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.’

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.

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

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.

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’.

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.

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

Moment of remembrance – Saturday 4 July

Saturday 4 July, the day before the birthday, will be a moment of remembrance and reflection for those we have lost during the pandemic. This is a chance for the nation to come together and pay our respects. It is being led by the Together Coalition and we are asking people to place a light in their window or on their doorstep.

As part of this collective memorial, and as a mark of respect and tribute to NHS staff, key workers and everyone who has played their part during the pandemic, iconic landmarks including the London Eye, Royal Albert Hall, Blackpool Tower and Wembley Arch will be illuminated in blue.

NHS England are calling on sports stadiums, bridges, castles, monuments, conference venues and landmarks to join in lighting up our skylines and cities on the evening of 4 July.

Thank you to the #MakeitBlue Collective who are supporting them as part of their #LightItBlue campaign. The campaign was created by the events and entertainment industry to show a united display of gratitude for health and key workers.

Have a look at this list of the buildings that we have been told will be lit up. We will update the list as we hear about more, so please check back.

They are also encouraging people to take photos and share them via social media using the hashtags #LightItBlue and #ThankYouTogether.

#Thankyoutogether – Sunday 5 July at 5pm

Sunday 5 July 1948 was the day the NHS was founded and the whole country is invited to come together at 5pm to applaud all those who have been helping us through the pandemic and recognise the vital community connections that continue to support us all.

Broadcasters will suspend normal transmissions at 5pm.

Everybody will be encouraged to stop what they’re doing and join with others (following social distancing advice of course) in their streets or neighbourhoods to applaud not just the NHS and other key workers but all those who have volunteered or helped keep services and community networks going.

Following the applause, we hope people will enjoy a drink or a cup of tea and reflect with family, friends and neighbours on the bonds that have sustained us in recent months and will continue to do so.