The Week In - Issue 673 - 7th April 2021 by Media Bath

THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset

7th April 2021

Issue 673

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Concrete firm’s ‘alternative’ barriers to reduce noise and dust The concrete firm which was controversially granted permission to operate at Old Station Yard at Avon Mill Lane in Keynsham has submitted a revised, partretrospective planning application for acoustic fencing. Last November 4Concrete was granted permission by B&NES Council to extend its Monday-Friday working hours, starting at 6.30am instead of 7.30am and finishing at 6.30pm rather than 5.30pm on a one-year trial basis but only when two acoustic barriers had been installed to reduce the noise and dust being suffered by people living

Offices To Let

Two fences have already been erected, with another planned opposite

nearby. Permission was for a 3.5-metre high fence on a part of the yard boundary and a six-metre high fence surrounding the parking area opposite the entrance on the southern boundary. But now a revised application has gone in for three fences

Also in this week’s issue

Bodies confirmed as missing Kingswood mum and daughter . . . page 4

Avon Valley Railway receives almost £100k grant . . . page 5

– two of them five metres high and one 5.5m metres high. As the picture shows, the two five-metre fences have already been erected. 4Concrete’s agent Pegasus says permission is now being sought for “an alternative but equally (if not more) Continued on page 3

B&NES Council Leader steps down . . . page 13

Calls to maintain hospital bus link . . . page 14

The Week in • Wednesday 7th April 2021

Concrete firm’s ‘alternative’ barriers to reduce noise and dust Continued from page 1 effective mitigation strategy to address noise issues associated with the site and the proposed extended operating hours”. Pegasus says 4Concrete has been unable to implement the permission it was granted for a number of reasons. “The first is that the imposition of a temporary condition, requiring a test for the efficacy of the fence after a year, has meant that 4Concrete were unable to secure the necessary financing to implement the permission. The cost of the materials for the fence has also increased dramatically as a result of both Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. The cost of erecting the fence on the scale proposed was, therefore, prohibitive. “The second issue is the presence of an overheard powerline on the site which would have prevented the fence being constructed in the approved location...the power lines could have been re-routed, but the cost was prohibitive. Setting the fence slightly back from the southern boundary would have resolved the issue, but again the overall quantum meant that the cost of doing this would also have been prohibitive.”

The Week in • Wednesday 7th April 2021

Pegasus says the new proposed fencing will be equally effective and will significantly reduce the cost for 4Concrete. “The proposals are to erect two five-metre fences on the northern side of the road and one 5.5m fence on the southern side. A 3m x 3m door with acoustic sealing will be incorporated within the 5.5m fence to allow staff cars to be parked in the car park opposite the site entrance. The height limit will prevent any concrete mixing lorries or other larger vehicles being parked in this part of the site.” The application stresses that the only operations that will take place from 6.30am to 7.30am will be the filling of concrete mixing lorries. The application is supported by a noise impact assessment, ecological assessment and site management plan and Pegasus says there will no harm to the neighbouring Keynsham Conservation Area. The proposals have necessitated the removal of a handful of trees along the internal road. The agent concludes that the revised application will allow 4Concrete “to operate a viable business and adequately protect the amenity of neighbouring residents”.

As we have previously reported B&NES Council has been criticised for its handling of the planning application for 4Concrete’s operations, permitted in January 2020. Seven households living near Old Station Yard have recently taken their case to the Local Government Ombudsman, who investigates complaints about maladministration. The residents have told how the ramifications have seriously impacted on their physical and mental health. They are supported by Keynsham Town Council which says the site has always been regarded as a B1 light industrial site or warehousing site and that any attempt to call it a B2 (heavy industrial) site is totally inappropriate. Last month in a statement 4Concrete told us that the site has a lawful Class B2 use so is not operating in breach of any planning or legal regulations. The planning reference for the revised planning application is 21/01412/FUL and the deadline for comments is 29th April. The chair of Keynsham Town Council Cllr Andy Wait has already asked for the application to be ‘called in’ so that B&NES planning committee decides it, rather than it being delegated to a planning officer.

Road resurfacing works in Keynsham There will be resurfacing works in

closure from 7am to 7pm and is expected

Chandag

to take up to nine days to complete.

Road,

Derwent

Grove,

Lambourn Road and Tamar Drive in

Emergency and pedestrian access will be

Keynsham starting tomorrow (Thursday).

maintained throughout, providing it is safe

B&NES Council, which is working in

to do so, with access controlled by traffic

partnership

marshals.

with

contractor

VolkerHighway, says the work will be

Bus operators have been informed and will

carried out in two phases under a road

be re-routing services where required.

Bodies identified as that of missing Kingswood mum and daughter The two bodies recovered from a house in Troon Avenue, Dundee, on Thursday 18th March have now been formally identified as Kingswood mother Bennylyn Burke, 25, and her two-year-old daughter Jellica, Police Scotland announced last Thursday. Bennylyn and Jellica’s family have been updated and are being supported by police family liaison officers. Officers in Dundee attended a property on

Troon Avenue around 3.20pm on Friday 5th March as part of the inquiry into the disappearance of Bennylyn and two children who had been reported missing from South Gloucestershire on Monday 1st March. On Monday 8th March a 50-year-old man appeared at Dundee Sheriff Court charged with the murders of Bennylyn and Jellica. The second child reported missing has been traced and is being supported.

South Gloucestershire’s recycling success Recycling

services

South

rate for 2019/20 a record high for the

Gloucestershire continue to shine, with the

council.

latest figures placing it amongst the best in

This has resulted in South Gloucestershire

the country. There have been year-on-year

ranking as third among 91 unitary councils

improvements with the 59.1% recycling

in the country.

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

Advertising

Tracy Broderick 0117 986 0381 sales.theweekin@gmail.com @theweekineditor

No material in this publication, nor its associated website (www.theweekin.co.uk) may be reproduced without the written permission of The Week In. All rights reserved. The Week In is regulated by IMPRESS: The Independent Monitor for the Press CIC. As such, we adhere to the IMPRESS complaints procedure. A copy of this procedure can be found on our website or can be sent upon written request to the address above. 4

The Week in • Wednesday 7th April 2021

Avon Valley Railway celebrates £97,400 grant Avon Valley Railway has received a grant

This

of £97,400 from the Government’s

investment across grants, capital and

£1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund to help it

repayable finance from the Culture Recovery

recover and reopen.

Fund so far to over £1.2bn across more than

Nearly £400m has been awarded to

5,000 individual cultural and heritage

thousands of cultural organisations across

organisations and sites.

the country, including the heritage railway

The second round of awards made on Friday

based at Bitton Station in the latest round of

will help organisations to look ahead to the

support, the Culture Secretary Oliver

spring and summer and plan for reopening

Dowden announced on Friday.

and recovery.

