NAILSEA
PEOPLE
On the road...
...or footpaths, bus lanes and cycle tracks, this page is all about Nailsea travelling in our town. 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. Read our special feature about Nailsea District Community Transport HERE
Thursday and Friday, December 5-6
WATER LEAK: For more information click on map
Nailsea & District Community Transport is celebrating taking delivery of its third electric bus, this one funded by The National Lottery.
The Southfield Road-based was awarded approximately £115,500 to purchase the fully accessible electric minibus by the lottery community fund.
These buses support its work with older, frail, disabled and isolated residents who have difficulty using public transport in the north east of North Somerset.
NDCT provide services which help to keep older people active, independent and engaged with their community, while also addressing issues of isolation caused by gaps within the local transport provision.
NDCT has been running since 1994 as a not-for-profit, Community Benefit Society set up by local volunteers to fill gaps in transport provision for older and disabled people not able to use public transport.
During the 30 years it has been in existence, it has helped thousands of travellers retain independent living, reduced health care costs and provided increased social interaction as well as increasing volunteering opportunities in our area.
The new electric vehicle, delivered by GM Coachworks, is one of three electric minibuses which now forms part of the fleet as the organisation continues to transition to more sustainable ways of serving the community and marks a significant step in NDCT’s commitment to maintaining high standards of service.
The new minibus will provide comfort, reliability and efficiency to passengers and staff as well as helping to improve local air quality.
NDCT chairman James West said: “We’re delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised our work in this way.
"Now, thanks to National Lottery players, we will be able to improve and continue supporting those who need it most.
"This funding is not just about a new vehicle; it’s about improving lives, reducing social isolation, and helping our community become more connected.”
For more information about Nailsea & District Community Transport and the services they provide, visit www.ndct.co.uk .
-
The group is hoping to put out regular details of upcoming trips which might catch the eye of anyone feeling a little isolated. If they have spaces, they can also offer a 'taster' trip to people, not already registered to use the services.
Lottery fund bus added to NDCT fleet
-
On Friday, January 24, from 10.30am-noon Nailsea & Backwell Disabled Access Café is meeting at 65 High Street. This is the group that has been campaigning for decades for better access to Nailsea & Backwell railway station for those with mobility issues. It is also asking First Bus, as agreed, to set a date to discuss the many problems disabled passengers continue to face when using local buses. And with all the infrastructure improvements currently being made under the BSIP (bus service improvement plan) in North Somerset up-to-date information is sought.
-
Please note jammie dodger biscuits are served at the access café along with free tea and/or coffee!
ROAD WORKS: Do you think Bristol Water is having problems finding the leak in the Ridgeway, Nailsea? In December they dug-up outside No2 and were suppose to be back last week to recommence repairs for three days outside No6. Now North Somerset Council has told Nailsea Town Council that for two days from Wednesday, January 15, Ridgeway will be closed to vehicles again outside No6. Alternative routes signposted and the work is listed as 'essential'. Other roadworks are on this page scroll down but or for wider look go to https://n-somerset.gov.uk/my-services/parking-travel-roads/roads-streets/road-closures-temporary-traffic-management/current-future-roadworks
Residents and business people in Nailsea are invited to help shape the future of a transport hub and have their say on walking, wheeling and cycling routes in the town.
A stall is being set up outside Waitrose on Saturday, January 25, from 11am-3pm manned by North Somerset Council officers.
This is the opportunity to discuss potential plans and schemes but after the fiasco of bus lanes confidence isn't high.
Promised routes from the new estates to the town centre and railway station for those walking and/or cycling have yet to materialise and our bus routes need a rethink.
Following previous engagement with local schools and key stakeholders to understand local concerns and aspirations, Nailsea residents will be invited to review initial plans at this drop-in session in the town.
What exactly the initial plans where/are this is a good time to find out.
Officers will also be available to discuss the proposed transport hub for Nailsea, giving the chance for communities to influence the initial concept designs for these important transport facilities.
For communities, transport hubs are intended to offer useful facilities that make it easier and more appealing to travel on foot, by wheel and by bus – providing a connection point between these different forms of transport.
They also offer an attractive focal point for communities, helping to boost town and village centres.
North Somerset Council executive member for highways and transport Hannah Young is the Labour Party councillor for Clevedon South.
She said: “If you live or work in Nailsea, please do come along to our event."
North Somerset Council is working with the community to help make it easier
Transport stall at supermarket
for people to get to school, work, the shops and travel for leisure and iis an exciting opportunity to help directly shape the designs and tailor them to the needs of the community."
Plans for walking, wheeling and cycling, which support the council’s commitment to improve sustainable travel routes, include a range of short, medium and long-term projects (that would require future funding).
The transport hub initiative is UK Government-funded through the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), with funding awarded specifically for this purpose.
On Friday, January 24, North Somerset MP Sadik Al-Hassan came to talk and listen over a cup of coffee and a few chocolate biscuits to people at Nailsea & District Disabled Access Café.
The friendly forum meets at 65 High Street to discuss among other mobility issues getting around in our town and beyond.
The decades old problem of access especially for wheelchair users to Nailsea & Backwell railway station and buses was top of the agenda.
Chairman Alison Morgan reported issues with disallowing wheelchair users on buses, with false claims of needing a scooter permit and driver refusing to connect a ramp to pavement.
Nailsea town councillor Graham Parsons had taken up the cudgels by emailing First Bus and Sadik agreed to step into the affray by asking more questions.
Alison said the cost of installing a lift at the station was now put at £200k while previous estimates were between £4-6 million.
The new bus hub for a one-way Link Road was little more than a glorified bus stop, the meeting heard.
Negotiating a complex benefit system, building regulations for new homes which are often constructed with a flight of steps to the front door, uneven and/or ill maintained pavements and being dependent on taxis were among other issues voiced.
Sadik took away a long list of action points.
The next get together is on Saturday, March 28, 10am-noon, all welcome and jammie dodgers will be served.
North Somerset Council which is thinking of spending £1m of government money on a ‘glorified’ bus stop at Nailsea Link Road came to town the next day.
Council officers manned a stall outside Nailsea Waitrose on Saturday, January 25, to talk about different modes of transport locally but primarily about walking, wheeling and cycling.
It also set out ideas for a one-way Link Road going south from the entrance to Waitrose car park which will effectively make whole stretch of High Street one way too.
The plan is the install a larger shelter for those waiting for the X7, X8 and X9 buses into Bristol.
And there will even be a place for Nailsea people to park their e-bikes!
A consultation is being held in March but the council says if they don’t spend the money on this project they will have to give it back.
The elderly people at Hobbs Court will have to endure an even busier thoroughfare outside their flats if this goes ahead, the council officers were informed.
