25th June - 1st July 2020
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The team EDITOR Michael Davies WEB DESIGNER Matthew Clarke ACCOUNTS Lisa Davies PROOF READER Elisabeth Davies MOB: 07500 017236 Advertising sales Tel: 0117 3258029 Email: info@directlocalonline.com Online Weekly Distribution: Direct Local Online now reaches over 21,000 people across Bristol via their inbox and social media each week. Printed Monthly Magazines: South Bristol North Bristol South Glos North Somerset Facebook.com/directlocal
Mikes letter
So how does everyone feel about the new guidelines for the reduction to 1 meter where possible? Does this give you more confidence to venture out to the local shops? Or are you going to stick to the original plan set out in March to stay locked down and only go out if absolutely necessary in fear of catching coronavirus. A friend of mine said in a statement nothing has changed for him and his family so he won’t be socialising with anyone at the moment unless he see’s completely zero cases. Do you think he is just being cautious or should just bite the bullet and step out in to the new normal. On another subject, travelling abroad this summer if you have booked a holiday during July and September this year then you are in a similar boat to me a few days ago when I was in two minds about going and how to approach the travel agency about our final payment and if we even wanted to fly in 2020. All I can say folks is communication is the key, in other word speak to your travel agent. After a dear friend of mine spoke to his agent on the phone he was surprised on how helpful they were and understanding of the current situation. In other words “sorted” So the moral of this story is just communicate with people it works! Have a great week folks !
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This week..
Issue: 13 25th - 1st July 2020
ALLEN STONE ESTATE AGENTS
7. Homelessness in Bristol 9. Strawberry and Basel Shortcake 16. Brislingon West Round Up 24. Advice news letter 26.Following a Families Footsteps 33. Postcards from Lockdown 36. Best Energy Deals
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39. Virtual Trip to the States 45. Nurseries benefit
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ST ANNES’S STATION & HOMELESSNESS IN BRISTOL Hello all. Here’s an update of what I have been doing as Councillor for Brislington East recently including a report back on the action the council has taken recently in regard to homeless people during the lockdown. ST ANNES’S STATION Last Friday, Bristol East MP Kerry McCarthy and I submitted our second stage bid in relation to the re-opening of St Anne’s Park station. The bid, which runs to 21 pages, sets out why we think there is a strong case to re-open the station and, if successful, will bring with it almost £50,000 of government funding to carry out a full scale feasibility study. We have had excellent support from Bristol City Council’s transport department and I am confident we have put forward a very strong case. The bid will now be reviewed by a panel including representatives from the Government, Network Rail and others who will decide whether or not to allocate the next stage funding. You can read more about Restoring Your Railways fund here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reopening-beeching-era-lines-and-stations/re-opening-beeching-era-lines-and-stations#ideas-fund It is now out of our hands, but fingers crossed!
When lockdown was introduced, the Council received a call from government asking them to get all homeless people off the street within 24 hours. Whilst this target proved somewhat ambitious, within a very short time the vast majority of people were housed off the streets and out of shelters. In order to achieve this the council contracted with three hotels as well as the YMCA and the YHA to provide safer accommodation for a large number of people, with the current numbers being around 280 people in hotels. The contracts with these hotels currently last until the end of July. The Council is very keen not to go back to the way things were before the pandemic. The city has introduced a 24-month Move On project with the aims of: * Dealing with the systemic bottle neck in supported housing – people ready to move on but not enough affordable accommodation * Securing an ongoing supply of accommodation from various sectors to meet the long term need * Moving people out of temporary accommodation and supported housing. * Creating wrap-around support services focussed on the needs of each individual.
HOMELESSNESS IN BRISTOL Here’s something we should celebrate about our city: during the entire lockdown period to date, not a single homeless person has died from Covid-19 as far as we know. In March 2020, before the pandemic hit, Bristol had roughly 120 people rough sleeping and another 140 in shelters such as the one at St Annes House.
One of the key changes which the government has made during the crisis is the increase in the Local Housing Allowance to ensure that it covers the full rent for a larger number of houses in the Private Sector. It is hoped that this will be maintained after the lockdown, as it will greatly improve the chances of getting more people off the streets and eventually into their own housing in the private rented sector.
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Strawberry & Basil Shortcake Slice
Ingredients
125g Unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for greasing 100g Icing sugar 1 Co-op British free range egg 1 tsp vanilla essence 200g Plain flour 300g British strawberries, sliced 2 tbsp chopped basil 40g Caster sugar 150ml Double cream, whipped
Method
Preheat the oven 180°C/fan 160°C/gas 4 and grease a nonstick 17cm x 27cm baking tin Cream the butter and icing sugar together until light and creamy, then beat the egg and vanilla together
Cheat’s Cheesecake
Ingredients
For the base: 25g Unsalted butter 2 Digestive biscuits, crushed 3 Ginger nut biscuits, crushed Stir the egg mixture and flour alternately, a little at a For the topping: time, into the creamed butter, until 90g Soft cheese fully combined 75ml Double cream Spread as evenly as you can (it will be sticky) over 1 tbsp icing sugar the base of the tin and bake for 15-18 mins, until 1/2 tbsp Strawberry jam golden Remove from the oven and, while still warm, cut lengthways down the middle, then allow to cool fully Put 100g of the strawberries in a saucepan, along with the basil, caster sugar and 100ml cold water, cook, stirring until the sugar has dissolved Bring to the boil and cook for 4-5 mins, until reduced and syrupy, then strain through a sieve, reserving the syrup
Method
Melt the butter and mix with the crushed digestives and ginger nut biscuits Press into the base of two ramekins, and place in the fridge to chill Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat the soft cheese, double cream, icing sugar and strawberry jam, until thickened
Once the shortcake bars are cool, top one half with Spread the mix on top of the biscuit base and decocream and strawberries, top with the other bar, then rate with a few fresh strawberries, if you fancy Chill in the fridge until ready to serve drizzle with a little of the basil syrup to serve
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CHANGE OF HANDS FOR BRIGHT SPARKS PRE-SCHOOLS The Bright Sparks pre-schools in Downend and Stoke Lodge have changed hands and plans to make the settings more flexible for local families have been revealed. The pre-schools, which are located within the grounds of Stanbridge Primary School and Stoke Lodge Primary School, will be run by new Managing Director Vicky Ashbolt, an expert in nursery childcare, who plans to open the settings up to more age groups and extend opening hours. Taking over from previous owner Karen Llewellyn, Vicky intends to extend the opening hours to 8am-6pm to help working parents. The settings will cater for children from three-months to five-years and will be available year-round instead of just during term times. Ms Ashbolt, who has worked for many years as a Director at the locally-based Mama Bear’s Day Nursery and Pre-School group, said: “Bright Sparks will continue to be an independent pre-school operator and retain its independent character. “We will build on the organisation's strengths, retain the existing staff, develop and encourage talent and continue Karen's legacy.” Both nurseries are currently still operating under their existing offerings but work is taking place to to begin accepting children of all ages for longer days. There are also plans to be able to provide hot meals, cooked on site for the children. Vicky continued: “We hope to better meet the needs of local working families and their children with our new plans. The extended opening hours will benefit working parents, as will the year-round provision. “I would like to thank Karen for her hard work and achievements. Bright Sparks is an important contributor to the local community; it has played a key role in the lives of thousands of young children and given employment to hundreds of local workers. We look forward to steering the organisation during this next phase of its development.”
