southbristolvoice November 2016 No. 13
www.southbristolvoice.co.uk
INSIDE: Your guide to fireworks p37
FREE EVERY MONTH in Bedminster, Southville and Ashton
Mayor wants Bristol to grow – up MAYOR Marvin Rees has vowed he will see the arena built, and he will deliver on his pledge to build 2,000 homes a year by 2020 – partly by building higher. The news won’t be welcome in Bedminster Green, where campaigners have released their own planning brief that seeks to limit buildings to five storeys. But the mayor told the Voice he is not thinking of building “cities in the sky”. “I’m not saying we should be like Manhattan,” he said. “I grew up at the bottom of two tower blocks, and I didn’t aspire to live in them – although many people made good lives in them.” Any changes will involve the community, with a bigger role for councillors and local voices, he promised. But change looks certain: “We are a crowded city with limited land available. I think one of the freedoms that we need is the ability to build up.” In his first annual address to the city on October 6, Mr Rees said he would look at changing Bristol’s local planning policies to allow “tall buildings in the Continued on page 14
Putting us on the map
Action promised at the stadium Page 3 Air pollution making us ill, says poll Page 4 Hate crime on the rise, figures show Page 6 Half South Bristol’s pharmacies ‘at risk’ Page 7
Map makers: A new embroidery is being made by volunteers, led by Vicky Harrison of Paper Village, to tell a historic tale • Story: page 4
MP’s new role
High St hero
BRISTOL South Labour MP Karin Smyth has taken a new job in Jeremy Corbyn’s shadow team, despite resigning her first role in June. Ms Smyth is parliamentary private secretary to shadow Brexit minister Sir Keir Starmer. “There is no more important matter facing the country and I believe it is vital that we in the Labour Party play a full role in influencing the agenda,” she said.
SHOPPERS are being urged to vote for Simon Dicken, boss of Bedminster’s Wilko store, who has reached the final three in a poll to find the UK’s best store manager. Simon is chair of Bedminster Town Team, credited with bringing £500,000 of investment to the East Street area. “He truly is a high street hero,” said the Town Team’s George Grace. • thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk
Arena: delayed, and will it harm the bats? Pages 11-13 Libraries, parks face £92m cuts Page 13 West St in new homes squeeze Page 22 www.facebook.com/ southbristolvoice Twitter: @sbristolvoice
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