Features / Local Elections 2021
Ward profiles 2021: Eastville – ‘Diversity is one of its greatest assets’
One of the most controversial planning decisions in Bristol in recent years saw campaigners eventually lose their battle to prevent a McDonald’s drive-thru from opening in Eastville ward.
The McDonald’s on Fishponds Road eventually opened in November 2019, more than four years after plans were first announced for the former Tile Factory site.
Planning permission for the two-storey building was initially rejected by Bristol City Council following a campaign by more than 2,000 local residents; but that decision was later overturned by the government in June 2017.
is needed now More than ever
The 160-cover restaurant was approved despite concerns that the branch could have “huge consequences” for children’s health and increase congestion.
The overturning of a decision of elected Bristol councillors by a national planning inspector unfortunately shows that local authority powers can usually be superseded.
The view over Snuff Mills from Wickham Hill – photo: Martin Booth
Part of the Royate Hill nature reserve is on top of a former railway viaduct that was originally built as part of the Clifton Extension Railway – photo: Martin Booth
Greenbank Cemetery was the first large cemetery after Arnos Cemetery to be set up in Bristol in 1871 – photo: Martin Booth
Eastville ward starts to the east of the M32 and encompasses residential areas of Eastville, Stapleton and Fishponds as well as some of Bristol’s most beautiful green spaces including Eastville Park, Greenbank Cemetery and Royate Hill.
The two Labour Party candidates for Eastville ward are both in their mid-20s. Operation Black Vote alumna Sangeetha Wynter is a 26-year-old teacher while Marley Bennett, 25, works as a parliamentary assistant to the local MP, Kerry McCarthy.
In a joint statement, they said: “We are working tirelessly to give Eastville residents a voice and real influence in what is happening locally and across Bristol.
“If elected, we would ensure Eastville is not overlooked and that it gets its fair share of investment to improve our local area, from supporting our green spaces, cleaning up our streets to supporting existing and new public services.”
Wynter and Bennett said that Eastville, like many other areas of Bristol, suffers from perennial fly-tipping, poor-quality and overcrowded housing, dangerous driving and concerns about street safety.
There has also recently been a number of troubling incidents on the Bristol & Bath Railway Path, which runs through the centre of the ward from Clay Bottom to Speedwell.
“Residents are still mourning the loss of Speedwell Swimming Pool and despite the metrobus running past Eastville, it offers residents no benefit as it does not currently stop here.”
The pair added: “The best aspects of Eastville are its people. There are vibrant and welcoming communities across the ward, its diversity is one of its greatest assets.
“Despite being not far from the city centre we also have fantastic green spaces such as Eastville Park, which make the area a delight to both live in or just to visit.”
The bridge over the River Frome on Stapleton Road is dwarfed by the M32 above it – photo: Martin Booth
A blue plaque marks Chartist leader John Frost’s former home in Stapleton – photo: Martin Booth
For the Green Party, social worker Lorraine Francis and university lecturer Justin Quinnell are candidates for the ward, which is currently represented by Labour’s Mhairi Threlfall and Lib Dem Sultan Khan, who defected from Labour in 2019.
Francis said: “I am ecstatic to be part of a city where I have the opportunity to stand up for political change within the Eastville area.
“As a Bristolian, I care about the whole city and want to see the values that I hold, being hardworking and standing up for the rights of others, to make a huge difference for people of Eastville.
“As a social worker and fully accredited counsellor, I care about the wellbeing of others and want to continue to work alongside other local volunteers and activists to make changes to the issues which residents have spoken to me about, including transport, litter and fly-tipping, intrusive anti-social behaviour, the lack of facilities for young people, and working alongside other groups such as Acorn, to tackle housing-related issues.
“By electing me, you will have a hardworking and visible councillor, willing to listen to the needs of the community and take appropriate steps to address the needs of the community.
“Working alongside my fellow Green councillors to make Eastville and the whole city, a positive place to live.”
Fishponds has the original Beacon Tower – photo: Martin Booth
Main photo: Martin Booth
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