The Journal can reveal that Bradley Stoke sex film producer James Edwards and his neighbours in The Coppice have met for talks at Filton Police Station in an attempt to resolve their differences.
Matters came to a head in February when residents of the cul-de-sac staged an anti-porn and prostitution demonstration outside Mr Edwards’ house. The stunt hit the national headlines but seemed to have achieved little after police refused to investigate the prostitution claims and insisted that the movie business was legal.
Bradley Stoke Town Councillor Ben Walker then stepped in to help the protesters enter a formal dialogue with Mr Edwards and form a residents’ association covering the wider area of the Lakeside parish ward that he represents.
Cllr Walker has now revealed that:
A meeting between a selected group representing residents and Mr. James Edwards, all of the Coppice, Bradley Stoke was held on 16th March to discuss current concern with the business operations of Mr. Edwards from his home address.
The meeting was held at Filton Police Station and facilitated by Inspector Bob Evely & Sgt Clive Johnson, supported by the Beat Manager, PC Steve Palmer and chaired by Cllr Ben Walker.
Points agreed at the meeting were as follows (verbatim from press release):
- The residents of The Coppice, Bradley Stoke have agreed to not talk about or make Mr. Edwards feel that he is under 24 hour surveillance. This has been discussed with the remaining members of The Coppice residents and all agree to make a fresh start with Mr. Edwards from this point on.
- Mr. Edwards agrees to remove any reference from relevant websites and any advertising relating to the locality, wherever possible. Whilst not solely responsible, Mr. Edwards also agrees that he will re-emphasise to callers at his property to park in a considerate manner and will try to improve this situation. Mr. Edwards also agrees to restrict the number of callers to his house and agrees to make a fresh start with the Coppice residents from this point on.
- It is also agreed between The Coppice residents and Mr. Edwards that communication is vital to eliminate any further issues arising between the residents and Mr. Edwards.
The inaugural meeting of the Lakeside Residents’ Association was held on Monday 20th April, attended by Cllr Walker, Sgt Clive Johnson, PCSO Jason Green and 25 residents.
The meeting addressed a number of issues affecting the neighbourhood (not just those connected with Mr Edwards’ business) and agreed a structure for the administration of the group. The positions of Chairperson and Secretary are still to be filled and potential applicants are invited to contact Cllr Walker, who will chair the association in the interim period.
There were a number of key issues discussed to take forward to the next meeting to debate thoroughly.
- The trading of Mr Edwards/The Coppice.
- The installation of a zebra crossing in Brook Way and an additional bus stop nearer to Baileys Court.
- Street lighting in The Coppice.
- Use of motorcycles in Sherbourne Brake.
- Parking obstructions.
- Speeding on Baileys Court Road.
- Litter, especially from SITA collections.
All of these items would be discussed fully at the next meeting with a view of streamlining the arguments for and take to the next safer and stronger meeting from the Association.
Paragraphs 1 & 2 are incorrect and not approved by the residents.they should read as follows:-
1 to read. The residents of The Coppice, Bradley Stoke have agreed not to make Mr.J.I.Edwards feel that he is under 24 hours surveillance.
2 to read. Mr.J.I.Edwards agrees to remove the postcode from the website and any advertising and photos relating to The Coppice and Sherbourne Avenue. Mr.J.I.Edwards also agrees that he will re-emphasise to callers at his property to park in a considerate manner and will try to improve this situation. Mr.J.I.Edwards also agrees to restrict the number of callers to his house and agrees to make a fresh start with The Coppice/Sherbourne Ave residents from this point on.