Dodington Road safety issues

In April Claire Young carried out a survey in Dodington Road (the road that runs past Chipping Sodbury School and into the country area) to find out what people thought about various options for pavements to increase pedestrian safety.

Most people supported both extending the pavement on the school playing field side to a safer crossing point and creating a pavement on the same side as the houses from there up to at least the bend. Given the costs, it would be difficult for the Area Forum to fund both in one year, so they have been added to the Local Transport Priority List as two separate schemes. It would not make sense to create a path from the bend down to Woodlands without there then being a crossing point to another footpath, so extending the existing pavement on the school playing field side to a safer crossing point is described as phase 1 and the scheme to create a path from the crossing point along to the bend as phase 2.

The proposals will be scored by officers along with all the other potential schemes on the list, which will help inform the Frome Vale Area Forum in making a decision next March as to which schemes will be funded. Members of the public can attend the Forum to speak for in support of schemes.

Appeal against wind turbine refusal

The applicant has submitted an appeal against the planning committee’s refusal of permission to build a wind turbine south of the B4465 between Westerleigh and Codrington.

All the original comments will be sent to the appeal inspector, they do not need to be resubmitted, but if you have any additional points to make to the Inspector the deadline is 25 June. You can find details of the appeal by going to the planning portal and using the reference number: APP/P0119/A/13/2196500.

Dodington Road safety issues

In April Claire Young carried out a survey in Dodington Road to find out what people thought about various options for pavements to increase pedestrian safety.

Most people supported both extending the pavement on the school playing field side to a safer crossing point and creating a pavement on the same side as the houses from there up to at least the bend. Given the costs, it would be difficult for the Area Forum to fund both in one year, so they have been added to the Local Transport Priority List as two separate schemes. It would not make sense to create a path from the bend down to Woodlands without there then being a crossing point to another footpath, so extending the existing pavement on the school playing field side to a safer crossing point is described as phase 1 and the scheme to create a path from the crossing point along to the bend as phase 2.

The proposals will be scored by officers along with all the other potential schemes on the list, which will help inform the Frome Vale Area Forum in making a decision next March as to which schemes will be funded. Members of the public can attend the Forum to speak for in support of schemes.

Yate spur cycle path latest

The cycle path has been constructed from Coxgrove Hill (at the northern end of the existing Bristol to Bath railway path link) as far north as Westerleigh Road. On this section, between the M4 motorway and Westerleigh Road, there are further works to complete which include the installation of a footbridge at Folly Brook and minor works at the level crossing and the Network Rail car park. Officers are intending to install the bridge at Folly Brook next month, which will take about one week to complete. The works at the level crossing and Network Rail car park are subject to negotiations with Network Rail.

It is anticipated that the next phase of works from Westerleigh Road to Westerleigh village including the provision of a traffic island on Westerleigh Road will be constructed in 2013/14 (possible start date in June). The remainder of the route from Westerleigh village to Yate will be delivered when funding becomes available.

Unfortunately, there are no funds in 2013/14 to construct the fishing lakes route towards the Science Park even though planning permission has been given. Again, officers hope to secure funding in future years so that this route can be built.

Nibley Lane to close for cleaning this Thursday

Nibley Lane is expected to close for cleaning from its junction with Badminton Road to its junction with Westerleigh Road on Thursday 16 May 2013 from 9.30am until 2.30pm.

(Before anyone says "What - again?" it probably really needs it this time. There's a car embedded in the hedge half way along...)

Does your group need a grant?

If you are involved in a voluntary group and would like a small grant to help you serve the local community, now is the time to apply for a South Gloucestershire Capital Grant.

Starting today, you can apply for up to £3000 (in the Frome Vale Area, there is no limit in Severn Vale although obviously the total funding available is limited). The decision on how much to award will be made by local councillors at the relevant Area Forum. The closing date is 10 June and you apply online. If you need help, ring the Grants Helpline on 01454 865865.

Dodington in the Dark? Street light switch off - proposals for Dodington Parish

As we previously reported, during 2013 South Glos Council will be extending its ‘part-night’ lighting scheme throughout South Gloucestershire. During July 2013 streetlights in Dodington Parish are programmed to be converted to switch off during the early hours of the morning.

You can view the detailed plans and associated information online. Print copies will also be available to view in Yate One Stop Shop and Yate library. You can also find out more online about part night lighting more generally, including the criteria for which lights are left on. If you have concerns that some of the criteria have not been applied correctly, you have until 12th June to make comments.

Yate Cinema consultation this week - come and see the plans!

The public consultation for the proposed new cinema development at Yate Shopping Centre will take place on Thursday, 9^thMay and Friday 10^thMay. The display will be in the former Stead & Simpson shop at Unit No1, South Walk and will be manned by members of the Project Development Team at the following times:
Thursday, 9 May Noon – 8.00pm
Friday, 10 May 10.00am – 6.00pm

The display will then stay in the unit until 5.00pm on Monday 13 May where visitors can view it at their leisure during Centre opening times. The proposals are for a six-screen cinema, restaurants and retail units on the land behind the Link Road overflow car park.

We need a direct bus to Southmead Hospital!

The main NHS acute hospital for people in and around Yate is moving from Frenchay to Southmead next year. So how would YOU get from Yate or Chipping Sodbury to Southmead, without a car?

Steve Webb asked the question, and the best they could come up with was to catch a bus to Bristol Parkway and then change and get another bus to Southmead. Imagine - it's cold, it's wet, and you're already not feeling very well.

According to the North Bristol NHS Trust "whilst a direct service from Southmead to Yate was considered early on in discussions it would be unaffordable as a new service" - it's just not good enough.

You can join Steve Webb's new Facebook group "We need a bus to Southmead", and we'll keep you posted here as well.