Here’s to you Mr Robinson

Just over the river from Southville tomorrow, the country’s media will descend on Bristol for the second prime ministerial debate. It did seem a little strange tonight to switch on the news and see Nick Robinson (the BBC’s political editor) reporting live from outside the old industrial museum, with the Arnolfini in the background.

For anyone who’s walked past the Arnolfini today they’ll know that the place has been turned into a high security venue. In fact anyone thinking of going into town tomorrow night don’t forget Prince Street Bridge is closed from 7pm to midnight for pedestrians. And road closures around the area start even earlier.

I know Sky is not everyone’s favourite media company, but full marks for them for picking Bristol for this historic event (good job it wasn’t the BBC - it would have picked Bristol and then moved it to Cardiff at the last minute!). So for the next 24 hours Bristol will become the UK’s media focus. What a great opportunity to promote our city, the harbour and of course the Arnolfini itself.

So Simply Southville extends a warm Bristol welcome to Brown, Cameron and Clegg. If any of you fancy a pint and meeting some real voters (who are allowed to speak, cheer and clap) then pop over to North Street and we’ll buy you a pint of Bristol Stout in the Tobacco Factory.

Prostitution and drugs in our area

A three part BBC drama is being filmed in Bristol, telling a story about the lives of young women who are involved with drugs and prostitution. Part of the filming is planned for the beginning of January on Ashton Road, Duckmoor Road and Durnford Street which includes late night filming.

The area would not be identifiable as being in Bristol and the police are aware of the proposed shoot. Filming will take place over five days, on the 7 January during the day and from 11-14 January from 4pm to 4am. The production team have said they are keen to liaise with local residents to discuss the practicalities of filming on their roads and get any questions answered and requirements taken into consideration.