NAILSEA
PEOPLE
On the road...
...or bus lanes and cycle tracks, this page is all about travel from Nailsea. But no planes (see Bristol Airport which has its own page) or boats but taxis, private car hire, cycling, coach and holiday companies as well as local petrol stations and places to get your two and four wheel vehicle repaired, fitted with new tyres and/or resprayed. It also includes on the buses timetable links and fare offers...
POTHOLE PEEPS: Nailsea resident Emma Longstaff reported to North Somerset Council the massive pothole on Southfield Road, near to the bungalows at the end of the road. She said: “Be careful driving along this road.” Richard Billows said: “I have reported the two along Silver Street. If someone on a push or motor bike hits them there could be a fatality. I believe three people have blown their tyres on these two monsters, the one opposite Whitesfield Road I reported two years ago and it was obviously repaired badly.” North Somerset Council say on its website ‘For us to repair a pothole must be more than 4cm deep and 30cm across in the road, or deeper than 2cm and more than 15cm across on a pavement. A dangerous pothole is one in the road that exceeds these dimensions and is in a location likely to cause a vehicle to lose control’. More information here https://www.n-somerset.gov.uk/my-services/parking-travel-roads/roads-streets/road-repairs/road-pavement-repairs. The huge hole picture by Rachel is part of our Winter Walks slideshow on the Gallery 2023 page HERE. We believe it is on the public right of way farmland track at The Drove?
SPECIAL OFFER 1: Filling up with petrol at Tout's? Get a car wash half price in January at Wraxall garage. More info here https://www.touts.co.uk/store/touts-nailsea-5/
SPECIAL OFFERS 2: From Sunday, January 1, 2023, bus companies nationwide will introduce a £2 fare cap on single tickets. The cap will remain in place until Friday, March 31 this year. First Bus has the X5, X6, X7 and X9 on this list. However, many Nailsea passengers already ride free thanks to the senior citizens scheme introduced by North Somerset Council. The normal single fare from Nailsea to Bristol is £3.70 or return £5.
For more information:
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NSC older person's pass https://www.n-somerset.gov.uk/.../apply-or-renew-your-bus
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£2 fare cap https://www.gov.uk/guidance/2-bus-fare-cap
ROAD SAFETY: It was with some irony that on Monday, July 12, the government launched THINK! road safety campaign to encourage people driving, walking and cycling to give space and be considerate to other road users including horse riders. This comes after a weekend when police horse Rocky was seriously injured in a collusion in Beggar Bush Lane. Happily stable mate Platinum escaped unscathed and has been treated to sugar cubes by concerned officers. A police spokesman said: "Platinum has enjoyed some downtime and on Sunday he went out on patrol locally with his good pal Windsor. Early indications are really good and he seems happy and confident. We will continue to monitor him closely." All this happened just days before North Somerset Council launched a consultation into introducing a 20mph speed limit in Pill and Easton-in-Gordano but nothing for our farming community at West End which sees an endless steam of HGVs and racing car drivers! Read more on our Breaking News page sponsored by Nailsea Auto Electrical HERE
Tap on, tap off ticketless bus travel
Metro Mayor and First to launch West of England’s first-ever ‘tap on, tap off’ bus payments.
Those who travel on the London Underground will be familiar with the scheme nicknamed TOTO which is a simple way for people to pay for their bus travel using their contactless card or device without having to buy a ticket on the bus.
Using TOTO, passengers simply tap their card or device against the reader when they get on the bus and again just before they get off.
First then work out the correct fare for each journey and ensure that customers never pay more than the relevant Day ticket fare each day they travel, no matter how many journeys they make. As customers travel more over the week, the system also ensures that each extra day costs less.
TOTO, which will be officially launched across all First West of England’s services on Sunday, July 17, thanks to funding from the West of England Combined Authority, will make bus travel in the West of England simpler, especially for new customers, with no need to know which zone you are in or which ticket to buy.
The system also gives customers visibility of what they’ve been charged for all their journeys through a simple online portal.
PHOTO: First West of England managing director Doug Claringbold
and Metro mayor Dan Norris making use of the new
Tap On, Tap Off system in Bristol
Community bus drivers needed
Nailsea And District Community Transport needs more volunteer drivers to keep its eight fully-accessible fleet of vehicles on the road.
Nailsea and District Community Transport business development and IT co-ordinator Anthony Lingham said: "Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community."
Each minibus run by the group has a built-in tail lift for a wheelchair-using passenger and has space to store folding walkers and shopping trolleys.
The registered charity currently runs a dial-a-ride service from Portishead, Backwell, Nailsea, Long Ashton, Failand, Felton and Winford to hospitals, doctors, dentists and other appointments as appropriate.
It costs people who use the door-to-door service an annual membership fee of £20 plus the cost of any trip booked.
As well as a weekly shopping service between the communities it serves more than 100 day trips are organised throughout the year to a range of destinations including local attractions, pub lunches, afternoon teas and days out to the coast.
The vehicles are based at its head office on Coates Industrial Estate in Nailsea.
Volunteers are not paid.
Nailsea Town Council currently supports the service with a £12,000 per year annual grant.
To download an application form click HERE.
To learn more download an information leaflet HERE.
Electric fleet to ferry passengers
Bristol Airport has invested in three additional electric Nissan e-NV200 vans to its landside and airside operations.
The new Nissan e-NV200 vans were provided by Trenton Nissan in Hull and the vehicles have previously been awarded former International Van of the Year, this brings the total number of electric vehicles on site to five.
The additional Nissan e-NV200 vehicles combines storage space, manoeuvrability, safety and will use the electric charging points installed throughout the airport.
Bristol Airport will be receiving delivery of a fully electric e-COBUS 3000 at the end of May which will have the capacity to carry up to 110 customers to and from the terminal building and aircraft.
A previous diesel COBUS will be re-manufactured and converted into a fully electric e-COBUS 3000 for the airport’s airside operations.
Both the e-COBUS 3000 and the new Nissan e-NV200 Combi vans are another step forward in the airport’s aim to achieve net zero operations by 2030.
Bristol Airport has already made three key commitments to be a net zero airfield, with net zero buildings and operate a net zero fleet of vehicles by 2030.
Bristol Airport motor transport manager Martin Fisher said: “We are delighted to add three additional Nissan e-NV200 vehicles to our fleet at Bristol Airport.
"Sustainability is a key focus for us and we are always looking to explore different technology which can help us reduce our impact on the local environment.
"Our sustainability achievements and ambitions, which has been recognised at a global level, has always been a driver of our development and is now very firmly integrated into our business.
"This project is only one of many in where we are working on to achieve being a net zero Airport operation by 2030.”
Bristol Airport has its own page on Nailsea People community newspaper...read more HERE.
FIRST BUS X7: Here is the new X7 route of the Bristol to Clevedon via Nailsea single decker bus from Sunday, April 24. It appears to go from Backwell along Station Road turning into Trendlewood onto Link Road and then around Pound Lane before heading towards Tickenham. To download full timetable click HERE
FIRST BUS X9: Here is the new X9 timetable to download. It is the Bristol to Nailsea bus and back that goes all around the town from the Link Road, Stockway north and south, Mizzymead Road, Queens Road, The Perrings, Whiteoak Way, Hannah More Road, back to Queens Road towards the Link Road in a complete loop. The major change is no late night midweek buses...click HERE to download
Road closures ahead alert
The A369 at Abbots Leigh is to close from Monday, April 25, for five days.
North Somerset Council needs to fell a number of diseased ash trees.
No traffic will be allowed to pass in either direction at Rownham Hill, a major route into and out of Bristol, between 9.30am-3.30pm daily from Monday to Friday, April 25-29.
Marshalls will be present to allow access to residents and businesses only.
Diversion routes will be in place by connecting the A369 to the A370 using the B3129 (Beggar Bush Lane) near Failand and the B3129 (Clevedon Road) near Long Ashton.
The public is asked to follow diversion signage.
This essential operation is due to Ash Dieback, a fungal disease which is often fatal.
A rapid decline in the health of these trees means that urgent action is needed to remove them for safety reasons.
North Somerset Council executive member for neighbourhoods and community services Mike Solomon is the Independent ward councillor for Hutton and Locking.
He said: "Ash Dieback is now a national problem.
“Unfortunately, there is no way of stopping the disease and it's feared it may affect up to 90 per cent of ash trees in Britain.
"We carried out a survey of all our ash trees in North Somerset last year and are now working on an Ash Dieback action plan.
“This sets out how we will deal with the issue in North Somerset, including replanting in areas where we have had to remove infected trees.
“In the meantime, these trees alongside the busy A369 have been identified by our tree officers as unsafe.
“As they pose a danger to road users, they require urgent removal.
"Due to the aggressive nature of the disease, we are unfortunately not able to restrict the removal of dangerous trees to outside the bird-nesting season as work needs to take place all year round to deal with the problem.
“I’m reassured however that an ecologist will be on site throughout the works to make sure no harm is caused to wildlife, particularly birds.
"We don’t take closure of such a main road lightly as we realise the inconvenience and disruption that it inevitably causes.
“Every effort is being made to carry out the works on time and we will communicate updates through the council’s social media channels."
The road closure is in place for all motorised and non-motorised traffic, including cyclists, horseriders and pedestrians.
New bus timetables from April 2022
First bus new timetables come in on Sunday, April 24, until further notice.
The major change is the scrapping many late night buses and the X8 service completely.
The losers are those who like to go out on the town in Bristol midweek and hospital workers on late shifts.
And while the X7 is running hourly from Bristol to Clevedon via Nailsea & Backwell railway station linking the two communities again it is not clear if Trendlewood will have a servce.
The X9 Bristol to Nailsea via Wraxall is a half hourly service.
Early morning timetables seem the same for X7 and X9 here are late night changes:
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X7 Bristol to Clevedon via Nailsea. The last bus from Bristol bus station Monday to Friday is at 9.15pm and arrives at Stockway North 9.52pm. On Saturdays the last bus leaves Bristol 11.15pm arriving at Stockway North 11.52pm. On Sundays last bus leaves Bristol bus station at 7.15pm arriving at Stockway North at 7.53pm.
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X9 Bristol to Nailsea via Wraxall. The last bus from Bristol bus station is at 9.45pm Monday to Friday and arrives at Stockway North at 10.15pm. In Saturdays the last bus leaves Bristol 11.45pm arriving at Stockway 12.16am. On Sundays last bus leaves Bristol bus station at 6.45pm arriving Stockway North 7.15pm.
North Somerset Council has awarded contracts to keep the buses running in Weston-super-Mare.
A council spokesman said: "Following recent news about the withdrawal of a number of commercially-operated bus services, North Somerset Council has announced the award of a new supported bus contract for Weston-super-Mare."
For more details go to https://www.n-somerset.gov.uk/news/council-awards-new-bus-contract-save-local-services.
And the Weston College bus run by Bakers from Monday, April 25, will stop at Claverham and Yatton on the Nailsea route.
This is at:
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Yatton Henley Lodge (7.50am, 5.50pm)
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Congresbury Ship and Castle bus stop (7.55an, 5.45pm)
Full route here https://www.weston.ac.uk/bus-routes-and-timetables.
For more detailed information, routes and timetables visit www.firstgroup.com/bristol.
And for timetables online go here or download our links https://www.firstbus.co.uk/bristol-bath-and-west/plan-journey/timetables.
The little used weekly Citistar 128 Nailsea bound and 134 Weston bound is also ceasing due to a lack of demand and viability.
X7
Download timetables here:
Monday to Friday
Saturdays
Sundays
X9
Download timetables here:
Monday to Friday
Saturdays
Sundays
New taxi times
After 27 years working full time in the taxi industry Nailsea Backwell Taxis has announced in January 2022 it has reached a 'fork in the road' and its retiring from the 24/7 taxi world.
A spokesman said; "We will continue to provide a full daytime and national journey service."
New operating hours for local cars:
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4am to 6pm Monday to Friday; and
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5am to 2pm Saturdays.
Its national cars will continue to provide a service seven days a week.
Office hours for advance bookings are:
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8am to 6pm Monday to Friday; and
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9am to 2pm Saturdays.
There may be times when calls will be forwarded direct to a driver or its voicemail system.
If you wish to make, amend or cancel a booking outside of the new office hours please leave a message.
All voice mails are checked and responded to regularly. more information can be found on its website www.nailseabackwelltaxis.co.uk.
UPDATE: See announcement
NO CARS: Maybe car allowed but weight restriction coming soon to Nailsea High Street, this is the image during Covid when parking and through traffic was banned while councillors wondered what to do next...still waiting in June 2022!
Electric pitstop
A leading North Somerset hotel and health club has increased the number of electric car charge points so that an increasing number of guests and members can ‘fill up’ their vehicles during their visit.
The hotel and health club at DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House in North Somerset has now added a number of Instavolt charge stations and is one of the first venues in the south west to provide this service to its guest, customers and health club members.
The installation of these new EV charge stations is in addition to a trio of Tesla charging ports that were installed a few years ago on the back of a rise in electric cars usage.
These new units are available for any electric vehicle driver to use on a pay-as-you-go, no subscription basis. There’s no connection charge and all drivers do is simply tap their contactless credit or debit card and only pay for the electricity used.
Costing around £20 to £26 for a full charge, drivers will be able to add around 200 miles of range.
Cadbury House general manager Mehmet Kandemir said: “More and more of our customers and members are driving electric cars and with petrol costs spiraling the trend for electric cars is only going to get more popular.
“As a result we need to be able to accommodate our guest’s needs to charge up during their stay and the installation of these latest EV charge stations is in reaction to this growing demand.
“We’ve always been one step of the curve in terms of our offering and this again demonstrates our willingness and ability to react to consumer demands by providing the latest in cutting edge technology."
More than 61,000 electric and hybrid vehicles were registered in the UK in December 2021 and it’s this sales surge that has seen more and more demand for plug in ports at venues like Cadbury House.
Mehmet added: “We envisage this as only the beginning of providing electric car owners the facilities they need when coming here and look forward to welcoming EV car owners from across the country.”
For further information please visit http://www.cadburyhotelbristol.co.uk/ or call 01934 834343.
All change on the buses
Bus operator First West of England is making major changes to some of its services in North Somerset from Sunday, April 24, many affecting Nailsea.
Thinking aloud Nailsea People posted on its Facebook page: ‘Good job we are walking, running and cycling everywhere as there are some serious cuts proposed to our bus services’.
The response was overwhelming, it reached nearly 6,000 people in the first 24hrs and attracted a record number of 100 comments.
In a nutshell this is what First bus company is proposing:
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X8 withdrawn completely removing the direct link between Nailsea and Backwell including the railway station by this bus;
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X7 reduced evening service to finish at 8.15pm from Clevedon to Bristol and 9.15pm from Bristol to Clevedon with the loss of two later journeys on an hourly basis. This double-decker route currently goes via Nailsea Link Road but it is proposed to reroute via railway station; and
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X9 the 8.24pm, 9.24pm and 10.24pm from Nailsea to Bristol are under threat and the 10.45pm and 11.45pm from Bristol to Nailsea will be withdrawn.
However, North Somerset Council is exploring what buses it can subsidise and save.
This is in response to huge cuts announced by commercial bus companies.
These cuts will affect routes that are failing to recover quickly enough financially with Government Covid-relief funding to be withdrawn later this year.
Subject to a successful tender process, the council's proposals would mitigate some of the worst effects of cuts.
However, the council is warning that the scale of the cuts means that it's unlikely to replace every route under threat and difficult decisions will have to be made about which services it can ultimately save.
The changes reflect the need to temporarily reduce the frequency of some services to mitigate the impact of ongoing driver shortages, and to address routes and journeys that, due to low passenger numbers, are not commercially viable.
Taken together, these changes will ensure that remaining services can be operated more reliably.
Weston-super-Mare and other North Somerset towns and villages are also affected.
The bus company said that the X8 between Nailsea and Bristol via Backwell has suffered from long standing issues with low passenger numbers.
It added: “As a result, from April 24, the X8 will cease to operate but the X7 will be re-routed to serve Nailsea and Backwell Station every 60 minutes, an improvement on the current 90-minute frequency.”
First West of England managing director Doug Claringbold said: “Despite the Government extending emergency funding for another six months, ongoing issues with driver availability mean further action is necessary beyond the changes we made at the end of January to ensure we can operate services more reliably for our customers.
“As part of that, we must ensure our resources are focused on the areas of the greatest need, which means we’ve had to act on those services and journeys that are just not commercially viable as we plan for the end of this funding in October.
“We only reduce or withdraw services as a very last resort and the issue with low passenger numbers and the resulting viability of some services pre-dates the pandemic and will not, therefore, be resolved by any recovery in passenger numbers.”
