The South Glos Post

The debate on introducing directly elected Police and Crime Commissioners moved to the House of Lords yesterday following Lib Dem peer calls for a ‘postponement’ or ‘pilot.’

Members of the Lords debated the Police Reform and Social Responsibiilty Bill and the proposed introduction of a Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) to England and Wales.

Avon and Somerset Police Authority Chair Dr Peter Heffer, who has previously said that we are “sleepwalking into the politicisation of policing,” has welcomed Lib Dem calls for a pause.

Dr Heffer said: “In my view, we need an NHS style pause on this reform, it is far too important an issue too be rushed through at a time of enormous change and upheaval for the police.”

“I have been clear about the risks of introducing an elected Police and Crime Commissioner to Avon and Somerset and would be amazed if the police were not put into the hands of one political person. As I have said before, they are the only likely candidates that have the resources and mechanisms to wage an election campaign. It is a worrying prospect, along with the concentration of power in one person. You do not hear people calling for their local hospitals and local schools to be run by one person so why would you want that for the police?”

(more…)

Source: Avon and Somerset Police Authority

Shoppers at The Mall, Cribbs Causeway, will be able to watch the Royal Wedding on a big screen in the café and restaurant area of the complex.

The Mall will be open from 10am until 6pm on Bank Holiday Friday 29th April.

Opening hours of some shops may vary.

The John Lewis and Marks & Spencer stores will open from 1pm.

Related link: The Mall’s opening times

Sodbury Town Council has granted Chipping Sodbury Chamber of Commerce the licence to hold a farmers’ market on the Market Pitchings in Chipping Sodbury with effect from Saturday 11th June 2011.

Mark Lloyd, Chair of the Chamber, commented:

“It is our aim to provide more choice from quality local producers by running a FARMA approved market twice a month in the town”

He added:

“We plan to increase the number of producers involved with the market and to offer shoppers regular featured demonstrations and workshops.”

From 11th June 2011 the Chipping Sodbury Farmers’ Market will run twice a month on the second and fourth Saturday of each month.

Source: Chipping Sodbury Chamber of Commerce

South Gloucestershire police will be putting well-rehearsed plans into action over the Easter holiday weekend to help manage traffic heading to the Badminton Horse Trials.

Around 140,000 people are expected to descend on the Badminton estate, which hosts one of the world’s largest equestrian events – second only to the Kentucky Derby.

The event runs from Thursday 21st April, with the cross country on Sunday and the last day of events on Easter Monday (25th April).

The police priority is to ensure visitors arrive safely with minimum disruption to people who live, work and travel in the immediate area.

PC Ian Cousins has been working behind the scenes at the event. He said: “Badminton Horse Trials has been running for many years and is a very well-planned and problem-free event. We work closely with the organisers and other agencies to keep it that way.

“The main traffic plan involves six police motorcycles working with the AA, Highways Agency, problem ‘spotters’ and the organisers to get thousands of vehicles through the country roads and safely onto the site. Please remember to leave as early as possible to avoid delay.”

(more…)

Source: Avon and Somerset Police