News / East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood
East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood plans pushed back again
The East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood has been hit by another delay due to the evacuation of Barton House.
Bristol City Council is pushing back a public consultation on the project until after Christmas as the tower block lies within the scheme area.
The liveable neighbourhood pilot was initially due to be rolled out this autumn, with bollards and bus gates blocking drivers from using residential streets as a cut-through. Barton Hill, Redfield and St George suffer from speeding and rat-running, and crashes are common.
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The council then pushed back the pilot until this winter, due to controversy around critics claiming they hadn’t been consulted properly.
Others were concerned about the impact on taxi drivers and disabled people who rely on being able to drive through the area.
Now the roll-out has been pushed back again, this time due to the evacuation of the Barton House tower block last month.
Hundreds of residents were told to leave as the building was found to be unsafe, and at risk of collapse if a fire broke out in just a single flat.
Writing on the mayor’s blog, Labour cabinet member for transport Don Alexander said: “It was originally our plan to run a statutory Traffic Regulation Order consultation before Christmas, as part of the co-design approach, to get further feedback on the proposals.
“However, while we — along with community groups, agencies, and volunteers in the area — continue to work to support Barton House residents through this difficult and unsettling time, we have pushed back consultation on the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood project until we have more clarity for a long-term decision on Barton House.”
Barton House is on Marsh Lane, where a bus gate is planned under the liveable neighbourhood proposals
Barton House is on Marsh Lane, one of the main routes used by drivers a cut-through. A bus gate is planned on Marsh Lane, and another on nearby Avonvale Road.
These would block general traffic from driving through, while keeping access for buses, taxis and other exempt vehicles.
Alexander added: “We appreciate this will be disappointing to many residents and organisations who have suggested changes and improvements to the area, but we know they will be understanding given these unique circumstances.
“In the meantime, we will continue to work with residents across east Bristol to finalise where to install around ten new cycle hangars.”
The proposed East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood covers parts of Barton Hill, Redfield and St George – map: Bristol City Council
Alex Seabrook is a local democracy reporter for Bristol
All photos: Ellie Pipe
Read next:
- East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood trial could still start before end of 2023
- ‘East Bristol is in dire need of help to make our roads safer’
- Campaigners claim council is ‘watering down’ liveable neighbourhood consultation
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