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For more information about Bright Sparks visit https://www.brightsparkspreschool.com/
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South Bristol Food Bank says big ‘thank you' to Barratt CEO for share of £9,000 donation We are very grateful to David and his company
Barratt chief executive visits new Filwood Park development, Knowle, and meets Victoria Park Baptist Church foodbank volunteer following £1,000 donation A South Bristol food bank, which supports communities in need in Knowle, has today said a big ‘thank you' to the CEO of one of the UK's leading housebuilders for a £1,000 donation. David Thomas, chief executive of Barratt Homes visited their new Filwood Park development in Knowle this morning where he also met a volunteer from Victoria Park Baptist Church Foodbank. Barratt Homes have stepped in to help their local food bank, which has experienced a surge in demand for food parcels, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Hilary Jones, manager at Victoria Park Baptist Church Foodbank said: "The demand on our food bank during the pandemic period has exceeded previous levels by a significant margin and sadly that looks set to continue, particularly with the end of the furlough scheme and increased redundancies on the horizon. Another major area of concern is the fact that many families with school age children are unable to access free school meals.
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because Barratt's financial support will assist us to help these and other needy families when they need it most." David Thomas, chief executive of Barratt Developments plc, said: "Building and supporting communities is at the heart of our work so I was delighted today to visit Filwood Park, Knowle, one of our flagship regeneration developments and to meet Steve, one of the kind and dedicated volunteers from the local foodbank. The coronavirus crisis has increased hardship for many people so we're glad to be able to make a contribution that directly supports this South Bristol community, along with others in Bristol and the South West." The Victoria Park Baptist Church Foodbank donation is part of a £9,000 initiative by Barratt Homes and its sister company David Wilson Homes to support food banks near the communities they are building across the South West. A further £1,000 has been donated to each of Yate and Thornbury foodbanks in North Bristol. Through their Local Community Fund, the housebuilders, part of Barratt Developments plc, donate £3,000 every month to local community causes and initiatives across the South West.
Responding to the crisis caused by the coronavirus outbreak, they decided to focus donations from this fund for the past three months to support some of those hit hardest by the outbreak. As the devastating impact of the coronavirus crisis continues, food banks are seeing a huge increase in demand, with the Trussell Trust reporting an 81% increase in demand for emergency food parcels compared to the same period last year, including a 122% rise in parcels going to children. This is coupled with radically changing their systems of food collection and distribution in order to operate safely. Andrea Pilgrim, sales director at Barratt Homes Bristol Division added: Anyone interested in buying or viewing a new Barratt or David Wilson Home should contact their local sales office for more detail on specific developments and visit the Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes websites to book an appointment. For more information visit www. barratthomes.co.uk or www.dwh.co.uk “The coronavirus outbreak has had such a devastating impact on so many people, in terms of their health or their finances, and sadly all too often on both. We are hugely grateful to the staff and volunteers at Victoria Park Baptist Church Foodbank for their incredibly valuable work and hope our contribution enables them continue and to spread that support widely.�
As the country's largest housebuilder, Barratt Developments has been supporting the UK's efforts to get the economy on the road to recovery, following the country's lockdown, whilst safeguarding staff and customers. Barratt and David Wilson Homes have recently re-opened sales centres and show homes on an appointment only basis and with a range of safety measures and new working procedures in place which meet or exceed government, industry and public health agency advice. These include protective perspex screens, retractable barriers, strict social distancing and, where necessary, personal protective equipment (PPE), plus smart video- doorbell intercom systems. The 5 star housebuilder has also re-opened many of its construction sites, introducing stringent new working practices and protocols including social distancing, temperature checks and changes to signage, site welfare facilities and compounds, in line with the latest guidance from Government, Public Health Authorities and the Construction Leadership Council.
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Brislington West Round-up BS4 Good Gardens
The annual BS4 Good Gardens competition is currently underway and this year, Andrew, a keen gardener himself, has volunteered to be one of the judges. Andrew said, ‘the Lockdown has been a real challenge for many gardeners as garden centres were shut for several weeks making it difficult to get plants and flowers. However, the standard is as high as ever and judging so many beautiful gardens has been an immensely enjoyable, albeit challenging task.’
Burnt-out Bike
Whilst visiting Stockwood open space recently, Jos and Andrew noticed a burnt-out bike on the grass. An eyesore and an obvious hazard, which Jos quickly reported to the council. We hope it gets removed soon.
Blocked Drains Brislington Litter Pick
Last Saturday we held our first Brislington community litter pick since the Lockdown started. Thank you to everyone who came along and helped clean up around the Whitby Road and Sand Hill area. We managed to amass quite a haul. We hope to hold another litter pick in the next few weeks.
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You may have noticed that many drains in Brislington West are completely blocked. We’ve been reporting them to Bristol City Council for some time now and are pleased to see that they have finally been marked up ready to be unblocked. Andrew said, ‘after the recent heavy rain, it is even more important that the work is done as soon as possible’.
Brislington Pavements Maintenance Work
Across Brislington many of our pavements are currently being resurfaced using a process called slurry seal treatment. This is a thin layer on the top of the existing surface. There are two crews carrying out the work throughout the entire ward, which should take around a month to complete depending on the weather.
