18/10/2026
WEEKLY UPDATE
This week feels like death by information! When we get inundated with information it feels like news is trying to be slipped out so we are extra vigilant. The first two stories are time critical and will impact our quality of life.
▶️B&NES Local Plan Meeting in Whitchurch Village
Date: Monday 19th October 2026
Time: 6.00pm to 7.00pm
Venue: Whitchurch United Reformed Church, 24 Bristol Road, BS14 0PQ
The session will provide an overview of the Local Plan proposals affecting Whitchurch Village, followed by an opportunity for attendees to ask questions. The purpose of the event is to help residents understand the proposals and how they can respond to the current consultation.
As the draft South West Whitchurch Village allocation adjoins roads within Bristol City Council's area, any Bristol residents who may have questions about the Local Plan and consultation process are invited to attend.
Please see attached image for further details.
▶️FOR ACTION - 20 MPH Roads - Greens To Reduce Speed On Local Roads To 20Mph
You may recall we mentioned previously the Greens in charge of the Council want to reduce Sturminster, Craydon and Stockwood Roads to be 20mph on these roads for the entire length. In addition they were looking to make Stockwood Lane and West Town Lane also 20mph on the entire roads as well as reducing the speed on the Wells Road by Gilda from 30 to 20mph. (Jon and Graham previously got the Greens to remove the Wells Road from West Town Lane up to around by Whitecross Avenue from being reduced to 20mph.) Callington Road will be reduced to 30mph on the hill but no other changes. The fact these roads are being voted on separately is due to our previous objections.
The council delayed the decision but it is now coming to committee on Thurday. Because Jon and Graham have previously opposed these reductions, particularly as most of the roads are to get some traffic calming measures, the vote has been split out separately so we will know who will support them. The Conservative representative on the committee will be voting against these proposals – it will be interesting to see what the other parties do.
If you would like to make representations please feel free to submit a statement:
1. Written statements must be received at latest by 12.00 noon, at least 2 working days prior to the meeting. For this meeting, this means that statements must be received at the latest by 12.00 noon on Tuesday 20 October 2026. Public Statements should be submitted via our webform: www.bristol.gov.uk/publicforum
2. Statements, provided they are no more than 1,000 words in length, will be circulated to all committee members and will be published on the Council’s website at least one hour before the meeting.
Yet again when you look at the results of the consultation the overwhelming majority of residents are against these proposals. Even the results which most favour a reduction to 20mph on our roads there is a majority against – there is not one circumstance where a majority are in favour of a speed reduction to 20mph.
If you want to read the agenda please click here: https://democracy.bristol.gov.uk/documents/g12204/Public%20reports%20pack%2022nd-Oct-2026%2017.00%20Transport%20Connectivity%20Policy%20Committee.pdf?T=10
Agenda item 7 starts on page 22.
Thank you. Stockwood Ward had the most respondents to the consultation, by some margin, so we have more am******on to fight our corner as the majority of respondents are opposed to these speed reductions.
▶️Local Traffic Issues (including Scotland Lane)
Last week we announced the closure of Scotland Lane and Sleep Lane and the roadworks on Wells / Bristol Road and the two day closure of Stockwood Hill. There was rightly a lot of concern about the impact on traffic flow and we were asked to see if there was any scope to delay any of the work. We have raised the question with Highways Officers who have advised, in short no, but the longer answer:
‘We are aware of the other road closures in the vicinity, most notably the closure on Stockwood Hill within Bath & North East Somerset (B&NES). We sought to coordinate our programme with B&NES; however, at the time the diversion route was being considered, a commencement date for the Stockwood Hill works had not been confirmed. As a result, there were insufficient grounds to refuse the proposed diversion route within Bristol City Council's network.
Delaying the Stockwood Lane project by a minimum of two weeks is not considered a viable option, as this would place the scheme at risk of extending into 2027, with associated programme and delivery implications. We acknowledge that the simultaneous operation of both closures will have a significant impact on residents and other road users. However, having carefully considered the available options, we have concluded that this level of disruption is unavoidable and remains just acceptable given that the overlap will occur for only two days.
There are also a number of mitigating factors. Both closures utilise the same diversion route, which should help minimise confusion for motorists travelling through the area. In addition, communications regarding the Stockwood Lane closure are due to be issued later this week. Ahead of this, we will liaise with B&NES to ensure that our messaging is aligned and provides clear, consistent information to residents and road users affected by the closures.’
▶️Scotland Lane
We have been regularly asked to resolve the pot holing in Scotland Lane. Due to the damage to the lane it has needed a proper fix and we have worked hard to secure a lot of money to fix the lane properly. The first stage is to fix the edges of the lane, which previously has caused punctures and other issues. It is anticipated these works will take 6 weeks to fix (not the 70 days as stated) but this is not guaranteed at this stage. The 70 days is the number of days to the end of this year which is the length of time the Traffic Regulation Order is in place.
