The Park

Update: 19th July 2007
WE DID IT!!! Today our Park Group was officially established and a committee of local people elected.

The Original Post:
In response to the recent St Georges Park letter in the Evening Post, dated 11th June 2007.

CLICK ON THE PICTURE TO ENLARGE AND READ THE COMMENTS.

I would like to inform this new resident of St George and bring your readers up to date.

Around a year ago, being of a similar opinion to your writer I began a survey which included the views and requests of all users including the kids who use the skate park, the elderly and families with young children. There was a excellent response and so I called a public meeting at the Beehive Centre in St George in October last year.

Around one hundred people attended including the parks officer Richard Fletcher to whom I publicly handed the response to our survey.

We were told of the many other parks that had organised themselves and found sources of funds ranging up to £100,000 in one year.

It is clear why our park is in such a state under the stewardship of our local Councillors. Although they attended without identifying themselves. In regards to our plan to set up a friends of St Georges Park Group they told us that we were "trying to reinvent the wheel".

Unfortunately the Council officer felt it was a good idea to waste more time and our money with a further survey which revealed the same views as the original.

I thought that having the councils support would help, but so far it has only managed to slow down proceedings. (Of course there was the recent sensitive tree felling program and maybe they wanted us out of the way for that.)

Until the group has been officially established, we are unable to access any of the available funds charitable or otherwise.

May I say in direct response to your readers letter that both surveys echoed the writers sentiments. All the issues raised are high on the priority list amongst local residents as are a better play area, lighting, seating and the reinstatement of the railings for the improved look and security of our park among many other things.

Anyone interested in helping to steer this group or support it in any manner is welcome. Please call me on 07867971717 if you would like to get involved.

Thanks EP for highlighting our park. We would like to present our park to you in the future in a far better light.


Angelo Agathangelou
Recent Conservative City Council Candidate
for St George West

Post Election Blues?

HOW DO I FEEL?

I feel humbled by the massive support and trust shown to me, my team and the campaign we ran.

The results for 2007 after only 10 months of campaigning speak for themselves. Labour 1118 = 38%, Conservative 1077 = 37%
Lib-Dem 729 = 25%.

Compared to 2005 (general election higher turnout) Labour 47%, Lib-Dem 28%, Conservative 18%, Green 7%.

Or 2003 Labour 1044 = 45%, Lib-Dem 525 = 23%, Conservative 438 = 19%,
Bristolian 182 = 8%, Green Party 135 = 6%

How do I feel, fantastic! I will continue to fight for our neighbourhood and its residents. (the excel charts above are actual and not spun! This is also true of the content of our newsletters and we think worthy of note.)

IS THAT IT? Is it hell.

We are local people (residents and businesses) who are outraged to one degree or another with the established administration (our Labour Councillors).

We have already achieved much on the ground and clearly stimulated and influenced local debate. We have only just begun.

I'll keep you posted of our activities. There are several burning hot issues to be resolved and the rest.

Thanks to all who voted for us, thanks to my family and friends for their support, my agent and my team of traders and residents who you may have noticed outside the polling stations braving the cold from 7am. Thanks everyone.

“Monitoring the Situation”

SHOWCASE BUS ROUTE

http://www.bristol.gov.uk/item/epetition.html

MAKE YOUR VIEWS KNOWN ON CONGESTION CHARGING FOR BRISTOL

Update: Monday July 9th 2007
Yet more traffic chaos promised for St George! With the opening of the bus route only two months away, the council published today the daily closure of Crews Hole Road, due to road works for up to 18 months and guess where they are going to send the traffic in stead, up Troopers Hill Road, Air Baloon Road, Summerhill Road, Church Road and Blackswarth Road! Great timing guys, Bristol City Planning Dept. strikes again!

It seems that nothing escapes the eagle eyes of my team!

Siemens number plate recognition cameras (same as in central London) warn us of Lib Dem council cabinet’s stealth move toward road pricing in St George! - We all know that the timetable for this for ‘Road Pricing’ is set for after the completion of 5 ‘showcase bus routes’. - After the Evening Post aptly described us as spearheading the campaign for improvements to Dennis the Menace’s (Lib Dem who lives way across town) farcical ideas for our high street, many of you have been in touch regarding various deeply concerning and various issues from up and down the route, including the £30,000 monstrosities that have recently appeared (those inverse L posts that hang traffic lights over the middle of the road) on our Victorian high street.