The award will enable the railway’s staff and

After months of closures and cancellations

volunteers to undertake vital repair and

to contain the virus and save lives, this

maintenance works delayed by the downturn

funding will be a much-needed helping hand

in trade during the pandemic. The funds will

for organisations transitioning back to

also help to ensure the railway’s longer-term

normal in the months ahead.

sustainability.

Mark Simmons, Avon Valley Railway’s

More than £800m in grants and loans has

commercial and business manager, said: “We

volunteers can start to clear the backlog of

Recovery Fund could continue to help

already been awarded to support almost

are really pleased to be awarded this funding.

tasks that had to be put on hold and we can

organisations in need as the public health

3,800

venues,

The last 12 months have been incredibly

now look forward to the future with more

picture changed. It has been awarded by the

museums, heritage sites and other cultural

difficult for us as we saw a significant

certainty.”

National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic

organisations dealing with the immediate

reduction in our income throughout 2020.

The funding is from a £400m pot which was

England as well as the British Film Institute

challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.

This award means that our staff and

held back last year to ensure the Culture

and Arts Council England.

cinemas,

performance

The Week in • Wednesday 7th April 2021

brings

the

Government’s

total

Fears that redevelopment will make traffic congestion worse Oldland Parish Council says that further extensive work is needed by the developer planning to regenerate a rundown industrial estate in Longwell Green to address traffic and access issues. We featured the proposed redevelopment of Kingswood Industrial Estate at Aldermoor Way in Issue 667 after outline plans were submitted to South Gloucestershire Council. We also wrote about the impact it will have on the Majestic Gymnastics club which is based in part of the former Saville’s Freights depot. Majestic Gymnastics’ owners argue that the application does not comply with South Gloucestershire Council policy by providing a replacement provision to a community club that is still in demand, and that there is no alternative provision within walking distance. Hundreds of their supporters have lodged objections to the redevelopment.

The parish council says it fully supports the overwhelming community view that Majestic Gymnastics and any other existing community group/service provider, should not be disadvantaged or their future threatened by the redevelopment. The council says it welcomes the employment, leisure and community opportunities that could be possible but has serious reservations about the site layout, access and sustainability of the development as presented. “There are already issues of traffic congestion on site at peak times and further proposed developments including a hotel and employment units, with potentially 440 new jobs and parking for up to 350 vehicles, will only exacerbate existing problems.” South Gloucestershire Council is due to make a decision on the planning application by mid-May.

Council launches £1m fund to help people impacted by COVID South Gloucestershire Council has this

that has been closed due to lockdown,

week launched the Community Resilience

increased living costs and a cut in income.

Fund which was included in the budget

The fund can be used to help with both

agreed in February.

immediate

The £1m fund is designed to help meet the

Emergency payments could cover things like

needs of those whose income or outgoings

food, travel costs (for example, to work or

have been impacted by coronavirus. The

an interview), payment for gas, electric or

council particularly wants to hear from

water that may be disconnected, and

people

had

emergency rent or mortgage payment needed

government financial support during the

to stop you losing your home (if you have

pandemic.

already had all the support available from

Unlike many other grant programmes

your lender or landlord).

announced during the pandemic, this

Longer term support will help if you are

funding has not come from Government, it

struggling to pay for things, but it is not an

has been allocated as a priority by the

emergency. For example, you may need help

council to help residents manage with the

to pay an energy bill, but your supply is not

longer-term effects of COVID-19, which

about to be cut off. It includes gas, electric

will continue to be felt even as we continue

or water bills, council tax payments,

along the road map to eased restrictions and

mortgage or rent payments, credit cards,

as the economy reopens.

loans and travel costs.

This fund is flexible and can give you

For

support for your immediate or long-term

https://beta.southglos.gov.uk/financial-

needs, so long as you are over 16, live in

support-for-residents/

South Gloucestershire and are able to show

For those without internet access, you can

how coronavirus has had a negative impact

get a copy of the form by calling the contact

on your finances.

centre on 01454 868009 or Citizens Advice

Reasons why people may be finding it

South Gloucestershire on 01454 334961.

difficult to cope financially because of

You can also book a telephone appointment

coronavirus include being made redundant,

with someone from one stop shops who can

a cut in working hours, owning a business

help you fill in the form. Call 01454 868009.

who

have

not

already

and

longer-term

needs.

information

visit

Keep in touch, let us know what you think, send us your news www.facebook.com/theweekin

The Week in • Wednesday 7th April 2021

Club’s ‘true blue’ application based on historic photo The Conservative Club in Keynsham has now submitted a retrospective application to keep the blue façade of its listed building on the High Street. Last month Bath & North East Somerset Council’s planning committee granted listed

The building as it was in the 1970s

The Week in • Wednesday 7th April 2021

building consent for four new timber sash windows to replace the plastic ones that were installed in haste at the club. Now the club wants to legitimise the blue colour that was painted without prior listed building consent. In its application it explains: “A couple of years ago the local town council described this part of the High Street as drab and uninspiring. “When our next-door neighbours, The Old Bank, painted their front elevation blue early in 2019, we were impressed with the results, making our own decoration look shabby and dirty. With a small amount of capital surplus, we embarked on upgrading our frontage. “We researched photos in our archive and found one dated early 1970 showing a completely blue colour scheme, which looked impressive and in keeping with the ‘Conservative’ ethos. We ascertained that this colour

The club as it is today, next to The Old Bank which is also blue

was still in place when we were granted Grade II listed building status in 1975. “We were very pleased with the results, as were many passers-by, who actually came into the club to favourably comment of the finished article.” The club is not affiliated to the Conservative Party and is now known as Club 22 although says for ease of management it still trades as

Keynsham & District Conservative Club. • The Old Bank, which is also Grade II listed, is facing enforcement action over its decision to paint the top half of the façade blue without realising the change required listed building consent. The council is currently considering an application by pub owner Western Inns to restore the top half to an offwhite.

