Area Committee 3 – Investing in Our Neighbourhoods
Clifton, Clifton Down, Hotwells & Harbourside and Cotham make up Area Committee 3, the body that helps decide how local “community infrastructure levy” funds are spent. When a development takes place, a contribution is made by the developer towards community facilities. This year, about £100,000 was available for projects in our area.
At the Area Committee meeting on 18 November, councillors—alongside members of the public—considered bids and voted on how to allocate this year’s funds. We are pleased to report support for several important local improvements.
First, funding was approved for the restoration of the ponds and waterfalls on Brandon Hill,. This work will repair long-standing issues with water flow and help bring this historic landscape feature back to life.
Second, Redland Library will receive funding for new chairs and secure storage. This might sound modest, but it makes a huge difference: the library hosts a growing number of community events and talks, and better furniture and storage will help the building accommodate more groups comfortably and safely.
We also supported expanding the popular Clifton Down community growing space, adding more raised beds and installing a fixed water supply so volunteers can grow more food, more easily.
Finally, the Committee voted to fund the installation of new bike stands in community locations. If you know of a spot that could benefit—outside a parade of shops, near a school or community venue—please let us know. We want these stands to go where they are genuinely helpful.
Bus service reform – What’s Changing?
Jerome, as Chair of the West of England Overview Committee, has been leading scrutiny of the future of our bus services. Across the country, many places are moving away from the free-market model. London has had bus franchising for many years; Manchester introduced its franchised system recently and is already seeing improvements.
Here in the West of England, it is recognised—across political parties—that the current system isn’t working well enough. Around 50% of all bus revenue already comes from the public purse, yet public bodies have very limited control over routes, pricing or reliability. As many residents know, this has contributed to the decline in bus use over the past 35 years.
Three options are being considered:
• Improving the current system, including stronger monitoring of operators’ performance—such as cancellations, speed and frequency.
• Enhanced Partnerships, which increase public oversight while still working closely with private operators.
• Full franchising, where private companies still run buses, but the Combined Authority would design and control routes, fares and service levels.
Franchising gives greater control but comes with substantial upfront costs. The decision over which model to pursue will be made over the next 6–9 months, and we will keep residents informed.
Hotwells and Cathedral Primary Schools
The Department for Education’s decision not to allow the proposed merger of Hotwells Primary and Cathedral Primary School came after this column was written. Jerome has been working closely with parents and community groups to present the case for maintaining full primary provision at both schools. We will update residents soon.
Clifton Literature Festival – A Fantastic Weekend
The 6th Clifton Literature Festival, chaired by Paula, took place on 15–16 November and was a huge success. Featuring more than fifty speakers, the festival brought together local writers with national figures including Professor Alice Roberts, Caroline Lucas, Jonathan Dimbleby and Professor Peter Frankopan. Events were packed and feedback was overwhelmingly positive. All profits go directly towards supporting Clifton Library and others across the city. The festival only exists because local people volunteer; a committee of eight run the festival all year round and over 60 people volunteer on the weekend of the festival. Do you want to be involved? Email chair@cliftonlitfest.com. Thanks to everyone who attended or volunteered.
A Change in Political Grouping
Paula has recently become an Independent Councillor.
She decided to do this, as she cannot support the staged walkouts by many Green Councillors, which she sees as anti-democratic. Believing that councillors are elected to represent all residents and not just those whose views we agree with, and wanting to allow those who hold gender critical views to be heard, she felt the only path forward was to step out of the Greens and speak as an Independent.
Jerome has not taken part in walkouts and does not intend to. He remains within the Green Group.
Both councillors, however, continue to work cooperatively and constructively on behalf of Clifton residents, focusing on the issues that matter: local services, community facilities, green spaces, transport, and the wellbeing of our neighbourhoods.
If you have questions about any of the issues above—or ideas for local improvements—do get in touch.
Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to everyone
Contact us
Jerome Thomas: cllr.jerome.thomas@bristol.gov.uk
Paula O’Rourke: cllr.paula.orourke@bristol.gov.uk