notes of westbury-on-trym neighbourhood forum · would be necessary, but a feasibility study will...

of 27

Notes of Westbury-on-Trym Neighbourhood Forum 7:00pm Wednesday 8th October 2014, Venue 35, Stoke Lane.

Present:

Councillors: Cllr Geoff Gollop

BCC Officers: Andrew McGrath Neighbourhood Coordinator, Garry Brentnall Neighbourhood

Officer

Avon & Somerset Police: PC Shaun Brean, PCSO Paula Perry

WoT Ward Representatives: Alan Aburrow, Sue Boyd & David Mayer (meeting chairman)

Co-opted Representative: Graham Donald

WOTSOC Chairman: Hilary Long

Plus approximately 30 members of the public

Apologies:

The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor of Bristol Cllr Alastair Watson,

Stephanie French, NP3 Tree Champion

1. Welcome and Introductions

David opened the meeting and congratulated PCSO Paula Perry on her recent Commendation. The

Agenda was adjusted to allow the Police officers to present their Feedback report at the start

of the meeting, to allow them to leave to provide cover elsewhere.

2. Police Feedback

PC Shaun Brean confirmed that he is still standing in for WPC Paula Donnelly while she is

stationed at Avonmouth as acting Sergeant; he also confirmed that Paula was expected to

return to WoT on 26th October. He then reported on the crime figures from April to

September

i. Burglaries from dwellings: 20, up from 10 in the last period. 6 were via insecure windows

and doors. 1 offender who entered through an unlocked door also stole car keys and stole

their car.

ii. Burglaries from sheds: 18, up from 4 in the last period. This included valuable bikes. Two

suspects were disturbed in a rear garden; one escaped over a wall into Badock’s wood, the

other fell into Henleaze Lake and was trapped by the fence and was arrested and found to

be in possession of bolt croppers.

iii. Burglaries from Commercial premises: 4 in the period

iv. Distraction burglaries: None is this period. Work against Nottingham Knockers and Rogue

traders ongoing with valuable help from the Community; but everyone must be vigilant and

report suspicious callers, also register for Ringmaster if you want up to date information.

v. Robbery: 1, a robbery at Kemps Jewellery Shop is being investigated, CCTV footage of the

event was quite disturbing as staff were threatened with violence.

of 27

vi. Fraud & forgery: 5 incidents fake £20.00 notes also con men using sleight of hand

/confusion on shop keepers to defraud them into handing over additional cash.

vii. Possession of weapons: Male arrested in Canford Park after being aggressive to PCSO. He

was in possession of CS gas and a search of his home revealed a taser and an imitation

firearm.

viii. Possession of drugs: Small number of class ‘B’ drugs recovered.

ix. Shoplifting: 72, up from 31 in the last period. All the Coop shops including Stoke Lane are

a particular target due to shop layout and company procedures. The police are working with

Coop management to find a solution.

x. Theft of motor vehicles: 7, up from 1 in the last period, never leave your car with the

engine running, or leave the car unlocked, or leave car keys on view and within easy access

xi. Theft from a motor vehicle: 25, down on 27 in the last period.

xii. Training for Speed Watch: Contact PCSO Claire Fisher (Stoke Bishop) for details.

PCSO Paula Perry confirmed that:

i. Beat surgeries: will continue on, 09.10.14 at Canford Park from 12–1.00pm, 10.10.14 at

Westbury Baptist Church from 10–11.00am, 19.11.14 at Stoke Lane Coop from 12–1.00pm.

ii. Neighbourhood Watch: Co-ordinator’s meeting at Fairfield School on 22.10.14 at 7.15pm

Question: How will the police monitor payment of the Road Fund Licence now that Tax

Discs have been discontinued?

Answer: The Police will continue to monitor non-compliance through the traffic division.

David said that it had been reported that ANPR cameras would be used.

Question: Will the Police reintroduce fitting “tamper proof” bolts for car number plates

now that the law on Tax Discs has come into force.

Answer: The Police will look into the possibility but there are no plans to reintroduce

the scheme at present due to lack of funds.

Question to Geoff Gollop: What is the cost of all the road signs required as a

consequence of the 20mph roll out and who will be paying for it.

Answer: this is funded by a “ring fenced” Government Grant (circa £2.2m?) that cannot

be spent on any other project.

3. Actions arising from previous Forum (01.04.14)

Refer to supporting paper – Attachment 1 (page 7).

Alan gave a brief summary of the ongoing issues reported in the paper under the headings of: -

i. Pavement Gabbing in Westbury Road:

Nearing conclusion

ii. Developments proposed by South Glos Council at Cribbs Causeway and Filton Airfield:

Alan pointed out that this development of 8,000-plus houses on our northern border would

have a significant and dramatic impact on all of us. He advised that BCC officers are in

negotiations with South Gloucestershire officers to try to secure funding for the

consequential infrastructure works required in Bristol to cope with this potential influx of

commuters, school children, job seekers, health suffers and aged relatives into Bristol. It

should be noted that, because this development is within South Gloucestershire, none of

the income from the project is paid to Bristol by right and must be fought for.

