Steve Comer's Eastville Ward blog

FIshponds Road (A432) - Bus Lane update

2010-09-25T11:13:00.003+01:00

The consultation on the bus lane proposals earlier this year produced a huge response from local residents. The results have now been summarised in a report which can be viewed here.
Further consultations will take place, and localised consultations on specific proposals like those for Grove Road and Station Road. You can read this in full by following the links from the Council web site:

The information point is shortly to re-open, as a further consultation period starts.
Further afield the Bath Road 'showcase' route is now nearing complation.

Ball games in Fountaine Court

2010-09-25T11:01:00.000+01:00

Residents in Fountaine Court contacted Muriel Cole and I about problems with youths playing ball games in the area causing danage to cars. Muriel took this up with the Council who agreed to put up a 'no ball game' sign. This may help, but we are continuing to push the Council to provide a small area on the East Park estate where ball games can be played in a safe environment.

Common sense wins on Wickham Glen

2010-09-25T10:51:00.001+01:00

Over the last few weeks there has been much discussion about the proposed path through Wickham Glen. This will be funded by the Bristol Cycling City project, and will give access from a ramp connecting directly to Blackberry Hill. The plan was for a path that would be 3 metres wide. Many residents and local conservation groups were concerned that this would create a 'cycle motorway' and lead to conflict with people walking along the path, and users with disabilities. It would also lead to several mature trees being removed.

There was a meeting on site with Council Officers, and Jon Rogers, the Cabinet member for the project, and it looked like a compromise solution of a narrower path would be supported. Unfortunately the Cycling City team insisted on their original plan going to the planning committee.
The good news is that the committee voted to reject the plans last week, and instructed the officers to come back with a plan for a narrower path that would be more in keeping with the area.

Grove Wood - nature reserve plan goes to Cabinet

2010-06-06T22:45:00.002+01:00

On Thursday 10th June, the Cabinet of Bristol City Council will consider a proposal to turn Grove Wood into a formal nature reserve.
If the paper being put forward is approved, the council seeks to enter into an agreement with the landowner of Grove Wood and declare and manage the site as a Local Nature Reserve in consultation with Natural England.
If that does not prove possible, then the Council will apply for a Compulsory Purchase Order to acquire the site for the purpose of a Local Nature Reserve.

The nature reserve model has already worked well in this area at Royate Hill, and I'm sure this one will be just as successful.

First Liberal Ministers (and first Coalition) since 1945

2010-05-16T09:11:00.006+01:00

As I predicted this is was the closest election since February 1974 and like then it produced what the media like to call a 'hung parliament.' (Personally I prefer the less emotive local government term 'No Overall Control').
The arithmetic (Con 306, Lab 258, Lib Dem 57, others 28) meant there were only two truly viable options, a Conservative minority government (as with Labour in 1974 and with the SNP in Scotland today), or a Conservative Liberal Democrat coalition with an agreed programme, and the potential to run a full term.

Any arrangement with historic political enemies can be difficult to swallow, but coalition between parties is a fact of life in nearly all other countries in Europe. Political parties themselves are also coalitions, and we have been governed by a coalition between 'Blair-Labour' and the 'Brown-Labour' for the last 13 years!

In any coalition its not what is said but what is done that will matter in time. The agreement between the parties has been widely publicised, but don't believe what the newspapers tell you, read the full version for yourself here: http://www.general-election-2010.co.uk/conservative-and-liberal-democrat-coalition-goverment-agreement.html

General Election goes to the wire....

2010-05-05T11:28:00.002+01:00

A quarter of the votes in this area have probably been cast by post already, including mine, and tomorrow everyone else will have the chance to make their choice. I never make predictions about election results, but it is clear that this is going to be the closest contest since I first cast a vote back in 1974.
Bristol East Liberal Democrat Candidate Mike Popham has had a great response on the doorsteps, and we seem to have got more information through people'd doors than either of the other parties.
If your still undecided, please remember that only the Liberal Democrats will bring about the permanent change that our country really needs.

