Avonmouth Village

Community Plan
 Thank you to all of those who have participated
in this plan so far by completing the survey or
attending conferences.

Copyright © 2016 Avona. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed,
or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or
mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
 Contents
Welcome Page 2
Who is Avona Page 3
The consultation process Page 5
What needs to be done
Crime and Policing, Traffic and Pedestrian Improvements Page 7
Public Transport, Education and Training, Planning, Young People Page 9
Street Scene: Parks, Open Spaces and Play Page 10
Health and Wellbeing Page 11
Community Buildings and Facilities Page 13
What happens next? Page 15
Funding and support Page 19
 Welcome

Welcome to the Avonmouth Village Community Plan

Our home is a small village placed next to a very large Port. Avonmouth is
traditionally an industrial area which continues to create jobs and wealth for the
City of Bristol and we believe deserves a greater share in that success. People
generally come here if they are on business or have friends or family living here,
it is not a place that you tend to just pass through.

The village has a number of local community groups and amenities which includes
high street shopping a local primary school and Children’s Centre, parks and play
areas with an active Church and community centre. All these are accessible
through road, bus and rail links. The area is vibrant in many ways with a strong
sense of identity but in 2014 the village suffered from a major fly infestation.
Action was immediately demanded by residents from our nearby industrial
neighbour who caused the problem and local Government as this sudden and
unexpected intrusion had a serious impact on our daily life. It felt at this moment
we were in more than a conflict with a local company which fired the
determination that Avonmouth also deserves a better deal all round. We want to see
prevention of future industrial pollution but equally importantly AVONA wants to
help steer us towards solving the issues you have raised.

2
Who is Avona?

Avona is a group of Avonmouth residents and people committed to the future of the village .
The Avona Group came together to seize the opportunity which First Steps offered to pull
together a vision of how local people would like their community to develop over the next five
to ten years.

Avona currently consists of a Steering Group of 8 local people who have focused on delivering
the consultation, community events and work to create this plan. The Steering Group recog-
nises that it has focused tightly on the creation and delivery of the Community Plan. The next
phase of its work will be to help progress some of the actions in the plan and develop as an
umbrella group to bring the community together. During the creation of this plan the volun-
teers utilised the current skills in the Group:
- IT and design skills
- organisational and project management skills
- event organisation and communication skills
- negotiation and liaison skills
- writing and administration skills
- team work and meeting skills
- promotion and advertising skills
- problem solving

Delivering the Plan

Avona have worked with a range of statutory and voluntary services in the development of the
Community Plan:
Avonmouth and Somerset Police contributed to our Conference in October and are still
developing actions which they will feed into this plan; Bristol City Council’s (BCC) Com-
munity Learning Team, Economic Development Team and Pollution team have worked
alongside us and will continue to contribute to the actions in this Plan. The Port of Bristol
have confirmed their willingness to support the improved working relationships which have
been such a strong call from residents in our survey; BCC Community Development have
contributed to conversations with residents and the Public Health Team is committed to
developing work to address health concerns of local people. BCC Highways team will
support actions through the NP’s Traffic and Transport sub-group and BCC Parks through
the Environment sub-group.

