The Week In - Issue 681 - 2nd June 2021

THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset

2nd June 2021

Issue 681

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Mixed-use plan for nurseries site includes 40 homes and GP surgery Plans to redevelop the Chief Trading Post site in Oldland Common have been revealed, with around 40 homes, a GP surgery and learning disability residential centre proposed. The public are being consulted about the proposals for the Barry Road site which also include new retail and café facilities for the Chief Trading Post and small employment start-up business units. There would be new public open space and enhanced landscaping to support wildlife and increased biodiversity, as well as road safety improvements. The new GP surgery with enhanced facilities would for

Also in this week’s issue

the Hanham Health branch surgery currently in the High Street in Oldland. The housing would include affordable homes and bungalows. The scheme has been drawn up by Deeley Freed Estates who say it will replace what is currently an “eyesore”. The former nurseries site contains buildings of varying sizes and condition, including derelict greenhouses, and outside storage of building materials and machinery. The vision is to create a new, sensitively designed sustainable development in an attractive landscaped setting. Prior to a planning application going to South Gloucestershire Council this summer, a public consultation opened last Friday and will run until 18th June. Vehicles would use the existing entrance off the A4175 Barry Road. Two new pedestrian crossings are proposed to the north and south of the entrance. The crossing to the south would be light controlled and provide convenient access to the southbound bus stop. New footpaths would be created either side of the existing entrance. Continued on page 2

Concern over phone masts in Cadbury Heath & Keynsham . . . pages 3 & 4

Popular Kingswood traders retire . . . page 5

Will planned Ring Road changes actually work? . . . pages 6 & 7

Hanham traders tackle growing graffiti problem . . . page 9

Could proposals set a Mixed-use plan for nurseries site precedent for adjoining fields? includes 40 homes and GP surgery Continued from page 1 The developers say that enough parking will be provided on site to avoid overspill parking on local streets. Electric vehicle charging sockets are proposed for users of public facilities and for residents; nearby bus stops are within easy walking distance with First’s 19 and 42 services providing connections to Kingswood, Longwell Green, Keynsham, Bath and Bristol city centres and Cribbs Causeway. The southbound bus stop would be relocated closer to the pedestrian crossing and the development, further away from the crest of the hill. To view the proposals, visit http://bit.ly/chieftrading where there is an online survey. All comments received will be analysed and shared in a report of community involvement which will be submitted as part of the planning application later this summer. Consultation material is also on display at Chief Trading Post or you can get a paper copy by calling 0117 9772002.

2

How the proposals for the Chief Trading Post site now progress will be watched with interest as the site borders Green Belt land over which prospective developers have been hovering for years. The masterplan drawn up by Deeley Freed Estates for the Chief Trading Post site says it is on the edge of the builtup area, is largely developed and has clearly defined boundaries that set it apart from surrounding countryside in the Green Belt. It adds that the new development should not harm the “openness” of the Green Belt. But comments posted on our Facebook page and other social media after the consultation opened last Thursday include some concerns about the implications for nearby green fields if the scheme wins approval from South Gloucestershire Council. Comments included: “This could be the start of even more development on the Green Belt” and: “Get ready for all the other land around there to get built, it’s just the start.” Land to the rear of Park Farm at Barry Road, next to Chief Trading Post, was earmarked for development as part of the last Labour Government’s South West Regional Spatial Strategy to build thousands of new homes on Green Belt. That strategy was abolished in 2010 by the Coalition Government but developers are still keen to

Green Belt land at Barry Road

build on the land to the rear of Park Farm. It was again put forward as a potential site for 475 homes and local retail and employment facilities when the council made its most recent ‘Call for Sites’ last year (as was the Chief Trading Post site). Under national planning rules, sites can be proposed by anyone, including the landowner or a prospective developer. But submission of land to the Call for Sites process and its display on the council’s online map does not automatically mean it will be taken forward as part of the council’s updated Local Plan, nor does it mean planning permission will be granted. The South Gloucestershire online Call for Sites map also indicates developers’ desires for 150 homes off Redfield Hill plus a further 34 on land at Ryedown Lane. You can view the map at https://tinyurl.com/52xuykfy

The Week in • Wednesday 2nd June 2021

Community leaders attack bid for second phone mast Community leaders in Cadbury Heath have hit out at plans to put an 18-metre 5G phone mast very close to an existing transmitter. Workers were carrying out what is understood to have been exploratory work in School Road last Wednesday. The chosen site is on the corner with Newton

Road where there is already a 15-mast mast next to the bus stop. The application seeking prior approval for the siting and design of the 5G mast has been lodged with South Gloucestershire Council by WHP Telecoms Ltd on behalf of CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd. Janice Suffolk, who runs Juice Community

Ambulance service declares critical incident South Western Ambulance Service saw a

16th May.

dramatic rise in the number of call-outs

And activity on Saturday (29th May] was

and declared a critical incident over the

at nearly 3,200 incidents, the highest level

bank holiday weekend.

in 2021. The trust normally deals with

SWASFT has dealt with almost 300

around 2,650 emergency incidents a day.

additional emergency incidents a day

On Sunday a South Western Ambulance

since the Government eased lockdown

Service

restrictions to allow the reopening of

spokesperson said: “We have declared a

outdoor hospitality and retail on 12th

critical incident due to extreme pressures

April and indoor hospitality on 17th May.

on our service. As a result, some patients

On Sunday the service said it responded

may wait longer for an ambulance while

to an average of 2,913 incidents a day the

others could be advised to access

previous week, compared with 2,816

alternative services if their call is not life-

incidents a day between 12th April and

threatening.”

The Week in • Wednesday 2nd June 2021

NHS

Foundation

Trust

Project based in Newton Road, said: “We are a small community in Cadbury Heath who already have one telecoms mast. “We feel that an additional mast would have an impact on the area of making it look overdeveloped and reduce the pavement area outside of the shops. We feel that the telecoms company have not even looked at the area and consulted with those who live and work in the area. This can be based on the fact that the development is actually on School Road, not Newton Road (as the application states). “As the new mast and boxes are outside of the new fast food shop it will encourage the young people to climb on them and sit there and potentially this will cause issues of people not wanting to walk past or use the new shop.” Local councillor Sam Bromiley said: "There is already a significant phone mast adjacent to the proposed site and the need for this additional mast has not been demonstrated. “The proposed additional mast is not synthetically appealing, is considerably

larger than existing structures and is adjacent to flats who will be overlooked. “Because of the existence already of a mast adjacent to the proposed site I would ask that the council use the Article 4 powers to ensure the mast is moved to a more appropriate site.” The planning reference is P21/03754/PN1. See also page 4

3

‘B&NES Council failed in its duty to tell residents about 5G mast’ Keynsham Town Council has blasted B&NES Council for “failing in its duty” to consult the Broadlands Academy community and nearby residents about the proposed 5G mast on the campus. In a strongly-worded letter there is also a warning about the possible impact on the St Francis Road school if parents decide to remove their children over concerns. A local resident addressed last Monday’s meeting of the town council’s planning and development committee. She said: “We

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%.