It is clear that little thought has been given to the impact on local residents and traders. - It’s the little things too! - Giaccomo has been one of our local barbers on Church Road for over 35 years! After recent changes to the pavement, the shop now becomes flooded when it rains causing a hazard to staff and customers alike! - A disabled resident living on Church Road is losing his parking bay, an issue we had feared and raised from the beginning. - I can report that ‘The Menace’ has informed us through one resident that he now agrees that the stretch between Blackswarth / Chalks and the fountain on Church Road is too narrow for a red 24 hour bus lane strip. - On this information we walked down to our friend Steve’s shop ‘STUFF’ and measured the width there… 6 inches narrower!!! Barely 9 meters across! - It would seem then that we should not be having an unnecessary red strip on our high road either.

We are all pretty sick of the roadwork on Church Road. We would cope better with change, if we thought that the final product would do us proud

If we are to have the best chance to reverse these menacing follies, I am your man for the local councillor election for May 3rd. I do not want to see the loss of one more parking space from our side streets.

To those who find it odd that whilst we have 2 labour councillors, I am the one fighting for the ‘Labour Club’ to save their parking on Beaconsfield Road, get over it! I stand for those living and working in St George, regardless of their politics.

On May 3rd

"Help me fight for St George!"

Angelo Agathangelou.

'St Georges Park' form new Neigbourhood Watch

Neighbours in St Georges Park have set up a new neighbourhood watch covering Sherbourne, Salisbury, Hedwick, Ebenezer and Seneca Streets.

This is in direct response to recent attempted and actual crimes. We are liasing with other successful schemes around St. George West.

Practical measures like this are what are needed to give our more vulnerable neighbours confidence – not endless “crime surveys” which only tell us what those of us that already live here (and the police) already know.

I am greatly heartened by the response of the residents our confirmed members already number over 40 and I am sure this in itself will contribute to deterring criminals thinking of targeting these streets.

NO MORE DAYS TO GO!

Our local election is on the 3rd of May! TODAY!!! I am proud to be your Conservative Candidate for St George West.

I have lived here since 2000 and although there have been many improvements, I believe there is still so much that could be done to put our vibrant Bristol village on the map.

Some of you may already know me through my work, running my own local small business as an electrician and as I am often in our park with my two young sons. Many of you have already spoken to me about issues that concern you and the way the city council is being run. I can assure you that I am here to campaign for all St. George West residents regardless of your politics, so please do not hesitate to contact me.

As well as being a father of two young children who go to Greek school in Easton, I have campaigned at a national level for human rights and the opening up of the family courts. I have a personal knowledge of the conflict in the middle east at the moment as although I was born in England I still do have family in Cyprus. I am dismayed by the hostilities and the massive loss of and disruption of life regarding the current conflict in that region and would welcome your opinions.


YOUR CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE.
I am very pleased to have been chosen by the local conservatives to stand for St. George West in next years local election. The history of this party which I personally connect with does, given that it has been the most prolific, neceserily include some of the greatest achievements of our country including interestingly the abolition of slavery.

There are clearly perceptions of the shades of issues of decades past regarding our party. I also know that the adult life that has lead me here has not found the answers to the issues its has encountered in the government that has been in power for the large part of it.

I see the conservative party as, less bureaucracy, lower council tax, greater faith in the judgement of the individual and the pushing back of the nanny state and I think these are aspects of the party legacy that we can all live with. David Cameron clinched it for me basically because I feel that he has the potential to represent me. I feel connected with what I perceive to be, finally, the correct personality to go with the legacy.

I need to mention my strong support for the party's stance regarding the rights of children and their fathers. It is a stark reality for fathers that no other party is even contemplating validating the equality of fatherhood to motherhood using, in essence, the same sexist arguments used against women in the past. The deceptively widespread misery caused is a gaping wound at the heart of our nation. Emmeline Pankhurst is a hero of mine and I am proud to be a modern conservative. Interestingly, so was she!

Campaigning over the last year in St George has been an eye opener. Local issues are practical and concern the quality of our daily lives. They include problems with parking, rodents, dissatisfaction with council action and inaction and concerns about the rising rate of crime in our area (among many, many, other things).

I have fought hard for our local issues whilst our current councillors have been silent when it mattered. Vote for me this May 3rd and let us make St George ship shape and Bristol fashion again.

Because St George West is not just a fringe to Easton or a through route for busses from the outskirts. Because on these and many other issues I think St George West and its residents matter!

Angelo Agathangelou

Budget Success!

Conservatives WIN £250,000 for City Parks

On Tuesday 27th of February my Conservative colleagues on Bristol City Council won an extra £250,000 for our City Parks in the budget debate.


This is to be targeted at parks development and children’s/young peoples play areas.

I instructed our spokesman Cllr. Ashley Fox (Conservative) that among many things we need in St Georges Park, he should ask for the following improvements.

