Ranting, politics, dissent and no lifestyle journalism about Bristol and beyond. Welcome to The Bristol Blogger.
Many thanks to Archidave for the excellent photo I nicked off his Flickr account for the header. You can view his photos here.
If you want to contribute to The Bristol Blogger leave an interesting message in the comment box below.
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The Bristol Blogger can be contacted at bristol_citizens AT yahoo.co.uk
28 responses so far ↓
Squee // April 16, 2007 at 1:57 pm
Hah, fair play mate, i was reading your blog, it makes me laugh just ripping the piss out of the spinless middle class liberals to be frank, cheers for the great blog and laughs, Squee.
FiendishFish // June 25, 2007 at 8:22 pm
This is a good blog dude, keep it up, maybe we need to educate the people of bristol.
Bristol Antifa Under Devolopment
http://www.bristol.antifa.net
Tim Kent // July 13, 2007 at 10:17 pm
Hi there Bristol Blogger,
Excellent blog - you seem to know what is going on in Bristol politics far more than anyone else.
Can I cheakily promote a campaign:
http://www.ourcampaign.org.uk/openbristolspost
We are trying to force Royal mail to open the Delivery Office in the evenings so people can pick up their missed packages. Sorry I know it is not that interesting but it is so damn annoying when you have to wait for days to get an urgent package.
All the best,
Tim
Ed // August 1, 2007 at 12:49 pm
I suggest you encourage all us enjoyers of your wheeze to vote for you here:
http://iaindale.blogspot.com/2007/07/your-top-20-political-blogs-please.html
Another chance for stardom and awards perhaps?
Archidave // August 3, 2007 at 7:33 am
Here U ! thats my piccie you got there at the head of yor blog!
Ed // September 25, 2007 at 9:21 am
Tory MP hotlinks to a picture direct from his blog.
Blogger sneakily switches image; how long before tory blogger notices:
image:
http://www.b3ta.com/links/MP_Pissing_penis_coin#
tory blog:
http://conservative-future.blogspot.com/2006_06_01_archive.html
Debbie Harris // November 22, 2007 at 10:27 am
Fancy having a pop at the lovely new proposed residents’ parking scheme?
http://www.bristol.gov.uk/ccm/content/press-releases/2007/nov/resparking-cabinetnov07.en
Tom K // November 25, 2007 at 11:41 pm
I really like your blog.
Who are you?
TiMO // December 15, 2007 at 12:57 am
HI BLOGGE ARE YOU STILL CHECKING WHAT TE COUNCIL IS DOING?? WITH THE TENANTS??
Steve, St George // December 16, 2007 at 10:13 pm
I’ve just been put onto this site (and excellent it is - I’m sorry not to have known of it earlier) and I had tp comment on “Tough at the Top” (Nov 8 2007). I couldn’t help thinking how surprisingly little Mr Norton knows of his own organ, especially his claim that “All the letters are from “actual real people”.”
I myself have had numerous letters published in his organ, all under fictitious names and addresses. Admittedly prior to Mr Norton’s tenure, the best one was praising the music in the lifts of Wilkinson’s store in Kingswood which, if I recall correctly, was from a “Chas Chandler” (who I am sure most readers will recognise as bass player with “The Animals” and who passed away in 1996) resident of a non-existant street in Totterdown. This is not to mentiuon that Wlikinson’s in Kingswood is/was a single story buildiung with no customer elevators.
The fact that I (and others) have had so many spoof letters published also brings into question the number of leters Mr Norton claims to receive each week - I believe thsat they are so short of copy they’ll publoish anything without first checking it out.
Woodsy // December 17, 2007 at 3:23 pm
Steve
I was most interested in your comments since I’ve also made use of Mr Norton’s organ to vent my opinions.
However, I have noticed recently that when I submit stuff under my own name, it no longer gets published whilst material of a similar tone under a nom de plume gets in without any trouble. Curious innit?
