A Short Introduction to North Somerset

With effect from 12th April 2010 the constituency of North Somerset (previously Woodspring) changed in both shape and in name. In 2000 a review by the Boundary Commission of England was conducted into the boundaries that make up the constituencies of North Somerset and Weston-Super-Mare. This review concluded that Wrington ward, which had been split between the two constituencies, should be entirely encompassed by North Somerset and that the constituency itself should be renamed ‘North Somerset’.

The constituency of North Somerset is made up of 23 wards: Backwell, Clevedon Central, Clevedon East, Clevedon North, Clevedon South, Clevedon Walton, Clevedon West, Clevedon Yeo, Easton-in-Gordano, Gordano, Nailsea East, Nailsea North and West, Pill, Portishead Central, Portishead Coast, Portishead East, Portishead Redcliffe Bay, Portishead South and North Weston, Portishead West, Winford, Wraxall and Long Ashton, Wrington, and Yatton.

The constituency extends between two rivers with the Avon running along the north-east edge and the Congresbury Yeo to the south. It includes the three main towns of Clevedon on the west coast, Nailsea to the south, and Portishead to the north, along with smaller surrounding villages like Backwell, Butcombe, Easton-in-Gordano, and Long Ashton.

Being located between the two large urban areas of Bristol and Weston-Super-Mare, many of the local towns are home to commuters although with the major redevelopment of Portishead docks and Bristol Airport located in the constituency many new jobs have been created locally.

Local News and Issues

Expansion of Bristol International Airport

Bristol Intentional Airport’s Master Plan for the development of the airport currently aims to handle 9 million passengers by 2015 (up from 4.5 million in 2004). There are a number of concerns regarding this plan: that the impact on regional economies has not been properly studied, that the local infrastructure is inadequate to deal with the planned expansion, and the increased noise associated with more flights. Liam has said “I am not against all airport expansion, but we should expect objective data to form a part of the Government's case, as well as considerations of environmental issues and local transport infrastructure. As it stands I do not believe that BIA has made a good enough case for expansion”.

New Rail Links Needed to the Region

With a population of about 20,000 and thousands more homes currently being planned, Portishead is one of the fastest-growing towns in the country. In the House of Commons Liam said “The consequence of the growth in housing and population in Portishead, combined with inadequate transport infrastructure, has resulted in what is now probably the most overcrowded cul-de-sac in Britain. The Portishead railway action group has carried out an extensive analysis of the possibility of extending the current service to Severn Beach and on to Portishead. The proposed service could be operated without conflicting with other passenger services at key junctions, and safety margins could be maintained. The scheme delivers on all four regional transport strategy objectives. It would reduce the impact of transport on the environment, securing better access to work and creating a modern, efficient and integrated transport system. Unless the situation is dealt with comprehensively, the quality of life for many residents of an expanding Portishead will diminish unnecessarily.”

Bovine Tuberculosis Spread

In the last 10 years the number of cattle slaughtered because of infection by Bovine Tuberculosis has risen seven-fold. The problem is projected to cost to the taxpayer approximately £300 million by 2012/13.  Liam has met with many local farmers affected by TB and also with the National Farmers Union to discuss the issue. He has called for the Government to get on top of this serious disease, including the increased use of the gamma interferon test in hot spot areas and the urgent licensing of a vaccine for badgers.  He said “We all want to see healthy wildlife alongside healthy cattle, but unless action begins soon the prospect of either is bleak.”