The Bradley Stoke Examiner has been one of the projects I’ve been most proud to work on. Since the website began in 2006 we’ve broken more news stories than I can remember, been nominated for awards and – hopefully – helped to promote the town.

I’ve, personally, met some extremely friendly people and have been made very welcome by both the community and the people that give their time up to run it.

Tens of thousands of people have come here to get the latest news about Bradley Stoke that other media felt was too local to publish – something that is not the case any more.

But, recently I’ve found it more and more difficult to find the time to give this website the love and attention it deserves.

Juggling a full time job, family life and the Examiner was never easy but now it’s proving much more difficult so I’ve made a difficult decision.

The Bradley Stoke Examiner will be closing down indefinitely.

I know this will come as disappointing news to the many loyal readers we have – many of whom have contributed over the years – but I hope that you will all understand.

The Examiner might make a comeback in the future: who knows? We’ll keep the domain going for now and, maybe if time allows, we’ll make a comeback. But, no promises!

I’d like to thank a long cast of people – but mostly Marie for putting up with all those many hours I spent reading council agendas, going to meetings and not being at home to make her cups of tea!

Other people who deserve thanks include the previous mayors: Julian, Rob and Mark, all of whom gave support and help which was always appreciated. I would also like to thank the rest of the councillors, too many to name, who were always keen to give us stories.

Thanks to Lesley at the council who provided much valuable help – especially when we first started.

And, also, thanks to Ira and Sidelane for hosting our website. If you need any web work done, he’s your man.

And – thank you to you, our readers. All those who wrote messages, contributed and got involved. We couldn’t have done it without you.

Maybe see you again soon!

Chris

The threat was made to the headteacher of the school, Dave Baker, because of the behaviour of a “minority” of pupils.

Mr Baker said he has had to field complaints from both security staff and members of the public about some students.

In a recent meeting between the centre’s staff and the school a total ban “was mentioned”.

“I asked for students to be given the chance to prove that they could behave appropriately,” said Mr Baker, who says the threat had been lifted.

“This was communicated to students and, understandably, there was a sense of outrage from the vast majority of students who always behave appropriately.”

He has now appealed for pupils to behave while in the centre.

The Safer and Stronger South Gloucestershire meeting will take place at Bailey’s Court Activity Centre.

Also on the agenda is how one local hotel contributes to the local community.

There will also be a chance for residents to ask questions of the guests which will include representatives from the police and council.

The meeting gets under way at 7pm and further information can be found by ringing 01454 868760.

The loss-making business has been bought by LSL Property Services meaning Halifax will no longer offer a banking counter.

The Pear Tree Road business is one of six previously owned across Bristol by Halifax which is now part-owned by the government.

The Bristol Evening Post reports that some 25 staff at those counters will lose their jobs.

Ged Nichols, general secretary of union Accord, said: “We have also made our view clear to Lloyds that the staff who currently work in the 121 branches [across the country] with banking counters should have the opportunity to transfer to nearby bank branches.

“We believe that there is no need for compulsory redundancies.”

Shop fitters have begun to get Pets at Home ready for a November opening at Bradley Stoke’s Willow Brook Centre.

The workers started during the past week with a new illuminated sign one of the first items to be installed.

The shop will be the second to begin trading at the town centre’s retail units which opened in the summer with shoe shop Brantano.

Meanwhile, a new private physiotherapy practice is also due to open in the centre during November.

It will offer chiropractic, physiotherapy, sports injury rehabilitation and sports and remedial massage.

Bookings can be made from Monday, 19 October 2009 on 01454 625201.

An application for a proposed park and ride on Hunts Ground Road in Stoke Gifford has been withdrawn after concerns were raised by the Highways Agency.

South Gloucestershire Council wanted to build a 200-vehicle facility on unused land behind Parkway Railway Station.

But the Highways Agency (HA) told the authority that it was not convinced the car park, combined with additional double-yellow lines, would work to alleviate on-street parking.

The HA added that a lack of detail in the application from South Gloucestershire Council meant it was unable to comment.

In a letter to the council it said: “At present we are unaware of current capacity issues, if any, at the existing Parkway Station car parks.

“We are not therefore in a position to understand if the identified issue of parking on neighbouring streets is due to parking parking demand outstripping provision or whether it is due to drivers seeking free parking where it is available.

“It is not clear whether a study has been completed to confirm that parking on streets in this area is due entirely to multimodal journeys or whether it is due in part to those commuting to the north fringe area.”

The hold up will mean a “significant affect [for] the construction” of the facility, the council says, should it gain approval in the future.

The council’s transportation department has asked the planners for an “expeditious” consideration of any second application.

There is no indication how long it will take for the updated application to be submitted.

The facility had already got a bad reaction from nearby residents who were worried about the increased traffic on surrounding roads.

Several also point to disruption from trees being felled and the impact on wildlife in the area.

One added: “You are causing problems not for people leaving the area at 4pm or 5pm but for the local residents who are trying to return to their homes at these times.”

The document is currently being delivered to all homes in the town and sets out the authority’s objectives for the coming five years.

Among the pledges is a commitment to improve CCTV coverage at the town’s three activity centres.

They will be “reviewed and enhanced as required” under the plan drawn up by local councillors.

The council also wants to hear views on how it contributes towards a dedicated police officer for the town.

Other areas the strategy covers include:

• Increased profile for the town through use of public relations
• Ensuring youth facilities are maintained and improved
• Taking part in the Quality Status scheme for employees and councillors
• More partnerships with businesses, residents’ associations and voluntary bodies
• Seeking space for allotments either in Bradley Stoke or outside the town

Bradley Stoke Mayor, Mark Forsyth, said: “Your views are very much appreciated and we look forward to receiving them.”

The closing date for comments is 30 October 2009 – views can be sent to forwardplan@bradleystoke.gov.uk

→ Read the forward plan online here (PDF, 378k)

The facility has been opened some 25 years after the first branch began trading in Bristol’s Bond Street.

Specsavers founder Dame Mary Perkins said: “The Bristol area has always proved a successful trading environment for us and we are incredible grateful to our loyal customers.

“This is a great way of giving something back by providing a more convenient service to Bradley Stoke residents, and we are also delighted to be created new jobs in the community.”

Store directors Vivek Lakhanpaul and Edward Stanleigh have experience of the immediate area with Mr Stanleigh acting as store manager at the Chippenham branch.

Mr Lakhanpaul, who has worked as an optometrist at Bracknell, said: “We’re really excited about opening the new store and are looking forward to welcoming customers through the doors.

“We hope that people will see us as the equivalent to their friendly local GP – providing them with the best possible eye care.”

Meanwhile, The Willow Brook Centre will be celebrating its first birthday at the weekend – and visitors could bag some freebies.

Free goody bags filled with treats and birthday cake will be on offer on Saturday, 10 October 2009 between 11am and 4pm.

Centre manager Scott Lahive said: “We are all very excited to be celebrating this special day with the residents of Bradley Stoke and the surrounding areas.

“In tough economical times we want to give something back and celebrate with everyone who has supported the centre in its first year, and will continue to provide high levels of service to keep shoppers coming back next year.”