Old Market Community Association

Today, the 61 Dings Community Bus began operating. 🚍 Some of the local community gathered to take the inaugural service into town together! 🥳 Give it a go - it’s free for two weeks and you can find the timetable on our website. 🆓

It’s been a while since our last blog post, but don’t worry we’ve been busy advocating for Old Market. 🏘️ Particularly exciting news about a bus service in the Dings can be found at the link below or in our bio. ⬇️

A far-right riot is planed for 8pm on West Street with an anti-fascist counter-protest planned for 7pm. At an Avon and Somerset Police briefing last night, it was revealed that circa 200 police officers and a number of police horses and dogs will be present. Enhanced stop and search, dispersal, and face covering removal powers will be introduced in the area shown below.  We are still however strongly advising all residents to remain indoors, businesses to close early, and the removal of on-street clutter and vehicles. Travel in groups if absolutely necessary and use well-lit and frequented routes that avoid Old Market Street and West Street. First Bus services 5, 6, 7, 24, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, and 49 are likely to be diverted via Bond Street, Newfoundland Way, M32, and Easton Way, if the riot and protest become violent or block roads. In this instance, the following bus stops will not be served: Cabot Circus South, Old Market Street, West Street, Lamb Street, Easton Road, Thrissell Street, and Armoury Square. Finally, stay safe and look after your fellow humans - it is likely to be an extremely tough day.

A possibly violent protest in Old Market has been planned for Wednesday evening, along with counter-protests. We emphasised our safety concerns for residents, businesses, and any vulnerable communities. Avon and Somerset Police assured us a proportionate response will be prepared and shared. 

The new First Bus 5 route fails to serve the Dings, much like its predecessor the 36 route. One member recently spoke with BristolWorld about our proposed alteration and the other options we’re exploring, like a WESTlocal route. Give it a read!

Bristol City Council have launched their consultation on proposed active travel improvements, known as the Old Market Quietway. You can find our response and links to their survey, ending on the 17th March 2024, at the link below!

A lot has happened since our last blog post and a festive break, and you can read all about it in our new blog post!

We are happy to announce that Bristol City Council Area Committee 4 progressed our CIL proposals, for St Matthias and the Dings parks, to the Full Project Proposal stage. Additional S106 funds have also been noted as possibly available to us. We will update in due course once more info on next stages is made available.

On Wednesday 15th of November, Bristol City Council Area Committee 4 councillors will decide whether our St Matthias and Dings Park improvement projects can be progressed to the Full Project Proposal stage. We thoroughly believe these schemes will bring huge benefits to the area with councillors rating them as high priorities for their ward! You can find out more, sign our petition and email your councillor in support at the link below:

The Dings needs a bus route for its current and future residents - read all about our campaign and find links to our petition and website in the article below!