THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset
24th March 2021
Issue 671
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Wessex Water presses on with controversial River Avon bridge plan Wessex Water is consulting on plans to build a bridge across the River Avon, accessed off the A431, to link with its Saltford Water Recycling Centre at Mead Lane. The consultation is ahead of a planning application due to be submitted this spring. Letters have gone out in the past week to people in the area and Wessex Water says it’s already consulted with both B&NES and South Gloucestershire councils. The A431 links Bristol and Bath and the proposed junction is just over the South Gloucestershire border in B&NES, close to Swineford.
The junction for the new access on the A431 would be on the right
We first revealed in 2019 that Wessex was considering a bridge to link its site at Saltford with the A431. People in the Bitton and Swineford area raised concerns about the extra heavy traffic that would be pushed on to the A431, the fact that the A431 floods, and that Bitton, like Saltford, is a conservation area. Later that year Wessex Water’s chief Colin Skellett said the idea had been dropped. The company has since
considered other options but that none are suitable to provide the access needed to carry out major work to increase capacity at the sewage treatment centre at Mead Lane and to provide for the site’s long-term operational ability. The alternative routes explored included a new 1.6 km road to connect to the A4 from Pixash Lane in Keynsham, but Wessex said that would have a significant impact on the Avon Valley, result in much greater loss of Green Belt land and have a high impact on local ecology. Last September the company admitted it was revisiting the bridge option again and would see how the plans could be revised to minimise its impact. In the letter to residents Wessex explains that the existing access along Mead Lane is increasingly difficult because of the amount of parked cars and flooding when the river level is high, while a low bridge along the narrow route also affects access for some vehicles. Continued on page 3
Also in this week’s issue
Bitton church the focus of worldwide celebration . . . pages 4 & 5
Metro Mayor campaign begins . . . page 6
Action on bin lorries flouting weight limits . . . page 7
COVID-19 outbreak at local primary school . . . page 13
2
The Week in • Wednesday 24th March 2021
Wessex Water presses on with controversial River Avon bridge plan The impact Continued from page 1 “We therefore need to improve the approach to the site which also houses our regional scientific centre that analyses thousands of water supply and wastewater samples a day from across our region.” Wessex adds that the existing access road will remain open to ensure the site can be reached from either side should there be the need, but with no through route for the public. Wessex also plans to create a footpath linking the A431 to the local public right of way network and the River Avon Trail so people living on either side of the river would have access by foot across it. Biodiversity and environmental improvements are also proposed. Comments can be emailed to saltford.access@wessex water.co.uk
on Bitton and Swineford
The red line marks where the bridge and new access would be
• As we reported in Issue 669, B&NES Council is planning permanent Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) that would see no parking at any time along lengths of Mead Lane
and The Shallows in Saltford. There has been a temporary parking suspension since last summer. Consultation on that closes tomorrow (Thursday).
Wessex Water says it will be doing a study so local people will know how many vehicles will be using the bridge during construction, adding: “When in use, the bridge is likely to be used by minimal vehicle numbers per day when compared to existing traffic along the A431 through Bitton.” It adds: “To address concerns over the A431 currently flooding in extreme weather conditions, as part of our design we are required to undertake flood modelling. Our proposal will not increase flood risk.” As we highlighted in Issue 657 last September, a report produced in 2019 by Wessex’s consultants showed the building of the new access road and bridge would involve approximately 25 construction vehicles attending the site from both sides of the river per day for up to 18 months, with the bridge sections and crane coming in via the A4174 ring road and along the A431 through Longwell Green, Willsbridge and Bitton. Traffic flow statistics at the time predicted 674 vehicle movements a week would switch from Saltford on to the A431.
Appeal after teenage girl is harassed by a man in Emersons Green Police are appealing for information and have been
harmed in this incident, it has understandably left her
carrying out door-to-door inquiries after a teenage girl was
shaken.
harassed by a man in Emersons Green.
“We’re taking this seriously and as well as keeping the
The incident happened on Wadham Grove at about 4.50pm
victim updated with our inquiry, we continue to ensure she
on Friday 5th March.
has access to the support she needs.
A man took hold of a 16-year-old girl’s hand and asked
“House-to-house inquiries have been carried out and
her to go with him. She refused and the man walked off in
neighbourhood officers have been made aware of the
the direction of Cossham Street.
man’s description.
The man is described as white, aged in his 30s, of average
“We’re keen to hear from anyone who recognises the man
build with a long blond beard and a Bristol accent.
or who lives in the area who may have a doorbell camera
He wore a green jacket with the hood up and possibly grey
or CCTV which captured him."
jogging bottoms.
