Amirah Cole – Councillor for Ashley Ward

Spanning St Paul’s, Montpelier, St Andrews and St Werburgh’s, Ashley ward has a population of 19,100 people. Within it are neighbourhoods with some of the highest levels of deprivation, according to the 2019 national deprivation indices, as well as those relatively well off.

33.5% of Ashley residents come from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities and 23.8% were born outside the UK, making Ashley one of the most culturally diverse wards in the city.

Flanked by the M32 to the east and the A38 to the west, Ashley stops just short of the Bear Pit to the south and Pigsty Hill to the north.

Ashley is the home of St Pauls Carnival, one side of the Gloucester Rd (below Somerville Rd) St Werburghs City Farm, Picton St and half of Stokes Croft.

It is a ward full of character with a real community feeling. There are great community facilities with Malcolm X Centre, St Pauls Learning Centre, St Pauls Adventure Playground, St Werburghs Community Centre, Mina Rd Park and St Andrews Park

Housing is one of the biggest issues for Ashley residents. Housing is expensive with only 38% home ownership and lots of private rentals. !0% of households are overcrowded. Half of the population live in flats, many with 1 bedroom or less and there are a high number of children growing up in poverty.

There aren’t enough clubs and activities for young people.

40% of households don’t own a car and 50% ride a bicycle. Ashley residents care about the environment and air quality, traffic pollution and congestion. They shop locally and participate in cultural activities.