Archive for category: News

Pilning & Severn Beach Parish Council has received a further update from Claire Young MP’s office regarding ongoing efforts to resolve the long‑running issues surrounding the M49 Severnside Junction and its missing connection to the Western Approach.

Mateusz Palewski, Parliamentary Assistant to Claire Young, confirmed that Claire’s recent adjournment debate speech reflected the concerns raised locally. He noted that the Minister’s response was “the best we could have hoped for”, with a commitment to provide monthly updates on progress. Claire Young will continue pressing both the Minister and National Highways, and recent media coverage is expected to increase pressure on the Department for Transport.

Parish Councillors have reiterated the significant operational and financial impact caused by the incomplete junction and the lack of direct access to the motorway network. Concerns also remain about the adoption of estate roads and the completion of the Spine Road to the south.

Another long‑standing issue was highlighted that the junction is being incorrectly referred to as “Avonmouth”, despite being located within Severnside. Claire Young’s office has acknowledged this and will raise the matter with the Minister.

The Parish Council will continue to share updates as they are received. Claire Young’s team has expressed appreciation for the detailed local input and remains keen to hear further experiences from residents, businesses and operators affected by the ongoing delays.

Key points:
– Minister has committed to monthly progress updates.
– Claire Young MP will continue pressing for a full resolution.
– Media interest is increasing pressure on government and National Highways.
– Local stakeholders emphasise ongoing costs and operational disruption.
– Naming error (“Avonmouth”) has been raised with the Minister.

Further updates will be published as soon as they are available.

South Gloucestershire Council has confirmed that the forthcoming Cross Hands road closure will not require any changes to local recycling collections.

S.G. Council’s works supervisor has advised that the recycling team will continue to collect on the usual days, and no amendments to the schedule are expected.

To ensure smooth access during the closure, highway operatives will assist the recycling crews as needed so that collections can be completed safely and without disruption.

Residents are therefore asked to present recycling as normal throughout the works period.

Stagecoach have announced that the number 12 bus will be diverted via Hallen for the duration of the road closure in Pilning.

The nearest bus stop to Pilning will therefore be by Wick Road.

Please see the link to Stagecoach’s website

Recent heavy rainfall (at last) with more expected in the coming days serves as a timely reminder for all residents to stay informed about local flood risks. Although current weather warnings relate mainly to thunderstorms further north, surface water and flash flooding can still occur quickly and without much notice.

Stay Informed: Flood Alerts & Weather Warnings
Residents are encouraged to regularly check the 5‑day flood forecast, along with any active river, sea or groundwater flood alerts, via:
🔗Check for Flooding service

For up‑to‑date weather warnings, you can sign up for alerts or download the Met Office app:
🔗 Met Office

These tools provide early information that can help households prepare for heavy rainfall, protect property, and stay safe.

Understanding Local Resilience Forums (LRFs)
Flood wardens have received an overview of Local Resilience Forums (LRFs) — multi‑agency partnerships established under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004.

LRFs bring together:
– Emergency services
– Local authorities
– NHS organisations
– The Environment Agency
– Other public bodies

Their role is to plan, prepare and coordinate responses to major incidents, including flooding. Flood wardens play a vital part in this system: the information they gather and share during flood events directly supports LRFs in managing local responses and keeping communities safe.

If you want to find out more there are a number of YouTube videos that you may find helpful