A38 Aztec West Bus Lane will be Part-Time

The Bradley Stoke Journal reports that the proposed A38 bus lane scheme has been amended after feedback from the public.

The new bus lane on the northbound side of the A38 between Little Stoke and the Aztec West Roundabout will operate at peak hours only.

New Year Coffee Mornings

Bradley Stoke Town Council's first coffee morning of 2010 will take place on Friday 8th January.

Coffee mornings are held on the second Friday of the month at the Baileys Court Activity Centre.

Politicians Fight for Credit over new Brook Way Crossing

The Bradley Stoke Journal reports that local Liberal Democrats are angry that the Conservatives have claimed credit for getting approval for a new pedstrian crossing on Brook Way.

Councillor Jon Williams (Lib Dem) says he worked with parents of children at Wheatfield Primary School to get the money from South Gloucestershire Council and that local Tories "did nothing" to help.

BSCS Students Show the Funky Side of Recycling

Bradley Stoke Matters reports that Year 9 students from Bradley Stoke Community School entertained local shoppers at the town's Willow Brook Centre with rhythmic music from their 'Funky Junky' band.

Students from class 9Y got together with the aim of making the world a more sustainable place and to encourage people to recycle as much as possible.

Peter Tyzack is new Liberal Democrat Candidate for Filton and Bradley Stoke

The Bradley Stoke Journal reports that Peter Tyzack has been chosen as the new Liberal Democrat candidate for the Filton and Bradley Stoke parliamentary constituency.

Mr Tyzack, who represents Pilning and Severn Beach on South Gloucestershire Council, has stood for parliament on two previous occasions, finishing in third place both times.

Volunteer Outreach Co-ordinators Wanted

Bradley Stoke Matters reports that Southern Brooks Community Partnership is inviting residents to an introductory lunch on 13th January 2010 to find out more about local volunteering opportunities.

The lunch takes place between 12pm and 3pm at Bradley Stoke Evangelical Church, Baileys Court Road, Bradley Stoke.

BSCS Receives "Outstanding" Ofsted Report

The Bradley Stoke Journal reports that Bradley Stoke Community School (BSCS) has been classed as "outstanding" by Ofsted inspectors. The report praises the high standard of leadership and teaching at the school and says that pupils’ achievements are above average.

Bailey’s Court Primary School wins Big Lottery Fund Grant for Cookery Club

Bradley Stoke Matters reports that Baileys Court Primary School has been awarded a Big Lottery Fund award for its new Cookery Club project. The money will be used to provide a modern kitchen facility consisting of two well equipped teaching areas and a demonstration area.

Call for Late Night Firework Sales to be Banned

The Bradley Stoke Journal reports that a resident has called for late night firework sales to be scrapped. Local branches of Tesco Extra currently sell fireworks until they close at 11pm, but the resident says this is too late and has led to homeowners being terrorised by late night rocket attacks from drunken youths.

The Examiner Shuts up Shop

The Bradley Stoke Examiner has announced that it is to close down indefinitely. The editor says he cannot find the time to keep the website going due to other commitments. The online newspaper has been going since 2006 and will be sorely missed.

Pets at Home Offers £150 Prize for Bradley Stoke's "Star Pet"

The Bradley Stoke Journal reports that animal superstore group Pets at Home is offering a prize of £150 in a competition to find Bradley Stoke's "star pet". The winning VIP (very important pet) and its owner will also have the privilege of opening the group's new store at the Willow Brook Centre on Friday 6th November.

Meadowbank By-election Looking Likely

The Bradley Stoke Journal reports that a by-election is looking likely for a vacant seat on Bradley Stoke Town Council. The vacancy in the Meadowbank parish ward arose when Cllr David Skeet (Conservative) resigned following criticism of his poor attendance at meetings.

Community Meeting to Hear about Fly Tipping

The Bradley Stoke Examiner reports that a meeting of the Safer and Stronger Community Group is to hear a presentation about fly tipping. The meeting takes place on Tuesday 27th October at the Baileys Court Activity Centre, starting at 7pm.

Parents Warned not to Post School Application Forms

The Bradley Stoke Journal reports that parents are being warned not to post application forms for school places. It is feared that planned strikes by Royal Mail workers this week could lead to the deadline of 4:30pm on Friday 23rd October being missed. Applications can instead be made online or delivered by hand to the Council's officies.

