Highlights from Westbury Forum
29th April 2025
29th April 2025
Those present
The meeting was attended by 28 residents, together with our three councillors, Caroline Gooch, Stephen Williams and Nicholas Coombes.
Crime Statistics and Policing Issues
In the absence, yet again, of any representatives of the Police, Malcolm then talked us through the crime statistics for Westbury on Trym up to the end of February 2025. The figures show no large changes, the biggest categories again being theft and shoplifting. The police website, https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/your-area/henleaze-and-westbury-on-trym/ showed no entries for neighbourhood constable and neighbourhood PCSO and the “local priorities” section had not been updated since October 2023. On contacting Sergeant Gentry of our local team, Malcolm received the following response:
“As you can see from the Website there are no Officers allocated to the Henleaze and Westbury beat area at the present time. We will hopefully remedy this soon but at this time we are finding staffing a challenge across the wider area. In the interim, PC2985 Joanne ARCHER, PC2225 Dan NASH and PCSO 8600 Tristan FUSSELL are providing cover from the Horfield and Manor Farm area.
With regards to Website priorities I will get this looked at.
Alan also apologised that they would be unable to attend the Forum meeting.
Following some discussion on the matter, Councillors suggested that the Westbury on Trym Society contact the Police and Crime Commissioner to discuss the issue.
Malcolm also emailed Segeant Gentry some concerns likely to be raised at the meeting, and received the following responses:
Shoplifting:
There has been an increase in shoplifting in the area, this is discussed at a fortnightly meeting where we look at the patterns of offending, days, dates, and times as well as any identified offenders.
Some of the affected shops have been visited and spoken to by Design Out Crime advisor within the police, they will/have conducted surveys at the premises and given reports and advise to the stores on what they can do to reduce/ deter offenders coming into the store, this is recommendations only.
One of the hurdles that delay any progression is the response from the shops in relation to providing the CCTV, statements etc, until the police have these pieces of potential evidence the investigation stops.
Some of the most prolific offenders, once the evidence has been provided have been arrested and gone to court, where some have received custodial sentence.
Parking on Yellow lines/ Pedestrian Crossing Zig-Zags
Double yellow/ single yellow lines are managed by Bristol City Council, and have been for several years, Bristol is a “de-criminalised ” area, this means that the council have taken back the enforcement of yellow lines.
Zig-Zag- white lines next to crossings, these are enforced by the police, this will need to be reported via 101 if there are any persons parked on the zig-zags, however there are some caveats to this in relation to this, company’s having to carry out essential works.
Anti-social behaviour of Van Dwellers
From a brief search there have not been any reports of ASB in relation to van dwellers.
The issue of camping on the Downs was raised with reports that others are being encouraged to join them. The advice is to report any concerns to the police via 101.
Issues for the Councillors
The roadworks on the A4018, from Crow Lane to Charlton Road, are due to last for 2 years. There is evidence of increased “rat-running” along Northover Road, which is already very busy at peak times.
Is there any news regarding the planned Traffic Regulation Order for the introduction of charges at Westbury Hill Car Park? – the Councillors have received no updates on this so far.
The pond in the Sunken Garden in Canford Park is again developing algae – the water is stagnant, with no aeration. Weevils were to be used as a biological solution, but nothing has happened so far and the Parks Department has been unresponsive. – Stephen will talk to Richard Fletcher to get an update.
Concerns continue to be raised about the number of Van and Caravan Dwellers parked on the edge of the Downs – Councillors are to have a meeting next week to discuss creation of a realistic number of alternative sites. This may need to be linked to the introduction of resident parking schemes to avoid the vehicles being moved to residential streets in the area.
There was concern that the introduction of resident-only parking schemes may cause problems for people working in businesses in the Village, particularly given the other parking issues currently being experienced. Councillors indicated that the first such schemes would be in areas such as Durdham Park and Westbury Park, and that Westbury would be in the second phase.
Council officers do a regular audit of vehicles and where a van is unoccupied, it can be towed away after inspection; however, no vehicle will be removed if it looks to be being inhabited.
Local Community Speedwatch
The purpose of Speedwatch is to make roads safer by monitoring traffic and recording details of speeding vehicles to be passed on to the police. In the first instance, offenders will receive a letter from the police, but repeat offenders will be taken to court and/or fined.
The monitoring is done in groups of three, with one person counting the number of vehicles, one monitoring speeds and one recording details. Volunteers do two 1-hour sessions per month and more volunteers are needed. Volunteer groups are provided with a speed gun and a clicker to record car numbers.
Speedwatch groups noted that incidents of speeding were reducing before Covid but that speeding and aggressive driving increased during Covid; the situation is started to improve again but slowly.