Lynn Road & Stokecliffe House - revised schemes approved

2010-05-05T11:08:00.006+01:00

Two planning applications that will have a major effect on Stapleton were passed at the end of April. A refurbishment of Stokecliiffe house on Park Road has been welcomed, but not the new houses planned to encroach on the valley. In Lynn Road a previous application was rejected, but an amended scheme has now been approved, this will also impact on the valley which slopes steeply form Park Road down to the River Frome (see picture).

Both applications were opposed by local residents, the local Conservation Society, and local Liberal Democrat Councillors. what this appears to show is the need for an early review of the whole of the Stapleton and Frome Valley area if its unique quality is to be maintained.

Stapleton Traffic Scheme - work starts!

2010-05-05T11:06:00.002+01:00

Local residents were somewhat relieved to see work starting on the Stapleton Traffic scheme. The traffic islands are now in place, and we hope that local people will see an improvement shortly.

Stapleton traffic - solution soon!

2010-02-22T22:57:00.004Z

Following extensive public consultations, and many months late, it looks like the long awaited Stapleton village traffic management scheme will soon be a reality. The delay has been due to objections submitted about some of the extra parking retrictions, but the key features remain, including the traffic islands on Bell Hill and near The Chine.

Frome Greenway cycle path consultation

2010-01-03T22:10:00.003Z

Residents in the part of Stapleton Road which runs next to the M32 are being consulted on plans to create a widened walkway and cycle path. At present there is a 'break' in the cycle route to and from the city centre, and the idea is to improve the area for walkers, especially those in wheelchairs or pushing prams. As part of the proposals, Napier Road will become two way, and additional parking would be provided, to replace spaces removed by the wider pavements.
The consultation ends on January 15th, and further details can be found on the Council website here:

Happy New Year!

2010-01-03T22:06:00.002Z

This blog has been quiet for a few weeks. I won't bore everyone with the full details, but everyone who has ever lost a computer password will surely understand!
Anyway my New Year's resolution is to get back to more regular blogging, starting today.....

Small Lane solution in sight

2009-09-01T00:32:00.003+01:00

A few days ago we heard the good news that the additional waiting restrictions proposed for Small Lane, Stapleton will go to public advertisement on September 10th.
For a long time there have been problems with this narrow lane being blocked by parked cars. Residents have been concerned about access for emergency vehicles, and First Bus have even considered re-routing the no. 5 bus service due to the problems of getting through the lane.
If accepted the parking restrictions would bring the 'Small Lane chicane' to an end at long last.
(Photo: Muriel Cole and Steve Comer in Small Lane, Stapleton).

“........and the dream shall never die.” Edward Kennedy 1932-2009

2009-08-27T00:14:00.007+01:00

Even though we all knew that serious illness would take his life, it was still a shock to wake up to the news that Senator Edward Kennedy had died. Less charismatic than his two brothers he may have been, but in over 40 years in the American Senate he achieved so much, always motivated by a burning desire to help the underprivileged, and at the same time make society freer and fairer.

In common with those great English and Welsh Liberals, Gladstone and Lloyd George, he had flaws, more publicised in the age of international mass media. His Liberalism never wavered but Ted always knew that politics was the art of the possible, and to get things done compromise with your opponents is often necessary.
The quote above comes from his speech he made to the 1980 Democratic convention conceding defeat. I remember it at the time, but even more clearly I remember these words from the address he gave (whilst fighting back tears) at his brother Bobby's funeral in 1968:

“My brother need not be idealized, or enlarged in death beyond what he was in life, to be remembered simply as a good and decent man, who saw wrong and tried to right it, saw suffering and tried to heal it, saw war and tried to stop it......As he said many times, in many parts of this nation, to those he touched and who sought to touch him:
"Some men see things as they are and say why.
I dream things that never were and say why not."

It was this inspiration to ask 'why not' that led me into Liberal politics, and keeps me there. Edward Kennedy retained his optimism though his life, he inspired many thousands of people who never met him, and he can rest in peace now. His dream shall never die.

