Opposition mounts as h&cca Rapid Transit plans emerge HOTWELLS & CLIFTONWOOD COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
As details emerge of the proposed Rapid Transit route, it looks likely that real damage will be done to Cumberland Road and the historic harbour. The origi- nal aspiration for all modern vehicles has been lost. Most of the buses using the route will be depressingly familiar, diverted from other routes including the Long Ashton Park and Ride. BRT2 is one of 5 transport “packages” proposed by the West of England Partnership and part funded by the Government. BRT stands for “Bus Rapid Transit” and the original idea was for some sort of segregated bus system utilising new comfortable and more environ- mentally friendly vehicles to provide express links into the City. Now, a requirement for Euro5 emissions (much lower than at present) has been quietly dropped, to allow existing vehicles. The result is looking more and more like a collection of existing bus routes di- verted to make a cost/benefit calculation work. The route of BRT2 is the only one to run in our neighbourhood, crossing the old Ashton Avenue Bridge behind CREATE, along the Chocolate Path, the old Harbour Railway and Cumberland Road. The return route runs behind the M Shed museum, behind the steam Spring 2012 2012 Spring crane, along the harbour railway line and out under the Cumberland Road bridge. So objec- www.hotwellscliftonwood.org.uk tion number one is running dirty, intrusive, double deck diesel buses through one of the most popular promenading and tourist areas in the City. Objection two concerns the residents of the eastern end of Cumberland Road who stand
to permanently lose most on-street parking to provide road space for vehicles to pass. 4QWS8 One alternative being proposed is to simply re-route along Hotwell Road. Given the recent bus route improvements, this would have minimal cost and retain a good service in the populated area of Hotwells and Clifton- wood. As things stand, we are likely to lose most of our existing bus routes.
What should concern us all is that the Government How Harbourside might look after the BRT2 route is opened funding is fixed. As well as an increased local contribution the councils will be responsible for 100% of any ciation,3,Charles Place, Hotwells, Bristol, B cost over run and any revenue shortfall from lower than forecast passenger numberst (the cost figures were calculated without any detailed engineering surveys being done).
This is a hugely complex issue. You can find more information about the main objections at www.stopbrt2.org.uk while the official site is www.travelplus.org.uk . Follow the Ashton Vale to Bristol City Centre via Temple Meads link. The scheme is subject to a public inquiry starting on May 22 nd .
James Smith
There is widespread opposition to BRT2 along Cumberland Road. Possibly, most-affected are residents in the flats near Gaol Ferry Bridge whose current out-
look of the waterfront will be marred by double-deck buses running past every few WELLS&CLIFTONWOOD minutes. Louis Semple who lives in Perrett’s Court says they don’t want to appear as NIMBIES but ‘the feeling of opposition is pretty strong’ and many agree with the Stop BRT2 group that is campaigning to abandon the project entirely because ‘It will not achieve its primary goal of addressing Bristol's transport problems and needs’. Bristol Civic Society has taken a more moderate view but still believes the route of BRT2 should be diverted away from the waterfront by simply running it down Cumberland Road to meet the line from Hengrove at Bathurst Basin, thus avoiding the loss of the Harbour Railway and also expensive engineering works to Publishedby Hotwells &Cliftonwood Community Asso the Cumberland Road railway bridge. HOT NEWS 1 h&cca Community News HOTWELLS & CLIFTONWOOD Good News Not so good news COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION O117 9291883 Following our investigations into the missing After a huge amount of discussion involving play equipment in the Charles Place park the Community Association with residents Our first open Community As- (see last edition) a number of parents con- in Dowry Square and Chapel Row, the sociation meeting on March tacted us to say that they and their children Council’s plans to carry out bus stop im- 12th was attended by many of missed it and would like it to be improved. provements using money from the Greater the community gardening or- Bristol Bus Partnership budget were aban- ganisers of Hotwells & Clifton- doned, as the scheme ran out of time and wood and proved a really use- money towards the end of the financial ful way of networking and year. sharing skills and experience. We believe the belated consultation re- The next meeting will hope- sulted in a more practical scheme being fully have someone from May agreed. Whether, if no objections had Gurney on hand to talk about slowed up the process, the Council’s pro- developments in refuse collec- posal would have gone ahead (see last edi- tion and recycling in our area tion) we shall never know. But the result is and answer your questions that an opportunity to achieve a major envi- (we are anticipating doorstep ronmental improvement to this desolate plastics recycling to begin corner has been lost and seems unlikely to Charles Place park as it looks now sometime this year). There arise again in the foreseeable future. will also be an opportunity to We talked to the Council Play Officer (yes discuss plans for reviving the –there is such a thing) and his advice was to Cumberland Piazza open try to raise some money to employ a spe- space (see pages 4-5 ) which cialist to develop a new design for the space are soon to be submitted for that would be up to date and more attrac- planning approval. tive for users, rather than just replace