Halifax to Close Banking Facilities

The Bradley Stoke Examiner reports that the Halifax is to close banking facilities at its estate agency in Bradley Stoke. The news follows the recent take over of the estate agency group by LSL Property Services.

Diwali Event at the Willow Brook Centre

The Bradley Stoke Journal reports that the Willow Brook Centre is to host a celebration of Diwali (Indian festival of light) on Saturday 17th October 2009. The show is being staged by Radio Mast FM, a radio station serving the Asian community in the South-West.

Town Council Seeks Views on Five Year Plan

The Bradley Stoke Examiner reports that Bradley Stoke Town Council is seeking public comment on its draft five year plan. The closing date for comments is 30th October 2009.

Lib Dems to Force By-election after Tory Resignation

The Bradley Stoke Journal reports that local Lib Dems look set to force a by-election after the resignation of a Tory Town Councillor. David Skeet, who had been criticised for poor attendance at Council meetings, stood down in July but the news was kept secret until it was announced at a meeting of Full Council in September.

Virgin Media Ignores Broadband Petition

The Bradley Stoke Examiner reports that Virgin Media has descided not extend its fibre optic broadband network in the town. This is despite 281 people contacting the firm by email to petition for the work to be done.

Council Scraps Aztec West Bus Priority Scheme

The Bradley Stoke Journal reports that South Gloucestershire Council has scrapped plans for a bus priority scheme on the A38 Aztec West Roundabout. A public consultation has opened on a replacement scheme that will see a new bus lane installed on the A38 northbound between Little Stoke and the Aztec West Roundabout.

MS Therapy Centre Plans set for Approval

The Bradley Stoke Journal reports that a planning application to build a new Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre in Bradley Stoke is set to be approved by South Gloucestershire Council. The centre will be built on land between Bradley Stoke Way and Wheatfield Drive.

Orange Staff told of Possible Merger

The Bradley Stoke Examiner reports that staff at Orange in Bradley Stoke have been told the compant could merge with T-Mobile. The firm's employs some 2,200 people in the town.

John Kiely Resigns as Lib Dem PPC

The Bradley Stoke Journal reports that John Kiely has resigned as the Lib Dem's prospective parliamentary candidate for Filton and Bradley Stoke. Mr Kiely secured the nomination in April 2008 but recently took up a seat on Bristol City Council, representing the Easton ward.

Councillor Guilty of Misconduct

The Bradley Stoke Journal reports that a Lib Dem Town Councillor has been found guilty of misconduct. Jon Williams, who swore at fellow Councillors during a meeting of Bradley Stoke Town Council in December 2008, has been found guilty of “failing to treat others with respect” and “bringing his office or authority into disrepute”.

Juniper Way House Extension Approved

The Bradley Stoke Examiner reports that a controversial plan to extend a house in Juniper Way has been approved by the Council. Four neighbours had objected to the proposal.

Bike Shop to Open Soon in Bradley Stoke

The Bradley Stoke Journal reports that the town's first cycle shop is set to open on Wednesday 15th August. The "Giant Cycle" store, in the ownership of the ZeroG Corporation, will occupy a unit at the Willow Brook Centre.

Play Park set to Re-open

The Bradley Stoke Examiner reports that the play park on Jubilee Green is set to re-open soon. The park was closed just days after its official opening to allow contractors to complete work at the site.

North Fringe Rapid Transit Package Approved by Government

The Bradley Stoke Journal reports that the Government has approved "in principle" funding 0f £168 million for the proposed Hengrove to North Fringe Rapid Transit Package. The scheme could see high speed buses linking Bradley Stoke with Bristol city centre, running partly along newly constructed, dedicated bus lanes.

Pets at Home Confirmed for Willow Brook

The Bradley Stoke Examiner reports that Pets at Home has finally been officially confirmed as a future tenant of the Willow Brook Centre. The news confirms an earlier report in the Bradley Stoke Journal (in April 2009), which pointed out that the company was advertising for staff at its “Bradley Stoke New Store”.

MS Therapy Centre in Race Against Time

The Bradley Stoke Journal reports that the organistion behind a new MS Therapy Centre in Bradley Stoke is facing a race against time to obtain planning permission and commence building. A major funding source will be lost if construction is not underway by Spring 2010.