He added: “I want everyone to be clear that we are 100 per cent committed to providing the very best possible public transport services in Weston-super-Mare and the rest of North Somerset and will continue to work closely with North Somerset Council to that end.
“This commitment is highlighted by the imminent roll-out of 27 brand new lower-emissions diesel buses in North Somerset and an ongoing driver recruitment campaign to ensure we get people where they want to go safely, efficiently and sustainably.”
However, the council is warning that the scale of the cuts means that it's unlikely to replace every route under threat and difficult decisions will have to be made about which services it can ultimately save.
North Somerset Council leader Don Davies is the ward councillor for Pill.
He said: “Buses play a vital role serving the communities of North Somerset.
“They help residents go to work, shop and access vital services such as schools, colleges and health services.
“They're also key to our response to the climate emergency.
“However, we just don't have enough funding to replace all routes like-for-like, meaning many people may have to walk slightly further to find a bus and might need to change buses en route as there will be fewer direct links to our town centres and less frequent services across many routes. Some services will also start later in the morning or finish earlier in the evening.
“We call again on the Government to recognise this and continue to provide financial support to bus companies until passenger numbers are closer to pre-pandemic levels.
“Across North Somerset we have seen around 70 per cent of passengers return to services, underlining just how critical these buses are to our communities.”
North Somerset uses a common criteria to assess where it will step in to provide publicly funded bus services built on the following priorities:
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Access to employment / enterprise zones
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Access to schools / colleges
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Access to medical and welfare facilities
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Access to essential retail facilities
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Services affecting disadvantaged or vulnerable members of the community
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Social necessity
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Value for money.
Nailsea People contacted the bus service to ask for more information and when the new timetables will be available.
We are promised they will get the information to us shortly.
It is with some irony that Nailsea People reader Derek Perkins sent us an email asking that some of Nailsea Town Council windfall from developers is spent installing more bus shelters at our bus stops.
Derek, we need to save all our services first.
And in added misery Nailsea & Backwell Private Hire Taxis company announced, ‘after 27 years working full time in the taxi industry, we have retired from the 24hr taxi world’.
Its new operating hours for local cars are 4am-6pm Monday to Friday and 5am-2pm Saturdays.
Its national cars will continue to run seven days a week which can be booked on 01275 799999.
ON YER BIKE: Remember this from pre-lockdown days? Maybe not because Nailsea People website tends to suffer from overload. Anyway it was under the Travel dropdown menu as part of the On The Road page and we thought at the time it was such a super idea. Now the Trishaw Project is looking for volunteers as it is all systems go, so you have until Friday, April 1. Email helen.todd@nhs.net or call 01275 866764 for more details
Highway code
Changes to the Highway Code are coming into effect from Saturday, January 29 January.
The changes are being made to prove the safety of people walking, cycling and riding horses.
In total nine sections of The Highway Code will be updated with 50 news rules being added or updated.
Some of the key changes are about:
➡ Hierarchy of road users
➡ People crossing the road at junctions
➡ Walking, cycling or riding in shared spaces
➡ Positioning in the road when cycling
➡ Overtaking when driving or cycling
➡ People cycling at junctions
➡ People cycling, riding a horse and driving horse-drawn vehicles on roundabouts
➡ Parking, charging and leaving vehicles
For full details of exactly what’s changing go to www.gov.uk/dft/highway-code-changes
New bus timetables
First West of England is making some changes to its Bristol services to reflect changing customer demand and to improve punctuality and reliability on a number of key routes.
However, none have been made to the X8 and X9 services from Nailsea into the city centre which operate from end of January 2022 until further notice..
For full details of these timetable can be downloaded.
£3k active travel grants
Funding is now available for companies, schools and community groups who want to introduce active travel initiatives.
North Somerset Council has secured funding from the Department for Transport’s Capability Fund to support a range of active travel behaviour change initiatives and infrastructure projects in 2022.
Companies, schools and community groups can now apply for up to 50 per cent match-funded grants up to a maximum of £3,000.
The grants are for on-site initiatives that will help overcome any barriers to active travel and encourage more walking and cycling.
Examples of previous grants include installing scooter pods and bike shelters at schools and hospitals, buying e-cycle fleets for staff use and installing showers to increase walking and cycling.
In 2022, priority will be given to initiatives that seek to encourage visitors, employees and local residents to make more use of the region’s new active travel infrastructure.
Applications are welcomed for projects close to new sections of shared-use path and traffic-calmed areas, or which focus on the planned Pier to Pier section of National Cycle Network Route 33 between Weston and Clevedon.
North Somerset Council executive member with responsibility for sustainable travel Mike Solomon is the Independent ward councillor for Hutton and Locking.
He said: "Sometimes, small things can prevent people choosing to walk to cycle.
"There might be no showers at work, no covered bike racks on site or no signs pointing to traffic-free routes nearby.
"Our Active Travel grants can help solve these problems.
"By 50 per cent match-funding your investment up to maximum of £3,000, we can help you make small changes to North Somerset workplaces, schools and community spaces, making them more attractive to people who are keen to walk and cycle."
To maximise the impact, promotion and legacy of the active travel grants, North Somerset Council officers can also support businesses, schools and community groups with a variety of offers and behaviour change activities.
These include:
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Up to 50 per cent match-funded active travel grants (£3,000 max)
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Free cycle and e-cycle hire for individual adults (deposits payable)
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Free adult cycle and e-cycle confidence training
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Free bike stands for businesses
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Free e-cycle fleet hire for businesses
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Free Dr Bike mechanic visits to service staff bikes
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Basic bike mechanic courses
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Free Sustainable Travel Roadshows for workplace events
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Schools Engagement officer support (grant-finding, resources, competitions)
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Free access to Active Travel Plan software: ModeShift for Business/ Schools
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Prize-packed active travel challenges like Love to Ride and school competitions.
BIKiING BLOKES: Two groups one called Easy Riders and the other with go-faster stripes called the Lycra Crew set out on the first Sunday of the month to take a bike ride from Ring O'Bells pub out across the North Somerset moors. The men-only group chose a different cafe each month for a pitstop and to eat breakfast. This group led by Ricky Wilkinson.called in at the Hungry Horse at Yatton. Many of the cyclists belong to Holy Trinity church, Nailsea. More riders very are welcome. Contact Phil Williams who took the photos via his Facebook page or email Phil@christiansurfers.co.uk. The next date Sunday morning, February 6. Read more on our sports page HERE
These match-funded grants will not cover VAT and projects must be finalised with funds committed by March 2022.
The grant application form is available online at Travelwest.
Visit https://travelwest.info/for-businesses/grants-funding
Submissions will be assessed on a rolling basis so people are encouraged to apply as soon as possible for consideration.
For support with efforts to increase walking, cycling and active travel, email engagement officers Kerry O’Neill (for business and community settings) or Abbie Edbrooke (for schools and education) on:
sustainable.travel@n-somerset.gov.uk or call 01275 884605.
FIRST BUS LOCAL FARES: Work locally? Children go to school locally? Don't want to get the car out when you pop to the local shops or visit your mates? From Sunday, January 23, First bus is introducing a new £1.50 single ticket that's perfect for these Nailsea journeys. Clevedon and Portishead travellers can also get cheap fares in their towns too. The fixed rate single fare includes discounts for younger travellers and students too. It will cost a flat rate for adults of £1.50, 16-21 year olds and students £1.10 and a child aged five to 15 years of 80p. To learn more go to https://www.firstbus.co.uk/.../new-tickets.../local-fares.
Fuelled by cooking fat
Gritters across North Somerset will help keep major routes in North Somerset passable this winter in a more sustainable way.
The six bright yellow vehicles will now run on Hydrogenerated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel as part of the council's commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
HVO fuel reduces the carbon associated with fuel usage by 90 per cent.
It is produced entirely from renewable raw materials, including vegetable oils, animal fats, cooking oils, fish fats and corn oils, all of which are recovered from current industry practices and/or waste processing operations.
North Somerset Council executive member with responsibility for roads Mike Solomon is the independent ward councillor for Hutton and Locking.
He said: ” "The gritters cover a huge number of miles over the winter period so I am delighted that they will now be using a more environmentally friendly form of fuel in line with our climate emergency commitments.
"Each gritter tends to operate in its named area, so look out for Burrrrrington, Bleadon-cold, Nailski, Portispread, Weston-scooper-Mare and Sleetholm during the winter months."
The fleet are co-ordinated by highways engineers who work on schemes all year to improve the condition of the area’s roads, then become winter specialists from October to provide cover seven-days a week.
Last winter, the gritters went out 52 times, used 2,400 tonnes of salt and gritted 9,857 miles of road.
January was the busiest month with the gritters going out 23 times in total.
Book new Driving Miss Daisy chauffeur/companion service
Driving Miss Daisy is a new fully vetted business offering a personal chauffeur/companion service for people living in North Somerset.
Former Debenham store manager Clare Filer has swapped serving retail customers for one dedicated to helping those in the community who made need an extra bit of support.
Clare grew up in Backwell but has lived in Clevedon for many years is determined to turn her redundancy into an opportunity.
She said: “I am thrilled to be able to offer a new service to local residents living in Nailsea, Backwell and Clevedon.
“Following redundancy in May, I decided I wanted to work within my community, supporting others to get out and about, so I purchased a franchise from Driving Miss Daisy UK.
“I have been inspired to do this after recently caring for my mum, a Backwell resident, for the last years of her life.
“She was a fiercely proud and independent lady who wouldn’t let both cancer and kidney failure stop her from living independently.
”I have also been very involved in the care of my mother-in-law who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia at just 68 years old, a very sociable and fun lady who we have been determined to help continue live the best life possible.
“I would describe the service as a combination of a personal chauffeur and personal assistant, with my aim to make life easier for those requiring support either with transport, at home or to get out and enjoy life!”
The variety of services including:
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Transport to visit family and friends;
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Transport and companionship for attending social events / clubs;
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Day trips and tours, for example trips to the seaside, visiting a garden centre or shopping trips;
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Accompaniment to, from and during GP and hospital appointments (we can accompany clients into appointments to take notes if required);
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Help to book and get to everyday appointments (hairdressers, banks, dentist, pets to vets); and
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Home to holiday destinations, airport, seaport or train station drop-off and collection.
Clare added: “Every service booked is bespoke to the individual, some clients just require transportation, some require assistance pre and post
DRIVE TIME: The name Driving Miss Daisy comes from a 1989 American comedy-drama film directed by Bruce Beresford and written by Alfred Uhry, based on Uhry's 1987 play of the same name. The orginal film stars Jessica Tandy, Morgan Freeman, and Dan Aykroyd. Freeman reprised his role from the original Off-Broadway production. The story defines Daisy and her point of view through a network of relationships and emotions by focusing on her home life, synagogue, friends, family, fears, and concerns over a twenty-five-year period. Driving Miss Daisy was a critical and commercial success upon its release and at the 62nd Academy Awards received nine nominations, and won four: Best Picture, Best Actress (for Tandy), Best Makeup, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
journey, we can wait at a destination to provide a return journey, or provide companionship at home or on a trip out, so I find out exactly what will be needed prior to the booking and send a quote for each individual service requested.
“Quotes are competitive and all inclusive, so there are no hidden costs.
“Anyone interested in finding out more about the services I offer can visit my Facebook page @drivingmissdaisyclevedon, or website www.drivingmissdaisy.co.uk or give me a call for an informal chat on 0758 712 1661.”
Biking to LA shop
Nailsea cyclists are already finding their way over to nearby Long Ashton to visit a new bike shop.
If you’ve not heard yet, a bike shop called Bristol Bikesmiths opened earlier this year.
Situated on Lovelinch Gardens just off the main road, the bike shop is sandwiched perfectly between The Old Library restaurant and Parson’s Bakery and specialises in servicing and repair, though they also sell parts, tools, cycling goodies, bikes, scooters and more.
If you visit the shop you will usually find Timo and Matt twirling the spanners and Dan juggling the many duties of an owner.
In the image Matt is on the left, Dan in the middle and Timo on the right.
Bristol Bikesmiths established itself in Bedminister approximately four years ago but recently opened the second shop in Long Ashton where both Timo and Dan live.
Timo is the roadie while Matt, who lives in Nailsea, is the mountain biker, but they both love servicing whatever bikes come their way.
Bristol Bikesmiths prides itself on clear communication, servicing excellence and a 24-hour turnaround time. You normally don’t have to wait that long for an appointment either.
Shop manager Timo said “It's been great to see so many regular faces, plus many new faces from the village and further afield.
“We thank everyone for their support so far and hope to see many more faces in the coming months.
“We've seen quite a few people from Nailsea already.”
If you have any questions you can contact them via their website www.bristolbikesmiths.com, via email at thebikesmiths@bristolbikesmiths.com or by calling them on 01275 219464.
Can you fill your car with E10?
Nailsea Auto Electrical is getting a lot of calls regarding the new petrol and if it is safe to use.
E10 (the new standard petrol) is up to 10 per cent ethanol as opposed to five per cent in E5 - the old standard petrol.
It is available at UK fuel stations now as part of the bid to cut CO2 emissions.
It's safe to use in most petrol cars made after 2011 according to government advice.
Diesel and electric vehicles cannot use E10 petrol.
Click on the link below to check your car on the government's website:
https://www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-e10-petrol.
To find out how Nailsea Auto Electrical can help you get in touch on 01275 261 005 or send them a message through Facebook or Instagram.
On the Nailsea buses
Details of bus service changes from Sunday, August 29, 2021 can be found on the links below:
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Bristol Service changes - https://journeyplanner.travelwest.info/.../region/0/upcoming
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Bath and North East Somerset Service changes - https://journeyplanner.travelwest.info/.../region/1/Upcoming
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South Gloucester Service changes - https://journeyplanner.travelwest.info/.../region/2/upcoming
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North Somerset Service changes - https://journeyplanner.travelwest.info/.../region/3/upcoming
New First Bus timetable for X8 and X9 still has no buses to Backwell on Sundays and bank holidays. To download timetable click HERE.
North Somerset road news
The A370 was closed for several hours on Friday afternoon, July 23, after a head-on road crash.
Two cars were involved and two people had already been rescued by the time the fire service arrived.
Nailsea firefighters joined Weston and Temple crews at the scene.
Another woman was trapped and it needed hydraulic cutting equipment to free her.
She was taken to hospital by land ambulance although the air ambulance and other emergency vehicles were in attendance.
Ian Thompson lives nearby and he said the road was closed for a long time.
He said at the time: “There is an accident investigation on site.”
“The accident was blocking drives including the one to Bridget and Chris White’s farm - they run the pork stall at Nailsea farmers market.
“I don't suppose residents can get out.
“This was the second accident in two weeks, the other was a vehicle fire at the other end of Cleeve which took out power and fibre cables foe several hours.
“The verge and hedge plus a National Grid pole took the brunt of it and still visible.”
Neighbour Amanda Ward said: “It did make eating at al fresco in Cleeve very quiet on Friday night.”
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And in another road incident nearby on Sunday morning cyclist Angela Daynes alerted Nailsea People to a fallen tree on Brockley Lane, Chelvey. She said: “Not sure how to report it as I'm out on a cycle but was worried about leaving it unreported until I get back home!” Amanda took the photo, thanks.
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Tickenham Parish Council is conducting a questionnaire on traffic its village. Parish councillors want to assess the views of residents a survey which will form the basis for discussion at an open meeting later in the year. The survey which needs to be completed by the end of August is on the parish council website here: https://tickenham-pc.org.uk/traffic-survey/.
A maintenance scheme to improve the A370 Long Ashton Bypass starts on Monday, August 2.
The scheme will see a full programme of maintenance works carried out overnight between 8pm and 6am for five nights.
The road will be closed between the junctions with the A4174 Colliters Way and B3130 Clevedon Road so crews can work safely.
Works taking place will include gully emptying, grass cutting, tree clearance, lining and signage replacement.
A diversion route will be in place as there will be no access to Bristol via the A370 while these night-time works are carried out.
North Somerset Council executive member for neighbourhoods and community services Mike Solomon is the Independent ward councillors for Hutton and Locking.
He said: “This is a busy route in and out of North Somerset and closing it overnight will allow us to carry out important works to improve the route.
“We’ll be using the closure to carry out various essential maintenance works at the same time, therefore making the most effective use of the road closure."
“We appreciate that a night closure on a busy route will cause some inconvenience, but we carry out works overnight when traffic volumes are lower, to minimise disruption and avoid peak travel times.”
The cost of the works is £56,000.
