Longwell Green
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Longwell Green is a suburb of the east fringe of Bristol, located along the A431 Bath Road and near the river Avon at grid reference ST658710
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[edit] History
Until relatively recently this was a small rural community but this changed in 1977 when 1.62 km² of land were developed for housing and businesses as part of Bristol's recent rapid expansion.
The centre of Longwell Green, and the site of the original village, is based along a stretch of the A431 Bath Road. The A431 is a Roman road and runs from Bath to Bristol. Longwell Green sits five miles from Bristol and seven miles from Bath.
[edit] Transport
There are a number of transport links which connect Longwell Green with both Bristol and Bath. The much criticised 45 bus route travels from Cadbury Heath to the centre of Bristol via Hanham, St. George and Redfield, whilst the 332 connects the centres of both Bristol and Bath via Longwell Green. Keynsham is reachable on the 318 bus, and from here it is possible to travel by train Bristol and Bath, both of which have services to London. The Bristol ring road also passes through the outskirts of Longwell Green.
[edit] Amenities
Set in a valley on the edge of Longwell Green, Willsbridge Mill is a restored 19th Century Corn Mill and Long Barn, located within a 22 acre (89,000 m²) nature reserve that is bisected by Siston Brook.
Most noticeable in the area is Aspects Leisure Park due to its elevated location alongside the A4174. The Park includes a multi-screen Vue cinema, Bowlplex 10-pin bowling alley, several restaurants and a gym. There is a new swimming pool being built and a new Frankie & Benny's restaurant opened in early September 2006. Laser Fusion, an amusement arcade has also just opened next to Pizza Hut.
Several large companies have chosen to set up branches in Longwell Green. Asda superstore allegedly attracts more customers than the larger Asda Cribbs Causeway also in Bristol. It is also the home to what used to be the largest B&Q in the south-west, and several other DIY stores such as Wickes and Homebase. For animal lovers, there is also Jollyes pet superstore and Jenny's tack shop. Smaller shops include Tesco Express, Cherry Art Centre and several food outlets.
Longwell Green County Primary School is the only school in Longwell Green, and it always receives very good Ofsted reports. The local secondary schools include Hanham High, The Grange Community School, Wellsway and SBL, although due to fierce competition for places, many students have to travel into Bristol or Bath for their education.
The community is also very well served by three pre-schools. Longwell Green Pre-School, Busy Bees and Footsteps. All receive very good ofsted reports are well supported by local businesses and parents and act as feeders for the local primary school.
Longwell Green Community Centre is a large local centre in the heart of the old village which provides function rooms for hire and host a variety of activities from Salsa Dancing to Pantomimes.
[edit] Sport
Longwell Green Sports F.C. is the local football club. It plays in the Gloucestershire County League. As for major football clubs, Longwell Green is predominantly a Bristol Rovers area (being as it is north of the river).
