Work on liveable neighbourhood halted by protestors

Council contractors stopped work on a liveable neighbourhood scheme in Bristol earlier when they were blocked by protestors.

A Bristol City Council team abandoned work to reposition a bus gate to allow a left turn onto Avondale Road as part of changes to the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood.

Protestors gathered at the road from 07:00 BST to protest against the scheme, which they said had "divided" the neighbourhood and "damaged local businesses".

Chair of the council's transport committee Ed Plowden said it was "frustrating" that crews were blocked from carrying out the work, which he said was in response to feedback from the community.

The council's proposed changes to the scheme include replacing bollards on The Avenue and Ducie Road Bridge with camera enforcement, changes to bus gates, and closing off Mildred Street to through traffic.

Melissa Topping, the leader of the campaign group, said: "Ed Plowden is stating that this is based on feedback... but we've looked into it and we've not found anyone that has asked for the bus gate to be moved 20m (65ft).

"So where this feedback has come from I don't know, it's certainly nothing in the consultation."

The liveable neighbourhood trial was introduced with the aim of reducing traffic on residential roads while increasing the number of people cycling and walking, according to the council.

Last year, the initial installation of the bus gate was met with protests and police were present when it was eventually put in place in the early hours of the morning.

Campaigners have said the liveable neighbourhood has had a negative impact on local businesses.

Alex Smith, who has lived in Barton Hill his whole life, said: "Small businesses in Barton Hill have all seen passing trade drop because no-one can drive through the bus gates unless they have exemptions."

Topping added that the scheme had "completely divided the neighbourhood".

"It's a ghost town. Hardly anybody likes it. The people that are cycling through it don't live here."

Councillor Plowden said: "Moving the bus gate on Avonvale Road to the east of its junction with Mildred Street will allow traffic to turn left from Marsh Lane onto Avonvale Road and will improve access to the Wellspring Centre and Days Road.

"This, along with a series of other changes, reflect what people have told us and it is frustrating to see a very small group of people acting in direct opposition to what their neighbours have told us they want to see happen."

A decision on whether the scheme should become permanent is set to be made in July.

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