3
 The positives of life in Avonmouth

The negatives of life in Avonmouth

4
 The Consultation Process

For the reasons stated in the introduction, we got together and decided what form the survey
would take and what questions would be asked.
When the surveys had been printed, they were delivered to every house in the village (900) by
a group of runners called “Good Gym”, they combine running and fitness with delivering door
to door as a way to help other people. Several of our members followed in cars and gave out
the surveys to the runners along the way. Besides the door to door delivery copies were put in
the Library, Church and Church Hall, Health Centre, Community Centre and some shops and
cafes. All had stamped addressed envelopes to return them to the Council, but there were also
boxes in strategic places where people could leave them if they preferred. There was also a
facility for people to fill in the survey on line. Posters were also put up around the village
advertising the Survey and also letting people know that a short cruise from Avonmouth to
Dublin was the prize in a draw which could be won by sending back the completed survey
promptly. This had been donated by Maritime Cruises, one of the Companies running cruises
from our docks.
On 17th October 2015 we had an event to which the Community was invited if they had any
questions about the survey or if they had any difficulties filling it in. This involved a lot of
cake, tea and coffee. It was attended by 10-15 residents. At that event we did the draw for the
cruise and it was won by a resident of King Street. The week before on 10th October an event
was run by the Polish Community to explain it to them and to get them involved in the process.
It was well attended by other ethnic groups too, in all 10-15 residents attended. We want to
reach out to all members of the community here.
The surveys continued to come in, mostly by post and when we got to about seventy, we
decided to do another drop just in case people had thought the original might be junk mail and
binned them, we thought that now the word was getting through we may get some more back.
This second drop – which was not as extensive was done by volunteers who deliver the Bridge
Magazine and by volunteers from the group. This was quite successful, in that more surveys
were returned. In all we have had over 100 returned which is between 11 and 12%.
On Saturday 28th November 2015, we had a “Community Conference” which was attended
by 50-60 residents. We had topic tables to reflect the questions in the survey and all comments
were recorded. Graphs and pie charts were put on the walls to inform people of the results of
the survey so far. People were very willing to give their views on the day and again there were
refreshments.

5
 Results from the survey and from discussions at the conference
Many of the results of the survey were what we would have expected:
● Pollution- dust, noise, smells from industry, and scruffy business premises.
● Dirty streets, rubbish and dog fouling.
● Speeding traffic and HGV’s using residential roads and parking in the village at night.
● Crime, particularly drugs and the closure of the Police Station and lack of visible Police
Officers.
● Concerns about empty buildings e.g. the Police Station, Bus Station and Public Toilets.
● The number of houses being taken over by private landlords and turned into multiple
occupation premises and substandard accommodation, making it difficult for families
to find decent housing.
● Facilities for 11-19 year olds including lack of sports facilities and safe open spaces.
● A lack of retail competition in the village. There was a lot of interest in the suggestion
of a weekly market from prospective stall holders and customers.
● A lot of people had skills that they felt they could swap and a lot of interest in
educational courses.
● Many positives were also highlighted such as residents generally felt safe walking in the
village, there is a strong sense of community and we have some very good parks and
open spaces.

6
 What needs to be done?

Crime and Policing

The perception of crime levels is far worse than the actual reality. The survey and conference
showed us residents felt there was a lack of police presence in the area. Drug using and drug
dealing are issues in certain areas of the village but the Crime Commissioners police priorities
does not include drugs.
Residents would like to see these actions:
● Bringing together of all of the public safety bodies to develop better communications
and reassurance for local residents.
● Regular visits from Community Contact vehicle.
● Build links with Port Police.
● Links to Neighbourhood pages on Avon and Somerset Police website.
● Educate people to report crimes.
● Lobby Police and Crime Commissionaire to include drug issues as a priority.
● CCTV: Who pays: Council/ Private/Community?
Traffic and Pedestrian Improvements
It was expressed that pedestrian crossing intervals are too short at main traffic lights across
Avonmouth Road and M5 roundabout junction including nearby Portway crossing and St
Andrews Road and Crowley Way roundabout crossings. It was also felt that local road
markings (lane indications) are confusing and considered a potential accident risk and there
are parking issues in Avonmouth Village (Street Corners). Lorries speeding and parking in
Portview Road are causing nuisance and dog fouling in the village is also an issue.
Residents would like to see these actions:
● Liaise with Traffic Signals (pedestrian crossings)
● Liaise with Traffic Management (road markings).
● Surveying Avonmouth Village for parking issues including HGVs on Portview Road
and parking on street corners for example Cook Street and Marsh Street.
● Consider lobbying Highways/Neighbourhood Partnership for parking restrictions.
Community Speed Watch programme, this can be very effective for lorry drivers.
● Dog Wardens (Enforcement)
● Keep council to their promise to sort out the weight restriction signs on residential roads.

