tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-385180152024-03-12T21:03:31.283-07:00Thornbury 2050Hopefully here are some thought-provoking prospects for the future of Thornbury in South Gloucestershire. We are justly proud of our cultural, historical, industrial and commercial heritage so let's see what we might do to enrich the legacy that we will leave to future generations.strodliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106392126347843000noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38518015.post-37525986103333087982019-02-05T04:22:00.000-08:002019-02-05T04:22:07.138-08:00Lessons from Aylesbury Waterside Theatre<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyone thinking of promoting a new theatre to replace Thornbury's Armstrong Hall would be well advised to read about the trials and tribulations of Aylesbury's Waterside Theatre.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Planning permission was granted in 2006 with a budgeted cost of £25million which had risen to £47million by the time of opening in 2010.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Council appointed Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) to manage the venue with an annual subsidy of £355,000, £1,000 per day raised via council tax from the 56,000 population of the town. ATG was going from strength to strength with profits of £2.3 million in 2009 which rose to £16.3 million in 2011, through the 39 venues it then operated.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In 2016 the Council negotiated a reduction in subsidy to be implemented over 5 years driven principally by their disappointment with the time to grow audiences.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Lessons:</span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Expect the budgeted cost of a new venue to double.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Ensure that a sound business case can be produced without the need for subsidy from the public purse.</span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sources:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aylesbury_Waterside_Theatre"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aylesbury_Waterside_Theatre</span></a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.thestage.co.uk/news/2015/aylesbury-cuts-subsidy-to-atg-for-waterside-theatre/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">https://www.thestage.co.uk/news/2015/aylesbury-cuts-subsidy-to-atg-for-waterside-theatre/</span></a></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />strodliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106392126347843000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38518015.post-37514229772172100942013-03-29T11:35:00.002-07:002013-03-29T11:37:02.812-07:00Nirvana?Whilst delighted with the recognition of Thornbury as the fourth best town to live, I was a little uncertain about the reference to Nirvana so I looked in the Cambridge Encyclopaedia. There it is described as: <i>“… the attainment of supreme bliss, tranquillity, and purity, when the fires of desire are extinguished.”</i> Not quite how I would describe Thornbury but perhaps that’s how outsiders see us?strodliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106392126347843000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38518015.post-57142477167584067932013-02-01T01:43:00.002-08:002013-02-21T11:15:51.402-08:00Curtain falls on plans to build new £6m theatre<p>ACT has conceded that its plans to build a £6 million theatre in Thornbury are not financially viable given a substantial shortfall in operating costs now calculated to be in excess of £250,000 per annum (<a href="http://www.actthornbury.org.uk/Businesspdfs/ACT%20press%20release%20Jan%202013.pdf" target="_blank">ACT Press Statement, January 2013</a>). Probably sound judgement in the current economic climate, since I suspect that a large number of Thornbury folk would be less than keen to pay £1 per week per household in order to subsidise theatre performances for visitors from outside the town.</p>
<p>It is nice to see in the press release that:
<blockquote>"............... ACT will continue to operate. We
have decided to focus on supporting the Arts in Thornbury and the
surrounding area. Over the next few months we will develop our ideas into
plans on how to implement this new initiative, possibly by way of ACT
becoming a Charitable Foundation that donates to worthy causes, arts
related. We expect to continue with a number of events that have proved to
be popular, as well as being successful fundraisers."</blockquote>
The report in the Thornbury Gazette omits any reference to this positive outcome - perhaps two pages were one too many for the reporter to read or will the good news be trumpeted in the next issue?