Woman Assaulted in Willow Brook Car Park

The Bradley Stoke Examiner reports that a 62 year-old was injured when she was kicked during an argument in the car park of the Willow Brook Centre. The woman was taken to Frenchay Hospital but did not require treatment.

Football Club Seeks new Players to Strengthen Squad

The Bradley Stoke Journal reports that Bradley Stoke Town FC is looking to recruit new players to strengthen its first team squad for the upcoming football season. Last season the team gained promotion for the third consecutive season.

Cars Stolen after Keys Snatched During Break-ins

The Bradley Stoke Examiner reports that thieves have been stealing cars after taking keys during break-ins. Police have highlighted Bradley Stoke, Filton, Frampton Cotterell, Stoke Gifford and Yate as hotspots for thi stype of crime.

Twinning Association Criticised by Councillors

The Bradley Stoke Journal reports that the Bradley Stoke Twinning Association has come under fire from Town Councillors after guests from the French twin town of Champ-sur-Marne were entertained at an out-of-town hostelery. Councillors refused a retrospective application for Grant Aid but approved an ex-gratia payment for half the amount requested.

Woodlands Lane to be Repaired

The Bradley Stoke Examiners reports that South Gloucestershire Council's Highways Department is to undertake repairs of the road surface in Woodlands Lane. Parts of Braydon Avenue in Little Stoke will also be repaired.

Bradley Stoke Community Festival 2009

The Bradley Stoke Journal previews the 2009 Bradley Stoke Community Festival, which takes place this weekend (12th - 14th June). The report includes event listings and interactive maps.

Pedestrian Crossing for Brook Way?

The Bradley Stoke Examiner reports that discussions are to take place about installing a pedestrian crossing on Brook Way. The move comes after parents of children attending Wheatfield Primary School complained about the difficulty of crossing the busy road on the way to school.

Mark Forsyth Installed as new Mayor

The Bradley Stoke Journal reports that Mark Forsyth (Conservative) has been selected as Chair (and Mayor) of Bradley Stoke Town Council for 2009-2010. Councillor Forsyth, who lives in Winterbourne, previously served as Chair of the Council's Finance & Leisure Committee.

Juniper Way Fence Damaged by Vandals

The Bradley Stoke Examiner reports that a fence bordering Juniper Way has been vandalised by a group of youths. The damage is said to have occurred on Saturday night (16th May).

Bus Services Restored to Town Centre

The Bradley Stoke Journal reports that bus services have been restored to the town centre after a break of over twelve months. Services were suspended during construction of the Willow Brook Centre but have now started again using a new bus lane through the site.

Residents Urged to Walk for Charity

The Bradley Stoke Examiner is urging residents to take part in a sponsored walk in aid of the NACC. The walk gets under way on Sunday (17th May) from the Town Square at the Willow Brook centre.

More Brantano Jobs Advertised for new Bradley Stoke Store

The Bradley Stoke Journal reports that shoe retailer Brantano is advertising part-time jobs at its soon-to-open store in Bradley Stoke. It is thought the store will form part of the new retail terrace at the town's Willow Brook Centre.

Sir Geoff Hurst to Visit Community Festival

The Bradley Stoke Examiner reports that England's 1966 Football World Cup hero Sir Geoff Hurst is likely to visit the town's Community Festival in June. The news comes from minutes of a recent Town Council meeting.

Trench Lane Boot Sale Re-opens for 2009

The Bradley Stoke Journal reports that the popular Trench Lane Car Boot Sale is to re-open for the season on Sunday 3rd May 2009. The event takes place weekly at a farmland site opposite Woodlands Golf Club.

No Stop Zone for Wheatfield School?

The Bradley Stoke Examiner reports that a no stop zone could be introduced outside Wheatfield School. South Gloucestershire Council is said to be consulting residents over the scheme.

New Willow Brook Centre Tenants to be Announced Soon

The Bradley Stoke Journal reports that a number of new tenants for units at the town's Willow Brook Centre are to be announced in the next two weeks. The new outlets are expected to include Ladbrokes, Brantano and New Look.