Keep testing throughout Easter holidays, urges B&NES Council Households with school age children are being urged by B&NES Council to continue testing throughout the Easter holidays to ensure any positive cases are picked up prior to children returning after the break. COVID-19 test kits are now available from one of five locations in Bath and North East Somerset. Previously only available from Carpenter House in Bath, and

Community litter picking Volunteers will be litter picking in Emersons Green and Lyde Green on Saturday (10th April) from 10am to 1pm. The event is being organised by the COVID-19 Help, Support and Volunteering Emersons Green & Lyde Green group and follows previous successful litter picks. Volunteers will be handing out equipment at Emersons Green Library and Lyde Green Community Centre. Gloves, antibacterial gel and wipes will all be available and COVID regulations will be followed.

the Scout Hut in Keynsham between 2.30 and 8pm, families can now pick up test kits any time between 7am and 7pm from Monday to Saturday from the Masonic Hall on Bath Road, Keynsham; Apex Hotel in James Street West, Bath; and Centurion Hotel in Charlton Lane, Midsomer Norton. Rob Appleyard, Cabinet Member for Adult Services & Health, said: “One in three of those with coronavirus have no symptoms – so it’s important we protect our loved ones by picking these people up and stopping them unknowingly passing the virus on to others. “With more people meeting following the changes to restrictions, it’s likely to lead to an increase in transmission. Therefore, it’s important we continue to test – twice a week, and three to four days apart. Remember: Up your beak twice a week.” If you are over 16, and you live or work in B&NES, you can still get tested at one of the three rapid test sites in Keynsham, Bath or Midsomer Norton. Open from 7am to 7pm, Monday

Keynsham Masonic Hall

to Saturday, you can book online at www.bathnes. gov.uk/rapidtest. Having a COVID-19 lateral flow test (LFT) at a test centre is quick and easy. Once you’ve registered online, getting tested takes just five minutes – with the results sent later that day.

The Week in • Wednesday 7th April 2021

Teenage trespassers put ponies in danger HorseWorld at Whitchurch Village has written to local residents after a group of teenagers removed electric fencing, putting ponies and themselves at risk. In their letter last week, the team at the charity in Staunton Lane, which cares for mistreated and abandoned horses, ponies and donkeys, said: “It is with a heavy heart that we must ask you to speak to any young people under your care about the dangers of trespassing onto land and interfering with horses. “Over the weekend one of our electric fences was taken down; an act which not only resulted in a number of animals being put at risk of becoming very ill but could have also resulted in serious injury for the protagonists. “On Saturday afternoon (27th March) we encountered four young teenagers trespassing in one of our fields. Our welfare team tried to talk to them but were met with a barrage of abuse and accused of being ‘cruel’ for keeping the ponies on a smaller piece of land using electric tape fencing. “The ponies in question including Sox (pictured) have ongoing health issues which mean they need restricted grazing. Far from being cruel, it keeps them healthy whilst providing them with plenty of other sources of food and

space to keep active. “The young people subsequently wandered off, but on Sunday morning we found that a huge section of the fence had been taken down. “Not only did this action put the lives of our ponies at risk, but the people in question could have also been seriously hurt. Horses by their nature are unpredictable animals and can cause serious harm if taken by surprise. A person could easily be trampled, kicked or worse. “Due to the traumatic past many of our rescued horses have experienced, if they feel at all threatened, they are highly likely to try and protect themselves (even if the 'threat' is only a small adult). Obviously these animals are kept in fields which do not have public access, but trespassers could be putting themselves at significant risk.” The HorseWorld team add: “We very much hope to be able to welcome you all on site later this year for one of our Open Days when we'll be able to show you first-hand the lengths we have to go to try and keep our rescued horses happy and healthy. But until then, if you can help us by sharing this information with the young people in your household, so that they and our ponies stay safe, we'd be very grateful.”

Croquet club gears up for post-pandemic season

Golf trolley stolen

The sun was shining last week as members from

With that in mind the club has a series of four weekly

Soundwell Road in Kingswood

Camerton and Peasedown Croquet Club returned to the

introductory sessions due to start on 9th May for anyone

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the

lawns to mark the recommencement of outdoor sports.

who wants to give croquet a try. Club chair Mo Boys said:

police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800

This promises to be an exciting season for the popular

“If you are looking for a sport with light exercise,

555 111.

club. Work is starting on a new clubhouse, water treatment

opportunities to meet people (under COVID rules), if you

plant and irrigation system.

want to improve your health and wellbeing – then think

It is hoped that the 135m2 clubhouse (a recycled mobile

croquet.”

classroom) will be ready for the next stage of the

If you want to find out more or sign up for the

lockdown restrictions lifting in May when members and

introductory session then first contact Mo on 07929

visitors will be able to gather indoors.

733640 or email moboys@talktalk.net

The Week in • Wednesday 7th April 2021

During the night of Sunday 28th March thieves stole a Motocaddy electric golf trolley from a storage room at

LETTERS Field to open but no dogs rule applies

Local knowledge and feeling being ignored

Dear Becky After careful consideration and consultation with Wellsway Multi Academy Trust, who share ownership of the playing field, we have opened the field gates at Redfield Edge Primary School for the two-week Easter break from Sunday 4th April. (There are currently no hire bookings over this period). This will enable families and members of our local community to meet outside under the new COVID restrictions. We do this with the proviso that users respect the space, there is no vandalism and take litter home with them. The no dog rule remains, it is not a field for exercising dogs and we hope that the local community will help keep the space clean and tidy.

Dear Stephen Here we go again. I have lived in Keynsham since 1962 and in that time have been allegedly “consulted” by B&NES many, many times. This consists of asking us what we want, totally ignoring the answers and giving us what they have already planned. I have attended numerous displays produced at great expense by consultants who don’t live here. I have looked at fancy maps and diagrams which I’m sure have taken much time to do. This serves as a substitute for actually listening. Their statement of last Monday which you quoted: “We have written to traders to INFORM THEM OF OUR INTENTION” (my capitals) sums up what they see as their duty to us, to just tell them what is going to happen. Our hardworking town council works at grassroots level with the groups and individuals who actually make our vibrant town tick - why are they so often side-lined and only informed late in the day and not seen as the best source of local knowledge and feeling? I could fill your letters page commenting on the ridiculous suggestions that are even getting a mention as an “improvement” but will limit myself to just one – putting trees on the site of the old fire station. When this was vacated, the town council had obtained some funding to buy the site and run it as a much-needed community hub. They were grossly outbid by a private developer with plans to put a small hotel there – what’s happened to that? Sheila Crocombe

Staff from the school will monitor the field over the break with a field inspection on Sunday 18th April. My feeling is that this goes towards providing a community use of the school field when it is not being needed for the schools or other hirers. If this event results in there being a load of litter that I find on the field inspection on the 18th I will be making a plea for an emergency local litter pick via social media. It will also impact any future requests for the field to be open. Lisa Robinson Headteacher Redfield Edge Primary School

More lorries welcome Dear Editor I don’t think the residents on the A431 need to fret about the extra lorry journeys for the new Avon bridge (The Week In front page

Issue 671). Living as I do on the A431 it has been a pleasure to see during the months that Cleveland Bridge (in Bath) has been shut to heavy traffic, the increase in lorries using ‘our’ road, and to note the quality and courtesy of their driving compared to car drivers. After all, HGV drivers are far more qualified, receive regular training updates and have eyesight and medical tests every five years. They are the professionals. High time car drivers should be obliged to have eyesight tests and regular checks on their driving too. That would make the roads safer. Mrs L Owen, Kelston