</p>
<p>It was good to see ACT suggesting that locals should throw their weight behind fund raising for the Armstrong Hall changing rooms although many of us have been doing just that in recognition of the urgent need to upgrade these facilities. Perhaps ACT might consider a donation from its funds? And finally, I am left wondering how much ACT has spent over the years on professional fees for their many advisers and how this might have been more productively spent. Presumably some accounts have been or will be published somewhere, sometime?</p>strodliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106392126347843000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38518015.post-1395559595010152692013-01-11T12:26:00.000-08:002013-01-11T14:51:00.407-08:00Reclaim the rail line to Thornbury<p>Congratulations to Councillors Trevor Jones and Brian Hopkinson for supporting reopening of a rail link to Thornbury (Thornbury Gazette, Thursday January 10, 2013; Bristol Observer, Thursday January 10, 2013). They are very wise in advocating that South Gloucestershire Council should pressurise Network Rail to reclaim the line and protect its potential for future use.</p>
<p>Some may say that the costs would be prohibitive: £38 million construction and £3 million per year operating costs. Just hold that thought while considering that the Government's latest proposals for compensating communities living near to power stations would bring about £8 million per year if new nuclear were built at Oldbury. </p>
<p>Future generations looking back from 2050 would not thank us if we were to squander such an opportunity. So let's keep our eyes on whether South Gloucestershire Council acts to protect this infra-stucture that is part of our heritage.</p>strodliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106392126347843000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38518015.post-76128855728484564232013-01-03T07:18:00.000-08:002013-01-03T07:18:01.669-08:00Community benefit or indecent proposal?<p>The film <em>'Indecent Proposal'</em> charts a wife's struggle with her virtue as she eventually agrees to have sex with another man for $1 million. Something similar could be coming to Thornbury very soon if proposals to compensate rural communities for hosting fracking sites, wind turbines and nuclear stations come to fruition.</p><p> The Times (30 December 2012) headlines one perspective: <em>'Bribes to halt wind farm fight'</em>. At the other extreme is a recognition of the benefits that could be enjoyed by such communities. Just how substantial are they?</p><p>It is proposed that wind farm developers would pay £5,000 per year per installed megawatt into a fund to be spent on community benefits. Not exactly a revolution because many wind farm developers already give communities around £1,000 per megawatt per year. The key question is whether a fivefold increase would be sufficient to overcome community opposition - my guess is that it would at least introduce a more reasoned debate.</p><p>What about nuclear? EdF negotiations at Hinkley Point in Somerset are already well advanced with suggested payments of £8 million per year for 70 years or so into community trusts overseen by West Somerset and Sedgemoor district councils. Once again not a revolution since EdF already adopt the same approach for communities surrounding their plants in France.</p>
<p>What if a similar amount were to be paid in respect of nuclear development at Oldbury? Imagine the impact on our community of being able to spend an extra £8 million per year for 70 years! </p>strodliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106392126347843000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38518015.post-17069757871041118482013-01-03T06:42:00.000-08:002013-01-03T07:29:05.693-08:00Park Farm flood plain?<p>Having seen that building at Park Farm would be in the centre of a flood plain and taken note of the flooded gateway on a recent letters page in Thornbury Gazette, I decided to pay a site visit at the height of our recent inundation. So 1st January 2013 I walked to the mediaeval (allegedly) fishponds to undertake a visual survey. The result was a view surprisingly free of waterlogging ...... </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqRT4lmTQHojZx1L_axMcyYCzs6dveFYAn4GFXaJl-xcP2qtYiZHrBe2WaeL21Tc2ByPuvxXEcd-TiwehBhetreiyW9OGztAfayCubpuey4H8nCL2XjHp4fThiHxwgepjPaVnJgA/s1600/park_farm_floodplain_1_jan_2013_thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="136" width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqRT4lmTQHojZx1L_axMcyYCzs6dveFYAn4GFXaJl-xcP2qtYiZHrBe2WaeL21Tc2ByPuvxXEcd-TiwehBhetreiyW9OGztAfayCubpuey4H8nCL2XjHp4fThiHxwgepjPaVnJgA/s400/park_farm_floodplain_1_jan_2013_thumb.jpg" /></a></div>
strodliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106392126347843000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38518015.post-59556058682355412032012-12-18T09:29:00.000-08:002013-01-03T06:10:42.058-08:00Theatre in Thornbury<p>Having recently seen Jeremy Hardy at the <em>Sundial Theatre</em> in Cirencester, I was convinced that the word <em>theatre</em> is more to do with the performance than the surroundings so I checked in the dictionary:<ol><li>building designed for the performance of plays, opera, etc.</li><li>plays regarded collectively as a form of art</li><li>world of actors, theatrical companies, etc.</li></ol>So why should Thornbury need a new theatre (the building) to stage theatre (the performance)?</p>
<p>The <em>Sundial Theatre</em> and the <em>Armstrong Hall</em> seem to be treated differently in their respective communities. They are very similar, both seating just over 300, offer raised seating and both have a bar, although I prefer the one at the <em>Armstrong Hall</em>.</p>
<p>There is a different atmosphere at the <em>Sundial</em> where the volunteers who run it seem totally dedicated to bringing performance to Cirencester at every opportunity. Their focus is on performances not the venue.</p>
<p>Perhaps the names of the buildings constrain their use? The <em>Armstrong Hall</em> was built at a time when Thornbury didn't have a sports centre and many of the smaller venues had yet to be built. It was logical then to call it a 'hall'. Perhaps we need a simple rebranding, for example by changing the name to <b><em>Armstrong's</em></b>?</p>
<p>If live theatre is viable in Thornbury someone needs to demonstrate it by hosting more entertainments. Perhaps introduce regular Saturday night performances? Or introduce a week in Autumn to counterbalance the Arts Festival in the Spring? </p>
<p>We already have a team of volunteers with the energy, enthusiasm and skills to stage professional shows on a regular basis - ACT - it's just that they are directing their talents towards theatre (the building) rather than theatre (the performance). How much better if they were to direct their efforts towards demonstrating that there is a future for frequent professional theatre performances in Thornbury?</p>
<p>That brings me to the key issue - financial viability. Operation of the <em>Sundial</em> seems to be financially viable and that will be the key to its long-term success. I don't know the extent to which it relies on grants from Cirencester Town Council or subsidies from Cirencester College. What I do know is that the people of Thornbury deserve to know the factors underlying its viability and understand the context and extent to which they might be asked to underwrite new theatre (venue or performances) in Thornbury.</p>strodliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106392126347843000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38518015.post-8609112392499149832012-12-10T03:54:00.000-08:002012-12-18T08:27:43.011-08:00Policing Thornbury<p>Sale of Thornbury's police station is imminent so the police will be looking for somewhere to host their face-to-face contact with the public. Perhaps they'll follow the lead set by the Metropolitan Police who are closing front counters at police stations and opening access points in places of worship, coffee shops and football grounds.</p><p> Thornbury is very well endowed with coffee shops and churches so perhaps, even as I write, one of these is being considered by Avon & Somerset Police. A church would offer the possibility of prayer, and in some cases confession, while waiting to be seen. A coffee shop would be less private but would have the edge when it came to whiling away the time.</p>
<p>While I'm on the subject of the police presence in Thornbury, I note that the South Yorkshire Police are deploying cardboard cut-outs of uniformed police officers in order to deter thieves...... Coming soon to Thornbury on Friday and Saturday nights?</p>Vera Thornburyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02647718757963799487noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38518015.post-84859300646880147332012-11-26T03:24:00.001-08:002012-11-26T03:24:45.824-08:00Horizon completes transition to Hitachi
<p>So it's a done deal. Horizon, its assets and its staff have now been acquired by Hitachi as a going concern.</p>
<p>The good news is that the current preference for hybrid cooling towers is likely to remain unchanged.</p><p> The bad news is that development at Oldbury will follow development of the lead site at Wylfa on Anglesey. This means that Hitachi's local multibillion pound investment, with a peak of around 6,000 construction jobs and around 1000 during the operation of the station, is unlikely to materialize until mid 2020s. So plenty of time for local pressure groups to dream up even more reasons why not.</p>
strodliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106392126347843000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38518015.post-67487295370004616662012-11-04T08:14:00.000-08:002012-11-04T08:14:54.099-08:00Severn barrage decision pressing<p>I see that Hafren Power is concerned that the Severn Barrage will be sidelined unless a final decision is made within the next three years (<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-20190869">BBC News</a>). Given the tendency of Liberal Democrats to procrastinate over decisions on infrastructure, it looks increasingly unlikely that the coalition will take such a decision. Given that decisions are also required on other major infrastructure projects, e.g. airport capacity, perhaps the time has come for the Conservatives to govern as a minority party relying on the 'national interest' to carry the day? At least that would send out a very clear message to the electotrate about which parties are genuinely committed to a prosperous future for the UK.</p>
<p>Blinkered politicians will not see it of course but what a fantastic boost to the prospects for nuclear investment at Oldbury. Why do I say that? Because the reviled cooling towers would be unnecessary so long as cooling could rely on the water contained by the barrage! Oh yes and it would be cheaper to build reactors at Oldbury because the cost of the cooling towers could be saved.</p>strodliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106392126347843000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38518015.post-45867239614837365792012-10-30T05:23:00.000-07:002012-10-30T05:23:03.897-07:00Hitachi to build reactors at Oldbury<p>So it's a done deal. Hitachi have bought Horizon (see <a href="http://www.horizonnuclearpower.com/files/downloads/Horizon%20Press%20Release%20National.pdf" target="_blank"> news release</a>) in a deal expected to be concluded by the end of November and will seek to license their reactor design within two years. Their UK partners will include Babcock International and Rolls Royce. Hiroaki Nakanishi president of Hitachi Ltd commented:<em>'Today starts our 100 year commitment to the UK and its vision to achieve a long-term, secure, low-carbon, and affordable energy supply.'</em></p><p>The impact on our local economy will be massive and should ensure a more vibrant economy for decades to come.</p>strodliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106392126347843000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38518015.post-77139706845288106952012-10-26T11:25:00.001-07:002012-10-26T11:25:36.190-07:00Oldbury's nuclear future reviving?<p><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-10-25/eon-rwe-said-to-sell-nuclear-jv-for-about-967-million.html">Bloomberg</a> has reported that e.on and RWE are to sell their joint holding in Horizon Nuclear Power to Japan's Hitachi for £600 million. While the deal could be completed in days, the licensing of Hitachi's reactor design could take up to 4 years.</p><p>EdF has already started preliminary work for construction at Hinkley Point so the future for UK nuclear is beginning to look a little more positive. It will be too little to have any significant impact on global carbon dioxide emissions but at least there's a chance that the lights won't go out in the UK in 2025.</p><p>More importantly for Thornbury, there is now the prospect of a significant boost to the local economy during construction and later in operation.</p><p>Thornbury Gazette will no doubt be overwhelmed by protests from the anti-nuclear lobby as soon as the news is announced. It's a pity that it has to be a design that is not yet licensed in the UK but better that than nothing.</p>strodliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106392126347843000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38518015.post-9809008044271707312012-10-25T06:28:00.000-07:002012-10-25T06:29:37.124-07:00500 new homes for Thornbury?<p>So campaigners are dismayed as a plan for 500 homes at Park Farm Thornbury is backed by councillors (<a href="http://www.gazetteseries.co.uk/news/localnews/thornburynews/10001318.Controversial_plans_for_500_homes_approved/">Thornbury Gazette, Thursday, 25 October 2012</a>). It comes as no surprise then that <a href="http://greenandpleasantthornbury.blogspot.co.uk/">Save Thornbury's Green Heritage</a> are suggesting a judicial review.</p>
<p>I happen to favour an increase in Thornbury's population because I am convinced that the alternative is a town that gradually dies. I also favour putting the heart back into Thornbury with the High Street becoming less peripheral. I'm not holding my breath though because there are sites at Filton and Emerson's Green, amongst others, where there is little opposition and these will be favoured for immediate development. These will also be the communities which will have first call on investment in shops, health facilities and transport. The consequences for Thornbury? In my view we will be left with our heritage and very little else!</p>