If you can help, call 101 and provide the call handler with
PC Richard Gay said: “While the victim wasn’t physically
the reference 5221047987.
The Week in • Wednesday 24th March 2021
Bitton High Street
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3
International attention on Bitton Chance to apply for town council grant Churches around the world will be taking part in special celebrations this June to mark the bicentenary of the invention of the ‘Ellacombe Chimes’ at St Mary’s Church
Keynsham Town Council’s annual grant awards for 2021/2022 will be open to applications from 1st April. The scheme is open to properly constituted clubs and societies, charitable and non-profit organisations as well as voluntary associations. Grants of up to £1,100 are available to applicants who can demonstrate a direct benefit to the town or its residents. In addition to the funds set aside for the annual grants, this year the town council is also allocating an additional £10,000 specifically to support environmental projects around the town. Applications for grant funding will remain open until 14th May with decisions made by the awards committee in mid-June. A presentation evening is being planned, COVID regulations permitting for 21st July.
The Rev HT Ellacombe
in Bitton. The Rev Henry Thomas Ellacombe, who was curate at St Mary’s 200 years ago, created a system with a set of pulleys which allowed all the bells to be rung by one trusted person as he was said to be fed up with his bell ringers’ wayward behaviour. The chimes were installed at St Mary’s in 1821 and churches in other countries subsequently adopted his invention. The bicentennial celebrations in June will involve more than 50 churches worldwide that have an installed and working chiming device, joined by other churches and towers with normal bell ringing. The celebrations are being co-ordinated by St Mary’s Church and Bitton Parish History Group. Joining in will be St John’s in Keynsham and Bath Abbey, as well as churches across England including in Cambridgeshire, County Durham, Cumbria, Devon, Essex, Hampshire, the Isle of Man, Lancashire, London, Merseyside, Northamptonshire, Norfolk, Oxfordshire, Surrey, Yorkshire and Warwickshire. Churches in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa and the United States have also signed up to take part.
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. 16,000 copies are distributed through retail outlets, libraries, pubs, community centres each week. Verified pick-up rate of 97%. Publisher The Week In Community Ltd, 8 Temple Court, Keynsham. BS31 1HA 0117 986 0381 www.theweekin.co.uk ISSN: 2052-9767 Managing Editor News Editor Contributors
Stephen Rodgers admin@theweekin.co.uk Becky Feather 07403 273967 Christine Rogers
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Tracy Broderick 0117 986 0381 sales.theweekin@gmail.com @theweekineditor
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Keep in touch, let us know what you think, send us your news www.facebook.com/theweekin The Week in • Wednesday 24th March 2021
for bicentenary of unique bell-ringing invention The ‘Chime around the World’ will begin in Timaru in New Zealand at noon (11pm BST on 25th June) and over the next 17 hours, working their way across the world, bells will be chiming at noon local time in each of the major time zones, arriving at their birthplace at Bitton, South Gloucestershire, at noon BST on Saturday 26th June.
Tower captain Sue Elliott using the Ellacombe Chimes at St Mary’s
The Week in • Wednesday 24th March 2021
The event will then cross the Atlantic and be heard across the Americas, finishing in Vancouver, British Columbia. Subject to COVID-19 restrictions, it is intended that there will be a live streaming of the festivities as well as a special performance based on the Ellacombe Chimes. The Rev Henry Thomas Ellacombe had a natural talent for mechanical and technical workings and had previously worked for the great engineer Marc Brunel, the inventor of machinery to make pulleys, at his engineering works at Chatham Dockyard in Kent. The chiming system is still used in many churches when insufficient full circle ringers are available, or where it is no longer permitted or viable to swing the bells. In some places the chimes have come into their own in the past year as church bells have been largely silenced by COVID-19 restrictions. Ellacombe’s set of rules remain posted to the walls of the ringing chamber of St Mary’s in Bitton to this day. The ancient Grade I listed church attracts visitors from around the world. The bi-centennial celebrations are being coordinated jointly by St Mary’s Church and Bitton Parish History Group. Their websites have more information about the history of the Ellacombe Chimes and the churches that are taking part.