7
 Public Transport
The survey showed that generally the train service is very good, cheap and reliable. The only
complaint was that the timetable has been moved away from the shops onto the station at
Clifton Down which causes inconvenience to passengers.
There was not much support for the Henbury Loop line extension.
The results show that the bus services in Avonmouth are felt to be expensive and unreliable
Since the number 3 route has been extended through the trading estates and Lawrence Weston
to the Mall lots of buses are late or missing.
The 501 service has now been made hourly from 1/2 hourly which has caused some residents
to miss their appointments at Southmead Hospital because of buses being missed out or late.
Residents would like to see these actions:
● Ask people to keep supporting the Severn Beach Line.
● Ask First Great Western why the timetable has been moved.
● Keep pushing for the Henbury Link and for a station on the old Filton Airfield which
would serve the Mall at Cribbs Causeway.
● Contact First Bus regarding problems with No. 3 bus and ask Wessex why they have
degraded the 501 route and try to get 1/2 hourly service reinstated.

8
 Education and Training
The results of the survey and conference showed we have a good variety of activities in the
village. The main place for this is Avonmouth Community Centre which has a wide range of
activities such as a job club, computer classes, a dyslexia and literacy club, a skills exchange
group and an art club.
Residents would like to see these actions:
● Encourage more courses in technology (ie basic computer repairs and programming),
cookery classes (cooking on a budget and more advanced) and small business / enter-
prise help and support.
● More local advertising is needed to make residents aware of the clubs and courses
available.
Planning
Concern was raised through the conference and survey about vacant buildings in Avonmouth.
The buildings mentioned the most were the toilet block, former bus station and the police
station.
Residents would like to see these actions:
● Form a local planning group to develop communications and involve residents in
planning applications that directly affect the local community.
● Build links with local developers and to improve relations and communication.
● Produce a newsletter with information regarding any planned developments within the
area.
● Invite more residents to become involved in a planning group by advertising at local
facilities (library, community centre).
Young People
To get the opinions of children we approached Avonmouth C of E Primary School and asked
them to ask for pupils thoughts on Avonmouth. Overall the children were generally happy
living in Avonmouth. The main concern expressed by pupils was the amount of traffic in the
village and they were worried about accidents. Another concern was the cleanliness of the
streets and the amount of dog fouling in the park. Older children (11-16) were not part of the
survey process.
Residents would like to see these actions:
● More work is needed to get the opinions of older children (11-16 year olds). Possibly
work in partnership with other areas to undertake a survey of all high school aged pupils
in the area.
● Make younger people aware of activities and facilities available within the village
through more advertising on notice boards, social media etc.
● Ask local schools to consider awareness campaigns such as road safety, litter and the
importance of recycling.
9
 Street Scene: Parks, Open Spaces and Play
The survey and conference tells us we’ve got some good parks in Avonmouth. Residents
especially like the main park with a partitioned area for children because it is secure and has a
separate area suitable for dog walkers.
Issues highlighted include:
● the general look of the area, some of the industrial units look dated and the streets look
untidy with litter and discarded furniture.
● Some areas are overgrown.
● Rubbish collections are not often enough leading to overflowing bins and bags of waste
left on the streets (especially by flats, shops and the community centre).
Residents would like to see these actions:
● High Viz: group of people litter picking doing stuff in between what BCC is doing
(particularly in the summer).
● Wacky walkers could adopt the lane next to Richmond Terrace Play area and keep it
tidy.
● Talk to SevernNet about the look of the industrial buildings in Avonmouth (industry has
a part to play in the look of the area).
● Contact the Council and ask that once jobs have been completed the highway furniture
such as barriers and cones are removed.
● Flower beds in the area give a good impression and may help instil a sense of pride in
the community and encourage residents to act more responsibly with waste.