Transport troubles voiced
-
North Somerset Council road safety team is looking at a review of the speed limit along Queens Road in Nailsea. This is bound to be contentious - exactly the same as when the road went from 30mph to 40mph back in the early 1990s we think and police were involved when residents were told they were no longer allowed to park outside their homes. A reduction in the 40mph speed limit on the A370 near the George pub at Backwell is also under consideration
The traffic lights on Queens Road will be there until Friday, March 14, according to North Somerset roadworks map for National Grid to do some 'utility asset works'.
There will be traffic lights on The Perrings and Whiteoak Way for same reason and timeframe.
Details of roadworks including North Drove closed for two/three weeks for National Grid to reinstate road/footpath.
There are diversions in the Greenfield Crescent area as Valley Way Road and Birdcombe Close are closed for drainage maintenance for approximately eight days.
For more information go to https://n-somerset.gov.uk/.../current-future-roadworks
Roadworks update - seeing red
ROADWORKS UPDATE: Does anyone know what is happening at Wraxall Hill? On Friday, February 7, it said it was closed to all traffic and we went the long way round via the division yet late on Saturday evening we were able to drive down the hill? There is nothing on the North Somerset roadworks map yet Friends of Wraxall School Association tells us it is closed for up to three weeks with access at the bottom only to the church car park? FWSA has requested improved signage. The traffic lights on Queens Road, pictured, will be there until Friday, March 14, according to North Somerset roadwork map for National Grid to do some 'utility asset works'. There are traffic lights on The Perrings and Whiteoak Way for same reason and timeframe. And the roadworks in the Greenfield Crescent area including divisions with Valley Way Road and Birdcombe Close closed for drainage maintenance for approximately eight days has begun. Roadworks map link here https://n-somerset.gov.uk/my-services/parking-travel-roads/roads-streets/road-closures-temporary-traffic-management/current-future-roadworks
Access issues in Long Ashton could be a thing of the past under new proposals to address obstructive parking along the main route through the village.
North Somerset Council is considering bringing in new parking restrictions for points along Long Ashton Road and Weston Road. Currently, bottlenecks pose access issues for general traffic, residents, bus services and other public service vehicles, such as emergency services and waste collections.
The locations being considered for new parking restrictions have been identified through feedback from local residents and community representatives, as well as bus operators.
At present, the Clevedon-to-Bristol X7, and Nailsea-to-Bristol X8 and X9 bus services all experience delays through Long Ashton due to obstructive parking.
A public survey on the proposals is now open for six weeks until 5pm on Monday, March 24, and residents can visit www.n-somerset.inconsult.uk/LongAshton to view the proposals in detail and have their say.
If you are unable to access the survey online, please email bsip.engagement@n-somerset.gov.uk or call 01934 888 888 (and say 'Public Transport' when asked) to leave your details to receive a paper copy.
North Somerset Council executive member for highways and transport Hannah Young is the Labour Party ward councillor for Clevedon.
She said: “Parking at certain points along the main road through Long Ashton is posing an ongoing problem for larger vehicles. It restricts access, and causes hold ups which impact everyone’s journeys, including bus passengers.
“Making changes at certain locations would help resolve these issues – improving general traffic flow and allowing a clear route through for service vehicles to serve the community.“
These changes would also help to improve bus service performance,
Parking in Long Ashton
efficiency and cost-effectiveness, giving our communities the reliable services they want and need.”
The proposed Long Ashton parking restrictions are among a range of initiatives being put in place and considered under the UK Government-funded Bus Service Improvement Plan. Read more at: www.n-somerset.gov.uk/bsip
For elderly and passengers with mobility issues go to: https://ndct.co.uk/book-a-trip-or-outing
A new First bus timetable will operate from Sunday, April 6.
In a nutshell for Nailsea the X8 is scrapped replaced by the X7 which will run between Bristol and Clevedon via Nailsea and Backwell.
This will mean no more double-deckers on this route as it will go the railway bridge.
Nailsea people still can’t get a direct bus to The Mall, major hospitals or Bristol airport but luckily The Availables and Nailsea & District Community Transport will hopefully fill in some of the service gaps.
Here are the major route changes for our area:
-
X7/X7A: Bristol – Nailsea – Clevedon – The X7 will take on the previous X8 route through east Nailsea and Nailsea and Backwell Station, but will no longer serve Long Ashton. The service will operate as the X7A during evenings and on Sundays. The X7A will serve Long Ashton.
-
X8: Bristol – Backwell – Nailsea – This area will now be served by the X7 service.
-
X9: Nailsea – Bristol – A revised timetable on all days to improve punctuality and reliability includes minor changes and is coming soon.
More Service changes in the West of England from 6 April 2025 | First Bus
X7 & X7a (Clevedon – Bristol)
-
Service X7 will undergo significant changes to provide better connections between the towns and villages of North Somerset, offering a greater possibility for direct journeys between large parts of Clevedon, Tickenham, Nailsea and Nailsea & Backwell railway station. At Clevedon, journeys will serve the Walton Park/Dial Hill area during Monday – Saturday daytimes, replacing the X6 there.
-
Between Nailsea and Bristol, the service will operate via Backwell instead of Wraxall, and use the Long Ashton by-pass (instead of running via the village), as per the current X8 route, which it will replace. The service will run hourly initially, and on Sundays and evenings will operate as a modified version of the route, service X7a, that will serve Long Ashton rather than use the Long Ashton by-pass. Existing customers of the X7 for Long Ashton and Wraxall during the daytime on Monday – Saturdays should use the X9 which will remain on its current route.
X1 & X1s (Weston-super-Mare – Bristol)
-
The X1 will have a new timetable including extra evening journeys on Monday to Saturday and a new night service will operate on Friday and Saturday nights. This will run as new route X14 (see below) and will connect Bristol and Weston via the Portway, Portishead and Clevedon.
-
Two X1 journeys a day will run as an X1s via Long Ashton to provide extra capacity for students attending Backwell School. One journey in the morning will run from Bristol to Weston via Long Ashton, arriving at Backwell Crossroads in time for school opening. In the afternoon, one journey will run from Weston to Bristol via Long Ashton, around school finishing time. This route will be served by the region's first fleet of electric double-decker buses.
Waiting for bus timetables
North Somerset Council executive member for highways and transport Hannah Young is the Labour Party ward councillor for Clevedon.
She said: “Using community feedback is a key part in improving our bus services in North Somerset.
“Following the increased feedback from residents on overcrowding on late buses, we hope that the introduction of late buses on Friday and Saturday nights from Bristol will be popular, and therefore commercially viable services.
“We’re trying to stretch the resources available to match competing demands.
“This does mean that not every person will get the service they would like.
“However, we ask that residents continue to talk to us, and we will continue to make improvements throughout the year.”
