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THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset

24th February 2021

Issue 667

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Regeneration plans for industrial estate in Longwell Green Plans have been unveiled for the regeneration of a rundown industrial estate in Longwell Green which could include a hotel. The redevelopment of the land to the west of Marsham Way, including the former Saville’s Freights depot, is being planned by CBRE Global Investors on behalf of landowner the West Midlands Pension Fund. Some units are already vacant on what is known as the Kingswood Industrial Estate, including those formerly occupied by Bitton Precision Engineering Ltd and Reynolds Catering Supplies Ltd. Others are still operating including ice rink firm Icescape,

Also in this week’s issue

Tile Flair and Avondale Ceramic Tiles. Majestic Gymnastics is also based in a unit at the old Saville’s site. The proposed redevelopment does not include the retail park at the entrance of the Aldermoor Way spur road where there is a Costa, Subway, Carpetright and DFS. Originally the redevelopment plans were for a shops-based scheme but that has changed because of the collapse of the out-of-centre retail market, which is not expected to recover due to the continued rise in online sales and lack of demand for bricks and mortar shopping space, The planning application submitted to South Gloucestershire Council includes two options. Option A involves a primarily employment-led redevelopment falling within Class E (commercial, business and service), B2 (general industrial) and B8 (storage and distribution) which encompasses trade units with ancillary showroom space. There would also be a zone restricted to Class E(b) which is the sale of food and drink with consumption

Teenagers charged following Fishponds stabbing . . . page 3

Bristol set for clean air zone . . . page 7

Aldermoor Way

mostly on the premises, and takeaway uses. Option B includes some retail space along with a hotel and a range of Class, B2 and B8 floorspace. Under both options there is the potential to accommodate, “subject to commercially sustainable demand and viability”, Class E(d) space which is for gym, indoor sport, and recreation. Between 252 and 339 car parking spaces would be provided across the development, depending on which option is agreed. The planning reference is P20/22431/0. The outline planning application seeks to establish if the council agrees that the scale and nature of the proposal is acceptable. More detailed plans would then follow. • Because of the size and scale of the proposed development Oldland Parish Council says it wants to ensure that the project is well-publicised and the views of the local community are heard. Consequently there will be an extraordinary meeting by Zoom of its Planning, Highways & Environment Committee at 7.30pm on Tuesday 9th March. Details on how to take part will be available on the council’s website. See also page 3.

Popular Keynsham restaurant closes . . . page 10

Controversial Bitton office plan rejected . . . page 13

The Week in • Wednesday 24th February 2021

Top gymnastics centre fighting for survival A leading gymnastics centre is at risk of losing its home on the Aldermoor Way site because of the proposed redevelopment. Majestic Gymnastics is temporarily closed to its hundreds of members because of the pandemic, with just four GB squad members currently allowed to train there as they are preparing for the TeamGym European Championships. Based in a unit at the old Saville’s Freights yard, Majestic Gymnastics is the only TeamGym specific club within the South West. Drawing gymnasts from not just South Gloucestershire but B&NES, Bristol, Wiltshire and Wales, the club usually has 600

recreational gymnasts passing through the doors each week, plus 90 national gymnasts who train there for 12 hours a week. The club also has 120 pre-school gymnasts and would usually have 70 youngsters a day attending mother and toddler sessions. There are seven full-time staff and 15 part-time

developer now saying that economic circumstances have changed since 2019, not least because of the effects of COVID-19 and the collapse of the out-of-centre retail market. So although Majestic Gymnastics could instead take one of the proposed warehouses, the rent would be much higher,

within walking distance to fulfil the needs of the gymnasts and the community. They have been having talks with the council to try to secure the future of the club and say they have had support from local councillors. They have looked at other sites, including Warmley Business Park in Crown Way, but

members. Majestic Gymnastics is directed by Michelle George and Candice Littleton who had been told in pre-application discussions with the developer that a gym venue could be retained, based on predicted rental levels, within the retail space proposed. However, that is no longer the case, with the

putting it out of reach. With their lease expiring in September and the developer planning to start demolishing buildings on the site this summer, Michelle and Candice say they are now fighting for the club’s survival. They argue that the application does not comply with council policy by providing a replacement provision to a community club that is still in demand, and that there is no alternative provision

again say that the cost has been prohibitive. This week they said: “We are hoping that South Gloucestershire Council will support us and work with the developers and planning officers in finding a solution and not allow our club to be a casualty of this redevelopment.” They are asking club supporters to object to the proposals and have already received dozens of messages of support on Facebook.