St Mary’s
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Mayoral candidates quizzed over airport expansion Bristol Airport was high on the agenda at the first hustings for the upcoming election of the West of England Regional Mayor. Despite the government confirming local elections scheduled for 6th May will go ahead and even that door-to-door canvassing will be permitted, the 2021 campaign was always going to be different. Not surprisingly therefore, last week’s event, organised for members of the Federation of Small Businesses, took the form of an online conference. It was perhaps ironic that with digital connectivity such a vital part of modern business, some technical gremlins in the broadcasting of the debate highlighted one of the issues which will surely be in the new mayor’s in tray. But of the many questions submitted by business owners in advance, the dominant issue was where the candidates stood on the expansion plans for Bristol Airport. Last year, a planning application to increase the capacity at the airport from 10 million to 12 million was rejected by North Somerset Council. Bath & North East Somerset Council also objected but the plan was formally supported
6
by both Bristol City Council and the West of England Combined Authority. The airport owners subsequently appealed that refusal decision and a public hearing is set for July. Labour candidate Dan Norris said he is against the airport plan at the moment; he said the airport is not yet at its current capacity and while the aviation industry will always be important to the region, it is time to take stock of the airport’s future needs in light of events of the last 12 months. For the Green Party, Jerome Thomas said that 80% of Bristol Airport’s traffic currently is leisure and to be talking of longhaul flights to America or Asia during a climate emergency does not make sense. He said the Green Party is happy the airport is there, but a 66% increase in carbon emissions is not compatible with its aims. The Conservative Party candidate Sam Williams said it was right to note that the airport plans are currently under review but wrong to “demonise” air travel. When pushed on where he stood personally on the issue he stated he is widely in support of the airport expansion, but still committed to
decarbonisation. The Liberal Democrat candidate Stephen Williams was unable to take part in last week’s debate. The election for the new West of England Regional Mayor takes place on 6th May. On the same day, elections will also be taking place for Bristol City councillors and mayor as well as the Avon & Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner, held over from 2020. There is still some uncertainty over the number and location of polling stations and while sports halls and leisure centres are expected to have reopened by then, there are potential issues over staffing. Postal voting will play a larger role this year and political parties are already encouraging people to register to vote this way.
The Week in • Wednesday 24th March 2021
Rogue trader alert Following a recent report of a rogue trader operating in the Oldland Common area, PC Phil Busvine and PCSO Libby Speechley have been visiting local residents to give information on how to spot a scam. Police advise that if you are not sure who is at your door, do not open it or let anyone into your home. Keep doors locked and windows secure at all times and never use companies who make unsolicited calls, don’t provide written contracts or who offer to do work for cash. If an unexpected caller makes you feel alarmed or intimidated, call 999 immediately.
Walk-in wine theft Police say that an unknown woman briefly talked to some workmen before walking through the open front door of a home at The Shallows in Saltford and stealing a bottle of wine. It happened between midday and 1pm on Tuesday 16th March.
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The Week in • Wednesday 24th March 2021
Have law-breaking drivers finally got the message? Following our front page story last week about waste lorries that have been flouting the 7.5-tonne weight limit on roads near the Mangotsfield Sort It Centre for years, there are reports that the situation has improved. We reported how lorries use weight-restricted Goose Green, Webbs Heath, Siston Hill and Stanley Road as a short cut instead of the nearby A4174 ring road and that South Gloucestershire Council had raised the matter with its contractor Suez who had spoken with their drivers to remind them about the weight restrictions and would be carrying out monitoring. A resident who has repeatedly complained about the problem over the last 10 years told last Thursday’s meeting of Siston Parish Council that as of last Tuesday, he had not seen any Suez vehicles flouting the weight limit. And South Gloucestershire councillor Kim Scudamore told the parish council meeting: “Suez were persuaded to go back and look at their records and do their tracking on the lorries They actually did identify some drivers that were turning where they shouldn’t be and they have had words with them and warned them that they risk points on their licence for breaking the 7.5-tonne weight limit, so that does seem to have made a difference. “The question is, is it going to be monitored ongoing so that the problem doesn’t come back in three or four weeks’ time.
Hopefully we can keep some pressure on to keep that monitoring going.”
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LETTERS Use all the votes you are entitled to Dear Editor With the largest set of local elections in our lifetime coming up soon, it's important everyone uses all the votes they are entitled to. If you live in Bristol, then you will be voting for your local councillors and the Mayor of Bristol, on top of voting for the WECA Mayor and Avon & Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner. When electing your councillors, you are voting
time.
A4017 traffic easier access to the A420
There are 579 operational anaerobic digestion
westbound than the A4017 Soundwell spur
plants in the UK including 88 biomethane-to-
(outside of the plans’ context) currently allows.
grade plants and a further 33 anaerobic
Allowing westbound traffic access to South
digestion projects under development, as of
Road would also facilitate access to the Lidl car
April 2020.
park. Naturally, the stretch of the A4017
If B&NES Council sorts out the traffic problem
Downend Road between Regent Street and
and the works are completed in accordance
Kimberley Road would need to remain two-
with the permission granted, the project should
way. Kimberley Road is a dual carriageway.
go forward as soon as possible.