It is necessary these works are done to fix the foundations of the lane with another road closure early next year to resurface the lane. We are keen to stop the patching of potholes and ensure the lane is of a suitable standard for regular use.
We are also raising the issue again of the continued mis use of the lane by heavy goods vehicles, the fact the lane is only one of two 60mph roads in Bristol and the needed to cut the trees back properly on the Bristol City Council side.
▶️Wells Road Bus Lanes – Tree Felling
The council have a statutory duty to consult with residents about the felling of street trees.
Therefore, the council has launched a consultation to remove two elm trees on Wells Road. Both trees are located on Wells Road’s central reservation by the junction with Davids Road. The two trees need to be removed to create space for the new bus lanes.
Unfortunately relocating the trees is not possible because of their size and their chances of survival would be low.
Jon and Graham have done everything possible to try to stop the installation of these ludicrous bus lanes, which are completely unwanted and unnecessary. The bus lanes and being pushed through by the Greens and Labour, despite the opposition of 98 per cent of respondents to a consultation.
The felling of trees to accommodate these bus lanes is particularly egregious.
The link to the consultation can be found here:
https://www.bristol.gov.uk/ask/find-consultation-engagement/319
The consultation closes on 10 November 2026.
▶️Craydon Road Open Space
We are pleased to announce that work is planned to enhance meadow habitat in Craydon Road Open Space. This is being carried out as part of the council’s Green Recovery Funded ‘Managing for Nature’ project (funded by the West of England Combined Authority).
Preparatory and meadow creation work is expected to take place this month. The work will involve scarifying the ground and sowing yellow rattle, a plant that helps to reduce the vigour of coarse grasses and helps to create more opportunities for wildflower species.
In this part of the park users may see:
• machinery working in selected grassed areas
• grass being cut and collected
• parts of the soil surface being exposed through scarification
• wildflower seed being sown
• temporary changes in grass height and appearance
• areas that initially appear muddy or less tidy.
These changes are planned and are part of establishing a healthier and more diverse meadow habitat. The affected ground will quickly recover from the scarification; however it may take several years for the meadow habitat to become fully established.
Only a selected part of the park will be managed as meadow habitat. The park will remain open and available for recreation, exercise, relaxation and community use.
We have asked the council to ensure the site is kept secure. This is very important in order to prevent unwanted incursions.
▶️Libraries Strategy
We have previously reported on the consultation that was conducted to help shape the library service in Bristol.
The draft Libraries Strategy has now been published as part of the committee papers for the Public Health and Communities Committee on Monday 19 October 2026.
The strategy sets out a proposed vision for strengthening and improving Bristol's library service. Developed through extensive engagement with residents, library users, volunteers, community organisations and staff, it explores how the council can build a stronger, more accessible and sustainable library service for the future.
The strategy focuses on improving services for residents and communities, including opportunities to:
• Improve access to library services
• Make better use of library buildings and spaces
• Explore opportunities to extend opening hours
• Strengthen partnerships with communities and volunteers
• Support libraries to continue playing a vital role in communities.
The strategy explores how the council can continue to improve and develop services while making the best use of available resources and identifying opportunities for future investment.
The strategy also includes proposals relating to:
• community-led library models
• volunteer involvement in library services
• staffing arrangements and ways of working
• opening hours and service delivery
• outreach and partnership opportunities
Libraries are valued local services. The strategy is a draft, it contains proposals rather than final decisions and will be considered by the Public Health and Communities Policy Committee.
▶️Stockwood Library
Further to our update of last week, the Extended Access service at Stockwood Library will be restored from the afternoon of Monday 19th October.
The Library Service apologise for any inconvenience caused.
▶️Budget Consultation 2027/28
Every year, the council must set a legal and balanced budget, deciding how they fund services and invest in priorities for the city.
Like councils across the country, they must do this against a backdrop of rising demand for services and increasing financial pressure. At the same time, the council should be trying to reduce costs, modernise services, improve efficiency, generate income where appropriate, and invest in areas that deliver long-term benefits for residents and communities.
Residents will no doubt have their own opinions on the council’s performance in these areas.
Jon and Graham recognise that the council face challenges with the rising demand for Adult Social Care and Children’s services, which account for a substantial proportion of the council’s budget. However, the council’s financial resilience has been seriously compromised by disastrous projects such as Bristol Energy and the Colston Hall refurbishment. This is a direct consequence of bad decision making.
Transport schemes such as the unwanted and unnecessary Sturminster Road bike lane and the ludicrous bus lanes planned for Wells Road lanes are funded by WECA, who receive their funding from central Government.
To help in decision making, the council have launched the Budget 2027/28 consultation.
In the consultation, the council ask people to share their views on the proposed 3% increase to Council Tax and a 2% Social Care Precept for the coming year (2027/28), and on proposals for ways they can spend less and raise more income to address the budget gap over the next five years.
The link to the consultation can be found here:
https://www.bristol.gov.uk/ask/find-consultation-engagement/consultation-engagement?id=321
The consultation will close on Wednesday 25 November.
