The installation of the final bus gate marking the completion of the 'East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood' project took place on the morning of Friday, May 11. Council contractors arrived at 6am to minimise disruption for residents, promptly setting up planters and signage in the areas of Barton Hill, Lawrence Hill, Redfield, and the western part of St George.
This initiative aims to divide the local road network into self-contained zones for motor vehicle drivers, requiring those wishing to travel from one zone to another to exit and navigate around the perimeter using main roads before re-entering residential areas from different points. The completion of this scheme is part of a six-month trial period designed to evaluate its impact.
However, the project has faced significant opposition from local residents in Barton Hill, who have actively intervened to impede the installation efforts. Fadumo Farah, a resident who has been particularly vocal against the scheme, shared her concerns about the sense of exclusion felt by the community during the implementation process. Speaking to the Bristol Post, Farah stated, "This isn’t about resisting change; this is about calling for progress that reflects real local needs."
Despite the well-intentioned goals of the Liveable Neighbourhood scheme, many residents feel sidelined, expressing that their voices and concerns have not been adequately addressed throughout the planning and execution phases. Barton Hill has demonstrated a commitment to environmental issues in the past—most notably stopping the construction of a diesel power station in 2019 in favour of a cleaner energy solution. Yet, current grievances centre on the lack of involvement in the creation of local plans, particularly concerning critical issues such as traffic management and accessibility.
The community is grappling with pressing challenges, including the presence of high-rise buildings that are aging and in need of upgrades. Some of these structures pose significant fire risks due to dangerous cladding. Additionally, residents with disabilities and those with children requiring special educational needs have raised concerns about the accessibility of public transport and local services. There is a prevailing sentiment amongst disability groups in Barton Hill that their issues remain unaddressed.
The completion of this neighbourhood scheme has brought to light the absence of genuine community participation, leaving many residents feeling that decisions were made without their input. The established trust between the community and local institutions such as the council and police is reportedly fragile, with residents expressing feelings of neglect and indifference towards their perspectives.
As the six-month review period approaches, there is an emerging call for a renewed relationship between residents and local authorities. Barton Hill's community is characterised by a dedication to safety and environmental concerns, with a willingness to collaborate on future initiatives. However, many residents are seeking assurance that they will be included at the forefront of planning processes moving forward.
The complexities surrounding the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood project, which began in 2023, have generated extensive coverage and commentary from local news sources throughout its development, highlighting the ongoing dialogue between residents and officials regarding its implications.
Source: Noah Wire Services