PARKING PRANK: Nailsea MicroPub boss Mark Ashman said: "There is some prankster going around Nailsea thinking they are funny by sticking these on car windscreens. If you see one of these just ignore it and check your number plates and tyres for any damage." Fake parking tickets can be bought from many online joke shops and are usually placed on vehicles illegally left in public places. Pranksters have targeted drivers up and down the country but this one is a first for Nailsea. The ticket says it is issued by Bourgh Council and asking for a fee of £90 with a 50 per cent discount if paid within 30 days. The actual website does not exist. Nailsea People has its own 'bad parking' page HERE featuring those who use the pavement to leave their cars
Motor car is not God, say council
The general message in a 90-page document issued by North Somerset Council the week is 'get on yer bike'.
And although Nailsea doesn't actually get too much of a mention the council statement 'we are determined to debunk the common misconception that the higher the access for motor vehicles and parking outside local shops, the increased economic vitality' makes you think closing the High Street to through traffic is probably the direction it is all heading.
It continues 'the evidence on the increased footfall, income, vitality and general attractiveness of local shopping streets and areas that have strong pedestrian, cycle and public realm is staggering. We should not make the false assumption that prioritising access by cars will deliver economic success, where more often than not, this is just not the case'.
While agreement on a weight limit is fairly universal some traders will still have to be persuaded if measures are taken further.
There are proposals for a cycle route from the town centre to Nailsea & Backwell railway station to provide 'a direct high-quality route, segregated where possible' and another from Engine Lane to Nailsea town centre with a segregated path along the north side of Queens Road and transition points to continue route along Mizzymead to town centre are included.
One of its stated aims is 'we will design and build infrastructure to give priority to pedestrians and cyclists over vehicular traffic and segregate paths away from traffic wherever possible. This will transform our transport network from spaces where people are ‘able’ to walk and cycle to environments in which they are ‘invited’ to walk and cycle...we will, as part of our Active Travel Neighbourhood programme, use a package of measures to prioritise walking and cycling, reduce vehicle dominance and improve public open space in town and village centres'.
And this will bit will please the Trendlewood people 'we will work with the police to identify the most appropriate tool to encourage drivers to slow down. These include Community Speedwatch, vehicle activated signs, mobile safety camera enforcement and static safety camera installation'.
And it concludes that the council is committing to its vision statement of ‘making walking and cycling the natural choice for a cleaner, healthier and more active North Somerset.’
The photos of the juggernaut in High Street taken this by Nailsea MicroPub
boss Mark Ashman which we are told is a daily occurrence with even acement mixer trundling along was spotted this week.
To achieve the council aim it would need to implement:
• at least one Active Travel Neighbourhood pilot schemes per year (with a detailed review and prioritisation of each enabling the most successful to become permanent the following year)
• at least two 20mph zones per year
• at least one High Street or district centre active travel improvement scheme per year.
Nailsea Youngwood Lane 450-home development has a cycle/walking link to the railway station included in its planning permission.
The study concludes with listing 10 additional background papers/studies!
To read the North Somerset Active Stategy by downloading HERE.
Council leader supports walking and cycling
Ambitious plans to make it easier for residents to choose active travel options locally have been given the green light.
North Somerset councillors adopted the Active Travel Strategy at a full council meeting on Monday, July 19.
The strategy sets out plans to develop more opportunities during the next 10 years to ‘make walking and cycling the natural choice for a cleaner, healthier and more active North Somerset’.
The strategy aims to achieve a number of benefits locally including safe and frequent active travel to improve public health, a positive impact on carbon emissions, support for the local economy and development of active travel neighbourhoods.
North Somerset Council leader Don Davies is the Independent ward councillor for Pill.
He said: "If we're to be successful in encouraging more people to leave the car behind and travel more frequently using active travel modes, we have to make them an attractive choice.
"We have already made great progress in North Somerset with a significant increase in walking and cycling journeys in the three years before the pandemic, with a sustained increase in people opting to get out in the saddle or on foot over the past year.
"We have set an ambitious target of increasing walking and cycling trips by at least 300 per cent by 2030.
"This ambition will focus us on ensuring that the North Somerset transport network and its users are contributing to carbon neutrality as much and as soon as possible."
By delivering the strategy, North Somerset Council will help to create and reshape environments that provide equal access for everyone and not just those with access to a car.
"There will be less dominance by the motor car to create greener, safer and more active environments for local people, businesses and visitors.
"The benefits of increased active travel to both physical and mental health
are clear, but the strategy also hopes to boost the local economy by encouraging shorter journeys and increased trade with local businesses.
A public consultation on the strategy was conducted between November and January 2020 -21.
91 per cent of respondents agreed that an increase in active travel is needed to help North Somerset reduce its carbon emissions from transport. 77 per cent of respondents agreed that more should be done to give priority to pedestrians and cyclists over private motor vehicles wherever possible.
The strategy is available on the council's website.
First Bus issued this advice:
Wearing masks
We are following government guidance and recommend all customers wear a face mask whilst on board. Please remember that this is a personal choice and not everyone may wish to wear a mask.
Ventilation & Cleaning
We will continue to ensure that all windows are left open for additional ventilation in addition to our enhanced cleaning regime which will remain in place to keep you and others around you safe.
Social distancing
All seats will be in use from Monday, July 19, and our buses will return to full capacity making sure we can take you to where you need to go.
Paying for your journey
Where possible avoid the use of cash and continue to use contactless on board or buy in advance using our mobile app.
For more information please visit our website here https://www.firstbus.co.uk/help-and-support/coronavirus-information.
Let us transport you...
A Nailsea coach company which moved to Felton during the pandemic has lots of summer trips on offer.
The business which was began in 1947 by funeral director Arthur Davey, and named after his wife Iris and her favourite flower, has moved seven miles up the road from its former base at Clevedon Road.
Its core business includes transport for schools, community groups and companies with holidays and day trips also on its timetable with large, medium and mini coaches available.
Blue Iris Coaches which employs between 10-12 employees and runs 12 vehicles is open for business but sadly not in Nailsea its ancestral home.
The slogan says: 'Let us transport you...' to book call 01275 851121, email enquiry@blueiris.co.uk or go online at https://blueiris.co.uk/.
Summer trips link is https://blueiris.co.uk/day-trips-summer-2021/.
Its full address is now Unit 2, Park Farm West Lane, Winford, Felton, North Somerset, BS40 9UD.
Random sample for Mori road survey
Now here is an opportunity as 3,300 random North Somerset residents are being asked their views on the council's highways and transport services – from the condition of roads and footpaths to the quality of cycling routes and facilities.
The survey is being run by The National Highways and Transport (NHT) Network a collaboration between local authorities across England and parts of Scotland with a common agenda – service improvement.
The answers will then be compared with the views of others from across England and Scotland in this year’s National Highways and Transport Public Satisfaction survey.
North Somerset Council is one of 111 local authorities to sign up to the standardised survey that will ask participants up and down the country exactly the same questions, whether they live in Southampton, South Tyneside or North Somerset.
The survey, which is being run for the 14th year, is the largest collaboration between local authorities offering the opportunity to compare results, share in best practice and identify further opportunities to work together in the future.
The questionnaire will be sent by Ipsos Mori to a minimum random sample with local and national results to be published in late October. As the survey is based on a sample, residents who receive a copy are urged to take part to ensure the findings are representative of the full range of local views.
Residents who receive the questionnaire can complete the survey online using a short URL link printed on the front of the questionnaire, where they will be required to enter a unique code before completing the survey.
North Somerset Council executive member for neighbourhoods and community services Mike Solomon is the Independent ward councillor for Hutton and Locking.
He said: “Our roads perform well on the annual highways and transport survey and we have made real progress providing an efficient network in recent years.
“We want to keep improving so that our network caters to all needs, offering everyone the chance to share our roads however they choose to travel - whether by car, or increasingly on foot, by bike or using public transport.
“The environment is also vital to us and we’ve set an ambitious aim of making North Somerset carbon neutral by 2030.
"Transport accounts for a significant percentage of local carbon impact, so it’s crucial our roads, footways and cycleways are the best they can be so residents have the option to safely switch to more sustainable modes of travel.
“Findings from the survey are vital in helping us to understand how our transport network performs in a national context, so we can identify what we’re doing well and where we can improve, working toward another year of high network performance.”
The network provides an environment in which members can measure their own performance, compare with their peers and identify areas for improvement.
Latest Nailsea bus timetables
First Bus says passenger safety and comfort on board is priority.
During lockdfown local authorities relaxed time restrictions on concessionary passes so pass holders can travel at any time of the day.
This was primarily aimed to assist travel to and from the vaccination centres like Ashton Gate.
If you hold a North Somerset Council concessionary pass the restrictions will be relaxed until Friday, June 18.
As government restrictions ease more people will be travelling.
This means you may have to sit next to a fellow passenger.
From Sunday, May 16, there may be changes to some services but as far as we can see it is Bristol and Weston-super-Mare buses.
On this page are all the current timetables for buses to and from Nailsea.
Passengers are encouraged to use the First Bus App which can track your bus live on a map and down capacity.
Top travel tips:
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Face coverings: Always wear your face covering on board our services unless you are exempt according to government guidelines.
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Getting on and off the bus: Please be patient while getting on and off and do not queue in the aisle or next to the driver. If you are able, please sit upstairs when possible leaving lower deck seats for those less mobile.
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Paying for your journey: We request where possible that customers pay by contactless or buy in advance on our mobile app which also helps keep our buses running on time.
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Ventilation: Please leave windows open for additional ventilation.
To download a timetable which is current until further notice click on bus numbers on this page.
X6-X7 Mon-Fri
not public holidays
X6-X7 Saturdays except public holidays
X6-X7 Sundays and public holidays
X8-X9 Mon-Fri
not public holidays
X6-X7 Mon-Fri
not public holidays
X8-X9 Saturdays not public holidays
Bike buddies get onboard
A way for seniors and people with limited mobility to feel the wind in their sails is by being a passenger on an electric powered trishaw.
A trishaw a bit like a rickshaw a small, light vehicle with three wheels for carrying people or goods, and pedalled by the operator.
Someone in Nailsea came up with the brilliant idea being pioneered by Tyntesfield Medical Group of putting together a group of 'bike buddies' to take people on rides around the town.
It is fast becoming a global phenomenon and a way of those with good fitness levels to interact with people not so spritely..
Have a look at this website HERE to learn more and if aged 18+ email helen.todd@nhs.uk for more details about volunteering.
Festival Way crossing improvement
BEFORE
AFTER
Festival Way cycle route runs from Nailsea to Bristol and is used by commuters to the city and those who like to enjoy the North Somerset countryside on two wheels or two legs.
And now to make the route safer a crossing for people both walking and cycling has been installed on the popular Festival Way by the B3128 at Ashton Court Estate.
The project has been delivered by North Somerset Council, working with the walking and cycling charity Sustrans.
Sustrans identified the crossing near Ashton Court Estate as a priority for improvements after a nationwide audit of the National Cycle Network.
The charity subsequently allocated £140,000 of Department for Transport funding to North Somerset Council to deliver the safety improvements.
The new signal-controlled Toucan crossing creates a suitable place for all path users - including those with adapted cycles, tandems and cycle trailers - to safely cross the high volumes of traffic on the B3128.
The improvements will connect the Festival Way to Bristol, and to the recently built traffic-free route through Ashton Court.
North Somerset Council executive member for neighbourhoods and community services Mike Solomon is the Independent councillor for Hutton and Locking ward.He said: “The Festival Way is a popular, key route. It brings North Somerset residents to Ashton Court and on into Bristol and allows Bristol residents to access the North Somerset countryside and towns on foot or by bike.
“We are very pleased to have collaborated with Sustrans on this project, which will improve the safety at an important and well-used point on our walking and cycling network.
"Giving more people the infrastructure and opportunity to lead healthy and active lifestyles will help us meet our goal of becoming a carbon neutral district by 2030.”
Sustrans head of partnerships Jon Usher said: “We’re really happy to see this scheme completed.
"As one of our Paths for Everyone projects, the work aimed to make this traffic-free route more accessible, safer, and more enjoyable for all.
“Enabling more people to walk, scoot, wheel or cycle for their everyday journeys is essential to tackling the climate emergency across the West of England.
“By providing this improved crossing, North Somerset Council is taking an important step towards making active travel an attractive and real alternative to jumping in the car.”
As well as the new crossing, visibility has been increased on this stretch of road by removing low-level vegetation and raising the crown of some sycamore trees.
This is to help people using the crossing, and those driving on the road, to see one another.
Additional funding from the Joint Local Transport Plan met the total cost of the scheme.
Free cycling lessons
Life Cycle UK offers free adult cycle skill sessions for anyone living in North Somerset aged 18+.
Each lesson is tailored to the rider and moves at their pace.
Whether it’s help finding the safest route to work, tips for tackling tricky junctions, or general road skills, the sessions can help adults onto two wheels.
Anyone interested in these three-hour training sessions can find out more at www.lifecycleuk.org.uk/cycle-training
Life Cycle UK is a registered charity that was founded in 1999 and now works with 9,000+ people a year.
It believes that cycling has a central role to play in improving individual lives, local communities and the environment.
Its mission statement says: 'The bicycle doesn’t contribute to congestion, pollution or the general degradation to our urban environments. It allows people to travel easily, conveniently and cheaply to access jobs, education, services - and to visit friends, engage in community life and feel connected to their surroundings. It is an affordable from of independent travel accessible to most able bodied people, and some disabled people; it offers a non-weight bearing form of exercise, allowing people of all ages to keep physically active; and it helps people maintain good mental health."
Increasing levels of cycling has a key part to play in tackling the Climate Emergency, Air Pollution Crisis and Obesity Epidemic.
Patent Pending
A Nailsea car mechanic has invented a security device to stop thieves stealing catalytic converters.
And Nailsea Auto Electrical boss Rick Hand has applied for a UK patent for his AntiCat System.
Rick said: “Our AntiCat System attaches to the catalytic converter and to an audible alarm to deter the thief from stealing the part of a vehicle’s exhaust which contains precious metals.
“Damage caused by thieves trying to strip a catalytic converter can caused insurance claims of between £2-3,000 according to the AA and in the worst-case scenarios have seen motors written off entirely.
“With so many North Somerset victims we have taken it upon ourselves to come up with a solution.”
A catalytic converter is an exhaust emission control device that reduces toxic gases and pollutants in exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine into less-toxic pollutants by catalyzing a redox reaction.
The brazen thieves appear to target cars parked on driveways and favour Honda, Toyota and Lexus models.
There have been reports of thefts of this type in Ashton Vale, Backwell, Long Ashton, Nailsea, Yatton, Weston-super-Mare and beyond.
Rick added: “For £169 we can fit our anti-theft device.”
But it isn't all dash cams and batteries for this motor business which offers a door-to-door service.
With the best in diagnostics, knowledge and lots of patience there isn't much mechanical they can't tackle.
Nailsea Auto Electrical can be contacted by phone on 01275 261005 or via by Facebook messenger.
For current timetables for X8 and X9 from Nailsea via Wraxall or Backwell to Bristol and back click HERE
RESTORATION ROADSHOW: A classic car fan in Valley Gardens, Nailsea, has parked his C-reg Ford Capri in the road minus its wheels but plus road tax and insurance. From a distance it looks as if it is on skis but once fully restored the vehicle could be worth thousands of pounds. The 1980s vehicle is fastback coupe built by the Ford Motor Company between 1968-1986, designed by American Philip T. Clark, who was also involved in the design of the Ford Mustang. It used the mechanical components from the Mk2 Ford Cortina and was intended as the European equivalent of the Ford Mustang. The Capri went on to be a phenomenally successful car for Ford, selling nearly 1.9 million units in its lifetime. A wide variety of engines was used in the Capri throughout its production lifespan, which included the Essex and Cologne V6 at the top of the range, while the Kent straight four and Taunus V4 engines were used in lower specification models. Although the Capri was not officially replaced, the second-generation Probe was effectively its replacement after the later car's introduction to the European market in 1994. While Ford marketed the car as ‘Ford Capri – The Car You Always Promised Yourself’, the English magazine Car described the Capri as a ‘Cortina in drag’. An iconic 1980s Ford Capri made famous in The Professionals and Minder was reputed to have sold for £45,000 by The Sun newspaper in 2018. We can't wait to see what the fully restored Nailsea car looks like...STOP PRESS: We are told the road tax has run out and they are coming to take it away...need a tow truck as it is can't be driven! STOP PRESS 2: It has been removed by tow truck
Firefighters driving ambulances ends
Avon Fire and Rescue Service (AF&RS) concluded its additional support to South Western Ambulance Service (SWASFT) with the final wave finishing at weekend.
During the 18 weeks of support, staff from AF&RS provided 238 shifts driving ambulances and responded to 787 incidents – including more than 80 category one incidents.
Throughout the course of the support, 32 staff from wholetime, day crewing, on-call and corporate staff drove two additional ambulances based at Nailsea fire station and co-located at SWASFT’s Bristol Ambulance Station.
