The city parks sell-off row could influence residents’ votes

WINDMILL Hill is a yellow seat but one with a noticeably green streak.

This seat has a solid Liberal Democrat majority and has done since 2003.

In 2007 Labour came third, followed by the Green Party with the Tories a distant fourth and the Socialist Alternative group in fifth.

Environmental issues would appear to be a particular concern for people living in this part of Bristol, including the state of the local river, climate changes and the condition of local parks.

The Windmill Hill ward is bounded by the Bedminster railway line to the north, Nover’s Common to the south, the edge of Arnos Vale cemetery to the east and the bottom of Bristol Temple Meads to the north.

It not only includes Windmill Hill itself but also Totterdown and parts of Bedminster.

One in ten residents are from ethnic minorities, one of the highest percentages outside of the city centre areas.

As it is so close to the city centre, one in four residents walk to work which is one of the largest ratios in all of Bristol.

The downside is that commuters from outside the area also park in the streets in and around Totterdown causing problems for residents. As such, parking and traffic issues are an ongoing complaint in the ward.

Another concern for locals is the state of the local river, with more than two thirds saying it is an issue in a council survey.

Nearly half of the people asked also said they had changed their behaviour to tackle climate change in recent years.

The prominence given to environmental issues like these could perhaps explain why the Green Party came in third place with a strong showing at the 2007 elections.

As such the ongoing row over the £87 million parks and green spaces plan could have an effect when people go to the polls on Thursday.

The two green spaces that were saved following public consultation last year could play in the Lib Dems’ favour.

Both Bushey Park YMCA and High Street open space were removed from the disposal list by the council cabinet after they were put under threat of redevelopment.

But a third site – open space in Bath Road – will still be sold.

Previously surveys had shown that residents in Windmill Hill were particularly happy with the state of their local parks and children’s play areas.

Whether that will still be the case following the parks sell-off row remains to be seen.

2007 Results

Mark Bailey (Lib Dem) 1,405 (elected)

Christopher Orlik (Lab) 758

Stephen Petter (Green) 593

Graham Morris (Con) 275

Thomas Baldwin (Socialist Alternative) 129

Polling Stations

Totterdown Methodist Church Hall, Winton Street; Victoria Park Baptist Church, Sylvia Avenue; Boy’s Brigade Headquarters, Vivian Street; Jubilee Hall, Wedmore Vale.

Detailed map - http://www.bristol.gov.uk/WardFinder/pdfs/windmill-hillmap-high.pdf