The Week In Community Ltd, 8 Temple Court, Keynsham. BS31 1HA 0117 986 0381 www.theweekin.co.uk ISSN: 2052-9767 Publisher 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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are in the radiation zone and weren’t informed by B&NES at all, we were only made aware by a 5G protest group handing out leaflets. I then contacted B&NES planning department and made them aware that they had on their website that residents had been consulted but this was an absolute false declaration because none of us had, and when I called them, they very coyly said there were no residents in situ, even though there are over 300 people directly under it every day and then us around it. “They then sent us out letters and gave us an extra three weeks but it didn’t come out until 10 days after the date of sending.” She said the letter did not actually mention 5G. In response to current legislation not permitting virtual meetings, emergency powers have been delegated to the deputy town clerk to issue responses on behalf of the committee after considering comments from members and the public. The

objection letter to B&NES calls the proposed Vodafone mast “wholly inappropriate”. “The proposal constitutes an incongruous and overbearing structure that will have an unacceptable impact on the visual amenity of the school community and neighbouring properties. “In respect of health implications from microwave radiation emissions, this matter needs to be fully investigated by B&NES Council as the landlord of the school land. A suggestion is made that there should be a consultation with the new director of public health to ascertain the impact that this proposal could have not only on those within the school community (and) the wider neighbourhood, but the town as a whole.” The letter adds: “It is believed that the local authority (B&NES) has failed in its duty to consult with all concerned on such an important development proposal. The school itself, parents/carers of pupils

within the school and all neighbouring properties were not consulted initially and it took requests made to the planning department by local residents before a consultation letter was sent out to the wider community.” It highlights that the council’s letter didn’t mention 5G and arrived 10 days into the extended consultation period. “Finally the full impact of this application needs to be considered very carefully… there is already talk within the community of parents/carers removing children from school should the application be granted. Concerns are then that the town will lose a much-needed secondary school with a Good Ofsted rating and a very good nursery.” • Broadlands Bears Nursery officially closed this week. In Issue 678 Academies Enterprise Trust which runs the school told us that the nursery had been making a financial loss.

Academy’s legal team looking at application Broadlands Academy has been run by the Academies Enterprise Trust (AET) since 2012. In a recent letter to parents about the upgrading of the 4G mast to a 5G one, Nathan Thomas, AET’s Secondary Executive Director, says the mast predates AET’s involvement with Broadlands and brings in a very small amount of annual rent. “It is important to note that the academy and AET have no vested interest in the mast but removing the mast from this location is legally incredibly challenging.” He said legislation makes it “virtually impossible” to remove masts or contest their upgrades, adding: “The new rent we receive will be even less than currently. We do have

a specialist telecoms consultancy and our legal team are looking at this to ensure that any changes comply with all of the regulations… We are committed to address the items that are within our power, and that is to employ expert technical advisers so that the agreements take into account the safeguarding of our students and staff.” The letter adds that AET had been “alarmed” at some of the communications and tactics a small group of protesters had been using, “including using our logo to suggest we are somehow involved with the process and attempting to come onto the school site without permission to engage with students”. The Week in • Wednesday 2nd June 2021

Retiring Kingswood traders are honoured by the community The contribution that a retiring couple have made to the

The farewell to the popular

Kingswood community was recognised with a surprise

couple

event.

employee Kelly Stone and local

Pete and Jan Long ran World of Cards & News in Regent

councillor Andrea Reid.

Street for 38 years, 22 of those from the premises next to

It was held last Wednesday

Chasers. Prior to that they were in a shop further along the

morning

street near the old Store 21 premises.

presented Jan with a bouquet of

was

organised

when

Cllr

by

Reid

flowers and a card. She thanked the couple for all the cards they have provided to the community over the years. Local councillors April Begley and

Kim

Scudamore

also

attended the farewell event as did Nick Worlock from Kingswood Business

Association

who

presented Pete with a plant.

Jan & Pete Long

The Week in • Wednesday 2nd June 2021

Other local traders also popped in to give the couple their

day for work!

best wishes as did several of their regular customers.

The shop’s last day of trading was Saturday.

Pete and Jan, who live in Warmley, said they were very

Planning permission was granted last year to change the

touched by the surprise tribute. They said they would miss

shop into a mixed use of a coffee lounge and children’s play

their customers but would not miss getting up at 3am every

space.

5

Is the council going down the right road? Stephen Rodgers reviews South Gloucestershire Council’s plans for the Avon Ring Road South Gloucestershire Council appears to have set the cat among the pigeons with the announcement last week of plans for five junctions along the A4174 Avon Ring Road. Public consultation has just launched as the council works towards the full business case it plans to present to the Department of Transport for the estimated £30m cost. But already, reaction is suggesting that the grand project may not actually achieve its aim of reducing congestion and improving air quality. The roundabouts in question start with Kingsfield (by Aspects Leisure Centre/Gallagher Retail Park) and then heading northwards via Deanery Road (A420/Warmley), Siston

Hill

(Sort

It

Centre/Shortwood),

Rosary

(Sainsbury’s/Emersons Green) and Lyde Green (Westerleigh Road/Science Park). Details of each scheme are shown opposite but three of the five schemes involve ‘throughabouts’ – signal-controlled junctions which favour through traffic – similar to the one currently under

road. So why don’t the council’s current plans take any

could be looking at disruption for a further three years after

construction at Wraxall Road in Warmley.

account of the future bus infrastructure needs?

that.