10
 Health and Wellbeing
Residents are positive about the good community spirit and friendliness of Avonmouth. Many
felt the area was safe and that there is peace and quiet (however – see below for a different
perspective) Over 50% of people surveyed use the library and community centre and there was
good awareness locally of those facilities and what they offer. People also referred to the
benefits they gained from volunteering, gardening, cycling, dog walking, community activities
and having family and friends nearby. In terms of medical services, 62.5% of respondents to
the questionnaire use Avonmouth Medical Centre and there was high use of the local pharma-
cy and dentist. Satisfaction with these services was recorded as high. 75% of people also
enjoyed using the local parks and open spaces. The local gym has been relocated to the Royal
Hotel and there is interest in the old location being replaced and developed, along with
improvements to the Avonmouth Football club building.
The resident feedback on negative impacts on people’s health is dominated, unsurprisingly, by
concerns around air quality, dust, bad smells, traffic, noise and litter as a result of the close
proximity of the port and industry. Almost 70% of respondents in the survey felt HGVs are a
neighbourhood problem. As well as concerns about the impact of all this on physical health,
it is clear from the survey and feedback at public meetings that some residents also experience
anxiety and depression as a result of this.
In response to these concerns and guided by the health issues raised by residents, Public Health
England carried out a Health Profile of Avonmouth. The results of this were presented and
discussed at a public meeting in November 2015, with key issues highlighted related to cancer,
coronary heart disease, strokes and mental health.
However, as well as this it is important to note from the residents survey that there are other
very significant issues highlighted which impact on health. 56% of people are concerned or
very concerned about drug abuse in the area, and 48% about alcohol abuse. 25% of people
reported concerns around prejudiced based incidents and 55% are concerned or very con-
cerned about vandalism. 18% are concerned or very concerned about levels of domestic abuse.
There was a lot of dissatisfaction expressed about the loss of the police station and lack of
visible police presence and a suggestion that it would be good to have some kind of a police
hub at the community centre.
There was a view that there are people who are socially isolated, and that there should be better
communication between the medical centre and community groups. Sheltered accommoda-
tion for the elderly was identified as a local need so people can stay in the community as they
get older.
When asked about shops, fruit and vegetable shop, a good butcher and bakers came out
strongly, with references to the co-op being expensive. This would imply that access to
affordable healthy food is an issue for some people, especially those without transport. Public
transport and road safety are also concerns, including transport to Southmead hospital.
A recent Bristol City Council Healthy Homes Action Zone report for Avonmouth identified
that a number of disabled people were struggling without appropriate aids and adaptations in
their homes. The Action Zone was able to address this for individuals during the six months
they were active in the area but this is an ongoing issue.

11
 Residents would like to see these actions:
● Residents want clear answers and responses to their concerns around the impact of the
local industry and the port on their health and wellbeing.
● There needs to be a joined up approach for addressing these complex issues for the
longer term.
● They would like to visit a similar residential area with close proximity to a port to see
how these issues have been dealt with elsewhere.
● Residents want to feel more empowered to influence what happens on their doorsteps –
planning applications, better communication with and a stronger relationship with the
Port Authority.
● Drug and alcohol issues need to be addressed.
● Improved support and access to services for people with anxiety and depression and
those who are socially isolated.
● Better access to sports and physical activity locally.
● Improved access to affordable healthy food, particularly fresh fruit and vegetables.
● Improved referral systems to ensure disabled and elderly people benefit from the
available aids and adaptations in their homes.
● More co-operation and joint working and improved communication between all sec-
tions of the community, including the Medical Practice/Health Centre.
● Dyslexia group needs ongoing support.
What changes and opportunities are on the horizon?
● There is ongoing work between Bristol City Council, Public Health, residents, the
Port, local industry to address the problems and concerns around air quality, noise,
dust and smells. Public Health England has produced a detailed health report in re-
sponse to people’s concerns and this will inform the action plan.
● BCC Public Health is keen to work with residents, local GP practice, the community
centre and other relevant partners to develop practical solutions to address the health
and wellbeing concerns highlighted by residents.
● Linkage are due to start working in the area with over 55s.