The existing group does not have enough volunteers to expand its activities but, if someone wants their road monitored, they could set up their own group and Stephanie, Philippa and Pete would be happy to advise. There is more information available on the police website
The meeting was attended by 28 residents, together with our three councillors, Caroline Gooch, Stephen Williams and Nicholas Coombes.
Crime Statistics and Policing Issues
In the absence, yet again, of any representatives of the Police, Malcolm then talked us through the crime statistics for Westbury on Trym up to the end of February 2025. The figures show no large changes, the biggest categories again being theft and shoplifting. The police website, https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/your-area/henleaze-and-westbury-on-trym/ showed no entries for neighbourhood constable and neighbourhood PCSO and the “local priorities” section had not been updated since October 2023. On contacting Sergeant Gentry of our local team, Malcolm received the following response:
“As you can see from the Website there are no Officers allocated to the Henleaze and Westbury beat area at the present time. We will hopefully remedy this soon but at this time we are finding staffing a challenge across the wider area. In the interim, PC2985 Joanne ARCHER, PC2225 Dan NASH and PCSO 8600 Tristan FUSSELL are providing cover from the Horfield and Manor Farm area.
With regards to Website priorities I will get this looked at.
Alan also apologised that they would be unable to attend the Forum meeting.
Following some discussion on the matter, Councillors suggested that the Westbury on Trym Society contact the Police and Crime Commissioner to discuss the issue.
Malcolm also emailed Segeant Gentry some concerns likely to be raised at the meeting, and received the following responses:
Shoplifting:
There has been an increase in shoplifting in the area, this is discussed at a fortnightly meeting where we look at the patterns of offending, days, dates, and times as well as any identified offenders.
Some of the affected shops have been visited and spoken to by Design Out Crime advisor within the police, they will/have conducted surveys at the premises and given reports and advise to the stores on what they can do to reduce/ deter offenders coming into the store, this is recommendations only.
One of the hurdles that delay any progression is the response from the shops in relation to providing the CCTV, statements etc, until the police have these pieces of potential evidence the investigation stops.
Some of the most prolific offenders, once the evidence has been provided have been arrested and gone to court, where some have received custodial sentence.
Parking on Yellow lines/ Pedestrian Crossing Zig-Zags
Double yellow/ single yellow lines are managed by Bristol City Council, and have been for several years, Bristol is a “de-criminalised ” area, this means that the council have taken back the enforcement of yellow lines.
Zig-Zag- white lines next to crossings, these are enforced by the police, this will need to be reported via 101 if there are any persons parked on the zig-zags, however there are some caveats to this in relation to this, company’s having to carry out essential works.
Anti-social behaviour of Van Dwellers
From a brief search there have not been any reports of ASB in relation to van dwellers.
The issue of camping on the Downs was raised with reports that others are being encouraged to join them. The advice is to report any concerns to the police via 101.
Issues for the Councillors
The roadworks on the A4018, from Crow Lane to Charlton Road, are due to last for 2 years. There is evidence of increased “rat-running” along Northover Road, which is already very busy at peak times.
Is there any news regarding the planned Traffic Regulation Order for the introduction of charges at Westbury Hill Car Park? – the Councillors have received no updates on this so far.
The pond in the Sunken Garden in Canford Park is again developing algae – the water is stagnant, with no aeration. Weevils were to be used as a biological solution, but nothing has happened so far and the Parks Department has been unresponsive. – Stephen will talk to Richard Fletcher to get an update.
Concerns continue to be raised about the number of Van and Caravan Dwellers parked on the edge of the Downs – Councillors are to have a meeting next week to discuss creation of a realistic number of alternative sites. This may need to be linked to the introduction of resident parking schemes to avoid the vehicles being moved to residential streets in the area.
There was concern that the introduction of resident-only parking schemes may cause problems for people working in businesses in the Village, particularly given the other parking issues currently being experienced. Councillors indicated that the first such schemes would be in areas such as Durdham Park and Westbury Park, and that Westbury would be in the second phase.
Council officers do a regular audit of vehicles and where a van is unoccupied, it can be towed away after inspection; however, no vehicle will be removed if it looks to be being inhabited.
Local Community Speedwatch
The purpose of Speedwatch is to make roads safer by monitoring traffic and recording details of speeding vehicles to be passed on to the police. In the first instance, offenders will receive a letter from the police, but repeat offenders will be taken to court and/or fined.
The monitoring is done in groups of three, with one person counting the number of vehicles, one monitoring speeds and one recording details. Volunteers do two 1-hour sessions per month and more volunteers are needed. Volunteer groups are provided with a speed gun and a clicker to record car numbers.
Speedwatch groups noted that incidents of speeding were reducing before Covid but that speeding and aggressive driving increased during Covid; the situation is started to improve again but slowly.