One of the paradoxes thrown up is that a major road building

It may also seem counter-intuitive to promote signals as a

project is being brought forward as part of the council’s

means of reducing congestion. There are no doubt many

Peak-hour congestion

response to the climate emergency it declared in 2019. The

motorists who would initially conclude the opposite and

At the very beginning of the consultation documents

plan also takes its lead from the West of England Joint Local

certainly, if the council is concerned about current levels of

launched last week, the council used two very significant

Transport Scheme (JTLP4) which includes a package of

air pollution along A4174, idling vehicles at traffic lights

words – “peak hour”. We should not forget that problems that

improvements to ring road junctions among its ambitions.

won’t help.

do occur on the ring road are during these times only. For

The A4174 is also identified as part of the Government’s

Then there are the throughabouts. The decision for a signal-

large parts of the rest of the day, cars sit idly at traffic lights

Major Road Network and as such would qualify for funding.

controlled through road to resolve the situation at the Wraxall

when there is no traffic coming in other directions. Is £30m,

But one of the criticisms of the JTLP4, which was adopted

Road Roundabout was not universally accepted as

even if none of it came from the council taxpayers, really a

last year and covers the next 16 years, was the high content

appropriate and we will have to wait a few more weeks

responsible response? And could £30m not be better spent

of road schemes. The very same JTLP4 makes clear that to

before we see whether or not the £6.9m has been wisely

in schemes to reduce rush-hour traffic in the first place?

achieve carbon-neutral transport by 2030 “requires a

spent. We may end up with four throughabouts in a row from

Mind you, after three years of the sort of disruption caused

substantial modal shift away from cars to public transport,

Longwell Green to Mangotsfield. South Gloucestershire

while building the Wraxall Road junction, together with the

cycling and walking. It is likely that a significant daily road

Council lists two other locations where more than one

prospect of more with Junction 18a, it may be enough to

pricing charge with revenue reinvested in alternatives, and

throughabout is used and one is the South Oxford Link Road.

make people give up driving and catch the bus!

the return of the fuel tax escalator alongside further engine

Anyone familiar with that area will know that these junctions

efficiency improvements will be needed to decarbonise

are no panacea. Car traffic increased by 5% between 2012

transport.”

and 2019.

The phrase “improvements to junctions on the A4174”

Trees and vegetation which will be torn up to make way for

appears among the projects outlined in JTLP4 in respect of

the extra capacity roundabouts are seen as collateral damage

the new M4 Junction 18a – in particular the Wick Wick,

to an extent. There are vague undertakings to compensate for

Bromley Heath and Hambrook junctions which aren’t part

this with new planting elsewhere. And perhaps more

of this scheme. There are also plans in JTLP4 to improve the

concerning about these proposals is nobody knows whether

Hicks Gate junction with the A4, and the ongoing Wraxall

they will work. Traffic modelling may have been carried out

Road project is also listed.

on the junction approaches but, as the council admits, new housing planned for the area will lead to more traffic. One

No buses?

of the most common criticisms of new road building is that

But there is one word in JTLP4 which appears very rarely in

it seldom reduces congestion but encourages more traffic.

the documents published by South Gloucestershire Council

No information is available as to any reduction in carbon

as part of this consultation – bus. This is curious when you

emissions. All we are told for now is that when the full

consider that alongside almost every mention of the ring road

business case for funding is completed, it will include an

in the regional plan is a reference to the “orbital bus route”.

“appropriate assessment of CO2 and particulate emissions”.

The Eastern Fringe is one of the key transport corridors

What is sure though is that things will get a lot worse before

identified in JTLP4 to be served ultimately by an expansion

this plan is able to demonstrate any improvement in

of the metrobus network. As we have already seen at

congestion. Given that the Wraxall Road junction upgrade is

Bromley Heath and Emersons Green, there are infrastructure

nearing the end of its 13-month timescale and that the five-

requirements for a metrobus service to operate along the ring

roundabout project if approved, would start in 2022, we

6

How to respond The consultation is open until Monday 16th August and you can respond online at southglos.researchfeedback.net/A4174Improvements Paper copies of the response form are available at Kingswood One Stop Shop (High Street, Kingswood, Bristol, BS15 9TR). You can also request a printed or alternative format copy of the consultation materials by emailing transportservices@southglos.gov.uk or calling 01454 868 000. The project team will be on hand to answer any questions via the live chat function in the Virtual Event Space on the following dates: Wednesday 23rd June between 8.30am and 7pm Thursday 1st July between 8.30 am and 7pm For people who would prefer face-to-face events, there will be one on Wednesday 30th June from 5pm to 8pm at Warmley Community Centre, and another at Emersons Green Village Hall on Saturday 10th July between 1pm and 5.30pm. The Week in • Wednesday 2nd June 2021

See what’s planned for each of the five junctions Lyde Green Roundabout

Siston Hill Roundabout

The Westerleigh Road approach from the Bristol and Bath Science Park will be widened to provide three lanes. They will start around 150 metres back from the junction. The A4174 southbound approach from the north will be widened into the central reservation. The road space around the junction will be increased to provide at least three lanes at all points, except for a four-lane section adjacent to the Westerleigh Lane bus link.

The works here involve converting the existing junction to a signal-controlled throughabout (a roundabout with lanes running through the middle of it). In addition, the capacity of side roads will be improved. Three lanes will be provided for the A4174 through the junction in each direction, with two lanes provided on the A4174 approaches for traffic turning off the ring road accessing the side roads to travel east or west. The existing pedestrian crossing and the access steps to the north of the junction will be removed for safety reasons. Other existing, more appropriate alternative routes are already available for non-road users using the bridges to the north and south.

Modifications on Baden Road (to the ‘No through road’ turning point) are likely to be required to accommodate the new road layout on the south-western side of the junction.

Kingsfield Roundabout

The Westerleigh Lane bus link will have a sensor to see buses as they approach and assist them in joining the roundabout. The pedestrian and cycle crossing will stay in the same location but will be improved.

The Rosary Roundabout The junction will be converted to a fully signal-controlled roundabout and to widen each approach of the A4174 to provide four entry lanes onto the roundabout. This will improve junction capacity.

The vehicle layby on the southern side of the junction (travelling north) will, in part, become the widened carriageway. The remaining area of layby cannot be retained or relocated in the immediate locality for safety reasons. The vehicle layby on the southern side of the junction (travelling north), will become part of the widened carriageway to allow the new road layout to operate safely. The revised layout will link in with the proposed changes being made to the Carsons Link Road traffic signals to improve traffic access to the Mangotsfield Sort It centre.

The proposal is to expand the signal-controlled roundabout to include a throughabout whilst keeping the Leisure Road route as a ‘Give way’ entry. There will be three lanes in each direction through the junction. The A4174 approaches will be widened to provide three full ahead lanes, with a dedicated lane for those leaving the Ring Road. A left-turn bypass link will be provided for vehicles travelling north to south on the ring road into Marsham Way. This will allow traffic on the A4174 to join Marsham Way on a ‘Give way’ basis. Similarly, a left-turn bypass lane will be provided between Marsham Way and the southbound A4174 exit from the junction. This will allow traffic from Marsham Way to join the southbound ring road on a’ Give way’ basis.