12
 Community Buildings and Facilities
Current Buildings
● Avonmouth Community Centre is the focus of lots of community activity and supplies
most of the available space for community activities currently. The staff play a big role
in generating wider community activity. It is heavily subscribed and often fully booked
and also houses Avonmouth Library; The current physical layout limits options and
access for use of library and other spaces currently. 57% of residents have used
Avonmouth Community Centre and 50% have used the Library.
● Avonmouth Police Station: A high-profile building, sited in Avonmouth Road, was
closed as a police station in 2014; has been acquired by developers.
● Avonmouth Football Club: The club has 4 men’s teams and 3 youth teams and is run
entirely by local volunteers who are very committed to the club; but has a poor quality
building.
● Rugby Club and bowling greens at Barracks Lane: an asset for the community.
● St Andrews Church: a range of different plans for the development of the church and
hall have been generated over the years.
● Avonmouth toilet building: has been closed down since 2006 – neglected building in
Avonmouth Road. Residents complain that lack of toilet facilities result in people using
side of St Andrews Church to urinate. Building has potential to be refurbished.
● Gym: recently relocated from the Tram shed.
● Robin Cousins Centre: the former sports centre under the M5 bridge was destroyed by
fire in 2013 (it was closed in 2005). Had been intended for investment for local business
but that won’t go ahead now. Owner has no current plans for the site – building has been
dismantled. Future of the site is open for suggestions.
● Avonmouth WM/Social Club: Working men’s club has reduced its space, selling part
of its property for housing. Explore the community resource that remains for communi-
ty use.
Residents would like to see these actions:
The survey showed there are concerns about developments in the Industrial zone around the
village. This was raised by 38% of the respondents in the survey and about 26% were
concerned about ‘port activities’. Some other interesting things we learned from speaking to
other residents at the conference was:
● Avonmouth Football Club: would like a new building to develop the club activities and
generate some income to make the Club more sustainable.
● Housing - Lot of older people are looking to downsize – so housing developments need
to make this possible. But there is also concern about creating flats at the cost of family
housing and without providing leisure facilities for the community.

13
 ● Community Market: 90% of survey respondents would like to see an open air market,
with fresh food, fresh fish, seasonal produce; The social aspect of a market is important
too.
● Avonmouth Toilet Building – 75% of survey respondents want to restore some toilet
facilities to part of the building and re-use the rest of the building.
● Desire for soft play facilities/young people’s facilities expressed at Make Sunday
Special event.
● Some aspirations to have more activities/spaces for young teenagers.
● Community Buildings generally: how do people find out what’s happening to commu-
nity buildings? Via a Planning Group.
● Vacant/unused buildings: residents are very concerned to shape the future of: Police
Station; Tram Station; Toilet Block
What changes and opportunities are on the horizon?
● Police Station: the developers have no fixed plans yet. They’re looking to provide resi-
dential accommodation in the upper floors and are very open to exploring ideas for use
of the ground floor. Bottom floor - Not possible for retail or accommodation (because
of flood risk). There’s no scope for a shop.
● Real Food Club could work with a market – in Frome they have something called the
Food Assembly.
● Potentially the £1 million Port Sale money could help support the Community Facili-
ties elements of this Plan.
● Development of St Andrew’s Church: Plans to develop the Church Hall are now on
display. The Hall will be pulled down and the land sold for housing above the ground
floor (not ground floor because of flood plain); Part of the church will be made into a
new, accessible meeting hall.

14
 What happens next?
Suggested
Action Description Who leads, who else? Timescale's How will we know it
Priority has been achieved?

Resident group estab-

lished to meet with NP Co-ordinator; Bristol Liaison Group is
Establish a established and meeting
Port/Industry to ex- Port Company; Avona; Spring 2017
Port / Indus- and can describe clear
plore improved com- Neighbourhood Forum; – Autumn
High try Liaison improvement on issue
munity relations and Avonmouth Community 2017
Group important to Avonmouth
solutions to mutual Centre
problems residents

Interested residents
work together to devel- It’s known if an initial
Explore the op options to trial a pilot can go ahead; if it
Avonmouth Projects
development community market – Summer/Aut can, it takes place and is
Group; BCC Public
High of a Commu- potential locations, umn 2017 assessed and the option
Health to make it a regular event
nity Market stall holders and
legal/H&S require- is decided and made
ments & permissions public.

