NEW PLANS FOR TERN INN SITE

 

The owner of the Tern Inn and car park off Heron Way has submitted a new planning application for the car park area.

 

The proposal is to build a convenience store - likely to be CO-OP - with 5 flats above, one 2 bed and four 1 bed. The building would be along the side of the car park next to Heron Way. The pub would be retained.

 

The plans show that there would be 41 spaces in the car park - around the existing capacity. Out of the 41 there would be 1 disability space and 5 spaces for the flats, with access bollards.

 

15 spaces would be designated for store use, leaving 19 "additional spaces" for everyone else.

 

You can see the full details and comment on the South Glos website here:
https://developments.southglos.gov.uk/.../applicationDeta...

 

This replaces the previous application that was turned down after so much opposition, which would have seen the pub demolished and flats built all over the car park.

 

Feel free to comment and discuss the new proposal here, but please remember that your views will only be officially considered if you send them to South Glos - the easiest way is to use the "Make a Comment" button on the page linked above. Please get your official comments in before Christmas. It's likely that there will be a decision by Wednesday 27 January.

 

There is also a lively Facebook discussion going on in The Birds Yate and Chipping Sodbury Resident Group - if you're not already a member, you can find them here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1031148403680385

Yate and Sodbury Neighbours Scheme Covid-19 – Help and Support

Yate and Sodbury Neighbours Scheme Covid-19 – Help and Support

https://www.facebook.com/groups/650869675671695/

This Facebook  group has now reached  nearly 4,000 members  and 120 volunteers have now stepped up to register help their neighbours.

Yate Town Council are providing administrative support -

As a NEW servive he COVID facebook group have launched a listening service – with a separate Facebook page   - so if you are able to share this Facebook page as well that would be really appreciated.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ysnslistening/

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Best wishes from everyone on the Focus Team!

Please save your stamps for charity!

Most of our local charity shops collect used stamps - foreign, UK commemorative or just plain "ordinary" stamps - and sell them on to dealers to raise funds. Please keep all those stamps you get at Xmas or indeed any time of year and take them in.

Alternatively you can drop them off to Paul Hulbert at 35 Blaisdon, Yate (this year he's collecting them for the Children's Hospice) or leave them at Dodington Parish Council for him to collect.

General Election 2019 results - Thornbury and Yate

The results of the 2019 General Election in the Thornbury and Yate constituency are as follows:

• Luke Hall (Conservative) 30,202   ELECTED
• Claire Young (Liberal Democrats) 17,833
• Rob Logan  (Labour Party)  4,208

Many thanks to everyone who supported Claire, and to all those who worked so hard on our campaign. 

Hustings for General Election this Tuesday at St Nix, Abbotswood

Please come along at 7 pm this Tuesday to meet and hear from all three candidates for the Thornbury and Yate constituency. You can email your questions to YateHustings@gmail.com, or you can write your questions just before or during the Hustings. There will be some time for verbal questions at the end, but you have a better chance of it being answered through email or writing down at the event.

Lib Dem General Election Campaign launched in Thornbury and Yate

The Lib Dem General Election Campaign for Thornbury and Yate was officially launched yesterday evening - though of course we've been working hard on it already!

Our candidate Claire Young (centre) said "We're ready to stop Brexit and focus on issues that matter to local people, securing a brighter future for our community"

Claire is shown flanked by fellow candidates Louise Harris  (Filton and Bradley Stoke) and Dine Romero (Kingswood)

Road closure - between Westerleigh and The Folly - Yet another change - now Mon 11 to Wed 13 Nov

They've now gone back to the original date... According to an update from South Glos today - 7th November -Westerleigh Road will be closed from Monday 11 November to Wednesday 14 November from 9.30am until 3.30pm.

The Westerleigh Road will be closed for 3 days 9.30 am - 3.30 pm between The Folly pub and the traffic lights at the top of Westerleigh Hill. This is due to carriageway patching work by South Glos Council. There are bound to be delays while this busy commuter route is shut.