Those involved were added to a weekly shift rota and the support was spread out across the organisation to ensure AF&RS maintained operational availability.
The move followed an agreement between the National Employers, National Fire Chiefs Council and the Fire Brigades Union to support local authorities and the NHS.
AF&RS station manager and volunteer lead Iain Campbell said: “Working with SWASFT throughout this difficult time was a fantastic opportunity for our staff and the service, but also meant we could support our blue light colleagues in a new and proactive way.
“We know that SWASFT’s modelling showed they would need extra resources during COVID but our staff put themselves forward in unprecedented ways to help, support and ensure there were adequate resources to deal with demand.
“We are incredibly proud of the ways in which we responded.
“The good feeling from the public during this time has been amazing and it’s been great for us to be able to offer this support to a fellow Service at this time.
“This situation has shown how flexible and committed our staff can be when striving to protect our communities during exceptional times and how we can collaborate and strengthen each other.
“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with both organisations learning a lot about the other, how we both work and ways in which we can continue to strengthen.
“I would also like to thank the staff that supported this from a logistics point of view – Lee Comley and Victoria Williams-Locke – who worked tirelessly to ensure it was a success.”
SWASFT was the only trust in England which approved fire service support to drive on blue lights and already some on-call firefighters have secured roles with the organisation as Emergency Care Assistants (ECAs).
Support statistics:
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Staff from AF&RS responded to a total of 787 incidents
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Staff from AF&RS provided 238 shifts
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Firefighters picked up additional safeguarding work such as fitting a deaf patient with pillow devices
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From the first support request on in mid-March, trucks were on the road within just 15 days
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Not one staff member developed symptoms of COVID
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12 members of staff will remain trained in case of a second spike
Yatton on-call firefighter Michelle Crossman said: “This has been an incredible time and I am so happy that I was able to support.
“As on-call firefighters, we are often at the heart of the community and this was just another way in which we could support and assist.
“I learnt a lot from my time with SWASFT and hope partner with the organisation more in the future.
“We worked very well together and it is easy to see the benefits this brought to both organisations."
In March, SWASFT formally requested the five South West fire and rescue services to provide ambulance drivers as part of its Covid-19 response.
SWASFT invested in a fleet of 15 additional ambulances, which were driven by 45 volunteer firefighters across the South West 24/7.
From mid-April, they attended lower priority calls with ECAs, but from the end of June, they worked alongside paramedics to respond to all categories of emergency.
The firefighters, wearing their usual uniform, responded to more than 4,500 incidents during the first three months of the scheme.
SWAFST interoperable capabilities resilience officer Derek McCullough was responsible for setting up the scheme.
He said: “We are extremely grateful for the invaluable support we’ve received from all the region’s fire services since April, which has truly benefitted our service to patients.
“This partnership has been a really positive experience for both emergency services.
"AF&RS has helped to make a significant contribution to our patient care and our ability to respond to increasing demands on our service.
"Their support and teamwork has helped to make this project extremely effective.”
Tacks on Nailsea roads wreck tyres
The malicious vandals who scattered screws, nails and tacks on Nailsea roads appear to be back - for the third time after a space of several months.
In January this year motorists in Orchard Road, Southfield Road and on Trendlewood reported punctures due to metal tacks being scattered along their roads.
In April 2019 at least seven cars suffered flat tyres after nails and tacks were strewed along nearby residential roads.
Neighbours in Chapel Barton, Cherry Road and Orchard Road recovered handfuls of the nails of various lengths which damaged their vehicles.
On Sunday, September 6, it appears the nail sprinkler was back in action.
Hundreds of nails were collected from Union Street, Chapel Barton and Orchard Road.
More than 8,000 were reached on the Nailsea People Facebook page with many saying their vehicles had suffered flat tyres.And more than 55 left comments - here is a selection.
Kris Miller said: "I was in Nailsea last night, got up this morning to a flat front tyre, it has a large nail in it, could just be a coincidence of course!"
Matthew Day said: "This type of stupidity can prove fatal for motorcyclists."
Natalie Thorogood said: "My mum had a nail in her tyre today. Looked like one of these too."
Chris Perry said: "I'm not a builder but these look like nails used for roofing felt ... any roofers missing some nails?"
Paula Heasman-Walsh said: "Hmm, interesting, we live on Orchard Road and my husband had a flat tyre last week. My car was one of those affected last April."
Leanne Bessell said: "I was affected back in April. I didn't realise more people were hit."
The matter is being investigated by police and Neighbourhood Watch has distributed warning letters in the affected areas.
UPDATE: Police are following up on CCTV showing a suspect seemingly caught in the act of showering nails on the road
NAILSEA NAILS: Photo of nails collected from Orchard Road, on Monday, September 7
Nailsea and District Community Transport
BUS STOP: Nailsea and District Community Transport provides a door-to-door transport service for all shopping, health and leisure trips. Its minibuses are fully accessible for wheelchair users and it has a friendly team of drivers are there to help people get on board. Services include weekly shopping trips, dial-a-ride, group hire and a full calendar of day trips and outings. Serving residents of Nailsea, Clevedon, Portishead, Backwell, Long Ashton, Failand and the surrounding areas. It received grants from Nailsea Town Council to keep it on the road. To contact call 01275 855552, email office@ndct.co.uk or go to its website HERE.
A PORT FOR THE CAR
- places to get petrol, change tyres, respray or repairs
Backwell Motors with forecourt and convenience store
73-75 Station Road
Backwell BS48 3LH
Tel:01275 463441
Coombe Garage Tyres - Team Protyre
Unit 3
Southfield Road Trading Estate
Nailsea BS48 1JJ
Tel:01275 859859
Deutsche Car Specialists
Unit 7-8 Vines Industrial Estate
Nailsea, BS48 1BG
Tel: 01275 858178
Long Life Motors
23 Clevedon Road, Nailsea BS48 1EH
Tel: 01275 859955
Nailsea Auto Electrical
Email: accounts@naeuk.co.uk
Tel: 01275 261005
Nailsea Motor Services
Southfield Road Trading Estate
Tel: 01275 856927
Sandy's
Unit 31
Southfield Road
Nailsea, BS48 1JE
Scuffs
Unit 5
Southfield Road Trading Estate
Nailsea BS48 1JJ
Tel: 01275 401294
Tesco supermarket and petrol station
(includes in-store Costa coffee shop)
Corner of High Street, Stockway North and Brockway
Nailsea BS48 1AQ
Tel: 0345 677 9480
The Parts Store Ltd
82 High Street, Nailsea BS48 1AS
Tel: 01275 854321
Tout's Budgens same site as petrol station and in-house Subway
Bristol Road
Wraxall BS48 1BN
Tel: 01275 857177
RA Wait Garage Services
Unit 24, Southfield Road Trading Estate, Nailsea BS48 1JJ
Tel: 01275 866353
Webbs Auto's Ltd
23 High Street, Nailsea BS48 1AU
Tel: 01275 851326
Whatever your horse power
Nailsea Auto Electrical
has the solution to keep you safely on the road
RA Wait Garage Services is open for business! John, Paul and Nathan have been working throughout the lockdown to help keep key workers, including NHS, supermarket and pharmacy staff, on the road.
They understand that the majority of their customers are slowly beginning to return to work but RA Wait still offer a vehicle collection and delivery service to people in the local area who are self-isolating. This is at no extra cost so please ask for further details when you book your service or MOT. If you delayed your MOT due on or after March 30th now is the time to book.
Find us at Unit 24, Southfield Rd Trading Estate, BS48 1JJ or call us on 01275 866353 or visit www.rogerwait.co.uk
Deutsche Car Specialists
German car specialist offering servicing, repairs, air conditioning and electrical diagnostics to all German cars including BMW, Audi and Mercedes
Tyres at very competitive prices and
MOTs can be arranged
Find them at Unit 7-8 Vines Industrial Estate, Nailsea, BS48 1BG
Telephone 01275 858178 or online HERE
SUMMER
Nailsea Motor Services
open 8am-5.30pm
Monday to Thursday
closes at 5pm on Fridays.
For MOTs,Servicing and Repairs on on Class 4, 5 and 7,
Cars, Vans, Light Commercial Vehicles and Motorhomes
For assistance call us on 01275 856927
or email nailseamotors@hotmail.co.uk
For further information go to Nailsea Motor Services Facebook page or its website at www.nailsea-motors.co.uk
The first major bus improvement scheme planned for North Somerset is set to begin in Long Ashton as part of ambitious bus service improvements which will make bus travel faster, greener, more reliable, convenient, and coordinated across the region.
The first improvements works of North Somerset Council’s Bus Services Improvement Plan is in Long Ashton include converting the existing 2+ lane into a bus lane and extending this through to the Gurney roundabout towards Bristol.
The work will also include some resurfacing and the introduction of an ANPR camera.
Following a successful bid to the Department for Transport (DfT), more than £105m funding has been allocated for bus improvements, with £48m earmarked for capital improvements in North Somerset alone.
£57.5m will be used as a pooled revenue fund with the West of England Combined Authority to enable delivery of the Bus Service Improvement Plan.
Long Ashton Bypass is the first of 18 planned bus improvements works to help make bus travel the first choice for travellers.
Others initial schemes include Barrow Gurney, Brockley Coombe, Wood Hill, Beggar Bush Lane junction and Marcombe Road, south of the M5.
The ambitious Bus Service Improvement Plans aims to offer an improved service, a quicker and greener alternative to using the car, with accessible and affordable bus travel, offering accessible options with simple and consistent fares.
Additional improvements as part of BSIP include:
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introducing Demand Responsive Transport – a local bus that connects communities that are without a local service;
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improving 18 bus corridors in North Somerset, resulting in quicker services and higher bus frequencies in towns and urban areas;
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accelerating the decarbonisation of transport through the bus improvements – a key priority for the council as part of its commitment to tackle the climate emergency; and
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supporting economic growth enabling people and businesses to connect, attend college whilst travelling easily and affordably to new education and employment opportunities.
North Somerset Council executive member for transport and highways Steve Hogg is the Independent ward councillor for Wrington.
He said: “Securing this money is a major boost for travel across North Somerset and it’s great to see our plans for improved bus services coming to life so quickly. Introducing a bus lane on one of the key routes into Bristol will make public transport an easier and quicker route choice for many people travelling to work or for leisure.
“These improvement works will result in more services and increased frequencies which are key to enabling people to travel around North Somerset by public transport, offering equal access to employment, shopping and leisure.”
The road works will start on Monday, March 13, and will take four weeks.
More information on the Bus Improvement Service Plan can be found on the council website here https://www.n-somerset.gov.uk/my-services/parking-travel-roads/transport-travel/bus-travel/bus-service-improvement-plan.
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The government has announced that the bus fare cap to be extended for three months, backed by up to £75 million to help passengers save money and Get Around for £2. It also confirms up to £80 million to continue support for critical bus services around England. This lifeline funding takes total to more than £2 billion since March 2020.
Nailsea Town Council will take delivery next May of two new electric buses.
These will be leased to Nailsea and District Community Transport (NDCT).
In 2022 the group advised Nailsea Town Council it wanted improve its reach, developing a service to help bring people into the town from outside as well as serving the people of Nailsea.
The council agreed to assist the organisation by buying two new electric vehicles and a tendering process began for their purchase. It was also agreed the town council would own the vehicles and lease them to the transport group, with the running costs and infrastructure needed to charge the buses being covered by NDCT.
On February 1 Nailsea Town Council held an extra-ordinary and after consulting with the community group and agreed to purchase two buses from GM Coachwork Ltd at a total cost of £177,060.
The vehicles which has 11 passenger seats on a tracking system which can be altered to accommodate several wheelchairs will be bought using funds from the Capital Receipts from the sale of land at Engine Lane.
A NDCT spokesperson said: “We are delighted that two new electric buses will shortly be replacing some of our aging fleet to help meet the transport needs of the local community.
"As well as providing comfort for the passengers, the buses will help keep costs down and reduce pollution on the roads which will benefit local residents.”
The not-for-profit community transport helps the most vulnerable residents get out to the shops, access local services and make important social connections to help prevent isolation and loneliness.
NDCT is underpinned by help from local volunteer drivers which helps keep the service affordable.
NDCT is always looking for volunteer drivers so if you enjoy driving meeting people and have some spare time, they’d love to hear from you!
To find out more about NDCT or to volunteer as a driver, visit www.ndct.co.uk or call 01275 855552 Mon-Fri 8.30am-3.30pm.
Access to a major Somerset showground has been improved - after last year’s event left roads gridlocked.
Thousands of people headed to the annual North Somerset Show, organised by the North Somerset Agricultural Society, at the showground in Wraxall last May.
But the sheer numbers of people attending the event - which returned in 2022 after a two year Covid hiatus - left local roads at a standstill.
Some visitors to the show abandoned their trip after becoming stuck for hours on the A370 and A38.
Many had pre-booked their tickets, costing £19 an adult and £47 for a family and were forced to apply to the society for refunds. Local residents were also left stuck in jams heading to the showground, with some claiming it took over an hour just to travel a few miles.
The show, which celebrated its 162nd year in 2022, normally attracts around 20,000 people but it is believed last year saw a surge in visitors keen to attend the event after its two year pandemic enforced break.
Traffic on routes to the showground is generally always busy on show days, but organisers said last year’s gridlock was due to a ‘number of factors’ including road accidents in the surrounding area.
Following the traffic chaos, society bosses said its traffic management plan for the event would be reviewed. Work has now been carried out to create a bigger entrance off Bristol Road in Wraxall. The entrance is normally used as an exit route from the showground with the main entrance off Station Road.
The work has involved removing a large area of hedgerow and installing new surfacing. Gates will also be installed to keep the site secure.
Society bosses said the changes would also improve road safety.
North Somerset Agricultural Society spokesman Tim Ledbury said: “The works are an improvement to what was a dangerous entrance to the showground.
North Somerset Council is investing more than half a million pounds to improve Clevedon Road in Tickenham.
Scheduled to last for 12 weeks from Monday, February 20 until Tuesday, May 23, the £605,000 highways scheme will include resurfacing, improving drainage, refreshing road markings and signage, repairing ironworks and clearing overgrown vegetation.
A diversion route will be in place during phase two which is expected to start on Tuesday, May 2, until Tuesday, May 23.
Full details can be found on One Network website at https://one.network.
Temporary two-way traffic signals will be in operation 24 hours a day during the first phase, which is due to finish on Tuesday, May 2.
Work will take place 8am-5pm daily.
Roads affected are in Backwell, Cleeve, Clevedon, Congresbury, Nailsea and Tickenham itself.
North Somerset has listed them as Clevedon Road, Stockway North, High Street, Bristol Road, Barrow Street, Main Road, Farleigh Road, West Town Road, Rhodyate Hill, Smallway, Frost Hill, North End Road, Kenn Road, The Triangle, Old Street and Tickenham Road.
A night closure between the hours of 8pm-5am will be required towards the end of the scheme to allow operators to work safely while they carry out carriageway and footway resurfacing, and lining and drainage works.
The anticipated dates for the night closures are Wednesday to Tuesday, May 3-23.
Marshalls will be present to allow access to residents and businesses only.
North Somerset Council executive member responsible for highways Steve Hogg is the independent ward councillor for Wrington.
He said: “We’re continuing our commitment to invest in the highway network and we look forward to seeing this popular route through Tickenham improved.
Improved access to B3130 showground
All aboard for new community buses
Long Ashton lane changes
PARKING RESTRICTIONS: Nailsea School introduce permit parking only on site which should see more traffic chaos on Mizzymead Road at the start and end of the school day
“We’re doing our best to minimise the inconvenience to road users by carrying out the bulk of work overnight.“While the drainage element of the scheme takes place, motorists will experience delays but every effort is being made to carry out the work on time.”
Nigel Ashton is the Conservative ward member for Gordano Valley which includes Tickenham.
He said:: “I’m sure residents will be pleased that we are improving drainage and footways in the area, which will especially help to provide better routes to local schools.”
You can find the latest information and regular updates on the North Somerset Travel and Roads social media pages:
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twitter.com/NStravel_roads (Twitter); and
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facebook.com/NStravelandroads (Facebook).
Roadworks and more roadworks
For Nailsea passengers the biggest change is the X7 to Clevedon will no longer run through Backwell.
Service X8 Nailsea – Bristol – this new service will be introduced to provide a Monday-Saturday hourly service from Bristol to Nailsea Link Road via Long Ashton, Backwell and Nailsea and Backwell Station, with journeys timed to match Backwell School start and finish times.
Service X9 Nailsea – Bristol – revised timetable to improve punctuality. Evening journeys will be re-introduced throughout the week.
First West of England announces timetable changes from Sunday, April 2, with more frequent buses on many routes and widespread use of new software to improve punctuality.