Deanery Road Roundabout

The existing pedestrian and cycle ‘toucan’ crossing points will be retained and modified to reflect the widening of the road. New additional links between the existing cycle and pedestrian networks will be provided to the existing metrobus stop on Emerson Way. The Week in • Wednesday 2nd June 2021

The existing roundabout will be converted to a signalcontrolled throughabout. The north and southbound A4174 approaches will be widened to provide three ahead lanes with an additional lane for those accessing the A420. Signalcontrolled traffic lights will be added to the westbound approach from Warmley. The existing pedestrian and cycle 'toucan' crossings will be retained on the western route, along with the pedestrian and cycle underpasses beneath the north and south routes. There will be a new retaining wall on the north-east approach (travelling from the north), with the existing cycle route being retained and modified where required.

The zebra crossing on Leisure Road will be upgraded to a parallel crossing to accommodate cyclists. Parallel crossings are used in conjunction with segregated cycle and footpaths to allow cyclists and pedestrians to cross the road via a zebra crossing without the need for traffic signals. The pedestrian and cycle ‘toucan’ crossing on Marsham Way between Asda on the north side and the Gallagher Retail Park to the south will be fully refurbished and brought up to current standards 7

New planning application for houses in old pub garden Developers are trying again to build four three-storey semi-detached houses behind the former Old Flowerpot Inn on Kingswood High Street. The original application for the three-bedroom houses with access from neighbouring Station Court was refused last August. South Gloucestershire Council, which received 25 letters of objection, ruled that the number of houses proposed for the small site would result in a cramped development. The amount and quality of outside space for the houses was described as “sub-standard” and the officers said that homes nearby would be affected by overlooking and loss of privacy. The plans were also rejected because of road safety and on-

street parking concerns due to the lack of parking spaces. The resubmitted application shows the two buildings have been moved further apart. The houses have been set back from the boundary with the road to match the setback of the existing houses on Station Court. The overall height of the buildings has been reduced by dropping the ground floor level, reducing the floor-to-floor heights and lowering the roof pitch. The proposed houses would face and be accessed from Station Court with rear gardens meeting the 50m2 minimum standard. Two plots would each have two car spaces while the other

two would have a space each. A dedicated visitor parking space is proposed. The application adds: “Additional onstreet parking will be possible as currently enjoyed along Station Court in front of the houses.” But comments so far show that local residents remain unhappy. One said: “This would totally ruin our neighbourhood and totally exaggerate the already terrible parking problems this quiet close has to contend with… Privacy would be completely taken away as well as a good amount of light to the houses in the surrounding area. How are we supposed to deal with even more parking issues when many people park illegally already, blocking exits and causing hazardous exits and entries to the close?” Another said: “The fact that Station Court is already overcrowded on a daily basis with cars, vans, car transporters from Dan Harford opposite means there will be even more of an issue with parking, which is a hideous nightmare as it is.” The planning reference is P21/03347/F. • The positioning of the proposed four houses allows some space for a garden for a children’s nursery which will open in the converted pub. In Issue 670 we reported that plans to turn the pub into a 125-space children’s nursery had been approved. There were 23 letters of objection to Flowerpot Properties Ltd’s plans including the impact on traffic and parking and the loss of another local to developers, particularly as The Old Flowerpot is said to be a “very rare” two-bar establishment. But the council said the scheme would bring back into use a building that has been left empty for some time. The plans were approved subject to the developer paying £10,000 to secure a waiting restriction to manage the additional traffic that would be generated.

Cannabis factory raided Neighbourhood police have shut down a cannabis factory in Pucklechurch. An Avon & Somerset Police spokesperson said: “On the evening of Tuesday 18th May, evidence of cannabis cultivation was found by police during a search of a residential address in Pucklechurch. “A man in his 40s has attended a voluntary police interview in connection with the incident. Enquiries are ongoing.”

8

The Week in • Wednesday 2nd June 2021

Action to tackle growing graffiti problems Hanham Business & Community Partnership is taking action to help tackle the growing problem of graffiti in the area. Partnership chair Bernard Jackson, who is also a parish councillor, has been cleaning graffiti from walls, including the side of High Street hair salon Joseph Hannah. South Gloucestershire Council aims to remove graffiti from council-owned property within three working days with priority given to offensive and hate-related graffiti. Cllr Jackson said the council can also remove graffiti from private property but charges £80 an hour for this service. The matter was discussed at the last Hanham Parish Council meeting when it was agreed

to help fund the partnership’s efforts to get rid of the graffiti on private properties. Cllr John Ball said: “All graffiti offends me whether I can read it or not. I find it lowers the tone in the area, it impacts on having visitors to the High Street and I find it offensive that somebody thinks it’s OK to paint on the walls like that.” He added that those responsible are getting more “blatant”. The parish meeting heard that although South Gloucestershire Council has CCTV in the High Street, it is hard to identify those responsible as they wear masks and police would need a specific time slot to review any footage. Cllr Jackson said that the local police have

advised to keep painting over the graffiti as those responsible will hopefully get fed up. One of the buildings targeted is the Indian takeaway Curry Night and another is the old NatWest Bank which is due to demolished to make way for an expansion of the neighbouring Lidl store. • Meanwhile the councillors who represent

Staple Hill and Mangotsfield say that the problem of graffiti and flyposting in Mangotsfield is not as evident of that in Staple Hill but it is still an eyesore. In a message to their communities, Cllrs Michael Bell, Ian Boulton and Katie Cooper urge residents to report any information about the culprits to the police.

Get Wombling In conjunction with Keep Britain Tidy’s Great British Spring Clean, Keynsham Wombles will be having a socially distanced litter pick this Sunday (6th June) between 10am and noon. To find out more email Erica at womble@ transitionkeynsham.org Meanwhile there is a new club for four

to 16-year-olds who want to make Keynsham a litter-free town. The Keynsham Mini Wombles club starts on Sunday and will be held on the first Sunday of every month from 10am to 11am at Keynsham Park. To find out more email miniwombles@ noplaceforlitter.org

Appeal for information after serious crash Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision involving a pedestrian and a bus in Fishponds. Officers were called by the ambulance service to attend the collision on Fishponds Road at 4.30pm last Wednesday (26th May). A woman in her 30s was taken to hospital with a potentially life-changing head injury.

The Week in • Wednesday 2nd June 2021

Fishponds Road was closed between Hockey’s Lane and Station Road while specialist officers examined the scene. The bus was recovered and the road reopened by 10.40pm. If you saw the collision or have any footage which could help the investigation call the police on 101, quoting reference 5221116081.

9

LETTERS ‘Scandalous’ delay of community hospital

February 2021: One of our members had a

How do these youths get hold of crossbows and

on any of the side roads suggesting you are leaving

telephone conference with the Rt Hon Jack Lopresti

airguns? They should be banned. I am alarmed at

a 20mph zone. In fact, on Google maps, there are

MP (Filton & Bradley Stoke) and he reassured her

the increasing cases of animal cruelty in this

clear signs a 30mph limit applies from near the

Dear Editor

that a community hospital would be built at

country. Are we not supposed to be a nation of

junction with Forest Road with 20mph signs on the

South

Frenchay. When questioned as to why the project

animal lovers?

reverse.