These meetings are an oppor- pieces of equipment on a like for like basis. tunity for you to raise issues On the strength of this we applied to the that affect our neighbourhood. Clifton & Cabot Neighbourhood Partner- If we don’t have an immediate ship and were granted £3,000 for this pre- answer we can pass on any paratory work. concerns to our City Council- If you would like to be involved in the plan- lors, police and Neighbour- ning for a new park then please make con- hood Partnership. tact. We want all the ideas we can get! Jam Jar Corner –can’t Hotwells do better than The next meeting will be in this? the upstairs room at the Nova Scotia on Wed May 16th at 19:30. Help Plant up the Piazza Anyone who walks or cycles through the Cumberland Piazza or Oldfield CONTACTS Place cannot fail to have noticed the news from Janey Robson & Helena Kowalski display of Spring flowers. These flowers have brought a real splash of colour into Hotwells. We have had feedback Hotwells & Cliftonwood that residents, children on their way to school and visitors have all been enjoying the Community Association beauty and the fragrance which wasn’t there before people took matters into their own 3 Charles Place, Hotwells, hands. The flowers were planted by volunteers last autumn. Many thanks to those who Bristol, BS8 4QW gave up their time on a cold grey Saturday in October and got down and dirty for every- tel: 0117 9291883 one this Spring. On Sat 9 th June 2012 we will be replanting the bags and creating some new borders. [email protected] Please come to the Piazza between 11am - 4pm if you would like to volunteer to help us www.hotwellscliftonwood.org.uk with the transformation. Beginners welcome. Wear gardening gloves if possible. For further information email [email protected] Management Committee We are also looking for sponsors able to pay for planters for the piazza, a half barrel Dennis Gornall (Chair) with integral water reservoir would cost £95. Brenda McLennan (Treasurer) Rosemary Stibbon Adminis- trator Summer Flowers for Your Home Ray Smith Communications Last year, the residents of Cliftonwood grew flowers in window boxes and hanging bas- Mike Timmins Open spaces kets, along Ambra Vale East. This year, we are expanding the idea into more streets and Stephen Perry we have secured the help of Bristol Parks Nursery to provide a special deal on window Helena Kowalski 2 boxes and hanging baskets for residents. All prices quoted inclusive of VAT. Community News green light from Transition Hotwells & Cliftonwood Trinity Day Care a warm lively friendly atmosphere (free There have been encouraging Trinity Care Service, based in Trinity lunch provided!) give manager Mark Grif- developments and enjoyable Church hall and providing Day Care for fiths a call on 0117 983 8878. events over the last few months, older people in Hotwells and the sur- Also, we need more local input on the with more planned. rounding areas, is still alive-albeit that we Management Committee and are in par- Friends of Brandon Hill volunteers have had to reduce our operating days to ticular short of anyone with Health & So- planted fruit trees in the new com- Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. cial Care, IT, legal or marketing back- munity orchard, with contributions Bristol City Council Health and Social grounds. If this is you, do give Andy from the children of St. George's Care cancelled our block funding and Murray a call on 0117 973 4281. Primary School and QEH. A herb replaced it with personal budgets for Andy Murray garden is also being developed. older people which has meant that our The Festival way Ashton Court to funding has been cut in half and many of Long Ashton cycle route link is our service users, including some aged Cliftonwood House going ahead, which will enable The former University-owned property in over 90, no longer qualify for funding to leisure riders to get into the coun- Cliftonwood Road that reputedly, became attend the Centre which has supported tryside safely. them over the years and helped them stay Bristol’s most expensive house after ex- "young". tensive renovation, was reclaimed on Bristol Green Doors open homes But all is not lost. Around Christmas it April 1st from the squatters who invaded weekend in March was a fun started to become apparent that our ser- it in February. In the event, the legal event, with a Cliftonwood home vice users and the community recognised process for eviction was accelerated when among those opening. More info the value of the service we provide. The the occupants caused enough disturbance on: www.bristolgreendoors.org . Council listened and began to genuinely and damage for local residents to com- support us through a transitional process. plain and police took action to clear it At the same time, we have been stunned under anti-rave powers. The violent inci- by the generosity of local charities and dent led to the closure of nearby streets individuals which have ensured that we and the deployment of more than 50 offi- now have the necessary reserves to carry cers. on. So, thank you everyone for your won- derful support. More good news We are not totally out of the woods. We The HCCA has received over £2,000 must increase our client numbers. We from the Neighbourhood Partnership for must improve and extend our service so the group working on the improvement of that it is sustainable on an ongoing basis. the green at the boundary of Ambra Vale More change may be necessary and we East and Argyle Place (see photo in last will review our position in the summer. edition). The money will be spent on es- We are very short of volunteers- so if you sential treeworks, fencing and plants. would enjoy working with older people in Looking ahead, Bristol Energy Cooperative have a share launch ♠ 24” window box with integral water