Around 7,000 fans from all over the South West turned out to watch Olly Murs at The Mall’s Christmas Lights Switch On and Concert last night (Thursday 10th November). The X Factor star treated the thousands of screaming fans to a special live performance after switching on the Christmas Lights at The Mall’s exclusive event. It was the first time
Continue readingYear: 2011
Council’s planning department recognised for excellent customer service
South Gloucestershire Council’s planning development services have been re-accredited with the Government’s Customer Service Excellence (CSE) standard for providing high quality, customer-focused services. The CSE is a national standard which recognises organisations with a firm focus on customer satisfaction and which go the extra mile to deliver it Residents and businesses in South Gloucestershire who have ever had to contact
Continue readingCouncillors query “above market value” land purchase
Labour councillors in South Gloucestershire have queried the ruling Conservative Cabinet’s decision to buy a plot of land at a price described by officials as “above the estimated market value”. The land is a play area at Williams Close in Longwell Green, the ward represented by the Conservative-run Council’s leader. A new private owner acquired the land last year and
Continue reading“Homes for Heroes” call from councillor
A newly-elected councillor and former Army tank commander has called for Armed Forces personnel to be given priority when affordable homes are allocated. Ben Stokes was elected in May onto South Gloucestershire Council as Conservative councillor for Boyd Valley. He previously served in the Queen’s Dragoon Guards of the British Army, who are currently on tour in Helmand Province in
Continue readingPolice cadets lined up for community role
Avon and Somerset’s new Volunteer Police Cadets donned their uniforms for the first time at a launch event on Monday 31st October 2011. The teenagers, aged 14 to 17, chose to parade in front of senior officers, sponsors and their families at Downend Day Care Centre instead of joining friends to enjoy the Halloween festivities. The 10 young women and
Continue readingCall for new ‘lollipop’ people for South Glos schools
South Gloucestershire’s road safety team is urging local people to come forward to help tackle a shortage of crossing patrol staff – better known as ‘lollipop’ people – across the district. More than nine of the vital part-time posts are currently unfilled after staff retired or moved on to other jobs – and so far no new recruits have come
Continue readingCommunity groups invited to bid for help with running costs
Voluntary and community groups in South Gloucestershire are being invited to bid for help with the running costs of projects that benefit local people. The council’s small grants revenue scheme allocates up to £3,000 per project to help with running costs such as venue hire, staff costs or publicity. Any scheme that meets local needs will be considered and applications
Continue readingCouncil tax set to be frozen for second year
South Gloucestershire residents could see their council tax bills frozen for a second year running. At its next meeting, the Council’s Conservative Cabinet plans to ask residents for their views on a second council tax freeze as part of a consultation on next year’s council budget. Council tax rises have fallen steadily since the Conservatives started running South Gloucestershire Council
Continue readingBusiness and innovation delegates gather at Venturefest
Hundreds of delegates have today descended on the Bristol & Bath Science Park for Venturefest Bristol 2011, organised by Science City Bristol. The aim of the event is to bring new, technology and innovation based business ideas together with the funding and support required to make them grow. Core to Venturefest Bristol 2011 is the ‘Innovation Showcase’ where new businesses
Continue readingFree benefits and debt advice for South Glos residents
South Gloucestershire residents who need help with managing their debt or claiming welfare benefits are being helped thanks to a local advice service. South Gloucestershire Council has awarded a three-year contract to a partnership of five local organisations to provide a free advice service for its residents. The partnership is made up of voluntary and community sector organisations including Avon
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