May 2017
southbristolvoice
n YOUR COUNCILLORS
Bedminster
M
Neighbourhood Partnerships any of you will know that we have a successful community partnership in the local area. This has been the mechanism where local people, community groups and local business can make a difference to what happens in the local area. Times are changing as we have been asked to consider what we, the current partnership, would like to see continuing in the future. It is likely that there will still be an opportunity to decide how a reduced amount of Community Infrastructure Levy money, which is obtained from local developments, will be spent. Bristol City council keeps 85 per cent of CIL funds to make changes required as a result of the development, often in roads and pavements. In the past 15 per cent of this money has been passed to neighbourhood partnerships for local schemes and we have spent it on a wide range of projects to improve the environment. But it’s really not all about the
Mark Bradshaw Labour Bedminster
Celia Phipps Labour Bedminster
money. We are keen to make sure local organisations continue to be involved with local decision making and are currently developing a new structure which will allow the key factors of partnership and networking to continue. It is likely that the councillors will remain on the new board as we are still legally responsible for the allocation of public funds. The partnership will be sending out letters asking for support for a new structure in the next month, so do let us know if you would like to become involved in this process. Let’s Walk Bristol Walking Alliance will hold a seminar this month to highlight
37 How to contact your councillor: p2
the pleasures of walking and perhaps more importantly, how this experience can be improved on our streets. The event A walk in The Park’ takes place on May 11 at the Watershed, staring at 6.30pm. Booking is free via Eventbrite and will explore the evidence for health benefits of walking in parks and green spaces. You can contact the alliance at • bristolwalkingalliance.org.uk Celia will be working closely with Asher Craig, the Labour cabinet member for public health, to assist in providing a directional steer for a healthy city. There is still time to complete the Quality of Life Survey 2017 which closes on May 29. This survey has been providing important insights into life in Bristol and its differing neighbourhoods since 2001. Your chance to vote, again At the time of writing, a general election has been called for June 8. This is right on the back of the metro mayor election in our area and will create uncertainly
as Parliament goes into recess this month. As a result, many decisions will be now be on hold until after the election. Maybe Beryl from Redland has got the last word on this! Despite the frustration, please use your opportunity to make your voice heard by casting a vote. Voting is part of an important democratic process and makes a difference. We’ll be out knocking on doors to meet as many people as possible this month. But, as ever,we are always happy to hear your suggestions about how we can make our community better so why not drop us an email. We regularly join coffee mornings and sessions running at Ashton Vale community centre, Gaywood House and Southbow House and have moved our drop in surgery to Mezzaluna on West Street on the first Saturday of every month between 10.30 and 11.30am. Or contact us direct – the details of how to do so are on page 2.
Train to Teach with UWE Bristol from September 2017 Places available to train to teach the following subjects at secondary school level: Art & Design, Business, Computer Science, English, Geography, History, Mathematics, Modern Languages, Science (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) plus Primary School Direct. “I had a fantastic experience The programme trains teachers to teach the 11-16 age group, during my PGCE at UWE along with opportunities to teach at A level. Bristol. I feel it equipped me • Tax-free bursaries of up to £30,000 available in some subjects. immensely well throughout • Well-established partnership with many local schools. the year; there were a • Employment rate is 94%. number of sessions that I truly enjoyed and I found Interested? What to do next: Visit uwe.ac.uk/traintoteach incredibly rich and fulfilling.” and fill in the form to find out more. Come to one of our drop-in sessions (search UWE Bristol PGCE drop-in online to find out more). Trainee Teacher, PGCE Secondary Mathematics, 2014–15 Apply through UCAS (search UCAS Teacher Training online).
Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Paul on 07811 766072 or email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk