News / The Downs
Views sought to determine future of the Downs
A consultation has launched to decide the future of the Downs in the first ever moment of engagement in the green space’s history.
Custodians of the vast expanse in north Bristol are asking Bristolians for their views on how the Downs should be managed looking forward.
Landowners the Downs Committee, which comprises representatives from Bristol City Council and the Society of Merchant Ventures in equal portions, have put together the major consultation which focuses on six principles.
is needed now More than ever
Having launched on Tuesday, people can now comment on Durdham Downs’ recreation, conservation, funding, events, building and infrastructure and engagement.
The Downs Committee is asking for people’s views on the Downs – photo: Ellie Pipe
The management of the Downs has long been embroiled in controversy – with calls from pressure groups and figures in Bristol demanding the society step back and hand Clifton Down over to the city.
Whilst there is also an optional survey about transparency and effectiveness in how the Downs is governed, the subject of the long-term involvement of the Merchant Venturers in the 412 acres of land is not directly broached.
Christine Townsend, Green councillor for Southville and vocal opponent of the Merchant Venturers, took to a recent Downs Committee meeting to raise her concerns.
She told City Hall on Monday, March 21 in a written statement: “Democracy and the Noland Principles are not and cannot be served whilst the Merchant Ventures sit on this, or any other council committee. Any elected representative claiming otherwise are themselves failing to adhere to those principles.”
Merchants’ Hall, the Society of Merchant Venturers headquarters in Clifton – photo: Society of Merchant Venturers
About the freshly-launched consultation, David Freed, master of the Merchant Venturers, said: “The Downs exists for everybody in Bristol, and has done for over 180 years. We are committed to looking after the Downs as an open space for recreation and conservation for everybody, now and into the future. We really want to hear from as many people as we can across the city.”
Echoing Freed, Councillor Steve Smith, chair of the Downs Committee, commented: “We are focussing here on what we are trying to achieve for the people across Bristol and beyond who use the Downs.
“We know there are things we can improve about our governance as well, so we’re also taking the opportunity to ask some wider questions about how the committee is established and run, and the legal structures that underpin it.”
Members of the public have until April 19 to contribute.
You can take part in the survey here or call 07769 285266 to request a paper copy.
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read more: Master of Merchant Ventures defends society’s control over Downs
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