Get to grips with speeding e-scooters
I RECENTLY experienced being very narrowly missed by several e-bikes and e-scooters on the same day whilst walking on pavements in Staple Hill High Street.
These vehicles are extremely quiet. The thought of being hit by one totally distresses me.
As a 77-year-old, I’m not as versatile as I used to be but consider that I am very fit for my age, despite being hard of hearing.
One e-scooter turned left from Staple Hill High Street into Victoria Street against red traffic signals, leaning over at very high speed as I was just about to cross on green pedestrian lights.
A few moments later two e-bikes and an e-scooter came up behind me by the Salvation Army Hall, when my partner turned and saw them, and challenged them about riding on the pavement.
Then by Fountain Square two e-bikers came towards us and stopped when we both challenged them.
Each time they stopped momentarily, gave us blank looks, then rode off at speed.
I am not normally a nervous person but have now become quite anxious when planning to go shopping in the High Street.
There never seem to be any police around to tackle these problems and the speed, whether on the road or pavement, is totally unacceptable, especially when there are many disabled people in mobility scooters and mothers with young children in prams and pushchairs.
We seriously need concerted efforts from both the police and local authorities to provide us with safe places to shop, especially in the very busy High Street.
There must be many other people who have had similar experiences, and I dread to think that a fatality could happen.
If you would like to join me in calling for a strong and effective campaign to get to grips with this totally unacceptable practice, please contact the Voice at news@downendvoice.co.uk and ask to be put in touch with me.
Michael Satherley
Staple Hill
Charity transforms young lives
Councillor Katie Cooper with Ignite Life chief executive Bethanie Cundy
AS Chair of South Gloucestershire Council, I am delighted to announce Ignite Life as my chosen charity for the year, continuing the council’s tradition of supporting vital local causes that make a real difference to our community.
My connection with Ignite Life began in 2021 when, as one of the three Staple Hill & Mangotsfield councillors, my colleagues and I made the decision to use our Member Award Fund money to support their work in local schools.
With this funding, Ignite Life provided family and individual therapy in local primary schools, and I witnessed first-hand the transformative difference they were making to young people and families in community.
What impressed me most was their understanding that every young person deserves the chance to reach their potential, regardless of how they learn or what challenges they face. Ignite Life is a very small charity, but they make the most of every pound they receive and have a tremendous impact on our community.
Ignite Life is a youth charity dedicated to supporting young people overcome adversity through a comprehensive range of services. The charity operates three main support programmes: one-to-one mentoring, professional counselling, and food support for young people.
The charity’s work in providing mentoring, counselling and food support directly addresses the complex needs of young people, offering them the tools and support necessary to overcome adversity and build positive futures.
As the year progresses, the council will be organising various fundraising events and initiatives to support Ignite Life’s vital work in the community.
Cllr Katie Cooper
Staple Hill & Mangotsfield ward
South Gloucestershire Council
Council won’t take responsibility
I WANT to thank the Voice for flagging up the safety concerns around the deteriorating condition of the Jubilee Walkway alongside the River Frome, from the Jubilee Bridge in Lincombe Barn Woods to the Frenchay Bridge at the bottom of Frenchay Road (Voice, July).
The Friends of Lincombe Barn Park & Woods have been in communication with both South Gloucestershire Council and Bristol City Council, as the path travels through land managed by both authorities.
We are very thankful that South Glos Council has repaired the Jubilee Bridge at their end of the Walkway.
However, safety concerns over the Bristol City Council’s section of the Walkway were raised in January 2024 but the enquiry was closed without action.
This April we contacted the Office of Damien Egan MP, but unfortunately he is unable to make representations to BCC on our behalf, as we are not constituents of Bristol North East.
Again, we raised the issue directly with BCC, but their investigation was opened and closed within minutes, stating that “this is not something BCC is responsible for”.
We have now reached out to Claire Hazelgrove MP, in the hope that she will liaise with Damien to help resolve the issue.
The Jubilee Walkway, which reopened in the Queen’s Jubilee year of 2012, is a much-loved, well-used woodland path. We sincerely hope it can be made safe again soon for the many walkers, runners, families and nature lovers who enjoy it.
Diane Paddon
Chair, Friends of Lincombe Barn Park & Woods
Scouts complete incredible challenge
Ten Tors competitors
THE Ten Tors event is an incredible challenge that brings together endurance, teamwork and a spirit of adventure.
The event takes place every year on Dartmoor and the memories of all those who attempt it will stay with them for a lifetime. Many describe the event as being a life-changing experience. Kingswood District Scout community was well represented at this year’s event, which took place in May.
Congratulations to the 26 young people from Kingswood Explorer Scouts, 28th Kingswood Scouts and Downend District Scouts who all participated in one of the distance categories.
The Ten Tors Challenge is attempted each year by 2,400 teenagers in 400 teams of six.
Teams are required to be totally self-sufficient, carrying everything they need including food, water, sleeping bags, tents and safety equipment. They independently navigate routes of 35, 45 or 55 miles over the northern half of Dartmoor, visiting ten nominated tors (check points) on their designated route in under two days.
An incredible amount of hard work goes into the preparation for such an event. All of the young people trained for months, developing not only their physical fitness but their navigational skills and mental strength to cope with such a challenge.
Despite the tiredness, sore feet and aching muscles several of the young people have already declared their intentions to return again next year to complete the next distance.
The Scout leaders are proud of their achievements and look forward to hearing of their adventures in the future.
Jake Hutchinson
28th Kingswood, 1st Downend Scouts