“Working closely with bus operators, service changes are put in place every April and September, basing amendments on passenger numbers and community needs as part of North Somerset Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), funded by the Department for Transport. "
ROAD WORKS: The traffic lights on Queens Road will be there until Friday, March 14, according to North Somerset roadwork map for National Grid to do some 'utility asset works'. Horse Race Lane, Failand, will be closed from 9.30am-4pm Thursday, March 13, for up to five days from B3128 to Upper Lodge for essential tree works. There are traffic lights on The Perrings and Whiteoak Way for same reason and timeframe. The on/off closure of Wraxall Hill which was suppose to end on Friday, March 7 overran by several days. Full details of ongoing roadworks in the Greenfield Crescent area including divisions and road closures for drainage maintenance are here www.n-somerset.gov.uk/roadworks
The new bus timetables are now published here https://journeyplanner.travelwest.info/routes.
From Sunday, April 6, the new X7 and X7a Clevedon bus will go through Backwell and because of the railway bridge can only operate as a single decker.
The X8 is no more.
The minor changes to the X9 are in the timetable - download HERE- the route is unchanged.
The villages of Wraxall and Long Ashton will have a less frequent service but people in Nailsea will be able to travel more often via Backwell although there is some concern about children travelling to and from secondary schools.
The new bus timetables are now published here https://journeyplanner.travelwest.info/routes.
North Somerset MP Sadik Al-Hassan said: “I successfully advocated on behalf of constituents working with North Somerset councillor Hannah Young to increase the provision serving Backwell School pupils via the X1s route.”
Hannah is the executive member for highways and transport and the Labour Party ward councillor for Clevedon South.
Sadik added: “While the X8 service is being discontinued, based on valuable feedback, the new X1s service will add a route approximately an hour after normal end of the school day.
“For the morning trip direct to the school, bus capacity has now doubled.
“In addition to this, there is a free late coach facilitated by school that serves as a layer of support.
“The new X1s will be served by the region's first fleet of electric double-decker buses.”
The timetable changes again at the end of August.
To have your say join the online bus forums here:
New bus timetables published
Later this year North Somerset Council has plans to improve Backwell crossroads.
Proposals for a partial closure of Dark Lane have been abandoned after a public consultation.
This part-time closure was hoped to reduce delays for all vehicles travelling on the A370 and Station Road.
However, this change is no longer being proposed under the Bus Service Improvement Scheme following engagement with district and parish councillors and villagers.
Proposals to introduce a Transport Hub on the A370, offering improved waiting spaces, real time information for travellers, cycle parking and more comfortable shelters have also been scrapped.
This would have also included improved parking facilities and pedestrian facilities at Rodney Road.
Again people said NO.
Improvements that are to go forward include:
-
upgrades to the traffic signals including GPS technology, offering bus priority over general traffic
-
a Weston-super-Mare bound bus lane on Farleigh Road
-
improved footways and a new pedestrian crossing near to the leisure centre
-
moving the Bristol bound stop to the west side of the crossroads putting place a new shelter and more comfortable seating
North Somerset Council executive member for highways and transport Hannah Young is the Labour Party ward councillor for Clevedon.
She said: “Thank you to everyone who’s taken part in the engagement process for the Backwell crossroads.
"We’ve looked carefully at a number of options over the past year to try to best meet the needs of bus users alongside the local community.
"We’ve listened to elected representatives and residents who would have been most affected by the plans.
“The revised proposals support our plans to maintain and improve bus services in North Somerset and work to achieve a balance between the needs of motorists, those using public transport, taxi’s, cyclists and pedestrians.”
Backwell resident John Tate said: “North Somerset Council look to be resurrecting plans to put bus lanes on Backwell Crossroads.“
These are totally unnecessary and they say after consultations with residents and the parish council.
Backwell crossroad improvements
%20(1).jpeg)
“They just ignore consultations as evidenced by Long Ashton bypass, Brockley crossroads and the Wrington turn-off at Congresbury.
“Just because they were granted £48M of Central Government Funding they are obsessed with spending it on these bus lanes nonsense
“Bus lanes are not meant for rural locations where there are only four buses at most an hour but for city centres where there are four buses a minute.
“Brockley crossroads worked better as it was originally as it is a busy link to the airport.
“So what did they do take out a turn right lane from Cleeve to creat a ridiculously short bus lane which is ignored by most buses as they just follow the mainstream of traffic and that in itself tells a story.
“For some reason there they have duplicated the number of traffic lights!
“Backwell crossroads worked better perfectly well now and should be left alone.
“NSC should just return any funds they have left to Central Government and leave Backwell alone and they should do the same for their similar proposals at Churchill crossroads.
“The boss of BSIP at NSC no longer replies to any suggestions I make so if anyone feels strongly about these issues please start protesting to them immediately.”
For updates visit our Bus Service Improvement Plan webpage or email queries to bsip.engagement@n-somerset.gov.uk
High Street closed for Eat:Nailsea
Describe your image
Describe your image
Describe your image
Describe your image
ROADWORKS: Work is ready to begin on the zebra crossing on Station Road. Traffic lights and road closures in place. PHOTOS: Angela Daynes - thanks. And for those al fresco drinkers Downing’s the High Street bar has its pavement cafe licence so it will be tables out (and umbrellas probably) from Wednesday, April 16, 2025
The bus stop at The George, Backwell, is getting improved this year starting in May.
But nothing in Nailsea as North Somerset Council concentrate on bus stops and shelters on the 6, 7, X1, X4 and X5 routes.
The Link Road will become a bigger, one-way stop but no date yet.
Bus stops in the following locations will be upgraded as part of the programme:
-
The George, Backwell
-
Clevedon: Old Street, Southern Way and Strode Road
-
A370 Puxton to Congresbury
-
Congresbury: Weston Road and Bristol Road
-
Priory Road, Easton-in-Gordano
-
Martcombe Road, Portbury
-
Station Road, Sheepway
-
Weston-super-Mare: Locking Parklands (Apprentice Way), New Bristol Road, Bideford Road, Milton Road, Baytree Road, Spring Hill Drive, Ebdon Road, Wansborough Road, Bournville Road, Asda, Broadway, Lonsdale Avenue, Windwhistle Circle, Devonshire Road, Canberra Road, Loxton Road, A370, A371, Winterstoke Road, The Boulevard
-
Pill: Ham Green, Pill Road, A369
-
Portishead: Sheepway, Harbour Road, Station Road, A369, Avon Way, Nore Road, West Hill
The initiative will improve bus travel facilities for both residents and visitors, enhancing the overall public transport experience across the region.
Read more here https://n-somerset.gov.uk/news/bus-stop-enhancements-continue-second-batch-start-next-month
NO NAILSEA BUS HUB – YET
ELECTRIC MANOEVURES: Mid April and caught our first X9 electric bus - very clean and very quiet except for one rattling window. The parking space on lower deck for wheelchairs and pushchairs seemed to be very tight with no room for parent/chair to sit next to child in buggy? Driver said the bus acts like Speedy Gonzales when ignition engaged so important all passengers seated. Twenty-four electric buses are now transporting approximately 20,000 passengers a week mostly on two key services - the X1 (Weston to Bristol) and X4 (Portishead to Bristol). Each bus saves about 75 tonnes of CO2 each year – the equivalent to taking 54 cars off the road. All funded by £12.8million from First Bus and £2.1million in capital funding from the Department for Transport (DfT)
ROAD OPEN: You can drive down Ash Hayes Road but the new zebra crossing on Station Road isn't complete yet, April 24, 2025. Update: It is open May 2025
First Bus representatives called in at the café meeting of Nailsea Disabled Access Group to hear about travelling traumas experienced by passengers especially those who use a wheelchair.