Unnecessary bureaucracy Dear Sir Whilst supposedly promoting separate agendas, the three main political parties are as one when supporting the notion that a Metro Mayor is essential for the wellbeing of the region’s population. Any differences between them are separated more by nuance than radical strategy. Labour and Liberal Democrat spokespeople claim the current mayor lacks charisma; with the role needing to become more high profile. Conservatives have lauded the mayor’s four-year stint a successful, unifying exercise. However, the last four years have been overshadowed by the region’s steep rise in homelessness, a growing demand for foodbanks, the closing of day centres and a reduction of council services and charity funding. A fat lot of good the mayor’s programme of social cohesion has done to reduce the plight of the region’s isolated, poor and dispossessed. The Metro Mayor heads an obscure publicly funded organisation called the West of England Combined Authority. Its raison d’etre is to unite the region’s local authorities

and lobby the government for extra funding. But surely the function of cooperating with neighbouring councils and pleading for additional government cash falls within the mandate given to council leaders and chief executives? Why the need to duplicate a platform which already exists? Every year, local authorities waste huge sums of taxpayers’ cash on unnecessary bureaucracy. Local government requires systemic reform. It should concentrate more on providing good core services and less as a plaything for conceptual politicians. Philip Gannaway, Bristol

Message to ‘rat-runners’ in 20mph zone Dear Editor Come on all you ‘rat-runners’ and would-be Formula One racing drivers – you know who you are. Uplands Road, BS16, is a 20mph speed zone. Some of you simply fly down this road with no consideration for we pedestrians, children walking to school, cyclists, mothers with babies in pushchairs or mobility scooter riders. This road is in a residential area so why are you ignoring the many 20mph signs along it? Some drivers are so impatient that they even mount the pathways rather than wait for any oncoming vehicles who have the right of way to pass, the road being too narrow! So come on, slow down, cut your speed before we have a fatality here. A concerned resident Name & address supplied

Ramadan and safe fasting advice Dear Editor We would like to offer people in the Muslim community who live with diabetes help and advice to stay healthy during Ramadan – especially in the continuing COVID-19

The Week in • Wednesday 7th April 2021

LETTERS pandemic. We know Qur'an requires Muslims to fast during the month of Ramadan from sunrise to sunset. There are exceptions and people who are unwell or have medical conditions are not required to fast – and this includes people with diabetes. Some people with diabetes may still choose to fast. Those who choose to fast are advised to include more slowly absorbed foods (low GI), such as basmati rice and dhal, along with fruit and vegetables in their meal at the end of each day’s fast. People should also check their blood sugar levels more often than usual. It’s also worth noting that if you are observing Ramadan and have decided to fast, receiving the coronavirus vaccine does not break your fast. So please get the vaccine if you are invited to book an appointment. We advise people that if they are unwell or have any symptoms of COVID-19 they should not fast and call 111 for further advice. People can find further advice on our website - www.diabetes.org.uk/Ramadan Phaedra Perry Regional Head Diabetes UK South West

What’s going on with democracy in Keynsham? Dear Editor Whatever the reasons are for B&NES Council allegedly not following procedure with regard to the master plan for the Keynsham High Street Heritage Action Zone, one has to ask why? Given the recent bad press and the council’s incredible

behaviour regarding the cement works in Avon Mill Lane, you have to question what is going on with our local democracy, We have recently had two planning applications refused for a high specification conservatory on our listed building, against which we have now submitted appeals. The council have done nothing but quote ‘Section 72 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 to pay special attention to the preservation or enhancement of the character of the surrounding conservation area’. We fail to understand why on one hand how they could be so concerned about preservation and then consider removing a roundabout outside St John’s Church, which appears to work perfectly well. Their idea of a T-junction would surely only lead to more queues of traffic and disrupt the flow. To remove the historic lamp in the middle of the roundabout flies in the face of the Keynsham High Street Heritage Action Zone, and we feel sure would be unpopular with Keynsham residents. Both councils have been alerted on several occasions by residents in Back Lane of the dangers at the junction with Bath Hill, which when the pedestrianised High Street is open to traffic, sees continuous use of the junction as a turning point. It’s in part a blind turning, and traffic rarely slows down. It must be pointed out that Back Lane has a high percentage of older residents who are in constant danger because of this. Money for use in the town centre should be partially diverted toward improving dangerous spots, of which no doubt there are others.

One other point that we would like to make concerns safety opposite Back Lane. In front of Bonzo Lounge is a lethal, high, unprotected wall with a long drop to the pavement. In the seven years that we have lived here, we have photographed on many occasions, children/young teenagers walking along the high wall, and sitting in groups on it. It is distressing to see them up there, and it goes without saying that one slip the wrong way would end their lives. It was brought to the attention of the council, long ago. Keynsham lives matter, and should be the first consideration for the council. Brenda & Keith Poulter

Green Belt’s not the place for supersized power plant Dear Editor Despite having to socially distance, it has been a privilege to meet hundreds of local people on their doorsteps across North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Bath and Bristol over the past 10 days. Thank you for your welcomes and for sharing your hopes and concerns. In Keynsham, where a huge 92,000 tonne anaerobic digester power plant is proposed just south and downwind of the town, there is considerable anxiety. This site is well known to me as the area’s former MP and I’ve always felt the Green Belt isn’t the place for large-scale industrial development. Permission for a 25,000 tonne plant was originally granted in 2014 but after the owners went into administration, it was never completed. Revised plans submitted in 2019 were later withdrawn.

Sudoku 1-Easy

As Environment Minister, I backed the principle of anaerobic digestion and I remain full square behind green jobs - but it is vital no one is bamboozled into accepting this supersized plant by ‘mission creep’ tactics. The current structures on the site are unlawful and B&NES Council have said they need to be demolished. The rules have been broken and in no way should that set a precedent to allow giant buildings in future planning applications. We already know from elsewhere in the county that for anaerobic digesters to be cost effective, they need draw in waste from not just within a region but way beyond. People in and around Keynsham are telling me they don’t want to become a dustbin for the rest of the country’s waste which will create lifechanging heavy traffic and pollution for scores of local communities. The local action group, Protect Our Keynsham Environment or POKE, are doing a great job. They are right to say these plans could change our town and villages forever. I agree we need to stand firm against excess traffic, smell and noise and I’m determined to do exactly that. Dan Norris

SUNDAY CHEMISTS Sunday 11th April

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 7th April 2021

Verges being damaged by parked cars Wind band seeks new recruits The problem of grass verges being damaged by parking was raised at a recent meeting of Hanham Abbots Parish Council. There are concerns about the erosion of grass verges in the Hanham Abbots Conservation Area and also in Ellacombe Road and nearby roads in Longwell Green where parked vehicles have caused large ruts and churned up the grass. It was agreed that a site meeting would be set up between parish councillors and South Gloucestershire Council officers to discuss possible solutions to the problem of the destruction of verges in the conservation area.