Does Alex suggest reversing the current
Brian T Jenkins
westbound carriageway? This would then allow the potential for the shopping centre car park being blocked by a queue for its entrance.
means if your ward has two councillors, you
Is there a link to famous author?
get two votes which can be used for candidates
Dear Becky
and why she was so named?
from different parties.
At Mangotsfield Cemetery there is a faded
park to be partially or wholly reversed as well?
Cllr Michael Bell
The Mayor of Bristol election (as well as the
inscription on a headstone in memory of
Alex
Tel: 0787 563 1817
election for WECA Mayor and Police and
Harriet Beecher Stowe Wren and her husband
expensive changes” but seems intent on
Crime Commissioner) also entitles you to two
Frank. Harriet died in 1948 at the age of 94.
votes, a first and a second preference.
Harriet shares her name with Elisabeth Beecher
Don't miss out on having your say. Make sure
Stowe, the American abolitionist and author of
One-way circular system idea is flawed
you use all of your votes.
the famous book Uncle Tom’s Cabin (1852),
Dear Sir
Sam Fox
which depicted slavery in the USA.
I am writing in response to Alex’s letter ‘One-
Labour councillor candidate for
Does anyone know the background to Harriet
way circular system for Kingswood’ in Issue
for the people you want to represent you. This
Elisabeth Beecher Stowe
Or does Alex also intend for the entrance and exit to be swapped and the flow within the car
Kimberley Road and the goods entrance for the shopping centre should remain two-way, thus
and making all the roads involved one-way, a
Dear Stephen
some two-way systems to become one-way, I
Re the Charlton Field Lane waste-to-power
don’t agree that it would be if they all were.
plant, planning permission was granted in 2014
The stretch of the B4046 Hanham Road
for a renewable energy anaerobic digester (AD)
between the A420 High Street and Cecil Road
plant, using biogas to generate renewable
for example is so short that it seems pointless
electricity.
to direct northbound traffic from the B4046
At that time the successful grant for the
almost all the way around a gyratory system in
development embraced all objections; the new
order to continue eastward along the A420.
proposal for increased capacity from 25,000
Similarly, the stretch of Cecil Road between
tonnes to 92,000 being the exception. However,
South Road and Halls Road is currently ideal
the
would
for eastbound traffic on the A420 to reach the
undoubtedly be good for the region and the
Lidl car park, so why make them take a much
environment.
longer route? The stretch of the A420 Regent
Such developments are already operating
Street between the A4017 Downend Road and
successfully in the country and we should grasp
Blackhorse Road could have full two-way
the opportunity to go forward. Do not waste
traffic reinstated, thus allowing southbound
8
the
scheme
maintaining good vehicles short access to westbound destinations. The stretch from the goods entrance to Park Road would however
Why a bigger power plant should be allowed
from
unnecessary
The stretch of Gilbert Road between
Alex proposed choosing the northern option
benefits
“avoiding
making some anyway.
667.
Stockwood
mentions
free-flowing circuit with safety considerations. While I agree that it would be beneficial for
benefit from being one-way. Making the two-way section of Park Road oneway would also be beneficial, as this would circumvent the need to accommodate traffic turning right from The Park. It would also mitigate instances of northbound vehicles surprising southbound drivers, who were unaware of the section’s two-way status. Cecil Road between Bank Road and Moravian Road need only have a small alteration – that to prevent traffic exiting the Cecil Road car park from heading eastward. Similarly, a minor alteration could direct all traffic exiting the Bank Road car park into heading eastward. To summarise, Alex’s suggestion, while seemingly ideal, under scrutiny appears to favour only traffic passing through Kingswood via the A420, such as commuters, but neither local nor other road users. Lee, Kingswood
The Week in • Wednesday 24th March 2021
LETTERS I was being treated in the road the police also
of resources, both locally and globally, thinking
the masses! Anyway that's all I have to say on
attended to deal with the build-up of traffic. It’s
that doing so is the way to save asteroid Earth.
this matter for the moment but there may be
nice to think there are still people who will give
This Malthusian approach to the declared
more to come as the situation develops!
up their time to help others.
climate emergency allows B&NES and Bristol
Mr Martin Quill
I was taken to the RUH in Bath where the
City Council to hold the moral high ground
Stockwood
treatment I received from the paramedics and
when it comes to tackling climate change,
the hospital staff was first class. I'm now well
whilst simultaneously, giving carte blanche to
on the mend. My thanks to the NHS.
developers to build vast swathes of residential
suffer or cause to suffer illness, prolonged
Frederick Stone
properties on virgin rural soil. Councillors hope
Poor parking is putting us at risk
isolation and/or death by infection at these
Keynsham
that their proclamation of climate emergency,
Dear Editor
and the moral imperatives that come with it,
My wife and I went for a walk on Sunday
will be adopted by their respective populations
afternoon. We walked along the road from the
who will also accept the need to build on the
Talbot to Broadmead roundabout in Keynsham
Green Belt in order to provide the necessary
and there were two Transit vans (not together)
Dear Editor
housing
parked across the pavement, which is not very
I opine with Irene Pearce (Letters, 10th March)
accommodation.
