The South Glos Post

Rail campaigners have welcomed new figures showing dramatic increases in the use of local train services, particularly from Severn Beach station

Figures published as part of the Severnside Community Rail Partnership’s (SCRP’s) 2011 Annual Report from the weekday passenger count carried out in November show that passenger numbers have increased from 135 to 201 – or by 49 per cent – at Severn Beach station between 2009 and 2011.

The same count found increases at other South Gloucestershire stations over the same 2 year period:

• Filton Abbey Wood has seen a 12 per cent increase – from 3,102 to 3,461
• Patchway has seen a 26 per cent increase – from 234 up to 295
• Yate has seen a 5 per cent increase – from 931 up to 974

Cllr Robert Griffin (Con, Pilning & Severn Beach) said:

“The Severnside Community Rail Partnership does a tremendous amount of good work and this whopping 49 per cent in passenger numbers is testament to these marvellous efforts.”

“All we can do is encourage people to leave their cars at home and use public transport and it’s great to see this being done in ever increasing numbers on the Severn Beach line.”

“And there’s always more we can do to keep this trend heading in the right direction, particularly improving reliability.”

More: Council transport chief is "delighted" with figures »

Source: Conservative Group on South Gloucestershire Council

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Fine wines and tasty cheeses are on offer to Merlin Housing Society residents who offer their suggestions on how the society can improve.

Merlin’s Community Investment Team is inviting residents to a special wine and cheese tasting event at the start of December. And while residents are sampling the tasty treats, staff will be asking them their views on Merlin’s services and what things they’d like the society to provide in the future.

The event is part of Merlin’s consultation with residents to produce its local offers for 2012.

Community Investment Manager Jen Griffiths said:

“We know that our residents have different priorities and want to tailor our services to meet those needs. Across the organisation we have been working to meet all of last year’s local offers that residents produced. Now we are working with residents to draw up next year’s offers.”

“We received lots of feedback from our residents’ fun day during the summer and are holding this event so that we hear the views of as many residents as possible.”

More: Contact Merlin now to reserve your place »

Source: Merlin Housing Society

Two new purpose built centres that bring together health and council services for children and young people opened on Monday (5th September) in Kingswood and Patchway.

The Hubs, in Alma Road, Kingswood, and Rodway Road, Patchway, will bring essential services to the heart of these communities. Parents and carers of children of all ages can receive advice, support and a range of services under one roof.

The services delivered from the new Hubs are primarily those currently provided by both the council and NHS health providers, in particular North Bristol NHS Trust.

The Hubs will provide a central base for the range of professionals who work with children and young people.

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Source: South Gloucestershire Council

A topping out ceremony has been held for the new children’s locality hub for the Severnvale area in Rodway Road, Patchway.

Once building work is completed in the autumn, the facility will provide a community setting where a range of vital services for children and young people and their families will be provided. Also housed on site will be a brand new library, a one stop shop, and a drop-in facility for adults with learning difficulties. The community children’s health disability team will also be based at Severnvale delivering services across the whole authority.

The Community Child Health Partnership, which is part of North Bristol NHS Trust, will be bringing a range of services to the Severnvale Hub including community paediatrics, child and adolescent mental health, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy.

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Source: South Gloucestershire Council