Meanwhile a senior South Gloucestershire highways officer has advised that the council would not pave over the areas affected in Longwell Green as this would have an impact on drainage, encourage further parking on the pavements and detract from the overall ‘green-ness’ of the area. As a rule South Gloucestershire Council does not install bollards unless there is a public safety risk. It was noted at the parish council meeting that some residents appear to have installed their own bollards to prevent parking. The parish council agreed to report the matter to South Gloucestershire ward councillors Christine Price and Toby Savage.

Westerly Winds, a community wind band based in Staple Hill, is currently recruiting. In non-COVID times the amateur band can be found playing in venues across Bristol, including SouthBank, Kingsweston House and the Folk House. Rehearsals are normally every Wednesday from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, at the YOU Foundation in Staple Hill but this has had to put this on hold due to the pandemic. Although it was possible to have a few socially distanced rehearsals in October and November, the members had to find other ways to occupy themselves during the latest lockdown. Several members decided to increase their musical knowledge and use the time to meet online to complete the Grade 5 Theory syllabus, resulting in many opting to take the exam in May. With lockdown coming to an end, the band is looking to recruit new members to join when rehearsals can finally be resumed. Westerly Winds is open to anyone over 18 who can play any wind instrument to Grade 4/5 standard and is a friendly, sociable band. Anyone interested can get in touch at westerlywindssh@gmail.com Further information can be found at www.westerlywindsstaplehill.com

Keep in touch, let us know what you think, send us your news There are already signs in Ellacombe Road advising drivers not to park on the verges

Crossword

In some places residents have placed their own bollards to prevent parking

ACROSS

DOWN

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The Week in • Wednesday 7th April 2021

B&NES Council leader steps down Dine Romero announced last Thursday that she was standing down as leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council and of the council’s Lib Dem group. She was council leader since May 2019. Deputy council leader Richard Samuel will carry out the council leader's duties in the interim until a new leader is elected next month.

Dine Romero

The Week in • Wednesday 7th April 2021

Cllr Romero, who has served on the council since 2003, will continue in her role as a ward councillor for Southdown. She said: “It is with great sadness that I announce that I am standing down as council leader. Cllr Kevin Guy, who represents Bathavon North, is now the Liberal Democrat group leader with immediate effect and will be the group’s nomination for leader at the council’s Annual Meeting in May. “I wish to thank everyone who has worked with, and supported me, during the last two years as leader of the council. “I am incredibly proud of what the council has achieved both before and during the pandemic. I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all council officers and council partners who have worked so hard, and in particular everyone who has supported our most vulnerable residents, kept services going through the pandemic and helped mitigate the economic impact for our local businesses.” The B&NES Lib Dem group thanked Cllr Romero for all she has done as leader of the council for the past two years, adding: “During the next month in the run-up to WECA elections, the council will be in purdah, so this is the ideal time for a smooth handover. “Dine has indicated she will accept a role on the cabinet, so we wish her, Kevin, and the team he is putting together all the best in the current challenges Bath and North East Somerset faces.”

Kevin Guy

Mencap partners with local accountancy firm

Concerns over future of key bus route The contract for the No 17 bus, which links Southmead

Gloucestershire Council Cabinet Member for Transport

Hospital and Keynsham, is one of the services financially

Steve Reade last month to stress how important the supported

supported by the West of England Combined Authority

service is.

(WECA) that are coming up for review this summer and

She said: “Our local bus service is already threadbare unless

there is concern that it could be at risk.

you want to travel into Bristol Centre. The 17 service is now

The route, currently operated by First, goes via Longwell

the only service to Southmead and it is imperative that the

Green, Hanham, Kingswood, Staple Hill, Fishponds,

service continues. If the service is cut, residents living in

Eastville and Horfield.

Downend, Staple Hill, Mangotsfield, Longwell Green,

It runs seven days a week, roughly every half an hour

Kingswood, Bitton, New Cheltenham and Oldland Common

Monday to Friday, with a reduced service at the weekend.

will have to travel by car to reach their local hospital directly.

Cllr Katie Cooper who represents the Staple Hill &

“Given our climate change goals, it is unthinkable that the

Mangotsfield ward, says that maintaining it depends on

only real option of travel to a key destination such as a

tender costs remaining the same. She wrote to South

hospital can only be achieved by car (with inevitable parking costs) or an expensive taxi. “Rather than placing essential services like the 17 under threat from the tender process, we should be looking to invest and expand our public transport links so that car-free travel is a real option for all our residents to reach all key destinations.”

Local accountancy firm Perpetual Business and Tax Advisors (PBTA) has recently become corporate sponsor of Keynsham Mencap. PBTA started in one office in Clifton nearly 20 years ago and now has offices in Keynsham and Hanham as well. PBTA wanted to support a local charity on a regular basis and so after discussions with Keynsham Mencap decided to launch the partnership. “We had a good look around their website and Facebook page and we were really impressed with the support this charity delivers and the excellent service it provides to the community,” said Sam Weston, PBTA’s client service manager. “We were also amazed at the great work they have continued to offer during the pandemic.” Keynsham Mencap, one of the largest non-profit organisations in Keynsham, is keen to resume normal clubs and projects as soon as it is safe to do so. Amanda Leonard, fundraiser for Keynsham Mencap, said: “It is really important for independent charities to be supported by local business, this helps to showcase the valuable work they are delivering. We are very grateful to all our supporters and are especially looking forward to working with Perpetual Business and Tax Advisors.”

Former care home to become flats Planning permission has been granted by South Gloucestershire Council to turn a former Hanham care home into flats. The ground floor of The Beeches at 163 High Street will incorporate four flats (two with two bedrooms and two with one bedroom) while on the first floor there will be three flats – two with two bedrooms and another with one bedroom. There will be another two-bedroom flat on the second floor. One of the flats on the ground floor will have a private garden and the others will share an amenity space. Off-street parking will be provided for 10 spaces.

Alert after increase in garage and shed burglaries

A number of sheds and garages were broken into in

If you are considering selling your vehicle, or any

Saltford during the night of Tuesday 30th March although

expensive item, do not assume it is safe to pass over your

nothing was stolen.

address details or photos of your vehicle outside of your

Locations include Homefield Close, High St, Norman

garage, especially if it shows the street name and property

Road and Montague Road.

number. If you do so and the purchaser doesn’t turn up,

Avon & Somerset Police are seeing an increase in

be aware and pay close attention to the item you are

burglaries of garages and sheds where the offenders are

selling and where it is stored.

clearly targeting bicycles.