<p>And on a final note, I hope that our heritage is not being hyped up. For examples, are our fishponds really medieval? Presumably someone somewhere has some facts?</p>strodliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106392126347843000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38518015.post-13596177912443831342012-10-25T05:31:00.000-07:002012-10-25T05:31:42.924-07:00Solar panel protest grows<p>I feel very sorry for the resident in Castle Street whose installation of solar panels has attracted such wrath. He followed the rules, his installation is legal yet he is still subjected to attack.</p>
<p>As I've said before, the architectural merit of Castle Street's skyline is at least as badly damaged by the neighbours, many in listed buildings, who adorn their chimneys with unsightly aerials. If the solar panels have to go, no doubt the aerials will be next. And what then? Installation of Victorian gas lighting? A return to cobbles? A ban on traffic except for horse-drawn carriages and carts? Demolition of all buildings in Castle Street which are not listed?</p>
strodliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106392126347843000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38518015.post-58094101734201280342012-09-29T03:55:00.001-07:002012-09-29T04:09:57.433-07:00Hospital completion date put back as discussions continueSo it's happened yet again! (<a href="http://www.gazetteseries.co.uk/news/localnews/thornburynews/9947955.Hospital_project_delayed_due_to_land_ownership_wrangle/" target="_blank">Thornbury Gazette, Thursday, September 27, 2012</a>)
<p>Why am I not surprised? Simply because it's happened before and it will happen again - the decision on the new hospital at Southmead, now work in progress and hopefully soon to be operational, was a classic example of obfuscation and delay. Whether we like it or not, both politicians and planners have a vested interest in keeping issues alive rather than nailing them.</p>
<p>Let me explain what I mean.</p>
<p>Politicians, whether local councillors or MPs, love nothing more than a battle. It makes headlines and keeps them in the public eye. It builds their credentials for the next election. Once the battle's won that's the end of the headlines and they have to look for the next cause. So they have a vested interest in prolonging the fight by picking on every minor issue and using the protest groups as cannon fodder.</p>
<p>Planners also have an interest in delaying decisions. In these difficult times they don't have the money to spend so they will seize every opportunity to delay investment. Every £1 million deferred is £1 million 'saving' this year.</p>
<p>What's really sad is that the well-intentioned actions of protest groups are used as excuses for delay. And inaction of the majority allows politicians and planners to get away with it. Once again the people of Thornbury are left wondering when they will ever benefit from a modern health centre with diagnostic services and a minor injury unit. </p>strodliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106392126347843000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38518015.post-9961147504576431502012-09-23T04:42:00.002-07:002012-09-27T02:07:50.244-07:00Thornbury Police Station - ripe for redevelopment?So the police station in Thornbury is 'under offer'! Perhaps it will continue as offices but it's been on the market for over a year now so a change of use is possible so my money is on demolition and building new homes and/or a care home rather than commercial use. Watch this space. Vera Thornburyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02647718757963799487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38518015.post-21427263953476741812012-09-19T04:00:00.000-07:002012-09-19T05:37:16.739-07:00Thornbury's energy consumption - profligate or miserly?<p>While idly scanning through the <a href="http://www.decc.gov.uk/" target="_blank">Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC)</a> website, as one does, I came upon a gem - the National Heat Map. Commissioned by DECC, the Centre for Sustainable Energy has created a map showing heat use by area in England.</p>