Man Assaulted by Abusive Gang

The Bradley Stoke Examiner reports that a man was attacked after he was approached by six youths as he walked from The Bradley Stoke pub to the Hilton Hotel. The attack took place on Wednesday 15th April at around 11pm and police are now appealing for witnesses.

First-Ever Bradley Stoke NHS Dentist to Open in May

The Bradley Stoke Journal reports that Bradley Stoke's first-ever NHS dental practice will open on Monday 18th May at the Willow Brook Centre. Patients registrations are now being taken.

Ormonds Close Development Turned Down by Planners

The Bradley Stoke Examiner reports that permission for a proposed new one bedroomed home in Ormonds Close, Bradley Stoke, has been refused by planning officials. Officers at South Gloucestershire Council said the planned home would “give rise to low quality design” and “would appear visually prominent”.

Secondary School Admission Offers Posted

The Bradley Stoke Journal reports that letters detailing offers of secondary school places have been posted this week. Bradley Stoke Community School has once again reported "huge interest" for Year 7 places.

Charity Shop Raises £25,000 in First Year

The Bradley Stoke Examiner reports that the St Peter's Hospice charity shop has raised £25,000 in its first year of operation. The shop trades at Baileys Court in Bradley Stoke.

February Half-term Activities for Children and Familys

The Bradley Stoke Journal has produced a summary of events suitable for children and families during the February half-term week. The events take place at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre, Bradley Stoke Library and Jubilee Green.

Pupils Reminded to Lock Bikes

The Bradley Stoke Examiner reports that pupils at Bradley Stoke Community School have been reminded to lock bikes left in the school's cycle racks. The advice comes after two incidents of attempted theft.

First Jobs Advertised for Willow Brook Phase 2

The Bradley Stoke Journal reports that the first advertisements have appeared for jobs at stores in phase 2 of the Willow Brook Centre. Shoe retailer Brantano is looking for a Store Manager and Deputy Manager for its new outlet, which is due to open in July.

New Car Parking Spaces at the Willow Brook Centre

The Bradley Stoke Examiner reports that a new section of car park has opened at the Willow Brook Centre. The new spaces are on the site of the old Tesco store, which was demolished after the new centre was built.

Schools Closed after Overnight Snow

The Bradley Stoke Journal reports that a number of schools in and around Bradley Stoke have been forced to close for the day as a result of heavy overnight snow. Public transport has also been hit with a number of bus services being cancelled.

Bradley Stoke Residents Protest Against Porn Film Studio

The Bradley Stoke Journal reports that angry residents of The Coppice have staged a protest against a neighbour who openly operates a porn film studio at his house. Producer James Edwards claims he is not breaking the law and says his neighbours should "mind their own business".

Great Meadow Development Gets Go Ahead

The Bradley Stoke Examiner reports that planners have granted permission for two new homes to be built on land in Great Meadow Road. However, a management company claims it has a lease on the land for the next 80 years.

Bradley Stoke Water Supplies hit by Burst Main

The Bradley Stoke Journal reports that water supplies to 6,000 homes in Bradley Stoke and Stoke Gifford have been cut due to a burst main. Utility company Bristol Water says the problem should be resolved by 8:30pm.

Demise of Bowls Club Could Cost Council £7,000 p.a.

The Bradley Stoke Journal reports that the anticipated winding up of Northavon Bowls Club could cost Bradley Stoke Town Council an extra £7,000 p.a. for the next 32 years. The Club previously paid the maintenance costs for the town's bowling green, but now the Council will have to foot the bill.

No Increase in Council Tax for 2009/2010

The Bradley Stoke Examiner reports that Bradley Stoke Town Council has agreed a budget that requires no increase in precept for the coming financial year.

Events for Week Commencing 12th January

Highlights in Bradley Stoke Matters' What's On Diary this week include a meeting of the Bradley Stoke Small Business Forum (Monday 12th) and a Baby Rhyme Time session at Bradley Stoke Library (Thursday 15th).

New Dental Practice set to Open in April

The Bradley Stoke Journal reports that Bradley Stoke's first-ever dental practice is set to open in April at the Willow Brook Centre. The practice will be operated by Phoenix Dental, who also run a practice in Kingswood.

Shocking State of Verges

The Bradley Stoke Examiner reports on the "shocking" state of Bradley Stoke's verges. A reader has compiled a dossier of photographs highlighting the issue.