Police add that if your garage is broken into, your

In some cases, bikes have been listed for sale on social

neighbour could also be targeted.

media platforms, and a potential buyer arranges to view

If you have any information about any incidents contact

the vehicle but doesn’t then turn up. A day or so later the

the police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800

garage or shed is broken into and the bike is stolen.

555 111..

The Week in • Wednesday 7th April 2021

£500k to bring empty high street properties back into use

New public health chief for B&NES Dr Bruce Laurence, Director of Public Health for Bath & North East

Becky Reynolds

A project to breathe new life into vacant shops and

Somerset Council, has retired this

buildings in high streets across Bath and North East

week.

Somerset has been awarded £500,000 from the West of

Directors

England Combined Authority’s Recovery Fund.

responsible for determining the overall

The Vacant Units Action Project will see empty

vision and objectives for public health

properties in Bath used for creative projects and pop-up

in a local area but Dr Laurence has been

businesses, with satellite projects in Keynsham and

in the spotlight more than usual in the

Midsomer Norton to follow across a two-year

last 12 months due to the COVID-19

programme.

pandemic.

The project will be delivered by B&NES Council as part

He joined B&NES Council in 2013

of its High Streets Renewal programme. Further match

when the role was transferred from the

funding and in-kind support will be provided by the

NHS to local councils and has been at

council and Bath BID (Business Improvement District).

the forefront of the council’s response

The project follows on from a successful pilot to

to the pandemic since last March.

celebrate local retail during the lead-up to Christmas

He is replaced by Becky Reynolds who has worked with Dr

improving the long-term health of all our residents.

2020 when the council worked with local artists to

Laurence since he recruited her shortly after taking up his

“I would like to wholeheartedly thank Bruce for his

promote 12 vacant properties in Bath city centre by

position.

exemplary and outstanding leadership of public health in

animating shop windows, encouraging two pop-up shops

Council leader Dine Romero (speaking before she stood

B&NES. He has done an incredible job in working tirelessly

to open.

down from her position last week) said: “It’s great news that

on the COVID response for the benefit of everyone in our

we have appointed Becky to lead on protecting and

communities. I wish him the very best.”

The Week in • Wednesday 7th April 2021

public

health

are

The pavilion on the right is near homes and close to St Stephen’s Church

Junior football club score alcohol licence Bristol Rovers Supporters Junior Football Club have been successful in their latest application for an alcohol licence at the Church Road ground in Soundwell that they lease from South Gloucestershire Council. The council’s licensing sub-committee refused an application last summer, citing public nuisance and parking problems in an already congested area, as well as insufficient security measures for storing alcohol in the pavilion at the ground next to Kingswood Leisure Centre. At the time, the club was applying to sell alcohol for consumption on and off the premises from 6pm to 9pm Monday to Friday and from noon to 10pm at weekends, saying they needed more revenue and that the pandemic had resulted in a substantial loss of income. There were no objections from any of the “responsible authorities” – including the police, environmental health, environmental protection and public health – but 35 local residents objected. The club tried to allay fears by stressing that the licence would operate under 30 conditions, but only one person withdrew their complaint. A new application from the club came before

the licensing sub-committee last Monday, with provision in place to deal with the parking concerns by providing up to 50 offstreet spaces, as well as a long list of conditions and reduced licensing hours of 6pm to 8pm Monday to Thursday; 6pm to 9pm on Friday; noon to 9pm on Saturday; and noon to 6pm on Sunday. There were two objections on the grounds of public nuisance including traffic but again no concerns from responsible authorities. Local councillor Ian Boulton told the meeting that he’d been contacted by neighbours of the site, including St Stephen’s Church: “They are concerned that it will become some sort of speakeasy, a little drinking den in such a residential area.” He said the church in particular was concerned about what sort of message is sent about alcohol in a junior football club, adding. “I can’t think of many other junior clubs, junior gymnastics or anything like that, that would be looking for a drinking licence.” Nick Hammond from Bristol Rovers Supporters JFC told the sub-committee that they have no intention of wanting to compete with the pub up the road or be anything like a pub, and that most junior football clubs he

knows have the sale of alcohol within their premises. He said Bristol Rovers Supporters JFC operate from their main site at Southey Park in Kingswood plus the Soundwell pitches which they took over due to the club’s continued growth. The site was formerly used by Soundwell Victoria Men’s Football Club but had been vacant for a number of years before Bristol Rovers Supporters JFC agreed with the council to maintain the site, apart from the play park. Mr Hammond explained that the Southey Park site has had an alcohol licence for some years and that the (adult) members, who pay a monthly subscription, wish to have “continuity of service” through both sites. He stressed that the sale of alcohol at Southey Park has not increased traffic there. The sub-committee heard that alcohol at the pavilion in Soundwell will only be served to members, or those using the facility. Drinking will be restricted to the pavilion and the hardstanding area around it. Regarding off-site sales, Mr Hammond said there are occasions at Southey Park where members have wanted to take three or four cans of lager back home.

He said: “One of the things that we have identified irrelevant of any alcohol licence is that there would be increased traffic due to the increased usage of the facility for playing football, and to combat that we have got things in place to provide additional on-site safe car parking.” He said parking for around 50 cars is proposed on the hardstanding area at the bottom of the field, near the play area accessed off Gladstone Street. “That can be and will be accessible to vehicles. We need to put additional fencing up around there and make it a secure walkway from the main road to the play area. That will mean relocating some of the existing gates.” He stressed that the club want to work with and engage with the local community and provide a facility for other local events, as well as football. The sub-committee considered that the provision of additional parking would mitigate the concerns raised over on-street parking and to address residents’ concerns about it becoming a pub, they imposed an extra condition that the sale of alcohol is only permitted when there is training or matches taking place.

To Let

Keep in touch, let us know what you think, send us your news www.facebook.com/ theweekin

The Week in • Wednesday 7th April 2021

Soap talk

Hooked on the happenings in Greenborne The pre-publicity warned we might get hooked on Greenborne and two episodes in, it looks like they could be right. The only difference to The Archers however is that you have to wait another week for the next 15-minute instalment on Keynsham radio station ktcr.fm. The first episode ended with the return to Greenborne of Evie Lejeune after a prolonged exile, having been stranded in the United States when the pandemic took hold. The former school headmistress clearly doesn’t seem bothered with discretion when jumping in with both feet will do, and as her daughter Lisa takes her on a tour of the village to see what’s changed while she’s been away, it seems no one is spared from her forthright observations. The café has gone, a victim of lockdown, but the hairdressing salon has now expanded its operation to fill the gap. When it is apparent that salon owner Sandra’s husband is no longer on the scene, Evie enquires whether he had traded her in for a younger woman. “No,” says Sandra, “I did!”