Question: I have read that the developer has been removed, will this delay the project?

of 27

Answer: David advised that due to the size of the project several developers were

involved, each with their own parcels of land, and each developer may employ a range of

main contractors. The press article refers to one developer and is unlikely to have a

significant impact. They are likely to be replaced and their section completed by one of

their competitors.

Hilary Long said that Charlotte Leslie MP has been pressing for the Henbury Loop to be

re-opened for passenger traffic and running before completion of the vast housing estate

to encourage commuters off the already congested North Fringe roads; and has asked for

residents to write to try and influence development plans through weight of public opinion.

Suggested recipients include: -

Local Enterprise Partnership, Engine Shed, Station Approach, Temple Meads, BS1 6QH

E-mail: [email protected]

The Mayor, George Ferguson, City Hall, College Green, Bristol BS1 5TR


Sign the petition: www.henburyloop.bristol.bristolpetitions.com

Bristol Ports Company, St Andrew’s House, St Andrew’s Road, Avonmouth, BS11 9DQ


iii. Toilets in Canford Park:

Question: are the toilets open yet?

Answer: no

Gary Brentnall confirmed that there was still a commissioning problem with the timed

locking system on the door. Resolution expected imminently.

Action: Gary to report opening date

iv. Pavement parking in Westbury Road:

Question: Roger Smith asked why the solution applied to i. above could not be applied to

this issue.

Answer David explained that this problem was different and had previously suffered from

various departments in BCC refusing to accept responsibility. However it was now accepted

by Mark Sperduty (Area Manager - Highways) that resolution of this matter is completely

within his remit. Mark is due to issue his report of proposals shortly.

Action: Mark to issue his report

v. Fires in Public waste bins:

Sue reported that there were twenty fires in Village waste bins in recent months although

all were put out before any major damage. Sue said she had produced a leaflet to assist

May-Gurney in staff training on how to empty a bin to avoid fires from discarded

cigarettes.

David reported that this has been a problem in other city wards where the bins have been

condemned as poorly designed and not fit for purpose.

Action: Andrew and Gary will chase the bin issue regarding replacements that are fit for

purpose and obtain a response from May Gurney to confirm if they are willing to take

advantage of Sue’s leaflet.

vi. Dangerous Wall on Henbury Hill: unclear if all necessary works have been completed

Action: Gary Brentnall will investigate/chase up repairs.

mailto:[email protected]


http://www.henburyloop.bristol.bristolpetitions.com/


of 27

vii. Open Forum:

a. Accident on the crossing at the junction of Falcondale Road and Westbury Road

Tammy Ardron, a local resident, explained the circumstances leading to an accident on

the Zebra Crossing at the junction of Falcondale Road/Westbury Road where a young

school girl (aged 13) was injured, and sustained broken bones, by a motorbike that had

failed to stop and called for improvements to bring the crossing up to standard and fit

for purpose. There is a petition to voice concerns regarding highway safety that has

over 1,000 signatures already. Someone mentioned that the Belisha Beacons were often

not working on this hazardous crossing.

Geoff said he welcomed the petition but felt that the safety issues of this crossing

were entwined with the Cribbs Causeway Development and consequential highways

improvements on this major commuter route. He also said that it was very useful to get

concerned parents, Highways officers, Councillors and NP Ward reps together at the

end of last week at the site of the accident to identify what could be done now.

Someone shouted that this was a priority and action should be taken now before anyone

else gets hurt.

Action: Mark Sperduty to prepare a report of proposed actions.

b. Perch seat

Re Hutton Close/Canford Lane Bus Shelter; a request for the inclusion of a perch seat

at this site has been made for the elderly travelling to Southmead Hospital for

appointments etc, and to the Village.

Alan said the overall costs could be in the region of £30,000, as footpath widening

would be necessary, but a feasibility study will be undertaken.

Hilary suggested that a bench would be far cheaper and could be pursued via the Well

Being Fund without having to involve Highways and the added cost implications of

pavement widening.

Action: Alan to pursue alternative solutions and costings.

c. 901 bus service

Following a Question at the Stoke Bishop Forum Alan confirmed that the 901 bus

service from Shirehampton “Park and Ride” to Clifton is a council-contracted service

that is not allowed to complete with commercial services, such as the No 40 through SB.

Therefore, it is non-stop from Shirehampton to Clifton; with set-down only at limited

locations once the bus reaches Black Boy Hill.