The new timetable are available now top.
New Nailsea bus timetables and routes
X8/9
Monday to Friday HERE
X9
Saturdays HERE
Sundays HERE
Bristol, Bath and the West
Huge amounts of cash are to be spent on creating a dedicated bus lane on the Long Ashton bypass - but only one bus service will continue to use the route, writes Somerset Live reporter Heather Pickstock.
Work is to start this month to change the busy stretch of the A370 - a main commuter route into Bristol - as part of North Somerset Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).
Currently only one service - the X1 - uses the route, with four buses an hour travelling into Bristol. The X1 will continue to be the only bus on the route, but the number of services WILL be increased, to six an hour - or one every 10 minutes.
The number of buses is also expected to increase coming out of Bristol.
The work, due to start on Monday, March 13, will see the current two plus lane heading into Bristol turned into a dedicated bus lane with the second lane used for general traffic.
The Bristol bound carriageways will then merge back into one lane for the stretch over the Yanley Viaduct.
The Bristol bound traffic lane on the approach to the Gurney roundabout, at the junction of Colliters Way, will also be changed to a bus lane.
This will then join the existing bus lane on the other side of the roundabout into Bristol. On the outbound stretch of the bypass leaving Bristol, one of the two lanes heading towards Backwell will be converted into a 24 hour dedicated bus lane.
The whole of the Long Ashton bypass is due to be resurfaced.
The bypass is used by around 19,000 vehicles a day and is one of the busiest A roads in North Somerset.
The project is the first in a package of 18 schemes across North Somerset being carried out as part of the BSIP.
The council has been awarded £48m for the schemes, although North Somerset Council was unable to confirm how much is being spent on the Long Ashton bypass.
Dedicated bus lane for just six buses per hour
Council chiefs say the X1 service is one of the most popular services in North Somerset. Buses are often full, prompting the need for more frequent services.
North Somerset Council executive member for transport Steve Hogg said: “ The works on the Long Ashton bypass will be the first major bus improvement scheme planned for North Somerset and part of ambitious service improvements which will make bus travel faster, greener, more reliable, convenient and co-ordinated across the region.
“This is the first of 18 schemes planned in North Somerset over the next two years following a £48 million grant from the Department of Transport."
Anna's Carz
Woodland Road
Nailsea BS48 1HX
Tel: 01275 855528
Baker Dolphin
48 Locking Road
Weston-super-Mare BS23 3DN
Tel: 01934 415000
Blue Iris Coaches
now based at Felton
Tel: 01275 851121
Butterfly Travel UK
The Ground Floor
The Sion building
Crown Glass Shopping Centre
Nailsea BS48 1RB
Tel: 01275 277966
Cadbury Cars
Chauffeur and taxi company
based at Cadbury House hotel
Click HERE for further details
Tel: 01934 837246
Darren Thomas executive private hire
19 Porlock Gardens, Nailsea
Tel: 01275 381000Email: contact@thomastaxis.co.uk
First Group
For buses to and from Nailsea click HERE
Nailsea and Backwell Taxis
(not available till Tuesday, April 11 owner recovering from surgery)
10 Embercourt Drive
Backwell BS48 3HU
Tel: 01275 799999
Nailsea and District Community Transport
Tel: 01275 855552
Emai:l office@ndct.co.uk
Website: HERE
Nailsea Cars (Graham and Gemma)
Unit 21
Southfield Road
Nailsea BS48 1JE
Tel: 01275 797779
National Rail
For trains to and from Nailsea & Backwell rail station click HERE
North Somerset Coaches
Southfield Road
Nailsea BS48 1JN
Tel: 01275 859123
PS Travel
Tel: 01275 792223
Email: enquiry@ps-travel.co.uk
Within days of being posted hundreds of commuters and visitors to the city have signed the 'Remove the new bus lane on the A370 Long Ashton Bypass in North Somerset' petition .
Users of the A370 Long Ashton Bypass in North Somerset travelling into Bristol want the unnecessary new bus lane removed and the road returned to two lanes for all traffic to use; and the outgoing A370 from Bristol also returned to two lanes.
In March 2023 North Somerset Council used some of a £48 million grant from central government to unnecessarily create a new 24 hour bus lane in the direction of Bristol on the A370 Long Ashton bypass; reducing car lanes from two to one, in both directions.
However only six public buses an hour use the new bus lane.
Congestion has increased hugely and it takes considerably longer to travel into and out of Bristol.
The knock on effect is that traffic has also increased in Long Ashton village as people seek to avoid the A370.
The original petition Nailsea People signed to remove the new bus lane on the A370 Long Ashton bypass in North Somerset was rejected because ‘it’s about something that the UK Government or Parliament is not directly responsible for’.
Undeterred Backwell resident Caroline Sparks had another attempt and this was successful. To sign go to https://chng.it/D5K4YsSSkc
More than 150 people commented on our Facebook post about the bus lane ban, here is a small sample of the remarks:
Emma Francis said: "Hardly any busses go down the bus lane - never seen one!"
Shane Ongley-Jones said: "100 per cent support, absolutely mind boggling dumb idea. it screams of…’damn we’ve got money in our budget that if we don’t use we’ll lose change’ idea."
Elaine Buffery said: "How green can it be to literally create traffic jams?"
Marie Tivney said: "I've seen 2 busses the whole time it's been completed and I commute to Bristol four days a week its ridiculous."
Rich West said: "There is absolutely no reason for it to be a 24 hour bus lane.
Dominique Edwards said: "The only vehicle I’ve seen go down there was a regular car whizzing past all the traffic.
"It was neither a taxi or an emergency service, just a smart Alec taking advantage of the lack of cameras atm."
Mick Graham said: "I've started going through Long Ashton village after being caught in queues on the bypass.
"Buses are no good to me when I need to transport tools and materials, and a 24 hour dedicated lane for a single service is lunacy."
Ban bus lane
Shell Binding said: "I drove into Bristol the other morning and the bus was driving in the right hand lane instead of using the bus lane. I couldn't believe it."Bernadette Kefford said: "Drivers are overtaking in that lane it’s so dangerous.
"A complete waste of money, the money would have been better spent filling the potholes."
Mike Shields said: "It's a total waste of time and money. I travel in and out daily and avoid it when I can now.
"Would rather take a longer route through Failand, sorry Failand.
"Traffic has been a bit lighter at the times I have used it but the main issue is people still think the speed limit is 40, as it was during installing it.
"That's holding up traffic now it's a single lane.
"According to signage the speed limits are as before - 50, 60, 70, 60 going in, and 60, 70, 60, 50 coming out.
"If people followed these limits the traffic would flow better.
"I was stuck behind someone doing 35-40 the whole length the other morning, with no one in front of them. Ridiculous!
"They won't charge it back! Boycott the bypass."
The new bus lane is now in operation on the Long Ashton bypass.
Vehicles will continue to be banned from using a controversial bus lane on the Long Ashton bypass.
Work on installing the new bus lane on the A370 was completed earlier this year as part of North Somerset Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).
The authority said it was a condition of the funding - which came from central Government - that the lane was used for buses only.
However Secretary of State for Transport Mark Harper has now said whereas the aim is to have 'full time and continuous bus lanes where possible' it was not a condition of the funding for the lane to be for buses only.
He added that it was up to North Somerset Council itself to set the hours any bus lane would be in operation.
The bus lane - on the busy route from North Somerset in Bristol - is currently used by four buses an hour.
It is hoped to increase this to six an hour - one every 10 minutes.
All other traffic heading into the city must use the remaining outer lane.
In his letter Mr Harper said: “The National Bus Strategy sets out Government policy on bus priority. It explains how we expect there to be significant increases in bus priority to increase bus modal share and that bus lanes should be full time and continuous as possible.
“The strategy also explains how we expect to see plans for bus lanes on any roads where there is a frequent bus service, congestion and physical space to install one in bus service improvement plans.
“It is nevertheless for the local transport authority to set hours of operation for bus lanes, taking into account bus timetables and levels of traffic and I can confirm that it is not a condition of BSIP funding received from the government that the bus lane on the A370 Long Ashton bypass must be in operation 24/7.”
The news has sparked calls from North Somerset MP for the continuous bus lane to be reviewed.
North Somerset MP Dr Liam Fox said: “"Ahead of the local elections, North Somerset officials and councillors maintained that it was a condition of government funding that the bus lane was in operation 24/7.
"This is not true as confirmed by the Secretary of State for Transport. They must apologise and think again about this proposal."
The bus lane, installed as part of North Somerset Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), has seen the two-plus lane heading into Bristol turned into a dedicated bus lane with the second lane used for general traffic. The Bristol bound carriageways then merge back into one lane for the stretch over the Yanley Viaduct.
The Bristol bound traffic lane on the approach to the Gurney roundabout, at the junction of Colliters Way, has also been changed to a bus lane. This then joins the existing bus lane on the other side of the roundabout into Bristol.
But the changes have not been welcomed by some local people who say the scheme has seen journey times for drivers into Bristol increase. They say people are now diverting through Long Ashton in a bid to avoid delays adding to congestion through the village.
A petition has been launched calling for the scheme to be reversed and has already been signed by more than 1,500 people. North Somerset Council says its new bus lane on the A370 will remain for buses only.
A council spokesman said: “The works on the Long Ashton bypass are part of the first major bus improvement scheme for North Somerset and part of ambitious service improvements which will make bus travel faster, greener, more reliable, convenient and co-ordinated across the region. This was the first of 18 schemes planned in North Somerset over the next two years following a 48 million grant from the Department of Transport.
Bus lane row MP joins in...
CAR WASH: Open from 9am on Southfield Road trading estate opposite Travis Perkins at Unit 22, BS48 1JJ
Chugging along the lanes to a June 2023 wedding at Netherton Wood, West End, was the Living Van.
Steam engine owner Graham Thomas and his son Martin were at the wheel.
The long queue of traffic behind were able to overtake when they made a quick pitstop at The Blue Flame.
Linda Fairless said: "I was behind it and was so fascinated with it as I’ve not seen a land steam tractor/train.
"Sorry I actually don’t know what it is called?
"I have just noticed that my car is in one of the pictures.
Ken Tucker-Rees said: "It is a plough engine for those who want to know."
Martin Bird said: "Fine show Graham Thomas."
Tina Osborne said: "Saw it down Brockley Lane."
Kath Lambert said: "Thought I heard it earlier, sounded like a steam train passing through Nailsea & Backwell railway station."
Paul Fisher said: "Fantastic, and I missed the 15278, which makes it sister engine to Neville."
TOP PHOTOS: Julia Miner
That is a very fine engine Thomas
The B3130 through Tickenham could be made a 20mph zone.
Tickenham Road Action Group has been advised of a North Somerset Council consultation to reduce the speed limit.
A little while ago Tickenham Parish Council sought views on the 20mph speed limit near the school, including whether it should be advisory (as now) or mandatory.
Things have moved forward, says TRAG, and North Somerset Council is preparing a scheme for a full-time mandatory limit but before a Road Traffic Order is made they are carrying out a public consultation.
On Wednesday, July 26, villagers are invited 1-6pm to the committee room at the Village Hall where district council representatives will be available to explain the proposal with maps and diagrams and answer questions.
Residents can also respond via an ‘e-consult’ on council website until Wednesday, August 9.
Those living within the area of the proposed speed limit will receive a letter drop and there will be posters in the village advertising the consultation.
Parish council clerk Vena Prater said: "This is hugely important for both the school and residents and the parish council hopes that as many of you as possible will be able to 'drop in' on the 26th."
A road closure for overnight works took place on the A38 Bridgwater Road in Barrow Gurney for two nights on Thursday and Friday, July 20-21.
This is the final surfacing works for the Barrow Gurney Bus Service Improvement Plan scheme.
The road will be closed again from the evening of Monday, July 24, until the morning of Saturday, July 29, with the closure in place between 8pm-6am each night.
The closure will be on the A38 at the junction with the B3130.A diversion route will be in place - check the roadworks map at https://one.network/?GB134364557.
Summer 2023 roadworks
If you’re due to be travelling to Bristol Airport along this route at these times, please plan ahead and allow yourself extra time.
Find out more about the bus service improvement plan at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/bsip.
After many years of campaigning a zebra crossing is being installed at Clevedon Road, Nailsea, close to its junction with Greenfield Crescent.
This will be operational once the road is resurfaced later this summer.
A section of Clevedon Road from Nailsea towards Tickenham will be closed for four nights from Tuesday, August 29, between 8pm-6am.
The closure by North Somerset Council is for resurfacing work to be carried out.
The B3130 closure is from the Clevedon Road junction with the B3128 Tickenham Hill to its junction with Southfield Road.
The road is a busy route out of Nailsea and is used by drivers heading to Clevedon and the M5.
Diversions will be put in place.
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Prospective buyers at the Kingshill Gardens at the end of Queen’s Road were told when completing the legal work of possible ‘widening’ of North Street but although Nailsea Town Council chairman and North Somerset district councillor Mike Bird had asked about this possibility there is no update.
ROADWORKS DELAY: The A370 was blocked northbound after a single-vehicle collision involving a cement lorry near the junction with Colliters Way, Long Ashton. Emergency services were called to the scene at about 2.20pm on Thursday, July 27. The driver went to hospital by ambulance with injuries not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing. While traffic into Bristol is currently flowing, drivers are urged to seek alternative routes pending recovery of the lorry. There were long tailbacks between Flax Bourton and Long Ashton and the result of the accident which took some time to clear had a knock-on affect on roadworks timetable as below
Our friends at the Bristol Hippodrome are offering you the chance to see Ocean At The End Of The Lane in the best available seats for just £20 per person from Tuesday to Thursday, August 15-17.
Maximum 4 tickets per customer. Look out for the blue star icon when booking tickets to see the seats included in this special offer.
To buy tickets click HERE.
From the imagination of Neil Gaiman, best-selling author of Coraline, Good Omens and The Sandman (now a major Netflix series), comes the National Theatre’s major new stage adaptation of The Ocean at the End of the Lane.
Based on the best-selling novel by Neil Gaiman (Good Omens, Coraline, The Sandman), The Ocean at the End of the Lane is a thrilling adventure of fantasy, myth, and imagination, taking audiences on an epic journey to a childhood once forgotten. Featuring a talented ensemble cast, including Charlie Brooks (EastEnders).
A new scheme has been launched offering bus users free travel for the whole month of their birthday.
The first passengers to benefit from the Birthday Buses scheme will be those with birthdays in August.
The innovative initiative has come from Bristol mayor Dan Norris in a drive to get more people using their local buses.
The scheme is also designed to assist in the region’s wider ambition to grow bus passenger numbers and cut carbon emissions.
Mr Norris says he hopes Birthday Buses will act as a catalyst for bus travel in the West of England and North Somerset regions to boost the number of passengers and, with a whole month of free travel, encourage a long-term shift in travel behaviour.
He said: “I hope Birthday Buses encourage new people to hop on the bus and try it out - perhaps for a regular commute, to go to the shops, a restaurant, or to spend their weekends enjoying the amazing attractions and great beauty of our region.
“If you try it, I think you might like it.
“Maybe even grow to love it! We really need more people using buses to cut congestion, pollution and noise - and meet our important and very ambitious 2030 net-zero targets.
“I hope this will also be a help to residents during this unprecedented cost-of-living crisis.
“So please sign up today for your free Birthday Bus pass.
“We can’t keep trying the same things on buses and hoping for different outcomes by magic.
“What’s great about Birthday Buses is it’s innovative and new. It’s about growing passenger numbers so that we can have a sustainable bus network.
“It’s also helpful for data collection so we can track which new passengers are using buses, how many people make a switch, and long-term changes in bus use. This in turn will assist in attracting even more passengers so as to make further improvements to the bus network.”
Who qualifies for the free bus travel?
Every resident in the West of England is being offered free bus travel throughout the whole month of their birthday.
What do I need?
Residents will need an address in the West of England and a digital photo to apply. Under 18s will require additional ID to verify your age, to make sure that the bus operators are reimbursed the correct fares. You have to upload a clear picture of your passport or birth certificate, or if you’re over-16, a picture of your driving licence (full or provisional) will also be accepted.
What if I don’t have these?
If you can’t upload these, you can obtain a letter from an authorised professional. They’ll need to have known you more than two years and confirm your name, address and age.
What about photo ID?
You’ll need recent digital, passport-style photo that meets the standard photo-pass requirements - that means just you in the picture, contrasting clearly against a light background and with no ‘red-eye’.
How do I apply?
You just need to visit www.birthdaybus.co.uk to register.
