The South Glos Post

A Kingswood garden which has been an eyesore for many years has been dramatically improved after South Gloucestershire Council took direct action to clear the site, much to the appreciation of the locla residents.

Despite negotiations with the owner of the New Cheltenham Road property, Michael Summerill, and two successful prosecutions against him, Summerill failed to carry out any of the works required to tidy the property.

As a result, the state of the property continued to have a detrimental impact on the amenity of the area and the council took the decision to step in, removing more than 7.5 tonnes of waste during a five hour clear-up operation.

Cllr Brian Allinson, executive member for planning, transportation and the strategic environment, said: “This garden was a real eyesore and because it was in a high profile area, also had a real negative impact on the local residents. By stepping in and sorting things out we have improved the neighbourhood and residents have already been in touch to say ‘thanks’.”

Following complaints from local residents in October 2007, letters were sent to Summerill requiring him to improve the front, side and back garden of his property.

Despite repeated correspondence no improvement was witnessed and a section 215 Notice for Untidy Land was served on Summerill in January 2008 requiring various works to tidy the property. The Notice required compliance by the following March. However, following a site visit none of the work had been carried out and the property was still untidy.

The matter was brought before Yate Magistrates’ Court in June last year. Summerill failed to attend court and in his absence was fines £390 and £487 costs were awarded to the Council.

Following the Courts’ decision and further correspondence with Summerill, he failed to improve the condition of the property. The Council pursued a second prosecution and Summerill was fined a further £615 for non compliance with the 215 Notice and further costs of £400 were awarded to the Council by the Magistrates’ Court in March this year.

Despite these two successful prosecutions no attempt was made by the owner to improve the condition of his property and the land remained untidy.

As a final resort the council was forced to intervene. After notifying Summerill and with the co-operation of local police, the council’s Street Care team entered the property on 8 October and carried out tidying work. The cost of this operation will be levied as a charge against the property.

Source: South Gloucestershire Council

The Patchway Neighbourhood Team is offering local young people pizza and cola at a special event aimed at finding out what problems they face in the community.

Patchway Neighbourhood Police Community Support Officer Pat Gardener said: “Young people are just as much part of the community as anyone else, and we need to make sure that we are tackling any issues they may face, such as bullying.

“Anyone from Patchway who is aged 13-17 is welcome to join us at 17, The Parade at 6pm on Wednesday October 28 2009 for some locally-baked pizza and a cola.”

It is a chance to meet members of the Patchway Neighbourhood Team, which includes PCSOs Gardener, Rob Hendra, Sara Fleming and PCs Sian Jones and Rachel Pretlove.

Representatives from Safer South Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire Council youth workers and Merlin Housing will also be at the event, to discuss any issues about local facilities for young people.

PCSO Gardener added that anyone who can’t make the event can contact the team at Filton Police Station on 0845 456 7000 or online through the police website, www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/inyourarea.

The event is being run with the support of Safer South Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire Council, Merlin Housing, Southern Brooks Community Partnership, Patchway Town Council and local traders.

Source: Avon and Somerset Police

Work has started on the construction of an additional lane on the A4174/M32 roundabout.

The lane will be added to the roundabout between the slip roads on and off the M32 northbound.

It is estimated that the work will take around 12 weeks to complete. The works will be undertaken outside of the rush hour.

The extra lane, which is open to all traffic, should increase the traffic flow on the roundabout and ease congestion, particularly during rush hour. The work links in with a proposed scheme to construct additional vehicle lanes on the nearby Coldharbour Lane section of the A4174, which is currently out for consultation.

Councillor Brian Allinson, executive member for planning, transport and strategic environment, said: “This work to add additional capacity to this busy roundabout complements the proposed scheme to add two more lanes to the A4174 on Coldharbour Lane, which we are asking for people’s views on.

“The continued investment in South Gloucestershire’s highway infrastructure will help traffic flow better and reduce delays for public transport and all other road users.”

The X27, X42, X73, U4 and 462 bus services use this roundabout which is often congested and can result in delays. It is hoped that the new lane will help ease congestion and improve the punctuality of these services.

The scheme is part of a £70million investment into the Greater Bristol Bus Network to develop 10 showcase bus corridors across the region, including many that will benefit residents in South Gloucestershire.

For more information visit www.travelplus.org.uk/gbbn email travelplus@southglos.gov.uk or phone 01454 863640.

Source: South Gloucestershire Council

Police are appealing for information following an attempted robbery and a robbery on Thursday 15th October 2009 which we believe may be linked.

The first incident occurred at approximately 3.10pm in Mangotsfield, when a 12 year old boy was walking towards steps which lead to Bridge Road. He was approached by four men riding mountain bikes.

One of the men threatened him and demanded he hand over his mobile phone. He refused and ran off down the steps onto Bridge Road. They rode off empty handed.

The main suspect is described as white, approximately 20 years old, slim build, over 5′ 6″ tall, wearing a hooded top, with blonde hair under the hood. When he spoke, he had a deep voice and a local Bristol accent.

The second incident occurred at approximately 3.50pm in Emersons Green, when a 17 year old male victim, in company with a female friend, was walking along the cycle track by Sainsbury’s towards the underpass.

They were surrounded by 5 or 6 men on bikes. Two of the men approached the victim and demanded he hand over his mobile phone and threatened him. When he refused, he was punched around the head and body by both men. He reluctantly handed over his Sony Ericsson mobile phone and £2 in coins. He was not seriously injured.

The males rode off towards Pucklechurch.

The main suspect is described as white, approximately 15-16 years old, 5′ 8″ tall, crooked teeth and clean shaven, wearing a black beanie style hat, black jogging bottoms and woollen type gloves.

If anyone has witnessed either of these incidents or has any other information which may assist the investigation they should contact Staple Hill police on 0845 456 7000 or alternatively Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Source: Avon and Somerset Police