Gloucestershire Council, with the backing of the Rt

was not on the published listing of new hospitals

I feel so sorry for the owners of these poor cats.

G W Cole

Hon Luke Hall MP (Thornbury & Yate), has

that were to be built under new Government

Many serial killers started out abusing animals.

purchased Thornbury Hospital and has secured

funding, he replied “it was because Frenchay

Lesley Chesters

funding for this project. This poses the question

Community Hospital is already in the system to be

Kingswood

‘Where does this leave Frenchay Community

built”.

Hospital?’

March 2021: Member Barbara Harris, in a Zoom

With this in mind, it has been necessary to continue

call to South Gloucestershire Council’s Cabinet

It

has

been

well

publicised

that

our involvement with this despite having said

meeting, made the following statement: “We expect

previously that we would no longer participate. We

South Glos Council to honour its assurances to the

feel this is a public scandal that after 16 years,

residents it serves and ensure that the community

Frenchay Community Hospital has not been built.

hospital will be built on the designated site at

Here is the timeline of events:

Frenchay and asked the question “What is the date

2005: Under the then Labour Government,

of the opening of Frenchay Community Hospital?”

approval was given for a new acute hospital to be

May 2021: In a written response from the South

built at Southmead (despite much opposition)

Glos Cabinet we received the following assurance:

together with a community hospital to be sited on

“This Council recognises the importance of the

the Frenchay site, the land having been reserved for

proposed healthcare facilities and is pleased to

this purpose.

reassure that working with health partners it is

2008-2010: Plans were completed for Frenchay

committed to these being delivered on the Frenchay

Community Hospital.

site.” However, Rebecca Toms, Head of property

2010: The incoming Conservative Government

&

scrapped the approved Frenchay plans.

Business

Support

Services

at

South

Gloucestershire Council, responded to a letter from

2012: Plans again re-started for Frenchay

Jack Lopresti MP stating “…should the current

Community Hospital.

proposals for delivery not progress, the Council

2014: A new acute hospital at Southmead opened

would consider other routes to support the

with a consequent overall loss of approximately

development of the required provision.”

400 acute beds in South Glos, despite increasing

Questions to be asked:

population levels from new housing developments

1. Why should the current proposals not progress,

at Frenchay, Lyde Green, Frampton Cotterell and

given the assurance by Jack Lopresti MP that

Coalpit Heath.

Frenchay Community Hospital was already in the

2020: A letter from Julia Ross, CEO of Bristol,

system to be built?

North Somerset & South Gloucestershire Clinical

2. What is the date for the opening of Frenchay

Commissioning Group (BNSSG), dated 18th

Community Hospital?

December and headed Frenchay Community

This project is 16 years overdue, which is a

Focus on nature Dear Editor I was really interested in Julia Scott’s letter about bats, it certainly got me thinking but I wasn’t sure how to respond (many thanks to both Jim Mullholland & Andrew Harrison’s for their excellent replies). What interested me most of all was the surprise I felt when reading Julia’s question, I’ve taken it for granted that more animals being alive, whether you personally like them or not is such a good thing, for so many years that it’s a surprise to find it’s a view not automatically shared by all and sundry. As humans, with our current technological prowess we really should be moving from exploiters of nature to custodians, unfortunately this isn’t yet the case and far too many species need all the help we can manage to give. The one big hope of a Brexit dividend is the opportunity to rewrite agricultural policy to support nature for a change (other opinions may be available). So if you’re unsure about wildlife and its point I can only suggest you sit in front of the BBC’s excellent Springwatch, get out into nature, give your lawnmower a rest (who needs an almost lifeless green desert?), plant some nectar-rich plants, stick up a bird feeder or two and watch the show - it’s lovely! And thank you again Julia, you really made me

Time to crack down on these law-breakers Dear Editor In recent months the streets of Keynsham have been plagued by illegal use of e-scooters by several culprits. One insists on riding on the pavement often with a passenger, neither wearing safety helmets. There have been several witnessed near misses already. The worst offender who wears black from head to toe is riding on the 20mph limit roads at speeds of in excess of 30mph and approaching 40mph. He has even been seen overtaking a moped! A number of elderly residents are in fear of being mowed down whilst attempting to cross the roads and pavements. It is currently an offence to ride privately owned e-scooters on any road or pavement. On a similar subject why are boy racers some old enough to know better being allowed to race around the 20mph town centre zone unchecked in broad daylight? On a daily basis Temple Street heading towards Albert Road is being used like a starting grid at some grand prix with drivers accelerating to speeds of 50-70mph before their circuit continues around Keynsham. This includes cars making their idiotic pop-pop noises and motorbikes revving as much as possible. There was an incident a couple of years ago where an accelerating car overtook another car on Temple Street at crazy speed and still in the wrong lane

Hospital, offered the following assurance: “As per

scandalous delay costing the NHS a great deal of

our previous correspondence, I can reassure you

money, and whilst the Thornbury project continues

that we remain firmly committed to the

apace, the Frenchay project languishes. This is just

development of health and social care facilities.”

not acceptable, and we ask how much longer will

2020: South Gloucestershire Council, now headed

this expensive scandalous delay go on?

20mph concern

traps or even better a fixed camera on this stretch

by Cllr Toby Savage, took over the lead for the

Save Frenchay Community Hospital Group

think. Simon Buck

forced a mother and child who were crossing to run for safety. Do we have to wait for a fatality before anything is done? Why are the police not setting up mobile speed

Dear Editor

of road? They would have a revenue bonanza if

Frenchay project from BNSSG. It came to light that

I am very concerned if Bernard Jackson (Issue 680,

they did and the elderly/all residents would be safer

as North Bristol NHS Trust owns the Frenchay

page 6) is correct in suggesting Lower Hanham

on our roads and pavements.

Road and Chapel Road are subject to a 20mph

Name & address supplied

reserved site for the community hospital, it expects

Fury at cat cruelty

a market price to be paid for the land. As taxpayers,

Dear Editor

we own the NHS so why should we pay for the

I was furious after reading ‘Reports of cat cruelty’

NHS land we already own?

(Issue 678).