<p> Just zoom in to Thornbury, choose whether you want to see total, commercial, residential or industrial heat density. I've set <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi27M8uShOI_zcNGWarhN0p4SvqSpNsJss_4HJpmja-c-UUwA-nOzri9h6_oP2GM0djex2Azgiit_iPMHZXLvv3ZhCIh4TqZaYkueSCEVTfhTO94CgV6yd2PTxlgcqWnLaGd-ICkQ/s1600/thornbury_heat_map_all.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""> this link</a> so that you can see total heat consumption for England, the Bristol area and Thornbury. Please remember that the colours in each map represent relative rather than absolute values so you'll need to look at the legend for each map. Also remember that heat density is presented per unit of land area, so the jury's out on whether Thornbury folk are profligate or miserly with their use of energy!</p><p>Total heat map for Thornbury:<br /><img border="0" height="241" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi27M8uShOI_zcNGWarhN0p4SvqSpNsJss_4HJpmja-c-UUwA-nOzri9h6_oP2GM0djex2Azgiit_iPMHZXLvv3ZhCIh4TqZaYkueSCEVTfhTO94CgV6yd2PTxlgcqWnLaGd-ICkQ/s400/thornbury_heat_map_all.JPG" />
</p>strodliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106392126347843000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38518015.post-26531454316150881182012-09-14T08:04:00.002-07:002012-09-17T09:05:57.030-07:00Steve Webb's view on the Severn Barrage<p>I contacted Steve Webb MP via his website on 19th August as follows:<blockquote>'In view of your welcoming the apparent abandonment of Horizon's plans for Oldbury Power Station, I would be grateful to hear your views on how future needs for electricity generation will be met and particularly how you perceive the resurrection of proposals for the Severn Barrage.'</blockquote></p>
<p>I received a prompt acknowledgement from a case worker and then his response which is reproduced in full at the foot of this page.</p><p> Yet again Mr Webb displays his tendency to defer big decisions in favour of muddling through. Sadly this is nothing new, witness <a href="http://www.stevewebb.org.uk/news2009/news996.html" target ="_blank">his condemnation in January 2009 of Ed Miliband </a>, then Secretary for Energy and Climate Change, who had just announced five preferred options to generate green energy from the river, which also included two smaller barrages and two lagoon schemes. Mr Webb's response then was to advocate consideration of more options, prove feasibility with pilot schemes, and no reasonable prospect for power generation until well into the 2020s. So guess what, nearly three years have passed and the timescale for generating power from the barrage is heading for the 2030s. Taken to the extreme this philosophy will leave us in the dark some time very soon! </p>
<p>So Mr Webb's solution is gas. We will become increasingly dependent on this fuel for electricity supply, not to mention heating and transport. Yes it releases less CO<sub>2</sub> than coal or oil so that's good news. Sadly it leaves us increasingly hostage to countries which are politically unstable and less favourable to the West than we might like. Luckily there is an alternative. We can raise the pace of exploration for shale gas which looks to be plentiful under the UK and the search is on locally. I wonder how Thornbury folk will respond to fracking in the vicinity? I'll come back to that soon.</p>
<p>
Steve Webb's letter:</p>
<p><font size="-1"><blockquote><em>'Dear Mr. Rodliffe,<br /><br />
Thank you for your e-mail regarding meeting our future energy needs, which I have just read on my return from a family holiday.<br /><br />
In brief, my view is that we need a diverse range of energy sources to sustain us over the coming decades, including to reduce our reliance over the long-term on imported and increasingly expensive oil and in order to reduce our CO<sub>2</sub> emissions in line with national and international agreements.<br /><br />
By far the best first step in my view is much greater effort at energy conservation and energy efficiency. Rather than build more and more generating capacity simply to continue to be as profligate as we currently are with energy, we should first prioritise using the energy that we do generate much more efficiently. There is huge potential for using subsidies, taxes and regulations to encourage energy-efficient behaviour and this can be cost-effective for the individual as well as for us as a nation. Even now the regulations on the energy efficiency of new homes are less strict than in many other countries, and the energy efficiency of the existing housing stock still leaves a great deal to be desired. This is to say nothing of public buildings such as schools and hospitals where energy is often extensively wasted.<br /><br />
In terms of generating capacity, I am sure that we will need to rely heavily on gas – ideally with carbon capture – for decades to come, but I also want to see a diverse range of renewable sources. This must include everything from continuing the growth in domestic renewables such as solar panels to large-scale off-shore wind and wave infrastructure projects. Whilst there is a big upfront capital cost to many of these projects, they will in due course generate relatively cheap and reliable energy, especially relative to what I anticipate will be the ever escalating cost of crude oil.
