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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South Gloucestershire Council’s Celebrating Age Festival draws to a close this week but there is still time for over 50s to take part in a free ‘good health day’ on Thursday 30th June.

The event, aimed at people who are interested in maintaining good health and keeping active, is being held at Yate library between 11am and 3pm.

On offer will be information from more than 30 organisations and health professionals.

You can have a free blood pressure check, get information about the council’s handy van service for minor repairs to your property, find out about our programme of walks in your area and for older people who find it difficult to cut their toe nails, you can get them done for free if you turn up at the library on June 30th. Free eye screening is also available.

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Source: South Gloucestershire Council

Neighbourhood police and Trading Standards officers carrying out checks on underage alcohol sales in the Chipping Sodbury, Coalpit Heath, Frampton Cotterell and Yate areas were delighted that they all refused to sell alcohol to children.

On Friday 6th May 2011 police teamed up with South Gloucestershire Trading Standards officers for the operation, aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related offences.

With the help of two clearly underage teenage volunteers – a girl and a boy – they visited ten off-licences to check whether they were prepared to sell alcohol to under-18s.

None of them were prepared to make the sale.

New Neighbourhood PC Finbar Simmons said: “Alcohol and children does not mix. Drink can make young people vulnerable and it can lead to anti-social and criminal behaviour. Licensees have a responsibility to ensure that alcohol does not fall into the wrong hands, and we frequently test that in operations with our colleagues at the council.”

“I’m delighted that all the off-licences did make the proper checks and refused to sell drink to minors, and they will be sent a letter of appreciation.”

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Source: Avon and Somerset Police

A programme of modernising facilities for people with disabilities has been completed at three leisure centres in South Gloucestershire.

Longwell Green, Yate and Bradley Stoke leisure centres have all had their disabled toilets improved and new equipment installed, including the introduction of hoists.

The council has been working closely with South Gloucestershire Leisure, and the investment from the council is part of the Changing Places national campaign.

Councillor Heather Goddard, executive member for community services, said: “These improvements will benefit people with disabilities and make visiting our leisure centres a better experience. They are part of the council’s rolling programme of investment in leisure facilities.”

Mark Crutchley, chief executive of South Gloucestershire Leisure, which runs the facilities on behalf of the council, said: “These changing rooms are now more modern and fit-for-purpose and feedback we’ve already had is demonstrating how successful the work has been.”

“By helping people maintain their health and wellbeing in surroundings of a high standard, it ensures we retain our position at the heart of the diverse community across South Gloucestershire.”

Source: South Gloucestershire Council