Bus driver trainer Miles Dolphin and Weston depot boss Ilyas Hafezji listened to the confusion caused when drivers can't tell the difference between wheelchairs and powered scooters and failures to get out a ramp when required.
Certain mobility aids do need a permit to travel on public transport, the meeting heard.
And others described the frustration of not being able to reach to zap their payment cards when sat in a wheelchair.
Miles offered to do some training sessions in Nailsea for travellers and staff and talked about sharing good practice and customer service.
It was suggested that staff at 65 High Street could help people to find out how to obtain if necessary, an online permit and 'user approval assessment'.
Nailsea town councillor Graham Parsons called for an awareness campaign and 'bus friendly' stickers for wheelchairs that met the strict weight and size criteria.
Resident David Howard asked for help getting a road sign moved which blocked a footpath on the High Street near the Coates House flats.
He submitted a 'public right of way' report at the beginning of January but had received a reply saying '...unable to locate any obvious obstructions relating to road signs...'.
Café organiser Alison Morgan said she would take the matter up with North Somerset Council and North Somerset MP Sadik Al-Hassan.
Wheelchair access on First Bus
GOOGLE IMAGE HIGH STREET: Can you spot the obvious obstruction?
Using a wheelchair while travelling on public transport can be fraught with difficulties many of which were highlighted to First Bus at the Nailsea & Backwell Disabled Access Café in April.
Café organiser Alison Morgan replayed the travelling traumas experienced by passengers of the group.
There to listen to the issues were bus driver trainer Miles Dolphin and Weston depot boss Ilyas Hafezji.
This led to Miles coming to Nailsea to give advice on how to best use a roadside ramp and ‘park’ a wheelchair onboard one of their buses.
Thanks to this initiative, a few weeks later Miles bought a training bus and trainee drivers to Nailsea where he demonstrated proper techniques for drivers when bus stops aren't perfectly aligned with kerbs, emphasising that ramps should be deployed without passengers having to ask.
Alison was able to practice boarding with her wheelchair multiple times, regaining her confidence to use public transport again.
North Somerset MP Sadik Al-Hassan said: “I have met with the Disabled Access Café several times; they provide a safe space for people to raise accessibility issues and build constructive relationships with businesses and service providers like First Bus—turning problems into solutions through collaboration.
“I am proud to support initiatives that make our community more accessible for everyone!”
Alison said: “The bus crew came to the stop in Trendlewood Way, where I had had such an awful experience back in 2023.
“Miles was horrified that I had been told by a driver to use a different stop and that I had been forced to plead to be able to use the ramp and was told I was a pain.
“He reassured me that this is not how drivers are trained.
“The problem with a lot of bus stops is that our roads are not straight, so it is difficult for drivers to get properly aligned with the raised kerb.
“Miles demonstrated that if this is the case, the driver should pull up just beyond the raised kerb, get out, check that it is safe and lower the ramp accordingly.
“He also stressed that the driver should put the ramp down without the passenger needing to ask.
“My other concern was that my wheelchair would be too big to manoeuvre on and off the bus, and into the designated wheelchair space.
“This was not the case at all and Miles let me practice several times to get my confidence back.
“Steve Ledbrook was able to discuss a problem he had faced travelling on the new electric X1 bus to Weston and again Miles was able to reassure him of an easy solution.
“Evidently, the safety bars on the new buses can swing out to make it easier to manoeuvre in and out of the wheelchair space, again with the drivers help.
“You learn something new every day.
“We then went to the Link Road and met with another member of our group.
“Once again it was necessary for the driver to pull up after the raised kerb and we had a further discussion about the complexities of travelling in a wheelchair.
Parking lessons for people in wheelchairs
“The exercise was immensely helpful and I feel more confident to venture out on the buses again after two years of being reluctant to do so.
''Our aim with the disabled access cafes is to give people a safe space to raise issues and concerns, to help and encourage each other and to establish amicable working relationships with business and managers such as Miles, so we can all learn from each other and resolve any problems.''
The next cafe is 10.30am-noon on Friday morning, May 23, at 65 High Street.
There are more photos and a training video under our transport dropdown menu On The Roads HERE.
NEXT BUS: A revolutionary new bus information board powered by solar to compliment our new electric buses has appeared at a stop called Hillcrest Road, Nailsea. This is actually on Mizzymead Road. Funded by North Somerset Council Bus Service Improvement Plan it says more are being installed in the next months - have you got one at your bus stop? Plans to revamp up to 120 bus shelters on key routes including stops with ‘living roofs’, solar panels and benches made from thousands of recycled CDs as part of its Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), were unveiled by North Somerset Council last month.
TIMETABLE CHANGE: North Somerset Council has changed the X9 timetable by five minutes to fit with Nailsea School timetable. It comes after First Bus and the council reviewed the bus network and introduced changes to services in the region in April. These reviews were based on both passenger usage levels and community needs, the council said, with the aim of ‘reducing the need for continued significant council subsidy of some services and avoid potential future losses’. Both North Somerset Council and First Bus received feedback saying the current bus timetables for the X9 do not align well for students at Nailsea School. In response to this feedback, all morning services have been amended to arrive five minutes earlier to Nailsea School and the afternoon services have been pushed back by five minutes. This extra time will make it easier for students to get to school and access after school clubs. This change will also be implemented through an emergency service change on Sunday, June 1.
UPDATE: Footpath now reopened with no explanation and now another is closed top!
Nailsea People is wondering if the blocked shortcut from The Perrings to Backwell Lake is a case of the barrier being put in the wrong place?
Some residents fear that landowner developer John Garlick is the person responsible as this happened once before eight years ago.
We are told while Mr Garlick doesn't own the actual pathway he does own land to the side of it.
There is lots of speculation on social media for the reasons for this move including fears a planning application could be imminent.
While others think it is a legal manoeuvre to stop the shortcut used by schoolchildren and nature lovers being designated as a public footpath.
Many wonder if Netcott’s Meadow is under threat of development.
Up until June 2017 Netcott’s Meadow was managed by Avon Wildlife Trust.
This arrangement had lasted 30 years.
But then it was sold for £125,000 to Mr Garlick, then of Coombe Grange Farm, and a Peter Priest, of Farleigh Road.
In March 2021 St Werburghs Community News held Mr Garlick responsible for an 11th hour cutting down of the last maple trees on Lower Ashley Road.
And we are told Mr Garlick is also in a land dispute with neighbours in Bucklands End, Nailsea.
Both Nailsea Town Council and North Somerset Council are investigating the footpath closure.
Built as a huge balancing pond when Nailsea grew the important wildlife area at the lake grounds are owned and managed by Wessex Water.
The company which is currently monitoring all day parking by railway commuters on the site says it wasn’t informed of the footpath being blocked.
Shortcut to Backwell Lake blocked
MONDAY, MONDAY: This morning, June 16, at Station Road car park lots of spare spaces while Clevedon Road car park was full to capacity! Wonder what it is like in Silver Street? On the first Saturday of the new charges being introduced for Station Road car park, Nailsea, by North Somerset Council it looks a shoppers 'can't pay, won't pay' protest as there were empty spaces galore however, nearby side roads and especially Silver Street were jammed with vehicles galore. Latest on car parking charges on July front page
SLOW DOWN: North Somerset Council published a notice of intent back in February this year telling motorists that it was revoking an existing 40mph speed limit on Queens Road, Nailsea, and create a 30mph speed limit. The new road signs are now in place. Queens Road was originally 30mph and there was an outcry especially from residents in the 1990s(?) whose houses fronted the thoroughfare and were being booked for parking outside their own homes...
Essential works to improve the surface of key roads in North Somerset begins in July.
The work, to lay new road surfaces, will be completed in phases and will require some road closures.
The process, known as surface dressing, is carried out on roads in order to prevent deterioration and potholes.
There is a small window of opportunity for this as it only takes a few years for water to enter the road surface and make it crack and degrade.
Once this starts to happen the road will need full resurfacing.
Resurfacing is a very expensive and disruptive process, it also uses valuable resources with a high carbon footprint so the council tries to extend the life of existing road surfaces with preventative measures to improve the condition of more of its roads overall.
The surface dressing process entails spraying the road with bitumen and covering it with stone chippings, after which the road is then rolled, which along with the action of the slow moving traffic, embeds the chippings into the surface. To complete the process, the excess chippings are then swept up and the lining replaced at a later date.
Surface dressing is weather dependent so the dates of the work programme may vary.
Road users are encouraged to visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/roadworks or follow North Somerset Travel and Roads on Facebook for the latest updates.
Signage will also be placed on site to update road users of any disruption to their journey.
The following roads will be surface dressed with road closures in place on the following dates:
Wednesday, July 9
-
9.30am-3.30pm B3133 Brinsea Road and Stock Lane, Congresbury. Closure between Venus Street to the roundabout with Langford Lane
Thursday, July 10
-
C427 Upper Strode and The Street, Winford
-
Lower Strode, Regil
-
9.30am-3.30pm closure of Cox’s Green, Wrington
-
Mill Lane, Wrington
Friday, July 11
-
C659 Puxton Road, Hewish closure between Riverside and Mays Green
-
C499 Oldmixon Road, Weston-super-Mare closure between no 105 and Totterdown Business Park
North Somerset Council July roadworks but not in Nailsea
Monday, July 14
-
C448 Queensway, Weston-super-Mare closure between Ebdon Road and Lyefield Road
-
C444 Lower Norton Lane closure between Queens Way and Crookes Lane
Tuesday, July 15
-
C444 Sand Road closure between Lower Norton Lane and the 30mph sign
-
C403 Uphill Road South closure between the junctions with the A370
-
Weatherly Drive, Portishead
Friday, July 18
B3128 Cuckoo Lane closure between Clevedon Road and Whitehouse Lane
North Somerset Council cabinet member for highways Hannah Young is the Labour Party ward councillor for Clevedon.
She said: :"Surface dressing provides added protection to the carriageway surface as well as enhancing the skid resistance, making it safer to drive on.
“This added protection extends the life of the carriageway surface by up to 10 years, which mean it is an important part of our work to maintain our roads as efficiently as possible, alongside programmes for full resurfacing and pothole repair.
“We appreciate our surface dressing programme will cause some inconvenience but it is an essential process which safe guards the condition of our roads for years to come.”
.jpeg)
A snapshot of the health of North Somerset’s roads and the work being done to maintain them is now open to view in a new report.
The document, which details pothole data, road conditions and useful maintenance information, has been produced so that residents can see how North Somerset Council spends the money it receives on local roads and in order to unlock an extra £500,000 in maintenance funding from the Department of Transport (DfT).
The DfT transparency report details how North Somerset Council ensures value for money from their highway contracts, is working to reduce the council’s carbon footprint and through contractors are investing in the local community with apprenticeships and school visits for budding engineers.
The 18-page document, which can be viewed here offers a range of information and statistics including:
-
The condition of A, B, C and U roads in North Somerset
-
The number of potholes to be filled in 2025/26 and how that compares with previous years
-
The amount spent on proactive and reactive road maintenance
-
Case studies explaining how the Council is using new technology and communication methods to aid efficiency
-
Community learning and social value initiatives that are being provided through the council’s highway contracts.
North Somerset Council cabinet member for highways Hannah Young is the Labour Party ward councillor for Clevedon South.
She said the report provided an informative summary of the work that had been done during the past five years to maintain the road network and detailed the council’s aspirations for the future.
Hannah said: “We’re absolutely clear that the condition of our roads and pavements is a matter of daily concern to residents and affects every road user.
“I’m pleased to see more money coming from government to tackle this issue and that North Somerset is more efficient than many councils in how we spend these funds."Locally, we have to make choices about the right balance between fixing potholes as they appear and investing in the resurfacing and other preventative measures that will strengthen roads for the future.
Are roads as bad as we think?
“This report provides the opportunity to find out more about how the council does this.
“It also explains how we are reducing our carbon footprint as the challenge of maintaining our roads and pavements increases with the additional damage caused by more extreme weather events.
I’m pleased it also shows that wherever possible we are supporting our local economy by working with local suppliers and contractors who also put back through local projects to support local young people and communities.
“I would like to thank everyone for their efforts in producing such an interesting report.”
Have you walked the footpath between The Perrings and Backwell Lake?
Your memories could make a difference.
Nailsea Town Council (NTC) is working to gather evidence regarding the public’s use of the popular footpath between The Perrings and Backwell Lake. Section 31 of the Highways Act 1980 is headed: Dedication of way as highway presumed after public use for 20 years.
To evidence the public’s long-standing use of this footpath, we urge users to complete a User Evidence Form. If you currently use — or have ever used — this footpath, your input is important. We urge residents and walkers to complete the form with as much detail as possible about how and when they used the footpath.
Important:
-
Both the User Evidence Form and the accompanying route map must be completed and signed. Both the form and the map must be signed to count and given to NTC to collate.
-
You can download User Evidence Form HERE and map HERE. Because it is a 16-page legal document it has to be completed as a hard copy and together with the map signed. Or you can download both documents from the Nailsea Town Council website: www.nailseatowncouncil.gov.uk
-
Printed copies are also available at:
-
No. 65 High Street, Nailsea
-
NTC Office at The Tithe Barn, Church Road, BS48 4NG
-
Time is of the essence.
Your evidence could help preserve access to this much-loved footpath for future generations. Don’t delay — help us gather the evidence to protect its use.
For more information, visit our website www.nailseatowncouncil.gov.uk or contact NTC directly
Call us on: 01275 855277
Email us at: enquiries@nailseatowncouncil.gov.uk
PHOTO:Taken August 2018 called ramp on permissive path
PAY PLACES: Crown Glass Shopping Centre in Nailsea town centre is installing pay stations at its Stockway South car park. We are told these will be operational from Saturday, July 12, but this hasn't been confirmed.
PAY STATIONS NEW DATE: Crown Glass Shopping Centre contractors tell us they are a little behind schedule and that two pay stations are now due to be delivered and fitted on Wednesday, July 16, so it’s free parking at Stockway South for a bit longer.
A major scheme to improve the condition of the A370 Main Road in Flax Bourton has begun.
The work, which will be completed in phases, will see improvements to the stretch between Backwell House and the property named Old Angel Cottage.
As part of North Somerset Council’s ongoing commitment to improving the district’s roads, the council will be carrying out road maintenance works including:
-
Renewing the highway drainage system
-
Maintaining existing highway drainage system
-
Replacing and repairing damaged ironworks.
Works are required to maintain the integrity of the road and add resilience to the drainage network by mitigating road flooding.
The first phase of work will be completed using multi-way traffic lights between Monday and Thursday, July 7-August 7.
The lights will be in place 24-hours a day, with works taking place between 8am-5pm during the week.
The work will be carried out from the entrance to Backwell House to Castle Farm and all traffic lights will be removed during the Bristol Balloon Fiesta.
The second phase, which will require a full road closure outside the graveyard, will begin on Monday, August 11, and last for five days.
Due to the 24-hour closure, there will be no through access and vehicular access to properties will be from either end of Main Road, Flax Bourton.
A diversion will be in place during this time and traffic marshals will be positioned at key locations to advise on access arrangements during working hours.
The final stage of the works will be completed between Monday and Friday, August 18-29.
Temporary multi-way traffic signals will be used 24-hours a day, with works taking place between 8am-5pm during the week. The work will be carried out between Castle Farm to outside the property known as Old Angel Cottage.
Major roadworks Main Road - A370
North Somerset Council cabinet executive member with responsibility for highways Hannah Young is the Labour Party ward councillor for Clevedon.
She said: “We appreciate these works will cause some inconvenience but it is an essential process which safeguards the condition of our roads for years to come.”
“We are committed to proactively investing in our roads in order the prevent future problems and deterioration.”
For more information visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/roadworks
CAR PARK UPDATE: Contractors arrived at Crown Glass Shopping Centre to fit the pay stations at the Stockway South car park on Wednesday morning, July 16, four days later than predicted. And in another bizarre move pay stations have been installed at Wraxall Village Club which is off the B3130 route into Bristol as it was feared people working locally have been using its free car park then catching the X9 into Nailsea...and we hear there are moves afoot (forgive pun) that the Clevedon Road car park leased to Pelican may become available for community (and market stallholders?) use weekends and evenings...
FREE PARKING RULES OK: Well, pay stations installed but not working yet so technically free parking for another day at Crown Glass Shopping Centre car park off Stockway South, Nailsea. This is Wednesday evening and Thursday morning, July 16-17.
STOP PRESS: We are told car parking charges will start on Friday, August 1, 2025 At the June meeting of Nailsea Town Council a resident asked whether there had been any advance notice of the decision by Praxis (the owner of Crown Glass Shopping Centre) to start charging for car parking at the Crown Glass Car Park. This car park was used by people attending the adjacent Tower House NHS Medical Centre as well as by customers of the shopping centre. It was explained that Praxis had raised this at a recent private meeting as a likely consequence of North Somerset Council’s decision to start charging for use of the Station Road Car Park, but the town council had no formal notice or advised of any consultation. A councillor suggested writing to Praxis, asking it to hold off for 2-3 months until the impact of charges at the Station Road car park could be reviewed. However, this suggestion was not taken up as it was understood North Somerset Council leader Mike Bell had said that if the new charges were disastrous, they would be reviewed after six months, from the published minutes
UPDATE: From National Grid Hinkley Connection Project community relations team 'We are pleased to let you know that the reinstatement works on Nailsea Wall, carried out as part of the Hinkley Connection Project, have now been successfully completed. All traffic management measures have been lifted, and there will be no further disruption for the local community. We’d like to sincerely thank you, and the wider community, for your patience, feedback, and understanding whilst we complete our reinstatement works. The support has been invaluable as we continue progressing towards connecting homegrown, low-carbon energy to 6,000 homes and businesses across the UK.
The bumpy road between The Blue Flame Inn and Clevedon is closed day time in the week.
Access from all other routes is normal.
This is from Hinkley press office:
Nailsea Wall to close for five weeks for essential roadworks.
Nailsea Wall near Clevedon and Nailsea will be temporarily closed from Wednesday, July 16, to Friday, August 22 to allow for essential reinstatement works as part of National Grid’s Hinkley Connection Project.
The works will remove a temporary junction and restore the affected highway and verge to its original condition.
Residents and road users in Clevedon, Nailsea, and surrounding areas are advised to follow alternative routes during the summer season.
To complete the reinstatement safely and quickly as possible, a full road closure will be in place between 7am-6pm Monday to Friday.
Outside of these hours, single-lane access will be maintained with two-way traffic signals in operation.
On weekends, single-lane access and traffic signals will remain in place when no work is taking place.
If work is required, the weekday schedule will apply.
During this period, clearly signposted diversion routes will be in place:
-
Eastbound traffic: Netherton Wood Lane, Chelvey Road, Brockley Lane, and the A370
-
Westbound traffic: Davis Lane, Kenn Road (B3133), Kennmoor Road, and the A370.
-
These works mark a key milestone in the Hinkley Connection Project, which has seen the development of a new high-voltage electricity link between Bridgwater and Seabank.
How to get to pub on moor while lane closed
It plays a critical role in supporting the country’s clean power transition while reinforcing the long-term stability of the electricity network.
In this area, the remaining work involves removing temporary roads, work accesses, and construction zones used during overhead line installation.
While these are being cleared, the new electricity lines are being prepared and tested as the project nears completion.
National Grid thanks the local community for their patience and support as the team completes the final stages of the project, delivering low-carbon, homegrown energy to homes and businesses across the UK for generations to come.
For more information about the project, please visit www.nationalgrid.com/hinkley-connection.
Alternatively, you can email the community relations team at HinkleyConnection@nationalgrid.com or call 0800 377 7347.
Amanda Mead is concerned about the number of squashed hedgehogs she has seen on our roads.
She said: "I've seen more than usual around lately.
"Please slow down and be mindful when driving at night.
"Many hedgehogs are out foraging after dark and need to cross roads.
"Unfortunately, not all make it safely.
"If you spot one, give them time to pass and steer clear.
"Hedgehogs play a crucial role in our ecosystem and each life matters!"
Sadly dead hedgehogs have been spotted High Street near Nailsea Tesco and on Queens Road (now with a 30mph limit).
Amanda added: "The problem is, they venture quite far and also gardens are fenced in more, so they cannot go between them, so run the risk of being run over."
Road kill concerns
A few weeks ago ago the shortcut to Backwell lake from The Perrings was temporary blocked, scroll down to read original story.
It caused an outcry among walkers and schoolchildren who used the route daily.
On Sunday morning, July 27, contractors arrived claiming to be working for the landowner Mr Garlick to again block access.
There are some ambiguity public right of way maps so Nailsea Town Council set out to prove the footpath had been in continuous use for at least the statutory 21 years.
A group of early Sunday morning Chinese martial arts enthusiasts found their route back to Nailsea blocked by the contractors.
One person who didn’t want to be named said: “We all turned up for tai chi on Sunday by the lake and the workmen were already drilling as people walked down the path from The Perrings, this was 8.45am
“The class went ahead but it was noisy and by the time it was over the gate was in place so no way back.
“We had a long walk up a busy Station Road to return.
“It seemed a bit sneaky doing it that early.
“Everyone was sad about the path as it is used by so many.
“It will make the lake car park busier for activities such as tai chi and someone was saying they used it as a short cut to the station.
“The workmen were polite just doing their job.”
Patricia Adams said: “This matters to people - both for leisure and for work.
Phil Williams said: “So frustrating . a great start to so many heading towards the railway through ‘green space’ - used it for 38 years, on my nature watch, hoping the fight is not over.”
Gwen Wolley said: “I remember the enormous orchids that grew there - very special - while under Avon Wildlife Trust management.
“I believe that AWT were given it by the original land owner in the mid-80s.
“A team of AWT members planted the hedge to create the path.
“Prior to this people walked through the field.
“It has changed hands twice since and been neglected for years.
“It was a haven for butterflies, variety of orchids and also has badger's sett and foxes’ earth.
“Definitely used the path during the last century for dog walking and getting to shops from Backwell.”
Tanya Kasht said there is an alternative footpath, pictured, nearby although not as direct as the one which has been blocked.
She said: “Although not as pretty and not directly to the lake it is close enough by few steps and still off-road.
“It took me seven minutes longer to walk and is approximately 60 yards left of original path
“As you stand facing the original path look left there is a slightly worn in track in the grass following the bushes round.
“Stay on that track which then leads to a path with trees, bushes and stonewall on your right and fences of back gardens on your left.
“It takes you straight out to the Station Road pavement.
“Check your left looking uphill before stepping out to watch out for bikes on the cycle path.”
Michel Jones blames a solicitor’s mix-up when Miss Netcott’s field changed hands in 2008 affected the public right of way status and the land was also subject to a failed planning application around that time.
This is what is entry on Wikipedia says: Netcott’s Meadow is a small area of damp grassland to the north of Backwell Lake (ST476695). It was managed by the Avon Wildlife Trust but owned privately. It is no longer accessible to the public. It has abundant wild flowers best seen in early June. Several species of orchids grow here, including the common spotted orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii), southern marsh orchid (Dactylorhiza praetermissa) and green-winged orchid (Orchis morio), and in some years there are many bee orchids (Ophrys apifera), although these may be absent at other times. Yellow rattle (Rhinanthus minor) also grows here, a plant that is parasitic on various grasses and other plants, which has seeds that rattle when shaken, as its name implies.
Becky Kate said: “That's so sad - what a huge pity for everyone to lose this pathway.
“I hope we can all work together to ensure it remains in public use.”
Nailsea Town Council is working to gather evidence regarding the public’s use of the popular footpath between The Perrings and Backwell Lake using Section 31 of the Highways Act 1980 which states ‘dedication of way as highway presumed after public use for 20 years’.
To evidence the public’s long-standing use of this footpath, the council urges people to complete a User Evidence Form adding ‘if you currently use — or have ever used — this footpath, your input is important’.
Shortcut blocked again
FEE FURORE: One month later that originally planned but now all car parks in Nailsea charge fees with the exception of the supermarkets and Clevedon Road which is permit only and leased by Pelican, the Wessex Water billing company. There are no concessions for short stay or blue badge holders and all are pay by card not cash
PROTEST PEOPLE: At 10.30am on Monday, August 11, at the Backwell Lake end of the path that leads from The Perrings down to the lake grounds, there will be a gathering by the newly constructed steel barrier to show the strength of community feeling about the blocking of this route that is much used by commuters, school pupils, dog owners and walkers. Local residents are warmly encouraged to attend. Photos will be taken and shared on social media and in the press. Don't forget to complete the evidence form to help Nailsea Town Council keep this as a footpath open, more details here https://nailseaactiongroup.org.uk/perrings-to-backwell-lake-path
ROAD CLOSURE Monday to Friday, August 11-15, the A370 Main Road at Flax Bourton will be closed for essential drainage works for 24 hours daily until the works are completed. The closure will stretch from the junction with Stancombe Lane to the junction with Station Road. This disruption is expected to last for five days. The George at Backwell is telling customers 'we are still open as usual 11am-11pm with the kitchen open from noon-9pmPublished previously scroll down...a major scheme to improve the condition of the A370 Main Road in Flax Bourton has begun. Works are required to maintain the integrity of the road and add resilience to the drainage network by mitigating road flooding. The second phase has now begun and requires a full road closure. Due to the 24-hour closure, there will be no through access and vehicular access to properties will be from either end of Main Road, Flax Bourton. A diversion will be in place during this time and traffic marshals will be positioned at key locations to advise on access arrangements during working hours. The final stage of the works will be completed between Monday and Friday, August 18-29. Temporary multi-way traffic signals will be used 24-hours a day, with works taking place between 8am-5pm during the week. The work will be carried out between Castle Farm to outside the property known as Old Angel Cottage.
NAILSEA TO BACKWELL SHORTCUT: More than 120 protesters at Backwell lake on Monday morning, August 11, of all ages. Lots of councillors, walkers, students and footpath people. The fight to re-open is with North Somerset Council legal department and depends on evidence gathered by Nailsea Town Council proving constant use of shortcut for many, many decades. Pop into the Tithe Barn or 65 High Street for official form to fill in. Few more photos in slideshow HERE
WARNING: No details of bus diversions
A Nailsea footpath walker revealed that people could get through the blocked shortcut from The Perrings to Backwell Lake.
They told Nailsea People that the first part is at The Perrings side, right of the wire fence which had already been pushed down.
It is easy to get over onto path, then at the lake end right of fence and behind wooden picket fence, they said.
But when another walker checked on Monday morning, August 25, they said: "I’ve just been down, the bottom end towards the lake now has half of the wooden walkway missing.
"We fear the developer in dispute with the council about ownership has allowed rusty corrugated iron items to be dumped at the lake end making it difficult to climb over.
"I managed it with my dog in my arms, but many won’t be able to access it."