wide anyway. We could just squeeze through
on how B&NES Council cannot be trusted on
What is being done in the name of tackling
the gap between the vans and the walls.
the preservation of Green Belt in and around
climate change is rationing of resources e.g.,
Anyone pushing a pushchair or wheelchair had
Keynsham. This same observation can be
goods, services and energy but allowing big
no chance. As we passed the Chandag shops,
extended to Bristol City Council and its
businesses, such as property developers, to
a man on an electric scooter whizzed passed on
stewardship of Green Belt land that it holds in
have their wicked way! It is also worth
the pavement. Both parking on pavements and
trust and can be demonstrably shown to be
mentioning that this is happening in councils
riding an electric scooter (which is absolutely
incompetent in preserving such land from
that are on the left side of the political
silent) are illegal. We are encouraged to walk
rapacious development.
spectrum: Bristol City Council is Labour and
for our health and fitness but the paths are
Both B&NES and Bristol City councils are
B&NES is Liberal Democrat and both councils
being hijacked.
unwilling or unable to protect the Green Belts
have many who are involved with the Green
We live on a quiet cul-de-sac and the junction
in their respective prefectures, even though
Party as well. Imagine if this was happening
at the end is quite hairy because of the road
such protection of said land is surely the
under the watch of the Conservative Party and
layout, and yet three commercial vehicles, one
Letter of thanks
fundamental basis for saving the environment.
you would see Labour/LibDem/Green Party
of which has no number plates, were parked up
Dear Editor
The climate emergencies declared by both
councillors and politicians being very loud and
to two feet of the junction. This means a driver
I would like to take this opportunity through
Bristol and B&NES are completely lacking
vocal in their opposition to the policies of the
must drive up to the junction on the wrong side
your paper, to thank the lady and two
when it comes to Green Belt preservation, and
nasty Tories and, as a result, placard-waving
of the road to leave and someone coming down
gentlemen who came to my aid after I fell
in fact, seek to acquire land for development
protest and unrest would be forthcoming,
to turn into the road will meet a vehicle coming
outside Co-op in Queens Road in Keynsham
regardless of the consequences that such
public and noisy!
out head on as the view of the road is blocked
on 16th March.
progress might result in.
How very different it is when it's them who
by the van.
They were there immediately and covered me
Rather than trying to keep Green Belt land safe
have to make tough choices regarding the
Rules are made for the convenience and safety
with a blanket. They seemed very concerned as
from developers, our local councils instead try
commons; it seems that being on the left does
of all of all and thoughtless behaviour puts
I had sustained an injury to my face and called
to change attitudes, choices and patterns of life
not make one a friend of the Green Belt,
people at risk.
an ambulance, which arrived very quickly. As
of the populace in order to reduce consumption
especially when having to provide housing for
Keith Norton
Counter protest Dear Sir The evil that men, yes women and even children do, will never be prevented or eradicated by public protest. Gatherings without social distancing could be seen as a crime against the common good in this time of pandemic. We will never know how many will
widespread gatherings. Then there is the unenviable, practically impossible police position of enforcing, sometimes as a last resort, physical separation for common sense. Like the health service and other frontline workers – at the greatest risk to themselves. No legislation will prevent crimes like the atrocious murder at Clapham Common. History has shown that not even the death penalty achieved that. At this time of deep regret, we must maintain a sense of proportion statistically. But people involved in close contact, although moved by good intent, have given the wiser, wider public a different reason to look back in anger. David Britton
Hypocrisy over saving the environment
Sudoku 1-Easy
for
everyone
who
needs
SUNDAY CHEMISTS Sunday 28th March
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 March 2021
9
Aimee, 7, writes book in aid of the NHS A seven-year-old from Saltford has created and illustrated a book to raise money for the NHS. Aimee Phillips had the idea of writing ‘The Very Hungry Honey Bee’ in January because she wanted to raise £100 for NHS Charities Together, a fund which raises money to enhance patient care and support for NHS staff.
The Very Hungry Honey Bee is available as an e-book and can be downloaded to people who donate on the JustGiving page www.justgiving .com/fundraising/TheVeryHungry HoneyBee At the time we went to press, Aimee’s £100 had been surpassed several times with £755 raised so far.
Proposals for care home and block of flats are refused Plans to build a 90-bed care home in an industrial and warehousing area of Brislington have been turned down
Police find bodies in search for missing mum and daughter
by Bristol City Council.