reser- on 19th April. There will be Festi- voir + compost + a selection of summer flowers val of Transition events in May or 7 herbs for £8.50 http://www.festivaloftransition.net and the Bristol Pound launches in ♠ 30” window box with integral water reser- the same month. The "Big Green voir + compost + a selection of summer flowers Week", including the Get Growing or 9 herbs for £10 Garden Trail, will run in June http://bristolgreencapital.org/big- ♠ 16” wire hanging basket + compost + a green-week . selection of summer flowers for £20 If you would like to learn more, or keep in touch with with other sus- ♠ 18” wire hanging basket + compost + a selection of summer flowers for £24 tainability activities in Bristol, con- tact Richard: If you order a box or basket, our gardeners will give you the, compost and plants and [email protected] help you to plant your own mini garden at the Piazza event on Saturday 9th June. This to join the the Transition Hotwells would be a great activity to do as a family and then to watch your flowers grow at and Cliftonwood mailing list, or home. If a whole street took part, the results would be stunning! ( we can learn from come to one of the "Lion" meet- the residents of Poole’s Wharf who have won several RHS awards for their gardens). ings - dates are listed on the If you would like a box or basket but are not able to plant it, then we can plant it for HCCA website. you (at the Piazza) for you to collect or we can deliver after the event.
To order your boxes/baskets now email: [email protected] Richard Hancock 3 Cumberland Piazza—it’s decision time!
It has been over two years since your Community Association first highlighted the dis- disused toilet block used for graceful mess that is Hotwells largest open space and asked local people to help us storage and supplied with identify ways to improve it. Around 100 of you took the trouble to fill in a detailed power and water services questionnaire and we then produced an analysis of the most popular for events and site mainte- facilities requested. nance and adapted to har- With the help of £10,000 from vest rainwater from roof the Clifton & Cabot Neighbour- hood Partnership we started to develop a masterplan for improve- ment which we hoped would be acceptable to both local people and the City Council which owns the site. With help from many sources including Roger Fos- ter our architect, The Land- restore concrete base of mark Practice in Hope former café for children’s Chapel Hill and lots of useful play or sculpture –or suggestions from neighbours should we just demolish? and potential users, we have quite a detailed plan of what we think will work on the site. We are now putting this to everyone in Hotwells new seating here –the sunniest and Cliftonwood for comment before submitting it to the Council Planning spot, or are there better ones? Dept. So now could be your last chance to influence the future of this important site! arrange rocks on site in a geometric pat- Apart from the community ‘wishlist’, we have been influenced by other con- tern in a space that can be explored by straints in seeking a planning solution: children and enjoyed by adults as well The Cumberland Piazza is part of an important scheme devised by land- scape designer Dame Sylvia Crowe in 1964. This is considered to have heritage value which should not be casually destroyed without strong justi- remove tarmac and lay grass, as fication. well as extending existing beds and improve quality of planting We know the original park, with elaborate equipment (including an orna- mental fountain) that Sylvia Crowe designed was disowned by most people and under-maintained by the council. Whatever we produce now must meet the practical needs of our local community so that it will continue to be used and developed, as well as providing an attractive gateway to the City that all Bristolians can be proud of. We have to allow for maintenance access to the flyover structures by the City Highways Dept. The Piazza is also in a flood-risk zone, so getting plan- ning permission for permanent buildings will be difficult. And of course -we have to be realistic about the cost of any improvements as well as the cost of maintaining an enhanced site in the current economic climate. Our plans landscape plan reproduced courtesy of Landmark Practice emphasise the use of inexpensive landscaping to make it a more at- tractive green space (the desire that proved nearly twice as popular as any other in our survey), with a low impact on the existing layout and structures. We then hope to introduce other components in a modular way, as and when funding becomes available. We hope the masterplan agreed by all stakeholders, which incorporates a small skate park, public art, multi-use games area and heritage interpretation panels will provide a framework for development, even if this takes several years to achieve. So please look at the plan. Our conclusions are not infallible and maybe you see problems that we have not anticipated. Perhaps you have a stunning idea that would work well. If so, please share it. We would particularly like to hear from younger people because we have identified the need for leisure facilities targeting 10-15 year olds computer generated impression of how the site might look after im- provement (source: Landmark Practice) who are poorly-served in this locality. Are our suggestions right for 4 this group? additional tall trees potential site for large- planted through the feature gateway at main scale art installation in- existing tarmac entrance with dense volving decorating pillars (density still under shrub planting around and ornamental lighting discussion)
section of old junction lock gate set up as sculp- ture / interpretation panel
2 options to site a small wheels park for youg people –which is preferable?