The existing group does not have enough volunteers to expand its activities but, if someone wants their road monitored, they could set up their own group and Stephanie, Philippa and Pete would be happy to advise. There is more information available on the police website
https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/apply/community-speedwatch/
Councillors indicated that the Area Transport Committee would be looking at the role of 20mph restrictions and whether more roads should have their speed limits reduced from 30 to 20.
It was pointed out that the yellow lines indicating restricted parking are fading in various parts of the Village, particularly in Church Road.
Carlton Court Car Park
A large proportion of the Car Park has now been fenced off and the “temporary” fencing has been painted and looks permanent (eg concreted in). Three years ago a pre-planning application was submitted, suggesting the demolition of Carlton Court and the building of a large number of flats, using the Court area and the car park. This was roundly rejected, but another application was made at a later date. While this too was rejected, it is clear that the owners want to develop the site. The pre-planning applications were not made public and the shop owners were not informed of either of these proposals.
Stephen had contacted the Council’s Chief Planning Officer and an Enforcement Officer had visited the site but no further action is planned at this time.
During the discussion, the suggestion was made that the Terminus Garage, which adjoins the car park, might be closing. Having contacted the garage I can assure everyone that this rumour is unfounded and they have NO plans to close!.
Andy Renshaw, the chairman of WoTSoc, the Westbury on Trym Society, stated that he had written to the Company that owns the land and to their Letting Agent about the matter but had not received any response at the time of the meeting.
Update: The following response was received by Andy and has been circulated:
“The owner has decided to close parts of the car park while the potential for a partial redevelopment of the site is explored. The closure will enable some works to be safely undertaken to the vacant garages and to investigate a possible water leak below the tarmac.
At this stage, there are no firm plans in place. The owner is considering a range of options and seeking a development partner for the site who could help deliver a development that significantly benefits Westbury-on- Trym. Should a suitable development partner be found, the owner hopes to share more detailed information with the local community. Clearly, any future proposals would be subject to the relevant planning processes with Bristol City Council.
In the meantime, I would like to reassure you that it is the owner’s intention that any future development would:
• Continue to provide parking for Carlton Court Shopping Centre customers
• Maintain access for service vehicles and deliveries to the rear of the shop units; and
• Retain level pedestrian routes through the car park to the Carlton Court shopping Centre and into Westbury-on-Trym
Councillors indicated that the Area Transport Committee would be looking at the role of 20mph restrictions and whether more roads should have their speed limits reduced from 30 to 20.
It was pointed out that the yellow lines indicating restricted parking are fading in various parts of the Village, particularly in Church Road.
Carlton Court Car Park
A large proportion of the Car Park has now been fenced off and the “temporary” fencing has been painted and looks permanent (eg concreted in). Three years ago a pre-planning application was submitted, suggesting the demolition of Carlton Court and the building of a large number of flats, using the Court area and the car park. This was roundly rejected, but another application was made at a later date. While this too was rejected, it is clear that the owners want to develop the site. The pre-planning applications were not made public and the shop owners were not informed of either of these proposals.
Stephen had contacted the Council’s Chief Planning Officer and an Enforcement Officer had visited the site but no further action is planned at this time.
During the discussion, the suggestion was made that the Terminus Garage, which adjoins the car park, might be closing. Having contacted the garage I can assure everyone that this rumour is unfounded and they have NO plans to close!.
Andy Renshaw, the chairman of WoTSoc, the Westbury on Trym Society, stated that he had written to the Company that owns the land and to their Letting Agent about the matter but had not received any response at the time of the meeting.
Update: The following response was received by Andy and has been circulated:
“The owner has decided to close parts of the car park while the potential for a partial redevelopment of the site is explored. The closure will enable some works to be safely undertaken to the vacant garages and to investigate a possible water leak below the tarmac.
At this stage, there are no firm plans in place. The owner is considering a range of options and seeking a development partner for the site who could help deliver a development that significantly benefits Westbury-on- Trym. Should a suitable development partner be found, the owner hopes to share more detailed information with the local community. Clearly, any future proposals would be subject to the relevant planning processes with Bristol City Council.
In the meantime, I would like to reassure you that it is the owner’s intention that any future development would:
• Continue to provide parking for Carlton Court Shopping Centre customers
• Maintain access for service vehicles and deliveries to the rear of the shop units; and
• Retain level pedestrian routes through the car park to the Carlton Court shopping Centre and into Westbury-on-Trym
The owner has also purchased the neighbouring car park from the National Westminster branch to enable the
option for parking both now and in any future redevelopment.”
Open Forum
Advance notice was given of the upcoming Community Fair which will be held on Saturday May 10th. We hope to see lots of you there!
The next Community Forum meeting will take place on Tuesday July 22nd.
Crime Figures for the last 6 months:
Open Forum
Advance notice was given of the upcoming Community Fair which will be held on Saturday May 10th. We hope to see lots of you there!
The next Community Forum meeting will take place on Tuesday July 22nd.
Crime Figures for the last 6 months: