Wheels to Work

Transport costs can be prohibitive for people who are unemployed or in training. Perhaps one of these schemes could help:

Bike loan scheme – You can borrow a decent hybrid bike from Bristol Bike Project, for two months to start with.

Bus ticket scheme - If you need help with specific journeys, such as interviews, careers fairs, workplace training or the start of a new job, then you may be able get a free bus ticket.

For the bike loan and the bus ticket scheme you will need to be referred by trainers, work clubs etc who are associated with the Wheels to Work scheme. Email wheelstoworkwest@southglos.gov.uk or phone 01454 868244 to find out about these two schemes.

Loan to Buy Scooter Scheme – This is for people who have been offered a job or have started a job in the last 4 weeks, after being a job seeker. If you are struggling to get to your job and either live or work in Bristol or South Gloucestershire then you may be eligible. You can apply online at: www.travelwest.info/scooterrequest or contact the Wheels to Work team.

Flood Risk – have your say about vulnerable areas

South Glos Council is developing a Flood Risk Management Strategy, and they are keen to hear your thoughts and experiences on areas in South Gloucestershire that have been flooded in the past or that may be vulnerable to flooding in the future and how you think these risks should be managed.

You can have your say online here

Witches Hat Play Area

Yate Town Council is considering making improvements to the play area to provide more for very young children and for teenagers. There are no firm plans at the moment, but local young people have been asking for a mini skateboarding area. Other ideas include a sandpit, play equipment for a wider age range and landscaping to increase the opportunity for nature play.

Area Forums - your chance to get involved

At the coming round of Area Forums there will be updates on the Local Transport Capital Programme, Small Grant awards, the New Homes Bonus grants scheme and funding for youth activities. As always, there will be an open session where you can put any questions to councillors and officers.

Why not come along, join in the debate and have a say where local funding is spent. Our area is covered by the Frome Vale Area Forum, which will be meeting at 7pm on Thursday 6 March at Shireway Community Association, Yate.

Changes ahead for Rodford Way mobile phone mast

Vodaphone and O2 have been in contact to say that the controversial Rodford Way mobile phone mast will be upgraded for the new 4G network.

It’s not yet clear what the changes will be – they say it might be just extra cabinets, or they might have to increase the height of the mast.

We’ll let you know when we know more about their proposals. Maybe you are concerned, or perhaps you are keen to get 4G in the area - either way, please let Cllr Paul Hulbert know your views on 01454 315851, email paul.hulbert@gmail.com.

Nominate your community hero

There is still time to nominate your community heroes for the Chair's Community Awards, but hurry, the deadline for nominations is Friday 21 March.

The annual awards event celebrates the hard work and dedication of volunteers in the community who display outstanding commitment in giving up their time and effort to help others. Suggestions for nominations include those who have contributed to community development, promoting equality, arts, sports, play, environment, working with older or young people, advice and advocacy or have simply been a good neighbour. From charity fundraisers to local football club managers, sports coaches and arts festival organisers, these awards have seen South Gloucestershire Council honour the dedication and commitment of hundreds of unsung heroes across the district.

You can nominate online. The winners will be invited to a ceremony at the South Gloucestershire & Stroud College WISE campus in Filton on Sunday 18 May.

Changes at Abbotswood Post Office?

The Post Office is consulting about changing the arrangements at Abbotswood Post Office. There would no longer be the screened counters. Instead there would be a till on the main retail counter.

This would mean that Post Office services would be available for much longer (Mon – Sun 06:00 – 22:00) but a few facilities would be lost, for example you wouldn’t be able to pay by cheque.

You can comment online at postofficeviews.co.uk quoting branch number 16351199, write to “FREEPOST Your Comments” (Yes, that’s it, the shortest address we’ve ever seen!), phone 08457 22 33 44 or textphone 08457 22 33 55.