10

limit. I travel this road regularly and have seen no signs

The Week in • Wednesday 2nd June 2021

Keynsham transport firm consolidating to one site Keynsham transport firm IJ McGill is planning to consolidate its activities in the town to one site, removing the need for local journeys. It has lodged a planning application with Bath & North East Somerset Council for a new distribution warehouse at its headquarters at Avon Mill. The transport firm bought the site in 2017 to allow it to expand and keep jobs in the town. It had been used by DS Smith as a paper recycling depot for many years. The plans for the new warehouse were outlined to Keynsham Town Council’s planning and development committee last week Paul Campbell, speaking on behalf of IJ McGill, said: “The warehouse is the next phase in development of the site for IJ McGill Transport Ltd. It will allow the consolidation of McGill Transport businesses in Keynsham to this one site. “This means that the current units in Ashmead Lane and also Unity Road will no longer be used by IJ McGill. “One of the advantages in this consolidation is that the local transport movements across town will then be removed because what happens at the moment, those two satellites places are used for warehousing and then the goods are moved to Avon Mill for onward distribution.” He said that there had been some major improvement works at the site from when it was a waste recycling depot. Most of the existing buildings have now been reclad, the offices have been totally refurbished and replacement hardstanding

Beat surgeries in Asda

has been laid. Mr Campbell noted that the planning and development committee had recently voiced concern about the lack of warehousing in the Keynsham area and that this would go some way to redress that. The location of the new warehouse on the site takes account of the proposals for a North Keynsham link road, with the new building to be set out parallel to the existing warehouse.

The town council supported the warehouse application. In response to a question about the company’s plans for green energy on the site, Mr Campbell said: “McGill’s are keen to look at what they can do by way of renewable energy generation on the site. They own the weir and are even considering future generation with waterpower.” IJ McGill also has depots in Devon, Buckinghamshire, Midlands and Manchester.

Police appeal after stabbing Police are seeking witnesses and CCTV footage following

hooded top. The victim was taken to hospital with injuries

The regular beat surgeries at Asda in Longwell Green by

a stabbing incident in Brislington on Saturday.

not believed to be life-threatening.

the Hanham and Longwell Green neighbourhood police

Firearms officers were deployed to School Road at around

Police say this is thought to be an isolated incident in which

team were restricted during lockdown but have now

2pm following reports that a male in his late teens, who

the offender and victim are known to each other. Anyone

started again.

was the front seat passenger in a white Fiat, had been

who witnessed the incident, or who may hold relevant

They are scheduled every Wednesday from 1pm to 3pm

stabbed by a man riding a black bike.

CCTV, mobile or dash cam footage is asked to call 101,

and are an opportunity for people to raise any issues.

The offender is described as white and was wearing a black

quoting reference 5221118536.

Sudoku 1-Easy

SUNDAY CHEMISTS Sunday 6th June

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 2nd June 2021

11

Bristol Mayor’s transport network pledge as he announces new Cabinet The Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees Mayor has announced his new Cabinet following May’s elections and is retaining direct responsibility for transport as well as planning and city design. He says the focus will be on progressing a mass transit system for Bristol, while also delivering the Bus Deal and doubling the frequency of buses on key routes. There will also be a drive to expand the electric vehicle infrastructure, introduce an integrated ticketing system and pursue new train stations for the city.

Mr Rees said: “Improving our transport network will be key to developing the city. We are taking bold action to create a better, more connected future for everyone in and around Bristol. Our ambition will protect public health and unlock barriers to inclusive and sustainable economic growth with cleaner air, safer and better public transport, and improved walking and cycling routes. “Delivery of reliable sustainable transport options will help to connect people to education and employment opportunities, health care, retail and leisure facilities, and we

The new Cabinet: Top row, Helen Holland, Tom Renhard, Helen Godwin, Nicola Beech; bottom row Deputy Mayor Craig Cheney, Mayor Marvin Rees & Deputy Mayor Asher Craig

Crossword

ACROSS

DOWN

1. Calming drug (8)

1. Bridge (4)

5. Musical composition (4)

2. Worthless material (5)

9. Suffer anguish (7)

4. Opinion (4)

10. Play guitar (5)

6. Colonnade (7)

11. Accepted practice (5)

7. Theological college (8)

13. Mild (6) 15. Scornful expression (5) 17. Jot (4) 19. Container (3) 20. Ill-bred person (4) 21. Social customs (5) 23. Domestic fowl (6) 24. Strained (5) 28. Apart (5) 29. Insulting (7) 30. Look for (4) 31. Eternal (8)

12

3. Articles (6)

8. Escort (5) 12. Get pleasure from (5) 13. Soft, flat hat (5) 14. Food (8) 16. Listening organ (3) 18. White ant (7) 21. Scrimmage (5) 22. Deuces (anag.) (6) 25. Portion (5) 26. Dry river bed (4) 27. Muddle (4)

work with the community to minimise impacts as we rebuild together after COVID-19. “Our Cabinet appointments allow us to focus on delivering on our commitments, and work to tackle the issues of inequality and make Bristol a city where everyone can prosper.” The full make-up of the new Cabinet: • Mayor Marvin Rees: lead on Transport, Planning & City Design. • Cllr Craig Cheney: Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Finance, Governance & Performance. • Cllr Asher Craig: Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Communities, Equalities & Public Health. • Cllr Helen Godwin: Cabinet Member for Families, Education & Women (Lead Member for Children’s Services). • Cllr Helen Holland: Cabinet Member with responsibility for Adult Social Care. • Cllr Nicola Beech: Cabinet Member for Climate, Ecology, Waste & Energy. • Cllr Tom Renhard: Cabinet Member for Housing Delivery & Homes.

Mobile speed camera locations this week Here are the locations in our area where you can expect to see police mobile speed cameras this week. South Gloucestershire: On the A420 at Warmley and Wick; in Pucklechurch on Feltham Road and the B4465 Shortwood Road (also near Shortwood Hill); on the A431 Bath Road at Swineford; in Hanham on Abbots Road and Mount Hill Road; in Kingswood on Tenniscourt Road, Court Road and the B4046 Hanham Road; at St Anne’s Drive in Oldland Common; at Court Farm Road in Longwell Green; in Mill Lane at North Common and at Tower Road South in Warmley. Bath & North East Somerset: In Keynsham on the B3116 Wellsway at Keynsham (and the stretch to Burnett), at Chandag Road, Charlton Park, Charlton Road, Courtney Road, Queens Road and Albert Road; in Saltford on the A4 and Norman Road; on the A37 at Pensford; on the A39 at Marksbury. Bristol: In Brislington on the A4174 Callington Road, Talbot Road and Wick Road; in Hengrove on the A4174 Hengrove Way, Walsh Avenue, Petherton Road and Cadogan Road; in Whitchurch on Hazelbury Road, Fortfield Road and Whitchurch Lane; in St George on the Kingsway and Beaufort Road; in Fishponds on the A432 Fishponds Road, Snowdon Road and Ridgeway Road; also on Stockwood Lane. The Week in • Wednesday 2nd June 2021