<br /><br />
I hope that this is helpful in setting out my views.<br /><br />
With best wishes,<br />
Steve Webb MP
'</em>
</blockquote></font></p>strodliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106392126347843000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38518015.post-66710148626951502522012-09-14T08:02:00.001-07:002012-09-14T08:07:48.099-07:00More on the Severn Barrage<p>So nearly a month after the plans were announced nationally, an article titled <em>'Severn barrage plan is resurrected'</em> makes its way into the
<a href="http://www.gazetteseries.co.uk/news/localnews/thornburynews/9914327.Private_firm_could_pick_up_plans_for_barrage_across_River_Severn/" target="_blank">Thornbury Gazette, Thursday, September 13, 2012</a>.</p>
<p>Somewhat surprisingly in view of the rabid anti-windpower stories reported elsewhere in this issue, it only carries the views of one sceptical councillor, a past chairman of the Severn Estuary Partnership, and the concerned chief executive at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust at Slimbridge. However, it does ask for reader's views so I await the next issue with interest. </p>strodliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106392126347843000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38518015.post-52754461545522520742012-09-01T12:54:00.000-07:002012-09-01T13:05:26.568-07:00St Mary Centre Thornbury for sale?<p>Lots of work going on down in St Mary Centre. New railings here, coats of paint there. Does this mean that Peer Group are tarting it up for a quick sale?</p>
<p>Perhaps it's just routine renovation to keep the empty shops lettable and to generate more rent. But what if Peer Group have decided that their business model isn't working in Thornbury any more?</p><p>Their strategy is:<blockquote>" .... to secure growth through the asset management of the existing portfolio and the acquisition of carefully chosen new investment and development opportunities."
</blockquote></p>
<p>So do they view the Centre as an appreciating capital asset or as a revenue stream from lettings? If they've lost confidence in future lettings then I wouldn't be surprised to see a swift sale as they seek to rescue whatever gains they've made.</p><p>If my surmise is correct it will be interesting to see who buys them out - Americans, Germans, Chinese or Arabs.</p>
<p>Not all bad news if the new owners were to value their holding by the NPV of its future rental income because they might then have a stronger incentive to eliminate empty premises by offering keener rents.</p><p>Let's see what happens.</p>Vera Thornburyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02647718757963799487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38518015.post-31801826272810373002012-08-30T07:16:00.000-07:002012-08-30T07:16:24.242-07:00Fury at solar roof blot in Castle Street<p>So "furious neighbours of a cottager who put solar panels up on his roof in the middle of Thornbury's heritage trail have blasted his <em>act of visual vandalism</em>" (Thornbury Gazette, Thursday, August 23, 2012, page 4)</p>
<p>Surely the architectural merit of Castle Street's skyline is at least as badly damaged by the neighbours, many in listed buildings, who adorn their chimneys with unsightly aerials? When South Gloucestershire Council's planning bosses and Thornbury Town Council meet to discuss the matter I hope they give some thought to the unintended consequences of a decision which gave more weight to the negative visual impact than to the environmental benefit.</p>
<p>Aerials certainly have a negative visual impact but no environmental benefit whatsoever. Once the solar panels go, aerials must go. And what next? Oh yes, look at the hideous street lights which are totally inappropriate for the setting. Anyone for Victorian gas lighting?<p></p>The only certainty is that council taxpayers will end up footing the bills for hearings, actions and compensation?</p>
strodliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106392126347843000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38518015.post-48957824942291171312012-08-19T06:24:00.000-07:002012-08-19T06:26:07.279-07:00Severn Barrage resurrection ....... again<p>So one time Labour minister Peter Hain has presented redrawn plans for the Severn Barrage to David Cameron, who has instructed his officials to study them closely. Promoted as a £30bn investment by the sovereign wealth funds of Kuwait and Qatar, amongst others, it would give a welcome kick start to the UK economy at little capital cost to the UK. It would also help the UK to meet challenging targets for carbon emissions and begin to resolve the looming energy crisis as existing power stations are retired.</p>
<p>Reaching across the Bristol Channel from Lavernack Point, south of Cardiff, to west of Weston-super-Mare it would create 20,000 or so jobs during construction and generate power equivalent to three nuclear power stations or 2,500 off-shore wind turbines. It might also carry road and rail links.</p>
