I am a councillor in Bristol and care deeply about our public spaces. In fact, it was such a concern to me that, in October 2024, I resigned from the Downs Committee, dedicated to overseeing the management of our precious Downs in Bristol. My resignation came from the realization that the influence of the Society of Merchant Venturers on Bristol's public life was too entrenched, not limited to this committee alone, but stemming from the Clifton and Durdham Downs (Bristol) Act of 1861. A piece of legislation that continues to give them undue power and influence.

The Clifton and Durdham Downs (Bristol) Act of 1861 deems that the Society of Merchant Venturers and the City Council should share responsibility for managing the Downs. Therefore, this Act perpetuates the formal power of wealthy business elites over our shared public spaces. But our vision of Bristol should not be influenced - directly or indirectly - by a few wealthy business interests. Our public spaces belong to us all, not to business elites supported by outdated legislation.

It's high time we dismantled this institutional power handed down by an ancient law. The power to decide on how our public spaces are managed should be returned to those who truly use them - the wonderful, diverse residents of Bristol.

To foster genuine democratic participation in managing our city's natural heritage, join me in advocating for the abolition of the Clifton and Durdham Downs (Bristol) Act, 1861. We must eliminate barriers that perpetuate the institutional power of the few over Bristol's public life for a more inclusive, community-led management of our cherished spaces. Support this petition to abolish the Act and return power over public spaces back to the people of Bristol!