Reshuffle of vaccination sites Changes are being made to the list of vaccination sites in the B&NES and Wiltshire area, with community pharmacies taking a more prominent role in the rollout and some GP clinics standing down from the programme, including West View Surgery in Keynsham. The local Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) says that new sites will be providing the vaccine to those who are eligible, starting with pharmacies in Bath and Corsham, and others in areas including Keynsham following suit. People aged 30 and above are now eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine and can arrange an appointment through the national booking system. Dr Andrew Girdher, Clinical Chair of B&NES, Swindon and Wiltshire CCG, said: “Locally, we have had great success in

vaccinating those in our community who are most vulnerable to COVID-19, and we are now seeing the benefit of this with fewer cases being recorded, fewer deaths and fewer hospital admissions. “As we begin the process of vaccinating younger people, it

“As this is still an incredibly busy time within healthcare, people can support their local practice by thinking about whether their concern requires the attention of a GP, or whether self-care, a visit to a local pharmacist, or a combination of the two would be more appropriate.”

feels like now is the right time to review our current list of sites, and doing so in this way ensures vaccine provision is protected for those yet to be vaccinated, while also allowing some practices to revert their focus back fully to providing much-needed everyday care.

More information about the local vaccination rollout can be found online at www.bswccg.nhs.uk, while information about the vaccine itself is available online at either www.gov.uk or www.nhs.uk Anyone unable to book online can call 119 free of charge.

‘Firearm involved in altercation’ Police are seeking witnesses to an altercation that took place between the occupants of a silver Mitsubishi L200, a black VW Golf and a white Audi A4 outside Westerleigh Crematorium last Thursday (27th May) at about 8pm. Police are investigating a report that one of the individuals involved was in possession of a firearm. No one was injured and officers believe this to be an isolated incident. If you saw anything, call the police on 101 and quote crime reference number 5221117253.

Bus service blow Bitton’s already sparse bus service is further reduced when Service 37 (Bath to Bristol), which consists of just two round trips per day Monday to Friday, is withdrawn on Wednesday 21st July to coincide with the end of the school year. First Bus says that the service is operated with resources connected with Oldfield School services and this will not be available once the academic year ends.

Plant sale There will be a plant sale this Saturday (5th June) from 10am to noon in the church grounds at St James in Mangotsfield. Home-made cakes and takeaway refreshments will be available. COVID rules will apply.

Keep in touch, let us know what you think, send us your news www.facebook.com/theweekin The Week in • Wednesday 2nd June 2021

13

New community orchard for village A community orchard will be established in Corston and

councillors with £1,000 to award local grants to projects that

the new orchard, including for a habitat and archaeological

will offer a wildlife haven in which people can enjoy

address concerns or needs of a local area. The fund supports

survey, trees, equipment, tools and outdoor furniture.

nature, with the resulting fruit to be shared by the

voluntary and community organisations, parish and town

This year’s fund opened on 1st April and will remain open

community.

councils and other partners to help meet the council’s core

until 31st January 2022.

It is one of the first projects to successfully bid for a grant

priorities – tackling the climate and nature emergency and

Applications to the Ward Councillor Empowerment Fund

to enhance their local area from Bath & North East

giving people a bigger say.

need to be for at least £200, must be submitted by ward

Somerset Council’s Ward Councillor Empowerment Fund

Cllr Duncan Hounsell, whose Saltford ward includes

councillors and must demonstrate that there is support from

2021/22.

Corston, awarded £1,000 to Corston Parish Council towards

their local community and/or local parish councils.

Each year, B&NES Council provides each of its ward

Cricket club’s centenary celebrations Whitchurch Cricket Club will be 100 years not out next year and is searching for former members to join in the celebrations. It is putting together a special centenary book and holding a host of events throughout next season. If you have any old pictures, documents or just fond memories you want to share contact club president Ashton Broad on 01275 832148 or email ashtonbroad18@gmail.com

Artisan market The next local artisan market in Staple Hill High Street will take place on Saturday 19th June from 11am to 3pm.

Cllr Duncan Hounsell (front, middle left) with the Corston Community Orchard project steering group and Corston parish councillors at the orchard site

Historic buildings’ colour schemes set for refusal The colour schemes of two neighbouring listed buildings in Keynsham were due to be discussed by B&NES Council’s planning committee today (Wednesday). The Old Bank and Keynsham & District Conservative Club both painted their frontages blue without first seeking listed building consent from the council. The Conservative Club, which is also known as Club 22, has lodged a retrospective application to keep the building blue while The Old Bank’s owner Western Inns has applied to restore the top half to an off-white but keep blue on the ground floor. But applications were being recommended for refusal by planning officers. In both cases they advise that the colour

14

scheme is at odds with the character and significance of both listed buildings, their setting and the setting of other listed buildings nearby, as well as to the general character and appearance of Keynsham Conservation Area. We will bring you the decisions next week.

The Week in • Wednesday 2nd June 2021

Making carers feel valued during awareness week In advance of the annual drive to raise awareness of the

Bristol and South Gloucestershire, some as young as eight.

Tim Poole, chief executive of Carers Support Centre, said:

challenges that carers face every day, Fishponds-based

Figures show there are 40,138 carers in Bristol (13.5% of the

“Don’t wait for a crisis to seek help. Carer’s assessments are

Carers Support Centre is encouraging everyone who

Bristol population). There are 27,639 carers in South Glos

one of the few rights carers have, so it’s important you make

looks after someone to get a carer’s assessment.

(14.7% of the South Glos population).

the most of yours.”

Carers are people who provide unpaid care for someone who

Carers Week (7th-13th June) aims to help carers get the

One carer, Linda, explained what a difference having a

is ill, frail or disabled.

support they need to care for a loved one. Carers don’t

carer’s assessment has made: “I always felt awkward asking

Carers Support Centre supports carers of all ages across

choose to become carers and many don’t even see

for help for myself, because I feel my husband’s needs should

themselves in that role. This year’s campaign is on making

take priority. Until my carer’s assessment, I hadn’t told

Foodbank’s plea for donations

carers valued.

anyone how I’d been feeling and I didn’t realise there were

Carers Support Centre, based at The Vassall Centre in Gill

services to support carers. Now, I have some ways forward,

Avenue, says that since the COVID-19 outbreak, even more

including registering as a carer with my GP and exploring

people have been providing unpaid crucial care to loved ones

options for taking a break from caring in the future.”

Kingswood Foodbank has issued a plea for donations of items including cartons of fruit juice, toothpaste and drinking chocolate, baby shampoo and bubble bath. The organisers say some of their clients have no cooker so donations of items like instant noodles, which can be topped up from a kettle, are always appreciated. The foodbank is based in the Bourne Christian Centre at the junction of Waters Road with Two Mile Hill Road. Find out more at. https://eastbristol.foodbank.org.uk/

at home, with little to no support. “They have saved the

Carers Support Centre provides a range of services including

country more than £135bn throughout the pandemic. Their

support, information and advice, carers’ groups, training,

crucial roles should be valued.”

breaks for carers, and the Carers Emergency Card.