Chris Millman // December 17, 2007 at 6:36 pm
Yes, this is interesting. I used to be a fairly regular correspondent to the Post letters page but have stopped bothering as they no longer get published. It seems to date back to a letter I wrote criticizing Ian Onions disregard for the Green Party’s chances in the 2006 local elections (when we won Southville.) The letter was edited so that it made no sense, but when I complained it was reprinted in full. I thought I was being paranoid in supposing I had been placed on a blacklist, but perhaps they are out to get me/us.
Steve, St George // December 20, 2007 at 2:55 pm
Woodsy
Sounds to me as though you, like me, have been blackballed by Mr Norton. I believe I provoked him by openly critcising someone whi, it turns out, is one of his mates and now I can no longer post any comments on his website from either of the IP address I use.
So much for representing the views of Bristol. The BEP only represents the views Mr Norton thinks are OK.
Still, that doesn’t stop me from writing in, though. I may start a spate of letters from drummers of 70’s glam rock bands!
BRISTOL PATRIOT // January 9, 2008 at 9:18 pm
Most excellent site Mr.Blogger.Keep up these good works.
Stewart Guy // January 23, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Patchway Northfield. - No, Let’s Call It Charlton Hayes.
Open letter to South Gloucestershire Council.
So, South Gloucestershire Council do not like my emails. Perhaps if this gets printed, then Phil Warry, the person involved may answer the questions outlined below, now that they have approved plans for another massive housing estate, bringing in more than 6,000 new residents. While Bovis say they have taken on board the lessons of the past and David Farley, managing director, states that this will regenerate Patchway. (Bet neither of them live in the area). Plus the architecture is to draw upon Regency/Edwardian Period, as Kingsdown in Bristol. - Should fit in well with the modern buildings at Rolls-Royce:-
* The Local Plan sets out plans to develop 2,200 new houses in 2007 on part of the Filton Airfield. This will generate a need for 4 additional GPs together with the expected GP retirements in the area. There are no existing practices with the ability to provide services to this population. In Patchway, Dr: Rahman’s practice in Bradley Road has just closed and therefore 50% of the patients have been taken on by the Coniston Road practice, leaving the other 50% to go elsewhere. - Little Stoke or Bradley Stoke.
* Patchway Liberal Democrats stand fully behind local residents who insist that none of the new houses should be built on the new development until the new road has been built. This is due to the fact that Patchway is already gridlocked by traffic. - To the North, Aztec West/Bradley Stoke. To the South, Airbus and the MOD. To the East, Rolls-Royce. To the West, the M5 Motorway. At a meeting of residents in 2006, I actually got an answer to my question of when the new road would be built. The South Gloucestershire Council Planning Officer said that it would be the last thing to be built. - This new road would run the course of the old Hays Lane, taking traffic from the A38 Gloucester Road straight to The Mall Shopping Centre and away from Patchway. On many occasions, my wife has left her car in a side road in Patchway and walked home. - One time it took her 3/4 of an hour to get from Patchway Roundabout to our house in Hawthorn Close, a journey that usually takes 10 minutes. My son, who had his own Taxi business, in the end gave up. Because he could not get out of Patchway to his customers and would sit on the end of a telephone ringing other cab drivers to take his fares. Other local residents have had to queue often for over an hour to get out of, or in to Patchway at one time or another. In the North Field Patchway Supplementary Environmental Information 08/2007. Planning Application PT03/3143/0, it states regarding the Link Road. - The original alignment chosen for the road in 2003 was to link onto Highwood Road at the Standing Stone junction. It was designed to ensure that the connection could be accomplished without third party land requirements. However, South Gloucestershire Council’s preferred option was to connect to the San Andreas roundabout to provide a more direct route and facilitate better separation of buses from other traffic. This option was supported by the Inspector and the master plan revisions therefore include the link to the San Andreas roundabout. If the third party land is not made available by the time it is needed, both parties accept it will be appropriate to revert to the alternative option of linking to the Standing Stone roundabout. The Planning Application also states that The Link Road is to be part of Phase 1 and that the proposed development will not significantly affect the setting of the Listed Buildings. Due to the location of the Listed Buildings, with a vast open area to the south and a partially wooded area to the north, the key views of the buildings are from the south. None of these will be obstructed or directly affected by the proposals. There are no buildings proposed within approximately 80m of the Listed Buildings and significant views will not be obstructed. As a result, no significant effects are predicted. The new southern site link road between the A38 and Highwood Road will bound the open southern boundary against the operational airfield to link onto Highwood Road at the San Andreas roundabout. This is a 40mph (65kph) lit road introducing one new roundabout adjacent to Filton Wood, together with a more complex junction onto the A38.