20 mph pilot for Eastville

2009-08-26T15:56:00.004+01:00

A maximum speed limit of 20mph is proposed in two residential areas of Bristol, one of them includes Eastville - from the junction up to Muller Road. The proposed 20mph speed limit will apply to all residential streets within the pilot areas, but not to major traffic routes.

In Eastville the roads in the scheme are all residential, and mostly narrow streets with cars parked on both sides for most of the day. The primary aim of these pilot zones is to make walking and cycling safer and more attractive to more people. It should also help to reduce the number of road accidents, especially those involving pedestrians.

My colleague Jon Rogers, Lib Dem Cabinet member for Transport said, “We will be monitoring the success of the two pilot areas and listening to comments from local residents and businesses as well as those who regularly pass through these areas before we look at whether they could be extended to other parts of the City."

The scheme will not involve the introduction of any physical traffic calming features such as speed humps; chicanes or cameras.

Re-elected! - four more years

2009-07-03T23:27:00.003+01:00

I didn’t mean to be away from ‘blogsphere’ for so long, but it has been a very busy few weeks! Election time is always full of manic activity, but I’m pleased to say I was re-elected as Councillor for Eastville, the result was:
Steve Comer (Liberal Democrat Focus Team) 1310 44%
Mike Wollacott (Labour) 717 24%
Derek Fey (Conservative) 542 18%
Glenn Vowles (Green Party) 426 14%
June 4th saw the Liberal Democrats win 36 out of the 70 seats in Bristol and take overall control of the city for the first time. I’m very pleased that one of the Lib Dem gains was Hillfields Ward next door to Eastville. Patrick Hassell has campaigned there for many years, and we’ve worked well together on issues we’ve had in common, like the campaign to save Cossham Hospital, and in opposition to a waste site off Lodge Causeway.
Sadly Emma Nyhan just missed out becoming the second Lib Dem Councillor in St. George by 90 votes, but John Kiely has now returned as Councilllor for Easton, and Guy Poulteney held Lockleaze. There will be some major issues ahead, and it’ll be good to have allies in neighbouring wards.

Stoke Park - purchased for the people!

2009-04-13T15:09:00.009+01:00

The new Liberal Democrat Cabinet in Bristol have moved quickly to acquire Stoke Park (the land around the Dower House) from developers. This is an 18th century landscape right on the M32 gateway into Bristol.

This will secure the land for future generations, and in time I believe this will be seen as a land acquisition as important to Bristol as the decision to buy Ashton Court in the post war decade.

Detailed plans are still at an early stage, and Muriel Cole and I would welcome any feedback on what could be done. It looks like there may be some land set aside for allotments, which is good as these are always in demand. An imaginative proposal that has caused some comment is the plan to graze cattle on the land rather than use a diesel lawnmower to cut the grass!. Whilst Bristol is not going to be a big beef producer, this is an idea which has attracted much interest, and seems to be an environmentally friendly way of keeping the land in good condition.

People in this part of Bristol really value the open space they have like Eastville Park, and Snuff Mills. Acquiring this 'green wedge' of open space for the people of is good news for our city and for north east Bristol in particular.

Grove Wood Tree Preservation Order confirmed

2009-04-02T18:42:00.005+01:00

Yesterday the City Council's South & East planning committee voted to confirm the Tree Preservation Order (TPO) on Grove Wood in Stapleton. The TPO was initiated following a campaign by residents concerned about the destruction of trees in this historic woodland.
Under planning law, once a TPO is requested there is a sx month peiod where objections can be made before the TPO is finally confirmed. The landowner objected to the TPO but all members of the committee voted to confirm it.
We hope this will protect this amenity for future generations.