A manned first aid post
Safety surfacing on little kids areas and an extended play area
Many more benches for their parents
Toilets that are open
A full time warden

Cllr. Fox reported to me that our local Labour councillor spoke against our proposals for more spending on parks and play areas!

I find this extraordinary. When we met this January along with residents on a guided tour of our park to look at the tree-felling program, I thought that they were just as keen to see improvements in the park as the rest of us are. We shook hands on this issue.

If elected on May the 3rd I fully intend to work with anyone regardless of political party who is serious about improving our facilities and quality of life in St George West.

Bus Route Consultation Shambles

Update: August 29th 2007
The council Finally publish the new Traffic Regulation Order for the new bus lanes through St George. Here it is for your information.

Click on the pictures to enlarge.

UPDATE: 31st July 2007. More traders in Old Market say they may have to close because of the bus route. See also 'TAKE FIVE' for the opinions of traders in Old Market and Beyond.

After 2 years of so called 'consultation' (so our MP Kerry McArthy claims) the residents of Barton Hill are still unhappy about the no right turn into Ducie Road. I recently delivered the information leaflet below to residents and traders in the area. I understand that the Barton hill settlement have stated in the press that they will support any protest about this 'Traffic Regulation Order' which effectively cuts off Barton Hill and I hope that they will 'put their money where their mouth is!'

NO RIGHT TURN into DUCIE ROAD from Lawrence Hill, from Aug 17th ~ TRO published in Bristol Evening Post July 23rd ~ Anyone objecting to this order has until AUGUST 30th 2007 to apply to the High Court. ~ “The residents of Barton Hill are still unhappy about this change, which proves that the 2 years of so-called consultation have been an expensive sham.” ~
Angelo Agathangelou, St. George West Conservatives ~ to see the history of the campaign against the worst aspects of the bus route by residents and traders, visit: wwwstgeorgewest.blogspot.com

The Original Post:

http://www.bristol.gov.uk/item/epetition.html

MAKE YOUR VIEWS KNOWN ON CONGESTION CHARGING FOR BRISTOL!

SEE ALSO "MONITERING THE SITUATION"

These were the questions I presented to the councils planning department on January 30th regarding the general feeling towards the so-called consultation about their proposed changes to our existing bus route.

I will keep you posted with their replies!

1. We (over 2000 residents and traders who took part in the consultation) feel that the consultation has been a whitewash. What exactly did you mean by consultation bearing in mind that your ‘statement of community involvement’ is supposed to state that ‘the community must have confidence that its views will influence planning decisions, from the very beginning of the process, right through to the end.’ (Quote, the civic society bulletin April 2006)

2. Do you accept that your own summary of the first phase of consultation clearly shows that 90% of the respondees were objecting to your plans and should this not influence at least 90% changes in the direction of views and comments?

3. Did any one else bother to quantify the loss of residents parking and if so, what figure did they come up with and for which specific area?

4. (Personal allegations against council officers.)
5. (Personal allegations against council officers.)

6. Why was St George East not consulted nor furnished with a map showing their portion of the bus route?

7. Why did the map that was published not show the new proposed double yellow lines and build outs at Kensington Road and Glen Park Road? And do you accept that this means that the residents of these streets were not consulted?

8. (Personal allegations against council officers.)
9. (Personal allegations against council officers.)

10. Why has the City Academy never been consulted about the HGV diversion past its gates, (clearly stated as answers in the councils own report to questions by local businesses)?

Summary: Given the overwhelming evidence in your own report, given the overwhelming evidence of the massive public opposition, will you not just go ahead with the changes we all welcome such as better bus shelters with electronic information, build ups, pedestrian crossings, improvements to traffic lights and car parks and scrap plans for ANY loss of residents parking, dedicated bus lanes, no turning orders and further speed restrictions through the area from Lawrence Hill through St George to the borders of St George East?

I am the only candidate in this election that has spoken out against the detrimental effects to our residents and traders, indeed ironically (but standard as far as I am concerned) I have been told that I am the only candidate who has supported the 'Labour Club' on Church Road over the loss of most of their parking.

FOR THE CHOP

There was more than one thing for the chop in St Georges Park this week. Photos by Tim Hughes.

The Gentlemen responsible for felling from our city council were kind enough to explain in some detail their reasons and future plans.

It is clear on close inspection how diseased many of our parks trees are. Our recent blustery spell resulted in much damage to many of these trees and the national news report that a fallen tree had killed a man only adds weight to their arguments about public safety.

Some residents were very distressed by the proposals and worried about the loss of the protective canopy offered as well as the blight this might mean while we wait 30 years to see the benefits of the replacements. I agree particularly with the second sentiment and believe this is our lesson for the future.

IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN STAGGERED!

We could have understood a plan to replace various trees over 10 or 20 years. The residents and I are shocked at the sheer number of mature trees that are to go in one fell swoop!

Thank goodness for and let us keep our fingers crossed for success in the future for 'The Friends of St Georges Park". Perhaps then we may ensure such calamities do not blight our lovely park in the future. (Keep an eye on our blog, friends of the park steering group and any new people who want to be involved welcome meeting expected at the end of January.)

The second thing for the chop was more metaphorical. At the party in the park last year, which we helped to promote, the kids had a graffiti competition. They also graffitied some of the new ramps that the organiser body English raised funds to install. Grateful for the props, the kids’ graffitied our blog address on one of the ramps. The council saw fit to over paint this in a rather nice blue in the new year. Did they run out of paint? No they recon our blog is getting too political. At last, RECOGNITION! (check the party post Sept 2nd 2006)

They rolled out the BIG GUN!

So, we get together as a community, produce a petition and put over 1200 of our names on it, not to mention many other great local individuals like Steve of ‘Stuff’ who has made enough publicity for all of us and Paulette of ‘Jones the Bread’ who collected another 500 signatures herself and so on and so forth.

Despite the overwhelming public opposition, our MP Kerry McCarthy chose to attack our campaign in print in the Evening Post. Shame!

You can read her letter and my ‘right of reply’ that was published a few days later in the comments section of this post, for those of you who only read the EP for the football!

We presume that bearing in mind that she is our MP and that our current local councillors are also labour party and profess they care, that our area will NOT be blighted with some of these calamitous proposed changes!

Oh but of course, let us not forget this whole thing was planned and funded by them in the first place. Well that’s labour spin for you.

Physical Environment Scrutiny Commission on 30th of January

Re: The so-called showcase bus route.

Just to let you know that the ‘Physical Environment Scrutiny Commission on 30th of January’ is our next step and the appropriate forum to help our City Cabinet to recognise some of the shortcomings of their so-called consultation that seemed to us more like a white wash.

Please feel free to write your statements ‘for the attention of the Clerk of the Physical Environment Scrutiny Commission'. Thanks to those of you who have already done this (check this postings comments section). Please e-mail your comments to me at angelo@stgeorgewest.com

Our comments will be submitted with a new 5 min video. All suggestions are welcome.

Would you like to make a comment on our video?

We will update with the address of the venue for the commission soon. Check for future updates as this issue is live!

Update: 31st January
Click on the PLAY button to see the video part of our presentation to the Physical Environment Scrutiny Commission.

'TAKE FIVE'

UPDATE: 14th of December 2006
To see some of the statements that we presented to the council on December the 5thand our summary of the loss of parking as a result of the proposed changes to our existing bus route please read the comments section below this story.

UPDATE: 28th of November 2006
We love Bristol, we love Star 107.2. A big thank you to Bristol’s ‘STAR FM’ for their excellent report on our local issue.

Fair is fair, the Evening Post has also listened and reported on the issue. We have been in touch and I shall pay them a personal visit.

Did we miss anyone? Let us know.

Watch this blog for our new u-tube 'TAKE FIVE'.

PUT UP OUR POSTERS AND JOIN US ON TUESDAY THE 5th OF DECEMBER IN THE ENTRANCE TO THE COUNCIL HOUSE ON COLLEGE GREEN TO FIGHT FOR YOUR PARKING AND HIGH STREET!

SIGN THE PETITION (in the following shops)
At Church Road:
STUFF
At Summerhill Road
JONES THE BREAD bakery and The Pied Horse Pub.


Previously, 18th of November 2006:WE STILL HAVE A CHANCE TO STOP THE RED DEDICATED BUS LANE STRIPS, EXTENDED, ENHANCED PARKING RESTRICTIONS AND NO TURNING RESTRICTIONS.
The Evening Post and its local supplement the Observer have finally caught up with our news even though we posted on the 11th of October. What saddens us the most is that we only have one newspaper and the news we report always seems to end up as a watered down hybrid following the council line.

Steve of ‘STUFF’ centre in the recent EP and Observer photo above has complained bitterly of his objections, praised our support and spoke of over 1000 signatures collected in only a couple of weeks many at his own store.

St George Library

St George Library is closing for refurbishment from November the 15th to February the 19th 2007 (provided that the work goes according to schedule).

During this period the library service will be operating from ‘Summerhill Senior Citizens Club’ (opposite St George Baptist Church, Summerhill Road).

Opening Hours for Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday are 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4 pm and on Fridays 10am to 1pm only. Please support the library while it’s at the SSCC.