Developing a project
Securing the New toilet facility is
group and delivery
future use of Avonmouth Community open and rest of building
plan to secure the re-
the Avon- Centre: Cllr Jo Sargent; Ongoing is occupied by a suitable
Medium mouth Road opening of the toilet BCC Property Services
and its add-on commu- tenant delivering
toilet building community benefit
nity benefit

Ask Avonmouth CC
Developing Community is clear
and BCC library serv-
facilities of ACC Manager and Chair whether a refurbishment
ice to bring forward Initially
Avonmouth of Management Commit- of the Community Centre
plans to upgrade the summer
Medium Community tee; BCC Library Service & Library is going to
building and resources 2017
Centre & Li- Manager happen and when and
to a Neighbourhood
brary how to influence it
Forum

Planning Group
Avonmouth Residents link to Bris- established and
Neighbour- tol Neighbourhood channelling influencing
Spring 2016
hood Planning Planning Network to Avona,Avonmouth Com- of Avonmouth residents
– Winter
Medium Network support them to build munity Centre; BNPN and providing a voice on
2017
Group estab- an effective Planning future shape of village
lished Group and developments that
impact on it

15
 Suggested Who leads, who How will we know it has
Action Description Timesale's
Priority else? been achieved?

Gather more information Avona, Avonmouth

More facili-
in further consultation Community Centre; Clear information about
ties for
work focused on young Learning Partner- Ongoing needs, options for improv-
Medium young teen-
people to establish more ship West; BCC ing delivery identified to in-
agers
defined need/wants Youth Links; NP form a delivery stage

St Andrews St Andrews Church sells

Church im- its hall and re-invests in-
proved com- come into redesign of
Medium
munity Church to provide com-
space munity facilities
Church will be offering ad-
St Andrews Church Tbc by St
ditional meeting space in re-
management Andrews
furbished premises

Use of lower Residents/businesses Developers have heard local

floor of help shape ideas for de- Avona, Avonmouth people’s ideas and deter-
Avonmouth velopers on use of lower Neighbourhood Fo- Ongoing mined what they will do
Medium Police Sta- floor of former Police rum and Avon- with the lower floor of
tion station mouth Planning building
Group

Residents report feeling

Have conversations with
residents about the issues
highlighted in health pro-
file to agree and imple-
Residents ment practical actions.
work togeth-
er with pub-
lic health Share the results of the
and other profile with local GPs,
key agencies hospitals and other serv-
to address ice providers to identify
High
concerns improvements and devel-
around opments in services, in-
health im- formed by residents.
pacts of lo-
cal industry
and the port.
Use the report to inform
council and health priori-
ties.
more in control of the fac-
tors which influence their
health and have improved
confidence and knowledge
about how to manage this
and provide community
support where appropriate.
Local GPs and other health
Public Health lead,
and wellbeing service pro-
with Avonmouth
viders are aware of the is-
Community centre,
Spring sues of concern and have
residents groups,
2017 ongo- implemented changes to im-
Avonmouth medical
ing prove health outcomes for
practice, childrens
residents. Health statistics
centre and other
demonstrate improved
stakeholders.
health outcomes for Avon-
mouth residents. Joint work-
ing and improved
communication between lo-
cal residents, community
groups and health service is
established.

16
Suggested Who leads, who
Action Description Timescale's How will we know it has
Priority else? been achieved?

Use Asset Based Residents lead,

Build on and Increased numbers of
Community Avona, The Bridge
sustain the residents groups and
Development approach and Avonmouth
community associations.
(ABCD) to empower Projects Group Summer
assets which Reduced dependency on
Medium more residents to use supported by BCC 2017 ongo-
improve services.
their skills and passions Community ing
health and A resilient, healthy
to build the community Development and
wellbeing community.
in Avonmouth. Public Health

Number of residents
reporting concerns about
Identify main areas of drugs and alcohol misuse
concern and develop a Public Health, is significantly reduced.
Reduce levels
shared action plan. i.e police, community
of drug and Summer
more details about the groups, residents, Crimes related to drugs or
Medium alcohol 2017 ongo-
nature of the problem, drug and alcohol alcohol are reduced
misuse ing
underlying causes, access agencies
to services locally Health indicators related
to drug and alcohol issues
are reduced.