South Glos say "A signed diversion will be in place. Access to properties and businesses will be maintained via either the eastern or western side of the road (whichever is clear of works at the time). We will do everything we can to minimise disruption and we apologise for the inconvenience.

These works are in advance of a surfacing scheme due to take place on Westerleigh Road in 2020"

A432 Badminton Road, Old Sodbury - major resurfacing works 4-22 November

South Glos Council has announced a major resurfacing project for the section of Badminton Road in the middle of Old Sodbury, and the length round the long bend and running up to the A46.

The works will involve the planing off of the existing surface of the carriageway and the laying of a new surface. The work will start at 8.00 pm each night and remain in place until approximately 6.00 am. The road will be closed overnight except for access.

Gypsy Patch Lane roadworks update

Further update from Metrobus w/c 14/10/2019:

"Three-way temporary traffic lights will be put in place on Gipsy Patch Lane from Monday 14 October. The lights will need to be positioned at the railway bridge and will include the junction with Station Road.

The temporary lights are needed by Wales and West Utilities whilst diversionary work is carried out on the gas main in preparation for the replacement railway bridge next year. The work is expected to take up to two weeks and the lights will be in operation around the clock.

It was hoped that this work could be completed without the need for traffic lights but for the safety of all road users this is no longer the case. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your continued patience.

All shops and businesses on and near Gipsy Patch Lane will be open as normal"

---------------------------------------

The Cribbs Patchway Metrobus Extension project tell us:

"The three-way temporary traffic lights at the railway bridge on Gipsy Patch Lane are to remain in place for at least a further week. Contractors are currently installing crossings on Gipsy Patch Lane as part of preparation works for the bridge replacement next year. The extension to the temporary lights is needed to enable additional work to lower a utility cable.

Safety is paramount and given the limited space around the railway bridge the temporary lights help protect workers and members of the public whilst this work is completed. This additional work will not affect the project’s timetable.

The temporary lights will only operate Monday to Friday during off-peak hours and pedestrians and cyclists will continue to be able to pass under the railway bridge. Cyclists may be asked to dismount.

Once this work is completed the temporary traffic lights will be replaced with automated Stop/Go boards on Gipsy Patch Lane. These will only be used as needed when workers and machinery from the construction site need to safely cross Gipsy Patch Lane. Their use will be kept to a minimum and as far as possible will be kept to off-peak times.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your continued patience. We will continue to keep local residents, businesses and commuters up to date on the project.

All shops and businesses on and near Gipsy Patch Lane will be open as normal"

For further information about the project please visit www.southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus

You can now keep up to date via the project' new Facebook page www.facebook.com/sgloscpme

Bus fare victory in Yate, Chipping Sodbury and Thornbury

Liberal Democrat bus campaigners are celebrating victory in their campaign for a cheap fare for bus journeys within the towns of Yate, Chipping Sodbury and Thornbury. From later this month people travelling on First Bus services will play just £1.50 for any single journey in town.

Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate for Thornbury & Yate, Claire Young, said:

"This is fantastic news for bus users in Thornbury and Yate. Last year's fare rises left them paying far more for a short bus journey than those in Bristol or Bath. It made people think twice about using the bus to go to the shops, adding to the congestion and parking problems. We pushed First Bus to give us a low flat-rate fare for journeys within town and we're delighted they're doing that."

Yate Town Councillor Chris Willmore said:

"We have fought for this in Yate for years, it's a key plank of our 'Let's Get Yate moving' plan. It was nonsense expecting people to pay a fiver to get to the shopping centre and back. Well done to First Bus for listening. Now we need to tell everyone about it and show bus bosses that cheaper fares work."

Cllr Maggie Tyrrell (Lib Dem, Thornbury) said:

"At this price, people will be happy to jump on a bus rather than face the hassle of finding a parking space in town. I'm glad First Bus have heeded our arguments."