Arnos Vale Cemetery
One of the great joys of living in Brislington is having the unique and beautiful Arnos Vale Cemetery on our door step. Jos, who has been one of the trustees for the last four years, said, ‘it is such a great place to spend time, simply having a stroll or enjoying one of the many events that take place throughout the year. When I was asked to become a trustee, I jumped at the chance to be part of such a unique place’. Of course the site had to close during Lockdown, but as with all public spaces Arnos Vale is gradually opening its doors to visitors. From Thursday 18 June the gate onto Cemetery Road has been open for all visitors from 9.30 to 4pm on weekdays. However, for the time being, the site remains closed at weekends and on bank holidays and all the buildings and toilets are also closed.
Hungerford Road Play Park
All children’s play areas in the city were locked up at the beginning of the pandemic, so Hungerford Road Play Park is now looking somewhat worse for wear. Weeds have taken hold and the area will need some considerable work before it is suitable for use. Jos said, ‘I’ve asked the council to do the necessary work as soon as possible to make sure it is ready for local children when play spaces are allowed to reopen’.
By Jos Clark, Local Councillor (Brislington West) & Andrew Varney, Local Councillor Candidate (Brislington West) Email: cllr.jos.clark@bristol.gov.uk Mobile: 07584 370 429
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Local egg sales double during lockdown
A regional co-operative is praising local suppliers across the south of England who have helped to ensure residents continue to get a supply of eggs during the pandemic.
One product which has seen an increase in sales across the region is eggs which are currently supplied by local farms in Berkshire, Devon, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Surrey, Sussex and Wiltshire. Southern Co-op's sales of local eggs rose by 50% during the lockdown period in May against the typical rate of demand. The regional, independent co-operative, sells the eggs as part of its Local Flavours range which celebrates regional produce in its retail stores across the south of England. Local egg suppliers are Beechwood Eggs, in Thatcham, Berkshire; Stokes Farm, in Wokingham, Berkshire; Black Dog Eggs, in Washford Pyne, Devon; Westacott Eggs in Petrockstow, Devon; Holmansbridge in Barcombe, East Sussex; Claytons Eggs, in Romsey, Hampshire; Brownrigg, in Godshill, Isle of Wight; Curd and Cure, in Staplehurst, Kent; Coastal Farm Eggs, in Canterbury, Kent; Simons Free Range Eggs, in Hookwood, Surrey; Rookery Eggs from Langmeads of Faversham, in Flansham, West Sussex; and The Good Egg Company, in Hilperton, Wiltshire. Matt Elliott, Retail Buying & Services Manager who looks after Local Flavours at Southern Co-op, said: "Our local suppliers have done a great job helping us fill the gap when eggs were in short supply at retail stores across the country.
"Over the recent lockdown period we have seen a spike in sales of local eggs and the support we have seen across our suppliers has been fantastic. We would urge our customers to continue to support local suppliers and shop locally." In Hampshire, a major campaign has been launched aimed at supporting local producers and independent retailers as lockdown eases. Hampshire Fare, a not-for-profit organisation which support local food, drink and craft producers, is asking communities to ‘Stay Loyal Stay Local' and encouraging people to stay loyal to those relationships they have formed with local independents, producers and suppliers. Tracy Nash, Commercial Manager at Hampshire Fare, said: "This campaign is a rallying cry! It is a celebration of the brilliant service people have received from independent retailers and local producers during lockdown. More importantly, however, the objective of our campaign is to ask: why should that experience of going into a local store, being looked after, receiving personal service, perhaps being provided with home delivery, end with lockdown easing?" To find out more about Stay Loyal Stay Local, visit https://www.hampshirefare.co.uk/news-events/ news/stay-loyal-stay-local. For more information on Southern Co-op's Local Flavours range, visit www.thesouthernco-operative. co.uk/food/local-flavours/ or to find your nearest store, visit https://stores.thesouthernco-operative. co.uk/.
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LAWYERS PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE OF DIVORCE LAW The landmark ‘No-Fault’ divorce Bill could complete all of its Parliamentary stages this week after receiving a huge backing by MPs in its second reading in the House of Commons. The proposed legislation will overhaul the 50-year-old system and lawyers are now preparing for the future of divorce law. The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill proposes to implement a number of changes to divorce law in England and Wales, most significantly removing the requirement for one spouse to blame the other for the breakdown of a marriage in order to obtain a divorce. Currently a petitioner for divorce has to prove that the marriage has broken down ‘irretrievably’ due to one of five reasons. It is not possible to obtain a divorce swiftly without accusing the other spouse of adultery or unreasonable behaviour. Partner in the family team at Clarke Willmott, Alastair MacLeod, said whilst they do not yet know exactly when the new law will come into effect, his firm is already getting enquiries from couples considering divorce. Alastair said: “The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill is a short piece of legislation, but its effect will be enormous for thousands of families in the future. “The requirement under the current law for one spouse to blame the other in the divorce petition has always risked poisoning the atmosphere between divorcing couples. “In cases where people have not wanted to wait for a period of two or five years to elapse before seeking a divorce, the most common way forward has been for a divorce petition to be presented to the court based on allegations of unreasonable behaviour by the other spouse. This has, of course, been unpleasant both for the petitioner who has to make the allegations in the divorce petition and for the other spouse who has to read them.” Under the proposed legislation, a husband or wife seeking a divorce will simply need to state to the court that their marriage has broken down “irretrievably” and there is no requirement to prove that statement by submitting evidence. Except in very unusual circumstances, the court will simply be required to take this statement as conclusive proof that the marriage has broken down irretrievably and that a divorce order should be made.
