Parking problems Lane leading to nature reserve shut to solve issues
ALANE leading to a popular nature reserve in Brislington has been closed by Bristol City Council as part of measures to protect green spaces.
The decision comes after major parking problems last month sparked disputes between residents and visitors after a period of hot weather drew many to the area.
Eastwood Nature Reserve is a riverside sanctuary for wildlife and has become an increasingly popular visitor spot in hot weather. Its also home to Beese’s Riverside bar which opens every summer until the end of September.
But parking disruption to residents in Broomhill and Brislington has become a ‘nightmare’ according to locals.
Last month saw vehicles parked on nearby Wyndham Crescent and Eastwood Crescent roads block emergency vehicles and there were also reports of cars parked in a children’s park and other green spaces.
According to The Friends of Eastwood Farm, vehicles are no longer able to access the car park by Beese’s as the gate at the top of Wyndham Crescent was locked by the city council earlier this month.
A Bristol City Council spokesperson said: “Following discussions between local stakeholders an agreement was reached for the gate to be closed to vehicles by the council.
“This is one of the measures we have taken to manage the issues of parking and protect the nature reserve.”
The council says it is aware of the increase in visitors to the nature reserve and recognise the knockon effects for the local community, including issues with parking that is affecting access for residents.
The Friends of Eastwood Farm support the decision to shut the lane to Beese’s and hope that more can be done.
A spokesperson said: “The crisis in our local streets a few weeks back occurred because visitors were hoping to access this lane.
“The lane was also gridlocked and really unsafe. There was no way any emergency services could have accessed the river bank where there were hundreds of people swimming in a tidal river.
“It is very sad for Beese’s and I know they have not taken the decision lightly but the safety of everyone is the most important thing. Hopefully the closure will mean visitors will take the decision to park further away or use public transport.
“In the meantime The Friends of Eastwood Farm will continue to press for some car parking at the Whitmore Ave end of the nature reserve.” Beese’s co-owner Kate said: “During recent months the lane and car park at the bottom entrance to Eastwood Farm and Beese’s have been in chaos on sunny days.
“The road surface is in poor condition and not suitable for a large volume of cars and camper vans which sometimes get stuck at the bottom of the hill.
“There are a limited number of spaces in the car park and when these are full, people have been parking in the passing spaces on the hill making it impossible for other cars to pass and creating a dangerous situation.
“Cars have also been parking on the grass at the top of the lane. We are glad that the council has decided that the best solution, given the circumstances, is to close the top gate. There will be access for emergency services and others who need it. I really hope that the council will be able to address the issues of parking on Wyndham Crescent and neighbouring roads.
“Friends of Eastwood Farm would like to see a car park built on the scrub field behind the bus stop at the main Whitmore entrance which we at Beese’s whole-heartedly support. It would make a huge difference.”