, as part of the ongoing ‘BS3 Beyond 2025’ series of events organised by Action Greater Bedminster, we are looking at how we can protect and even try to enhance nature in the face of large scale developments.
We are deeply disappointed by the recent outcome of the Broadwalk planning decision.
As local councillors we know there is a housing crisis, but we are also acutely aware that poor housing impacts on the health and wellbeing of its occupants and the surrounding community.
The problems with this development were that the proposals were far too dense, as well as too high and out of keeping with the surrounding area, as was agreed in the previous meeting. There was also far too little affordable housing offered - only 9.8% compared to a council target of 40%. None of these factors have changed.
The first planning meeting on this development saw a unanimous vote to refuse the application. Following this it was agreed that a council officer would draw up material grounds for refusal, in order to make it legally ‘bulletproof’, and that at the next meeting the debate would not be re-opened but rather ratify the first decision. Residents who wanted to attend were
therefore informed that the second meeting was more of a formality.
However, at the second meeting, the chair - Councillor Richard Eddy - chose to suddenly scrap this agreement. The original decision was subsequently overturned when Labour members voted with the Tory chair in favour of the development. There were claims that more affordable housing might be made possible - but this is not at all guaranteed.
Greens voted against the decision at the second meeting because the density and scale of the now approved site remain the same (as does the low amount of affordable housing).
We are furious about the way this was handled by the chair –local people and campaigners were effectively excluded, and the previous decision was reversed with almost no discussion. We regret the potential impact this will have on local residents’ trust in politics and local democracy, and the future impact on those who will live in and nearby this development.
Residents have been waiting since January 2022, when they expressed their concerns over some of the transport proposals for the Wells Road and neighbouring streets in Totterdown and Knowle. These included a 24-hour bus lane, one way streets and a cycle Lane on Bayham Road.
Recently the South Bristol Voice republished the consultation proposals following a Cabinet decision to proceed, and a number of concerned residents have contacted us since that time. However, Lisa Stone and I had spotted that there was so little detail in the cabinet report that we forced a meeting with the cabinet member for transport to clarify what will be taken forward.
Some people may be relieved that not all the proposals that were consulted on will be taken forward.
In short, the only proposals that are being taken forwards are a simplified crossing of the
Wells Road by the St John’s Lane (Tesco) junction and a possible closure of Bellevue Road.
The proposals for a 12- or 24-hour bus lane by Totterdown’s Wells Road traders have been dropped. So too are bike lane proposals on Bayham Road and associated one-way streets.
Lisa and I have always said that if the proposals can be
objectively justified then we would support them in the interests of tackling our failing bus market, but heard the many concerns of local people.
Although traders will be relieved that the bus lanes outside their shops will allow for parking between the morning and evening peaks, Lisa heard that there does seem to be some support for
waiting to be restricted to an hour in the bus lanes to encourage turnover of parking. This was something that officers and the Cabinet member promised to investigate, and we will be visiting traders again. Similarly some local road closures around Perretts Park seemed to have support
On Bellevue Road closure there is no evidence of this junction causing bus delays, but there have been crashes, with bikes and motorbikes particularly affected. We have asked officers to do more counts and see if the existing morning restriction could be enforced by CCTV rather than inconveniencing everyone that lives on that part of the hill all the time. They have promised to consider viable alternatives.
All of this will be subject to formal, statutory consultation. Watch this space and please keep in contact.
By Cllr Ed Plowden, Green Party, Windmill Hill
As I meander through the summer months, I often adopt the mindset of “done is better than perfect”, due to the amount of distractions, loss of routine and summer fun to be had. But in a world obsessed by perfection this mindset can help us to prioritise completion and achieve greater productivity and growth.
Striving for perfection can lead to analysis paralysis and overwhelm. A focus on completion builds momentum and motivates us to move forward with tasks and boosts productivity. We are no longer frozen with making it perfect.
Embracing the ‘done’ over the ‘perfect’ may mean a few improvements and versions along the way but in these repetitions we gather insights and often create more refined work.
You might even save time! Perfectionism consumes time and the repetitive nature of ‘done’ allows you to meet deadlines and achieve efficiently. Let’s keep moving forward.
Fear of failure is often at the root of perfectionism and in shifting focus to completion we can embrace imperfections, take action and can overcome these fears.
