Gipsy Patch Lane closure - suggestions for drivers and cyclists

If you regularly drive that way, you will know that Gipsy Patch Lane has been closed at the railway bridge for the last week. This busy commuter route will be closed for about another three weeks for BT to divert underground cables - this is just preparation for an eight month closure from early 2020 for the railway bridge to be replaced, ready for the Cribbs Patchway Metrobus extension to run under it.

During this first closure the footway will still be open for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists to get through. There have however been complaints about cyclists still riding through, which is dangerous on this narrow path. So Cyclists, please get off your bikes and walk them through - it's only a few yards.

The signed diversion for motor vehicles is via Bradley Stoke Way and the A38, but that doesn't make sense if you're heading for Filton, Southmead etc. A better bet would be to take the road past Parkway Stattion to the MOD roundabout.

Stephen Williams for Metro Mayor

On the 4th May, we have the chance to choose a new "Metro Mayor" for our region, covering South Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset, and Bristol. The Metro Mayor will have powers over important issues like transport, housing, the local economy, skills and jobs - on a par with the Mayor of London.

As a former Government minister,  Liberal Democrat Stephen Williams has the experience to be a strong voice for our area. Working closely with the local Focus Team, he understands the problems we face here in South Gloucestershire, and has set out his plans to tackle them in his manifesto. You can find out more about Stephen on his web site and Facebook page.

Stephen Williams chosen as Lib Dem candidate for Metro Mayor

Congratulations to Stephen Williams on being chosen as the Liberal Democrat candidate to be the first Metro Mayor for the West of England, ina  campaign that will last for 90 days up to the election in May.

Across the West of England area, the campaign is between the Tories and Liberal Democrats. By electing Stephen, the region will benefit from someone with both experience of local government and Whitehall.

The new Metro Mayor will have a range of powers and over the coming days and weeks the Lib Dems will be fleshing out plans to improve the transport, housing and infrastructure of the region.
You can send a message to the Tory government that this region cannot be taken for granted.