Protest disrupts work on liveable neighbourhood

A man standing in the road in front of a truck carrying cones and barriers to stop traffic. The man is holding a sign reading "keep our roads open".
The scheme in east Bristol has been the focus of protests for months [BBC]

Work to install a bus gate which is part of a liveable neighbourhood scheme has been disrupted by protests.

About 30 campaigners gathered in Barton Hill, Bristol, as council contractors worked to install a bus gate as part of the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood Scheme.

"They're trying to put the bus gate in because they know it will raise fines for the council's bank balance," said protester Melissa Topping.

Bristol City Council has been asked for comment. It has said the scheme will "create a safer, healthier and greener neighbourhood".

One-way systems and roadblocks have already been installed as part of the trial for the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood, which covers parts of Barton Hill, Redfield and St George.

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The council has said the measures stop drivers cutting through residential roads in order to beat congestion.

Three bus gates - in Avonvale Road, Marsh Lane and Pilemarsh - are part of the wider scheme.

Only drivers with certain exemptions, such as those with disabilities, care providers attending clients, and families of high-needs children, may be exempt from charges.

Melissa Topping, holding a sign which reads "stop the EBLN" - which stands for East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood. She is wearing a blue coat.
Barton Hill resident Melissa Topping accused the council of bullying residents over the scheme [BBC]

Since the scheme was announced, the council has faced strong opposition from some residents who say it would make their journeys longer.

"We're not letting this happen through a community which has clearly stated we don't want it," said Ms Topping as the bus gate was being installed in Avonvale Road.

Ms Topping said the protests would continue beyond Monday.

"The council are being bullies," she added.

"This was supposed to be developed with us, and it hasn't at all."

A paper notice reading "say no to EBLN" has been pasted over an LED notice board which reads 'bus gates now operational'.
Protestors have vowed to continue their campaign over several days [BBC]

Protester Sameera Mussa said many residents needed to use their cars to take their children to school.

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She said: "Why has this been done to Barton Hill? Why not do it to the wealthier parts of the city?

"We don't have families here who can sit at home with their laptop and work at home.

"Why don't the council create better environments instead of caging us like animals?"

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