Where is the funding coming from for this Link Road and will it be implemented in Phase 1? As many roads when Yate & Bradley Stoke were build went in almost at the end. South Gloucestershire Council replied:- ‘Section 106 planning agreement, will cover matters such as the Link Road’. The new link road is now to run near the ‘former’ Kwik-Fit garage to the San Andreas roundabout and will commence approximately 12 months after a site start in the first half of 2008..
* ‘It will be a good number of years before a new community centre is built on the Northfield development site’. This is a statement from Patchway Town Council, who also want to take away the Library and Youth Club from Patchway and build them at the new area.
* To use the Public Transport is not the answer. In January, it took me 2 hours to get to an interview. Using the local bus which runs every 12 minutes. In October, 3 #75 buses went passed me at Filton, all displaying ‘Not In Service’ Notices, even though the second bus had passengers onboard and its lights turned off.
* The A38 road bridge can not take the volume of traffic now, as it is down to single lanes both ways, because it does not comply to EU regulations. While the Gypsy Patch Lane railway bridge has been a bone of contention for years, as it needs repairs and neither the Railways or the Council can come to an agreement over who should foot the bill. It is understood that work on the A38 road bridge was scheduled to take place before Christmas 2007 prior to any developments to the airfield. - Well, scaffolding was erected underneath the bridge. Work is now expected to commence in February 2008. The bridge will remain open northbound. But, will be closed southbound for 26 weeks. So, if we want to get back in to Patchway, it will be via the M5. - Clever planning.
* Many Listed Buildings stand on Filton Airfield, of which the Northfield is part and throughout its existence, RAF Filton shared the airfield with the Bristol & Colonial Aeroplane Company whose works are now owned by BAe Systems/Airbus. Being home to many squadrons since 1916 until the 1950’s and early ’60’s, where Filton was designated as a V-bomber dispersal base. During the Cuban Missile Crisis (October 1962) Avro Vulcan V-bombers were at Filton and kept at ‘immediate readiness’ status with engines idling. Over the years more permanent structures were erected, including Barnwell Hall and air raid shelters during the Second World War. Nowadays, many of the RAF buildings, including Barnwell Hall, have been demolished. - By BAe Systems & Rolls-Royce. Also the Belfast Truss hangers - built by German POW’s during the Great War - were wantonly demolished a few years ago on the edge of Filton Airfield to make way for the new Royal Mail sorting depot. Hanger 1 & 2 are Grade II listed and could easily go the same way. Are Listed Buildings only listed if you are not prepared to pay the feeble fine for demolishing it, or will our heritage disappear in the name of progress?
* Artificial badger setts have been constructed in Filton Wood and are being used by the resident badger social group. Also, slow worms were collected and moved from the site last year. But, what of the other wildlife there, i.e. foxes, rabbits, various birds, etc: Is this abundance of wildlife and plant life to be lost as well?
We can see what will happen if this decision goes ahead, local residents will be very angry if the gridlock gets worse when the new development begins. To use the words of Doctor Dennis Fox, when talking about the new town that became Bradley Stoke. ‘We have learnt from the mistakes in Yate and so Bradley Stoke will have a road structure first’. Well it did not. The houses were built and then the roads were put in. After this, shops were built in three areas, splitting the new community. Please do not let this happen again. We are not against progress and recognise the fact that people have to live somewhere. We only ask that when you consider this decision, that the local residents are thought of and that a new road is in place before building starts. Also, have the characteristics of the site in question (i.e. land form, vegetation, ecology, archaeology, listed buildings and public rights of way etc
been properly considered and taken into account in the design of the scheme?
Stewart Guy.
bluebaldee // January 23, 2008 at 11:18 pm
They won’t listen. They’re South Glos Council - almost as useless, vapid and arrogant as their mates in Bristol City Council.
