Neighbourhood Watch

Not in a Neighbourhood Watch area? Maybe YOU could start one.

Want to find out more? Call the police on 01454 864404, talk to your local PCSO or check out the police website for more details.

Hospital Transport Scheme

Green Community Travel now manages a dedicated door-to-door Hospital Transport Scheme Monday to Friday to Southmead, Frenchay, BRI, Oncology and Bristol Eye and Dental Hospitals. You can pre-book by ringing 01454 228706, or email admin@greencommunitytravel.co.uk for more information.

Information regarding all their services can be found online at www.greencommunitytravel.co.uk and on their Facebook page www.facebook.com/greencommunitytravel

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.