News from Horfield Councillor Claire Hiscott - September 2018

Wow what a long hot summer we had!

While most of the time it was rather lovely - it gave rise to some challenges for the council and the Waste collection service. I’d like to thank everyone locally who contacted me and has been understanding while waiting a little longer than usual for the council waste collectors to get round to their bins - trying to do such a physically demanding job in such hot weather has not been easy. However, the phone reporting service to the council was abysmal and I have asked for that to be reviewed as soon as possible.

One particular problem in Horfield this summer has been the problem of illegal caravan parking on the Common, we have had several incidents and they have caused much alarm and upset. I have had numerous conversations with our local police and council officers responsible for traveller engagement and the consensus is that we need to look as serious prevention options for the future. I am calling an urgent meeting of police and council representatives and the Conservative group will be asking the Mayor to look at all options to protect our Parks from the damage and anti-social behaviour the encampments bring. Thanks to all residents who have contacted me and I really understand your concerns, especially those who have small children and have felt unsafe accessing our play areas.

For me the summer has been busy in Council life-with the seemingly never ending saga of ‘where will the Mayor build the arena?’ but I’m sure you hear enough of that in the Bristol Post!

So, I’ll end on a positive note - it been great over the last few weeks to be part of progressing the designs for the community hub in Manor Farm and the new housing development there. A resident consultation day is scheduled for Wednesday 19th September at Horfield Cof E Primary School from 3.30 -7.30pm - please try and drop in for a few minutes to look at the initial proposals and have your say. We really want to make this development benefit the whole of Manor Farm.

As always, please contact me via email, phone, Facebook or Twitter if you have any issues great or small, local or city-wide and I’ll try and help.

Cllr Claire Hiscott

Cllr.claire.hiscott@bristol.gov.uk. Tel: 07970 546 509, Twitter @clairehiscott