Claire added:

"We are still pushing for the towns to have their own travel zones taking in nearby villages, like the zones for Bristol, Bath and Weston-Super-Mare. Flat rate "Rider" tickets allowing you to make as many journeys within the zone as you want in a day, week or month would help more people go by bus."

Sustainable September - events in Abbotswood and nearby

Abbotswood Action Group have announced their programme of events for "Sustainable September" - there's lots to interest all the family. The first event is this Sunday, 1st September:  “Lines In The Landscape: A time trail walk exploring how people and nature interconnect in our modern town and countryside” The walk will set off from outside St Nicholas Church, Abbotswood at 2 pm.

A walk of about two hours at a gentle pace from Abbotswood to Wapley Bushes and back. Discover disused streams and ancient hedges in the built-up area, and see how wildlife and people use pathways, beelines and wildlife corridors in the Nature Reserve. Please wear suitable footwear and dress according to the weather.

If you’re interested, other events during the month include wildlife talks and a Bicycle Safari (think “nature ramble on wheels”)

Gypsy Patch Lane, Abbeywood Roundabout - roadworks in September

Lots of local residents drive along Gypsy Patch Lane, Filton and through the narrow bridge. Work will be starting there in September to prepare for replacing the bridge.

From Monday 2nd September temporary three-way traffic lights will be in operation on Gipsy Patch Lane at the railway bridge. These will be in place for up to two weeks.

After this period automated Stop/Go boards will be used as needed on Gipsy Patch Lane.  These will only be used when workers and machinery from the construction site need to safely cross Gipsy Patch Lane, their use will be kept to a minimum and as far as possible will be kept to off-peak times.

Meanwhile at Abbeywood Roundabout there will be major resurfacing work overnight from Monday 9th September 2019. They will be planing off of existing tarmac and laying a new surface. The work will start at 8.00 pm and go on until around 6.00 am. During the work the road will be closed and all traffic will be diverted around the area.

Road to Pucklechurch to be closed at motorway bridge

The Highways Agency will be closing the bridge which crosses the M4 on the B4465 between Westerleigh and  Pucklechurch for strengthening works from Tuesday 27th August to Friday 4th October.

*** Update - the road is now finally open again ***

You will still be able to get to the crematorium from the Yate and Westerleigh direction, but if you're coming from elsewhere please follow the diversion signs or leave the ring road (A4174) at the Emersons Green roundabout, and come in along the Westerleigh Road.

Yate Heritage Centre summer events

Yate Heritage Centre is running a wide range of events aimed at young people during the school holidays:

• 7th August -Traditional Wash Day 10.30am—4pm
  Free drop in sessions. Children to be accompanied.
  Free Children’s Holiday Workshops 10.30am or 1.30pm
  Booking essential. Children to be accompanied.
   
• 8th August - Civil War Doctor & Craft
   
• 14th August - Heraldry Workshop
   
• 15th August - Roman Clay Workshops

Wapley Bushes gains eighth Green Flag Community Award in a row

Members of Wapley Bushes Conservation Group showing off their eighth Green Flag Community Award at one of the Bug Hotels during their July work morning on the Local Nature Reserve.

Wapley Bushes Local Nature Reserve and the Orchard for the Future have been recognised as one of the UK’s very best green spaces. Today, a record number of parks and green spaces collect a Green Flag Award.

This international award, now into its third decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.

Wapley Bushes has won the Green Flag Community Award, a category for green spaces that are managed by voluntary and community groups. There are only eleven Community Awards in the whole of the South West. In fact there are only two Green Flag Awards of any kind in South Gloucestershire, the other one being Page Park in Staple Hill.

Wapley Bushes Local Nature Reserve is an area of meadows and woodlands which is very popular with local people of all ages. It is managed by the volunteers of the Wapley Bushes Conservation Group on behalf of site owners Dodington Parish Council.