How retail has taken a nosedive A report from a specialist out-of-town retail and leisure advisory firm prepared for applicant CBRE Global Investors highlights how retail is struggling. It says: “It is fair to say that the market was seeing a structural correction pre-COVID19. Occupiers were already struggling with their margins given the significant occupational costs brought about by business rates and increased staffing costs (the living wage, etc) allied to the everincreasing competition from online operators such as Amazon.” The report goes on: “There simply is no demand for new retailers to occupy additional space at Longwell Green at

anything approaching the rents that have been achieved on the adjoining Retail Park and would be required to make the scheme commercially viable “Whilst Longwell Green remains a prime retail location, the tenants that were previously interested such as Sofology, GO Outdoors & Furniture Village, would no longer be willing to commit to a development site or the rents necessary to make such a development viable.” The nearby Gallagher Retail Park recently lost the Outfit fashion store and Caffè Nero. The unit previously occupied by Carphone Warehouse has been vacant for some time.

The Week in • Wednesday 24th February 2021

Two teenagers charged over Fishponds stabbing Two teenagers have been charged following a stabbing incident in Fishponds. Police and paramedics were called to Ridgeway Road on Friday 12th February where a 17-year-old was found injured, having sustained a number of stab wounds. He was taken to hospital where his condition has been stable. Last Thursday a 16-year-old male was charged with attempted murder. A girl the same age was charged with conspiracy to murder. Two males, aged 16 and 18, arrested

earlier on suspicion of attempted murder, have been released on bail. Two other people arrested as part of the investigation have been released with no further action planned. Additional reassurance patrols have been carried out in the area and police urge anyone with concerns to speak with an officer. Anyone with further information about what happened is asked to call 101 and give reference number 5221031520 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Have your say on the future of Staple Hill High Street People are being asked to complete a fiveminute survey to help shape how Staple Hill High Street will look, feel and work in the years to come. South Gloucestershire Council says local high streets have faced significant challenges for many years and the COVID-19 pandemic has not helped the situation, with trading remaining difficult. “We are looking at how we can support our high streets to help them thrive and are interested in your views on how we can support Staple Hill High Street now and in the future.” The survey poses a range of questions including asking you to describe in three words what's good and what's not good about the High Street, and what you would like it to be like. The survey asks how often you visit Staple

THE WEEK IN Barrs Court, Bitton, Brislington, Cadbury Heath, Compton Dando, Corston, Downend, Emersons Green, Fishponds, Hanham, Hillfields, Keynsham, Kingswood, Longwell Green, Mangotsfield, Marksbury, North Common, Oldland Common, Pucklechurch, Saltford, Staple Hill, Stockwood, St George, Warmley, Whitchurch, Wick, Willsbridge.

Hill High Street and what for, and how you get there; whether you would like to see more trees, better paving, more cycle parking, designated cycle lanes and a reduction in traffic, and more facilities such a wider range of shops, more places to eat and drink, co-working space, creative workshop space, historical/art installations, electric vehicle charging points, a car share scheme and nursery/creche facilities. You are also asked to give thought to what kind of events would encourage you to visit more often, such as a market, street stalls, linked events with Page Park and live entertainment. The survey can be completed online – search under ‘Consultations’ on the council’s website. If you would like a paper copy call 01454 868000. The deadline is 21st March.

Studio conversion Plans to turn an art studio at The Old Smithy in Wick Lane, Upton Cheyney, into a onebed home have been submitted to South Gloucestershire Council.

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The Week in • Wednesday 24th February 2021

Church wins prestigious eco award Unity Oldland Methodist Church has won a prestigious award in recognition of its eco work over the last 30 years. The Silver Eco Church Award has been presented by A Rocha UK, which is a

Christian charity committed to equipping churches to care for the environment. Unity’s pioneering history of environmental activity began back in 1990, thanks to local preacher Colin Cradock.

The Week in • Wednesday 24th Februaryy 2021

This week he said: “It all began when I saw a photograph of a London clergyman conducting worship with his Siamese cat draped over his shoulder. I wrote to him and in reply he convinced me that we should do something of the same.” As the photo on the left shows, the church held a special Crisis on the Planet service in July 1990 to which animals were invited. Colin is holding his tortoise Tessa who has attended every annual ‘Environment Sunday’ since. Colin said: “We have now passed 30 years of holding an ‘Environment Sunday’. We missed one in 2012, when the Olympic Games took precedence.” The pandemic didn’t stop the congregation as they used Zoom instead to mark their annual event last summer. Colin said the church council decided to further its status on the issues by applying for an Eco-Church award from A Rocha: “Our

Unity Oldland Methodist Church

application has resulted in our being granted the silver award for what we have so far achieved. We have ordered a plaque which will be placed prominently in the building.” For the ‘Worship and Teaching’ and ‘Buildings’ categories, Unity gained gold; for ‘Lifestyle’ and ‘Community and Global Engagement’ it scored silver. Colin said: “Sadly, even though we got gold for two categories the overall assessment was silver. I would wish that the RHS Chelsea Flower Show award system had applied and then I’m sure we would have got silver-gilt!”

