The South Glos Post

Hundreds more people will be trained to save lives when a new St John Ambulance centre opens at the Aztec West Business Park in north Bristol.

The centre, which will open in Park Avenue next month, will cater for the large number of businesses, as well as residents, in the north of the city.

Among courses to be run at the site will be those to help companies meet legal requirements, including first aid at work, annual refresher and re-qualification courses, fire marshal and health and safety training.

St John Ambulance reckons an estimated 300 extra people will learn vital life-saving skills at the venue in the first three months alone.

Anyone who wants to go along should contact Helen Quarterly on 01278 726768 in advance. Details on training at Aztec West can also be obtained from the St John Ambulance website, or by phoning 08700 104950.

Source: Bristol Evening Post

South Gloucestershire Council in conjunction with Bristol City Council is undertaking consultation on the development of a major transport scheme – the North Fringe to Hengrove Package.

The Package was identified in the South West Regional Funding Advice with a total allocation of £168m and comprises of a proposed rapid transit network with two branches in South Gloucestershire. One in Aztec West – through Bradley Stoke, Stoke Gifford, Harry Stoke and Coldharbour Lane. The second branch will run from Emersons Green past Hambrook and both routes will go along the M32 to Bristol city centre.

In July, the Government announced ‘in principle’ funding for the scheme.

Consultation has now started in the run up to submitting a Major Scheme Business Case to the Department for Transport in March 2010.

Residents and businesses are urged to get involved and have their say on the proposed rapid transit routes.

Councillor Brian Allinson, executive member for planning, transportation and strategic environment, said: “By working together through the West of England Partnership, the four authorities have an impressive track record in attracting major investment in transport in the area, including the North Fringe to Hengrove Package.

“This important transport scheme is designed to tackle congestion and enhance quality of life by improving road safety, air quality, and access to job opportunities. It is also intended to help people get to school and work more efficiently and strengthen the local economy by ensuring that there are realistic alternatives to car travel. All in all, it will have a hugely positive impact for our residents and businesses.

“We look forward to hearing the views of residents and businesses on our proposals and hope they will take the time to respond to this consultation.”

Exhibitions are planned for:

• Aztec West 30 Nov to 4 Dec (un-staffed)
• Willow Brook Centre (Tesco) Bradley Stoke 30 Nov to 7 Dec (un-staffed)
• University of the West of England (Frenchay campus, One Zone lounge) Thursday 3 Dec noon to 2pm (staffed)
• Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre/Library Saturday 5 Dec 9am to noon (staffed)
• Sainsburys Emersons Green 7 to 14 Dec (un-staffed)
• The Community Hall in Little Stoke 9 Dec 4pm to 8pm (staffed)

Information including a questionnaire is now available on the website – www.travelplus.org.uk/NorthFringetoHengrove – alternatively call 01454 868004.

Postcards with details of the exhibitions are being distributed to 30,000 householders along the route. Leaflets will also be available in local libraries from Monday 30 November.

Source: South Gloucestershire Council