Feel better, keep fit, get involved - but how?

Maybe you're wondering how to fulfill that vague New Year resolution about getting more active? Or you want to find local sources of health information? Or do some volunteering that helps others become more healthy, or cope with their health issues?

There's a very useful new website called Well Aware that lets you search for information, resouces and activities local to you. Please visit the Well Aware website and browse around to find something that suits you.

Rodford Way safety proposals - have your say!

Rodford Way and the junctions along it have seen a succession of accidents over the years, and following pressure from local councillors (see our previous blog post) South Glos Council have drawn up proposals for improvements:

Shire Way / Sundridge Park junction - There have been many vehicle accidents here because drivers aren't certain who has priority. It is proposed to put some "Give Way" markings in the central crossover areas to make this clear.

Shire Way junction - a number of cyclists have been injured here, possibly because drivers pulling out of Shire Way are too busy trying to work out what cars in the centre of the road are doing. It is proposed to mark out the cycle lane with green surfacing and put up a sign to remind drivers that there is a cycle lane. (At the moment it is not intended to do the same on the Sundridge Park side of the junction, but that would seem very logical)

Abbotswood junction - at school run times a lot of vehicles, sometimes minibuses as well as cars, do a very dangerous U-turn via the mouth of Abbotswood and across both lines of traffic and both cycle lanes. We've personally witnessed a number of very near misses here. It is proposed to put in a traffic island at the mouth of Abbotswood to deter U-turns and to prohibit this dangerous manouvre.

Rodford Way near Kelston Close - The final part of the proposals is for an advisory 20mph speed limit on Rodford Way near Kelston Close in both directions, in line with Council policy to install 20mph speed restrictions outside schools. The restriction will operate at school opening and closing times as shown by signs with flashing lights. The road is so busy that it's not uncommon to see 30 or so people all trying to cross the road at once between the Abbotswood car park and Kelston Close.

You can comment on South Glos's proposals here - the consultation closes on Wednesday 5 February.

Nibley Lane to close for cleaning on Tuesday

Nibley Lane between Badminton Road and Westerleigh Road is expected to close for cleaning 9.30am until 2.30pm on Tuesday 12th January.

Main road through Old Sodbury to close 16 to 18 January

The A432 Badminton Road through Old Sodbury - a busy link for traffic from Yate and Chipping Sodbury to the M4 and the A46, will be closed for three days in January.

The length of road from Catchpot Lane to the A46 at the Cross Hands, will be closed for roadworks to install a new drainage system.

Please allow extra time to follow the signed diversions.There will be access to local businesses from the Chipping Sodbury direction, but there will be special signs telling HGVs to turn round much earlier.

Primary school admission applications close next week

The closing date for submitting applications for infant and primary school admissions in South Glos is Friday 15 January 2016.

To find out more about primary, infant and junior school admissions visit the South Glos school admissions web page.

Yate Town Council buys Abbotswood land

Yate Town Council has completed the purchase of the land in front of the shops at the Abbotswood Shopping Centre. They plan to look after it properly, doing things like repairing the broken and dangerous paving slabs. They will be working with local people and with Abbotswood Action Group to decide on priorities and how the area will be managed and improved.


Many congratulations to Yate Town Council - they've been working on this for a long time, and they've had to overcome many legal and practical problems to achieve this.
 
More details will follow, but if you're on Facebook you might like to "Like" the Abbotswood Action Group Facebook page, where you can find out about the events and initiatives organised by this lively local group.

Apply now for Big Spring Clean

The South Gloucestershire BIG Spring Clean 2016 runs from 1 March – 30 April 2016.  This is a chance for community groups, Parish Councils and residents to help clean up their neighbourhood and open spaces.

You don't have to in a formal group - you could get together with friends, family or neighbours. Or you might be part of a group that is already taking part in voluntary clean-ups during the year but want to take the opportunity of the BIG Spring Clean to play a part in a bigger campaign.

Free gloves, refuse sacks, litter pickers and hoops are on offer to groups who organise a ‘community’ BIG Spring Clean event, on a first-come-first-served basis. South Glos Council can arrange to collect the bags of litter you pick up. Unfortunately, they are unable to supply skips for the disposal of rubbish.

If your group is organising an event, please register by completing the BIG Spring Clean 2016 Booking Form available from this page and returning it to South Glos Council by 19 February 2016.