Sixty Acres

When I first remember 60 acres it was largely people's home built mostly of wood one storey houses. Plots of land had been given by the Smyth family of Ashton Court to servicemen returning from the 'Great War' (1914-18) with room for a dwelling and space to grow enough vegetables to feed a family. Lady Smyth is long dead but her legacy lives on in many ways. She did not wish to see a house from Ashton Court and as the family owned a great deal of Bedminster and Ashton Vale she could so dictate and Bristol sprawled Eastwards between WW1 and WW2. Requirements that 'only agriculture' be carried out on some of the land that was sold have been got around and we are in danger of losing that legacy. On sixty acres not many of the plots could sustain a family now but those in receipt of the original largese have done very well and the community has thrived. The density of houses is far greater than might originally have been expected but walking round it is an interesting mix of house size and styles that suggests that some development can be interesting and practical. It is certainly not an area of 'little boxes without topses ' and has a character all it's own.

Another brilliant sunny day. Great for visiting but not so good for the garden. I am quite glad as the weeds aren't growing so fast either and I don't feel so guilty being out and about delivering leaflets and speaking to people on the issues that concern them.

David (my husband) and I have spent the last hour clearing blocked drains so before I go out again I must have a shower. It is never dull here!

The issues that are coming up are the prospective Bristol City stadium and the effect on Long Ashton. We must ensure that any development does not have a detremental effect on the village with added roads, parked cars and traffic. The roads feeding such a development are potentially going through North Somerset so if this occurs then there should be concessions to North Somerset in general and Long Ashton in particular for this and they must be very carefully considered. Ribbon development along any new road should not be allowed or Bristol will creep closer.

Should we have a hustings?

On Saturday morning a Lib Dem and 2 Independents were to be seen in the Community Hall Car Park as Long Ashton Village Market was in progress. It was very good natured and the candidates swapped literature so that we can see what we are all saying taht we will do. THere was quite a debate over the Alternative Vote which many people do not understand. I was gald that I had spent some time making sure that I did so that I could explain the system being put forward in the referendum. Someone said that there is a mathematical possibility that in a five horse race the fourth horse could end up winning. It seems questionable but I can see that the maths may be quite complicated and require an unlikely set of voting possibilities to occur for this to happen in reality. The jury is still out and the debate will doubtless continue. There were a good number of residents prepared to debate the local politics and on a warm morning we all enjoyed seeing old friends and having a rolling debate.

Sadly I had to leave early for some riding teaching duties. The weekends are ever popular for children and ponies.

Sunday early evening after allowing a good space for Mothering Sunday lunches I was out on the trail. It is very difficult as many people wpuld like to enter into a lively debate but with aq population over 7,500 in the ward I shall have to get my skates on!

So yesterday it was down to the Town Hall in Weston Super Mare to submit my nomination papers. Not a completely simple task as one of my assentors (you must be able to find 10 people who are prepared to vote for you!) was not on the electoral role which was a bit of a poser sitting in the Town Hall. However in true British spirit if fair play two other candidates were prepared to help out which was a great relief and I hope a sign of fairplay to come as we canvas around the area. That small trip took 1 1/2 hours I hoep that is NOT a sign of how long even small matters take in the Town Hall!

Bridget Mackwood

My family has lived in the village since 1922 and been independent representatives for much of this time both Parish and District. I have therefore a good knowledge of the evolution and dynamics of this important village community.

I have been involved with the village in a small way; with the fete last year and we have several village allotments here. I have been in discussion with the Forestry Commission to work with them to improve the community enjoyment of the woodlands within our area.

I believe that we are custodians of where we live for the next generation and that it is important to be involved to ensure that we keep the best while evolving to the benefit of all.

If elected I will hold monthly clinics where people can voice their concerns and will try to assist where possible. In addition I would endeavour to:-

Maintain a buffer between Bristol and Long Ashton. - Historically the boundary between North Somerset and Bristol was the River Avon. This has been eroded since WW2 the latest when Avon was disbanded and the boundary again moved west allowing the proposed new Bristol City stadium to be within the new city boundary and out of North Somerset control. North Somerset does have influence over the access roads to and from the proposed site and it is this area that we must influence to ensure that Long Ashton does not suffer from creeping development along any roads in our area, with greater congestion and parked cars. Should the stadium go ahead we must lobby for better infrastructure for Long Ashton as a result of any co-operation such as a new ‘Long Ashton Halt’ Station. Paid for by the developers. We must also remain vigilant that those recently or currently building in the village meet their obligations under 106 agreements, which ensure that those who develop provide assets for the community in return for being given permission to build.

Education – I believe that there should be provision for local children to go to their local school or to the school of their parent’s choice.

Community facilities – With the encouragement of ‘The Big Society’ we should grasp the potential and become involved in running our local woodlands with the Forestry Commission to provide involvement for local people in both leisure pursuits and greater knowledge of our flora and fauna. This will protect our heritage and community woodland from possible sales and give additional environmental protection for this wonderful facility for our community.

Train and Bus Services – I will lobby for the inclusion of additional stations and improvement of affordable bus facilities locally.