Another Street that doesn't want Another Supermarket...

Bristol University student newspaper 'The Epigram', reports that "Bristol could soon see another Tesco store open its doors for business".

Stephanie Linning writes that The Fellowship, a pub on Filton Avenue and a building that has been the subject of previous campaigns by locals to have it protected with listed status, is being sold, and Tesco have confirmed an intention to secure the lease.

Local residents and independent shop owners are concerned, and for several reasons. They are keen that the character of the area and a beloved building with longstanding social function be preserved. They are worried that Tesco opening will prevent local shops from thriving, and, an unnamed local shopkeeper states with conviction that "'We don't need another supermarket on this road.'"

Sounds familiar doesn't it...

The high street

Just a few musings for you, recently I saw in the media that on average 14 stores a day are closing on our high streets - then I found this article http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/surprise-rise-in-retail-sales-revealed-7031499.html which appears to say things are looking up. Further reading made me realise although store sales made January a better month than expected for retail, it will be the next few months that reveal the true picture.

What bothers me about Chain store closures - take Habitat for example is this, if even stores with (in theory) support and infrastructure and money behind them fail - what chance do Independent stores have. Independents will have to fight harder to stay on our streets. I hope that many will ride the storm - take advantage of their Unique Selling Point - the service and the quality of the products they can offer - this sweeping statement can apply to a wide range of retail - from clothing to food. Shops that focus on their customers needs will be the one's to survive - and WE can support them, by going into a shop that isn't a chain you may be able to find a true gem!

Over and Out

Helen x

KWL Team

BRISTOL POUND

Hello! Just back from a really exciting meeting all about the blossoming 'Bristol Pound' - it will be real currency - to be spent within Bristol - which in turn will help the local economy and independent retailers thrive. It's launch is imminent - but I can give you some advanced notice and tell you there will be a meeting on 21st Feb at 7.30pm in Redland Park United Reformed Church. I found them an engaging bunch, who are looking for input and ideas from the public - pop along and have your say!

Would love to hear your thoughts on the scheme!

Helen KWL xxx

Roadwork frustration!

Lucy Gatward of The Better food Company and I have been featured in tonight's Evening Post in regards to the cursed roadworks on Whiteladies Rd. The GBBN roadworks on Whiteladies Rd have for a long time been causing chaos for all, but as the 'timetable is slipping' the council have decided to tear up the whole street right before Christmas; the busiest week of the year... and guess what, it's the independents that are suffering again! Thanks a lot Bristol City Council.

http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Roadworks-Whiteladies-Road-Bristol-just-Christmas/story-14180038-detail/story.html

Twilight Christmas Market a success!

The Whiteladies Twilight Christmas Market début was a great success! My sincerest thanks to everyone who was involved in the event. There was a fantastic atmosphere and a real sense of community! Also a Special thanks to the Blue Spirit Vocals choir for their warming performance. The event managed to raise a total of £327.80 For the Tenovus cancer research charity! It is looking very likely that the Twilight Christmas Market will return to Whiteladies Rd in 2012; bigger and better!

But before this, watch this space for news of upcoming campaigns and our special Spring event...

Merry Christmas, from all of the KWL team x


Check out the photo tab for more pics of the Twilight Christmas Market

Christmas Market vs The Weather...

We have been monitoring the weather for Thursday very closely... and have decided that the candlelit market WILL proceed as planned! It may be a little wet, it may be a little windy, but there will certainly be plenty of Christmas and community spirit! See you there!

Merry Christmas! :)

Twilight Christmas Market
Thursday, 15th December
Whiteladies Rd, (Junction of Apsley Rd: St Johns Court)

2pm-8pm

Twilight Christmas Market

Well it's snuck up on us - winter is upon us and that means not long until Christmas! Keep Whiteladies Local are busy organising an exciting Christmas event in and around St John’s Court on Whiteladies Road. With this event we hope to raise lots of money for Tenovus, the cancer support and research charity. The Christmas Market will showcase a collection of locally produced gifts and Christmas treats - we have many stalls confirmed already including talented artists and artisan food producers! We are also delighted that the Lord Mayor, Councillor Geoff Gollop, and the Lady Mayoress, Mrs Bernice Gollop will be attending the market.

This twilight celebration will be the first of its kind on Whiteladies Road, and we hope to bring together the local communities at this festive time. The market will be candle lit come dusk with festive music and bustling with late night shoppers taking advantage of the stores with longer opening hours (especially for the occasion!) Check out the Christmas tab above for listings. We look forward to seeing you there!!

2–8pm Thursday 15 December
St John’s Court, Whiteladies Road

(where Whiteladies Road meets Apsley Road)

There are still a couple of places left - If you are interested in having a table at the market please contact Helen:

kwl.helenboote@gmail.com


Check out the Facebook event -

https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/event.php?eid=228904310492127