News / easton
The strive for community power in Easton
A team is “currently listening with an open heart” to try to make a change by creating a community council for the inner city area of Easton.
The Eastside Community Trust’s aim is to give the Easton community the power to protect what is strong and unique about the area and further improve the lacking public services.
An established community council gives the local area the same authority as a parish, town or village council and so allows for more influence on key decisions affecting local residents.
is needed now More than ever
This official power will allow the council to protect community spaces from big developers as well as support community organisations and health services.
If this council is successful, they are striving to ‘build the alternative’ – reclaim buildings for local use, take back public services and businesses so they are owned by the community.
Last Friday I visited Eastside Community Trust’s Felix Adventure Playground. Felix Road in Easton, Bristol is a unique space of welcome and safety, dedicated to children’s play, family time and community togetherness.#Bristol pic.twitter.com/kv1Dwrw4gs
— Avon & Somerset Police & Crime Commissioner (@AandSPCC) April 30, 2025
A range of trustees are leading this campaign, all of which have been local residents for more than six years.
Janet Ayeni is bringing her experience of six years in chartered accounting and financial management to her role as trustee, she says: “I believe that effective financial stewardship is vital in helping the organisation continue to deliver meaningful results to the community it serves.”
Ted Fowler joined the board for the community in 2023 and has lived in Easton since the 1980s.
As a trustee, Ted is keen to work with new people to support the contributions of his neighbourhood.
Other trustees include teacher Manu Maunganidze and Zoe Sheriff who specialises in supporting people with disabilities into employment.
The meeting attracted dozens of people – photo: Easton Community
In order for the campaign to move forward, they have put together a petition that needs at least ten percent of the electorate to sign before getting submitted to the Bristol City Council for review.
Currently, only UK citizens who have residential status would be able to get a say in the decisions this council would make however open meetings would be held for everyone.
The Eastside Community Trust is not backed by any organisation or funders but is encouraged by the government to take on a bigger role.
Main Photo: Easton Community
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