The spouse who applies for the divorce will have to wait 20 weeks from the start of proceedings before applying for a conditional divorce order. After a further six weeks, an application can then be made for the final divorce order and once it has been made by the court the marriage will be at an end. The purpose of the 26-week waiting period before a divorce can be made final is to give the parties space to reflect and to give them an opportunity to turn back. It will also be possible under the new law for both parties to make a joint application to the court for a divorce so that one party does not have to make the application “against” the other. Alastair continued: “In my experience the current system often makes it far more difficult for couples to reach an agreement amicably with respect to financial settlement, and most importantly, the future arrangements for caring for their children. “It has also led to some decisions which seem to fly in the face of common sense, most notably the 2018 case of Owens v Owens, where the Supreme Court unanimously and famously rejected Mrs Owens’ appeal for a divorce because it decided that her husband’s behaviour had not been sufficiently unreasonable. Therefore, the court would not allow the marriage to be terminated on the basis of Mrs Owens’ divorce petition, even although it was perfectly clear that the marriage had broken down irretrievably. “We are already getting enquiries about the proposed new legislation and how it will differ from the current system. I believe it is in the interests of everyone for this new divorce law to begin operation as soon as possible.” Clarke Willmott is a national law firm with regional offices in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Southampton and Taunton. For further information on divorce or family law, please contact Alastair MacLeod on alastair.macleod@clarkewillmott.com or 0345 209 1696 or visit www.clarkewillmott.com
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Welcome to the council's coronavirus information and advice newsletter This week, the Prime Minister set out a series of new changes to the lockdown measures in England from Saturday 4 July. These include:
1. From Monday 6 July, those who are ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’ and currently shielding from coronavirus can:
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Spend time outdoors (in a public outdoor space, private garden or uncovered yard or terrace) in a group of up to six people, including those from outside their household while following social distancing
• •
•
Reopening of pubs, restaurants and hairdressers provided they are ‘Covidsecure’ which means having special safety measures in place Reopening of hotels, campsites and other accommodation Two households will be able to meet up in any setting while following social distancing The reduction of social distancing to 1m plus, where 2m is not possible.
Other leisure facilities and attractions may also begin to reopen, if safe to do so including outdoor gyms and playgrounds, museums, places of worship, libraries and community centres. While we welcome these announcements, many businesses and council-run facilities will need to put in place special measures and that may take some time. Thank you for your continued patience. Although we welcome this positive step it is extremely important to continue to protect yourself by staying at home as much as possible and avoiding close contact with those from outside your home should you need to go outside, especially if you are clinically vulnerable. As Bristol begins to reopen again, we must try to avoid crowded public spaces where possible, especially if unable to practise social distancing. Washing your hands regularly, wearing face coverings, and maintaining your distance from others are all essential to help keep our regional ‘R’ number down and reduce risk of infection. Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol
Form a ‘support bubble’ if they live alone or are a single parent with children, with one other household of any size; spending time inside each other’s homes, including overnight, while maintaining social distancing From Saturday 1 August, guidance on shielding will be fully relaxed, meaning those who are shielding will no longer be advised to shield. Those who need to work and are unable to do so from home will be able to return to their workplace, provided it is Covid-secure. 2. Support from the government will continue for those shielding until the end of July – including food packages and medicines. Priority food shopping delivery slots will also remain available from selected supermarkets, and will continue beyond the end of July for those already registered for support. Further advice for and guidance on shielding is available on the central Government website. If you’re in Bristol and need support getting essential foods, medicines and supplies, call the We Are Bristol support phone number for free on 0800 694 0184 (lines open 8:30am-5:00pm Mon-Fri) or email coronavirus@bristol.gov.uk.
Free early education for two Update on Government year olds shielding guidance and support If you’re the parent or carer of a two year old child available and receive certain benefits, you could be eligible to There are now plans to ease guidance for those who have been told they are ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’. This will happen in two stages.
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apply for a free, early education or childcare place at a children’s centre, nursery, pre-school or with a registered childminder.
We know that early education can help improve children’s social and emotional development, as well as boosting their language and communication skills. Children who attend early education also get the opportunity to make new friends and have fun.
During the coronavirus pandemic, we’re helping families who have experienced a sudden change in their work status or income. If you’ve recently claimed for Universal Credit, you may now be eligible for this scheme. If you apply now and meet the criteria, you’ll still receive this help, even if you return to work. Places are limited so please check to see if you’re eligible at [bristol.gov.uk/freeplacefortwos]bristol. gov.uk/freeplacefortwos or by calling the Family Information Service on 0117 3574192.
Free webinar for businesses The next business and voluntary, community and social enterprise webinar is taking place on Thursday 25 June, 4.00pm – 5.00pm. During the webinar key city partners from business, public health and the voluntary sector will share the latest updates on Covid-19, as well as what they’re doing, seeing and hearing across the city. They’ll also listen to the concerns of businesses and take questions. Register to attend the webinar on Eventbrite here.
Please note that spaces for the webinar are reserved on a first-come-first-served basis. This link to the Zoom conference will be shared with those who have a ticket in advance of the webinar. Going forward, we are planning to reduce the frequency of these webinars. If businesses would like to receive regular updates and information, they can sign up to receive the business-focused email here.
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Young South Glos couple follow family footsteps with first foray into home ownership
A young teacher and her partner have decided to return to her family roots by buying their first house in the village where both her mum and grandmother grew up. Abbie Evans aged 24 and her partner Jed Sheppard, also 24, have bought a home in Coalpit Heath using the Government's Help to Buy scheme and will be moving to their three-bedroom Maidstone home at Barratt Homes' Blackberry Park later this year. "My nan lived in Coalpit Heath, and my mum grew up here - so I have lots of fond memories of my childhood locally," explains Abbie. "It seems like a lovely area to live in. It's not too busy and is quite villagey but we still have access to lots of things and good links to Bristol city centre. "We've had fantastic support from the Barratt team, offering us advice and guidance every step of the way. It's thanks to their help, and the support though Help to Buy, that we're able to get on the property ladder. We can't wait to move in." Help to Buy is a Government scheme available on new-build homes which enables buyers to become owners with just a five percent deposit of the value of their new home, up to a value of ÂŁ600,000. The current scheme is set to change next April, becoming open only to first time buyers and for homes up to ÂŁ349,000 in the South West region.
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There has been a surge in interest from buyers and a strong rise in sales in Bristol and South Gloucestershire over the past few weeks, after the company began to gear up their construction and sales operations following the Covid-19 lockdown. Andrea Pilgrim, Sales Director at Barratt Bristol, which covers the wider Bristol area says: "We've experience a huge surge in demand in the past couple of weeks, with sales nearly doubling as the lockdown restrictions have eased and people are thinking about where they really want to live. "There are still a range of homes available at Blackberry Park but interest has been so strong there are no longer any here with Help to Buy. However, the scheme is still available on many of our other developments in the area such as Ladden Garden Village, Yate and Filwood Park, South Bristol." Abbie and Jed are living in nearby Bradley Stoke and their new home will still be close to family. They are part of the growing trend for people wanting to move out of cities into quieter rural areas, where they can easily commute to work or work from home. Jed explains: "It'll be easy for us to get to work as Abbie teaches at Bradley Stoke and I work on properties around central Bristol so there is easy access for me to get to the M32. "The at Barratt Homes have been amazing," he continues. "They have been extremely attentive and always reply to our emails quickly. We can't thank them enough - especially Debra." To find out more about new homes from Barratt, visit www.barratthomes.co.uk or call 0330 057 6000.
