Ward profiles 2021: Horfield – ‘There’s a lot of community spirit but little investment’

A statue of a majestic injured lion stands in front of Southmead Hospital, a constant presence amid the bustle of the 60-acre site.

First opened in 1902, the hospital underwent a major redevelopment and expansion in 2010 to become what it is today and the sculpture by Laura Ford was installed in 2016 to mark the completion of the latest stage of the transformation process.

Located in the heart of Horfield ward, it is one of the city’s biggest hospitals and a major employer for the surrounding area.

Just up the road from the busy hospital, there’s a more carefree vibe on Friday afternoon as children and young people make the most of the Easter holidays outside on the play area and skate park opposite.

Laura Ford’s sculpture of an injured lion outside Southmead Hospital

There’s a sense of anticipation in the air as the leisure centre was finally able to reopen on Monday, while staff at The Crafty Cow are busy preparing to welcome customers back to the beer garden.

Landlord Graham Anderson says the pub has had great support from the local community over the last year.

“Everyone said they cannot wait for us to reopen,” he tells Bristol24/7. “We have noticed the support that much more since we’ve been closed – I think the local community are really keen to buy more locally.”

The Crafty Cow’s beer garden is now open

Bordering Lockleaze on one side and Southmead on the other, Horfield ward straddles the top of Gloucester Road and covers a mix of well-established residential streets and newer developments.

There’s a steady stream of traffic passing through on Friday afternoon and it is perhaps unsurprising that a majority in the ward are concerned about air pollution and traffic levels, with 89 per cent stating these are key concerns, compared to a citywide average of 77 per cent, according to Bristol City Council’s quality of life survey.

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Any visitors to Horfield Library will now be met with a vibrant display of homemade art on the fence outside, the result of a community project at the weekend.

“We’ve got loads of goodwill, imagination and creativity here, and a real desire for community involvement,” says Christine Lindop, chair of the Friends of Horfield Library. “But Horfield lacks an obvious centre, and we’ve lost lots of local facilities. I’d like to see more places for people to meet up – such as opening the library up more – and more things for them to do together. It’s what we all crave now more than ever.”

Her sentiments are echoed by Tom Renhard, a trustee and treasurer for Upper Horfield Community Trust (UHCT) and Labour candidate for the ward.

“The area has a lot of people who want to make a difference,” says Tom. “One of the things that need addressing is fly-tipping in the area, as well as ensuring communities are supported to get back on their feet as Covid-19 restrictions lift.”

James Wilson of UHCT adds: “There is a lot of community spirit in the area but little investment or resources to facilitate the community.”

There are calls for more investment in the area

Up in Zanky’s Deli on Filton Road, a customer is buying an array of Italian goods for her Friday evening, chatting cheerfully as they are bagged up and handed over.

Busy behind the counter, Filomena and Diletta only have good things to say about the local area and people. They say it is constantly improving from the perspective of an independent business.

Filomena and Diletta of Zanky’s Deli say it is a great area

Claire Hiscott, the current Conservative councillor for Horfield, agrees there is a strong sense of community across the neighbourhood.

“It is blessed with several parks and green spaces that people of all ages enjoy and the great leisure centre welcome visitors from all over north Bristol,” says Claire, adding: “The much-loved play areas have lacked significant investment from the council over recent years and local councillors have been resourceful in finding funding streams for repairs.

She adds that Southmead Hospital is a great source of pride as well as a significant source of employment for the neighbourhood – even though the expansion brought with it an increased demand for on-street parking.

Claire will stand alongside local campaigner Jake Emsley for the Conservatives.

Contesting the two Horfield seats will be Anna Meares and Isaac Price-Sosner for the Greens and Tracey O’Reilly for the Lib Dems.

Tom will stand alongside Philippa Hulme for Labour, while current Labour councillor for Horfield, Olly Mead, is standing down.

One of the newer housing developments in Horfield

All photos by Ellie Pipe

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