Opposition mounts to Bus Rapid Transit plans

As details emerge of the proposed Rapid Transit route, it looks likely that real damage will be done to Cumberland Road and the historic harbour. The original aspiration for all modern vehicles has been lost. Most of the buses using the route will be depressingly familiar, diverted from other routes including the Long Ashton Park and Ride.

There is widespread opposition to BRT2 along Cumberland Road. Possibly, most-affected are residents in the flats near Gaol Ferry Bridge whose current outlook of the waterfront will be marred by double-deck buses running past every few minutes. Louis Semple who lives in Perrett’s Court says they don’t want to appear as NIMBIES but ‘the feeling of opposition is pretty strong’ and many agree with the Stop BRT2 group that is campaigning to abandon the project entirely because ‘It will not achieve its primary goal of addressing Bristol's transport problems and needs’. Bristol Civic Society has taken a more moderate view but still believes the route of BRT2 should be diverted away from the waterfront by simply running it down Cumberland Road to meet the line from Hengrove at Bathurst Basin, thus avoiding the loss of the Harbour Railway and also expensive engineering works to the Cumberland Road railway bridge.

For further information see Environment & Transport page

Decision time for Cumberland Piazza

Our plans for improving this neglected site will be presented to the Council planning officers shortly. We need your feedback on whether we've got it right.

see Open Spaces & Planning page and follow the link for mopre details of the proposed scheme.

Help plant up the Piazza!

Anyone who walks or cycles through the Cumberland Piazza or Oldfield Place cannot fail to have noticed the display of Spring flowers.

These flowers have brought a real splash of colour into Hotwells. We have had feedback that residents, children on their way to school and visitors have all been enjoying the beauty and the fragrance which wasn’t there before people took matters into their own hands. The flowers were planted by volunteers last autumn. Many thanks to those who gave up their time on a cold grey Saturday in October and got down and dirty for everyone this Spring.
On Sat 9th June 2012 we will be replanting the bags and creating some new borders. Please come to the Piazza between 11am - 4pm if you would like to volunteer to help us with the transformation. Beginners welcome. Wear gardening gloves if possible.
For further information email hotwellscommunitygardening@gmail.com
We are also looking for sponsors able to pay for planters for the piazza, a half barrel with integral water reservoir would cost £95.