Tracking plans for a return of trams to Bristol & Bath With the 2030 target set by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) to become carbon neutral edging closer, measures to improve the region’s transport infrastructure have taken a step forward this year. Last month, WECA committed £1.5m towards scoping work on its mass transit plan which could eventually see trams return to the streets of Bristol and Bath. Mass transit along four key routes is a fundamental part of the region’s Joint Transport Local Plan (JTLP). Two of these were already clearly identified – the A4 between Bristol and Bath and Bristol Airport to Temple Meads. The other two are more aspirational – a north route towards Southmead Hospital and Cribbs Causeway and an ‘east fringe’ route. The funding will now allow for more work to be carried out on the precise routes and engineering implications of the latter two. A round of

public consultation is planned this summer. For the Bristol Airport and A4 Bath routes, the JTLP is clear that these will initially be fulfilled as part of an expanded metrobus network before eventually being served by a light rail or tram system. This is also feeding into separate studies already being carried out by Bath & North East Somerset Council for a tram system in Bath. Consultants have carried out evaluation of a dozen possible routes and concluded that there are four which could indeed be viable. Now the Bristol & Bath Area Trams Association (BBATA) which has been lobbying for the return of trams, wants to bring all stakeholders together for a virtual conference to agree a coherent plan to bring trams back to our streets. David Andrews, the chair of BBATA, says: “We have conclusively demonstrated that only a tram/light-rail system can deliver a low-carbon, low-pollution economic

Wire-free trams in use in Qatar

regeneration of our towns and cities. This has already been found to be the case in eight other UK cities, with trams/light-rail at the heart of the systems integrated with feeder buses for rural areas and lightly trafficked routes.” Key to the four-route network that BBATA envisages is a circular section that each would follow around the edge of the heritage city centre. The group also believes that using hydrogen-fuelled trams would not only

remove the need for overhead power lines but laying the track would be far less intrusive. This would not only resolve the issue of Bath’s catacombs but would cost between a third and a quarter of a traditional tram network to build. To sceptics who don’t believe trams can go up hills, David Andrews is keen to point out that the city had a tram system up to the start of World War Two.

South Glos councillors ‘not properly consulted’ over Bath traffic diversion Councillors in South Gloucestershire say they have not been properly consulted by neighbouring B&NES Council about even more traffic that will “flood” their communities when Cleveland Bridge in Bath closes for extensive structural repairs this spring. The Grade II* listed bridge is a crucial link in the road network between the A46 and the A36, carrying 17,000 vehicles every day, approximately 600 of them weighing over 18 tonnes. A temporary 18-tonne weight limit was put in place last year and Bath MP Wera Hobhouse has been pressing for that limit to be made permanent once work on the bridge is

completed. The £3.8m project is expected to take a total of seven months to complete, with the bridge closed to vehicles for 12 weeks from early May until early August. The diversion route for HGVs delivering into Bath is to the west via the A420 through Wick and Warmley, the A4174 ring road and the A4 - an additional 23-mile journey distance and an extra 40 to 70 minutes’ journey time. But Ben Stokes and Elizabeth Bromiley, who represent the Boyd Valley and Parkwall & Warmley wards respectively on

South Gloucestershire Council, claim they have not been properly consulted over the plan which they say will “flood rural areas with even more traffic.” They also fear that the temporary measure could become permanent. Bath MP Wera Hobhouse has been running a petition calling for the Government to bring forward urgent work to adopt the A350 corridor as the main route from the south coast to the M4, removing the A36 and A46 from the primary road network, and directing A4 Bristol-bound traffic to the A420.

Cleveland Bridge

The Week in • Wednesday 24th February 2021

Bristol set for clean air charging zone this autumn Bristol looks set to have a central charging zone for polluting vehicles in place by October. The exact date or pricing policy are yet to be confirmed but the city council’s cabinet was due to meet this week to ratify the final choice of option following a further round of public consultation which took place last autumn. Then, members of the public were asked their views on two options; a small central charging zone for all polluting vehicles or a larger zone

covering more of the city centre where polluting commercial but not private vehicles would be charged. The smaller, category D charging zone which has been chosen covers the same area as a previously proposed zone in which all diesel vehicles would have been banned. This was rejected by the Government in 2019. Having missed previous deadlines to implement a clean air zone, Bristol was faced with a final deadline of October. According to Mayor Marvin Rees, the

smaller charging zone was found to be the one which would achieve the required reduction in NO2 levels most rapidly. Meanwhile, Bath is set to implement its clean air zone on 15th March. Cameras around the exterior of the zone have been operative since the beginning of the year and owners of vehicles likely to incur a charge have been receiving letters from B&NES Council advising them of the changes. Unlike Bristol, Bath’s clean air zone does not apply to private motorists.