Demonstrate daily outside their offices in Thornbury. Hassle local councillors on their way in and out of work.
Make their lives as uncomfortable as you can.
They’re planning to do the same to you.
Stewart Guy // February 2, 2008 at 12:16 pm
The Shape Of Things To Come.
Parish councillor Martin Richardson - enquiries@charltonhayes.info - has set up this ‘helpful’ website - http://www.charltonhayes.info/ - to provide Patchway Callicroft Ward residents - Why? It affects all the residents in Patchway, not just a handful and the banner states ‘Charlton Hayes. - Informing and promoting participation for the people of Patchway‘. - with up to date information on the proposed 2,200 dwelling Northfield housing development now named Charlton Hayes. Covering planning, related topics such as transport, traffic, the new Town Centre and any other issues of local concern. On the Current Issues Page, under the heading ’Northfield Development – current position‘, dated 21. April 2007. Readers are advised to ’skim over councils objections 1 - 12, then see conclusion‘. - Why? They are all relevant. Plus, the website is running a Poll. - ‘Callicroft Ward Opinion Poll, Patchway Railway Bridge southbound closure’. So, Martin. Is it only residents in the Callicroft Ward who drive cars? If so, why are the roads around Patchway so congested.
Bovis Homes Limited have a consultation website -http://www.bhlconsultation.com/Welcome.asp?Sitecode=Filton - There has been no updates regarding the Northfield site at Filton Airfield, South Gloucestershire since September 2007. Yet we know that the Northfield Relief Road outline planning permission was granted in November 2007. With housing and road construction to commence shortly. The new link road will be complete and ready for use within 2 & 1/2 years from the outline permission. - Patchway Town Council wanted priority given to the construction of the new spine road. - What happened there? Perhaps the Clerk to the Council, Lucy Hamid, would like to answer that one - clerk@patchwaytcouncil.demon.co.uk - The developers phasing strategy envisages 450 houses completed by 2010 - 11. While the Patchway Railway Bridge scaffolding will be completed by the end of January, with work starting in mid to late February. You can submit your comments directly to Bovis online.
Not forgetting South Gloucestershire Council, who have turned down residents requests for a zebra crossing on Coniston Road, opposite the BMX track. So, they certainly do not care about the children of the area, who use the route to get to and from school daily. - I am still waiting for my reply Phil Warry. - Phil.WARRY@gosw.gsi.gov.uk - All correspondence should have the subject header, Northfield. Patchway. South Gloucestershire. Planning Application PT03/3143/0. Also, The Council Plan 2008 - 2011 Draft states that they will, ‘Deliver a Park & Ride facility at Parkway’, more strain on the local roads. Along with improvements to local bus services and for proposals to be well advanced for Rapid Transit Schemes. - You what?
Stewart Guy.
Friendly Reminder // February 26, 2008 at 9:07 am
Can I ask that you take a moment and remind yourself who the enemy is. Suggesting that people who work for the council are unable to “do anything resembling what is generally understood as productive work” reveals a level of naivety and elitism that you apparently hate so much in the people that “run” Bristol.
The people who “work” for the council do just that - work. Employees on the standard pay grades (librarians, administrators, home care assistants and so on) work damn hard, often under incompetent middle-upper management.
So please, concentrate your energy where it belongs and don’t launch attacks on the people who are just doing their everyday jobs, but just happen to be doing them for BCC.
I don’t expect an apology from you as I wouldn’t want to damage your “I don’t give a toss who I piss-off” image. I just hope you think a little more about what you’re writing before you publish it. I’m sure many of the people who read your site work for the council and you are doing yourself no favours.
Cheers.
Lou // February 27, 2008 at 8:22 pm
Has the hacks at the evening pist ever seen Cris Morris /brass eye.
Hats of to the headline ‘The secret paedo files!’ in tonights edition.Is it wrong that, as a homemaker and mother, that this should amuse me so much that I actual bought the evening pist today?.
Ed // March 11, 2008 at 10:14 am
Fair point from friendly reminder two comments up.
And here’s something for you if you haven’t seen it already to welcome the new chief executive:
“…What does Our City look like?
The BBC is collecting pictures of Bristol that capture the soul of the city.
Why? Because Bristol is getting a new Chief Executive, and she’s new to the city. Jan Ormondroyd will be given the “official guided tour”, but we want to show her what Bristolians think of their city.
What are you proud of? What are you ashamed of?
What inspires you? Infuriates you?
What needs shouting about? What needs sorting?
Take a picture that says: “If she hasn’t seen this, she hasn’t seen Bristol”.
We’ll give Jan Ormondroyd the whole album of Bristol by Bristolians.
And we’ll take her on a guided tour of the most challenging views of the city
she would never normally be shown.
Interested? Taking Part is Easy
1. Take a picture.
2. Tell us, in a few words, what it says about Bristol
3. Send us the picture. Email or envelope, we don’t mind.
Email to : mybristol@bbc.co.uk
Post to : Owen Smith, Newsroom, BBC Broadcasting House, Bristol BS8 2LR
4. We’ll put them all on a website and show the Chief Executive the lot….”
ajit8 // April 9, 2008 at 9:27 pm
ex-CPB
Bi-Polarity means democratic centralism is impossible for me.
fully.conscious@gmail.com
Anyone for mental health issues? Part 2 « The Bristol Blogger // April 12, 2008 at 7:34 pm
[...] What?, 2008/03/23 at 3:49 [...]
Save Grove Wood - Act Now! // June 2, 2008 at 10:55 pm
Please, please, please can you start a new post for the following urgent matter. Why?… because this is a classic example of illegal development and destruction of woodland.
Save Grove Wood - Act Now!
A large workmen’s hut was erected on 30th May 2008 in Grove Wood. We understand from Bristol City Council that the erection of buildings in Grove Wood contravenes this Conservation Area and that the landowner is fully aware of this restriction.
We are concerned that this could be the prelude to further infringements of this protected area - the loss of more trees and the destruction of wildlife habitat. We have posted up a notice on site to inform anyone that may be about to undertake any work that their actions will be recorded and we will provide witness statements to achieve a prosecution.
We are urging all local people to keep a close eye on Grove Wood and ensure that any activities are recorded. Anything you see could be usefully posted to the blog to build up a record of activities.
To object to the planning proposal to fell the trees, visit the council website:
http://e2eweb.bristol.gov.uk:80/PublicAccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=K0TDLPDN0P400
Indymedia, “Defend Snuff Mills” - read more:
The area of Snuff Mills starting from the Mill up to the first bridge is currently under attack from aggressive ‘woodland management’.
http://bristol.indymedia.org/article/newswire.php?story_id=14551
K9 // June 10, 2008 at 8:27 am
One of the worst examples of dereliction in central Bristol is on land bounded by Unity Street, Hawkins Street and Jacob Street, Old Market, behind the Evening Post headquarters.
The buildings have been left to fall into disrepair over 30 years. Foliage grows through walls and roofs and a facade is propped up with scaffolding.You’d have thought that the Evening Post would have started a campaign to clean it up, wouldn’t you? I wonder why not?
Cheeseman // June 11, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Just found this site and think it’s fascinating.
Your bloggers have some great things to say about Bristol and working in the city I find I agree with a lot of your thoughts.
But your criticism of the local paper - which I don’t take - has me somewhat perplexed, is it really as bad as you say?
Or perhaps they are doing something right if they are getting so many of you talking about it.
As Oscar Wilde so famously said “The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about. ”
I’ll leave that with you.
Cheeseman
MJ Ray // June 13, 2008 at 9:12 am
Bristol Blogger has nothing to say on the current “Prosperous Places / Sub National Review” that’s going to put SWRDA in top charge of the planning system? Surprising.
Ella // June 16, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Or perhaps they are doing something right if they are getting so many of you talking about it.
-
Last time I checked, it’s doing something pretty wrong that gets people talking.
DESPERATE // June 21, 2008 at 7:54 pm
PLEASE COME BACK BLOGGER HOW CAN THIS CITY RUN WITHOUT YOUR INCITE?
JUST LOOK AROUND ITS FALLING TO PIECES .
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