The South Glos Post

Work has started on a £500K scheme to transform sports facilities at Marlwood School in Alveston, near Thornbury.

A ‘next generation’ all-weather pitch and a natural football pitch will be provided in an effort to encourage sport and healthier lifestyles.

The full-sized football pitches, which can also be used for other sports, will be used mainly by students at the secondary school, but will also be made available for community use outside school hours.

The aim is to complete the new all-weather pitch ready for full use by the school by the end of October.

Once landscaped, the natural pitch will need to be seeded ready for use next year.

The scheme is being funded out of the council’s own resources, following a decision by the Council’s ruling Conservative administration in 2008 to top-up the schools money it receives annually from the government.

(more…)

Source: Conservative Group on South Gloucestershire Council

South Gloucestershire Council’s Conservative administration has given the green light to transport schemes designed to improve road safety and beat traffic congestion across the district.

As part of this financial year’s Local Transport Capital Programme, building work will start on the district’s first park and ride facility – a £1.2m scheme at Parkway station.

Already-announced changes to the controversial 2+ lane on the ring road will be completed in an effort to respond to Downend and Emersons Green councillors’ calls for radical action to ease congestion.

And further reducing the number of casualties, which are already at a record low, will be a central aim of this year’s transport programme with a number of road safety schemes planned.

(more…)

Source: Conservative Group on South Gloucestershire Council

Police investigating a number of arsons in the Alveston area have arrested five young men as part of their enquiries.

Since July 2009 there have been 15 incidents reported of bins, bushes, fences, a vehicle and even outbuildings being set alight. Thankfully no one has been hurt.

The neighbourhood team has been working with the fire and rescue service, local residents, councillors and schools as well as stepping up patrols to tackle the issue.

Neighbourhood Inspector Deryck Rees said: “While the problem has decreased in the past few weeks we continue to work hard to resolve it. Starting fires like this could put lives at risk by delaying the fire service from real emergencies.

“We are grateful for the support of the local community but do need them to continue passing on information which we can use as evidence bring the person or people responsible to justice.”

Insp Rees said police had stepped up uniformed and plain-clothed patrols of the affected area and alerted Neighbourhood Watch.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service is to visit local schools to reinforce anti-arson messages and police have also been in contact with the schools.

A 19-year-old man has been bailed pending further enquiries. Three 16-year-old youths have all been granted police bail with conditions including a night-time curfew and not to associate with each other. One of the three has been barred from Alveston.

A second 19-year-old man was released without charge.

Source: Avon and Somerset Police

South Gloucestershire police arrested a man yesterday after a car crashed on the A38 at Alveston on Tuesday October 06 2009.

Officers were called to the scene at about 8.10pm by a member of the public who had seen a car being driven erratically and then crash on a garage forecourt.

Three people had been in the car. Two made off but one was arrested.

The car, a Peugeot 206, turned out to have been stolen in Bristol on Sunday October 04 2009.

A 32-year-old man from Bristol remains in police custody today, Wednesday October 07 2009.

Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has any information which could help their enquiries, to contact Staple Hill Police Station on 0845 456 7000. Alternatively call the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Source: Avon and Somerset Police