Take part in community meeting

Scheme to improve safety for pedestrians outside school

The next virtual meeting of the Community Engagement Forum for Staple Hill, Mangotsfield and New Cheltenham is tomorrow (Thursday) at 7pm. The forum, organised by South Gloucestershire Council, is a chance for local people to discuss and address neighbourhood matters, including public health updates. One of the current community issues is the problem of graffiti, with the High Street area of Staple Hill particularly badly hit. Representatives from the neighbourhood police beat team, Avon Fire & Rescue Service and local councillors will be attending the online meeting. To find out how to get involved email communityengagement@southglos. gov.uk or call 01454 868113.

Following COVID-19 measures introduced outside Christ Church Junior School in Downend to increase the width of the pavement to give more space for pupils and parents, South Gloucestershire Council is planning to make them permanent. The proposed scheme outside Christ Church Junior School is to widen the footway along Pendennis Road and Shrubbery Road to three metres between the existing crossing south of the school entrance and the crossing by Christchurch Avenue. Both crossings will be upgraded as part of this scheme with tactile paving installed to assist the visually impaired. The widening of the footway will also involve relocating existing road markings.

The Week in • Wednesday 24th February 2021

Plans for three houses on old paddock are turned down Plans to build three detached houses on a plot of land in Mangotsfield have been refused by South Gloucestershire Council. Applicant Richard Denoon applied to build two four-bed bedrooms and one with three bedrooms on the site known as The Paddocks next to Oaklands Court in Blackhorse Place. The land was last used for horse grazing in June 2006. Nine letters of objection were received from local residents with concerns about the site being too small for three houses; that a tree with a preservation order had been removed and an existing dry stone wall and hedges would be replaced by timber fencing; the impact on parking in Blackhorse Place, and that the paddock is an important habitat area for a variety of wildlife. In refusing the application, council planners said the proposals fail to meet the high planning and design expected of new development, and that in the absence of sufficient information, the development would be potentially harmful to protected species and the overall ecology of the site. They also said that the scheme fails to provide the best parking layout for future occupants, with the potential for vehicles to be parked on the road instead, or to cause an obstruction on the site.

LETTERS the UK is set to host the COP26 climate

Wrong site for a food waste plant

One-way circular system for Kingswood?

Dear Editor

I was interested to read your story last week

The news of Kingswood’s £25m bonanza and

about the latest plans for the waste-to-energy

particularly the planned pedestrianisation of

plant at Queen Charlton.

Kingswood's main street is great.

I remember when the previous plant was being

Two separate route options are proposed with

built. At the time, it seemed to be a virtuous

the preferred yet to be chosen. The northern

project that promised a positive outcome to the

route includes Kimberley Road and Gilbert

rather shameful situation our society has

Road and the southern route includes Cecil

created for itself regarding food waste.

Road and Blackhorse Road. However,

That said, the original Resourceful Earth

regardless which of the two options is selected,

project seemed to offer a solution for local

it will mean busier two-way traffic on existing

councils like B&NES for disposal of

narrow streets Why not have the best of both

food waste locally, rather than transporting it

routes with a one-way circular system?

by lorry to other parts of the country. The

Traffic from Bristol/town travelling east

promised energy generation, I seem to

through Kingswood would go on a one-way

remember, was going to be something

northern route while traffic from Warmley, etc.

similar to requirement of a town the size of

travelling west through Kingswood would go

Keynsham.

on a one-way southern route; free flowing and

But it all came to nowt. Sadly, there has been

with

an unfinished construction site at the top of Charlton Road for a few years and so the revival of the project was originally welcomed. But looking at the proposals put forward by the new company, something is, or was, clearly wrong with the idea of a food waste plant on

safety

considerations,

and

summit, five years on from COP21 which delivered the Paris Agreement. The decision to

not

overwhelming existing local streets, as well as avoiding unnecessary expensive changes to some existing narrow single one-way width roads. At least use the money for a substantial long-term and significant change. Alex, Kingswood

prosecute Tim also comes following a letter from Professor James Hansen – known as the father of climate change awareness – to Boris Johnson suggesting that he work with Tim on In the same year the UK is hosting COP26 the • Financing a major gas project in Mozambique to the tune of over $1bn in public money, despite pledging earlier this year to end the use of public money for overseas fossil fuel • Allowing Drax to proceed with the construction of a gas power station in North Yorkshire despite the Planning Inspectorate telling ministers the project would “undermine the government’s commitment, as set out in the Climate Change Act 2008, to cut greenhouse • Delaying the Climate Bill – which is designed to replace EU rules following Brexit – for the third time since work began on it in July 2018, despite warnings from environmental groups that the delay would leave the UK without vital laws to restore nature and tackle climate