Police searching for the whereabouts of missing Kingswood woman Bennylyn Burke, 25, and her two-year old daughter, Jellica, recovered two bodies last Thursday. They say the bodies were discovered concealed within a house in Troon Avenue, Dundee, following extensive inquiries by detectives and forensic experts, and that postmortem examinations would be taking place to establish the cause of death. Formal identification had yet to take place as went to print but relatives of Bennylyn had been informed of the discovery. Detective Superintendent Graeme Mackie, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, said: “This is a significant development in what has been a particularly challenging enquiry for everyone involved.” He said there would continue to be a significant police
has also been refused by the council. Orchard House,
presence in the area for some time and urged anyone with information to come forward. Police had attended a property at Troon Avenue on the afternoon of Friday 5th March as part of an inquiry into the disappearance of Bennylyn and two children who had been reported missing on Monday 1st March. It is understood they lived in Court Road in Kingswood, having previously lived in Staple Hill. Andrew Innes, 50, from Troon Avenue, appeared at Dundee Sheriff Court on 8th March charged with the murders of Bennylyn and Jellica. Prosecutors allege that he committed the murders between 17th February when Bennylyn was last seen, and 5th March. The other child has been traced and is being supported.
Stockwood Land Ltd had submitted an outline planning application for vacant land behind Orchard House on Stockwood Road. A separate application by the developer for a block of nine flats next to Orchard House which is opposite Brislington Park & Ride, is a former 1960s office block that has already been turned into flats.
Community radio station to air new soap opera Local radio station KTCRfm achieved another first this week with the broadcast of radio soap. Listeners will be able to follow weekly episodes of life in Greenborne, a fictional village on the edge of a large city, which could be anywhere in the country. If some of the voices sound familiar that is probably because the cast includes John Altman, aka Nasty Nick in EastEnders and Corrine Wicks, formerly from the BBC TV drama series Doctors.
Crossword
Set some months in the future, the programme centres around life in the community as we emerge from ACROSS
DOWN
1. Greek hero (8)
2. Selected (6)
8. Oil-carrying vessel (6)
3. Buries (6) 4. Touched down (6)
9. Knock against (4)
Word show on Monday which is repeated on 105.8fm on
5. Accent (6)
10. Neither (3)
Wednesdays (2pm) and Sunday (2pm). You can also
6. Communicate (6)
stream live or catch up from the website www.ktcr.fm
11. Foreign (6) 12. Courageous (8)
7. North American country (6)
15. Fresh (6)
12. Ado (4)
16. Emblem (6)
13. Atmosphere (4)
lockdown and people adapt to a new normal. The programme is being distributed via the Local Media Network and Episode 1 aired first as part of the Spoken
20. Thinly scattered (6) 14. In smaller quantity (4) 24. Braids (6) 27. Extremely serious (8)
17. Ivy League university (4) 18. Dash (4)
28. Seller (6)
19. Deprivation (4)
29. Old unit of length (3)
21. Deliver a sermon (6)
30. Gemstone (4)
22. Steering mechanism (6)
Happy Birthday Steve
31. Entrance (6)
23. Departure (6)
32. Wizard (8)
24. Column (6)
Sixty something but who’s counting! It’s always a pleasure to see your smiling face when out and about in Keynsham. Enjoy your day
25. Reluctant (6) 26. Fall (6)
10
The Week in • Wednesday 24th March 2021
Controversial garden plans are refused South Gloucestershire Council has refused a controversial planning application to turn an agricultural field at Baugh Farm in Downend into a residential garden. The site is next to the Leap Valley, which is a Site of Nature Conservation Interest. As we reported in Issue 663, there was much local opposition to Daveene McCallion’s
proposals which included keeping an area of hardstanding already in place. The application was refused because of the potential detrimental impacts on ecology, the Grade II listed Baugh Farm and neighbouring properties. Storage currently taking place on the site is the subject of planning enforcement action.
Baugh Farm
The Week in • Wednesday 24th March 2021
11
Nick clocks up the miles and funds for Keynsham Mencap Nick Look from Keynsham Mencap
by Easter Sunday and was hoping to
is raising funds through a virtual
raise more than £500. But he reached
bike ride from John O’Groats to
his destination after 40 days which was
Land’s End and back.
way ahead of schedule and so decided
During the pandemic Nick, who has
to do the return journey.
Down’s Syndrome, wanted to get
That hasn’t been his only achievement,
active so started cycling for a couple of
so far he has lost 10lb in weight and he
hours each day on his exercise bike -
also smashed his fundraising target by
and before he knew it he had clocked
literally thousands. Nick has so far
up 200 miles. With this new enthusiasm
raised an astonishing £4,680.