4. Green Capital Funding


David explained that as part of the Green Capital City celebrations scheduled for 2015 George

Ferguson has established a Promotion Company to raise funding and sponsorship to aid the City

in its self-promotion. The individual Neighbourhood Partnerships across Bristol (14 off) have

each been allocated devolved funds of £10,000.00. Application forms are available to request

funding for projects that meet one of the qualifying criteria in the attachment referred to

above. Applications should be sent to [email protected] by 6th November 2014

5. Parks Maintenance Priorities


Garry explained that due to the funding cuts across BCC, the Environment and Leisure

Department (which includes Parks) is required to review the extent of services and level of

services that it can provide. To aid in that review they have issued a consultation document to

gauge public opinion. The above attachment is a cut down paper version. The full version is


of 27

available on line at www.surveymonkey.com/s/groundsmain and can be completed by individuals or

local groups and should be completed if you have interest in green spaces and parks.

Question: Steve McCarthy asked for clarification of whether Parks maintenance in the future

would be carried out by directly employed BCC staff or sub contracted out and whether the role

of a dedicated Park Keeper would be retained?

Answer: Gary confirmed that it was hoped to carry out Parks maintenance (new specification to

be determined) with directly employed staff but it was unlikely that a Park Keeper would be

dedicated to a single park and the role would be spread across several Parks.

Question: Is there a precedent to maintain Parks that contain a football pitch(s)?

Answer: Yes, Canford Park should benefit from the fact that it has football pitches which will

require maintenance if they are to be used.

Question: Graham Donald suggested that this consultation document had little or no value

because there was no financial information that could be used to influence choices when

selecting priorities and hence judge affordability.

Answer: general support from those in attendance.

Question: Hilary Long suggested that there was an underhand plot to get volunteers to look

after parks.

Question: Mr Patel said the toilets in the village were continually ‘Out of Order’ and

despite frequent requests nothing appears to have been done to resolve the problem.

Answer: Cllr Geoff Gollop said that unfortunately there is no money available for any

additional services and existing services were also under threat in the current economic

climate following swingeing cuts to local authority funding from Central Government.

6. Promoting Westbury on Trym


i. Westbury in Bloom (WIB)

Sue thanked everyone for the overwhelming support during her recent illness.

The summer display throughout the Village was gorgeous thanks to the WIB Interim

Committee including Arthur Brice, Christine Muddiman, Hazel Burston and Andy Fraser and

all other WIB volunteers. Thanks too for all the generous donations and sponsorships from

the businesses and residents. This year was the eleventh year running for the “Best Shopping

Area” award for Westbury on Trym. Sue would like more volunteers in order for Westbury in

Bloom to continue to prosper. If you can help please tel. Sue on 9509621

ii. WoT Business Association

Sue explained that based on the roaring success of the Christmas Fair in December 2013 the

Business Association will repeat the event this year on Saturday 13th December from

11.00a.m.to 3.00pm. The WOTBA Bench Marking Survey 2013/14 had 500 resident

participants and over 80 businesses taking part and the results are available to view on

www.wotba.org .

iii. WoT Community Plan

Alan gave an update on progress to date and advised that the next area to be surveyed would

be around Northover Road at the end of October.

iv. Shaun the Sheep

Alan announced that sculptures of Ardman’s “Shaun the Sheep” (similar to Grommit) will be

on display in Canford Park and on the Downs near to St Monica’s for next year’s (2015)

tourist event

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/groundsmain

http://www.wotba.org/

of 27

7. Planning issues


Hilary Long referred to the above report.

Barbara Greiger and Mike Blundell explained the ongoing dispute between BCC and local

residents on the proposed floodlighting to the tennis courts in Canford Park. The proposal will

exceed the number of lights on CDSG, the poles/lights will be one and half metres higher than

surrounding houses but atmospheric glare would be the major problem in this valley position and

ill effect residents far beyond the park. See link http://canfordparkcampain.org.uk or e-mail

[email protected] if you would like more information or get involved.

8. NP Working Groups update

Refer to supporting paper – Attachment 6 (page 23.

Due to time constraints David took this item “as read”

9. Any Other Business

David asked everyone to respond to the Neighbourhood Partnership request to review local

priorities. Please refer to supporting paper – Attachment 7 (page 27).

Hilary reminded everyone that Peter Insole, the City Archaeologist, will be giving a talk on

“Know your Place” explaining and demonstrating how to use this fascinating and new feature on

the BCC website including historic and recent maps from the Braikenridge collection at the

Village Hall on 17th November 2014. At 8.00pm

10. Date of next meeting - Wednesday 4th February 2015 at 7:00pm at Venue 35

http://canfordparkcampain.org.uk/


of 27

ATTACHMENT 1

of 27

ATTACHMENT 2

of 27

ATTACHMENT 3

of 27

ATTACHMENT 4

of 27

ATTACHMENT 5

of 27

ATTACHMENT 6

of 27

ATTACHMENT 7

notes of westbury-on-trym neighbourhood forum · would be necessary, but a feasibility study will...

Documents