Many happy bus returns
Another bus treat
BUS TIMES: New Badgerline bus timetable from Sunday, September 3, for X8 and X9. Some would-be passengers are complaining about the poor service between Nailsea and Backwell. No changes to X7 which means midweek people going to theatre/cinema/cocktail bar should be able to get home in evenings unlike last winter. Not sure how this suits shift workers or hospital visitors? To download a copy click HERE
North Somerset Travel and Roads group has announced that the surface dressing to the B3130 on the Bristol Road and Clevedon Road at Wraxall is complete and the road as of Thursday, August 31, is open to all traffic.
The final road marking phase is scheduled from Thursday, September 7, between 8pm and 6am and is likely to take four working days (not at the weekend).
This will necessitate diversions for traffic and the X9 bus. Clevedon Road, Nailsea, resurfacing work is complete and new crossing installed. Further information go online here https://one.network/.
The next major bus improvement scheme planned for North Somerset will take place on the Brockley Combe junction of the A370.
The scheme is part of ambitious bus service improvements which will make bus travel faster, greener, more reliable, convenient, and co-ordinated across the region.
The improvement works on Brockley Combe are part of North Somerset Council’s Bus Services Improvement Plan (BSIP) and include:
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New bus lanes Bristol and Congresbury-bound tackling delays caused for buses heading from the airport and in both directions on the A370.
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Changing the current right turn into Brockley Lane and moving it to Chelvey Road further on the A370. This will enable the junction to work more efficiently and deal with the increasing number of vehicles using the junction.
North Somerset Council executive member for highways and transport Hannah Young is the Labour Party ward councillor for Clevedon north and a town councillor.
She said: “Creating a new bus priority junction at Brockley Combe aims to increase the reliability of buses to and from the airport including the A3, which runs every hour, and the X1, which will be changing to every 15 minutes from September.
“The Brockley Combe junction has been identified as a pinch point from Bristol Airport and in both directions on the A370 towards Bristol and Congresbury.
"The changes will tackle delays at this busy junction, offering speedier bus services.”
The road works will start Monday, October 2, and take approximately 20 weeks.
More information on the Bus Improvement Service Plan can be found on the council website HERE.
Making our buses go faster
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Bristol Airport is inviting expressions of interest from potential partners to take part in a tendering process for bus services connecting Bristol and Weston-super-Mare with the airport. Bristol Airport is looking for these two bus services to include, but not limited to, the provision of round the clock bus services for passengers and staff serving central Bristol, including Bristol Marlborough Street Bus Station and Temple Meads station, and separately, Weston-super-Mare including Weston and Worle Stations. Read more HERE.
B3130 resurfacing work nearly finished
A leaking fire hydrant has closed a length of road at West End.
North Somerset Council said that part of West End Lane, outside The Old Manor, will be temporarily closed for up to 21 days from Monday, September 11.
However, it is anticipated repair work witll only take three days.
The closue is on the Nailsea side of the Blue Flame pub.
The emergency works by Bristol Water to replace a leaking hydrant was only discovered on Monday morning.
Alternative routes are set ou in this map.
See more here go to https://one.network/
Urgent hyrant repairs
North Somerset has advised Nailsea Town Council that for a period of up to 21 days from Wednesday, September 20,11am-midnight Washing Pound Lane, Tickenham, will close.
The temporarily measure will be imposed for all vehicles the length of Washing Pound Lane outside Court Farm Cottages.
This is necessary because of emergency works undertaken by Bristol Water to repair leak.
However, the closures may not be implemented for the whole of the period but only as necessitated by the works which is anticipated to be of three days in duration.
To find out more about your routes, click on the link here https://one.network/
Leaking hyrant
Monday-Tuesday, October 23-24
9pm-6am M4 westbound at junction 8/9-10 carriageway closed
10am-5.30am M4 westbound at junction 5
Tuesday-Wednesday, October 24-25
9pm-6am M4 westbound junction 8/9-10 carriageway closed
10pm-5.30pm M4 westbound junction 5 exit slip road closed
Wednesday-Thursday, October 25-26
9pm-6am M4 westbound junction 8/9-10 carriageway closed
midnight-5.30am M4 westbound junction 5 exit slip road closed
Thursday-Friday, October 26-27
8pm-6am M4 eastbound junction 10-8/9 carriageway closed
midnight-5.30am M4 westbound junction 5 exit slip road closed
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This information is correct at the time of publication, but is subject to change at short notice, especially in periods of poor weather. The further into the future you look, the more our schedules will be subject to change, so please check back regularly. Go to https://nationalhighways.co.uk/travel-updates/road-closure-report/ for updates, this link does not work on mobiles phones.
PLEASE NOTE: A370 road divisions will be in place but heading for Bristol Airport or Heathrow travellers will need to allow extra time. And in Nailsea from Tuesday, October 24.for up to two days parts of St Mary's Grove will be closed while Bristol Water replace a fire hydrant. The X9 bus will not be taking its usual route around Nailsea we are warned and even more traffic lights will be in force. There are also closures on the M5 check National Highways for details. Also we have advance notice that Nailsea High Street will be closed in the new year for at least a fortnight while National Grid dis up the road and carries out work on underground electricity cables, see diversion map
A series of roadworks are scheduled for West Town Road, Backwell, during October.
North Somerset Council contractors will be carrying out drainage maintenance, road safety improvements and carriageway resurfacing works on the A370.
The works will be completed in the following three phases:
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Phase 1 - drainage works: Commencing Monday, October 9, 8am-5pm for 10 days under two-way temporary traffic signals.
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Phase 2 - drainage works and road safety improvement (40mph speed limit): Commencing Monday, October 23, 8am-5pm for five days road closure.
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Phase 3 - surfacing works: Commencing on Monday, October 30, 8pm-5am for four nights road closure.
The works are on West Town Road, from its junction with Kellways to its junction with Rushmoor Grove.
Traffic will be diverted at Backwell crossroads and Brockley Combe Road.
Traffic marshals will be located within the road closure to help assist drivers on access arrangements.
The official diversion route will be signposted and can be found on the following link:
◾️ Phase 2: https://one.network/?tm=GB134781002
◾️ Phase 3: https://one.network/?tm=GB135064300
Affected residents have had lettersf rom the council.
A370 major roadworks
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Phase 1: Works are now complete
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Phase 2: Drainage and road safety improvement works, will be carried out from Monday, October 23, for five days with a road closure between 8am -5pm each day. Outside of the working hours there will be two way temporary signals in place to protect the works. Traffic marshals will be located within the road closure to help assist you with access arrangements. For diversion route details go to https://one.network/?tm=GB134781002. Traffic will be diverted at the Backwell and Brockley cross roads.
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Phase 3: Surfacing works will start on Monday, October 30, for four nights with a road closure between 8pm-5am. Details of diversion route here https://one.network/?tm=GB135064300.
A370 West Town Road, Backwell update
NO THROUGH ROAD: The A370 West Town Road closed on Monday morning, October 23. You can't just slide around the signs and get any further. North Somerset Council bin lorry, a police car, Tarmac quarry lorry are amongst the vehicles which have tried and had to turn around here, reports Backwell resident Phil Leach who gave Nailsea People permission to publish his photo.
ANOTHER ROAD CLOSURE
The B3128 at Clarken Coombe near Long Ashton is closed temporarily for four weeks to allow North Somerset Council to fell a number of diseased ash trees.
No traffic is allowed to pass in either direction between the junction of B3129 near Failand and the Long Ashton Road junction.
The temporary closure, which started at 9.30am on Monday, October 23, 9.30am-3.30pm will be for every day until Friday, November 17.
The road closure is in place for all motorised and non-motorised traffic, including cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians.
This essential operation is due to Ash Dieback, a fungal disease which is often fatal to trees.
For updates go to https://www.facebook.com/NatureandClimateNorthSomerset/
Brockley Combe Road will be closed from the A370 to Fountain Timber for tree works from Monday to Friday, November 6-10, 8am-4pm. The official A38 diversion unfortunately coincides with the eight weeks of National Grid works at the Downside junction.
North Somerset Council has advised that there will be a road closure on Orchard Road, Nailsea, on Monday, December 11.
The road will be closed from the junction of Chapel Barton to the outside of No.47.
The road closure will be for maximum of five days, however, the closures may not be implemented for the whole of the period but only as necessitated by the works which is anticipated to take four days.
The above restriction is necessary because of works undertaken by gas company Wales & West Utilities to lay a new service.
For further information view the interactive roadworks map: https://one.network/
The gas man cometh
Former Ravenswood School pupil Louis Lambert, aged 24, has passed his driving test at the first attempt.
But while the super Nailsea motorman sailed through his practical it took 18-months and 16 attempts to pass his theory.
Proving that no challenge is too big, Louis who has autism and Type 1 diabetes, is chuffed to bits at his first time success behind the wheel.
Mum Kath said: "All his family are very proud of this massive achievement and hope it will inspire others to never give up on their goals."
Louis is in driving seat
Backwell villagers, community groups and businesses people are being asked to put their views and comments forward to help shape plans for public transport.
All will receive an invitation to a drop-in event where initial concept designs for renovated bus stops, proposed bus priority measures at Backwell Crossroads and a new local transport hub (which includes cycle stands, parcel lockers and electric bike charging points) will be available to view.
The plans are being proposed as part of North Somerset’s ‘Bus Service Improvement Plan’ (funded by Department for Transport) to help make bus travel easier, faster and more reliable across North Somerset and the wider West of England.
The community drop-in event is 3.30-7pm on Wednesday, November 29, at the WI hall.
For those unable to make the event, it will be possible to view the concept proposals and comment online, at https://www.n-somerset.gov.uk/backwellimprovements
North Somerset Council executive member for highways and transport is Clevedon South Labour Party ward councillor Hannah Young.
She said: “We’re keen to hear everyone’s views on our initial concepts for Backwell.
"I would love to see as many people as possible at this community event to help us understand the potential impact of these proposals and hear community ideas about what else could work to improve public transport use in and through Backwell.
“Residents often tell us that they need buses to be more reliable, frequent and easier to access.
"These proposals aim to reduce bus delays at peak times, help buses keep to published timetables, maintain the current X1 15-minute service frequency, and make the bus a realistic choice for more of our residents and visitors.
"We are working closely with bus operators to increase bus use and reduce costs to make services sustainable after current government-funded subsidies for local bus services end in 2025.
“The A370 junction in Backwell is a key congestion point.
The initial concepts are designed to improve A370 traffic flow for all vehicles, but we want to work with residents and businesses to test and develop these proposals together to address the current challenges for all road users.” Feedback from the consultation and engagement process will inform additional work to test the feasibility of the ideas and to revise designs before any decision is taken as to whether the plans will be progressed. Following initial engagement with ward councillors and Backwell Parish Council, further surveying work will take place during the consultation period to understand in greater detail the impact of proposals on the surrounding area.
Backwell crossroads consultation
Funding is available through the Bus Service Improvement Plan to deliver a scheme that supports the use of public transport while also giving the opportunity to address a number of issues in the local area.
Plans will not solely be based on bus usage, but also on how pedestrians, mobility users, cyclists and motorists utilise the area.
More information on the Bus Improvement Service Plan can be found on the council website.
North Somerset Council wants to introduce a bus lane at the Backwell crossroads so that all the traffic coming from the Bristol direction will be in one lane including those wishing to turn right to Nailsea & Backwell railway station and those going into Nailsea and beyond.
The result will surely be pandemonium as traffic heading for destinations further down the A370, and not wishing to run right, will be significantly held up by the right-turning traffic?
The district council isn't known for its highway proposal successes think its idea to make all the country lanes traffic free twixt Nailsea and Clevedon; think zig-zags lines on Clevedon seafront; and then there is the no-show buses using the bus lane on the Long Ashton bypass?
If you have an opinion we suggest you attend a consultation drop-in session on Wednesday, November 29, at Backwell WI hall.
The proposal also includes preventing all traffic coming down Dark Lane (northwards) from entering the A370 at the Backwell junction.
All residents in Backwell south of the A370 and anyone using the refuse disposal/recycling amenity will have to join the A370 via Church Lane.
Those wishing to travel east to Backwell village or to Bristol, they will have to make a hard right turn on to the main road at a junction where the visibility is diabolical.
Nailsea residents are encouraged to join Backwell villagers and ‘drop in’ at the 'consultation' and let NSC officers know your views.
The planned new arrangements at the bottom of Brockley Combe lights - controlled crossroads are also likely to add to road congestion and to ‘throw’ traffic on to alternative narrow lanes across the countryside, increase emissions and reduce ease of accessibility to places of work especially Bristol.
North Somerset Council executive member for highways and transport Hannah Young is the Labour Party ward councillor for Clevedon South.
She said: "We’re keen to hear everyone’s views on our initial concepts for Backwell.
I would love to see as many people as possible at this community event to help us understand the potential impact of these proposals and hear community ideas about what else could work to improve public transport use in and through Backwell.
“Residents often tell us that they need buses to be more reliable, frequent and easier to access.
"These proposals aim to reduce bus delays at peak times, help buses keep to published timetables, maintain the current X1 15-minute service frequency, and make the bus a realistic choice for more of our residents and visitors.
"We are working closely with bus operators to increase bus use and reduce costs to make services sustainable after current government-funded subsidies for local bus services end in 2025.
“The A370 junction in Backwell is a key congestion point.
"The initial concepts are designed to improve A370 traffic flow for all vehicles, but we want to work with residents and businesses to test and develop these proposals together to address the current challenges for all road users.”
Bus lane at Backwell crossroads
For those unable to make the drop in event, it will be possible to view the concept proposals and comment online, at: https://www.n-somerset.gov.uk/backwellimprovements .
We thanks NAG (Nailsea Action Group) for help in writing this article.
North Somerset MP Liam Fox has written to North Somerest Council to express his utter dispay at its the highway management schemes.
He cites several failed and in the pipeline projects for criticism and has made his letter to chief executive Jo Walker public.
Nailsea People has published the contents here.
Nailsea Action Group spokesman Antony Evans said: "It is a highly contentious proposal by NSC to put a bus lane in at the Backwell traffic lights.
"It will affect everyone in Backwell and the going further west from Bristol on the A370, and a lot of people who are going to the railway station or into Nailsea who come to the town via Backwell.
"It is part of the NSC BSIP (Bus Service Improvement Plan).
"I arrived at the Hall at 3.50pm and it was bursting at the seams with people with a queue that came out of the front door, across the car park, onto the road and up towards the A370.
"I joined this queue just under the traffic light.
"It moved so slowly that I gave up and went home.
"It was, however, very encouraging to see such a huge turn-out, most, I suspect, against the plan."
There is a selection from comments posted on Nailsea People Facebook page which reached more than 4,000 and was shared with the Backwell Friends & Neighbours group.
Nic Wills said: “This is an absolute joke of a plan!! NSC should be looking at spending their money elsewhere instead of causing complete chaos around the crossroads. You only have to look at the reversal of Clevedon seafront parking at a further cost of £300k to see that nobody has a clue what to do with our council tax!”
Beth Cannock said: “The council was given central government money to put in bus lanes. So they are putting in bus lanes whether they are in the right place or not. The fact there are so few buses seems out of the equation. Total council madness.”
Alison Marston said: “This is completely bonkers. It might make sense if there was a dedicated bus lane all the way to Weston, but the road isn’t wide enough. The bus gains a few car lengths at the expense of local residents who will enjoy increasingly poor air quality as other vehicles idle in the queue at the traffic lights, ignoring the absolute chaos it’ll create.”
Tony Richard said: “Seems another hammer to crack a nut proposal. Why force all traffic down Church Lane at quiet times for buses down to a non light controlled junction onto the A370, for example everyone doing a tip run from Nailsea, which isn't even open in rush hour? No doubt it will cost an eye watering figure to put the signage and road markings in Dark Lane. Why not embrace technology and use GPS (which is hardly new tech) and prioritise the traffic lights when a bus is approaching to optimise bus progress. No need for a bus lane, just make the lights red for other routes when a bus is coming through so the cars in front of it clear the junction. Sure drivers on other routes will have to wait longer when a bus is in the vicinity but compared with the unnecessary delays when a bus is nowhere
MP joins protest against highway plans
to be seen it seems worthwhile.A half decent junior programmer could probably knock up the code in a morning using Google traffic and bus GPS data."
Doug Willis said: “Just been to the farcical attempt by NSC / bus company at the WI hall. No professionalism from the organisers whatsoever. Four tables with some pictures on one table to register your email address. No comment forms available. Room was laid out appallingly , unable to see the table pictures unable to talk to representatives, complete shambles."
PHOTO TOP: Edward Betts
WE'VE ONLY JUST BEGUN: According to https://one.network/uk it is National Grid working in Nailsea High Street until midday on Friday, January 19. There are numerous road closures/diversions in our area so follow the link to find out more. It is mostly Wales & West Utilities digging up the roads in the Engine Lane area to lay a new gas main which will take up to five weeks and traffic lights are in place. And we are told The Causeway will be closed end of January for a month! UPDATE: On February front page HERE
Did you know that traffic can currently legally thunder across Backwell Common at 60mph?
