News from Green Party Clifton Down councillors George Calascione and Serena Ralston
A very Happy New year – we’re looking forward to continuing to represent you and work hard for you in 2026.
Update on Whiteladies Road flood works
The new expected finish date for the much-needed Whiteladies Road Flood Alleviation project is now the end of February. After we asked for an update, the team told us that they had uncovered some unexpected ground conditions with drainage and BT utilities. This means they are now having to rethink aspects of the original design. The team is unable to be absolutely certain about access at the moment but will do their best.
Anyone who remembers how badly this section of Whiteladies Road between Tyndall’s Park Road and Queens Road flooded whenever it rained heavily will agree the project is worth the wait.
The works are upgrading the drainage network and capacity in the area and lifting and resurfacing the pavement. The project will also deliver improved, segregated cycleways, responding to what people asked for during the public consultation in summer 2022.
Ideas for improving our community?
Along with other councillors on area committees, we are starting to gather ideas for neighbourhood improvements using money from development.
The nine area committees make decisions on how local funds are spent to support improvements in their areas. As Clifton Down councillors, we sit on Area 3 committee along with councillors from Clifton, Cotham and Hotwells & Harbourside.
As part of the planning process, a developer often has to give money to the council to pay for improvements in the area where their development is happening. This is usually through a planning charge called the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) but is sometimes through a planning obligation called a Section 106 agreement.
In Bristol, some of the CIL and S106 money received is allocated to the area committees for spending decisions.
If you have ideas for improvements, please get in touch with us and look out for community workshops in February. Initial ideas need to be submitted by March 23. You can find out more on the Bristol City Council webpage Decision making in your area. There is also a link on the webpage to a very handy, short video which explains the process.
Funding projects: Clifton Down Growing Space and Redland Library
For the 2024-2025 round of CIL funding, we were delighted to support the Clifton Down Growing Space and Friends of Redland Library in their bids. In November Area 3 committee agreed unanimously to support the bids, following several stages of applications process. For the Clifton Down Growing Space, the new funding will pay for more raised beds and the installation of permanent watering facilities at the project which is located at a disused car park.
For the Friends of Redland Library, the money will pay for new chairs, and a shed in which to put them, so more people can enjoy the group’s very popular events.
Apsley Road traffic calming
On behalf of residents, we are pushing for action on this important scheme to tackle speeding on Apsley Road. In the summer, we ensured that the residents’ group had the opportunity to give initial feedback to the contractor and project team. We have now had confirmation that the funding is in place – residents successfully bid for CIL funding a few years ago – and that public consultation should take place early this year. Subject to the outcomes of the consultation, the contractors will then work on the detailed design for the scheme.
Buses on Alma Road
Some of you have told us about inconsiderate bus driving on Alma Road on the new bus routes. We’ve asked officers to raise this with the bus company and will report back.
Your bin day over New Year
Waste and recycling collections pause on Christmas Day (25 December), Boxing Day (26 December) and New Year’s Day (1 January), so your bin day will change for a few weeks.
Bristol Waste’s crews will work three Saturdays to catch up over the festive period, so your bin day will be back to normal as soon as possible.
Check online to see when your temporary bin day will be, and for information on old Christmas tree disposal (from kerbside Bristol Waste collections to alternatives such as the St Peter’s Hospice charity donation collection). Festive Need To Knows – Bristol Waste Company.
Councillor surgeries
We hold regular surgeries on the first Friday of the month from midday to 1.30 at Redland Library on Whiteladies Road. Come and speak to us about any local issues. There is no surgery on 2nd January.
Serena Ralston: cllr.serena.ralston@bristol.gov.uk
George Calascione: cllr.george.calascione@bristol.gov.uk