Dear Editor

from Keynsham town centre, it will add 10,000

On Friday 12th February the UK government

movements a year in each direction between

applied to send Tim Crosland – a lawyer and

Council’s prompt response to fly-tipping

Queen Charlton and the A37.

director of climate litigation charity Plan B,

Dear Editor

Surely that by itself should be enough to deter

who has previously worked for various

Overnight last Thursday into Friday some

any local authority which has recently declared

governmental organisations including the

despicable,

a climate emergency and is committed to

National Crime Agency – to prison for

person decided to leave double glazing

reducing traffic on our roads.

breaching the Supreme Court’s embargo on the

windows, a door, plus other rubbish at the end

But on a broader scale, if anaerobic digestion

judgement to allow the expansion of Heathrow

of the lane leading to our pretty little hamlet.

plants

Airport. If convicted Tim could face up to two

I contacted B&NES Council via ‘FixMyStreet’

economically viable, not only is Queen

years in prison. The Supreme Court’s decision

just after midday on Friday to report this

Charlton the wrong location, perhaps the whole

to allow the expansion of Heathrow to go ahead

rubbish. Others had probably also done this

concept is in question? It would be useful to

rests on an argument that temperature limits set

earlier in the day. By 1pm all the rubbish had

know at what point the good from waste-to-

by the Paris Agreement in 2015 are not

been cleared and the area left spick and span.

energy is negated by the harm of transporting

relevant. This sets a precedent that the climate

Well done B&NES. An excellent job that I am

it by lorry.

agreement can be ignored, not just in the UK,

only too pleased to publicise.

A concerned resident

but also internationally. This comes in the year

Chris Payne, Kelston Mills

volumes

written to all schools in this area urging them uniform policy over the coming months. Society is campaigning for more affordable school uniforms. This campaign follows its report last year which found that even before the pandemic took hold, one in eight families uniform while one in 10 families reported getting into debt trying to pay for uniform; 43% of parents said the cost of school uniform alone had affected their families in some way. As a councillor working very much at the heart of my local community, I have seen first hand the devastating cost of the pandemic – not only

emissions”.

project is successful in keeping lorries away

these

light to reopen fully to all children, I have

had cut back on food to meet the cost of

projects.

one originally planned. Even if this proposed

require

In anticipation of schools being given the green

My plea comes at a time when The Children’s

UK government is:

Government’s commitment called into question

This project is almost four times the size of the

Dear Editor

to adopt a flexible approach to breaches of

the COP26 climate summit this year.

change and damage its credibility in upcoming

the rural outskirts of Keynsham.

Don’t penalise pupils over uniform breaches

on mental wellbeing but also on family incomes. Schools have been at the frontline of work to ensure children are fed and that they have access to the technology and other resources to ensure that they can engage with online learning. Many families will have struggled to meet the cost of uniform at the start of this academic

climate negotiations.

year when access to second-hand uniform was

Extinction Rebellion

made more difficult as a result of the pandemic. In many cases, this uniform will now be virtually unworn, but also outgrown. At a time when many parents have been furloughed or have lost their jobs, they should not be forced anti-social

couldn't-care-less

to choose between putting food on the table or buying uniform, which will only be worn for a few months before the summer holidays. I am therefore asking schools to adopt a pragmatic approach to breaches of uniform policy once children return fully to school. The most important thing is to get children back in the classroom and removing any barriers to that happening would be really welcome.

Cllr Liz Hardman (Labour, Paulton) B&NES Labour Group Education Spokesperson

The Week in • Wednesday 24th February 2021

Developer steps up efforts to build on the outskirts of Lyde Green A developer is trying to build homes on land close to the

Top to Bottom Ltd. An initial

new Lyde Green estate on a site that is not earmarked for

application was made by

development in the masterplan for the area.

Frank

The outline planning application lodged with South

company last May but as the

Gloucestershire Council this month is for nine houses and

council had still not made a

improved access and parking on a paddock at The Rosary at

decision by December, his

Cattybrook Road North. It is a designated Site of Nature

agents lodged an appeal with

Conservation Interest.

the Secretary of State.

As the map shows, it is close to the David Lloyd Leisure

The

Centre and also to the landfill site at Shortwood Quarry. The

concerns raised previously on

photograph shows where the private lane leading to The

this

Rosary crosses the old dramway, which is a spur of the

addressed. We would like the

Bristol & Bath Railway Path.

council to reconsider the

The application is from Staple Hill soft furnishings business

scheme and if it can be

Francis

agents scheme

from

say: have

the

“The been

viewed favourably, we would withdraw the current appeal.

considered available for development in the future which

The scheme provides housing in a sustainable location in

could result in an unacceptable number of dwellings accessed

land which is no longer considered to be ecologically

from a private road. I would in that event recommend a

sensitive and there are ecological gains to be had should the

comprehensive access strategy to provide an adoptable

scheme be permitted.”

highway link to the EGE highway network.”

