Brockley Combe Road Tree Works
Following a recent tree survey of Brockley woods, several trees along the north side of Brockley Combe road have been selected for removal in the interest of public safety. These are predominantly trees affected by Ash dieback disease, which leads to increased risk of branch and tree failure. Some trees of other species will also be removed due to mechanical damage or fungal pathogens that compromise their stability. The purpose of these works is to mitigate as far as possible the risk to public safety caused by trees, whilst causing minimal damage to the woodland and environment as a whole. Due to the scale of the works and the proximity to the road of some trees, it has been decided that the safest course of action will be to close Brockley Combe Road while the works take place. ● The closure will extend along Brockley Combe Road between its junction with the A370 and the turning to fountain timber ● The closure will be in effect between 08:00 and 16:00 daily between Monday the 6th and Friday the 10th of November 2023 ● If the works can be completed in fewer days, the road will be reopened sooner ● A diversion suitable for all traffic will be in place for the duration of the works We apologise for any inconvenience caused by these works. Every effort will be made to minimise disruption to the public throughout these safety critical works. If you have any queries, please email info@wildwoodtreecare.co.uk
Following a recent tree survey of Brockley woods, several trees along the north side of Brockley Combe road have been selected for removal in the interest of public safety. These are predominantly trees affected by Ash dieback disease, which leads to increased risk of branch and tree failure. Some trees of other species will also be removed due to mechanical damage or fungal pathogens that compromise their stability. The purpose of these works is to mitigate as far as possible the risk to public safety caused by trees, whilst causing minimal damage to the woodland and environment as a whole. Due to the scale of the works and the proximity to the road of some trees, it has been decided that the safest course of action will be to close Brockley Combe Road while the works take place. ● The closure will extend along Brockley Combe Road between its junction with the A370 and the turning to fountain timber ● The closure will be in effect between 08:00 and 16:00 daily between Monday the 6th and Friday the 10th of November 2023 ● If the works can be completed in fewer days, the road will be reopened sooner ● A diversion suitable for all traffic will be in place for the duration of the works We apologise for any inconvenience caused by these works. Every effort will be made to minimise disruption to the public throughout these safety critical works. If you have any queries, please email info@wildwoodtreecare.co.uk
UPDATED INFORMATION 23 September 2023
BROCKLEY PARISH COUNCIL – BSIP Proposal for A370/Brockley Combe Junction – 21/09/23
Following a meeting with the NSC highways infrastructure manager for delivering the BSIP plan on 21th September, the parish council would like to update you of events to date.
Brockley Parish Council submitted a response to North Somerset Highways raising an objection to the proposed changes at this junction based upon several reasons: the manner and timeframe of the disclosure to the Council, the timescales for consultation and feedback; lack of evidence of the need for changes and unsuitability of the proposed alternative route that Parishioners affected by the prohibited right turn at the junction would have to take. A site meeting was held on 21st with a representative from NSC highways.
It transpires that the version of the plan we were sent on the 29th of August was a long outdated version, despite it also matching that posted to the general public on the 6th September. Note, this document is no longer available on their web site today. The revised version is appended to the end of this letter.
The plan shows that the position of the bus lane in both directions has changed to the nearside. Automated bus gates are still very much of the plan. The slip road from the Combe on the left turn to Congresbury no longer exists. The prohibition of the right turn into Brockley Lane is necessitated by the physical constraints of the junction. To permit the right turn for traffic coming from Congresbury and turning right up the Combe to the airport via a ‘filter’ lane for traffic to wait in post the lights, and the statutory requirements for the ‘length’ this has to be, precludes a similar ‘filter’ lane in the opposite direction. The arguments for retaining this ‘right’ turn over that in the opposite direction are based on traffic volumes from a revised study conducted last year.
BSIP improvements to the junctions at Congresbury and Backwell are in phase B of the plan and are apparently more complicated.
The Smallways improvement has been delayed due to objections by the Bat Society.
Funding for the improvements is provided by a DFT government fund with defined limitations on what it may be spent on and is a ‘sub’ grant from the award WECA obtained. Apparently WECA was granted the highest amount of all authorities in the UK (circa 400 million) of which NSC was granted 47million.
The timescales for the works to begin have been driven by when this money becomes available, although it wasn’t exactly clear as to why it had to be October.
