Features / lockleaze
Campaign back on track for train station in Lockleaze
Lockleaze residents and Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways (FoSBR) – a group pushing for an integrated rail network across Bristol – have joined forces to restart the campaign for a train station in Lockleaze.
Campaigners say they would be “delighted” to have improved public transport, and that rail is a “priority option” for many. They recently met at Constable Road, where they think the new station should be located, to discuss the revived campaign and help move it forward.
Rob Dixon, chair of FoSBR and a Lockleaze resident, says that local people are desperate for a rail station and believes one would be a huge improvement for the area.
is needed now More than ever
He said: “With all the development happening here, the traffic, congestion and pollution is only going to get worse. Enabling residents to use the trains would be a huge benefit to us here in Lockleaze.”
Residents have met with Lockleaze councillor Heather Mack, Rob Dixon, and the council’s cabinet member for transport, Don Alexander, to discuss the revived plans for a local train station. Photo courtesy of Heather Mack
Heather Mack says that as Green councillors, the campaign for a new train station in Lockleaze is something that her and fellow ward councillor David Wilcox are keen to support.
She said: “A train station would help reduce car use in the area, bringing down pollution and helping deal with traffic and parking issues, whilst improving access to both facilities and employment for the residents here.”
Plans by Bristol City Council for a station near Romney Avenue in Lockleaze were squashed in 2015. But with 1,200 new homes in the pipeline for the area, residents say it is vital that this form of public transport is focused on once more.
Campaigners believe Constable Road is a more suitable location than previous plans. Rob added: “The new location at Constable Road is located on bus routes, and is far more accessible for more local people. It’s better for those with less mobility and covers more of the new housing developments. ”
Previously, Lockleaze was served by the Horfield Railway Station, located near Bonnington Walk, however this was closed in 1964. Residents have been campaigning to reinstate a station in the neighbourhood for over two decades. In 2001, Bonnington Walk station was included in the Bristol Supertram project, but this entire project was dropped in 2004.
The nearest station for Lockleaze residents is now Filton Abbey Wood, however there are plans in place to reopen Ashley Down train station, with construction looking to commence in 2022.
Lockleaze is flanked by railway running from Temple Meads to Parkway Station, but has not had a station serving it since the 1960s. Photo by Rob Dixon
Rob said that he is very pleased with the plans to reopen Ashley Down station, though this will serve a different area than a Lockleaze station would.
“The more stations we have, the less traffic and congestion we will see. Local stations serve the local community. They are convenient and accessible, and that is what we need for an interconnected city.”
Lockleaze resident Jenny Stanfield, added that she is hugely in support of a train station there, and believes it is the best option for improving getting around in the area.
She commented: “We already have the rails running through here – it seems like a no brainer to me. Connecting us up to the rest of the city would improve access to jobs and education, and of course reduce the need for cars too.”
Campaigners are urging residents to get in touch with their local councillors to show their support and share their views. Rob is also encouraging local people to write postcards of support for the new station to the West of England metro mayor, Dan Norris, whose role includes making decisions on transport projects across the region. Postcards can be picked up from the Hub on Gainsborough Square.
Emily Shimell is reporting on Lockleaze as part of Bristol24/7’s community reporter scheme, a pilot project which aims to tell stories from areas of Bristol traditionally under-served by the mainstream media
Main photo courtesy of Rob Dixon
Read more: Lockleaze residents demand more than just houses in an area earmarked for over 1000 new homes.
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