Nick set himself a challenge to cycle
Nick is still keen on his cycling and
the distance of 840 miles, which is the
does at least two hours every. He left
equivalent of travelling from John
Land’s End for the return journey on
O'Groats to Land’s End, and at the
6th March and has done more than 320
same time raise funds for Keynsham
miles on the way back.
Mencap where he attends the adults’
You
social group ‘Club 25’.
http://easydonate.org/NICK and also
Nick aimed to complete his challenge
visit www.keynshammencap.org.uk
can
support
Nick
at
Spotlight on health and wellbeing in Kingswood Connecting Kingswood is a group of businesses, charities and public services who work together in the area and last summer they created a survey to hear from Kingswood residents. On the issue of health and wellbeing, the majority of residents felt positive about Kingswood’s health services, with 75% rating them excellent, good or average; 13% rated them poor, and 12% said they didn’t know. Access to parks and open spaces was considered important for positive health and wellbeing, ranking second in the survey after ‘access to health services’ at number one. ‘Money worries’ was seen in the survey as having the biggest negative effect on health and wellbeing. If you are worried about money contact Kingsmeadow@Madeforever at Fisher Road where they can help with everything from claiming benefits to advice around financial difficulties or support to find work. Call 0117 3018739.
Advertising feature
Abbeyfield opens its doors for house tours After adhering to the strictest guidelines across its supported-living houses for a year, Abbeyfield Bristol & Keynsham has now officially reopened its doors for house tours. During the COVID-19 pandemic, securing the safety and well-being of residents and staff was the primary concern. One disadvantage of this was that the retirement organisation could not proactively market its services and now has a number of vacancies across some of its houses. “Although we did accept some new residents over the last year, inquiries were down quite significantly,” says Abbeyfield manager Hannah Partridge. “It’s understandable that older people weren’t confident to move into a new house and it worries us that there will have been so many people struggling to cope alone.” Abbeyfield offers a wonderful alternative for older people and is ideal for those now finding it difficult to manage in their own house. Residents continue to enjoy their independence but benefit from the reassurance of some support and a community of like-minded
people.
The
private,
en-suite
apartments are available to rent and fees are inclusive of utility bills and delicious home-cooked meals.
bed and studio apartments available and we have measures
welcome new people now.”
“With most older people now protected by the vaccine, we
in place to facilitate secure tours and can ensure a safe move
As part of its Safe Hands campaign, Abbeyfield is offering
have definitely seen confidence increase and I’m happy to
to your new Abbeyfield house. Our houses enjoy welcoming,
all new residents one week free. There are vacancies in
say the phones have started to ring again,” continues Hannah.
happy community spirit that really thrive with more people.
Redland, Henleaze and Easter Compton. Call 0117 973 6997
“We want people to know that we have some gorgeous one-
It’s unusual for us to be low on numbers and we’d love to
to find out more or go to www.abbeyfield-bristol.co.uk
12
The Week in • Wednesday 24th March 2021
Traffic concerns over proposed outdoor centre Concerns have been raised over the extra traffic that would be generated by plans to create the South West’s leading outdoor centre at the disused limestone quarry in Wick. As we reported in Issue 665, UK Active Outdoors Ltd say activities at Wick Outdoor Centre would include swimming, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, axe throwing, archery, target sports, bushcraft, wild art, and conservation classes. The planning application submitted to South Gloucestershire Council has generated a lot of support but also concerns, particularly over increased traffic in narrow local lanes.
Wick and Abson Parish Council says that in principle it is not against the idea of the activity centre but has concerns about the proposed access routes and parking, given the high volume of traffic which will traverse the single-track roads to and from the site and its impact on local residents and the parish in general: “We also have concerns about the position of the car park on a ridge above a valley adjoining an area of Cotswold Natural Beauty.” Neighbouring Doynton Parish Council has also raised concerns about the impact on local lanes. South Gloucestershire Council is currently considering the application.
Danger alert over white vans that park on junction ‘every day’ There are hopes that double yellow lines can be laid on a junction in Emersons Green where white vans park “every day”, blocking views and making it dangerous for road users. At last month’s virtual meeting of the Downend, Emersons Green and Frenchay Community Engagement Forum, hosted by South Gloucestershire Council, a local resident spoke about the problem at the junction of Tunbridge Way
and Cousins Way. Local councillor Colin Hunt said he had already highlighted the issue to a council highways engineer and would follow it up. He said he would like to see double yellow lines laid to prevent the parking “literally right on the corner”. His council colleague Rachael Hunt also asked at the meeting that the local police beat team visit the junction.
