An Overview
Abbotswood Action (AA) was formed in June 2004 with the aim of enhancing the local area. People were constantly moving in and back out again. Local businesses were regularly changing hands, shops would open... and then close. Abbotswood had become run down and was gaining itself a poor reputation for scruffiness, vandalism and generally unpleasant behaviour. The AA was set to change all that.
Shortly after forming, a festival was held to recruit supporters, but there were two big hurdles; funding and land ownership. Nevertheless, over the next few years progress was made. Hedges were pruned, police community support officers were appointed, seating was repaired and windows were fixed.
Gradually the name Abbotswood Action gained recognition. Councillors would visit the area, and pledge to show their support. New ventures and community groups started to appear. Residents' voices were being listened to. By 2010, the police had made a sizeable dent on local crime rates, and South Gloucestershire Council had found the land owner, which would leave the gate open for considerable change.
It has been a long, slow but steady process, with many bumps in the road. Yate Town Council now own the public space outside the Abbotswood shops, a pivotal moment for us. Since this ownership change we have been able to run events and get permission to make more permanent changes to the area.
The committee agreed to change our name to Abbotswood Action Group, becoming the group we know and love today. Since this change, sculptures have been installed, planters have been built and are maintained by residents. We've been instrumental in getting public recycling bins so we can better support the environment. Local schools and community groups are getting involved and have created a beautiful mural in the underpass.
Abbotswood has improved massively over the years, but we still have a long way to go. Our question is this... can you help? We'd love to work with you...
Shortly after forming, a festival was held to recruit supporters, but there were two big hurdles; funding and land ownership. Nevertheless, over the next few years progress was made. Hedges were pruned, police community support officers were appointed, seating was repaired and windows were fixed.
Gradually the name Abbotswood Action gained recognition. Councillors would visit the area, and pledge to show their support. New ventures and community groups started to appear. Residents' voices were being listened to. By 2010, the police had made a sizeable dent on local crime rates, and South Gloucestershire Council had found the land owner, which would leave the gate open for considerable change.
It has been a long, slow but steady process, with many bumps in the road. Yate Town Council now own the public space outside the Abbotswood shops, a pivotal moment for us. Since this ownership change we have been able to run events and get permission to make more permanent changes to the area.
The committee agreed to change our name to Abbotswood Action Group, becoming the group we know and love today. Since this change, sculptures have been installed, planters have been built and are maintained by residents. We've been instrumental in getting public recycling bins so we can better support the environment. Local schools and community groups are getting involved and have created a beautiful mural in the underpass.
Abbotswood has improved massively over the years, but we still have a long way to go. Our question is this... can you help? We'd love to work with you...