Even in our Pilates practice, embracing this mindset we break free from the constraints of perfectionism and can unlock more than we expected in this journey of continuous improvement, bringing joy and meaning. Don’t put off what you can start today and find me at Sona Pilates at Bristol Osteopaths, 253 Wells Road. www.sonapilates.com
Bristol Bisons have benefitted from sponsorship recently
Bristol Beer Factory, based on North Street, has launched a community investment initiative called Brewed to Give. Each year, they will invest 2% of their total brewery sales in activities that uplift local people and places. Over the next year, they plan to give £80k to local charities, registered groups and other good causes through a mix of stock, space and direct support.
Bristol Beer Factory’s Managing Director Sam Burrows said: “We have a strong ethos of supporting our local community, but in recent years we have seen the challenges of many incredible charities and groups increasing. We wanted to do more to help which is why we have introduced a 2% community tax on our total brewery sales. The more our business grows, the more support we can give.”
Brewed to Give will offer a range of support options, from a few cases of BBF’s beer as a raffle or hamper prize, a pop-up can bar with gazebo, ice coolers and beer, to a purpose-built, fully stocked and managed event bar. They are also offering free use of Studio BBF (next to the Tap Room on North Street) for local good causes. Kari Halford, Bristol Beer Factory’s Community Event Manager, is on hand to bring equipment, guidance and support to help groups turn their donated stock into unrestricted income four times its value.
Bristol Beer Factory acknowledges that this venture will not be appropriate or accessible to everyone in the community. As such, they will retain some of Brewed to Give budget to allow space for partners to suggest and co-design new collaboration ideas with them. For example, on the eve of Bristol Pride, they have announced a sponsorship package with the Bristol Bisons – the South West’s first inclusive and queer friendly rugby team. They will also continue to support Talk Club, giving 5% of total Clear Head sales directly to the Bristol-born charity building a mental fitness community for men.
If you know a Bristol-focused charity, registered group or good cause that may benefit from Brewed to Give support, send them in the direction of the website: bristolbeerfactory.co.uk/B2G
Have you ever noticed how your cheeks flush when you’re embarrassed, or how you feel the sudden urge to use the loo just before a big meeting?
These are physical responses to emotional states, clear examples of the intimate connection between our feelings and our bodies.
This connection becomes even more pronounced when we talk about stress. Biologically, our bodies react to stress through the ageold fight-or-flight response, a survival mechanism from when our ancestors had to face threats like sabre-toothed tigers. Today, however, our stresses are not as momentary. Instead, they are chronic and ongoing - meeting deadlines, dealing with financial worries, worrying about the kids, or feeling we are stuck in an unfulfilling job.
Living in a continuous state of high-alert can cause
spinal alignment, we ensure the optimal functioning of the nervous system, which is crucial in managing the body’s response to stress. This leads to improved overall health and well-being, demonstrating the profound power of chiropractic care.
prolonged muscle tension, especially in the neck, shoulders, and back. Over time, this chronic tension can lead to misalignments in the spine, otherwise known as subluxations, causing a range of health issues including pain, stiffness, and restricted movement. This pain then induces further stress, creating a detrimental cycle affecting
our physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Chiropractic care offers an effective way to break this cycle. By identifying and correcting spinal subluxations, chiropractors can alleviate the pain and tension caused by chronic stress. It’s not just about managing the symptoms, but addressing the root cause. By restoring
At Kasa, we understand the deep-seated connection between your emotional well-being and your physical health. We’re committed to supporting your journey towards a healthier, happier life. Each step you take towards better stress management with our help is a stride towards a healthier you, both emotionally and physically.
By addressing stress at its root, we can help you reclaim the quality of life you deserve.
Charles Herbert Kasa Chiro 0117 370 2680 www.kasachiro.com
Bedminster Pharmacy is on a mission to prevent heart attacks and strokes. We invite all residents, even if you are not one of our regular patients, to come into Bedminster Pharmacy as soon as possible for a free NHS blood pressure check.
This NHS blood pressure check is for those over the age of 40 who have not been previously diagnosed with hypertension (high blood pressure) and have not had their blood pressure measured by health professionals within the previous six months.
It takes 10-15 minutes in the
pharmacy consultation room with a trained pharmacy team member.
Following this, you may be invited to take home a blood pressure monitor that measures your blood pressure as you go about your daily life. Depending on your readings, you may be referred to your GP. We also discuss healthy behaviours and lifestyle choices that help protect your heart.
Why is this new service so important?
Blood pressure is the force of your blood moving against the walls of your arteries. It is
expressed as two numbers, one above the other. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a condition where your readings are raised; it needs to be controlled to reduce your risk of a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular disease.
