News from Lockleaze councillor Gill Kirk - February 2019

February 12 2019
News from Lockleaze councillor Gill Kirk - February 2019

I am writing this on the day that we gathered in Gainsborough Square to plant a beautiful acer tree in memory of one of Lockleaze’s most loved and respected residents, Joy Langley, who very sadly passed away last September.

Throughout her life Joy worked tirelessly for the benefit of the Lockleaze residents. She played a vital role in several organisations including Lockleaze Community Association, Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust and the North Bristol Advice Centre. It was wonderful to gather in Buzz cafe with so many of Joy’s  family, friends and colleagues to share memories of her inspirational life. We will all miss her enormously but are so pleased to have a lasting tribute to her in the heart of Lockleaze, where we can remember all she meant to us and all she did for the community.

I have also been at the launch of our MP Darren Jones’ Transport Plan for North Bristol. With the increase in new housing, and increasing gridlock on our roads, Darren  is proposing new transport hubs that bring together rail, bus, cycling (storage and hire) and car parking with electric vehicle charging. These hubs must have connecting and non-stop bus lanes and cycle paths into and out of Bristol City Centre and Cribbs Causeway, and potentially through the Avonmouth Industrial Estate. His suggestions include Transport Hubs at the Portway P&R in Shirehampton, at Henbury (near the Rugby Club) and North of Lockleaze.( on a brown field, not Stoke Park or Greenbelt) Following strong protests and local campaigning, we have been reassured to hear the Mayor state categorically that there will be no Park and Ride built on the M32 at Sims Hill. This prime agricultural food growing land will be protected, and an alternative site for a Park and Ride will be sought further north.

This  month will also see the launch of a new consultation focussing on improving congestion on  Muller Rd, seeking more sustainable transport solutions in this area. Please keep an eye out for information and opportunities to share your views,

January 14th saw a gathering at Lockleaze Sports Centre of local sports organisations, clubs, community groups and schools to launch a Lockleaze Sports and Physical Activity Partnership. This meeting was facilitated by Andy Blackmore of Wesport and the aim of the Partnership is to identify and co-ordinate all the sports groups and activities currently available  in the area, and share these more widely in the community. We hope this will encourage more people, of all ages and abilities to get involved in some sort of physical activity they enjoy, whether that be team sports, personal fitness, walking, couch to 5k, dancing, or getting out volunteering in green spaces. There will be a focus as well on holiday clubs and activites for young people. Please email me if you would like get involved in any way or if there is some sports or fitness related activity you would like to see in Lockleaze that we don’t already have!

Please remember councillor drop in surgeries continue to run on the first Saturday of each month at The Hub, Gainsborough Square, 12.30-2pm, if you would like to discuss anything with Cllr Tincknell and myself.

Cllr Gill Kirk Cllr.gill.kirk@brisol.gov.uk

07736 678 281