Ward profiles 2021: St George West – ‘We’re breathing in dangerous levels of air pollution’

There’s a man who often sings out loud as he strides cheerfully through St George Park in the morning.

He is just one of a myriad of people from all walks of life who make this much-loved space special.

With its grand Victorian entrance, feature pond and mature blossom-coated trees, the historic park that has been at the heart of the community for decades provides a comforting presence in an area that is changing fast.

Come out of the park entrance towards Church Road and signs of change are all around.

There are the unique zed-pod homes built on stilts over the car park on Chalks Road as part of an innovative solution to the housing crisis developed by Bristol City Council, Bristol Housing Festival, YMCA and others.

Just a stone’s throw away is the site of the derelict former post office plot on the corner of Chalks Road and Church, for which developers have now submitted new plans for nine homes and a café-bar. A public meeting on the plans is taking place on Monday, April 26.

Across the road, the grand building that was once a bank reopened last year as new gastropub and music venue The Red Church and further down Blackswarth Road, work is well underway on converting the former Three Crowns pub into new homes.

Jason Smith, the owner of Redfield Pet Supplies on Church Road agrees a lot has changed in the last five years alone. A long-term resident, Jason used to be a customer at the shop, which was then further down the street, before taking on the business in 2018.

“I think the area is really lovely,” he says. “Over the years it’s massively changed, it’s partly a generational change.”

Jason says even the nature of his business has shifted, with people now more aware of pet nutrition and willing to spend more to get good quality stuff for their pets. He always tries himself to support other local and independent businesses.

“I always say you treat people as you want to be treated yourself,” adds Jason. “I’ve got some fantastically loyal customers.”

Development plans have been submitted for the former post office site on the corner of Church Road and Chalks Road

It’s quite apt that Bristol24/7 is covering St George West – the third and final of the St George wards – on St George’s Day. The ward spans an upper section of Church Road, Beaufort Road, St George Park, Plummers Hill Avon View Cemetery and down to Netham Park Industrial Estate, next to which plans are afoot to build Bristol’s first hydro-electric generator.

Running parallel to the cemetery, Beaufort Road is one of a number of streets being considered for changes – that could include closing it to through traffic – as part of a bid to improve walking and cycling in the city and ease congestion.

Beaufort Road is often congested at peak commuter hours

Just off Church Road, backing onto the park, sits the majestic red brick building that was once a school and is now the Sikh temple Siri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara Bristol and Bristol Movement Space.

Next door is St George Community Centre, which is run by the volunteer-led St George Community Association.

Speaking about the neighbourhood, chair of the association Tamsin Harcourt says: “St George Park is probably the major asset for this ward. It’s a beautiful green space with mature trees and has been a lifeline for residents during lockdown.”

Tamsin adds that the community response during the Covid pandemic was impressive, with mutual aid groups springing up to make sure vulnerable people got help with shopping, medication and phone support.

Tamsin Harcourt says rising house prices are a big issue in the area

In terms of what could be better? “Our local high street is the A420, a main route into Bristol city centre,” says Tamsin. “So we’re all breathing in dangerous levels of air pollution when we go shopping. Local campaign group St George Breathing Better has been disappointed at the missed opportunity of the proposed Clean Air Zone, which will only cover a very small area in Bristol’s city centre.

“And while rising house prices might be good news for people already on the ladder, if you’re in the private rented sector it’s just unaffordable. Just this week, I chatted to a mum at our Stay and Play group – she and her family are moving out of Bristol altogether because rents are so high, and hers is not an isolated case. Renting a family home round here is about £1,200 per month.”

Traffic congestion and air pollution are a big concern for many in the ward, with 95 per cent recently saying traffic congestion is an issue – compared to a citywide average of 77 per cent, in Bristol City Council’s Quality of Life survey. 90 per cent stated air pollution is a problem locally, well above the average of 77 per cent.

It’s something Green councillor candidate Anna Bryer promises to take action on if she is elected on May 6.

“Air quality is something people are concerned about, with increasing congestion in our side streets and Church Road,” Anna tells Bristol24/7. “The area deserves more support to increase cycling and walking, encourage car sharing, traffic calming and more.”

Anna added: “St George West is loved for its excellent green. Although well used, more must be done to improve these, including overdue works to the lake in the park, updating play equipment, and improving facilities for all ages.”

St George West is currently represented by Labour councillor Asher Craig, who is also deputy mayor and cabinet member for communities, equalities and public health, and will be standing for re-election in May.

Also in the running are Nick Hiscott for the Conservative Party, Lib Dem Simon King, Chris Parry, of the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition, and independent candidate Tony Potter.

Plummers Hill is one of the much-loved green spaces in St George West

All photos by Ellie Pipe

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