We indicated that the major objection being levied by the Parishioners was the prohibition of the right turn, and the unsuitability of the alternative routes.
It appears that traffic surveys suggest that the preferred route for traffic coming out of Backwell and wishing to turn right towards the Clevedon/Yatton, Nailsea and Chelvey areas currently uses Chelvey Road! This will consistently be used as NSC’s justification for its proposed alternative route. NSC did note some additional points we raised though.
NSC have agreed to review the drawings for the junction and attempt to continue to permit the right turn to be allowed. We remain doubtful as to whether this will be achieved.
We stressed that we felt it is being presented as a fait accompli, but NSC did indicate that work specifically to change the junction for BSIP wasn’t scheduled until the beginning of November, so technically there is time to make changes.
Regarding the short timescales for consultation and feedback, NSC admitted errors had been made and that representatives from highways would be on duty over the weekend of the 30th/1st October to review feedback.
Let us see what transpires. We will continue to put pressure on NSC. Thank you for your support in this matter.
BROCKLEY PARISH COUNCIL – BSIP Proposal for A370/Brockley Combe Junction – 21/09/23
Following a meeting with the NSC highways infrastructure manager for delivering the BSIP plan on 21th September, the parish council would like to update you of events to date.
Brockley Parish Council submitted a response to North Somerset Highways raising an objection to the proposed changes at this junction based upon several reasons: the manner and timeframe of the disclosure to the Council, the timescales for consultation and feedback; lack of evidence of the need for changes and unsuitability of the proposed alternative route that Parishioners affected by the prohibited right turn at the junction would have to take. A site meeting was held on 21st with a representative from NSC highways.
It transpires that the version of the plan we were sent on the 29th of August was a long outdated version, despite it also matching that posted to the general public on the 6th September. Note, this document is no longer available on their web site today. The revised version is appended to the end of this letter.
The plan shows that the position of the bus lane in both directions has changed to the nearside. Automated bus gates are still very much of the plan. The slip road from the Combe on the left turn to Congresbury no longer exists. The prohibition of the right turn into Brockley Lane is necessitated by the physical constraints of the junction. To permit the right turn for traffic coming from Congresbury and turning right up the Combe to the airport via a ‘filter’ lane for traffic to wait in post the lights, and the statutory requirements for the ‘length’ this has to be, precludes a similar ‘filter’ lane in the opposite direction. The arguments for retaining this ‘right’ turn over that in the opposite direction are based on traffic volumes from a revised study conducted last year.
BSIP improvements to the junctions at Congresbury and Backwell are in phase B of the plan and are apparently more complicated.
The Smallways improvement has been delayed due to objections by the Bat Society.
Funding for the improvements is provided by a DFT government fund with defined limitations on what it may be spent on and is a ‘sub’ grant from the award WECA obtained. Apparently WECA was granted the highest amount of all authorities in the UK (circa 400 million) of which NSC was granted 47million.
The timescales for the works to begin have been driven by when this money becomes available, although it wasn’t exactly clear as to why it had to be October.
We indicated that the major objection being levied by the Parishioners was the prohibition of the right turn, and the unsuitability of the alternative routes.
It appears that traffic surveys suggest that the preferred route for traffic coming out of Backwell and wishing to turn right towards the Clevedon/Yatton, Nailsea and Chelvey areas currently uses Chelvey Road! This will consistently be used as NSC’s justification for its proposed alternative route. NSC did note some additional points we raised though.
NSC have agreed to review the drawings for the junction and attempt to continue to permit the right turn to be allowed. We remain doubtful as to whether this will be achieved.
We stressed that we felt it is being presented as a fait accompli, but NSC did indicate that work specifically to change the junction for BSIP wasn’t scheduled until the beginning of November, so technically there is time to make changes.
Regarding the short timescales for consultation and feedback, NSC admitted errors had been made and that representatives from highways would be on duty over the weekend of the 30th/1st October to review feedback.
Let us see what transpires. We will continue to put pressure on NSC. Thank you for your support in this matter.
FOR INFORMATION
Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 - Section 14
Notice of Temporary Traffic Regulation Order
North Somerset Council (A370 Main Road, Brockley and Brockley Combe Road, Backwell, North Somerset) (Temporary 30MPH Speed Limit) Order 2023
Date came into force: 2nd October 2023
Ref: T23-17a
Notice is hereby given that North Somerset Council in pursuance of the provisions of section 14 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended, has made an order the effect of which is to restrict, temporarily, any vehicle from exceeding 30 miles per hour on the lengths of road specified in the Schedule to this notice.
