Filton Journal

Avon and Somerset Police say they have arrested three men after searching a home in Mortimer Road, Filton, at 8.30am this morning (Wednesday 22nd May).

Neighbourhood officers were joined by patrol officers and specialists from the operations department to carry out a search warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Officers found plants being dried that they think are cannabis.

Three men aged 19, 20 and 22 were arrested on suspicion of cultivation of cannabis and remain in police custody this afternoon.

Police also searched a house in Patchway and seized a small amount of suspected cannabis. A 19-year-old man was given a warning by a police officer for possessing the drug.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Steve Ives said:

“We were able to take this action thanks to the information we’ve had from the community, telling us of their concerns about what was happening at these addresses.”

“I’d ask anyone with information about drug crime to get in touch. We always take the call seriously although it can take us time to build up enough evidence to get a search warrant from the court.”

Anyone with any information or concerns can contact the neighbourhood team through the police website, www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101.

Alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. They never ask your name or trace your call.

Photo: Library image of a cannabis “factory”.

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The parent company of Airbus, EADS, has reported a sharp rise in profits for the first three months of the year.

Operating profits at the company rose by 56% to €741 million over the quarter, helped by higher production at Airbus, where revenue climbed by 16%.

Airbus said it had delivered 144 aircraft between January and March, up from 131 in the same three months last year.

Overall, EADS reported revenue of €12.4 billion for the period compared with €11.4 billion for 2012.

EADS CEO Tom Enders said:

“The quarter was an eventful one for EADS, with shareholders approving the new governance structure while the share buyback programme is progressing and the free-float has risen significantly.”

“On the operational side, we had a rather good start into 2013 with improved revenues and profitability. Management continues to focus on improving the bottom line performance in 2013 and beyond.”

In other news, Airbus looks to be on target for the maiden flight of its A350 XWB aircraft this summer.

The wings and fuel systems for the new long-range wide-bodied airliner were designed in Filton, where the landing gear is also tested.

The first A350 XWB (designated MSN001) emerged from its hangar in Toulouse yesterday after being painted in its Airbus livery within the space of just just seven days.

More: Aircraft painting was achieved in less than seven days »

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South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) has opened a six-week public consultation on plans to convert street lights in Filton to ‘part-night’ operation, a system that involves switching selected street lights off between midnight and 5am GMT, in order to reduce carbon emissions and conserve energy.

A statement on the consultation page of the council’s website explains:

“Evidence from South Gloucestershire and elsewhere shows that, where this careful approach is taken to part-night lighting, it has no notable adverse impact on crime levels or road safety. However we will continue to work closely with our partners in the police and other agencies to monitor progress.”

Subject to the findings of the consultation, conversion of the Filton street lights is due to begin in July 2013, with works scheduled to coincide with routine annual lighting maintenance activities in order to reduce costs.

The council says all street lights will be switched to part-night operation, except where it is considered they help mitigate crime and anti-social behaviour, or improve road safety and reduce accidents, in which case they will remain lit throughout the night.

Other exceptions are:

• Lights that are important for the operation of council or police CCTV surveillance cameras
• Lights that are close to 24-hour emergency services such as hospitals
• Lights next to pedestrian crossings and controlled junctions
• Lights next to sheltered housing premises

A detailed plan showing the proposed extent of the swtich-off in Filton is available on the council’s website.

More: Scheme expected to save £250,000pa across South Glos »

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Cadets from 2152 (North Bristol) Squadron were recently welcomed to Parliament by Jack Lopresti, the MP for Filton and Bradley Stoke.

The Squadron, based in Filton, were invited to Westminster by the MP to celebrate after their Drill team won the National Drill Champions at RAF Halton in November last year.

The cadets were treated to a tour of the Houses of Parliament and views of the terrace before departing for a trip to RAF Hendon.

Mr Lopresti said:

“It was a real pleasure to host 2152 Squadron ATC at the Houses of Parliament. All the cadets looked very smart indeed and I can see why they were the deserved winners of the National Drill Champions. Many congratulations to them all again.”

Flt Lt Jim Brimble, the Officer Commanding for 2152 (N. Bristol) Sqn ATC, said:

“The cadets found the morning fascinating and enjoyable – they all appreciated the effort made in hosting them and learning more about the role of the both Houses of Parliament. An amazing experience, being able to talk to our local MP in such relaxed, yet historic surroundings.”

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