Bristol's diary clash: three public meetings set for 2pm as satire site previews council leader's committee performance

Councillors and residents looking to follow local government business on Monday 14 September face a scheduling clash: three separate committee meetings are due to begin at 2pm on the same afternoon.

Bristol City Council's records show its Strategy and Resources Policy Committee is scheduled for 2pm [2], while its Downs Committee is also listed for 2pm on the same day [3]. Somerset Council, meanwhile, has its Licensing and Regulatory Committee down for 2pm [4]. Bristol's Area Committee 1, covering Avonmouth and Lawrence Weston, Henbury and Bentry, Southmead, and Horfield, is scheduled for 5.30pm the same evening [1].

The diary pile-up has already drawn commentary beyond the council chamber. On 13 September, the day before the meetings, the satirical blog The Bristolian published a post speculating about how council leader Tony Dyer would conduct himself at the next day's Strategy and Resources Committee [5]. The post followed its coverage of a recent Full Council meeting, according to the blog [5].

The calendar does not ease up on Tuesday 15 September, when Bristol's Area Committee 7 for Southville, Bedminster, Windmill Hill, and Filwood is scheduled for 6pm [6].