Vehicular access to the site is via Cattybrook Road North and

Emersons Green Town Council objected to the plans last

a private road leading around the south and west of the

year, saying the site is not part of the Emersons Green East

landfill site.

masterplan and would lead to an over-development of the

In a report written in response to the first application a senior

area. It added: “The ongoing problems of the nearby landfill

South Gloucestershire Council engineer said: “Because this

site have not yet been resolved and could have a detrimental

part was not allocated for development in the Emersons

effect on the proposed new residents.”

Green East development masterplan, no vehicle or suitable

The Environment Agency has been investigating complaints

pedestrian and cycle access has been provided.” Access

about odour in the Emersons Green and Lyde Green area in

would be from the unlit dramway or public right of way paths

recent years. It has said that it could be a combination of

across fields which lead to the nearest bus stops on

sources causing an impact and last year confirmed that gas

Willowherb Road.

was escaping from the landfill.

He added in his report: “Although it is this nine-dwelling

The latest planning reference is P21/00896/O for anyone

planning application that is being considered in this

wishing to find out more and comment on the plans. The

application, it is of concern that the surrounding area may be

council aims to make a decision by 13th April.

Sudoku 1-Easy

SUNDAY CHEMISTS Sunday 28th February

2 -Hard

Boots, Gallagher Retail Park, Longwell Green (10.30am-4pm) Asda, Longwell Green (10am-4pm) Boots, Emersons Green Retail Park (10.30am-4.30pm) Sainsbury’s, Emersons Green Retail Park (9.30am-4.30pm) Stockwood Pharmacy, 78 Hollway Road, BS14 8PG (9am-7pm) Keynsham Pharmacy, 15 Station Road, BS31 2BH (10am-4pm) Tesco, Callington Road, Brislington (10am to 4pm) Morrisons, 688-718 Fishponds Road, Fishponds (10am-4pm) Boots, Avonmeads Retail Park, St Philips Causeway (11am-5pm)

The Week in • Wednesday 24th February 2021

Sunshine for hospital patients, thanks to grateful businessman Keynsham businessman Allan Sinclair has made a gift to the Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Foundation Trust in recognition of his treatment by the staff there recently. Radiotherapy patients can now enjoy relaxing views of a sunny blue sky while they wait for their appointments, thanks to a new ‘window’ which has been installed in the ceiling of the outpatient waiting area. Allan, who owns local company Sky Inside, has just successfully completed radiotherapy treatment for prostate cancer. He said: “It was just my way of giving back something to the staff here who have looked after me so well. “I just can’t thank the staff enough. From the reception staff to the radiographers and the consultants, the care I’ve received has been second to Allan Sinclair at the RUH none. At the RUH you are treated like an individual, you’re not just a number, and this is what He said: “It’s a very simple and effective way to brighten up a waiting room or gloomy corridor and can really help lift makes the staff here so special.” Sky Inside provides sky ceilings and artificial windows to your mood.” healthcare companies and NHS Trusts throughout the Lisa Tolson, radiotherapy service manager, said: “We’re so country, and the radiology department isn’t the only one at grateful to Allan for such a wonderful gesture. The new the RUH to have these eye-catching features. They can also window really brightens up the waiting area and it’s already be found in the intensive care and cardiology units, the latter receiving lots of positive feedback from our patients and staff.” thanks to an earlier gift from Allan two years ago.

Popular Keynsham restaurant closes after 13 years Popular Keynsham restaurant Pomegranate in Market Walk has announced its closure. Pomegranate started in 2008 as a small café in Temple Street and relocated to bigger premises in the new B&NES Council development in Market Walk when it was built. In a message to customers on the restaurant’s Facebook page at the weekend, owner Nedim Orak and his team said: “So this is going to be the last post as Pomegranate Restaurant. As you see all the changes now we can officially confirm that we have sold the business and it is under new management. “We take this opportunity to thank all of you for your custom and friendship. We have felt like a part of the community for 13 years. But all good things come to an end. We do wish best of luck to the new Europa restaurant and its new owners.” There has been an outpouring of good wishes for Nedim and his team. Comments on Facebook have included: “That's really sad. You served our community well with lovely cuisine.” Another said: “We have been coming to Pomegranate ever since the early days in Temple Street. So many birthday, Christmas dos and special occasions. Good luck to you all. We will truly miss you.”

