Update on cycleway link from Yate to the Bristol - Bath path and on pedestrian link to Westerleigh

Briefly, there has been no physical progress on the cycleway link because Network Rail haven't yet signed consents. Believe it or not, it's because of the main line electrification! They are considering using some of the land near the oil depot for training concerned with the electrification work, but they don't yet know how much land they need.

All other landholder agreements have been finalised for the first phase from Coxgrove Hill to Broad Lane, and land negotiations for the Broad Lane – Shireway second phase have just started.

The Westerleigh Link project from the Nibley Lane corner to Westerleigh would cost over £50,000 and therefore will be considered for inclusion in South Glos's Local Transport Capital Programme for 2012/2013.

The next meeting of the Joint Cycleway Group will be in mid-April. Watch this space, as they say...

Beat the school application deadline

If your child was born between 1 2007 and 31 August 2008 you only have until midnight this Sunday (15 January) to apply for their school place for this September. The easiest way to make sure your application arrives in time is to apply online. You can call 01454 868008 for further advice and support.

Hobbs House Bakery featured on Channel 4 tonight

Local business Hobbs House Bakery are featured on a programme on Channel 4 at 8.30pm tonight.

Nominate a community hero

Do you know someone in your community whose work deserves to be recognised? If so, go to www.southglos.gov.uk/communityawards before 3 February 2012 to nominate them for a community award. The award winners will be invited to a ceremony at BAWA, Filton on 29 March 2012.

South Glos moves out of the slow lane

Fast broadband is vital for many local residents and businesses. While some local authorities have already claimed their share of Government money for improvements and others have submitted plans, until now South Glos had only got as far as starting a consultation to gather evidence of demand:

http://www.southglos.gov.uk/broadband

Now though there is good news as South Glos has announced it is joining Wiltshire and Swindon’s project, described as the most advanced in the country. This will speed up the roll-out of superfast broadband to rural areas and should bring significant savings. The process of inviting bids from commercial suppliers is set to begin in spring 2012, with the contract announcement due in the summer. Work to install the network is expected to begin by December 2012, with the first residents and businesses able to sign up for superfast broadband from 2013. The Council has changed the deadline for completing its surveys to 29th February 2012 to fit in with these plans.

Local MP Steve Webb, who has been campaigning for faster broadband in our area, has urged local people to fill in the online surveys and spread the word to friends, family and colleagues. As well as holding meetings with South Glos, Steve has spoken to Virgin about getting cable to more areas and has met BT at Westminster. He stressed to them the urgent need to get improved broadband in South Glos and BT is providing information to help South Glos in preparing its plans.

Royal Visit - photos now available

Photos from the Royal Visit to the Yate Armadillo Youth Venue and Cafe are now available on the Armadillo website - click on the Cafe icon, then Royal Visit.

Bins and buses over Christmas

If you're wondering when your recycling and rubbish will be collected over Christmas, you can find out on the South Glos website. On the same page you can also find out the opening times for the Sort IT centres and the best way to dispose of your Christmas tree and cards when the time comes.

South Glos has also provided details of changes to local bus timetables over Christmas.