Create community bus

group to form member-
ship and arrange routes
and trips.
Avonmouth
Engage with Lawrence We will have a communi-
Establish a Projects Group, Summer
Weston community bus ty bus service operating in
High Community Lawrence Weston 2017 ongo-
which is already estab- a similar manor to the one
Bus Community ing
lished to cover Avon- in Lawrence Weston.
Transport
mouth (only label as
LWCB).
Source volunteers and
drivers to be trained

Avona to link up with

Co-ordinate Avona; Avonmouth Clear shared plan in place
Community Develop-
programme of Community Centre: and schedule for sharing
ment and NP NO &
resident activ- NP; Community progress and opportunities
High Avonmouth Community Ongoing
ity in Avon- Development & set up over year; clear ac-
Centre and BCC Public
mouth Public Health count of increased resident
Health to share ideas and
activity can be made.
plan a year’s work

17
Suggested Who leads, who Times- How will we know it has
Action Description
Priority else? cale's been achieved?

Bring together key com-

Delivery plan in place with
Co-ordinate a munity groups, BCC, po- Avona; The Bridge;
phased timescales to
communica- lice to plan out the Avonmouth Com-
High Ongoing deliver each identified
tion plan for communication develop- munity Centre; NP
element; communication
Avonmouth ments outlined in the & Public Health
improvements delivered
plan.

Set up and
BCC Pollution
publicise the To focus on nuisance dust
Team; Public Plan agreed which identi-
next Air monitoring: where to
Health & NP co-or- fies key dust sources and
High Quality/Dust monitor and reporting Ongoing
dinator; Avona and what action could happen
meeting with back schedule and how to
emerging Port Liai- to reduce this problem
BCC publicise
son Group;

Publicise a conversation Neighbourhood

Local aspirations feed into
Develop the at Neighbourhood Fo- Officer for the
Ward-wide conversations
quality of Vil- rums about how the ap- Avonmouth Forum;
Medium Ongoing about how the Port Com-
lage High pearance and quality of local community
munities Resilience Fund
Street Avonmouth High Street members who want
will be used
can be improved to take this further

Plan upgrades
NP Neighbourhood
to content and
Officer via Neigh-
access to Avonmouth Parks aspira-
Include Avonmouth bourhood Forums;
Parks/Open tions logged and priori-
Parks/Open Spaces im- BCC Parks Opera-
Medium Spaces – re- Ongoing tised in NP Parks
provements in NP Parks tions Co-ordinator;
cruit regular Improvement Plan for
Improvement Plan publicise via The
Avonmouth June 2016
Voice and social me-
resident input
dia

18
Suggested Who leads, who Times- How will we know it has
Action Description
Priority else? cale's been achieved?

Recruit interested resi- Active residents

Improve lit- dents to litter picks and organising street
ter, dog mess create ‘cleaner streets’ NP NO and interest- improvements and using
and increase campaign and use NP ed local residents; existing funds to deliver
Medium Ongoing
street planting Clean and Green budgets BCC Community on-street planting; Dog
to increase street plant- Development mess reduction campaign
ing delivered and residents
report less dog mess.

Clear programme of work

Invite streetscene and
delivered and results re-
BCC Waste Company to
ported on via Neighbour-
Action weeks Neighbourhood Forum to NP NO; BCC Waste
hood Forums; social
on household explore problems and de- Company; BCC
media and newsletters;
Medium flytipping and velop action plan; cam- Streetscene; Avon- Ongoing
residents report improve-
rubbish left paign to increase active mouth Community
ments and that services are
on streets resident reporting; ex- Centre; Avona
responding to local re-
plore setting up Street
quests.
Reps group

Funding and Support

This community plan was funded by a £2500 grant from the First Steps Programme by the
Department for Communities and Local Government. This covered the cost of printing,
advertising and hire of community buildings for meetings and conferences. The members of
Avona responsible for the survey and community plan are all volunteers and have given up a
considerable amount of time to make this possible.
In order to proceed with the plan more funding will be sought from sources such as the
Neighbourhood Partnership Clean and Green Budget, Wellbeing Fund, Quartet, Port funding
and other sources depending on the action.
Avona will be working closely with the Neighbourhood Partnership, Bristol City Council
departments (Polution team, Waste Doctors; BCC Private Landlords Service; Streetscene
Enforcement Team) as well as local businesses.

