It has been nearly six months since a bus service returned to an area of Bristol overshadowed by its bigger neighbours and residents are hoping that “it is here to stay”. Oldbury Court, which is located between Fishponds and Downend, sits next to the South Gloucestershire boundary and is an area that has benefitted from the return of a vital bus service.
Oldbury Court provides walking links to the likes of Frenchay and Staple Hill but the area is more known for the park it is named after. Earlier this year, the 47 bus started to serve the area once again and in September, it changed to the 47x, an express service which uses the M32.
In December 2023, residents spoke to Bristol Live about how the abandoned bus route had left them feeling isolated. Nearly a year on, a resident said that the bus has made so much difference to both the young and the old and that pensioners like herself have been given new life as a result.
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She said: “The bus has made such a huge difference to the community. I’ve been able to see friends and go out a lot more, we’ve been given a new lease of life.
“I’ve seen children use the bus to get to school as well, it has made things a lot easier for everyone. We are all so grateful.”
When the 47 was brought into operation, replacing the former 5 service, Oldbury Court was left without public transport for a year and a half. The resident added: “I really hope the bus will be here to stay, we were left without support for too long.”
However, for some, Oldbury Court remains in the shadow of Fishponds and very little goes on in the area. The main square in Oldbury Court has a Morrisons and a Premier, as well as a takeaway, and the Vassall Centre is located towards the park. There is also the local pub, the Oldbury Court Inn.
But an 18-year-old told Bristol Live says that he and his friends have to go to Fishponds in order to do something and be sociable. He said: “There is nothing that goes on here.
“All that’s here are shops and a park, which sometimes holds a music festival. What is there for us to do? Oldbury Court is a nice area but it’s too quiet, me and my friends always go into Fishponds to hang out.”
Oldbury Court is more known for the Oldbury Court Estate, a ‘destination’ park. It is known locally as the Vassals Park, and is subject to a redevelopment costing £500,000 from Bristol City Council.
The park is listed on the national register of historically significant Parks and Gardens and serves as a popular link to Snuff Mills, another popular tourist spot. The grant was reported to be used to improve the playground.
On a sunny day, the park is full of families and children enjoying the sunshine. A parent spoke to Bristol Live whilst her two children, aged four and two, played nearby.
She said: “The park is great for my little ones and it will be even better when the playground is improved further. The park is massive with lots of open spaces and it is honestly amazing when the Party in the Ponds music festival is happening.
“It is surprising that a park as great as this can be found in Bristol – it feels like it’s away from the cities and towns altogether. And having Snuff Mills nearby is always a bonus!”
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