Bristol Labour throw in the towel

2009-02-25T19:15:00.003Z

At a dramatic budget meeting yesterday, Labour resigned the leadership of Bristol City Council. The Liberal Democrats as the largest party are now in the process of forming an administration for the city.
Labour's resignation followed a Liberal Democrat amendment to the budget, which removed the funding for the next stage of the bid for a mass-burn waste incinerator. Liberal Democrats have consistently opposed this, and we have fought this proposal at every stage in its passage through the Council. The Conservative group has now done a u-turn late in the day and voted with us, as did the one Green Councillor.
There are more environmentally friendly solution to waste disposal such as digestion and pyrolysis, and the new administration will be working with neighbouring councils to find a more sustainable solution.
For further information, check out the website for Bristol Against Mass Burn Incineration here: http://www.bambi-network.org.uk/

Pub protest at Council House

2009-02-20T12:40:00.007Z

On Wedensday the planning committee for South and East Bristol considered an application to change the car park at the Frienship Inn in Knowle. On the face of it a pretty straightforward application. but......The subtext to this is that the premises has been acquired by Tesco who want to convert the pub to a shop. This would leave a huge are with no local pub, and threaten the viability of the existing shops in the locality and on the Wells Rd. I spoke in opposition to the plan, and joined local residents and the Bristol Pubs Group in a small demonstration at the Council House.

Knowle may be accross the city from Eastville, but the issue is the threat to local shopping areas. Fishponds Rd. is already under pressure following the sad closure of Woolworths, and we have seen some pub closures in this area too. We need to do all we can to try to keep our community facilities in all parts of Bristol. A final decision on the Friendship has been deferred to allow a site visit to take place.

A walk in Grove Wood

2009-02-17T17:50:00.003Z

At the end of January the Snuff Mills Action Group organised a walk through Grove Wood. About 150 or so local residents turned up to walk the footpaths, as part of the campaign to save the wood. I was with a group that used the public right of way that goes alongside the river (well mostly). Its many years since I've walked this far along the path, and it was a good opportunity to see just why Grove Wood is so important to the local environment.

Further details of the campaign to sav Grove Wood can be found here: http://snuffmills.blogspot.com/

Back to blogging!

2009-02-17T17:47:00.001Z

I've had limited computer access for a few days, which is why this blog has been quiet. but I'm hoping to change that over the next couple of days...watch this space.

M32 Junction 2 - how can it be made safer?

2009-01-05T00:13:00.014Z

Three people have been killed within a year whilst attempting to cross the slip road onto the M32 at junction 2 (Eastville/Fishponds). Bristol City Council has now commenced a full safety review of the area in conjunction with the Highways Agency who own the motorway. Future proposals will have an impact on the whole locality; there are plans to improve cycle routes, and upgrade the bus lanes into the Centre to showcase standards. We need to make sure that improvements for local people are key to such plans, and that the whole area is made safer for residents.
Cllr. Muriel Cole and I are asking local people to give us have their views. Nearly every resident in Eastville Ward will use this junction or Fishponds Rd. at some point in the week, as will many other in north and east Bristol.

You can contact us by posting a comment on this blog, so please let us know:

1) If you think a surface crossing would improve safety?
2) Whether you want to see Stapleton Road closed at the roundabout, and the creation of a
cul-de-sac in the area between the M32 and Fishponds Rd?
3) Do you want speed limits in the area be reduced?
4) Any other comments you might have on safety and traffic issues at this junction?

All is quiet on New Years Day...

2009-01-01T14:32:00.004Z

Well it is in Upper Eastville (BS5) anyway! I think this is the quietest day of the year, hardly any traffic, very quiet, the air is still, and the trees are barely moving. An opportunity for me to spend the day at home, start to catch up with e-mail and paperwork, and listen to some music.
I'd like to thank everyone who has commented on the blog, the many more who have told me they read it, and to wish everyone a very Happy New Year. (I can't believe its the last year of the first decade of the 21st Century already).

A Boat Called Dignity

2008-12-31T20:57:00.003Z

A small boat (the SS Dignity) carrying doctors, human rights activists and three tonnes of medical supplies from Cyprus to Gaza was rammed by the Israeli navy in international waters yesterday, forcing the damaged boat to dock in southern Lebanon instead.

Those on board the Dignity said they were rammed twice in the dark and without warning by the Israeli navy. The latter insisted they were the victims of a media stunt...