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Crossword ACROSS

DOWN

1. Mollusc (7)

1. Disorder (8)

8. Mythical creature (7) 2. Change (5) 9. Performer (7)

3. Lariat (5)

10. Refuse to deal with (7)

4. Mexican village (6) 5. Cunning (4)

11. Nocturnal bird (4,3) 6. Temporary stay (7) 14. Decompose (3)

7. Biting insect (4)

16. Worry (4)

12. Naked (4)

18. Limit (4)

13. Small bird (4)

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15. Urban area (4)

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17. Loft access (8)

23. Release (7)

18. Hermit (7)

26. Gourd plant (7)

22. Castrated male (6)

28. Experience (7)

24. Apple drink (5)

29. Fiendish (7)

25. Of the ear (5)

30. Athlete (7)

26. Nosegay (4) 27. Monarch (4)

The Week in • Wednesday 24th February 2021

Young engineer creates product Kingswood to aid COVID-19 testing people want A teenage engineer has developed a piece of equipment to help with COVID-19 testing in his school. Like all secondary schools, Sir Bernard Lovell Academy in Oldland Common is carrying out regular lateral flow tests for staff. The process needs specialist equipment and the school was finding it challenging to order a large quantity of a specific test tube holder. Tom Fairclough, a Year 10 Engineering student, came to the rescue by designing a holder and then using his own 3D printer to manufacture a batch of them. His teachers said that 14-year-old Tom designed his product independently and manufactured it using the printer, which he had saved up his money to buy. Principal Dean Anderson said: “Tom’s innovative design performs much better than similar products on the market. The design has proven so successful he was commissioned to produce a set that is already in use at another school. “We are so proud of the way Tom has used his skills to develop something that is helping others. Congratulations to him.” Tom, who lives in Longwell Green, hopes to pursue a career in engineering, mechanical engineering or aerospace.

The Week in • Wednesday 24th February 2021

more of a voice Connecting Kingswood is a group of businesses, charities and public services who work together in Kingswood and last summer they carried out a survey to hear from Kingswood residents. Initial findings show that of the 433 responses 60% of people felt satisfied living in Kingswood. This included 11% who felt very satisfied and 49% who felt satisfied.; 23% felt neither satisfied nor unsatisfied, whilst 15% felt unsatisfied and 1% very unsatisfied. The survey highlighted that not enough people felt they had a voice in Kingswood, with only 7% of 375 people feeling that they often have enough say on important local issues, and 47% feeling they sometimes do. The organisers will be publishing more detailed findings in the coming weeks. Connecting Kingswood is also urging residents to take part in the forthcoming Community Engagement Forum on Tuesday 2nd March. Due to coronavirus this is being held online. For more information contact communityengagement@ southglos.gov.uk or call 01454 865057. There is also more information on the Connecting Kingswood Facebook page. Tom Fairclough

Police issue descriptions of trio after arson attack Police last week issued descriptions of three people they want to trace in connection with a suspected act of criminal damage at Pucklechurch Primary School. They say that windows and a garden area at the primary school in Castle Road were damaged in a fire on Saturday 30th January that started between 4.30pm and 6pm. No one was injured. CCTV and house-to-house inquiries have been conducted and three people, who are said to be aged in their late teens or early 20s, were reportedly seen in the area.

One was a white male of average build and approximately 5ft 10in, with short dark hair and some facial hair. He was wearing dark clothes but no coat. A second white male was shorter than the first one. He was wearing a woolly hat and dark clothing. The third person was a white female of slim build and approximately 5ft 5in. She was wearing a light jacket over dark clothing. Police ask anyone who saw what happened or may have CCTV or dashcam footage from the area that day to contact police or 101, quoting reference 5221021395. Credit: Mark Seacombe

Surge testing finishes as cases continue to fall The community surge testing programme set up to investigate a change in the coronavirus across 24 postcode areas in Bristol and South Gloucestershire ended at the weekend. More than 36,500 tests were completed. Christina Gray, Director for Public Health in Bristol, said: “I want to say thank you to everyone for your participation in the community surge testing programme that has taken place over the last two weeks.”

As of Monday the latest available data for South Gloucestershire showed an infection rate of 139.3 per 100,000 population – a fall of 22% on the previous week. In B&NES figures showed cases had fallen week on week from 90 per 100,000 to 64. And data from Bristol showed an infection rate of 131 new cases per 100,000 population, down from 177.

