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Traffic plan for Windmill Hill abandoned after opposition PROPOSALS to limit traffic through Windmill Hill by making some streets one-way and reducing access from St John’s Lane have been abandoned. Bristol city council said it received “a substantial amount of opposition to the proposed measures”. It added: “Unfortunately, there is no other engineering solution which would address the problem of through traffic in the area without causing undue access difficulties for local residents.” The council is inviting suggestions to reduce traffic speeds without roadworks as funds are still available – email highways.traffic@bristol.gov.uk quoting reference RS12036. Cllr Sam Mongon said: I’m disappointed that we couldn’t find a solution that worked but recognise the concerns of the majority of respondents about these proposals. “I am glad that the funding will be ringfenced for the ward and hope we’ll be able to find alternative ways of calming traffic around our streets that local people support.” The subject will be debated at Windmill Hill neighbourhood forum on Wednesday March 9 at 7pm at Victoria Park Baptist Church, Sylvia Avenue. For more details contact neighbourhood officer Lloyd Allen; email lloyd. allen@bristol.gov.uk.
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March, 2016
Signs of life at last at neglected shops
TOTTERDOWN’S long-empty parade of shops on Wells Road should have at least one new occupant this year. The former Totterdown Centre, fondly remembered by many residents, is to host an upholstery business in its basement. There was a delighted reaction on Facebook when it was announced that the Bristol Upholstery Collective plans to open workshops there. Upholstery tutor Leigh-Anne Treadwell told the Totterdown Facebook group that she hopes the workspace will open in April. She reported: “The lower level is damaged from leaks and requires a fair bit of work to the ceilings and electrics.” The group is hoping to raise the money to bring the basement back to life. “We have a waiting list for those who practice upholstery in South Bristol that would benefit from sharing an affordable, well-equipped workshop among others with a passion for creative upholstery. If all goes to plan, we’ll be opening on April 1 and be very much an asset to the Totterdown community,” said Leigh-Anne. The Totterdown Centre was opened by Tony Benn MP in the early 1970s to encourage small businesses. It came after the destruction of hundreds of Totterdown terraces to make way for a
Neglected: The former Totterdown Centre has several owners highway which was never built – a move which knocked the heart out of a thriving and important shopping centre. Previously the building had been home to Harris & Tozer, a clothing store and haberdashers. In later years it was home to Totterdown children’s workshop – an out-of-school club that now meets at Holy Nativity church. Until recently it had a Chinese takeaway; about 10 years ago the corner shop was a greengrocers. Earlier it held the Grain Store, a health food shop. Hopes that the
empty units could be refurbished to make a community café have come to nothing. Recent years have seen the flats upstairs renovated but the lower floor, which has several owners, is in need of work. It is still home to Bristol Women’s Workshop, which exhibits each year during the Front Room art trail. Tresa, the Totterdown community group, is monitoring the situation. • www.bristolupholstery collective.com
Are flowers and plants poisonous to pets?
MANY owners aren’t aware that certain plants and flowers are actually toxic to pets and, scarily enough, the list apparently totals more than 700 different species of plants! So here are a few that you may come across this springtime. The most obvious is, of course, lilies. This spectacular flower is beautiful to look at but it is extremely toxic to cats. Whether they have chewed on the plant or brushed against the
pollen and cleaned themselves, it can cause kidney failure very quickly. Did you know that daffodils are poisonous to dogs? Every part of the daffodil, in particular the bulb, is very dangerous if eaten by your canine and can even be fatal. So take care if you have some sprouting in your garden when spring arrives in earnest. Avoid a bouquet of begonias: these are toxic to both cats and
dogs and have been known to cause an intense burning of the mouth and throat. Carnations aren’t the most dangerous but can cause mild digestive upsets, so it’s best to avoid if possible. A lovely bunch of colourful tulips can also be toxic to pets, causing gastrointestinal pain, increased heart rate and breathing difficulties, although please be aware that it is the tulip bulbs that are actually the
cause of the most problems. If you think your pet may have ingested something they shouldn’t, or are unsure if a plant is safe to have around the house, please call Highcroft Veterinary Hospital on 01275 832410 as soon as possible. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry! Highcroft Veterinary Hospital, 615 Wells Road, Whitchurch BS14 9BE
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