Situations Vacant
‘17 COVID cases shut classes’ Classes have reportedly been closed at Barrs
situation
from
South
Court Primary School after 17 positive cases
Council as we went to print. On Monday the
of COVID-19.
latest available coronavirus figures for South
It is understood that the school was still open
Glos showed 43.5 cases per 100,000
for some pupils at the start of this week but
population, with 21 cases per 100,000 in
we were still waiting for a statement on the
B&NES and 42 per 100,000 in Bristol.
Gloucestershire
Police urged to keep traffic problems in Wick in check The police have been asked to increase
month due to the closure of Cleveland
patrols on the A420 through Wick because of
Bridge in the city for repair work.
ongoing parking problems caused by visitors
As we have previously reported, the
to the Golden Valley Nature Reserve.
engineering project on the Grade II* listed
There have been problems with crowds of
Cleveland Bridge in Bath is set to start mid-
people going to the nature reserve, with some
April. The bridge is a crucial link in the
visitors double parking on the main road
strategic road network between the A46 and
through the village. At the recent meeting of
the A36, carrying 17,000 vehicles every day,
Boyd Valley Community Engagement
and
Forum, local councillor Steve Reade said
Gloucestershire that the temporary diversion
that matters would be made worse when
for the bridge repairs may turn into a
Bath traffic is diverted along the A420 next
permanent closure.
there
are
concerns
in
South
One year on Exactly a year ago this week, we had to make the decision to halt printing of Issue 619 of The Week In following the Government’s call for everyone to stay at home. After publishing digital versions online for the next few weeks, we were able to return to print in May 2020 and have continued to publish every week since.
Public Notice
The Week in • Wednesday 24th March 2021
13
Sudoku Solutions 1-Easy 4 9 1 7 5 3 6 8 2
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1 6 7 4 3 5 9 2 8
Crossword Solution
2-Hard 5 8 9 2 1 7 3 6 4
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The Community Page
News from Emersons Green Town Council YOUTH WORKS RETURNS TO THE STREETS! Emersons Green Town Council funds Youth Works, a street-based youth project in Emersons and Lyde Green. Sessions are run by the Youth Workers Emily and Sam, on Monday evenings from 7pm, for young people aged between 11-16. After another Covid-19 enforced break, Emily and Sam are really excited to be back out meeting young people again. They are looking forward to lots of outdoor fun over the coming months. New members are always welcome!
return on-line. Please follow the Youth Works Facebook
Subject to the smooth progression of the timetable for
page for more information and updates on the weekly
Covid-19 lockdown exit, a programme of activities will
sessions.
Youth consultation - it’s not too late Emersons Green Town Council wants to improve youth provision within the Emersons area. We are working in partnership with Creative Youth Network to ascertain the needs and desires of young people in the area. Creative Youth Network have been engaging with young people through a variety of means, including surveys, detached work and focus groups. The outcome of the consultation will directly influence how the Town Council prioritises projects and facilities for young people, including potential capital projects, so the impact is real! If you are a young person aged between 11-19 living within the Town Council area (covering the wards of Badminton, Blackhorse, Pomphrey, Emersons Green and Lyde Green) please take a few minutes to complete the survey at the link (https://www.creativeyouthnetwork.org.uk/emersons-green-
Seasoned walkers – we need your help… With the gradual lifting of Covid-19 restrictions and the changing of the seasons, many of us are itching to get outdoors and be active. Those who are relatively new to the area, however, may not have the same knowledge of the beautiful walking routes in our area.
youth-survey) or using the QR code. By completing the survey, you will be entered into a prize draw for a £25 Love to Shop voucher! The consultation closes at the end of March 2021. If you would like to get more involved in deciding what youth provision will be available in your area, you can also register your interest on the survey. If you want to get in touch about the survey, or with any questions or ideas, please contact: Ellen.Wilson@creative youthnetwork.org.uk
The Town Council Events Committee is looking to compile a leaflet of routes within the local area to share with residents. We are looking for ideas for a range of routes, suitable for everybody - from long, to short, to buggy or wheelchair accessible. If you have any favourite walking routes within the area, please do get in touch and share them with us. The top submissions will be featured in the leaflet. Please email your suggestions us on: clerk@emersonsgreen-tc.gov.uk
All Town Council meetings are open to members of the public and are currently held remotely by Zoom or Skype. Please see our website for meeting agendas, including joining instructions, or contact us on clerk@emersonsgreen-tc.gov.uk
www.emersonsgreen-tc.gov.uk Tel: 0117 3026989 https://www.facebook.com/ EMERSONSGREENTOWNCOUNCIL
Next week’s Community Page – Saltford Parish Council 16
The Week in • Wednesday 24th March 2021