‘Temporary’ fencing on Bristol street still blocking bus stop - five years after work completed

Temporary fences and signage that haven’t been used for five years are still blocking part of a busy Bristol street after being abandoned by contractors.

The metal ‘Heras’ fencing and signage was installed in the road on Queens Avenue in Clifton during refurbishment of Bristol University-owned Beacon House in August 2018.

The fenced-off section of the road blocks parking spaces and also part of the bus stop for the U1 university bus and the number 72 bus.

But despite residents complaining to Bristol City Council via the ‘Fix My Street’ website, the fencing is still there and still causing problems for buses and bus passengers.

Because of the bus stop being partially fenced off, buses have to park further up the street and often block the junction and pedestrian crossing.

One resident, who wanted to remain anonymous, told Bristol World they had made ‘multiple’ requests on Fix My Street since 2018 but no action has been taken despite automated responses saying the enquiry had been passed to the appropriate departments and also the Mayor’s office.

It is thought the fencing was abandoned by contractors but Bristol University told Bristol World that it wasn’t linked to the Beacon House refurbishment, it was installed due to roadworks.

A spokesperson from Bristol University said: “The Council installed the temporary fencing several years ago to protect an area of weakened road surface. It’s not related to the refurbishment of Beacon House.

“We’ve been raising the issue with the Council for some years as we would like to see it removed as well. We continue to engage with the Council and hope the necessary repairs will be carried out soon and the fencing is taken away.”

A spokesperson for Bristol City Council said: “We remain in discussion with the University of Bristol about this site.”