Exemptions are included for emergency services.
This order was required because of the need to protect the general public and workforce during major work relating to BSIP (Bus Service Improvement Plan) at A370 Main Road, Brockley and Brockley Combe Road, Backwell, North Somerset. The order will become operative on 2nd October 2023 for a maximum period of eighteen months. However, the temporary speed limit may not be implemented for the whole of the period but only as necessitated by the works which is anticipated to be of 20 weeks in duration.
SCHEDULE
A370 Main Road, Brockley – From its Southwestern most junction with Chelvey Batch to its junction with Littlewood Lane.
Brockley Combe Road, Backwell – From its Junction with A370 Main Road, Brockley to a point 50 m south along Brockley Combe Road.
For further information www.n-somerset.gov.uk/roadworks
Rob Thomson, Head of Infrastructure, Place, North Somerset Council, Town Hall, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1UJ 01934 888 802
Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 - Section 14
Notice of Temporary Traffic Regulation Order
North Somerset Council (A370 Main Road, Brockley and Brockley Combe Road, Backwell, North Somerset) (Temporary 30MPH Speed Limit) Order 2023
Date came into force: 2nd October 2023
Ref: T23-17a
Notice is hereby given that North Somerset Council in pursuance of the provisions of section 14 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended, has made an order the effect of which is to restrict, temporarily, any vehicle from exceeding 30 miles per hour on the lengths of road specified in the Schedule to this notice.
Exemptions are included for emergency services.
This order was required because of the need to protect the general public and workforce during major work relating to BSIP (Bus Service Improvement Plan) at A370 Main Road, Brockley and Brockley Combe Road, Backwell, North Somerset. The order will become operative on 2nd October 2023 for a maximum period of eighteen months. However, the temporary speed limit may not be implemented for the whole of the period but only as necessitated by the works which is anticipated to be of 20 weeks in duration.
SCHEDULE
A370 Main Road, Brockley – From its Southwestern most junction with Chelvey Batch to its junction with Littlewood Lane.
Brockley Combe Road, Backwell – From its Junction with A370 Main Road, Brockley to a point 50 m south along Brockley Combe Road.
For further information www.n-somerset.gov.uk/roadworks
Rob Thomson, Head of Infrastructure, Place, North Somerset Council, Town Hall, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1UJ 01934 888 802
North Somerset Council have published plans for changes at the Brockley Combe traffic light junction which will ban turning right from the A370 down Brockley Lane as part of BSIP improvements.
BROCKLEY PARISH COUNCIL WAS NOT AWARE OF THE BAN ON TURNING RIGHT INTO BROCKLEY LANE AND IS SEEKING CLARIFICATION. PARISHIONERS HAVE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 29TH TO COMMENT.
The notice published by North Somerset Council is as follows:-
NOTICE OF INTENT
NORTH SOMERSET COUNCIL
(A370 MAIN ROAD, BROCKLEY)
(PROHIBITED MOVEMENT) ORDER 2023
Notice is HEREBY GIVEN that North Somerset District Council proposes to make an Order under the provisions of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and Traffic Management Act 2004, as amended, the effect of which will be to prohibit any vehicle from making a right turn onto Brockley Lane from A370 Main Road, Brockley.
The changes are necessary due to the implementation of bus lanes on Main Road, Brockley. The bus lanes are intended to reduce bus journey times and improve reliability for buses, supporting the council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). Information about BSIP is available on the council’s website at https://www.n-somerset.gov.uk/BSIP.
Full details of the proposals are contained in the draft order which, together with a plan and a statement of the Councils reasons for proposing to make the Order may be inspected online using the following website address: https://www.n-somerset.gov.uk/notices
Should you wish to make any observations on this proposal (whether you support or object to the proposal) you should make them in writing to the Director of Place at the address or email address below quoting reference BSIP/BC/2023/2 by 5pm on 29th September.
Any objections must specify the grounds on which they are made. Please note that all representations received may be considered in public by the Council and that the substance of any representation together with the name and address of the person making it could become available for public inspection.
