M32 Junction 2 - how can it be made safer?

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...

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

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!’

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

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!

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

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.