Latest news with #EastBristolLTN
BBC News
17-03-2025
- BBC News
Council faces questions about bus gate police response
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset has said she will look into the heavy police presence at a protest against the installation of a bus and Somerset Police confirmed that 28 officers attended in the early hours of Thursday 13 March as protestors gathered while the work was being carried out held back a small group of demonstrators who are against the East Bristol Low-Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) trial were able to finish the work to install signage on the corner of Avonvale Road and Marsh Lane in Barton Hill. Campaigners against the trial, which began last November, have accused the council of being underhand by doing the installation in the dark. Deniece Dixon, from Cafe Conscious on Avonvale Road, said she was concerned her business would suffer if the closure of the road to most private vehicles becomes said people needed more information about the plan."They [the council] offered to put flower and seating outside," she said."[There was] nothing about a bus gate, nothing about road closures. Not a single time did they say that." The council said there had been extensive consultation and leafleting of addresses in the area covered by the East Bristol LTN, which is meant to prevent rat runs and make residential areas safer, getting more people to walk, cycle or take the bus. A meeting of the West of England Combined Authority took place on Friday during which the authority provided Bristol City Council with the funding for the the meeting, Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Moody said: "I obviously have a scrutiny role around policing so I just want to acknowledge that it's something I'm aware of [the number of police involved], it's something I'm investigating and it's something I'll be following up."Meanwhile, Green leader of the council Tony Dyer said: "I think it is very clear there are some very strong feelings about this process and therefore know we do take those seriously." Not all residents are unhappy with the scheme, however. Pietro, who lives in the area, believes there are simply too many cars."Look at all the traffic coming down Church Road or Blackswarth Road," he said."It's one person [per car], one person, one person. It doesn't have to be that way."When these schemes go in, smaller journeys or journeys that are not needed, they go. People do find alternative modes of transport."
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Protest disrupts work on liveable neighbourhood
Work to install a bus gate which is part of a liveable neighbourhood scheme has been disrupted by protests. About 30 campaigners gathered in Barton Hill, Bristol, as council contractors worked to install a bus gate as part of the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood Scheme. "They're trying to put the bus gate in because they know it will raise fines for the council's bank balance," said protester Melissa Topping. Bristol City Council has been asked for comment. It has said the scheme will "create a safer, healthier and greener neighbourhood". One-way systems and roadblocks have already been installed as part of the trial for the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood, which covers parts of Barton Hill, Redfield and St George. The council has said the measures stop drivers cutting through residential roads in order to beat congestion. Three bus gates - in Avonvale Road, Marsh Lane and Pilemarsh - are part of the wider scheme. Only drivers with certain exemptions, such as those with disabilities, care providers attending clients, and families of high-needs children, may be exempt from charges. Since the scheme was announced, the council has faced strong opposition from some residents who say it would make their journeys longer. "We're not letting this happen through a community which has clearly stated we don't want it," said Ms Topping as the bus gate was being installed in Avonvale Road. Ms Topping said the protests would continue beyond Monday. "The council are being bullies," she added. "This was supposed to be developed with us, and it hasn't at all." Protester Sameera Mussa said many residents needed to use their cars to take their children to school. She said: "Why has this been done to Barton Hill? Why not do it to the wealthier parts of the city? "We don't have families here who can sit at home with their laptop and work at home. "Why don't the council create better environments instead of caging us like animals?" Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Liveable neighbourhood trial paused after protests Work begins on liveable neighbourhood pilot Thousands demand halt to East Bristol LTN trial Bristol City Council