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Aquarius Jan 20-Feb 18 You may come across a situation or conversation that seems someone is being dealt a rough deal. Try not to get involved in any conflicts, you may find this difficult as your natural way is to try and bring balance and harmony. Work with your intuition in any tricky, or delicate situation. Keywords intuition, balance and harmony
Leo July 23 - Aug 22 There may seem to be a few tricky situations or hold-ups, but they seem to be temporary, and may show you something That could enlighten you. This may open doors for you and bring you new opportunities, which could lead to some positive changes. Keywords opportunities and changes
Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20 You may need to follow your intuition and keep your sensible side very much at the fore. You may be trying to juggle work with some social life, although at present we all know that can be tricky. Try not to allow things to make you feel stressed, try to keep calmness and peace within you as much as possible. Remember balance is a very good thing if you can bring that into your everyday situations. Keywords calm, wisdom and balance
Virgo Aug 23 - Sept 22 If you are feeling a little unclear in your thinking, cut yourself some slack. We are all having to deal with a strange situation Be sensitive to your own needs as well as those of others, and you may find you still have inner strength that will help you through. This in turn may help you to help others. Keywords Sensitivity and inner strength
Aries Mar 21 - Apr 19 You could be feeling a bit fed up, and stuck. Things do seem as though they will begin to move soon, and your social life looks as though it will be picking up. Family and friends are very important to you now, and along with this your home surroundings, which may mean a few small changes or a lick of of paint to your home. Keywords Home, family and friends Taurus Apr 20 - May 20 Relationships and your home environment seem highlighted at this time. There may be some situation that will make you feel you need to address the balance, as somebody or something seems to be being treated unfairly. Clear communication, on both sides seem very important now. Try to bring Clarity and calmness into any tricky situation. Keywords relationships and clear communication Gemini May 21 - June 20 If you have a problem or something bothering you, don’t keep it locked up within yourself, maybe discuss it with someone close, maybe spend some time in quiet meditation, or contemplation. You may be feeling a bit stuck and things seem quite hard going at present. Nothing stays the same and you may find over the next few weeks things begin to slowly become a bit easier and you begin to feel more positive. Keywords meditation or contemplation
Libra Sept 23 - Oct 22 Communication seems to be a little challenging at the moment, in some areas. Stay calm and focused, and don’t let things get on top of you. Once these issues have been sorted, you may find Some positive and new opportunities. Keywords communication and opportunities Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21 You could be feeling that things are being held up, and there seems to be a few obstacles in small areas of your life, that becoming are a little irritating. As much as you can try to find some you time, and use it to bring calm and balance back. Keywords obstacles, find balance Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21 This could be a good time to do an overview of some areas of your life. It may be changing things at home, changing routine, or something else. Clearing things both emotionally and practically may be useful too. These kind of changes can bring new things and ideas into your life. Keywords overview and new things Capricorn Dec 22 0 Jan 19 There could be changes coming your way, seems to be likely with relationships. Maybe it’s these challenging times, that was showing you who your true friends are. Also this time could be useful to try and find balance in many areas of your life. Keywords changes, and balance
Cancer June 21 - July 22 You could find that you have one of those wonderful lightbulb moments, when something that has been bothering you, or eluding you, suddenly makes sense. Along with this it may bring some new things or new ideas. It does look as though as much as possible at this strange time, your social life begins to improve. Everyone else’s safety
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BUILDERS GIFT TO WHITEHALL PRIMARY CHILDREN
Children at Whitehall Primary School in Greenbank, Bristol had a surprise after workers from a nearby building site provided them with a new outdoor seating area and a basketball hoop. Staff from the family-run construction firm Sweet Construct built picnic tables and provided the hoop after hearing the children of key workers needed an outdoor area where they could socially distance at break-times and while eating lunch.
Sweet Construct are working on The Chocolate Factory development near to the school, which is transforming the former derelict Elizabeth Shaw Chocolate Factory for Generator South West. The Bristol-based firm supplied and constructed the new facilities, which have been used by key worker children during the period of lockdown, and it is hoped they will be enjoyed by even more pupils when the school is able to welcome them back again.
Sarah Croasdell, Deputy Head of Whitehall Primary School said: “It is a fantastic gesture from the builders and the new seating allows children more space for social distancing at break and lunch times. We have not been using the main playground since the lockdown and Sweet Construct heard about the limited facilities and asked if there was any way they could help. “We have been wanting to redevelop this area with better facilities for the children for some time and this has got that plan off to a great start.” The Chocolate Factory will provide 140 vitally needed new homes, including 36 shared ownership homes, a public square, workspace for local businesses and a community hub, adding to the already vibrant community in Greenbank.
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Postcards from lockdown – highlighting children and young people. It’s been difficult enough for the average adult to cope with the personal repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic and lock down – but what has it been like for children and young adults? There must have been high and lows, and for many it will have been difficult. Those who are younger and have access to safe outdoor space may have enjoyed playing out in summer weather but others will have spent a lot of time indoors.
The postcards will be displayed in the Sea Mills Museum – (AKA the old phone box in Sea Mills Square) and on notice boards around Sea Mills and Coombe Dingle as well as online. Research shows that children and young people benefit from finding ways to express their individual experiences. Dr. Georgina Taylor, clinical manager of The Bridge Foundation Psychotherapy Service in Bristol says: "When children can express their thoughts and feelings to others, in words or pictures, it can help them to process their experiences and to feel that these are valued and heard by others. It can also help them to feel more connected to other people”.
A report by the Childhood Trust published recently highlighted the effects to children’s mental health. They found worries about the virus, children missing their friends, school and concerns about their parents who may have lost jobs and be struggling to pay rent or buy food. Young people have had their futures thrown into uncertainly, exams cancelled, the university experience radically changed and career or job prospects uncertain. All children and young people are invited to participate, regardless of where they live. The postcards will be kept together as an archive so will also become part of the record of this time.