19
 Bristol City Council - Useful numbers
Household Waste & Street Maintenance
• Household waste & recycling • Faulty street light s• Abandoned vehicles • Potholes
• Fly-tipping • Graffiti • Dog fouling • Drugs & sex litter
0117 922 2100

Pest Control, Dog Wardens, Pollution and Public Safety

• Pest problems • Noise complaints • Pollution issues • Food safety • Dog Warden
(not dog fouling)
0117 922 2500

Concessionary Travel cards, Disabled and Residents Parking

• Bus travel for over 60’s and eligible disabled people • Blue badges • Disabled
parking bays and other residents parking schemes
0117 922 2600

Council Housing Rent & Repairs

• Repairs • Maintenance issues • Pay rent • Set up Direct Debits • Discuss rent
problems
0117 922 2200

Home Choice Bristol

Advice on renting local authority or housing association properties
0117 922 2400

Housing Benefit & Council Tax

• Check eligibility for benefits • Obtain forms • Advise changes of circumstances
0117 922 2300

Bristol City Council

website: www.bristol.gov.uk
main switchboard
0117 922 2000
textphone (for hearing impaired)
0117 357 4444

Avon & Somerset Police

Emergency 999
Non – emergency, or to contact the local beat team: 101

20
 Image copyright Bob Pritchard

www.avonmouthvillage.co.uk
 Updates from Avonmouth Projects Group CIC
Avonmouth Projects Group consists of local residents who have formed a community interest
company (CIC). A community interest company is a type of company designed for social
enterprises that want to use their profits and assets for the public good. There are no share
holders or owners. This is what they have been working on:
● Community Market - Avonmouth Projects Group looked into possible venues but found
it very difficult to find somewhere with enough room to accommodate traders and
vehicle parking for visitors. This is an ongoing project that may require working with
the other villages to make a reality.
● Avonmouth Toilet Building – Avonmouth Projects Group researched the building and
potential costs involved in restoring this community asset. Avonmouth Community
Centre have funding of £2500 from a wind turbine fund to assess the feasibility of
bringing the toilets back into use so the projects group have handed this task over.
● Avonmouth Projects Group trailed a community bus providing regular shopping trips
for the over 55’s. This has been a great success and now occurs every week with pickup
from Avonmouth Community Centre taking shoppers to Aldi and stopping off for tea
at Kingsweston House.
● A new home - Avonmouth Projects Group are also in the process of securing a piece of
land in Avonmouth and have aspirations for a multipurpose building and event space
for use by the community.
● Christmas in Avonmouth - Avonmouth Projects Group have held annual events which
have included lantern parades and open air cinema’s.
In order to keep trying to make a difference to the community the projects group relies upon
residents to get involved either by volunteering or helping organise events and projects. To get
involved visit www.apgcic,uk
 Avona Members
Judith Hadley Chair, Trustee of Avonmouth Community Centre / resident
Lynne Wielding Trustee of Avonmouth Community Centre / resident
Tim Scott Resident and Partnership member
Fortune Scott Resident and Partnership member
Julie Morgan Licensed Lay Minister St Andrews Church / resident
Ian Smith Resident and local business owner
Cllr Tim Leaman Councillor for Kingsweston Ward
Darren Moore Event organiser / resident

With support from

Jose Barco Community Organiser
Keith Houghton Neighbourhood Partnership Co-ordinator

Image copyright Bob Pritchard

www.avonmouthvillage.co.uk

Copyright © 2018 Avona. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed,
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mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher.