We’re a small, family-run Chinese takeaway that has proudly served the Dovercourt Road community and the wider Horfield and Lockleaze areas for over 20 years. We are extremely concerned about the impact that the proposed plans, which would effectively create a roadblock, will have on us, our neighbours and our community.

The Proposal

Bristol City Council’s proposed changes include:

• Traffic filters - No through traffic
• New bollards
• Tree and low-level planting
• Cycle stands
• Parking restrictions incl. double yellow lines

You can read more on the council’s plan here: https://news.bristol.gov.uk/press-releases/2a78b8d6-c948-4f00-a837-c23cc545e2c2/updated-plans-to-make-concorde-way-safer-and-greener

We would like to clarify that we are not opposed to the other aspects of the proposed improvement scheme and welcome efforts to improve the local area. Our objection is specifically to the proposed Dovercourt Road closure, rather than the wider scheme as a whole.

What will this mean?

It will make it more difficult for customers to access our premises, for suppliers to make deliveries and for residents to get around their local area, particularly those with disabilities or mobility difficulties. This directly threatens not only our livelihood but also the convenience and choice available to local residents.

As traffic will be forced to use alternative routes, this may also lead to increased traffic on other already congested roads, such as Muller Road and Filton Avenue. This situation could be further exacerbated by the nearby new Brooklands housing development, as well as the many new homes being built in Lockleaze.

We have spoken to a few local businesses in the Barton Hill, Redfield and St George areas of Bristol who have told us that the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood (EBLN) scheme has negatively impacted their businesses. Given the similarities between certain aspects of the EBLN scheme and the current proposal, we are concerned that local businesses like ours could experience similar negative impacts.

If these changes go ahead, our business and the wider local community could suffer. Reduced access and parking could discourage customers from visiting, putting the future of our business at risk. After two decades of serving the community, we are concerned that these changes could ultimately force us to close our doors. This would mean the loss of a well-loved local takeaway, fewer food options for local residents, and another independent business potentially lost as a result of road restrictions.

Who could be affected?

The proposed Dovercourt Road traffic filters could have wider implications for people who live, work, travel and access services in the surrounding area, including:

• Patients and staff at Horfield Health Centre — people travelling to GP appointments, particularly those who rely on convenient vehicle access.
• Families and staff at Filton Avenue Primary School — including parents, pupils and staff whose journeys and drop-off arrangements could be affected.
• People with disabilities or mobility difficulties — including those who rely on cars, taxis or accessible transport to reach healthcare appointments, shops and other essential services. Changes to road access could make some journeys less convenient or require longer alternative routes.
• Silva Care — located directly on Dovercourt Road, where access for care staff, visitors and service users is an important consideration.
• Local residents and businesses — people who rely on convenient road access for everyday journeys, deliveries, customer visits and their livelihoods.
• Users of surrounding roads — including residents, drivers and commuters travelling along Filton Avenue, Lockleaze Road and Muller Road, where traffic could increase if vehicles are diverted onto these routes.

The results of the 2025 consultation carried out by Bristol City Council

 

Don’t wait, show your support against these plans!

Once these road changes are implemented, the impact on small businesses like ours could be difficult, if not impossible, to reverse. We need your support now to show the council that these proposals could put valued local businesses at risk.

We are calling on the council to reconsider its proposals and abandon the plans in their current form. Please sign our petition, share our campaign and help make our voices heard. Together, we can stand up for our local businesses, residents and the wider community.

The Timeline

This proposal is scheduled to be put forward to the Council’s transport committee on 22nd October 2026.

Should the proposal go ahead, it could be implemented as soon as in 6 months.

Contact us

Do you have concerns about the proposed Dovercourt Road traffic filters? Are you a local resident, customer, or business owner who may be affected by these plans? Or would you like to support our campaign and help make our community’s voice heard?

We would love to hear from you. Whether you have concerns to share, ideas to contribute, or simply want to show your support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Email: kimling.bristol@gmail.com

Message us on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimlingtakeaway/?locale=en_GB