The Week in • Wednesday 7th April 2021

Garage owner Sam Sharma lost his wife to COVID just a few months earlier and while Evie is convinced that daughter Lisa has a new man in her life, she can’t work out who. But that new man is Sam himself and while Evie doesn’t yet know, Sam’s son Jeet discovers the hard way – by witnessing the two of them together. Meanwhile at the Fox and Dragon, Bev and husband Alan fall out over how much the welcoming landlady should be on show to the customers at the recently reopened pub. “My body, my choice,” is her retort to her husband’s challenge to her dress code. While Alan doesn’t like it, the other (male) customers are not complaining. Alan though thinks it a sign of something more sinister and the green-eyed monster begins to descend on the pub. In the next episode Evie has a surprise for former pupil hairdresser Sandra and her new partner Chloe while landlord

Bev Godwin played by Corrinne Wicks

Alan may have left the Metropolitan Police but has not stopped being a policeman. You can tune in on 105.8fm to hear Episode

3 on the Spoken Word show today (2pm) and repeated on Sunday at 3pm. Alternatively, listen on catch up at www.ktcrfm.com

The Community Page

News from Oldland Parish Council

Just One Voice – Neighbourhood Plan The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted on all of us.

Neighbourhood Plan will create a range of policies

We have all experienced living with the unknown

that truly reflect your opinions about future

and compelled change. From making dramatic

development, protecting our environment and

adjustments to our daily business to the extreme

safeguarding the things we care about.

sadness of losing those we love, this has been

The intention of the policies is to better inform the

tough. The pandemic will come to an end and

decision makers at Local Authority level about

hopefully never be repeated. However, life will

what the community wants and the importance of

continue to change ‘the only thing that is constant

any change being of real benefit to the community.

is change’ (Heraclitus, Greek Philosopher). With

For more information on Neighbourhood Plans

an increasing population and the climate

visit:

emergency, change will come in different ways for

planning--2

different reasons. I am sure we would all welcome

As a Local Council, as with any member of the

a change for the better.

community, we are purely a consultee in the Local

To best represent our community, as your Local

Authority planning process. We have no decision-

Council, we need to make sure we ask you the right

making powers so only aim to influence planning

questions. It is important for us to understand the

decisions

broad issues that reflect the diversity of our

Neighbourhood Plan we are hoping to change this

community. Capturing what is important to you,

so that as a collective community we can speak

about what you like about where you live, work,

with just one voice and have a greater influence

learn, or play, how you want to get around, the

over future planning decisions.

environment and nature. What matters to you is

We aim to make an application to undertake a

important to us i.e., issues about transport, housing,

Neighbourhood Plan in early April 2021.

new developments, and your concerns about

If you have a keen interest in any of the issues

climate change.

mentioned and would like to get involved, please

To achieve these aims with your help we hope to

drop me a line on 0789 632 6737 or email:

produce

steve.skidmore@oldland parishcouncil.co.uk

Neighbourhood

Plan.

The

www.gov.uk/guidance/

where

possible.

neighbourhood-

Through

the

Relaunch of the Cycling & Walking Group Over the last six months the original Cycling & Walking Steering

Rd shared path.

Group set up by Oldland Parish Council has generated interest and

2. Ring Road Path

support from other local town & parish councils, including Bitton,

• Funding has been obtained from SGC & Oldland Parish Council

Hanham Abbots, Siston and Keynsham, plus SGC and BANES.

to implement improvements on the Ring Road Path, including

OLDLAND COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH

The project is now operating through ‘cross border’ collaboration

replacing hazardous concrete bollards with pedestrian/cyclist

Are you concerned about speeding vehicles in your area?

and reflecting this broadened involvement & area coverage has

friendly bollards plus enhancing surface markings and safety

Motorists who speed are unaware of the impact their actions

been re-launched as the Bristol East Fringe Cycling & Walking

barrier visibility.

have on local residents or the danger they pose to other law

Group.

3. Railway Path

abiding road users.

The key focus of the project now is to work with local partners to

• There is growing concern about the safety of this increasingly

Oldland Community Speed Watch monitors road users during

use the submitted ideas & concerns to deliver positive tangible

busy pathway with a very wide range of users.

the daylight hours, subject to weather conditions within the

changes to create a safe and inviting active travel network.

The Bristol East Fringe Cycling & Walking Group wishes

Parish of Oldland.

If you believe there are barriers to your ability to walk & cycle

encourage anybody who has views and ideas on this subject to

The patrols are made up of volunteers who have been trained

more often, particularly for short local journeys, we want to

get in touch by calling or emailing Jon Parker (0750 484 1569;

by Avon & Somerset Police and give their time freely.

hear from you so we can make sure we’re targeting the right

jon.parker@oldlandparishcouncil.co.uk), Steve Skidmore

We are looking to strengthen the team. So, if you can spare a

improvements to enable you to walk & cycle rather than use

(0789 632 6737; steve.skidmore@oldlandparishcouncil.co.uk)

couple of hours every two or three weeks, please contact the

the car. Our contact details are given below.

or Victoria Hicks (0117 961 5021; victoria.hicks@.oldland

Parish Clerk, Victoria Hicks who will pass on your details to

Progress to date includes:

parishcouncil.co.uk).

the OCSW co-ordinator.

1. Keynsham Rd Shared Path

You are also welcome to join one of our future group

Contact email: victoria.hicks@oldlandparishcouncil.co.uk

• Additional vegetation clearance has been carried out (beyond

meetings – details available on the Oldland Parish Council

Telephone: 0117 961 5021

normal maintenance) to expose the maximum width of Keynsham

website.

The Week in • Wednesday 7th April 2021

Oldland Parish Council announces the formation of climate action group

Nuisance motorbikes

Oldland Parish Council declared a Climate Emergency

The volunteer Lyde Green Open Space group, which

on 15 December 2020.

aims to protect and improve green spaces in the area for

The purpose is for Oldland Parish Council to set an

the benefit of local residents and wildlife, asks anyone

example to the parish and lead by its actions.

who witnesses this happening again to log it with the

The following points were proposed and agreed:

police

• To facilitate a Climate Action working group.

Asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk

There were reports of motorbikes being ridden across common land at Lyde Green on Sunday 28th March.

South

Gloucestershire

Council

• To pledge to work towards making Oldland Parish carbon neutral by 2030. • To work with South Gloucs Council to assist with the declaration to make South Gloucestershire carbon neutral by 2030. • To act as a voice for the community to lobby for action on climate change, raise the profile and share lessons with higher levels of government. • To continue to work with its surrounding parishes to deliver this new goal through all relevant strategies and

New Lyde Green primary and secondary schools win planning approval

plans. Two multi-million-pound primary and secondary school

The new building is being designed to the low-carbon

buildings have been approved by South Gloucestershire

Passivhaus standards, which will substantially reduce energy

Council to provide new and additional school places

consumption, not only reducing the school’s running costs,

for local children in Lyde Green for entry in September

but will also support the objectives of the council’s Climate

2022.