English captain David Halpin told Reuters the wheelhouse glass of the boat was smashed and the rail ripped almost all the way from bow to stern. He also said an Israeli vessel rammed the boat after he had refused to stop the boat’s course to Gaza.

Why is an attack on unarmed civilians on a boat in international waters carrying supplies for the suffering not reported as 'act of terrorism' by the British Media I wonder?

I wish you a ‘Happy Interim!’

2008-12-30T00:30:00.000Z

OK I admit it, I had intended to post a message before Xmas, but the first part of December was hectic, and I didn’t get round to it! It was Xmas Eve before I wrapped any presents, and if it hadn’t been for the joys of Internet shopping (my special thanks to the Amnesty International website) they probably would have been late too!
We are in this interlude between Xmas and New Year that doesn’t have a name. The time of year when some people are working, but many are taking an extended break. Of course some don’t have a choice, 20-30% of Woolworth’s stores have already closed and the rest will be over the next few days. Reality seems to bite hard after Boxing Day.
Last year Benazir Bhutto was assassinated, this year we witness the savage slaughter of civilians in Gaza, and yet more killing in Congo. We need cease fires now, and a renewed commitment to peaceful resolution of conflicts in 2009.

Campaign against Climate Change Demonstration

2008-12-10T13:08:00.006Z

I was pleased to be able to join a strong Liberal Democrat contingent at last Saturday’s demonstration against climate change in London. These events are important in raising the issue, and keeping it in the public eye. There is an urgent need for international action and I am hopeful that President Obama will ensure American co-operation once he is sworn in next month.

(Steve with Lib Dem MP Susan Kramer and Duncan Hames, Prospective Lib Dem Candidate for Chippenham at the march).

We wish you a noisy Christmas!

2008-11-16T17:07:00.002Z

How would you fancy living next to a noisy party all over Xmas?

Well that is what could face residents in part of Fishponds Road. The White Lion pub has applied for extensions to 04:00 am on the four Saturday/Sundays before Xmas, and every night from Xmas Day to Sunday December 28th. I have asked the Police to object to the application, and the licensing panel will make a decision at a hearing on Thursday.

(After discussions between the Police and the publican agreement was reached to reduce the four days of extended opening over Xmas to three. They have also agreed to keep noise down to reasonable limits, and to keep the doors shut. The Police have now withdrawn their objection).

Eastville Park tree destruction

2008-11-16T16:25:00.005Z

Last Sunday local residents were horrified to hear workmen removing trees behind the old swimming pool in Eastville Park. The land is privately owned but has been home to badger setts for many years. The trees appear to have been hacked down rather than felled, and are still lying on the ground.
Council officers have now slapped an emergency Tree Preservation Order on the remaining trees, this is too late to save the wood as it was, but that should offer some protection against further destruction. Some lessons appear to have been learnt from the Grove Wood case. Local residents will be watching for any signs of trees being removed or disturbance to wildlife.

Obama's historic victory

2008-11-06T00:31:00.006Z

I was one of many millions watching the TV anxiously in the early hours of Wednesday morning for the American election results. With my remote control flicking between the BBC and CNN coverage, I followed every projection and prediction. It soon became clear that after eight dismal years with one of the worst Presidents in their history, the American people had voted by a clear margin for ‘change they could believe in’.

It was so good to feel positive about a US election, especially after the depressing experience of seeing Bush just cling on in 2004. I really hope Barack uses the next two years to bring real change, he has a Democratic majority in both houses of Congress, so there is no reason not too.

In Britain we voted for change in 1997, and the Labour Government seemed to promise so much, but wasted a golden opportunity and in the end changed so little. I really think Obama has the potential to make the world a more peaceful place and drive action on climate change, lets hope he lives up to it.

Grove Wood celebration

2008-11-06T00:25:00.004Z

On Tuesday I joined local residents at a small celebration of the Grove Wood campaign in the Masons Arms at Stapleton. Last week the Council’s planning committee for this area agreed to place Tree Preservation Orders on the trees in the wood. From now on any pruning work the owner of the land wants to do will have to be approved in advance. This is a victory for common sense at last after many months of campaigning. The campaign to save the wood is far from over, but this is an important first step.