Well not for long as North Somerset Council neighbourhood traffic and road safety engineering department is proposing a 40mph speed limit.
However, those who live and use the narrow lane as a shortcut to Nailsea believe a 30mph limit would be better in the interests of road safety.
North Somerset Council technical support officer Lauren Dean said: “Backwell Bow is frequently used by vulnerable road users as it forms part of The Festival Way cycle route.
“This is the main justification for proposing to reduce the speed limit from 60mph to 40mph.”
Adding a weight restriction would be ‘outside of the scope of these works’, she added.
On a Backwell social media site this week Priscille Lesne made a plea to van drivers not to use ‘Backwell Common if you are in a rush’ and not to swear at people walking along the lane when they are in a hurry to get past.
Backwell Bow and Backwell Common has few houses and the rural roads that front fields has been plagued with flooding and fly-tipping problems.
But among its traffic are vulnerable cyclists, horse riders and children walking to school.
The proposed 40mph limit on Backwell Bow will start where the existing 30mph speed limit finishes just north of railway bridge on Chapel Hill and extend to where the 30mph starts on Lodge Lane.
Resident Adrian Mayes is calling for a rethink and further reduction in the speed limit.
He said: “30mph speed limits should be the norm in villages along rural roads.
“At Portbury Lane the road to the M5 it is even 20mph!”
Nailsea drivers use Backwell Common as a short cut from the A370 to avoid the sleeping policeman in Station Road especially those living on The Elms which is technically in Wraxall, said Mr Mayes.
Part of the lane is on Route 33 which takes keen cyclists from Millennium Park, Nailsea, through to Bristol via Ashton Court Estate.
Sustrans, the custodian of the National Cycle Network which has more than 12,000 miles of signed paths and routes nationwide, is developing a new section of Route 33 between Nailsea and Weston-Super-Mare but the section between Nailsea and Clevedon is in the early stages of planning.
Backwell Common is a Nailsea rat run
North Somerset Council Green Party ward councillor for Backwell is Bridget Petty.
She said: “I do ultimately think 40mph is better than nothing but would like to see if the council would genuinely consider 30mph.”
Bridget has been actively campaigning for a reduction within the village social media group.
UPDATE: What North Somerset Council highways said (minus some of the gobbelgook) in response to 30mph request for Backwell Bow from a resident: "Following consultation regarding the Festival Way Cycle Route and the highway, a desire to reduce in the existing National Speed Limit was identified on Backwell Bow.
"Engineers have assessed the existing speed limit...and identified that a 40mph speed limit zone is appropriate for this carriageway.
"North Somerset Council is advertising the Statutory Traffic Regulation Order Process for a 40mph Speed Limit Zone and inviting comments and objections to the proposal.
"Comments to consider a 30mph speed limit is not a formal 'objection'.
"To implement a 30mph speed limit would be for the current Traffic Regulation Order proposal to be withdrawn and to re-advertise the Traffic Regulation Order as a 30mph speed limit.
“Highway officers are not in a position to recommend a 30mph speed limit on Backwell Bow and the decision has been taken to continue to progress the current proposal.”
COMMONPLACE: There have been many dramatic rescues when the road under the railway bridge is flooded and often there are no warning signs. This lorry driver was forced off the road by a speeding motorist causing the crash...
New owners of Backwell Motors
A new innovative approach to pothole, defect and patch repairs is being used in North Somerset to improve the condition of roads.
However, none of the roads being used are in Nailsea!
North Somerset Council in partnership with Milestone Infrastructure are using specialist contractor Multevo, to deliver permanent repairs to benefit residents and road users.
The contractor will be carrying out repairs using the innovative Multihog machine. This compact, road legal and multi-purpose machine is renowned for delivering productive, permanent and safe repairs.
The repair method precisely cuts out the defected part of the road, creating a sound base for permanent reinstatement. This provides a long-lasting repair and is much more cost effective than traditional methods due to eliminating repeat repair visits.
Councils who have used the machinery found outstanding potholes were reduced by more than 60 per cent in less than 18 months.
North Somerset Council executive member with responsibility for roads Hannah Young is the Labour Party ward councillor for Clevedon South.
She, said: "I often hear from residents about the frustration and damage that potholes cause.
"We all want to see well-maintained local areas that we can have pride in and it’s increasingly challenging when general costs are rising.
"This approach to repairing roads provides a high quality, efficient and cost effective way of prolonging the life of our roads.
"At a time when council budgets are stretched to the limit we are looking at every opportunity we can to deliver services more efficiently so it’s great to find an innovative solution which provides long lasting results and reduces expensive repeat visits."
Multevo marketing and growth director Josh Sweeney said: "We are delighted to be able to demonstrate the effectiveness of our solution to pothole, defect and patch repairs.
"Using the Multihog we can treat small, medium and larger sized defects and pothole clusters in a single visit using the same team and machine to permanently prevent further deterioration in one hit.”
The Multihog team, who have been working since January are set to repair more than 450 defects across a range of sites by the end of March.
The sites were selected by the council's area officers who nominated roads they thought were most suitable for patching work. The patching trial is separate from the council's extensive road resurfacing programme.
The sites selected for the Multihog trial are:
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Woodhill Road, Portishead, BS20 7ET
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Naish Hill, Portishead, BS20 7RS
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Hill Road, Clevedon, BS21 7NE
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Kenn Street, Kenn, BS21 6TN
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Sandy Lane, Failand, BS8 3SQ
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Winford Lane, Winford BS41 8LT
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Sutton Lane, Redhill BS40 5RL
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Church Lane, Churchill BS25 5QW
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Wrington Road / West Hay Road, Congresbury
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High Street, Worle BS22 6EQ
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Lower Kewstoke Road, Worle BS22 9JN
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Beaufort Road, Weston-Super-Mare, BS23 3BB
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Gordon Road, Weston-Super-Mare, BS23 3BD
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Meadow Street, Weston-Super-Mare, BS23 1QH
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Milburn Road, Weston-Super-Mare, BS23 3BE
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Queens Road, Weston-Super-Mare, BS23 2LQ
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Shrubbery Avenue, Weston-Super-Mare, BS23 2JS
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Stafford Road, Weston-Super-Mare, BS23 3BW
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Swiss Road, Weston-Super-Mare, BS23 3AY
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Maxmills Lane, Winscombe, BS25 1DS
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Rydal Avenue, Locking, BS24 8AB
Multihog road repairs not trialled in Nailsea
Diversion via Yatton
On Wednesday afternoon, February 7, North Somerset Council executive meeting at Weston Town Hall is to ponder over introducing car parking fees for Nailsea and whether to ask householders about three weekly non-recyclable collections.
The meeting is being broadcast live here https://youtube.com/live/-ju9FqEWRoo and you can read more on our Green Peeps page HERE.
Nailsea Town Council planning committee this month voiced concerned on receiving a copy of North Somerset report suggesting the introduction of parking charges saying the proposal appears to be an exact repeat of something that had been raised at least once before, the last time being shortly before the Covid Pandemic in 2020.
The town council committee felt that car parking charges at the Clevedon Road and the Station Road car parks would:
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Result in them being left empty, because drivers will simply park in the remaining free car parks and the surrounding streets;
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Be likely to cause Pelican Business Services - a major employer, formerly Bristol Water - to move from Nailsea; Pelican said as much in 2020 when charges were last threatened;
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Be a further disincentive to shop in Nailsea; people will simply drive to The Mall at Cribbs Causeway instead; and
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Fall unfairly on our elderly population. Nailsea has a relatively elderly population, who are less disposed/able to walk or cycle and more reliant on driving to get their shopping from the town centre.
Car parking fees for Nailsea
No Nailsea district councillor has been appointed to North Somerset Council executive since James Tonkin lost his role.
PEDAL PARKING: Nailsea Town Council has paid for and installed a new cycle stand and shelter at Scotch Horn Leisure Centre following public requests. This cycle stand was installed to help encourage active travel and cycling by ensuring that bikes don’t get wet if it rains. Finance and policy committee chairman Ben Kushner said: "Nailsea Town Council is keen to support active travel and encourage cycling and walking whenever possible. As many Nailsea residents like to cycle to Scotch Horn Leisure Centre we felt installing a cycle stand and shelter for inclement weather would be helpful to encourage more people to cycle at all times."
BEN ON BIKES: Ben Slater moved his bike shop BenzBikes to Nailsea a year ago now and it has turned out to be a great move. He said: "I’ve met some amazing people and put plenty of bikes back on the road and I’m glad to say that this summer will be the biggest yet! "Whether it’s a new bike you are looking for or just a repair / service I’m happy to help. I currently have a fast turn around but that may not last due to summer on the horizon so if you need assistance with your bike now is the time to get it in top shape. Give me a call at 07743289291 or check out my website here https://benzbikes.co.uk."
Four crossings are to be upgraded on a popular cycling and walking route between Backwell, Nailsea and Bristol.
The Festival Way is the most successful active travel corridor in North Somerset with about 1,600 leisure and commuter trips a day on foot and by bicycle.
It connects Backwell and Nailsea to Bristol and also links the villages of Long Ashton and Flax Bourton to the local secondary schools.
The improvements will see four key crossings upgraded to enhance safety and reduce the speed limit on Backwell Bow and Backwell Common where around 40 per cent of users are pedestrians or bicycles.
Improved access and safety will benefit all users, making the route more visible and attractive to use.
The crossings are at:
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Station Road, Flax Bourton
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Backwell Bow, Backwell
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Lodge Lane, Nailsea
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Trendlewood Way, Nailsea
The work on the crossings will include:
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Improved visibility through vegetation maintenance and kerb realignments
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Surface treatments to increase awareness of the crossings
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Improved signage and wayfinding
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A new parallel crossing on Trendlewood Way in Nailsea.
North Somerset Council executive member with responsibility for active travel Hannah Young is the Labour Party ward councillor for Clevedon South.
She said: "This is an extremely popular route that is used heavily each day by pedestrians and cyclists.
"These changes will further enhance the route and increase safety.
"Unfortunately it won’t be possible to leave the path open during the improvement, but the length of the works will be minimised to reduce disruption.
"We would ask people to be patient while the improvements are completed."
The work will start in late February.
North Somerset Council has advised Nailsea Town Council that Trendlewood Way will be closed from its northern end junction with Cherington Road to its junction with Birchdene from Monday, March 18 for up to five days.
Festival Way crossings made safer
A £90,000 scheme to upgrade traffic management systems in Nailsea started this week.
Traffic signal refurbishment works is being carried out at the at junction of Stockway North and Clevedon Road.
The improvements which include replacing the traffic signal controller, signal heads, poles and cabling, are part of North Somerset Council's 15-year replacement programme.
North Somerset Council executive member with responsibility for roads Hannah Young is the Labour Party ward councillor for Clevedon South.
She said the scheme was needed to ensure the smooth management of traffic in the town in the future.
Hannah added: "We appreciate that the work may cause some disruption but we would ask people to be patient while this essential maintenance scheme is completed which will help traffic move smoothly through this junction in the future."
The works, which will be carried out by Yunex Traffic, will take three weeks to complete and temporary signals will be used throughout the scheme.
When you compare it with the disruption caused by the 5-mile closure of the M25 it is nothing.
In 2023, Nailsea Town Council planning committee met to discuss the likely effect of the planning applications made by St Modwen Homes, who were proposing to build 200 homes on the land off of Netherton Wood Lane [23/P/2325/OUT] and Vistry Homes, who were proposing to build 150 homes on the land North of Hanham Way [23/P/2322/OUT].
Nailsea Town Council commissioned traffic surveys to be conducted, for both locations.
You can read the full report HERE.
UPDATE: After we published this report the traffic lights were out-of-order for a day
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New traffic lights
A new £3.5m annual contract to maintain North Somerset's roads has been signed.
North Somerset Council and Mendip based John Wainwright & Company Ltd has signed a four-year contract for resurfacing and other infrastructure works.
Wainwright CEO Tom Longland said: “We’re proud to have secured the resurfacing contract.
"This is a significant moment in our history as it is the first time we have worked directly with local government. It reflects the company’s growing stature in the public sector."
Wainwright contracting director, Lee Seviour said: “To ensure we deliver the very best service, we have added an extra gang to our contracting division as well as investing in new machinery.
"We look forward to working with colleagues at North Somerset Council to serve local communities.”
The new contract is part of a review of how the council maintains its roads.
The previous highway maintenance contract has now been split into separate contracts allowing specialist companies to tender for work in their specific field.
The Wainright contract is the largest of the contracts.
The other three highway maintenance areas have been awarded to:
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North Somerset Environment Company (NSEC) - reactive maintenance including gullies, potholes, gritting, drainage, signage, road markings and out of hours emergencies. Contract value is £2.3m a year
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Eurovia - Surface dressing programme. Contract value is £1.1m a year.
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Highways Dynamic purchasing systems to deliver civil engineering, structural work and specialist road surface treatments. This allows the council to contract work to local companies who have signed up to take part in the system enhancing skills, learning and employment in the area. The value of the contracts is £1.8m a year.
Council £s road contract awarded
North Somerset Council executive member with responsibility for highways Hannah Young is the Labour Party ward councillor for Clevedon South.
She said: "A huge amount of work has been done this year to review the way that the council contracts highway services to ensure our road network is maintained in the most efficient and cost-effective way.
"When seeking a new partner to deliver our highway services, we wanted to focus on delivering social value, building on the council’s commitment to carbon reduction and protecting the environment.
"We also wanted to use local skills, talent, and supply chain partners and give people the opportunity to work in the sector.
"Wainwright's offer ticked all these boxes. "I am confident that by working together we will provide excellent services and value for our residents."
NEW CROSSING: The pedestrian crossing on Trendlewood Way, Nailsea, was completed ahead of schedule. Pauline Davies took these photos before the Belisha beacon was installed. Pauline said: "The new crossing on Trendlewood Way where the bridle path / cycle path crosses is installed. Living very close we're really pleased with it. And for once the contractors were really good. They even finished two days early!" Sarah Goulty said: "I'm glad it's there and hopefully it will slow down traffic on Trendlewood, the neighbours are having to get used to a lot more bright lights in the evenings though." UPDATE: We have Belisha beacon now, thanks Pauline
Brockley Combe bus lane
North Somerset Council contractors are due to complete the bus priority scheme works on the A370 at Brockley Combe early in April.
Traffic management measures will still be in place over the Easter bank holiday weekend.
If you’re travelling in that area during the bank holidays please check One Network, Google Maps or local traffic updates before you travel and allow yourself extra time if you need to.
You’ll still be able to access local businesses including Brockley Stores, Fountain Timber and Bristol Airport.
The scheme is part of our UK Government-backed Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) to create a faster, more convenient and coordinated bus transport network that’s better for the environment and your pocket than running a car.
And while the council is congraluting itself on the roadworks community tax payers and locl drivers aren't so happy.
Chris Schemkowski said: "Waste of time and tax payers money."
And Jane Kington asked: "Wasn't this work supposed to be finished in February?
"Last time I needed to get a bus, we were running towards the bus stop and the driver just shook his head and drove past us, I'll continue using my car thank you."
Mike Shipway said: "Don’t worry with the introduction of electric buses on the way we will soon hear no buses running as whole bus depot goes up in flames losing the whole fleet,"
Simon Page said: "Utter waste of money ,would have been better spent on filling in pot holes."
Justine N Jones said the council has 'made a problem where there wasn't one'.
Sue Holt said: "North Somerset MP Liam Fox discovered that all these bus lanes are not compulsory as we are not inner city."
Richard James said: "Bus lane insanity.
"For the length involved at the various junctions where they are installed, just what is the benefit ....and at what cost (plus likely overspend)?"
Amy Ashman said: "The big beautiful trees they cut down so they could put their containers on the corner.
"The amazing daffodils ripped up.
And Tina Barrett despaired that the speed limit signs will now allow drivers to zoom around the country lands at up to 50mph which the 40mph stays on the main road.
She said: "These signs have just been put up.
"50mph at Chelvey BathBath and 40mph on the A370.
"This is a joke."
North Somerset Council has this week launched its consultation on the Parking Management Strategy and Action Plan.
Open for seven weeks, the consultation asks about proposed parking charges being considered for car parks and on-street locations in Portishead, Nailsea and Clevedon.
It also asks about plans for a new short-stay parking permit.
It is hoped the short-stay permit would promote local shopping and benefit business and the economy.
Consultation feedback will be used to help the council understand how people park now and what parking charge prices, locations and hours of operation could look like.
It will also help set the terms of any annual short-stay permit.