In the UK, there are about five million adults (one in every nine) who have high blood pressure without even knowing it since high blood pressure itself rarely causes symptoms. You can have unknown
genetic factors increasing your risk.
One in four premature deaths are caused in South Bristol by heart disease, and 1.6 million disability-adjusted life-years can be attributed to it. Heart Disease affects seven million people and is the second most common cause of premature death in England, after cancer.
The British Heart Foundation estimates that high blood pressure causes over 50% of heart attacks and strokes.
Together we can save lives and prevent disability. Make sure your friends and family know about this service and come in to access it. It is free, and all blood pressure readings are sent to the general practice so records can be updated and appropriate action is taken.
We know life is busy and we all face daily pressures, especially as we navigate the high cost of living. Please accept this free offer – call us on 0117 9853388 or come in to find out more.
Join us for our new weekly Bingo sessions every Wednesday, 1.45-3.15pm at our Southville Centre on Beauley Road. These are fun and friendly sessions and everyone is welcome. The cost is £5 which includes tea/coffee and biscuits. Lots of prizes to be won. For more information, contact info@bs3community,org.uk or call 0117 9231039
Our Monday Club is a weekly social club for older people, whichh is based in The School Room Cafe at the Southville Centre on Beauley Road. The group meets on Mondays from 11.30am-2pm and there is always a friendly welcome, a hot lunch, tea/coffee and lots of chatting. If you or someone you know is feeling isolated, the club is a great way to connect with people. Get in touch to book
your place. Email: steph.atkins@ bs3community.org.uk
Get messy and creative in this relaxed class for all ages from five upwards. Our lovely arts practitioner will support you to experiment and try different ways of making art through painting, collage and much more. All materials are provided and you are welcome to bring a packed lunch. Alternatively, our cafe will be open for snacks and refreshments. We ask that parents/ carers stay on the premises during the class. Cost £5. Join us at the Southville Centre this summer. For session dates throughout the summer, please see our website: bs3community.org.uk/newsevents-3/
Did you know that when our term-time toddler groups take
a break during the school half terms and summer holidays, we continue offering fun activities for younger people with our Stay & Play sessions?
These run from 10.30am to
12pm on Wednesdays and are bookable through Eventbrite. Keep an eye on our social media or contact info@bs3community. org.uk or 0117 9231039 for further information.
This year marks 180 years since the SS Great Britain was launched into Bristol harbour – changing global travel forever.
To celebrate, Brunel’s SS Great Britain are welcoming children 16 years and under for free this summer when you book tickets online.
Highlights include an exciting new food trail – ‘Birthday Banquet Blunder’ – where families can follow a series of clues hidden throughout the ship. The trail will teach children about the food that passengers would have eaten on board.
Iona Keen, Head of Interpretation at Brunel’s SS Great Britain said: “The new Birthday Banquet Blunder family trail is a fun way of showcasing the sights, sounds and smells of a Victorian voyage.
“And there’s a culinary twist to tie in with our 180th anniversary this summer – families can help solve party preparation blunders, all based on real life events that happened on board the ship.”
Visitors can also step back in time by peering through a pair of augmented reality binoculars that will transport them to 1843. Created by Zubr, a leading augmented reality studio based in the South West, the experience will allow visitors to see the ship and the floating harbour as they were 180 years ago.
Book a visit between 19 July and 3 September to redeem the ‘Kids Go Free This Summer’ offer. Terms & conditions apply. www.ssgreatbritain.org/
summer
Enterprising Knowle resident Jason Ziyad is setting up a community radio show… from his very own home studio.
Jason, who is building on his experiences of pirate radio and DJing at clubs around the city, will be launching The Bristol Vibe towards the end of September. It will initially be broadcast once a week on Sunday evenings. He hopes that the show will grow to be broadcast two or three times a week.
He tells South Bristol Voice: “I will be covering everything Bristol from its arts and music scene, the city’s heritage and history, I will be discussing all things music related from listening to DJs and producing. I will be promoting local businesses and events whether it be large or small. I will be having guest interviews from artists on the music scene and guest mixes.”
Jason’s ambition for the show is that it will be something to make people smile. He says: “It’s something to enjoy listening to, something that can be serious with some lighthearted slapstick comedy as well as a good allround interesting experience that no one else is currently doing. And it will leave people wanting and waiting for the next show as if it were an episode of their favourite soap.”
He says the idea came to him a year ago: “It stemmed from wanting to do Bristol street art photography and drone flying, from rural subway and park arts to Banksy and the beautiful skylines and aerial footage from my drone, which I now have to start on my Instagram. So I thought, why not intertwine visuals with audio and have an Instagram and radio show to merge the both?”
