THESE blackberries should be sweet and juicy ready for picking around late August – and what’s more, they will be free to anyone passing.
There should be many passers-by, as these blackberry bushes are growing out of the pavement! It’s the only pavement along the Bristol Road, the main road through Frenchay, that takes motorists to the ring road, Hambrook and Downend. The other side has grass verges and is inappropriate for many.
In places, the pavement is now so narrow that users have to step into the road: children going to school, people wanting to get to the bus stop and wheelchair users.
I spoke, recently to two carers as they pushed their charges along the road. They described the pavements as a “nightmare”.
The remaining space, which has not been taken over by brambles and weeds, is far too narrow for wheelchairs.
My additional concern is that pavement users will step into the road to avoid the brambles and be hit by the speeding cars that travel along the Bristol Road at speeds in excess of 40mph – residents believe they are taking their lives in their hands should they choose to cross.
I informed South Gloucestershire Council in April and was told I should receive a reply within five days. Someone would look at my complaint and take the necessary action. It appears that doing nothing was appropriate. I recently reminded them of my complaint. Still nothing.
I’ve spoken to local Parish Councillors, I’ve sent photos but they appear to be as helpless as I am. I have confidence in these Councillors but their concerns seem to carry no weight.
Geoff Collard
Frenchay
Nurses say thanks
WE had a fantastic experience on our charity bike ride from London to Amsterdam (Voice, June), and have raised over £9,000 for The Grand Appeal.
There were 95 of us in total, cycling for children’s hospital charities from all over the country.
It was a really tough challenge, but worth it to meet so many people on the ride and hear the reasons why they were raising money.
I think the total raised for all of the charities is in the region of £500,000: a fantastic amount, which will make a real difference.
Our Just Giving page is still open at tinyurl.com/3ep6pp8c.
Thanks again for your support.
Beth Shirt
Downend
Would London have to wait?
I CAN’T help thinking that if the A432 Badminton Road Bridge joined the M25 or the North or South Circular we would have had a new one by now!
Robert Orchard
Downend
Want an allotment?
AH, summer!
Fresh air, sunshine and…digging!
Ever thought about having your own allotment garden in Downend to grow your own fruit, vegetables or flowers and get away from it all?
Downend and Soundwell Allotments would like to hear from you.
The main site is behind the Co-op car park in the centre of Downend.
We have a small waiting list which turns over regularly.
Please contact us on ssallotmentsecretaries@gmail.com.
Neil Harrison
Downend and Soundwell Allotments Association
Volunteer needed
WE are an active, young-at-heart pensioners’ club that meets monthly on a Tuesday afternoon in Downend.
Currently we have around 70 members but new people are arriving each month.
This could be due to the fact that some other clubs in the area catering for this age group have recently closed, due to lack of leaders.
We are heading the same way, as there is no one to take over at the end of this year. Our monthly meetings and outings, together with twice-yearly short breaks away, are all well-supported and would be greatly missed by our members.
Could you, or someone you know, be our saviour and step up to lead/coordinate the group from next January?
For more information please ring 0117 957 3695 or 0117 956 8591.
Roma Harvey