Ashley ward eFOCUS - February 2009
Dear Resident
This eFOCUS is sent to those who have expressed an interest in what is
happening in and around Ashley ward. If you want additional information
on any topic, then please let me know or follow the web link where
available! If you can help in the run up to June 2009 elections, please
let me know. For example, I have 6,000 Ashley Focus leaflets to deliver!
Thank you all.
(1) Labour resigned at last Tuesday's budget meeting after a Liberal
Democrat amendment stopped their PFI mass burn incinerator plans.
I have to say I was shocked. It was a meeting when emotions ran high.
The Conservatives had always backed the Labour PFI incinerator plans,
but then they switched sides. Even so, why Labour chose to walk away
from running Bristol, just 3 months from the local elections is
puzzling. It may be because they recognise a number of poor decisions
will cause them heavy loses at June's election. The Conservatives have
been trying to distance themselves from Labour since they put Labour
back into power in 2007.
(2) Liberal Democrat Cllr Barbara Janke is now the new Leader of Bristol
City Council. There was no opposition to her nomination from Labour,
Conservative or Green party councillors. Sadly, I doubt that it
signifies all party support!
(3) Barbara has now chosen her cabinet. I have been appointed as
"Transport and Sustainability" lead. Quite a daunting task, and having
had 36 hours in the role I would like to pay huge tribute to Cllr Mark
Bradshaw, my predecessor. The main change I have requested is to be
more open and inclusive. I have already asked officers to explore how
we can have open, cross party briefings rather than secret briefings.
(4) "Ask The Agencies" - The next "drop in" problem solving meeting is
on Thursday 26th March 2009 6pm - 7:30pm at St Pauls Learning Centre on
Grosvenor Road, St Pauls. Open to all residents, organisations and
businesses in Ashley ward. Details at http://www.stpaulsunlimited.org.uk
(5) Billboards around Mina Road mini roundabout in St Werburghs - Officers
have been investigating whether they might also be served with
Discontinuance Notices. Initial investigations suggest this will prove
more difficult than those at bottom of Ashley Hill. I have also started
a petition to seek removal of the billboards on Stokes Croft to gauge
public feeling...
http://epetitions.bristol.gov.uk/view/stokescroftbillboards
(6) Rail not Runway - While on petitions, I have also started a petition to support our
local MP Stephen Williams's campaign to promote electrification of the
Bristol to London main-line, rather than a third runway at Heathrow.
Lib Dems in Parliament all voted against the third runway...
http://epetitions.bristol.gov.uk/view/railnotrunway [corrected from email sent out]
(8) Ashley PACT (Partners and Community Together) meeting: Monday 2nd
March 2009 4.30 pm - full meeting, 6.00 pm – Just ‘drop in’ and talk to
the Police or other professionals at St Pauls Family and Learning
Centre, Grosvenor Road, St Pauls, Bristol. All members of the public are
welcome to attend and influence priorities.
(9) Transition Montpelier - The aim is to "facilitate a community’s
response to the challenges ahead of us and make it enjoyable too".
Please email me or Dan at danweisselberg AT yahoo DOT co DOT uk for more
information on meetings and email list.
(10) Sefton Park School expansion plans - Cllr Peter Hammond was due to
make this decision yesterday, but with the change in administration,
Cllr Clare Campion-Smith will be making it with officers on Monday. I
understand that she was meeting with Chair of Governors last night and
parents and residents this weekend.
[STOP PRESS - good news - new school to go ahead on Brunel site]
(11) St Andrews Park Play Area - public consultation on Wednesday 25th
March 2009 7:30pm at St Barts Hall
(12) Street lighting - one of the Lib Dem budget amendments passed
included saving £100K on "Smarter Lighting: stop imposing bright lights
on all. Deliver safe lighting throughout the city and only install new
street lighting when residents want it" I sent an email on 12th February
2009 to those who expressed interest. Please drop me a line if you would
like a copy.
(13) Hazrat Bilal Centre - the proposed new Islamic community centre on
Seviour Street St Werburghs have submitted a further planning
application. They will be showing the plans 09/00413/F at St Werburghs
Community Centre on Horley Rd, St. Werburghs from 12pm til 2pm on
Saturday 7th March 2009
(14) I understand that KUUMBA on Hepburn Road is closing - council
officers are working with Jumoke nursery and other tenants on future plans.
(15) 07/04727/F - Land Adjacent To Scrapyard Off Gatton Road Bristol - I
sent an email on 17th February 2009 to those who expressed interest.
Please drop me a line if you would like a copy.
(16) I mentioned last month a number of priorities that the community
has given to the police at the PACT meetings. I understand that
concerns about "Pavement parking in lower Montpelier" have resulted in
police issuing many advisory leaflets and a few fixed penalty
enforcement notices.
(17) Road works start this weekend at corners of Stokes Croft and City
Road (No left turn) and Jamaica Street and Stokes Croft (No right turn)
(18) Casework - Lots happening, for example Dog mess in Picton Street
and Jamaica Street - 500 dog waste bags have been delivered locally,
also A&M site - I can't believe this is still not resolved.
If you have particular topics of interest, then let me know, as Shirley
Marshall and I also send out infrequent emails on specific topics to
those expressing an interest.
Finally, we would welcome feedback on this eFOCUS. We are happy to help
residents, local businesses and voluntary agencies where we can, to
pursue issues to make Ashley better. Please let me know if you do not
want to receive emails from us.
Best wishes
Jon
---
Jon Rogers
Liberal Democrat Councillor for Ashley
20 Windsor Road
St Andrews
Bristol BS6 5BP
0117 914 2558
Jon.rogers@bristol.gov.uk
Past issues : http://www.bristol-libdems.org.uk/ashley
Published, printed and promoted by Jon Rogers,
Ashley Ward Lib Dems, 20 Windsor Road, St Andrews Bristol