Welcome to the Town Council's website
from the Chairman of the Council
The small Victorian village of Portishead has become one of the fastest growing towns in the UK, during the past 10 years our local population has grown by over 40%. With a population of over 22,000 and still growing, Portishead is now officially the second largest town in the District of North Somerset, second only to Weston-super-Mare. Despite this massive growth in housing bringing with it new young families and adults to the area, the crime rate remains the second lowest in the West of England. Not surprising that visitors marvel at the friendliness of shop-keepers and people they meet in the street – long may it continue.
One of the major changes that has helped to shape our rapid development is the conversion of a traditional deep-water dock in to a stunning new marina housing some 245 yachts and cabin cruisers. The original dock enabled ships from across the world to supply coal to two adjacent power stations. Since then the marina has become a magical waterfront development known as Port Marine incorporating a fishing village, modelled on the Cornish seaside town of Pollperro with quaint narrow streets and pretty multi-coloured houses.
The waterfront development is well on the way to being completed but already new exciting waterside bars and restaurants have opened creating a vibrant Mediterranean atmosphere. Further shops, pubs and restaurants are scheduled to open in the near future.
A short distance away from the marina development is one of North Somerset’s best known beauty spots in the form of the Portishead Lakegrounds. Adjacent to the beach and esplanade is a 100 year old man-made lake, a magnificent cricket pitch surrounded by sloping lawns, interspersed with specimen trees that form a truly wonderful place of outstanding natural beauty. This very special and unique place of tranquillity attracts thousands of visitors to Portishead from Bristol and beyond.
So what makes Portishead different? We have a strong community spirit within the town, people turn out in their thousands to join in and support the annual carnival, flower show, Christmas lights and all the other public events that help to make living in Portishead a truly enjoyable experience. There are numerous clubs and associations which all help to build a strong sense of community.
The Town Council is made up from 18 councillors consisting men and women from all walks of life. There are 6 wards with 3 councillors per ward. Council meetings are held on a Wednesday, once a month - a full list of dates can be found on this website. Meetings commence at 7.30pm where members of the public may address the meeting to air views and express opinions. In my view, the public participation is one of the most interesting parts of council meetings. The people of Portishead are very community-spirited and care about our town and its future and it is this involvement, that I wholeheartedly support and encourage.
My primary objectives for Portishead include:
1. Reinstating the rail service between Portishead to Bristol although in reality the decision on timing and the budget to achieve this is in the government’s hands.
2. Finding a solution to the Cabstand and High Street junction traffic jams, that is acceptable to pedestrians and motorists.
3. Keeping up the pressure on the government’s Highways Authority via NSC to resolve problems at Junction 19 in 2010.
4. Developing closer links between the Town Council and the public so that residents may feel empowered to have a say over how their community develops.
5. More parking facilities in the Town including a review of yellow lines and parking bays along the High Street.
6. Protecting the Heritage of Portishead by taking a strong stand against over-development. If you live in Portishead, I hope you agree with the views I have expressed about your town but if you do not live here, I hope you will come and visit us soon.
Yours sincerely, Councillor David Pasley
Chairman May 2009 to May 2010