Emergency declaration made in 2019.

The new primary phase will provide additional school places

The new secondary school will sit side by side with the new

for children aged four to 11 and is being supported by £8.5m

primary building at Honeysuckle Road and will provide a

investment made through this year’s council budget.

total of 900 places for children aged 11 to 16. Following the

The first Lyde Green Primary School, sponsored by Castle

recent announcement of the successful bid for central

Schools Education Trust (CSET), opened in 2015 on the

government funding, the new secondary school is sponsored

Willowherb Road site. The council is working with CSET

by South Gloucestershire and Stroud Academy Trust, as part

and the Regional Schools Commissioner to commission the

as part of the Department for Education’s (DfE) Free Schools

new primary phase and, following a well-received public

programme.

consultation on the plans, detailed designs are being

The council is working with the trust and DfE to plan for the

developed ready for construction to start in summer 2021.

operational opening of the school in September 2022.

Oldland Parish Council The Parish Clerk is Victoria Hicks (28 Brunel Close, Bridgeyate, Bristol BS30 5BB) and can be contacted at all reasonable times: Telephone: 0117 961 5021 Email: victoria.hicks@oldlandparishcouncil.co.uk The Parish Council website is oldlandparishcouncil.co.uk

Next week’s Community Page – Downend and Bromley Heath The Week in • Wednesday 7th April 2021

Almost 700 responses to Staple Hill survey A total of 691 people took part in a survey looking for ideas

for many years and COVID-19 has not helped the

on the future of the High Street area of Staple Hill.

situation. Most of the responses to the survey were local

The survey was organised by South Gloucestershire

to Staple Hill which local councillor Ian Boulton says

Council which is looking at how it can support high streets

should demonstrate that any trends or patterns identified

in the district to help them thrive.

are statistically meaningful.

It says local high streets have faced significant challenges

The data is now being collated and analysed.

E-scooter rental expands

Council backs calls for extended 30mph limit for Siston Lane South Gloucestershire Council has agreed to extend the

speed limit from 40mph to 30mph from near Overscourt

proposed 30mph limit on Siston Lane after the majority

Wood and through the village to Shortwood Road, as well as

of people who responded to a survey called for it to go as

to install four speed tables to make it safer for people walking

far as the Webbs Heath junction.

and cycling. But in light of the responses received, the

Siston residents have been campaigning for years for a

proposed 30mph speed limit will be extended towards the

reduced speed limit and traffic calming measures on Siston

Webbs Heath junction.

Lane.

The proposed scheme also includes reducing the national

Siston Lane is typically used by more than 4,000 vehicles

speed limit on Gibbs Lane in the village to 30mph.

each day. The council says there have been four recorded

There was also support in the questionnaire for the four

injury accidents along the route in the last five years,

proposed speed tables which will be placed before the bends

although residents also witnessed several incidents involving

to ensure that drivers slow down.

damage only collisions and near misses with pedestrians and

On the advice of the council’s street lighting team, the

horse riders.

position of speed table 2 will be moved slightly south of its

South Gloucestershire Council was planning to reduce the

proposed position to ensure that the lighting is adequate.

Situations Vacant

Spotlight on crime and community safety Crime and community safety was considered an important issue for residents in the recent Connecting Kingswood survey with 90% of respondents feeling concerned about anti-social behaviour. Connecting Kingswood’s crime and anti-social behaviour group are listening to these concerns and will continue to do everything they can to make Kingswood residents feel safe. Kingswood’s neighbourhood beat manager said: “We are really proud to serve you and always encourage Kingswood residents to come forwards if they are a victim

Following the successful launch of the West of England e-scooter trial, the area for ‘hop-on hop-off’ riding is expanding to include new areas. They include Emersons Green, Downend, Mangotsfield, Staple Hill, Kingswood, Hanham, Brislington, Hillfields, St George, Knowle and Bishopsworth, as well as Southmead Hospital and the Royal United Hospital in Bath. E-scooters are available to unlock for £0.99 and cost 14p per minute. There are also various discounts available and passes for students, key workers, and those on low incomes. While the lockdown is in place operator Voi Technology is offering free rides to NHS workers, emergency service personnel and the Armed Forces, providing these key workers with a green and socially distanced alternative to commute to and from work. To unlock an e-scooter, riders can download the Voi app, (available for free on iOS and Android). They must be 18 years old or over and have a valid UK driving licence (full or provisional). Safety measures to protect riders against COVID-19 include equipping all handlebars with anti-bacterial copper tape and ensuring the vehicles are regularly disinfected. Users are also encouraged to wear cycle helmets.

of crime or anti-social behaviour. You will be listened to, and that information will be taken into account when we put together our beat team patrol plans. “Our focus is always to look at long-term problem-solving. We have seen a real community spirit in terms of people giving their time and effort to focus on helping the vulnerable during this pandemic." To find out more from the Connecting Kingswood survey look for Connecting Kingswood on Facebook or email connecting.kingswood@gmail.com

The Week in • Wednesday 7th April 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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Rubbish Clearance

£21.00 + VAT per insert Discounts are available for multiple bookings starting at 2 weeks

Cheap and fast Adverts cost £4.20 per

Telephone Engineers

centimetre (min 5cm) The more weeks you book the cheaper each insertion becomes

Call 0117 9373009

1 week - £21 2 weeks - £18.90 4 wk - £17.85 6 wk - £16.80 8 wk - £15.75

at anytime to book

52 wk - £12.60

Adverts cost £4.20 per centimetre (min 5cm) The more weeks you book the cheaper each insertion becomes

1 week - £21 2 weeks - £18.90

THE WEEK IN adverts call 0117 986 0381

4 wk - £17.85 6 wk - £16.80 8 wk - £15.75

12 wk - £14.70 26 wk - £13.65

We load and clear any household, garden, garage and shed clearance Free estimates Fully licensed 85% recycled

12 wk - £14.70

Tree Services Painting & Decorating

26 wk - £13.65 52 wk - £12.60

All prices per week exc VAT

You don't have to book successive weeks. You can choose fortnightly, monthly or specific insertion dates as long as the total number of insertions booked corresponds to the discount rate.

Similar percentage discounts apply equally to larger sized adverts.

Call us now on

0117 986 0381 The Week in • Wednesday 7th April 2021

Wigs

An advert like this costs

THE WEEK IN adverts call 0117 986 0381

Similar percentage discounts apply equally to larger sized adverts.

£21.00 + VAT per insert Discounts are available for multiple bookings starting at 2 weeks

DEADLINE FOR PLACING DIRECTORY ADVERTS IS FRIDAY 4.30PM

Call us now on

0117 986 0381 23

The Week in • Wednesday 7th April 2021