Ward profiles 2021: Easton – ‘Housing must improve if everyone in our community is to thrive’

It’s a hive of activity next to the Black Swan on Monday morning, where work is underway on a new canopy-covered beer garden.

The venue has also opened a takeaway kitchen that looks out onto a bustling Stapleton Road and busy behind the counter is Rebekkah Gordon, who was brought up in St Paul’s and has known the area her whole life.

She says the diverse neighbourhood is a great place to be, but she’d love to see more support and money for black business owners and entrepreneurs – particularly younger generations – many of whom are adversely impacted by social and economic inequalities through no fault of their own.

“We’ve had a lot taken,” says Rebekkah, cheerfully making a coffee as she talks. “I wish more money was put aside for black-owned businesses.”

Rebekkah Gordon, of The Black Swan Kitchen on Stapleton Road, would like to see more support for black-owned businesses – photo by Ellie Pipe

There’s a close-knit community and thriving businesses on this stretch of Stapleton Road, but the perception from some who live and work here is that it doesn’t get the same prompt action from authorities to deal with littering, fly-tipping or anti-social behaviour as more affluent areas do.

This bears out in 2020 data published by Bristol City Council, in which 95 per cent of people in Easton ward say there is a street litter problem, well above the citywide average of 81 per cent.

Across the road from the Black Swan, Brunel Associates – a business that has been operating in the area for more than 30 years – is displaying one of the few political party posters to be seen by Bristol24/7 ahead of May’s local elections in its window, supporting Labour incumbent mayor Marvin Rees.

Plans to pedestrianise St Mark’s Road have divided opinion in the area

Up on St Mark’s Road, it’s business as usual for many traders, including long-term residents Bristol Sweet Mart and the more recently opened Aesop’s, but the shutters remain down on restaurants – including the community café that would usually be a central hub for many during the week.

The street is home to the famous Grand Iftar (in non-Covid times) and was voted the best in the UK in 2019, but opinion has recently been divided over pedestrianisation plans. Business owners opposed to proposals to ban through traffic say it would force them out of the area, but supporters say it would improve air quality and make it more accessible for those with wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Disagreements aside, there’s a deep-rooted sense of community in the ward that covers a section of Easton, including City Academy, Whitehall, some of Redfield and Netham Park. 77 per cent of people here say they feel like they belong in the neighbourhood, according to council data, compared to a citywide average of 62 per cent.

Easton Community Centre is at the heart of the community

Community is one of the key strengths in the area, says Stacy Yelland, the CEO of Eastside Community Trust.

“Easton ward is such an exciting place to work and one of the most diverse communities in Bristol,” Stacy tells Bristol24/7.

“It’s an area jam-packed with community spirit, grassroots activism and passionate people. Here at Eastside Community Trust, we run events and activities that celebrate community and bring people together with decision-makers to work through issues that matter to them.

“This will be really important over the next few years as we recover from the pandemic and face challenges posed by the climate emergency. We will be working with local people to improve and increase investment in green spaces, parks, child friendly streets and play.

“We know the area also faces challenges especially when it comes to good quality housing. Lots of homes (social and privately rented) are in disrepair and many live-in overcrowded conditions this must improve if everyone in our community is to thrive.”

Housing is undoubtedly a key issue for an area of Bristol undergoing some big changes and ever-increasing house prices, as is green space.

Bristol City Council plans to hand over the running of the pavilion and pitches in Netham Park as part of a community asset transfer have met with concern from some residents, who fear it will stop the space being free and accessible for all.

Bristol Pakistanis Cricket Club has joined forces with Bristol Co-operative Gym, Easton Cowboys & Cowgirls and Eastside Community Trust to lodge an expression of interest with the council for a community asset transfer and have unveiled plans to transform the pavilion into a multi-purpose space that can be enjoyed by everyone in the area.

But Bristol Somali Community Association is calling for the deadline to be extended until after full consultation with residents has been completed.

Easton ward is currently represented by Labour councillors Afzal Shah, who recently took on the cabinet role responsible for climate, ecology and sustainable growth, and Ruth Pickersgill.

Contesting the seat will be Green candidates Jenny Bartle and Barry Parsons and Lib Dems Pauline Allen and Paul Elvin. The Conservatives have not included Easton in their confirmed candidate list.

The ever-changing message wall on Whitehall Road

All photos by Ellie Pipe

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