I’ve just received this open letter from Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, responding to the concerns that have been raised about the possibility of the Sims Hill Shared Harvest farm being paved over to create a new M32 Park and Ride. I’m pleased that he says Bristol City Council believes the Park and Ride should be placed on an alternative site further north, and I would urge South Gloucestershire Council to work with us to identify a suitable site.

Local food growing is really important, and I am delighted that our Mayor understands this and has ensured Bristol City Council is committed to protecting food-growing land. He is also looking at proposals to see whether Council-owned land could be used for farmland to provide local produce for the city, helping to tackle food poverty, which is really exciting.