North Somerset Council executive member for highways and transport Hannah Young is the Labour Party ward councillor for Clevedon South.
She said: “We know that people have lots of different views on these proposals, so whether you are a resident, a visitor, business or anyone else who parks in these areas, it’s important we hear from you.
“At the end of the consultation period, we’ll analyse your feedback and use it to help shape the detail of the parking proposals.
"North Somerset Council executive will then consider whether to take the proposals further later in the year.
“We understand that these proposals ask something extra of residents when they are facing financial pressures and feeling the squeeze.
"Like all councils across the country, North Somerset Council is facing unprecedented demand for services at a time of rising costs so has to make financial savings to cover a £50 million funding gap over the four years to 2028.
"It’s in response to these same financial pressures that many local authorities, including neighbours in Somerset and Bath & North East Somerset, have introduced parking charges.
“It is hoped that the parking charges could help cover the council’s costs of funding the maintenance and operation of our car parks, along with improved enforcement of on-street parking restrictions.
"We also hope that they can encourage more people to make shorter journeys sustainably, travelling by bike or on foot.
“Consultation is open until midday Tuesday, May 7, and we are holding drop-in information events over the coming weeks, so please do get involved and tell us what you think.”
To take part in our consultation, access our online questionnaire at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/getinvolved.
Using the same link, you can also find out where paper questionnaires are available and when drop-in events take place.
Consultation responses will only be considered if they are received using our public consultation questionnaire.
Nailsea People invites readers to share the submissions to the North Somerset Council consultation on car parking.
Please cut and paste into the blue box on this page, thanks.
Initially remarks while shopping in the village this morning from business people was fears that staff will clog nearby residential roads to avoid charges while others were willing to pay to stay longer.
TALK TO NORTH SOMERSET COUNCIL (by appointment only)
On Tuesday, April 30, noon-2pm and 6-8pm Nailsea people are invited to what North Somerset Council calls an 'In-person information event' to find out more about two important consultations.
All together there are seven in-person events at various locations around North Somerset throughout April.
No venue for Nailsea has been finalised - yet.
The consultations are about a possible new approach to black bin collections, and another on proposed changes to parking charges, say the district council which has to plug a £50 million gap in central government funding during the next four years.
However, it is no good just turning up as it is a ticketed event limited to two per person.
Apply here www.n-somerset.gov.uk/getinvolved.
Pay to park in Nailsea?
IN TIMES OF FLOOD: North Somerset Council has finally taken action and installed a flood depth marker board either side of the railway bridge at Chapel Hill. The route across Backwell Common is used as a short cut to Nailsea especially by commuters who live on The Elms housing development at Wraxall. The move comes after several motorists and a supermarket delivery van got caught by deceptive water levels necessitating fire crews to come to the rescue and warnings that a fatality could occur if the danger wasn't highlighted. It is not clear if the water level depth gauge board which cost a little more than £100 is illuminated.
Bus lanes on pause...
Plans for more bus lanes in North Somerset are on 'pause' after outcry over disruption people say they have caused.
North Somerset Council will be reviewing its plans to install more bus lanes and putting the rollout on pause until November. It comes after warnings from the public and councillors that the lanes are causing more trouble than they are worth.
The council has been installing a host of bus lanes across the district over the last year — starting with the Long Ashton bypass — after it was handed one of the largest amounts of 'bus service improvement plan' (BSIP) funding in the country by the government.
North Somerset Council executive member for highways and transport Hannah Young is the Labour Party ward councillor for Clevedon South.
She told a full council meeting on Tuesday, April 16: “Over the next few months the only bus priority scheme being delivered will be at Wood Hill, which is part of the Congresbury congestion scheme.
“We won’t be starting any other BSIP priority works before November at the earliest and taking a pause to review the remainder of the infrastructure programme as a whole, reflecting on feedback, and considering how we can change our approach to BSIP capital delivery to address the concerns that have been raised with us.”
Patrick Keating is the Liberal Democrat North Somerset ward councillor for(Blagdon and Churchill.
He said: "While we can be rightly proud of the success of North Somerset in gaining record funding for bus service improvement plan, residents are concerned that existing and proposed plans for bus infrastructure/bus lanes are overengineered for the amount of buses that we have circulating
on our roads now and potentially in the future and the disruption caused by the bus lane construction outweighs the benefits.”
He called for the council to only spend the funding on 'practical, effective, and value for money schemes' and called for other schemes to be 'scrapped'.
Dr Young said: “That’s quite emotive language; we will be reviewing.”
But she warned: “There was quite an extensive process of bidding to government for that close-to-record pot of money - £47m - that North Somerset received. And government doesn’t hand out that money with no reason.”
Backwell Parish Council learned from the Bus Service Improvement Plan team at North Somerset Council of the latest developments.
In short, following the extensive feedback from Backwell residents, work on the scheme has been paused pending further deliberation and consultation.
In a statement on social media it said: "We are passing on information regarding the proposed work in Backwell. The full report including information on the rest of the BSIP programme will soon be available on the North Somerset Council website: https://n-somerset.gov.uk/bsip."
The topline findings from participants’ responses are:
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Bus services are currently seen as unreliable, with more buses needed in peak times and evenings, and better connections needed.
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Views that the proposed changes to the current junction would have undesirable outcomes, for example, by having a negative impact on traffic flow and congestion, the village and pedestrian safety.
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Opinion was evenly split on the merits of the changes proposed to footways for pedestrians and mobility users, with some disagreement on clearance of verges to create wider pavements.
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Concerns about the impact of the scheme proposals on Dark Lane and nearby Church Lane in turn, such as existing volume of peak time traffic, accessibility issues in Church Lane and pedestrian safety.
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Opinion was relatively evenly split across the three proposals to relocate existing Backwell A370 bus stops.
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Finally, opinion was split over the concept of a potential transport hub at one of two locations – at Rodney Road or Backwell Leisure Centre. A range of questions and suggestions were raised in terms of location, design, and safety features.
What we’re doing next
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Reducing congestion and bus delays at the Backwell A370 crossroads is critical for improving the reliability and commercial sustainability of local bus services, and alleviating the pressure on our road network as our population grows.
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We are continuing to work through the insights and views raised to explore if there are different feasible options that would help to deliver the intended benefits to the junction and our bus services.
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We have listened to the concerns which have been raised by some participants around the proposed one-way closure of Dark Lane. As a result, over the next several months, we are planning to undertake further testing and design to explore if there are any other options that would feasibly address congestion and bus delays at this A370 junction, without requiring a full one-way closure of Dark Lane.
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This will include testing a suggestion from the community for a peak hours-only closure of Dark Lane. We will test the feasibility of a longer bus lane and its placement, and investigate traffic signals changes, to look at all scheme options that can maximise capacity for general traffic and create bus journey time savings. We are also looking at mitigations for the impacts of any proposed changes.
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We will work with the community for their input on the facilities that would be a priority for Backwell for a prospective transport hub(s).
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Any further concepts or designs will be shared and discussed further with North Somerset Council ward members and parish councillors before any decision to progress a scheme is made.
As mentioned above, the attached report contains a lot more detail, so please refer to it in the first instance.council officials working in Backwell
We understand that the proposals for changes have brought concerns and anxiety for Backwell residents and that more regular communication on what is happening, and why, would be helpful.
We are now working to implement a new BSIP newsletter and committing to provide more regular updates to ward members and parish councils.
Please be aware that residents may see our technicians out and about in Backwell in the coming weeks and months.
This is for the purposes of gathering data, to conduct monitoring work that is essential to understand the feasibility of any alternative options.
We are aware recently that some of our officers have experienced harassment in Backwell as they have tried to carry out their data and monitoring work.
This has disrupted their ability to do so, as well as being an extremely unpleasant experience for them when they are trying to do their jobs.
It is really important that they can gather data effectively, as we rely on accurate data to inform any further proposals.
We would be very grateful if you could support the efforts of our staff locally so that we can achieve a clearer position for the whole community as early as possible.
We will not start any other new BSIP bus priority works before November 2024.
Following a successful bid to the Department for Transport (DfT):
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over £105m funding has been allocated for bus improvements in the West of England with:
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£48m earmarked for capital improvements in North Somerset
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£57.5m as a pooled revenue fund with the West of England Combined Authority to enable delivery of the Bus Service Improvement Plan
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The ambitious Bus Service Improvement Plan aims to offer an improved service. The goal is for more accessible and affordable bus travel with simple and consistent fares. This will provide a quicker and greener alternative to using the car.
Additional BSIP improvements include:
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upgrading 18 bus corridors in North Somerset, resulting in quicker journey times and more regular buses in towns and urban areas
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WESTlink - a local demand responsive bus that connects communities without a scheduled local service
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accelerating use of transport with lower carbon impact – a key priority for the council as part of its commitment to tackle the climate emergency
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supporting economic growth by enabling easier and more affordable travel to education and employment
Improving bus times and efficiency
We need to make our bus services more reliable and reduce the amount of time it takes to operate them.
The Bus Service Improvement Plan provides limited-time national grant support for two years. This funding is provided to help to make buses more efficient. The aim is for the buses to become financially self-sustaining without the subsidy by 2025-26.
Providing reliable bus services to encourage use of public transport
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communities consistently tell us they want and need buses to be more reliable. Traffic signals and lanes that give buses priority at key congestion points help reduce bus delays in increase their reliability to arrive on time
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improvements will accelerate the decarbonisation of transport – a key priority for the council as part of its commitment to tackle the climate emergency
Improvements to the Bristol Corridor (A370)
Backwell to Weston-super-Mare
The following areas on the A370 have been highlighted as key areas that affect bus running times:
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Bristol Road/Walford Avenue/Queensway Worle
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A370/B3340 slip road.
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Smallway junction
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Woodhill
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Brockley Combe – in construction
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Backwell
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Long Ashton Bypass – completed and delivering improved bus journey times
Engagement on initial scheme proposals for the Backwell A370 junction took place in autumn/winter 2023, and included a public survey (open for six weeks) and drop-in event. A comprehensive report on this engagement activity, including next steps, is now available to view below.
North Somerset Council says it has just opened its latest Bus Service Improvement scheme in Brockley Combe.
It posted online a statement saying: "The scheme is currently in the snagging period and, as standard practice with these types of schemes, we’ll continue to work with external stakeholders (bus and road users, bus companies, cyclists, motorbike users, local businesses) to address any remaining issues over the next few weeks.
We have been advised that the traffic signal timings are a little off, so we will need to adjust this. This will be resolved as soon as possible and is not unexpected - often smart traffic systems need time to bed in.
There are also some additional road markings that we’ll be putting in place end of this week/start of next to help drivers a step further in navigating the new junction.
We’ll continue to work closely with the bus company and local stakeholders should any additional snags become clear over the next few weeks."
The letter opposite to Will Hellier from councillor Hannah Young was shared on social media.
Bus too big or road too narrow
Nailsea High Street is being closed to traffic this weekend as National Grid is back to complete unfinished work.
We presume this is to sort out the paving which was left in a bit of a mess when new electricty cables were laid back in February.
There will be access for pedestrians.
A National Grid Electricity Distribution spokeperson said at the time: "... the current reinstatement work and use of Tarmac in Nailsea High Street is temporary and paving labs will be installed as soon as we take delivery from suppliers."
It is scheduled for Friday to Monday, April 26-28.
And it is heaven help Backwell as Truespeed is about to descend on the village from the end of this month - thanks to Edward Betts for the photos.
North Somerset Council is also closing part of the A370 at Weston for 'essential tree maintenance' for five days.
The road will be closed from Monday to Friday, April 22-26, 9.30am to 3.30pm.
The closure is between the Weston General Hospital roundabout and the Uphill Road South / Bleadon Hill junctions.
The road will be fully marshalled to allow ambulances to travel safely to and from the hospital.
This closure applies to all motorised and non-motorised traffic - including cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians - apart from emergency vehicles.
Read more here https://n-somerset.gov.uk/.../current-future-roadworks
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There are more details of the Friday night accidents on out Breaking News page HERE
Roadworks for weeks
Backwell Parish Council on the buses
A four-car crash on a North Somerset A-road on Friday was 'not linked' with a newly redesigned junction, the local council has insisted.
One person received hospital treatment for an injury not considered to be life-threatening after the four vehicles collided on the A370 near Brockley on Friday, April 19.
Police, ambulance, and fire services all attended the scene.
The collision happened a short distance down the road from the junction with Brockley Combe Road, which had recently been redesigned by North Somerset Council.
A North Somerset Council Facebook page post on Wednesday, April 24, said: “We understand a road traffic incident took place on the A370 on Friday. Thank you to the emergency services who attended.
“We’ve been in touch with the police who have confirmed that the incident took place after the traffic had gone through the junction safely and was not linked to the new junction layout.”
An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said: “We have studied dashcam footage which shows a number of vehicles were stopped in traffic at the Brockley Combe junction travelling westbound, towards Cleeve, at about 5.30pm.
"When the lights turned green, the traffic continued straight on through the junction before soon afterwards slowing and stopping.
"Four of the vehicles at the front of the queue safely stopped without incident and were able to continue their journey unaffected.
“The next four cars — a red MG, red Vauxhall, grey BMW and a white Jaguar — subsequently collided and were damaged.
"One of the drivers received hospital treatment for an injury that was not considered life-threatening.
“The road was closed for approximately three-and-a-half hours.
"We are grateful for the public’s patience while we attended to this incident, and an unrelated single-vehicle collision in nearby Downside Road later that same evening, which had a considerable impact on traffic in the area.
“Enquiries into the collision are ongoing.
"Anyone with information or dashcam footage showing the incident are asked to call 101 and quote reference number 5224100465, or report it online.”
In their Facebook post, North Somerset Council added that the bus lanes meets government guidelines and is wide enough for buses to use, despite claims from some to the contrary, and that they were 'urgently' working on the traffic light timings.
A previous post on North Somerset Council’s Facebook page on Monday April 22, which did not reference the crash, said the new junction was still in a 'snagging period' and the council would work with road users and other stakeholders to tackle issues as a matter of 'standard practice'.
Four-car crash on A-road 'not linked' to new junction layout, says council
It said: “We have been advised that the traffic signal timings are a little off, so we will need to adjust this.
"This will be resolved as soon as possible and is not unexpected - often smart traffic systems need time to bed in.
“There are also some additional road markings that we’ll be putting in place end of this week/start of next to help drivers a step further in navigating the new junction.
"We’ll continue to work closely with the bus company and local stakeholders should any additional snags become clear over the next few weeks.”
The redesign of the junction with designated bus lanes was one of a host of schemes planned across North Somerset after the council was handed one of the largest amounts of 'bus service improvement plan' (BSIP) funding in the country by the government.
But the rollout of further bus lanes was put on 'pause' last week after councillors warned that the construction of the schemes was causing more disruption than the new bus lanes were worth.
Original crash report on our Breaking News page HERE
This is simply a repetition of a consultation undertaken in 2019/20 by the Rainbow coalition Mk1. It received a huge thumbs down so was put on hold. Now resurrected by the new Rainbow cooperative who have obviously already decided to implement it regardless of our input.
Jeremy Parker
While I’m on my soap box. I’ve heard suggestions in the past that introducing parking charges would stop people parking for extended periods of time, surely that’s already been addressed in some of our car parks by restricting the length of time you can park, so it would be clear to me that introducing parking charges would purely be as a vehicle to earn additional revenue for NSC. Also we keep hearing the climate change narrative, which to me is getting rather annoying. I’m sure most people only use the car parks where necessary ie if they have heavy loads to carry, have young children they need to take into town, are disabled or are travelling further than is practical to walk, cycle or use public transport. I for one rarely use the car parks and mostly walk into town, not to somehow do my bit to save the planet but to get some exercise and free up space for others that really need to use the car parks.
Lucy Blantern
It's worth checking out reviews of MiPermit, who the council suggest would run the car park payments. Extremely low ratings with some people saying they are not fit for purpose!
Kath Lambert
Agreed. Southfield Road is also full of parked cars in the week and is used as a rat run to dodge the Clevedon Road traffic lights, currently worse over the past few weeks since they've been messing around to upgrade the perfectly ok ones that were in situ
Robert Fennell
The Willows and Southfield Road Trading Estate are already full of cars in the day time
Pauline Davis
This consultation really doesn't given enough information about what it's going to mean to people in practice. And it gets people to agree to things long before finding out the detail of what's being considered. The accompanying documents don't give the detail just visions. Also, Nailsea really can't be considered the same as a seaside town which attracts visitors. They want to treat them all the same for so called equality.
Jo Thyer
It doesn't matter what people want unfortunately. North Somerset Council is a law unto themselves. The people don't matter anymore
Grahame Stennett
Why should we pay to park in Nailsea the money will only go into the the North Somerset Council coffers to spent in Weston!!