Scam alert Avon & Somerset Police say they have been receiving a large number of calls about a phone scam in which a message claims an individual’s National Insurance (NI) number has been suspended. Anyone who receives such a call is advised to hang up. If you think you have been a victim of the scam report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

The Week in • Wednesday 24th February 2021

Rival nursery plan for heritage building is revealed as office scheme is rejected Plans to turn a heritage building on Bitton’s new housing

visiting sites in addition to the 35 other vehicles.

and already run successful nursery/pre-school businesses.

estate into office space have been refused by South

“Those particular people will not be cycling, walking or

They have the necessary capital requirements and have

Gloucestershire councillors over parking.

using public transport because they will be arriving by their

indicated that the works required to convert the building

And it emerged at the development management committee

commercial vehicles. There will obviously potentially be

would be completed inside six months. There have been

meeting that a local family-run nursery and pre-school

business meetings taking place because you can see in the

preliminary discussions with South Glos Council planners

business is also interested in taking over the old locally listed

plans there are meeting rooms.”

and they have indicated a positive response thus far.”

canteen building on Linden Homes’ Bitton Mill development

Mr Shadick said he understood that contracts between the

The committee shared residents’ concerns about just three

and has been in talks with the council.

applicant and Linden had not yet been signed.

allocated spaces for the 35-deak office in the old factory

Warmley-based company Mobius Works wanted to turn the

Council planning officer David Stockdale told the meeting

canteen building and voted by a large majority to reject the

building in Champion Road into a 35-desk office with three

said that the application was purely for a small-scale office

application on the grounds that insufficient parking provision

allocated parking spaces, which council officers felt was

use, not for storage or distribution. He said the main part of

would have a detrimental impact on the immediate and wider

acceptable. The council currently doesn’t have parking

Mobius’s business is at another location. Although the

area due to on-street congestion.

standards for commercial property. Instead, officers use the

applicant said there would be 28 full-time employees and two

maximum parking standards from the former South Glos

part-time staff based in the building, Mr Stockdale said it was

Local Plan 2016 as guidance. Based on floorspace the

quite small: “I find it hard to imagine that 30 people could

maximum number parking spaces required for this

actually work there, or certainly not all at the same time.”

development would be seven so the three proposed was

Council highways officer Ali Khayatian pointed out that

considered acceptable.

when the plans for the development were agreed in 2015,

With the company’s transport plan highlighting there are bus

community/office use was approved for the canteen. He said

stops nearby, that Linden had provided visitors’ spaces, that

that with visitor parking spaces on the estate and all homes

there would be a car share scheme and that 10 bike spaces

having dedicated parking, they would not be impaired by the

would be provided, planning permission was being

office proposals.

recommended by council officers.

However, ward councillor Paul Hughes, who is also a Bitton

There were however almost 80 objections from local

parish councillor, was critical of the council for not having

residents, chiefly concerned about inadequate on-site and off-

proper parking standards: “If you read the way that it actually

site parking leading to highway safety issues.

works it is absolutely abysmal. To think that someone is

Speaking at the meeting, Bitton Mill resident Kieren Shadick,

going to put a 35-desk office together and the maximum

representing others on the estate, challenged the alternative

number (of parking spaces) they can go for is seven and the

travel options, saying that bus services to both Bristol and

minimum is three, which they’ve gone for, takes no regard

Bath are infrequent and that with the village shop and pub

for the fact that within their application they’ve actually said

not serving hot food, the likelihood is that people will drive

that around the area there is plenty of parking space. We need

to get lunch.

to look at this very, very carefully in the future because this

“The applicant (Lee Bignell) is applying to move his head

is obviously not the place for an office with 35 desks.”

Access threat It also emerged at the meeting that residents, through their management company, would have been prepared to block the applicant from accessing the three parking spaces at the canteen as vehicles would have to travel over Bitton Mill land, not adopted highway. Asked by Cllr Judy Adams whether they would fight an application for community use of the building, residents’ spokesperson Kieren Shadick said: “We don’t think so.”

Family Announcements Bereavements

office which is currently located in Warmley. The 35 desks are for the applicant’s existing 21 staff and obviously a

‘Right solution’

further number of staff that he chooses to expand and bring

He revealed that there is an alternative that was the “right

on to the business with the advent of his construction

solution”, explaining: “I have had confidential conversations

company.

with an interested party who is very keen to work with the

“It fails to mention that this applicant also runs a large fleet

community to develop the canteen into a nursery/pre-school

of commercial vehicles for his mechanical, electrical and

and provide a community facility.

construction companies and therefore those vehicles will be

“The interested party are locally based, are a family concern

The old canteen building is surrounded by houses

The Week in • Wednesday 24th February 2021

Sudoku Solutions 1-Easy 4 9 1 7 5 3 6 8 2

2 3 6 8 4 1 7 5 9

8 7 5 9 6 2 4 1 3

1 6 7 4 3 5 9 2 8

Crossword Solution

2-Hard 5 8 9 2 1 7 3 6 4

3 2 4 6 8 9 5 7 1

9 5 8 1 7 4 2 3 6

6 4 3 5 2 8 1 9 7

7 1 2 3 9 6 8 4 5

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