Town Hall
Weston-super-Mare
BS23 1UJ
Tel No (01934) 888888
Email: traffic.orders@n-somerset.gov.uk
Dated: 6th September 2023
Schedule
(Prohibition of Right Turn)
From To
A370 Main Road, Brockley
Brockley Lane, Brockley
BROCKLEY PARISH COUNCIL WAS NOT AWARE OF THE BAN ON TURNING RIGHT INTO BROCKLEY LANE AND IS SEEKING CLARIFICATION. PARISHIONERS HAVE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 29TH TO COMMENT.
The notice published by North Somerset Council is as follows:-
NOTICE OF INTENT
NORTH SOMERSET COUNCIL
(A370 MAIN ROAD, BROCKLEY)
(PROHIBITED MOVEMENT) ORDER 2023
Notice is HEREBY GIVEN that North Somerset District Council proposes to make an Order under the provisions of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and Traffic Management Act 2004, as amended, the effect of which will be to prohibit any vehicle from making a right turn onto Brockley Lane from A370 Main Road, Brockley.
The changes are necessary due to the implementation of bus lanes on Main Road, Brockley. The bus lanes are intended to reduce bus journey times and improve reliability for buses, supporting the council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). Information about BSIP is available on the council’s website at https://www.n-somerset.gov.uk/BSIP.
Full details of the proposals are contained in the draft order which, together with a plan and a statement of the Councils reasons for proposing to make the Order may be inspected online using the following website address: https://www.n-somerset.gov.uk/notices
Should you wish to make any observations on this proposal (whether you support or object to the proposal) you should make them in writing to the Director of Place at the address or email address below quoting reference BSIP/BC/2023/2 by 5pm on 29th September.
Any objections must specify the grounds on which they are made. Please note that all representations received may be considered in public by the Council and that the substance of any representation together with the name and address of the person making it could become available for public inspection.
Town Hall
Weston-super-Mare
BS23 1UJ
Tel No (01934) 888888
Email: traffic.orders@n-somerset.gov.uk
Dated: 6th September 2023
Schedule
(Prohibition of Right Turn)
From To
A370 Main Road, Brockley
Brockley Lane, Brockley
THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING is held in March/April each year and is well attended. Formal business usually takes half an hour and is followed by a presentation on a topic of local interest with an external speaker.
2023's meeting will be held in St Bridget's Church at 8.00pm on Monday 27th March
and will include a talk by District Cllr Steve Hogg on the new Demand Response Transport system.
2023's meeting will be held in St Bridget's Church at 8.00pm on Monday 27th March
and will include a talk by District Cllr Steve Hogg on the new Demand Response Transport system.
Complaints to Bristol Airport regarding noise.
At the Airport Consultative Committee on Wednesday 12 July 2023, the noise complaint telephone line was discussed due to issues being experienced. Recently the recorded message system has been misused and was being used to record messages unrelated to noise complaints. This resulted in residents wishing to record noise complaints being unable to do so, due to the line being ‘blocked’ and full of messages. This caused obvious frustration to residents wishing to make legitimate noise complaints and being unable to do so.
From the data over the last few years, the majority of residents use the online portal for reporting noise complaints, with a small minority of residents using the telephone recording line. After discussions, and to continue being inclusive and providing residents an alternative way of reporting noise complaints for those not wishing to use the internet. From Monday 7th August 2023 the telephone line will be removed, and a postal process will be introduced.
The two ways of logging noise complaints will be:
All complaints are responded to and recorded, with statistics being publicly reported to the Airport Consultative Committee and within Bristol Airport’s, Annual Monitoring Report.
For more information on aircraft noise frequently asked questions, flight paths to and from the airport, and other noise related information please visit Noise management policies at Bristol Airport
At the Airport Consultative Committee on Wednesday 12 July 2023, the noise complaint telephone line was discussed due to issues being experienced. Recently the recorded message system has been misused and was being used to record messages unrelated to noise complaints. This resulted in residents wishing to record noise complaints being unable to do so, due to the line being ‘blocked’ and full of messages. This caused obvious frustration to residents wishing to make legitimate noise complaints and being unable to do so.
