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Current News and Updates
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St. Christopher's
Detailed information on what is happening regarding the future development of the St. Christopher's site, including information on the initial development ideas of Aurora (a pre- application advice request ("pre-app") submitted to the City Council over the Summer), can be found on the Planning Issues page.  The Position Statement on the Planning Issues page provides links to a number of reports including a summary and comments on the pre app, Aurora responses to comments made by the St. Christopher's Working Group at a meeting in early September and a letter from Aurora dated 23rd September confirming their commitment to work with the local community on plans for the development of this important site. 
 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Coming out of Lockdown
As we (hopefully) emerge from the worst restrictions resulting from Covid-19, there are things we might all think about – as well, of course, as following the latest guidelines.

There have, no doubt, been many more people working from home as we ride out the pandemic. Some, maybe many, of these will carry on working from home, either full time or part time. That is likely to mean less commuter cars on our roads, from both Westbury Park people and those passing through, but it can also have another significant benefit. 

All of us no doubt value our local shops, pubs and businesses, but all will have been struggling. So, to reassure them that it’s worth reopening, support them as they do so and to help rebuild their businesses, it would be great if all of us – especially those now working at home – could pick up on the national slogan of ‘Shop Local’! 
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Downs Loop Proposal
A proposal for a loop of 2.3 miles of accessible paths combined with physical traffic calming measures has been developed by Cycle Sunday in association with local charity Greenways and Cycleroutes.  Known as the Downs Loop the proposal would offer safer and better quality foot / cycle paths on the area of the Downs stretching from Stoke Road to the circular road / Sea Walls.
 
 The key elements of the proposal are:
 - A zebra crossing on Stoke Road near the Water Tower to improve access to the Downs and safety at that point.
 - Accessible paths alongside Downleaze/Rockleaze, Ladies Mile and a short section of Stoke Road.
 - Physical traffic calming along Circular Road which will encourage slower speeds as well as providing places for pedestrians to cross the road.
A public consultation on the proposal commencing on 10th August will include information boards next to Café Retreat (near the Water Tower) and a consultation website (www.thedownsloop.com). This will contain full information about the proposal and links to an online survey.  The public consultation period ends on 30th September.
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Tipi Village on the Downs
Four well-known local restaurant owners have got together under the name of ‘Breaking Bread’ to try to rescue their businesses as we (hopefully) come out of the worst of Covid-19, and also to help other restaurants by encouraging us all back to eating out – but safely of course. They have been given permission by Bristol City Council and the Downs Committee to set up the restaurants and are operating under temporary event notices until the end of August with a licence application currently submitted to continue to run in September if the venues are required.

Information on the Tipi Village can be found at (https://www.breakingbreadbristol.co.uk/) including information on the four restaurants, toilet provision and social distancing.   
 
The obvious issue for us in Westbury Park could be parking for customers. There won't be any parking on the Downs (as for some other events) so it is anticipated that most people will park over near the water tower. But not all will do that; some may well look to park in Westbury Park or Royal Albert Road etc.  If issues do arise, you can report them via the website. In addition, as things go along they will be posting on their website and on Facebook progress reports to highlight issues that may have arisen and what has been done to address them. 
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Little French Restaurant, North View
Little French Restaurant on North View has reached an agreement with the Church in Westbury Park to use the courtyard at the Methodist Church as an outdoor serving area as a temporary measure during the Covid -19 crisis. This has allowed the restaurant to re-open and to safeguard jobs that might otherwise be lost.  A canopy now covers the smaller courtyard area where meals will be served and social distancing respected.  
Last meals will be served at 9.00 pm to allow reasonably early closing and the restaurant and church will monitor and take appropriate steps to stop any activities that impact adversely on local residents.  Pedestrian access through the courtyard will be maintained. 
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Food Bank
The Church in Westbury Park organises collections for the food bank at Avonmouth -  needed now more than ever during the coronavirus crisis. If you would like to donate to the foodbank there is a storage cupboard to leave items at the church door of St. Alban’s Church.   
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Westbury Park Community Survey
We reported a few months ago that the Westbury Park Community Association could potentially be winding up but things now look far brighter. 

During February a community survey was undertaken to find out the main issues concerning people and to see if it was felt that the Association could help tackle these issues. There was an excellent response and several key issues emerged, e.g. traffic, parking, aspects of the environment and community facilities.  

Click here for a copy of the community survey results
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The New Task Groups
There was strong support expressed at the 13th March meeting for the Community Association to continue and many agreed to join the new task groups to make things happen.  

The Task Groups are
• Traffic, Transport and Parking
• The Natural Environment
• Community Spirit
• 99 Devonshire Road
• Development of St. Christopher’s School Site
• Supporting the Community Association 

If you are interested in joining any of these groups please email  westburyparkca@gmail.com or kchidgey@blueyonder.co.uk
 
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Website updated on Tuesday,29th September 2020