Bin changes a good idea
I AGREE with the proposed black bin collection reduction to once every three weeks (Voice, December).
If folk didn’t put them out until nearing full, then there might not be a need for change.
I’ve seen gales blow them over on collection days because they have just a few bits, which get scattered.
Maybe the collectors should check if they’re worth their while loading up?
John White
Why cut| bus routes?
IT’S good news that the 48x and 49x direct bus services run away from town as well as into Bristol now (Voice, September).
What’s worse is making the 48 and 49 only go as far as Downend and Staple Hill respectively: every other 48 and 49 service used to go as far as Emersons Green.
The 48x and 49x services don’t touch Stapleton Road, Easton, Old Market and Broadmead, meaning passengers who live anywhere between Emersons Green and Downend or Staple Hill need to change services on to a 48 or 49 if they work in those areas of Bristol.
Why have these annoying changes been made?
Many bus passengers, some elderly, disabled or vulnerable, will suffer.
This is on top of having no services going between Fishponds and Yate since Covid began. We used to have a Y2, via Downend and Bromley Heath, and a Y5, via Staple Hill and Mangotsfield.
If you are annoyed with your bus service, why not write to your MP and tell them?
They have more power than the general public and it’s you that voted them in.
Let’s get get our public transport under more public control.
They call themselves First, they may as well call themselves ‘Last’.
Terry Stevens
Downend
A night at the races
KINGSWOOD Y’s Men’s Club is a group based at Lincombe Barn, which meets monthly for a meal and a talk on interesting subjects, as well as holding fund-raising events.
We are organising our annual Race Night in aid of our charity fund that supports many local charities, many of which nowadays are struggling for financial support.
You can even suggest a local charity that you think is worthy of our support.
This year we’re holding our Race Night on Saturday, February 22 at the Tynings School in Eastleigh Close, Staple Hill from 7.30pm, for the first race to start at 8pm.
Why not get together some friends to come and support a fun evening for all the family?
We charge £10 a head, which includes a buffet supper, and a bar is available.
There will be films of horse races throughout the evening and, for a small stake, you can back a horse of your choice and take home your winnings!
Come along with the family and friends and have a fun evening while at the same time supporting local charities.
Tickets may be obtained from our secretary, Alan Wallington on 0787 641 8337 or wally@ysmen.co.uk, or from our treasurer, Chris Holmes, on 0117 956 4320 or chrisholmes25@gmail.com.
Jer Mundy
Stay well this winter
WITH the arrival of colder weather and temperatures continuing to drop, health partners, local councils and voluntary sector organisations have joined together to launch the Stay Well This Winter campaign.
It provides advice and guidance on how to manage your health, gives practical tips on keeping your home warm and safe and details where you can access support in the community.
Winter conditions can be bad for our health, especially if we already have a long-term health condition, which makes us more vulnerable.
That’s why it is so important to take proactive action.
By getting vaccinated against flu and COVID-19, keeping your home warm when temperatures drop and making small tweaks to avoid slips and trips at home, you can put yourself in the best shape to stay well this winter.
The Stay Well This Winter campaign provides guidance across 10 topics to help people this winter. They include: boosting your immunity; staying warm and well; making your home winter safe; managing cost of living worries; protecting your mental health; talking to your pharmacist; staying active; picking up prescriptions; looking out for others; looking after yourself.
You can find out more at bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk/stay-well-this-winter.
If you’re not online, call 0117 900 2655 or 0800 073 0907 for help.
Dr Joanne Medhurst,
Chief Medical Officer
NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board