April 2025: Letters

Come to the Staple Hill Expo

STAPLE Hill and Mangotsfield Parish Council is inviting all residents, businesses, and community groups to two key events that celebrate and strengthen our local community.

The Parish Assembly on Thursday April 10 at 7pm is a fantastic opportunity for residents to hear directly from the parish council about key developments and future plans, learn how decisions are made, ask questions, and contribute ideas on issues that matter most to you.

The Parish Council Expo on Saturday April 12 from 11am is a community open day, bringing together local groups, services, and initiatives under one roof.

Residents can meet with councillors, local charities, businesses, and service providers.

Whether you’re interested in volunteering, local environmental projects, or simply want to know more about what’s happening in Staple Hill and Mangotsfield, there will be something for everyone.

Both events take place at the Salvation Army in Broad Street.

The Parish Assembly and Expo are not meetings – they are platforms for dialogue, collaboration, and action.

We want to hear from you, work with you, and ensure our parish continues to thrive. Whether you’ve lived here for years or have just moved in, these events are a great way to get involved, meet new people, and make a real difference.

Both events are free and open to all, with refreshments available throughout.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of something special in Staple Hill and Mangotsfield.

For more information, please visit www.StapleHillandMangotsfield-PC.gov.uk

Ian Campbell

Council Chairman

Thanks for the trees

I WOULD like to say a huge ‘Thank you’ to our council for planting so many trees in our Valley Gardens/Blackhorse area.

I shall look forward to seeing them flourish.

Mary Williams

Westbourne Road

Barking mad

ARE dog owners unable to stop their dogs barking?

At night there is a dog in Mangotsfield which sometimes starts barking around two o’clock in the morning, and continues barking on and off for an hour or so on some nights.

There are also other dogs in the area which are left outside during the day, and bark whenever someone walks by.

Do the owners not think that other residents do not want to hear their dogs, especially at night?

It’s not hard to train dogs, but some people do not seem to be bothered.

Mangotsfield resident

Name and address supplied

A bridge between patients and surgery

DOWNEND Health Group’s Patient Participation Group aims to be a bridge between patients and the surgery and help with communication. 

An understanding of the problems faced by both the professionals and patients can only help to improve the situation.

We have been made aware of and discussed a number of issues around the new booking eConsult system, which the surgery is looking into.

For those patients without access to IT, laptops are available for use in the practice reception

areas. The practice recognises that some patients will require assistance in submitting their requests.

There will be a meeting of the PPG at the Christchurch surgery on May 15 at 6.30pm. 

Any patients of the practice are welcome – the more people who attend, the better. 

Some of the committee will also be available at Staple Hill Library on May 6, from 10.15am.

Please come along and find out a little more about what we hope to achieve and tell us your opinions.

Gaynor Wooley

Downend Health Group

Patient Participation Group