Council will not allow parking on site. Ac- cess for unloading and maintenance proposed here
subway needs to be properly maintained or filled-in. Which is preferred option?
improve cycle/pedestrian path to join up with restored possible site for portable swivel bridge over Entrance multi-use games area –enclosed ball community-run building Lock. Possible site for pan- court for variety of games. This area is but what exactly would it els explaining history of almost completely covered and could be used for? locks and basin also be used for events and markets
How to join the debate ! You can contact the Community Association— [email protected] / 0117 9291883 ! If you would like to talk to one of the steering group members directly then phone the HCCA office and leave a message. ! If you would like to open a discussion with others about any aspect of the development then try our e- forum page http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/bristol-hc . There is also a link to this from the HCCA website: www.hotwellscliftonwood.org.uk . ! Remember this is your park and we are genuinely open to considering any further suggestions, up until the point where a planning application needs to be submitted at the end of May. ! You can find more detailed planning documents at www.hotwellscliftonwood.org.uk/content/
5 Events
‘Cliftonwood Cres. street party—July 7th Local History Society Each year we empty Clifton Wood and Southernhay Crescent A good audience came to the last meeting of Hotwells, of vehicles and make the most of a car-free street for 24 Clifton and Cliftonwood Local History Society in March and hours. All residents from the Clifton Wood and Hotwells enjoyed being brought up to date with the excavations going area are welcome to join us in celebrating being part of our on in the crypt beneath Hope Chapel. Chris Bond produced community. a find of false teeth set in plates of gold. A brief history of As well as offering a fantastic play-space for children (and fun- CliftonWood House, then occupied by squatters, was fol- inclined adults) to bring out their bikes, skateboards and lowed by another short talk by John Parke concentrating on scooters, the internationally acclaimed cherry-stone spitting the area round Jacob's Wells. Maggie Shapland provided contest and snail-racing extravaganza guarantee additional a glimpse into the records of a local businessman and stories excitement and trophies for the winners. Badminbomb, Splat of local eccentrics were shared. These included Marion the Rat and Tug o’ Roach's memories of her father - a Jack of all trades. War (on the Lion The next meeting will be on Wed. Oct 17th 7.00pm Green) add further for 7.30pm at the Create Centre . dimensions for dem- Sue Stops onstrating physical prowess at these New project planned by Hope Church near-Olympic Hope Community Church in Hope Chapel Hill is planning to sports. help to “support those in recovery from substance misuse, All this takes place mental ill health or a life crisis event by working alongside from 2.00 p.m. to a existing agencies to offer encouragement and to promote backdrop of a street personal growth and development. As part of our weekly dotted with various programme we would like to be able to do small projects stalls (offering tea within the local community like small gardening jobs, rubbish and cakes, tombola, removal from public areas or one- off small jobs that would DVDs, books, benefit the local community or local residents”. plants) and the mel- People joining the project on Wednesdays would be super- lifluous meanderings vised at all times during their work. Everyone will be working of an accordion on a voluntary basis. player. As the after- If you have any ideas for suitable projects for these volunteers noon progresses please contact Gill Kerley [email protected] and the real-ale bar edges the tea and cake stall away from centre-stage, the accordion sounds Clifton Rocks Railway morph into music from Mighty Rufus at 6.00 p.m. and feet Volunteers will be opening up this forgotten Clifton curiosity start tapping on pavements beside the band. in Sion Hill (next to the Avon Gorge Hotel) on May 13th for When the sun settles through the trees towards Ashton 15 minute guided ‘taster’ tours’ of the top station that need Court around 8.30, the locus of activity will move into the no pre-booking. Its history covers the 18th century through Lion pub, where our eldest resident, Joan Baker, ably sup- World War II to the 1970s. Visitors will have an opportunity ported by Andy Murray, will lead a rousing finale of old-time to book for one of the 2 hour ‘hard hat’ tours that go all the songs (and a few new ones), helping to raise some much- way down to the bottom station on the Portway. Regretfully, needed funds for the over 60s club at Trinity Church. children under 14 are not able to visit because of insurance Roger White restrictions. Email: [email protected]
Yoga J H THOMPSON provides time for stillness in a BA (Hons) DO MRO busy world Gentle Class REGISTERED OSTEOPATH Thursdays from Sept. 8th, 39 Oldfield Road 11.00-12:30 at Clifton Library, Hotwells Princess Victoria Street BRISTOL Call Em Sawday to book a place BS8 4QQ 0117-9738213 or 07833751235 0117 973 7132 [email protected] [email protected] Tel: (0117) 927 2100 6 Events Diary
DIARY when what where Sun May 10:00- Clifton Rocks Railway Open Top Station in sion Hill 13th 16:00 Day (next to Avon Gorge Hotel)
Wed May 19:30 Hotwells & Cliftonwood C.A. Nova Scotia (upstairs 16th open meeting room) Sat May 19:30 Harlequin Singers concert Holy Trinity Church 19th
Sun May Bristol 10K Run 20th Sat Jun 12:00- Queen's Jubilee Community Holy Trinity Church gar- 3rd Lunch (bring and share) den
Sat June 11:00 Cumberland Piazza garden- Cumberland Piazza GARY MARSHALL 9th ing day (under the flyover) ELECTRICAL SERVICES Sat 9th-Sat Bristol Big Green Week 16th June (see http:// 40 YEARS TIME SERVED bristolgreencapital.org/big- ELECTRICIAN green-week for details) Sun June Bristol’s Biggest Bike Ride Harbourside ALL WORK UNDERTAKEN 17th (see http:// NIC EIC REGISTERED www.betterbybike.info/
bikeride for details) T: 0117 927 3541 Mon Jun 19:00 Clifton neighbourhood Forum Clifton High School 07799 252451 11th E: [email protected] Tue Jun 19:00 Clifton & Cabot Neighbour- The Pavilion, Hannover 26th hood Partnership Quay
Sat July 14:00 Cliftonwood Crescent Street Cliftonwood Cres. 7th party Fri 20th- Bristol Harbour Festival Harbourside Sun 22nd see http://visitbristol.co.uk/ July events/bristol-harbour-
Thu 9th- International Balloon fiesta Ashton Court 12th Aug see http://visitbristol.co.uk/ events/bristol-international-
CHECK FOR UPDATES TO EVENTS HAPPENING LOCALLY AT: www.hotwellscliftonwood.org.uk/content/whats-on.html
Hotwells Panto sells out yet again The Hotwells Pantomime seems to get more surreal every year. This time (March 7th-10th) it was ‘Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves’. An unpromising story to adapt to a topical Olympic theme you might think but the Panto team are always up for a challenge. Here a heavily disguised Em Sawday is participating in the camel races while (some of) David Brown provides the tele- vised commentary –well, you get the general idea. The Panto, provides a service to the community by keeping at least 100 disturbed Hotwellians of all ages off the streets for two months during rehearsals, but also raises funds for a com- munity chest; providing small grants to neighbourhood organisa- tions. The bar profits go to support the Community Associa- 7 picture: Catherine Roperto tion. Ray Smith Local Services
The Sui Generis team has moved ... La'Vern, Andy, Steph, Adam and Georgia would like to invite you to visit them at: Day Centre for older people. Tues, Thurs & and Fridays. Transport to and from the Centre. A warm and friendly atmosphere. Shopping. Home cooked meal. Tel: 0117 983 8878 Or just call in Holy Trinity Church Hall Clifton Vale www.tcsdaycentre.co.uk The Bristol Royal Marriott Hotel College Green, Bristol. BS1 5TA Call us on 0117 927 3389 to book your next appointment Free parking available. We look forward to seeing you very soon.
Open for dinner Friday and Saturday all year round
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