Bristol Speedway's first win in 30 years!

2008-10-13T16:22:00.017+01:00

Left Picture: The victorious Bristol Speedway team at Swindon:
Standing: Semen Vlasov, Jordan Tyrer, Glen Cunningham (team manager), Linus Sundstrom. Kneeling: Mark Simmons, Mark Burrows

Right picture: Steve Comer with former Bristol Bulldogs riders, Phil Crump, Brian Woodward, and Bruce Cribb.

On Sunday I watched a team bearing the famous Bristol Bulldogs colours get a deserved victory in a four team tournament at Swindon Speedway. The result was Bristol 37 points, Leicester 27, Oxford 22, and Swindon 22. The meeting was held as part of the campaign to bring speedway back to both Bristol and Leicester.

Like thousands of others, I was at the last Speedway meeting at Eastville stadium nearly 30 years ago. At the time we all hoped our team would be back on track in a couple of years, but sadly it has been a long wait. Meanwhile the sport has changed, engines are now much quieter, and there is a Grand Prix series, which attracts large crowds, and big TV audiences. Yet the basics of Speedway are still teams of riders competing for six points in each heat.

The campaign to bring speedway back to Bristol is now gaining pace, there have been some positive discussions with officers at the City Council, and there seems to be all-party support for finding a site for the Bulldogs to use, probably in conjunction with other sports. A petition has been launched, which can be signed on the new Bristol Speedway website at: http://www.bristolbulldogs.co.nr.

Tony Potter wins St. George West

2008-10-11T01:43:00.006+01:00

Liberal Democrats won the St. George West Ward, which borders Eastville, from Labour in a by-election on Thursday. Tony Potter polled 923 votes to Labour's 816, and 506 for the Tories.

I've known Tony for more years than I care to remember, like me he is a native of East Bristol, and I know he will work hard for the people he represents. I look forward to working with him locally and on the City Council.

Back from Bournemouth

2008-09-17T20:31:00.003+01:00

I’ve just returned from five busy days at Liberal Democrat Conference. This year we are the only one of the three main parties to use a traditional seaside venue, and we were rewarded with sunshine at the weekend! There is so much going on, and as usual the fringe was the most interesting part, its now so large it almost overshadows the business in the main hall.
On Monday I chaired a debate on ‘Welfare: who provides with Cardiff MP Jenny Willott, and John McInally, the Vice President of the Public and Commercial Services Union. This was the most successful fringe event PCS has ever run at Lib Dem Conference, and there was a lively discussion with lots of questions. Grove Wood was being discussed by one of the planning committees today, so I left Conference early to get back to Bristol, but I did manage to see an excellent presentation by the successful Lib Dem Group running Newcastle. I felt quite inspired by what they’ve achieved, and even more determined to ensure we win the seats we need to get an overall majority in Bristol next year.

Sadly I was also witness to an unsavoury incident, which has been reported, in the national press. On Monday morning when I was handing out leaflets at the Conference Centre Adrian Sanders MP pushed past me, almost knocking me over. He physically attacked Mark Littlewood (the party’s former Press Officer) and Stewards and Bournemouth Centre security staff intervened to calm things down. I understand the incident was recorded on CCTV, and a written apology has been made and accepted. Regardless of who anyone is, this sort of behaviour is unacceptable and I was extremely saddened to see this at an event designed to promote free expression and debate.

Stapleton Conservation Society

2008-09-12T11:12:00.003+01:00

Following a highly successful public meeting at the end of July, the Stapleton Conservation Society was formally re-constituted last night. Recent planning issues in the village, and the felling of trees in Grove Wood (see elsewhere in this blog) have heightened awareness of the need for preservation of the character of the area.
A committee has now been formed, and a website and Facebook page will follow shortly. Stapleton has been without an active amenity society for a few years, and it is good to see this being re-established. Muriel Cole and I, as local Liberal Democrat Councillors will continue to give the group our support.