Sea Mills 100 and Sea Mills and Coombe Dingle Together have joined forces for a project to focus on the experiences of children and young people and highlight them to others. Mary Milton of Sea Mills 100 says “We have been unable to open our museum during lockdown so we wanted to find a way of supporting our local community by using our window displays in creative way. We are inviting children and young people to send us a ‘postcard from lockdown’. We want to hear what they are doing and how they feel about what is happening right now.”
Templates are available to download from www.seamills100.co.uk/postcard but you don’t need to use them. Just send a postcard sized piece of writing or artwork to Sea Mills 100, 28 St Edyth’s Road, Sea Mills, Bristol BS9 2ES. Alternatively, you can email it to info@seamills100.co.uk or post to twitter or Instagram tagging @seamills100 using the hashtag #LockdownPostcard Sea Mills 100 is a heritage project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Bristol City Council celebrating 100 years of Sea Mills www.seamills100.co.uk
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Government announcement provides hope for Bristol hoteliers This week’s Government announcement that hotels can re-open their doors to guests from July 4 has been welcomed by the Bristol Hoteliers Association (BHA). Many of its member establishments are now working to ensure that they are ‘Covid safe’ in order to be able to welcome back paying customers and begin to get back in business. Like many businesses in the hospitality sector nationwide, the coronavirus pandemic has had a huge impact on BHA members. But the Government’s easing of the lockdown rules, and of the two-metre social distancing requirements, means the BHA is keen to look to the future. Raphael Herzog, BHA Chair, said: “The Government’s announcement that the hospitality sector re-open from July 4 is, indeed, very good news.
“This has been an extremely difficult time for many businesses, and we have a duty to ensure we take every possible precaution to reduce the risk of a further spike in coronavirus cases, while at the same time trying to get our hotels back in business as much as possible. “Some premises have been completely closed during the lockdown, while others have provided accommodation for essential key workers. “Undoubtedly there will still be some difficult times ahead for many businesses, but we are all very much looking forward to welcoming back guests – old and new – to our hotels.” He added that the experience of visiting any hotel is going to be very different to what it was before the pandemic. He said: “Many hotels and other tourism operators will need to adapt, using technology such as on-line check-ins, apps to enable people to order food and drinks, even drive-through check-ins. “We are all going to have to adapt and re-think the way we do things.”
“Ideally, we would have preferred it the announcement to have been made sooner, but now that we have a date, we can all focus on getting ready to re-open our hotels.
Mr Herzog said while this week’s announcement is a welcome one, much more needs to happen before hotels can be more confident of being able to survive in the longer-term.
“We will all need to implement new procedures and measures, to ensure that we are Covid-safe. As always, the health and safety of our staff and our guests is of utmost importance.
“We need to see the larger meetings, conferences and weddings return, which make a vital contribution to the economic viability of many hotels in the city.
“That means that not every hotel will be opening its doors on July 4, as each business will have unique characteristics and challenges to overcome, but the Government’s announcement this week gives us the green light to start properly preparing.
“We are allowed to accommodate weddings involving up to 30 people in July, which will be reviewed hopefully in August.
“Many hotels are planning to open in early July, with others aiming for August or even later, depending upon demand in the city. “Many, many, people – those who have been confined to their homes for many weeks as well as others who have been working flat-out during the crisis – will feel that they want, need and deserve a break but they will also want to know that the place they choose to stay in is going to be as safe as possible. We really welcome to words from the PM on people to Staycation this summer in order to boost the UK economy. “All our members will be working hard to ensure that when they re-open their hotels, they will be as safe as they possibly can be.
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“Spa and leisure facilities are also an important income generator for many hotels, and the sooner these can be re-opened, the better it will be, so there is still a very difficult road ahead for many businesses.” He said there are measures that the Government can introduce which could help, including reducing VAT to 15 percent, and extending the length of time that the furlough scheme can be used by the hospitality and leisure sector, which is one of the last industries to benefit from a lifting of lockdown restrictions. The Bristol Hoteliers Association represents 40 major hotels in the city, with around 4,000 rooms. Hotels put an estimated £200 million into the local economy.
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BEST ENERGY DEALS BACK AT 2016 PRICES
It’s four years since the Brexit vote was held on June 23, 2016 and while a huge amount has changed across Britain since then, household gas and electricity prices are now back at the same level, say industry experts.
“We’re seeing suppliers launching new tariffs offering the lowest prices in years and anyone who has not changed their energy provider this year needs to check immediately to see if they can save money.
While the price of shopping has risen by an average of 11 per cent, house prices by nine per cent, and rail fares by 10 per cent, the cost of the best value household fuel bills - which had risen until November 2018 – are now back at summer 2016 prices.
“Even people on a fixed tariff may find it is more cost effective to pay any exit fees and move to a cheaper tariff while prices are low.
The trend means people who last changed their gas and electricity deal in 2018 are now missing out on huge savings due to the recent plunge in energy prices. “Many people believe that energy costs just go up and up, but that hasn’t been the case over the last six-12 months,” said Mark Gutteridge, managing director of auto-switching service Flipper, which seeks out the cheapest deals for its members. “The price of the cheapest duel fuel deal increased by 30 per cent between Summer 2016 and November 2018 adding more than £200 per year to bills, but since then energy prices have been falling, and following a big drop over the past few months, the best deals available now cost the same as four years ago.
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“Anyone who has recently switched will be enjoying much lower bills, but those households who are still on the same deal they were 12 months ago, are now paying hundreds of pounds more than they should be. The average household can save nearly £370 by moving from a supplier’s standard tariff to one of the best deals currently available.” Flipper is the UK’s first auto-energy switcher and prides itself on being truly independent as it does not take commission-based referrals from any of the energy providers. The site offers a subscription service and manages bills on behalf of its members using an algorithm to scan the market to find energy deals. Members join for free and only pay a set fee if savings of more than £50 can be found. Visit www.flipper.co.uk for more information.
