Ward profiles 2021: Southmead – ‘People want positive change’

Henleaze Lake is in Southmead ward but Southmead Hospital is in Horfield ward. Just the latest vagary among Bristol’s electoral wards as we come to the final week of daily profiles of every ward in the city ahead of election day on May 6.

What Southmead ward does contain is Bristol Free School in Brentry, which opened in 2011 to cope with a lack of secondary school places in north Bristol; Badock’s Wood, discovered and rediscovered by many on their government-sanctioned exercise time during the pandemic; and half of Filton Golf Club, whose fairways became another favourite spot for local residents while golfers were unable to tee off during lockdown.

The ward also contains Pen Park Hole, an extraordinary underground cave system. The land above the many chambers – which were discovered accidentally in the 17th century – was granted planning permission for homes in 2016, but this was thwarted when the caves were designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Homes do look likely to be built, however, as part of a regeneration plan for Glencoyne Square.

A community-led plan to redevelop the centre of Southmead has received the backing of the council and is set to receive £7m in funding.

It will see the area get about 300 new homes, a new community centre for the health centre and public library to move into, and improved public spaces.

300 new homes could be built on Glencoyne Square – photo: Martin Booth

“Southmead really is a special place,” says Helen Godwin, Bristol’s cabinet member for women, families & homes, and one of two Labour councillors in Southmead ward who are both standing for re-election.

“It’s a well designed area with lots of green space. Badock’s Wood is a haven of tranquillity and wildlife, and the work done to clean up Trymside means we have even more safe green space.

“But for me, it’s about the people of Southmead. Friendly, funny and always keen to look towards the future, I’ve made some amazing friends here in Southmead.

“We’ve been able to get so much done here because we’ve had the support of brilliant community activists who are passionate about where they live and want to see positive change.

“It’s such a privilege to be part of this community.”

The Southmead Round Barrow in what is now Badock’s Wood was constructed around 1300 BC. A sculpture by Michael Fairfax marks the location – photo: Martin Booth

Godwin says that one of the key issues in the ward is “around housing, people wanting to move, downsize and overcrowding”, all of which has driven the work around the planned regeneration of the Arnside and Glencoyne Square area.

For fellow Southmead councillor, Brenda Massey, “the really positive aspect of the regeneration project is that it is a community working together with us, in partnership, and being able to concentrate on the issues that really matter to local people, not just have developers impose ideas on them.”

Massey added: As well as this we have worked with the community on projects to improve parks, roads and other green spaces and have visited every elderly people’s accommodation in Southmead to try and improve community facilities and activities and tackle loneliness.”

This is done in tandem with community groups and organisations such as Team Southmead, the Travelling Kitchen and the Travelling Tea Pot.

Other issues for Godwin include anti-social behaviour and concerns about young people. “We continue to work with the police, council officers and youth organisations to find solutions to this.”

The parade of shops on Greystoke Avenue – photo: Martin Booth

Conservative Party candidates James Martin and Roddy Jaques says that Southmead “has been taken for granted by Labour”.

They plan to work with residents and the police to tackle anti-social behaviour and crime; improve the local environment by tackling littering, especially dog-fouling; and introduce measures to reduce the strain commuter parking has on residential streets.

They also promise to fight for a review into the infamous double mini roundabout at the junction of Southmead Road, Monk’s Park Road and Pen Park Road to reduce congestion.

“James and Roddy will be a strong voice for Southmead and will never take it for granted,” says the Conservative Party website.

Conservative Party candidates James Martin and Roddy Jaques promise a review of Southmead’s infamous double roundabout – photo: Martin Booth

Green candidate Clare Calascione is the mother of two young adults with special needs, and she says she “understands the challenges of parenting” and “wants to ensure that support is in place for the families that need it”.

As a self-employed freelancer, she has a special interest in supporting new and small businesses and sole traders, with improving public transport and air quality her top priorities for the ward.

Serena Ralston, the other Green Party candidate, volunteered as a driver delivering meals during lockdown to those in Southmead who were shielding and vulnerable.

Ralston is a community engagement and communications specialist, who says she is “passionate about green, affordable and high-quality housing for all”.

Main photo: Martin Booth

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