Walkabout in East Park

2008-09-11T00:48:00.003+01:00

Last week I took part in a ‘walkabout’ in the East Park and Gadshill Rd. area. There was a good turnout of local residents, with Council Officers and Police present.A number of problems were observed including fly tipping, misuses of open spaces, security, overgrown trees and hedges, and some of the effects of the street prostitution activity on Fishponds Road.
I hope that having the different agencies viewing the area together will help in getting co-ordinated solutions to problems. This is the first walkabout in Eastville, and a follow-up is due in a few months time.

1968 - the crushing of the Prague Spring

2008-08-22T21:38:00.003+01:00

Forty years ago this week the army of the Soviet Union and its allies invaded Czechoslovakia, bringing to an end the ‘Prague Spring.’ For a few months the Czech and Slovak people had enjoyed increased freedom of speech, and greater press freedom. I recall watching pictures of passive resistance by the people, slowing down tanks, daubing them with paint and chanting slogans. The invaders got the message that they were not welcome! I also remember hearing broadcasts in English from Radio Prague just before the invasion, and how the tone changed after it happened..
The tanks may have imposed Soviet rule, but they never broke the spirit of the people. Protest movements grew up in the years after the invasion, and laid the foundation for the ‘velvet revolution’ of the late 1980s.
The recent pictures from Georgia were depressingly familiar to those of us who remember August 1968.

More fly tipping cleared

2008-08-22T21:36:00.000+01:00

We’ve had another spate of fly tipping in East Park. Last week I reported a load of black bags, an old mattress, and a fridge. I’m please to say some of these have been cleared. We need to keep reporting fly tipping when it happens, and if it is clear where it has come from, the perpetrators can be prosecuted.

This man will never forget - August 14th 1967

2008-08-14T13:42:00.012+01:00

August 14th is always a date I remember with sadness. Because August 14th 1967 was the date most of the Offshore Radio stations operating around the coast closed as a result of the Labour Government’s Marine Broadcasting Offences Act.
Although I was only young at the time, it soon became clear to me that much of the justification for this law was based on misinformation, exaggeration, and more than a few ‘dodgy dossiers.’

The attitude of the political establishment to its citizens at the time was incredibly patronising, and music radio was considered something to be rationed and controlled. These stations from ships and forts may have been short lived, but they were a key element in the growth of the British music industry in the ‘60s and 70’s.

Radio Caroline refused to die on August 14th '67 and carried on broadcasting from the North Sea right up to 1990. It continues to this day, and can now be heard without fading and interference via satellite on Sky channel 0199, and over the world wide web: http://www.radiocaroline.co.uk (I’m listening to it as I write this). The station’s founder Ronan O’Rahilly has always been one of my political heroes. “I’ve been fighting government’s for years, that’s the reality,” he once said....I’m sure a lot of us know how he felt!

Great British Beer Festival and Pubs in Peril

2008-08-13T11:02:00.006+01:00

Last week I took three days off to work as a volunteer at the Great British Beer Festival at Earl's Court. Its good to do something completely diferent for a few days, but the festival as well as being a celebration has a serious campaigning side.

Pubs are closing at an alarming rate all over the country. In this area, the Bell in Stapleton has been closed for some time, and the Old Tavern in Blackberry Hill (pictured) is also awaiting a new leaseholder. A pub company put the Queens Head in Upper Eastville up for sale, and ominously mentioned 'development potential' in its details, but I'm very pleased to see its still trading as a pub.

Local Pubs are focal points for local communities, just as much as local post offices and shops (also under threat). The local branch of the Campaign for Real Ale has set up a campaign group to save local pubs, and details can be found here: http://www.pubsinperil.co.uk/

Graffiti gone

2008-08-13T10:55:00.002+01:00

A couple of residents reported an outbreak of graffiti in All Saints Lane rear of Grove Road. I'm pleased to report that this has now been mostly cleared by the Council, they will be remove the rest once the grass in the lane is cut back.
We do have a problem with this in the area, a few weeks ago I managed to get lots of 'tagging' graffiti removed from the M32 bridge in Stapleton Road.