Committee member Paul Hulbert said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Community Award for the eighth time”

“Our local green spaces really matter to residents and visitors. They make a major contribution to health and wellbeing”

“This award celebrates the dedication that goes into maintaining Wapley Bushes to such a high standard - the real credit goes to our hard-working volunteers, and to Dodington Parish Council for their unfailing practical and financial help”

"Our reserve is a mixture of flower-rich meadows, ancient woodland and younger plantations. We work closely with South Gloucestershire Council and the Southwold Group of the Wildlife Trust, who provide us with very valuable advice"

The next work morning on the Reserve will be Sunday 8 September, meeting at the Shire Way entrance to the woodland, south Yate, BS37 8US, 10.00am. Extra volunteers would be very welcome – please contact Paul Hulbert on 01454 315851 for more details, or just turn up.

Yate Outdoor Sports Complex (YOSC) athletics improvements open, astroturf project starting

Yate Town Council has announced that the refurbished and enhanced track and athletics facilities at Yate Outdoor Sports Complex (YOSC) are now open for business. Local athletes can resume use of the now greatly enhanced facilities.

Councillor Chris Willmore, Chair of the Project Steering Group commented:

"We are delighted that local athletes now have access to a completely upgraded facility that will last another 25 years, and give disabled athletes, Brimsham Green School pupils and athletes of all ages international quality facilities.”

The first community event to take place at YOSC on the track was the annual Relay for Life on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th July 2019.

In August a Guinness World Record Attempt will be taking place at YOSC. The event will be held on the athletics track, with a relay of 105 people covering the marathon distance of 42,195m, combined with target sprint shooting.

This month sees the next big project at YOSC - Yate Town Council's AstroTurf refurbishment project. Yate Town Council has raised funds through Sport England, Ibstock & Entrust Communities and Suez Landfill Community Trust to replace the AstroTurf and to upgrade the current pitch to competitive standard. 

The works will take place during the summer holiday period and are due to be completed by the end of August 2019.

YOSC is a multisport site including an athletics track, grass pitches and a sand-based AstroTurf pitch adjacent to Brimsham School in North Yate.

Please vote for Kingsgate Park as UK's Best Park

Fields In Trust is the national group that champions and supports our parks and green spaces by protecting them for people to enjoy forever. Their annual UK's Best Park competition is now open for voting - you can see the parks and green spaces that have been nominated and cast your vote here.

Please consider voting for our lovely Kingsgate Park, which has something for everyone, or look for your other favourites. A vote for Kingsgate Park would be a lovely "Thank You" for all the Yate Town Council staff and the Friends of Kingsgate Park who work so hard to keep the park looking marvellous.

British Lung Foundation Support Group for people with breathing problems opens in Yate

The British Lung Foundation Support Group for people with breathing problems is now in Yate.

Meetings are held the 3rd Tuesday of the month (unless like July when we have 5 Tuesdays in the month)

So the meetings this year are Tuesday 23rd July, 20th August, 17th September, 22nd October, 19th November and 17th December in 2019.   The group meets in the Coffee Bar and lounge at the Armadillo. This venue is opposite Morrison’s which has good car parking, and also at the back of the sports centre which has ample parking too. Free refreshments are provided.

The support group is run by members, with speakers from the Sirona Team with to give advice or to answer your questions, they have the knowledge to help. It can be easy to feel you are on your own with your condition, but here you will find others who understand.

The group also has other guest speakers. So far they have had a visit from the Police to talk about how we can keep ourselves safe, and a wonderful man from Wapley Bushes Nature Reserve with ideas of places locally where we can go for a walk with ample parking facilities.

For further details please telephone Christine on 07973 637273 or 01454 882151.

Play Scheme at Abbotswood School during August

Four Towns Play Association will be running a free play scheme at Abbotswood School on Tuesdays and Thursdays during August - please see details below.