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Fairfield School Children Enjoy Virtual Trip To The States
Year 6 pupils at a North Somerset independent school have enjoyed a virtual trip to the USA as part of their remote learning programme during lockdown. The children from Fairfield School in Backwell visited the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C. where they took a self-guided, room-by-room virtual tour of select areas and exhibits. The pupils also planned how they would travel to America, took part in a virtual treasure hunt and enjoyed a workshop drawing dinosaurs. Fairfield School headmistress, Lesley Barton, said: “We love how creative our staff and children have been during lockdown and the Year 6 trip to Washington is a great example. “We have tried to make our remote learning programme as varied, interesting and educational as possible, despite the challenges, and we’re pleased that the pupils had a fantastic time.
“Throughout the crisis our teachers have been working hard to deliver the same high standard of teaching and learning to our pupils remotely. We’ve enjoyed seeing how well the children have responded to the new style of education and are really proud of their efforts. “We have now re-opened for children in Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 and it is lovely to see how happy the children are to be back in school. For those who have not returned yet, we will also be continuing with our remote learning programme until the end of the summer term.” Fairfield School is an independent co-educational school for children aged 2 to 11. Class sizes are limited to around 20 at Fairfield, with many much smaller, and there is a very wide range of clubs and activities, sport, music and drama to excite the interest of pupils. Fairfield is historically a PNEU School, which means it is affiliated to the Parents’ National Education Union. There are PNEU schools throughout the UK and the world. For more information about Fairfield School visit http://fairfield.school/ or contact secretary@fairfieldschool.org.uk
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CITY AND PORT OF BRISTOL BOWLING CLUB From time to time there is,amongst the list of local friendly fixtures a special game, a day out to enjoy playing bowls a little further from home and to create memories that will live in the memory for a long time. Between 2009 and 2018 there were five such games ---- each memorable for different and unique reasons. Where would you be bowling and see Green Parakeets flying around? Where would you complete your journey to the green by boat or keep an eye open to see if The Queen might appear? Where would you stop off at one seaside resort for lunch and then move on to another to bowl on a green with a view of the sea? On June 28th 2009 an excited coach full of City and Port Bowlers headed for Windsor Great Park to play a six rink game and it was here that the Parakeets were very much an attraction. Not just one or two but a whole flock of them. The sun shone, the game was enjoyed and at the end there was tea and drinks in the magnificent club facilities --- what a place to have tea!!
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To add further to the sense of occasion the hosts sang their club song --- and sang it very well. It was quite a day. The following season, on July 10th there was a very different day out. A visit to the seaside and not one but two resorts and a game of bowls!! Sidmouth was the first port of call and time for lunch before moving on to Seaton --- just up the coast and a six rink game on a green with views of the sea and a warm welcome from the hosts. It was a little over three years later on September 18th 2013 that there was a very special game in Windsor --- this time against The Royal Household. Her Majesty The Queen is Patron of the club and captain Graham Crisp did say that on occasions, when the Queen is in residence at Windsor Castle she does take an interest in the club and does come to watch games and meet the people who are playing. So --- a visit was possible but on this occasion didn’t happen, so we didn’t get to meet the queen!!
Tea was taken at the mid-point in the game --- on silver trays and in silver teapots – it was just a cup of tea and a biscuit served around the edge of the green. It has to be said that the green was rather sandy.At the end of the game, played in glorious sunshine there was food and a drink. No singing this time but a wonderful day and a great occasion in great surroundings. A further three years later on June 19th 2016 the City and Port Club headed for Caversham and a first ever visit to the Island Bohemian Club. This is a truly unique experience because the final part of the journey is by boat to the island in the middle of the River Thames. The sun shone and the six rink game was enjoyed by all. At the end of it was a two course meal, drinks and a rendition of the Island Song. The island was visited again on May 27th 2018 and whether it was a first or a return visit bowlers of the City and Port enjoyed it just as much --- a great and unique day out. Whenever City and Port play at a green away from Bristol either on tour or on a day out an invitation is issued to the hosts to come to Shirehampton for a game next season. Invitations are often politely declined but on the second visit to Caversham the answer was yes and on September 15th 2019 Guy Thorne and Island Bohemian arrived in Nibley Road to play a six rink game.
The Island team play very few away games so City and Port were lucky to fortunate to host a game against them on September 15th 2019 --- on a fine day and it all went very well. Special games need to be organised and Gill Hinksman did the early ones --- David Hinksman the first trip to The Island and Lis and Bill the return visit. Tuesday 16th June ---- just after mid-day saw the first woods of the 2020 season rolling on the green. Bowling has been allowed to start but all clubs and individual players must follow the government approved rules, issued by Bowls England in order to do so. There will be no games against other clubs this season and the number of bowlers on a green at one time will be stricktly regulated. Charlie Maby and Dave Chilcott were the first bowlers to bowl this season --- all within the rules, and they had close to two hours of bowling on a green much improved from last season. Ken Davies and Bill Hatherall followed them on to the green. Hopefully next year will return to normal --- would you like to be a winner? Then ---- call David Hinksman on 9082713---- to find out how.
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As promised all the answers to all the puzzles and riddles from last week. Weekly Riddles 1. Riddle: What runs all around a backyard, yet never moves? Answer: A fence 2. Riddle: What can travel all around the world without leaving its corner? Answer: A stamp 3. Riddle: What has a thumb and four fingers, but is not a hand? Answer: A glove 4. Riddle: What has a head and a tail but no body? Answer: A coin 5. Riddle: Where does one wall meet the other wall? Answer: On the corner
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252 Central Park, Off Petherton Road, Hengrove, Bristol, BS14 9BZ
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NURSERIES BENEFIT FROM RENOVATIONS DURING LOCKDOWN A nursery group in Bristol has used the time during lockdown to improve its settings with a programme of upgrades, re-decoration and new resources. The Mama Bear’s Day Nursery and Pre-School group, which has 16 settings across Bristol, ran a limited service with a reduced number of nurseries open, to cater for the children of keyworkers and vulnerable children, throughout the crisis. During this time owners Tony and Bev Driffield hired a new Facilities Manager and invested in renovations and the latest educational play resources for the business. One of the major changes is an all-new baby room at Mama Bear’s Allison Road, Brislington setting which has benefitted from a full re-decoration and extensive resource upgrade including a role play area, cosy book snug, dressing up corner and plenty of loose parts play resources to encourage creativity. There have also been outdoor works undertaken to paint and tidy the grounds surrounding the nurseries and ensure the environments continue to be safe.
