Archive for April, 2012

Thick wood dust first appeared in Avonmouth streets back in October last year – covering gardens, cars and homes, and as many residents know, the problem has continued into the spring.

It has come from operations being undertaken by Churngold, Boomeco and Stobart Biomass at the port. Stobart in particular was bringing in waste timber and other plant material known as biomass, then turned it into wood chippings to be exported for use in generating electricity.

Local councillor Siobhan Kennedy-Hall and local MP Charlotte Leslie have been working closely with residents whose lives were blighted and property affected during these ‘dust storms’. Cllr Siobhan says, “After numerous discussions, meetings and site visits with The Port, Stobart Biomass and the Environment Agency, we are insistent that actions must be implemented to eliminate and limit the amount of dust being created at the site.”

After residents raised concerns, the Stobart Biomass plant was ordered to stop wood chipping operations in January. Whilst they are allowed to process the wood, they have been ordered to introduce two ‘dust buster’ water sprinkler machines designed to dampen the wood to stop the dust being blown about by the breeze. But whilst welcomed, these measures do not seem to be followed at all times and do not go far enough.
Siobhan continues, “It’s about time that the powers that be recognized that Avonmouth is a village and not a dumping ground; we love our village and its community.”

Charlotte Leslie MP has been in discussions with the port, the environment agency and has now written to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Caroline Spelman. She says that neither local people’s health or the local environment should be put at risk, and that there should be proper checks and regulations in place. She wrote “We recognise that biomass is a vital component for UK energy supply…but we want to make sure that the current permitting regime is up to the task of regulating this new product.”

We all want to see greener energy succeed, and to see local business flourish, but Cllr. Kennedy-Hall and your local MP Charlotte Leslie are continuing to work on your behalf to ensure successful green energy and business is not at the expense of Avonmouth families’ and residents’ health.

Charlotte showed her commitment to the Campaign for Real Ale’s community pubs month by working behind the bar at the Inn on the Green pub on the A38 in Horfield last night.

Community Pubs Month, which is being held throughout April, is a national initiative organised by CAMRA to champion the importance of local pubs and is taking place to help increase the footfall into pubs and to increase the awareness of pubs as invaluable community assets. CAMRA are also encouraging licensees to organise and promote events to attract additional trade. It is also about giving pubs as much possible publicity during these tough times.

Commenting on the MPs involvement, Peter Bridle, Chair of the Bristol & District CAMRA Pubs campaigning Group said:

“We want to celebrate all that is great about community pubs in the Bristol area. Although many pubs are having a tough time for many reasons, there are still some great pubs in our area and this is an opportunity for them to showcase what is good about them.

We are very pleased with the number of pubs that are putting on special events throughout April and hope that, if successful, they may be able to use these initiatives again and even take examples of events held by other pubs and develop a positive marketing plan for themselves. The fact that Charlotte Leslie is getting behind this campaign is also very positive as we need MPs on our side to further influence Government on policies to protect our pubs.

Charlotte Leslie said:

“Pubs are right at the heart of our big society. They are where communities get together and share company and ideas and I am absolutely committed to supporting them.

“My first job was in a pub, so I’m delighted to get back behind the bar in one of our country’s greatest institutions- the local pub.”

Owen Tunstall the licensee of the Inn on the Green said:

“It is a sad thing that all too often we hear of the negative issues associated with pubs. In a society troubled with anti social behaviour and “binge” drinking problems tt is worth remembering the great many professional Publicans across the country and what their Pubs do for their communities.

They are places to find new friends, maintain relationships, discuss freely the issues facing all of us today, and above all a place to get away from it all to stop us going mad!”