To help keep people up to date
on the show’s launch, Jason has set up Facebook and Instagram pages called ‘The Bristol Vibe’, and a Twitter account called @thebristolvibe.
Ashton Boys’ U11 football team were donated a sum of money by a member of the public and are now proudly wearing Childrens Hospice South West logo on their kit.
The team play in the Hanham Minor League were in desperate need of funding for their team away kit.
Terry Hosier had spotted coach Kelly Hennessy out in all weathers drawing out the pitch lines at The Clanage.
Terry said: “I was so inspired by Kelly’s commitment to go out in all weathers to make sure the team had proper facilities I wanted to help and so I offered to pay for their much needed away kit.”
Terry is a long standing supporter of CHSW and agreed to print the charity’s logo on to the kits to raise awareness of the service they offer across the South West.
Until August 9, 79 East Street, Bedminster Poetry Live. Pop down to just outside Miss Millie’s on Wednesdays until August 9, from 1-2pm, to hear the wordsmiths of Bedminster Poetry Group’s lyrical stylings. Each week they will be joined by special guest poets and there are even open mic slots.
August 12, 57 East Street, East Street People’s Gallery. The East Street People’s Gallery will enliven British Heart Foundation at 57 East Street every week from each Tuesday to Saturday from 10.30am-1.30pm. There will be drop-in visual art workshops for all
ages, and you’ll be able to add your work to the growing collaborative community artwork. On the final day, August 12, there will be a closing celebration from 12.30pm.
August 15-19, Bristol Hippodrome, ‘The Ocean at the End of the Lane’. From the imagination of Neil Gaiman comes the National Theatre’s major new stage adaptation of The Ocean at the End of the Lane. This five-star spectacular from the producers of ‘War Horse’ and ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the NightTime’ is a thrilling adventure of fantasy, myth and friendship, taking audiences on an epic journey to a childhood once forgotten and the darkness that lurks at the very edge of it.
August 19 & 26, Dame Emily Park, Community Markets. The Dame Emily Park Project will host a series of community markets, giving locals the chance to buy and sell books, bric-a-brac and homemade cakes. Open from 10am to 2pm. All are welcome at the fun bring-andbuy market, email dameemilypark@ gmail.com to reserve your spot.
August 22-27, Bristol
Hippodrome, ‘Shrek: The Musical’. Based on the film, the Broadway and West End smash hit ‘Shrek the Musical’ is a fun-filled and hilarious musical comedy with a cast of vibrant characters and a ‘shrektacular’ score. Come join the adventure as Shrek and Donkey endeavour to complete their quest, finding unexpected friendships and surprising romance along the way. A perfect night out for the young and the young at heart, ‘Shrek the Musical’ is guaranteed fun for all ages and will have you dancing and laughing all the way home.
September 28-30, acta Theatre, ‘Welcome to the Hippodrome’. Step back in time and discover the long-lost Bedminster Hippodrome, a treasured local music hall. Immerse yourself in the rambunctious and vibrant world of this historical venue and witness the heart-warming stories of the people who frequented it.
September 16, Victoria Park, Fun Day. The popular family fun day returns to Windmill Hill, including a dog show, 5k fun run, stalls, refreshments and much more. Visit the VPAG website to be kept up to date on developments.
September 30, John Sebastian Lightship, ‘Writing on Water’ workshop. Judy Darley and Helen Sheppard are teaching their next workshop from 10am-3.30pm at The John Sebastian Lightship, Bathurst Basin. Find the full details here: shorturl.at/bluwO
horizon
andflamingos
obscuringthe sun isn’t likely in Greater Bedminster. Our animals are basically in two groups. Most are domesticated, ie humans, dogs and cats. About 99% of the biomass? The 1% ‘wild’ comprising 30+ birds, around a dozen mammals (50% bats?), three amphibians and one reptile (slow worms). Given our polluted rivers, not many fish. There are still lots of insects, spiders and other small creatures, but less than, say, last century.
There are two approaches, ‘Too bad, there’s nothing to be done’ and ‘Yes, we can protect the wildlife of BS3’.
We take the second view. For us, gardens are crucial, an important part of the 1750 acres of Greater Bedminster. Simple actions by hundreds of people can make a big difference: add a pond, let some grass and weeds grow, leave a pile of logs in a corner, avoid chemicals etc.
Parks, allotments and other large spaces can help too, but they have other purposes including child’s play, sport, dog walking, food growing and other human amusements. Again, collectively they make a big slice of BS3.
We are also starting to look at less promising spaces. Think about Asda car park and building. Not designed for wildlife but not totally sterile. The car park has some trees, especially around the edges. Birds perch on the building and some may nest there. Could even Asda progress from Very Poor for wildlife to simply Poor?
Find out how you can help at mywildbedminster@virginmeda.com
At a time when finances are proving difficult for everyone, it may be tricky to comprehend why funding of the arts is so vital for Bristol and the UK. The arts rely on funding to thrive and fulfil its potential so why should it be funded?
Theatre and the arts have the power to bring people together, transcend cultural barriers, and improve social cohesion. Funding in the arts allows for the creation of community-based projects, outreach programs, and inclusive initiatives that engage diverse audiences, including marginalised communities.
By actively involving communities in artistic activities, such as performances, workshops and public installations, funding contributes to integration, empowerment and wellbeing. Participation in activities such as community theatre, music workshops, and visual art projects creates a sense of belonging, personal fulfilment, pride and positive mental health.
Our arts scene in Bristol allows individuals to explore new ideas, challenge boundaries, and think outside the box. Funding in the arts ensures that writers, performers, artists and musicians have the necessary resources to bring their creative visions to life.
Exposure to the arts can help improve empathy, cultural understanding and appreciation for diversity. It also provides fun and enjoyment, can be thought provoking and is inspirational for future generations.
Contrary to popular belief, the arts sector is not merely an expense. It is a significant contributor to the economy, generating employment: including performers, technicians, artists, administrators and support staff. The arts also attract tourists to Bristol and provides customers for local restaurants, bars and other businesses.
Funding for the arts represents great value for money and is what helps make Bristol so unique and special. Let alone its contributions to Bristol’s social, economic, and educational development. For me this is why funding is essential. Please support the arts
Jacqui Ham
Have you ever considered volunteering? St Peter’s Hospice is looking for people to join the volunteer team at their Furniture and Home shop in Brislington.
All roles are flexible and offer a chance to form friendships, build confidence, and most importantly support the local Hospice and give back to your community. They are looking for people who would enjoy being on the shop floor, interacting with customers and serving on the till.
If this sounds like your cup of tea, then visit the volunteering page on the website stpetershospice.org/ support-us/volunteer/volunteer-inour-shops/ or drop into the store at Unit 5 The Concourse, 39 Brislington Hill, BS4 5BE. Ryan and his team are ready to welcome you and organise a trial shift to give volunteering in a charity shop a go.
I understand that the Redcatch Quarter redevelopment has now been approved? The size and density of the development will have a huge impact on our area, and the lack of affordable homes in Redcatch Quarter is also a huge concern. In my opinion there are better options and possibilities to explore - but these will just bring a little less profit to the developers shareholders.
I live in a city and expect development. I want new, exciting development. I live in a city because I like to be in a community. This is a development for the sake of profit, imposed on a community with little regard for the real impact on people and their lives. High density, towering single aspect small flats in a community composed largely of Victorian and Edwardian houses does not make sense. This is not right and this will become even more obvious for the future generations that live in the area. For both the residents of the
development and those surrounding it. This will degrade the local community, not enhance it.
A failure of democracy, promoting development for its own sake over nurturing and protecting the community and the assets it shares.
Rich HarrymanBristol City Council’s Development Committee’s u-turn on the decision to allow the Broadwalk shopping centre development to go ahead was a betrayal of people of Knowle.
This result was only possible due to three Labour councillors changing their votes. In so doing, Bristol Labour has shown their contempt for the people of Knowle, who overwhelmingly did not back this development.
We back Knowle Neighbourhood Planning Groups’ inspiring effort to raise money for a judicial review to investigate this farcical case of local democracy and hopefully correct it.
Zac Barker, Knowle Liberal DemocratsI have submitted a statement to Bristol City Council pointing out that in the event of a tied vote on a matter, the chair of a committee can either request a deferral to another meeting or “in the event of Chairmen having to exercise a casting vote they are urged to use their casting vote to maintain the status-quo.”
Cllr Eddy failed to act appropriately as he should have upheld the original refusal agreed at the earlier planning committee meeting in May and the matter could then have been referred back to another committee meeting.
Robin MillardUntil 9 July, I was the secretary for the Knowle Labour Party. I have resigned following the reversal of the Broadwalk decision. The three Labour councillors who changed their votes have not been able to provide defensible reasons.
The issue of possible costs in the event of an appeal being known to them before the original vote in May, and the promise of some extra ‘affordable’ flats being unenforceable. They have been duplicitous and have subverted normal democratic practice.
It seems obvious that they have not acted in isolation and that there are other Bristol politicians involved in this matter. This needs to be fought to prevent such developments from appearing all over the less privileged areas of the city, and to re-establish trust in the council.
Derrick WilliamsUntil recently, Cllrs Chris Davies and Gary Hopkins have both been supportive local councillors.
Since forming their own party, they seem to have distanced themselves from those they represent. Their support of the current Broadwalk redevelopment is a great example. The feeling among residents is palpable.
With regret, I ask them both to resign their seats so that others who are more in tune with the mood of the Knowle electorate can represent us.
Mike FergusonAbsolutely shocking u-turn by the council on the Broadwalk development. Deceitfully underhand behaviour in telling the public the second meeting was just a formality, when in fact they
used it to overturn the decision. I hope they don’t find themselves in a position where they have to find themselves an ’affordable’ home anytime soon. Or a doctor. Or a dentist. Or a school place for their child. There is no infrastructure to support that many people in that space. Profit before people. Every time. It’s heartbreaking.
Jo HowellAs a family, we understand the need for redeveloping at Broadwalk but we believe that the number of flats and residents planned is excessive. It would be unjust to both existing and new residents of Knowle.
I frequently visit the shopping center and see older shoppers engaging in conversations with acquaintances, meeting for coffee, and even stopping to chat with me and my daughter. It is truly disconcerting to think about where these people would engage in such community interactions once Broadwalk loses its community aspect. Not to mention the parking! This is just a couple of our concerns as there are others as well.
Name suppliedWe have never been involved in the decision making, and the developers had planning permission for 12 stories three years ago.
We supported it in principal as the only financially viable development of a difficult and costly site. There is no other way of investment in retail in the current climate, except if it is financed by housing, and the number of flats was determined by escalating building costs in recent years.
We had a shopping centre that was a financial and environmental disaster that needed to be replaced and was losing money and approaching closure. Whilst we would have been very happy with a smaller scheme that provided a modern sustainable replacement which met high environmental standards, no such scheme has been offered by any developer or even the bones of one.
Now we have to be scrupulous in closely examining the quality of the detailed plans of the retail and community hub we were promised and minimise in every way any negative impact on the area.
Chris Davies & Gary Hopkins, Knowle Community Party
There was a tiny mistake in last month’s column. A word got squished into a smaller word which resulted in a key sentence not making sense. My eyes narrowed and a furrowed brow joined the party. It was annoying but mistakes happen and when I mentioned it to friends, they struggled to remember the story anyway. Rude.
Then there was an incident at the Pool. I was hanging out with the artists at the BS4 Arts Trail as Jubilee Pool was a venue. The Manager beckoned me over, he needed a female lifeguard to have a word with a swimmer who’d decided that it was time to de-fluff. I kid you not, there are people who think it’s perfectly acceptable to shave off their body hair in a public shower. As I was the only female lifeguard present, I approached Mrs Hairy, nodded to the razor near her feet and asked nicely if she’d not use it within our showers.
Oh my. It properly kicked off. Mrs Hairy waved her armpit in my face, squawking “it’s only a tiny bit of stubble, what’s the problem?” Then the woman in the adjoining shower joined in. “I agree, what
about people who don’t have showers at home? What’s the difference between that hair and the hair that falls from your head or other areas?” She vigorously demonstrated which other areas. “I’ve been coming here for over 20 years and I’m outraged by this request.”
Eyebrows raised, I tried to reason with them: “Why should lifeguards clean up your stubble? Why is it acceptable to add this additional waste to our already distressed, old and crumbling
drainage system? And, frankly, it was just ewwwww.” Of course, I should have said it was for hygiene and safety reasons. Razorblades and the potential blood are not good in public spaces. Mrs Hairy and Mrs Outraged both turned their soapy backs to me stating that they were not continuing the conversation. I skulked away, chastened.
As they left the building, determined to have the final say, I fixed a huge smile to my face and called a cheery “have a nice day”
which annoyed them. In fact Mrs Outraged was so flustered, she’d stomped past her parked car and had to double back. Small wins. Then, the facial exercise to beat all others occurred when the Teen announced that she was learning to drive. I added her to my car insurance, and we went on a little trip to Felton (lovely place, I believe).
It was quite possibly the most terrifying journey of my life, face mostly held in a silent scream with eyeballs popping out.
