Cotham Hill opening to non-motorists

[whole diary]

[DaveHarries]

Busy tomorrow, feel a visit coming on Tuesday.

Went to CH on Monday bank holiday only to find that a shop which used to sell a lager I liked from continental Europe was no longer selling it. Therefore I don't know when I will be down there next as that was the only shop I ever went to. Now seeking an alternative source.

Dave

[Bmblbzzz]

Coffee & Beer? I'm not sure what his range is beer-wise.

[DaveHarries]

Not CH related (sorry) but, meanwhile, in the Easton part of Bristol.....
https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/bristol-city-council-drops-plan-5322062

Dave

[Red Squirrel]

Yes, an interesting contrast. The main difference seems to be that on Cotham Hill the traders requested the changes, whereas on St Marks Road shopkeepers felt the changes were being imposed on them.

[DaveHarries]

I'm not sure I get what you're saying. How does BCC^» (Bristol City Council - about)'s mindset, that cars are not to be used, explain their decision to only close a small part of Cotham Hill to cars?

I strongly suspect that BCC don't want people doing anything convenient when it comes to getting around unless you do it their way. As for the "active travel" side of things I used to cycle into work until the employer gave me a warning for being tired when I got in so 4 wheels it is: the bike got sold. I sometimes get the train in (see below) but only if I have to be in for 8:30am.

Yes, an interesting contrast. The main difference seems to be that on Cotham Hill the traders requested the changes, whereas on St Marks Road shopkeepers felt the changes were being imposed on them.

While on train 2K07 (0747 Severn Beach (0805 Sea Mills) to Bristol Temple Meads) on Wednesday 05th May I was talking to a lady from Redland. She said to me that the traders had not been pushing for the closure of Cotham Hill and that it was done by Bristol City Council "with almost no notice and in an undemocratic fashion" (her words, not mine).

Dave

[ellendune]

Yes, an interesting contrast. The main difference seems to be that on Cotham Hill the traders requested the changes, whereas on St Marks Road shopkeepers felt the changes were being imposed on them.

While on train 2K07 (0747 Severn Beach (0805 Sea Mills) to Bristol Temple Meads) on Wednesday 05th May I was talking to a lady from Redland. She said to me that the traders had not been pushing for the closure of Cotham Hill and that it was done by Bristol City Council "with almost no notice and in an undemocratic fashion" (her words, not mine).

Dave

There has been a lot of disinformation from campaigners on this subject with councils being swayed by a few vociferous motorists many of whom did not even live anywhere near the local authority in question.  Certainly the photos suggest a numbers of Cotham Hill's traders are benefitting from the additional outdoor space it offers. I suspect that some traders had asked and others had not and that the lady you heard was listening to those she wanted to hear.  I doubt if other traders are loosing passing trade in such a narrow street as a result of the closure. 

I think motorists just have to grow up and learn that we (yes I am one as well) have had a good time for the last 70 years or so and the world does not revolve solely around motor transport. 

[Bmblbzzz]

As I mentioned, I know the manager of a shop on Cotham Hill. He personally was against the closure to motor traffic. The traders and residents had a few meetings (I don't know how many) to discuss the proposal and it seems a majority of the traders and almost all the residents were in favour. The idea grew out of BCC^» (Bristol City Council - about) asking for proposals back in lockdown one. I saw the bloke I know yesterday and he said in fact the scheme hasn't made any difference to the shop, positive or negative.

[Red Squirrel]

Bishopston Voice has published an article about Cotham Hill in their latest edition. For those who may find the image hard to read, the upshot is:

* The changes are welcomed by traders, some of whom think they may have gone out of business without them;
* The area is quieter and more pleasant;
* They'd like an improved, permanent scheme.

[Bmblbzzz]

In general, a rare pandemic positive has been that it's given legitimacy to the redistribution of some road space from parked cars to people eating and drinking and having fun (and spending money).

[Bmblbzzz]

There is a petition to make these changes permanent. http://chng.it/nNRQLJhWFF

[Bmblbzzz]

Traders say changes have made Cotham Hill "continental", and city council will approach the area's future layout "holistically".
https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/what-life-like-bristols-cotham-5644105

(Have you noticed that when people describe a place in Britain as feeling "continental" they almost always forget about those parts of the Continent such as Norway or Finland?)

[stuving]

(Have you noticed that when people describe a place in Britain as feeling "continental" they almost always forget about those parts of the Continent such as Norway or Finland?)

... or, come to that, large parts of Marseille, Ercolano, St Denis, ...

[johnneyw]

Took my first stroll along Cotham Hill since the changes.  Looked to be ticking over nicely with a steady footfall rather than being too crowded.  My observation is that if this is going to be permanent then it could be made to look even better with a bit of a redesign/makeover as it has a slightly temporary even makeshift air right now.  Took the snap below looking towards Whiteladies Road.

[Red Squirrel]

The closure is officially 'temporary'. According to BCC^» (Bristol City Council - about):

The feedback from [the Cotham Hill Engagement] survey along with the engagement with local businesses, community groups and local stakeholders has been used to help produce a road layout design for two temporary road closures on Cotham Hill. This will be implemented on Sunday 11 April 2021 to allow several hospitality businesses to trade outside with COVID-19 restrictions changing to permit outdoor hospitality service the following day. It will also improve journeys for pedestrians and cyclists. Whilst this is an urgent measure to support business we are working on a more permanent scheme which will be subject to further engagement with the community. This will take a look at a more holistic approach at the area and could incorporate changes to the wider area.

...which doesn't say how long the temporary closure will last, or when we can expect something less makeshift.

[Bmblbzzz]

It's already slightly less makeshift in that the red and white plastic barriers originally used have been replaced with more attractive wooden planters. But the signs still have a temporary air. I would hope that if the scheme becomes permanent, the entire width of the street would be paved. At the moment there are makeshift ramps – little slopes of tarmac on the kerb – where restaurant seating has been extended over the whole pavement. This is a bit unsatisfactory IMO^▸ (in my opinion).

I'll also take this opportunity to remind people of the Cotham Hill street party on Sunday 12th September: bands, food, dancing, fun!