From the data over the last few years, the majority of residents use the online portal for reporting noise complaints, with a small minority of residents using the telephone recording line. After discussions, and to continue being inclusive and providing residents an alternative way of reporting noise complaints for those not wishing to use the internet. From Monday 7th August 2023 the telephone line will be removed, and a postal process will be introduced.
The two ways of logging noise complaints will be:
- Click on the link via the website and record the complaint using the online noise complaint portal (this remains the same).
- Or write to: Bristol Airport, Noise Complaints, Lulsgate House, Bristol, BS48 3DW. Residents will need to provide the same information including name, address, date, time of incident, and relevant information as per the previous noise reporting telephone line.
All complaints are responded to and recorded, with statistics being publicly reported to the Airport Consultative Committee and within Bristol Airport’s, Annual Monitoring Report.
For more information on aircraft noise frequently asked questions, flight paths to and from the airport, and other noise related information please visit Noise management policies at Bristol Airport
The Queen's Green Canopy
We are pleased to have planted a new oak tree on the triangle near St Nicholas Church under the Queen;s Green Canopy Scheme for the Platinum Jubilee. https://queensgreencanopy.org
Nailsea Community Trust
Nailsea Community Trust have asked us to remind you that Brockley is within their "catchment area" and that the Trust can make grants to applicants (individuals, organisations serving those in the village and community-benefit events) for the purpose of relieving poverty, and to promote the physical and emotional well-being of persons within our community.
Please refer to www.nailseacommunitytrust.org.uk for more information.
Nailsea Community Trust have asked us to remind you that Brockley is within their "catchment area" and that the Trust can make grants to applicants (individuals, organisations serving those in the village and community-benefit events) for the purpose of relieving poverty, and to promote the physical and emotional well-being of persons within our community.
Please refer to www.nailseacommunitytrust.org.uk for more information.
Friendly Calls provide a lifeline to isolated Older People
|
Age UK Somerset has adapted its services to meet the needs of local older people in these uncertain times. Aiming to reach those who are feeling particularly cut-off during self-isolation, the charity have set up a new service to alleviate the sense of loneliness experienced by many especially those shielding alone.
The Friendly Phone Calls service involves each client receiving a regular friendly phone call from a member of Age UK Somerset staff, to check in on them and help them to feel more connected. The regular calls lessen anxiety and offer clients an opportunity to talk about their concerns, allowing staff to signpost them to any other services which may be of further help to them. This is a vital service for older people during the lockdown, many of whom do not speak to anyone else for days or even weeks. One lady who is receiving a weekly call said of the service “It's excellent, a great help. It's one of the things that will help us get through this, knowing there's someone who cares enough to call you and see how you are getting on. It's nice having someone to talk to and complain to!” As more older people register for the service, or are referred to the service through partner organisations such as Mind with whom Age UK Somerset works as part of the Somerset Mental Health Alliance, so to meet demand the local charity has now increased the size of the friendly team so anyone over 60 in Somerset or North Somerset can hear a friendly voice on the end of the phone to cheer up their day if they request the free service. To register for these Friendly phone calls you call 01823 345610, email info@ageuksomerset.org.uk or visit the charity’s dedicated new website www.ageuksomersetcoronavirus.org.uk |
|
|
|
SAVE THE DATE ....
|
Royal Voluntary Service - COMMUNITY COMPANIONS
Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) are currently developing a volunteer-led initiative across North Somerset to help reduce isolation and loneliness within older people.
The project's - known as Community Companions - primary focus is to recruit and train small teams of volunteers to provide companion support to the most isolated within their own communities. The more local the focus the better. Royal Voluntary Service provides all the background support, DBS’s, safeguarding, insurance and training services for the volunteers to facilitate such activity to happen safely.
The aim is to attract volunteers to join the project and establish a local support network that can then reach out to help the most isolated.
Does this sound of interest to you?
If so, please take a look at Community Companions Guide
RVS Community Companions website
The project's - known as Community Companions - primary focus is to recruit and train small teams of volunteers to provide companion support to the most isolated within their own communities. The more local the focus the better. Royal Voluntary Service provides all the background support, DBS’s, safeguarding, insurance and training services for the volunteers to facilitate such activity to happen safely.
The aim is to attract volunteers to join the project and establish a local support network that can then reach out to help the most isolated.
Does this sound of interest to you?
If so, please take a look at Community Companions Guide
RVS Community Companions website
Upcoming road closures:
