Residents express fury over traffic measures, budget cuts, and rising concerns in Bristol’s Barton Hill area.
The council attempted to implement new traffic measures in January as part of a “Liveable Neighbourhoods” plan. These efforts led to protests, requiring police intervention.
The council also raised council tax by 4.99%. Faced with £43 million in budget cuts, Bristol residents are concerned about the potential closure of libraries and museums. Trash pickup frequency might also decrease to once every four weeks.
Tony Brett, a local resident, believes the area is deteriorating. He argues that officials are harming the community by building on public spaces. The George Wills Memorial Hall, featuring early Banksy art, is up for sale and residents are campaigning to save it as a community center.
Brett advocates for community spaces accessible to all and believes new flats are not beneficial. He claims officials, who do not reside in the area, are dividing the community and that there are insufficient resources for everyone.
Armin Amadi, owner of Hamblins Fish and Chips, fears that traffic restrictions will significantly reduce his sales, potentially by 35%. He is worried about the possibility of having to fire staff or increase prices. He is seeking solutions to these challenges.
Bus gates restrict traffic on certain roads, allowing only buses and authorized vehicles. Cameras monitor and penalize drivers who violate these rules. Amadi reports that people are avoiding Barton Hill, negatively impacting his business.
Amadi’s main goal is to sell quality food and hopes customers will still walk to his shop. Tanya Bedford, a student, describes the new traffic plan as “a nightmare” that simply redirects traffic elsewhere. Bedford worries the new benches will attract drug users and is concerned about seniors who can no longer drive. Harjeet Singh, manager of a Spar store, has also noticed a decline in customer traffic.
Jim Woollan believes traffic restrictions are detrimental to the outskirts and advocates for increased funding in those areas. He asserts that teenagers have “nowhere to go,” local businesses are closing, and accessing doctors has become more difficult.
Theresa Saunders, who runs a catering business, says deliveries have become more challenging. The cemetery where her mother is buried is being used as a shortcut, causing damage to graves.
Saunders supports environmental initiatives, but feels that residents are being dictated to and considers the cuts to trash pickup “ridiculous.” She believes the council prioritizes saving the planet.
Denece Dixon, owner of Cafe Conscious, agrees that ideology is being prioritized over the needs of real people. She emphasizes the importance of addressing crime and mental health concerns, believing these issues are more pressing. She questions why Barton Hill was chosen for this specific project.
Sue Jones, who owns a pet crematorium, is paying £200 more per month for fuel. Natasha Breen, a nurse, says the traffic changes have negatively impacted her mother’s care. She also feels that fewer cars make the area less safe.
Billy Tozer, a meal delivery driver, believes the council is creating a “small prison.” Robert Fox expresses concerns about the overcrowded public transportation.
Melissa Topping, a Green voter, feels the council’s initial performance has been “appalling.” She states that they are ignoring the needs of the disabled and elderly and that pollution is simply being displaced. She also worries that the budget cuts are contributing to fly-tipping, and that an addiction center is at risk of closure.
Topping accuses officials of blaming past parties. She suggests a simple solution: eliminate wasteful spending and hopes this situation won’t spread. She is reconsidering voting Green in the future.
Heather Mack, a Green Party council leader, believes the problems in Barton Hill will diminish over time. She attributes increased travel times to winter conditions and a higher volume of drivers.
She anticipates that traffic will improve soon and notes that ongoing road work is exacerbating the situation. She claims the plan will create safer streets for women and active vigilance will guarantee that.
Mack clarifies that the council made these decisions before her tenure and involved three years of public consultation. Changes included improved access to the local mosque, and housing remains a priority.
Mack highlights that significant support for the plan still exists. “A few of the measures have gone in,” she says, acknowledging the challenges of implementing these changes.
Mack stresses the need to change travel habits. The council faces a “tricky financial situation” due to insufficient government funding, and is investing £66 million in services with the greatest demand.
Mack reflects on the Green Party’s positive performance last year. She expresses concern about the potential return of Donald Trump.
Tom Renhard, a Labour councillor, acknowledges that the government has increased Bristol’s funding. Renhard believes that people feel unheard regarding the traffic plan and wants to ensure their voices are heard. He emphasizes the need to address these problems promptly.