Bitten by a dog

2008-08-03T01:08:00.000+01:00

I suppose its an occupational hazard when you do a lot of FOCUS Delivery, but on Saturday I got bitten on the leg by a dog running free in the garden of a house with no gate. I suppose I should count myself lucky it hasn’t happened before, but I did intend to spend the afternoon watching Bristol Rovers at home to Den Haag, not sat in a hospital waiting room!
What worries me though is that this dog could easily have attacked a small child instead of me, and then the consequences could have been tragic.

“Help -I want to vote for Obama!”

2008-08-03T00:53:00.000+01:00

We Liberal Democrat Councillors are used to getting all sorts of requests for help, but this one was a bit different. An American woman left a message on my answering machine saying she wanted to ensure she was registered to vote in the USA, and to get in touch with the West of England chapter of the Democratic Party.
After a bit of internet research, I managed to e-mail the Secretary of Democrats Abroad UK, who has promised to ring her.
With so much talk of voter apathy, it was good to talk to someone with such an enthusiasm for an election, which is still over three months away!

Stapleton residents meeting - Thursday 24th July

2008-07-19T23:40:00.004+01:00

The Stapleton and Frome Valley conservation area is one of the oldest in Bristol, dating back to 1972. It has helped ensure that the essential character of the area has been protected, whilst allowing sympathetic development.
Muriel Cole and I have had discussions with a number of residents who feel the time is right to revive a Conservation Society for Stapleton. This would enable residents to have a direct input into the Council’s conservation advisory panel, and work with similar groups in different parts of Bristol.
A local residents meeting has been called to discuss this on Thursday 24th July at 7:30 pm in Stapleton Church Hall.

Grange House Stapleton

2008-07-07T19:06:00.002+01:00

This historic building has been subject to a number of planning applications recently. A plan to build a four-bedroomed house in the garden was withdrawn, but an attempt to convert the historic stables for residential use has been re-submitted. There were a number of objections to this when it first appeared. The building is an established stable block, with a patterned stone floor which the developer was proposing to cover up! Listed buildings in Stapleton need to be be preserved and it is important that any development is in keeping with the conservation area. The planning application will be considered by the Conservation Advisory Panel shortly.

Save Grove Wood Trees!

2008-07-07T18:53:00.002+01:00

I was pleased to be able to join local residents in their protest against Bristol City Council’s decision to allow the trees along Blackberry Hill to be chopped down. The decision was made under delegated powers by a Council Officer in the face of a very large number of objections from local residents. Everyone accepts that the trees need some management, but I’ve seen no convincing reason as to why they should be removed.
The campaign will continue, an official complaint has been lodged with the Council, and if that fails the complaint will go to the Local Government Ombudsman.For more information on Grove Wood and Snuff Mills, please check out the excellent campaign website at: http://snuffmills.blogspot.com.

Windscreen washers at M32 junction 2

2008-06-17T15:55:00.002+01:00

I’m getting a lot of complaints about the ‘windscreen washers’ that are hanging around junction 2 of the M32. They suddenly appear, wash your car windscreen and expect payment for this ‘service’ you didn’t order.
I’ve been in touch with the police, and they are actively pursuing the culprits, who are also operating at Temple Meads.
The best advice I can give at the moment is:
1) Keep your car doors and windows locked when driving through this area
2) Make it clear you don’t want your screen washed
3) Don’t give them any money (if they’re not making money they might stop)
4) Report any incidents to the Police (it all helps to build up a case).

This is a very busy junction, with several lanes of traffic merging, and going in three different directions. These windscreen washers are adding yet another hazard, so please help to rid the area of this menace.

I've joined the bloggers!

2008-06-17T15:49:00.002+01:00

Sometimes you feel by the time you write a leaflet, get it printed and then delivered its out of date by the time it hits the doormat..........time to get into 21st century technology and join the ranks of the bloggers.

I’m hoping to keep this updated regularly with news of what’s happening in Eastville Ward, and no doubt a few comments on wider political and other issues too.