Tony Driffield said: “We’re really pleased with the renovation work we’ve managed to carry out over the past couple of months while some of our nurseries have been closed. “It has been a huge investment especially during this time when we have had very limited income with only some children attending, but we wanted the children to have a nice surprise and a welcoming environment to return to when they could. “We take our commitment to providing a homefrom-home environment with the highest quality resources very seriously, so this programme of improvements led by our new Facilities Manager Matt, will continue to ensure we are at the top of our game.” Mama Bear’s is a family-run organisation with settings across Bristol, Somerset and Devon. Mama Bear’s nurseries provide a nurturing environment for children aged three-months to five years. It offers high-quality early years education to prepare children for the big step up to primary school.
More informaton on Mama Bear’s Day Nursery can be found at www.mamabear.co.uk
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Mobile Speed Camera Sites Bristol
With reports of mobile speed cameras back in operation never get caught speeding again with this list of sites to expect a mobile speed camera at anytime.
Stockwood Lane, nr the sports ground, Stockwood (20mph)
Hazelbury Road, Whitchurch (20mph)
Stockwood Lane, nr Whitchurch Village sign, Stockwood (30mph)
Hengrove Avenue, Hengrove, Bristol (20mph)
A3029 Winterstoke Road (30mph) A37 Wells Road, Hengrove (30mph)
Sturminster Road, Stockwood (30mph)
A370 Coronation Road, Southville Hengrove Lane, Hengrove, Bristol (30mph) (20mph) A38 Rupert Street/Bridewell Highbury Road, Bedminster Street/The Haymarket, Bristol (20mph) (20mph)
Talbot Road, Bristol (20mph)
Highridge Green, Bristol (30mph)
A4 Totterdown Bridge (30mph)
Whitchurch Lane, nr Halfacre Lane (20mph)
Hollister’s Drive, Hartcliffe (20mph)
A4174 Callington Road, Brislington, Bristol (30mph)
Whitchurch Lane, nr Hawkfield Road (20mph)
Hollway Road, Stockwood (20mph)
A4174 King Georges Road, Bristol (30mph)
Whitland Road, Bristol (30mph)
Hungerford Road, Bristol (20mph) Allison Road, Bristol (30mph)
Wick Road (20mph)
Ladies Mile, Durdham Down (20mph)
Stockwood Lane, Stockwood (30mph)
Wingfield Road, Bristol (20mph) Furber Road, Bristol (20mph) Glyn Vale, Knowle (20mph) Hareclive Road, Hartcliffe (30mph)
Ladman Road, Stockwood (20mph) Marksbury Road, Bedminster (20mph) Newbridge Road, Bristol (20mph)
B3119 West Town Lane (20mph) B3122 Redcatch Road, Knowle (20mph) B4466 Jacobs Wells Road, Bristol (20mph) Bamfield, Hengrove (30mph)
Smyth Road, Ashton (20mph)
Novers Hill, Bristol (20mph)
Barnstaple Road, Knowle (20mph)
Somerdale Avenue, Knowle (20mph)
Novers Lane, Bristol (20mph)
Bishport Avenue, Hartcliffe (30mph)
South Liberty Lane, Ashton Vale (20mph) Duckmoor Road, Ashton Gate, Bristol (20mph)
Petherton Road, Hengrove (20mph) Queen’s Road, Bishopsworth (30mph) Ridgeway Lane, Bristol (30mph) School Road, Brislington (30mph)
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Broadwalk, Knowle West (20mph) Broomhill Road (30mph) Calcott Road, Knowle (20mph) Feeder Road, Bristol (30mph)
A4 Portway Nr Barrow Hill Road (30mph)
Bonnington Walk, nr Wordsworth Road, Lockleaze (20mph)
B4052 Ashley Down Road, Bristol (20mph)
A4 Portway Nr Hung Road (40mph)
Concorde Drive, Southmead (20mph)
B4054 Avonmouth Road, Shirehampton (30mph)
A4 Portway Nr Portview Road (30mph)
Constable Road, nr Crome Road, B4054 Cranbrook Road, Redland Lockleaze (20mph) (20mph)
A4 Portway Nr Roman Way (40mph)
Coombe Lane, Stoke Bishop (20mph)
B4054 Shirehampton Road, Sea Mills (30mph)
A4 Portway Nr Sylvan Way/ Riverleaze (40mph)
Eastfield Road, Westbury on Trym (20mph)
B4054 Shirehampton Road, Shirehampton Park (30mph)
A4018 Falcondale Road, Westbury on Trym (30mph)
Furber Road, Bristol (20mph)
B4055 Station Road, Henbury (20mph)
A403 St Andrews Road, Avonmouth (40mph) A4162 Sylvan Way/Dingle Road/ Canford Lane (30mph)
Glenfrome Road, Eastville (20mph) Gordon Avenue, Bristol (20mph)
B4057 Knole Lane, Brentry (30mph)
Highbury Road, Horfield (20mph)
B4469 Muller Road, Horfield (30mph)
A4174 Ring Road, nr Hicks Gate roundabout (70mph)
Ladies Mile, Durdham Down (20mph)
Bell Barn Road, Stoke Bishop (20mph)
A432 Downend Road, Fishponds (20mph)
Long Cross, Lawrence Weston (30mph)
Bonnington Walk, nr Branwhite Close, Lockleaze (20mph)
A432 Fishponds Road, Easton (20mph)
Merebank Road, Avonmouth (30mph)
Julian Road, Sneyd Park (20mph)
Ashley Hill, Montpelier (20mph)
Portview Road, Shirehampton (20mph)
Avonmouth Way, Avonmouth (30mph) Highbury Road, Horfield (20mph) Hill View, Henleaze (20mph) Kings Weston Lane, Lawrence Weston (30mph)
Roman Way, Bristol (20mph) Station Road, Shirehampton (20mph) Wellington Hill West, Horfield (30mph) Wessex Ave, Horfield (20mph)
Keys Avenue, Horfield (20mph) Hill View, Henleaze (20mph) Romney Avenue, nr Stoke Park Primary School, Lockleaze (20mph) Stoke Hill, Sneyd Park (30mph) Wellington Hill West, Horfield (30mph)
Please visit www.avonandsomerset.police.uk for exact days and placement of a mobile camera site and remember to give yourself plenty of time to plan your journey to avoid rushing to get to a destination thus (Speeding) 47
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