<p>Construction could start as early as 2014, so what's stopping it? Once again the impact on mudflats and wild life will feature strongly; and quite rightly so. No doubt MP Steve Webb will argue against it on the same grounds that he argues against nuclear, i.e. that it cannot meet the demand for power because it will take too long to build. That argument is self-fulfilling of course because the longer people like him defer decisions the more likely it is to be true.</p><p>And what of the people of Thornbury? I am confident that this week's issue of Thornbury Gazette will front page the opposition of one local group or another.</p>
<p>PS Off-topic perhaps but worth observing that politicians, our own included, are adept at deferring decisions in order to delay capital investment. How do they do it? Simple! Just run with the hare and hunt with the hounds, witness the excruciatingly slow progress deciding on Frenchay or Southmead as the site for a new hospital. </p>strodliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106392126347843000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38518015.post-26346022494354425352012-07-19T03:30:00.000-07:002012-08-16T00:57:00.312-07:00Putting the heart back into Thornbury<p>I happen to think that Thornbury needs a larger and more sustainable population if we are to support a thriving town centre and one day to benefit from many of the facilities enjoyed by larger communities. If the majority think otherwise then we must all live with the consequences of that decision.</p>
<p>However, I find it bizarre that the current debate centres almost exclusively on which green space should be preserved rather than on broader environmental considerations. Criteria should include ease of access to the High Street. How do we encourage folk in the new homes to walk rather than use their cars? Surely an environmentally responsible Thornbury should be discouraging folk from burning more fuel and increasing pressure on our already over-stretched parking? Surely a commercially viable Thornbury should discourage them from getting into their cars and heading off to The Mall where the parking is easier?</p>
<p>If we decide to build more homes let’s build them as close to the High Street as possible. Let’s put the heart back into Thornbury.</p>strodliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106392126347843000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38518015.post-67102768263961572432012-07-13T11:53:00.002-07:002012-08-16T00:58:09.406-07:00Rail 3. Greater Bristol Metro Campaign<p>Thanks to all those who joined Thornbury 2050 in lobbying for Thornbury to be included in the Greater Bristol Metro Campaign. It looks as if your efforts have ensured that Thornbury is at least on the map!</p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgve8Pp-HwoxYsTc_u7zLiXfevzUI6pZeBHEkcDqOxNbfFxp-jEMc3roNBkA6bQjBMOGiu0f_JFohGOl3D3xuiezeYanq8tNZGbgcDEilF1pY3XTUYi6zFu_mt11Erdxwy0nDVxA/s1600/greater_bristol_metro_latest_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="400" width="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgve8Pp-HwoxYsTc_u7zLiXfevzUI6pZeBHEkcDqOxNbfFxp-jEMc3roNBkA6bQjBMOGiu0f_JFohGOl3D3xuiezeYanq8tNZGbgcDEilF1pY3XTUYi6zFu_mt11Erdxwy0nDVxA/s400/greater_bristol_metro_latest_0001.jpg" /></a>
<p> Government money to the tune of £100 million is about to be pledged to the first phase and it looks as if Thornbury is now in with a chance for later development. Read the <a href="http://greaterbristolrail.com/2012/07/05/you-did-it/">breaking news</a> and the full story in <a href="http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/pound-1billion-revolution/story-16481396-detail/story.html">The Post</a></p>strodliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106392126347843000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38518015.post-72630170748704514502012-07-13T04:16:00.000-07:002012-07-13T04:16:55.702-07:00Wind power storm brewing<p>It brought some metaphorical sunshine into another soaking wet day when I read in the <a href="http://www.gazetteseries.co.uk/news/localnews/thornburynews/9807725.Anti_wind_farm_campaigners_win_backing_of_third_parish_council/" target="_blank">Thornbury Gazette</a> that:<blockquote><i>The Olveston Wind Farm Action Group (OWAG) is growing in strength under the leadership of new chairman Claire Barnard, and after receiving pledges of support from Olveston and Aust councillors as well as MEP Ashley Fox, it has now been endorsed by Pilning and Severn Beach Parish Council. </i></blockquote>
The more the merrier I say. Let's face up to the real challenge which is to build a substantial amount of new generating capacity with the least overall damage to the environment by concentating the visual detriment in very few locations. Trouble is the nimbies will just switch their destructive attention to the next scheme. Most of them will have lived out their natural span by the time that the real crunch comes and electricity will have become a luxury enjoyed by the few who can afford it! Will future generations remember nimbies with affection or hatred for the havoc that they wreak? </p>
<p>PS I'm hoping the weather will improve soon so that I can turn my attention to more healthy activities than sitting at the keyboard.</p>strodliffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08106392126347843000noreply@blogger.com1