Protest disrupts work on liveable neighbourhood
BBCWork to install a bus gate that is part of a liveable neighbourhood scheme has been disrupted by protests.
About 30 campaigners gathered in Barton Hill, Bristol, as council contractors began the installation for 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 said it supported the right to peaceful protest but its attempts to have "a two-way dialogue" about the concerns "were unfortunately not met in good faith".
"By illegally obstructing works, these actions have put our contractors, protesters and other pedestrians at risk, making it impossible to continue installing the trial measures safely," said Heather Mack, deputy leader of the council.
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.
The council has said the measures stop drivers cutting through residential roads in order to beat congestion.
It said the scheme will "create a safer, healthier and greener neighbourhood".
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.
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 on Monday as the bus gate was being installed in Avonvale Road.
Ms Topping said the protests would continue through the week. "The council are being bullies," she added.
"This was supposed to be developed with us, and it hasn't at all."
Protester Sameera Mussa said many residents needed to use their cars to take their children to school.
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?"
Councillor Ms Mack, who said she had met protesters on the street, argued that it was important to have solutions to "big problems like air pollution and excess traffic on small residential roads".
She said plans for the trial were based on three years of "intensive community engagement, co-design and consultation".
She added: "Some residents have told us that their streets already feel safer, are quieter and have cleaner air."
Ms Mack said she was "confident" the scheme would increase footfall for local businesses and use of sustainable transport.
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