Earlier this month more than 120 protesters of all ages arrived at Backwell lake to demonstrate about the shortcut being blocked.
Lots of councillors, walkers, students and footpath people were represented.
The fight to re-open is now with North Somerset Council legal department and depends on evidence gathered by Nailsea Town Council proving constant use of shortcut for many, many decades.
Pop into the Tithe Barn or 65 High Street for official form to fill in.
Permissive pathway
The Unite Union has announced its bus drivers are going on strike.
It is predicting there will be major disruption to bus services in Bristol and local towns and cities as more than 1,000 drivers at six First West of England depots have voted to strike.
In Bristol, the First West of England drivers work at Bristol Bus Station, Lawrence Hill and Hengrove, which provide inner-city bus routes in the city as well as services for Bristol Airport, the local universities and Amazon's Bristol warehouse.
The other three affected depots are Weston-Super-Mare, Bath and Wells.
It comes after Unite members at the depots rejected a two-year pay deal, which would give them just £1 an hour extra of pay per hour from now until March 2026, then a miserly 30p hourly increase from April 2026.
New starters will only be offered 50p extra on the hourly rate, which goes up by just a pitiful 10p next April.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "First Group PLC can clearly afford to pay our members more but are choosing to put profits over people.
"This dispute is entirely of First Group's own making and any disruption could be easily avoided. Our members will have Unite’s complete support."
Drivers will also lose out on backpay, as despite the pay anniversary date being April First West of England has not committed to giving any renumeration for the past four months of the wage increase.
First West of England is part of First Group PLC, which had an operating profit of £204.3m in 2024 while share dividends were increased by 45 per cent compared to the previous year.
There will be an initial four days of strikes from Thursday to Monday, September 4-8, followed by further strikes on Tuesday to Friday, September 16-19.
As First West of England is the main bus operator in Bristol and so many drivers are set to strike, any industrial action is likely to be extremely disruptive with cancellations and long delays to services expected.
Unite regional officer Amy Roberts said: "While the situation will be frustrating for passengers, our members have no choice but to take industrial action to make their voices heard.
"First West of England could still stop this disruption by coming back to the table with a meaningful pay offer."
North Somerset Council subsides routes in our area to the tune of £3m per year and cabinet member for highways and transport Hannah Young told a recent disabled access meeting that no services here make a profit.
Bus strike in September
strikeS suspended
A bus lane at Backwell crossroads is not going ahead.
North Somerset Council is going instead for a bus priority traffic signals.
This is following intervention by Nailsea and Backwell district, town and parish councillors and North Somerset MP Sadik Al-Hassan..
North Somerset Council cabinet member for highways and transport Hannah Young is the Labour Party ward councillor for Clevedon.
She said: “We are no longer taking forward the bus lane option as part of the Bus Service Improvement Plan programme.
“However, we are progressing with the installation of bus priority traffic lights at Backwell, with works now expected to begin in spring next year.
“Since the original proposals for this junction were developed in 2022, Backwell has seen planning approval of two further significant housing developments, and the council has been working to revise North Somerset Local Plan following changes in national planning policy.
“I recognise the concerns of residents and other road users of the potential impact of these new and proposed developments, and it makes sense to coordinate design and timing of highway infrastructure upgrades within these wider plans.
“We recognise that the junction experiences congestion issues, which will still see some improvement with the revised scheme.
“We are still committed to achieving efficient, reliable, frequent bus services which enable more people choose public transport and help to reduce the volume of traffic on local roads for other users.
“A bus lane scheme for Backwell may still be required later in the 15 year Local Plan period but we will continue to consider the future measures needed to support those services as we continue to work on the Local Plan and Nailsea & Backwell Transport Strategy.
“It has been important to hear the views of parish council and ward member throughout this process, and we are committed to continuing close engagement as we move forward on the detail of the revised plans and their implementation.”
North Somerset Council ward member for Backwell is Green Party councillor Bridget Petty.
She said: "We are experiencing an intense period of change in Backwell, and it's clear from speaking with the community that many feel the full impact of that change hasn't been fully recognised. It's vital that change happens in a planned, phased way that delivers real value for money.
“While we're pleased to see progress, we also know there are concerns, and it's important to get this right. “I'm committed to continuing to work closely with the council to ensure the right long-term solutions for Backwell, to include the needs of pedestrians—and particularly school children—on Station Road, Dark Lane and Church Lane."
Backwell Parish Council said in a statement: “We endorse the implementation of bus lanes when they are situated in appropriate locations.
Buses to get priority at Backwell crossroads
%20(1).jpeg)
BPC has consistently resisted a bus lane through the centre of Backwell.
“This has been a lengthy process.
“BPC acknowledges Cllr Hannah Young for maintaining open communication and for her decision to remove the bus lane, as well as the prior removal of the one-way scheme on Dark Lane.
“Cllr Young has addressed residents' concerns and aligned with last May's scrutiny panel recommendations by only installing smart lights.
“BPC has always supported the installation of smart lights which will give buses priority and allow us to play our part in providing an efficient bus service.
“Over the coming years, NSC is expected to undergo significant transformation and face considerable challenges with the addition of 24,000 new homes.
“However, advancements in technology and infrastructure make it difficult to predict the future landscape of transportation 15 years from now. In the interim, BPC anticipates engaging in productive discussions with the BSIP team regarding enhanced bus shelters, the implementation of a new pedestrian crossing, and the identification of an appropriate location for the school bus stop.”
For updates on the programme, go the the council Bus Service Improvement Plan webpage or contact us at bsip.engagement@n-somerset.gov.uk for any queries.
BUS STOPS: We are not a fan of Westlink which we fear was designed by people who do not know the local area/needs. Our zone covers Nailsea and Backwell. So what's wrong with our bus service, Nailsea and District Community Transport, local taxis and Uber? Oh and spotted this bus stop in Sliver Street - anyone know where that it? Cathy Hawkins said: "WESTlink was a good idea which worked well to start with then numpties thought too many people were using it and we’ve got something costing a fortune that’s useless to everyone. Scrap it or put it back ad it was in the first place." And Pete Badger said: "The WESTlink bus service funding is unfortunately ring-fenced funding that WECA (not North Somerset Council) which can't spend on traditional bus services, ie it comes with strings attached. In my view, central government (whatever the current flavour) need to release local areas to raise more of their own funds and spend them as they need to with fewer strings. Both the Tories and Labour have generally failed in this respect." In another observation look how nice the bus stop at Trendlewood looks all pretty colours and display timetable...
The footpath around the perimeter of the Scotch Horn (Millennium Park) is closed.
It is because the leisure centre roof is being replaced and the scaffolding may cause safety concerns for people walking along the pubic right of way.
It was closed at 10am today, October 1, for at least 21 days.
An alternative route will be signposted taking users around the northern edge of the building.
For further information relating to this notice please go to www.n-somerset.gov.uk/roadworks
New roof for leisure centre closes footpath