The Week in • Wednesday 2nd June 2021

The charity says that a carer’s assessment is a chance to talk openly about the impact caring has on your life. It will give

How to get in touch:

you space to think about how caring affects your physical

CarersLine: 0117 9652200

and mental wellbeing and how this may change in the future. It’s the first step towards making sure you get the practical, financial and emotional support you need as a carer.

Email: CarersLine@carerssupportcentre.org.uk Website: www.carerssupportcentre.org.uk

15

Almost £23k raised so far via pilot ‘good causes’ fund Residents in Bath and North East Somerset are being thanked for their generous donations to the pilot Community Contribution Fund which has generated almost £23,000 since its launch in March. The fund is administered by B&NES Council but is not used to supplement council services. Every penny contributed will go to fund local projects. Charities, community and voluntary groups will be able to submit grant applications to the fund from this autumn for projects that help reduce inequalities in the district. A new e-newsletter has been set up by the council to keep residents informed on progress with the fund and the grant

application process when it launches. Residents are still able to make contributions to the fund and it is easy to donate online. The minimum contribution is £5, however, there is no maximum contribution and it is possible to donate more than once. Richard Samuel, deputy leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Development & Resources, said: “We are delighted with the positive response to this pilot and residents’ willingness to help fund local projects that improve people's lives and support those who are most disadvantaged. The fund is still open and is an easy way in which people can

help the vital work our local charities, voluntary groups and communities do.” Contributors will not be able to request a particular project or area where their money is spent and priority will be given to projects that benefit the whole B&NES area. After the one-year pilot, the scheme will be reviewed to determine whether a trust should be established which would enable donations through Gift Aid. Visit https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/donate-communitycontribution-fund to find out more and to make a contribution online.

Report from Keynsham WI As with other organisations, it's been a very difficult year for Keynsham WI. Sadly, we lost our president Maureen Gerrish in February, due to non-COVID related illness. The vice president Diana Allez stepped up and took on the president’s role with the backing of the committee. All members were given Easter cards and gifts including sunflower seeds. The one who grows the tallest sunflower will be presented with a trophy in Maureen’s memory. We have conquered Zoom and had several interesting events including our AGM. We have

The walking group has re-commenced and an interesting

had talks and demonstrations on decorating Easter biscuits,

walk around Saltford took place last week, see picture.

gardening from the head gardener at the Priory Hotel in

A summer party has been booked at Saltford Golf Club and

Bath and sustainable clothing.

we look forward to getting back to our monthly meetings.

We've run sweepstakes and Zoom chats on The Great

Bonny Price

British Bake Off and The Great Sewing Bee (ongoing).

Keynsham WI Committee

Vehicle deliberately torched Crews from Kingswood Fire Station were called to reports

The cause of the fire has been determined to be deliberate

of a vehicle ablaze at 3.49am last Wednesday (26th May)

and a further investigation is being conducted by the

in Downend Road, Fishponds.

police.

Garages targeted for break-ins

16

Police say that a group of men targeted garages in the

2.45am.

Keynsham area at the start of last week.

Two men also broke into a garage on Redlynch Lane at

The lock was cut on a garage on Charlton Road between

approximately 2.20am. Nothing was stolen.

4pm on Monday 24th and 8am the following day.

If you have any information regarding any of these

The group were also caught on CCTV making attempts

incidents contact the police on 101. Alternatively call

to a number of garages on Aesop Drive at about

Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. The Week in • Wednesday 2nd June 2021

Soap watch

Family matters this week in Greenborne KTCRfm’s weekly soap opera has a distinct family feel in the latest edition. After last week’s dramatic climax, Alan has survived the road ‘accident’ but is convinced it was anything but an accident. Nevertheless, he will be in hospital for a few days. All is well at the pub however as radio station manager Logan has stepped into the breach and he and Bev are getting along just fine. But that’s not the news that jealous husband Alan wants to hear while laid up in hospital. And there’s family strife of another kind for garage owner Arjun. While Jeet is delighted to see his Aunt Pia after all this time, Arjun is not so sure he wants his sister-in-law around. Is he avoiding her simply because of the physical resemblance to his dead wife or does he fear Pia has an agenda? Turns out it’s the latter. Pia may well be enjoying

the good life married to a successful lawyer, but she was originally supposed to have been betrothed to Arjun in an arranged marriage. With her sister no longer around, it seems Pia has unfinished business so news of Arjun’s budding relationship with Lisa needs to be dealt with. Arjun makes it clear that the only resemblance between Pia and her sister was physical and they were complete opposites in character, but she will not be put off. But when Pia confronts Lisa to warn her off, she hasn’t counted on Lisa’s family – or at least mum Evie Lejeune. Evie may have spent her time trying to control every aspect of her daughter’s, indeed the village’s life since her return, but when Pia starts telling Lisa she is simply a rebound for Arjun, it’s time to show who wears the trousers in

Golf gear stolen

Intruder alert

Someone smashed the rear window to enter a vehicle

home on Hilltop Gardens in Soundwell on Friday 21st

parked on Handel Road in Keynsham around 2.30am on

May. It may have been an attempt to break into the house

Saturday 22nd May. Golf equipment was stolen.

but there were no signs of that. If you have any

If you have any information regarding this incident

information regarding this incident contact the police on

contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously

101. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers

on 0800 555 111.

anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The Week in • Wednesday 2nd June 2021

Someone forced the back gate to enter the garden of a

Greenborne. Meanwhile, the pie baking competition is starting to generate its own momentum in the village and it looks like there may be trouble ahead. It started out as an inspired idea by vicar Maggie in her struggle with Evie over the organisation of the village festival. But now, with the local radio on board and everyone talking about it, Sam is running a book on the eventual winner. The proceeds may well be going to charity but for Lewis and Jeet, it is an opportunity to clean up. All they need to do is nobble the favourite (Lisa) and put a load of money on the challenger Chloe. It is sure to end in tears. You can listen to Episode 11 of Greenborne during the Spoken Word Show on 105.8fm today (2pm) or on Sunday at 3pm. Alternatively, listen again via the website www.ktcrfm.com

17

18

The Week in • Wednesday 2nd June 2021

A further month’s delay to Cleveland Bridge closure The proposed closure of Cleveland Bridge in Bath for urgent structural repairs, which will see through traffic sent on a lengthy diversion affecting some of our local communities, has been pushed back again. Bath & North East Somerset Council had hoped that the £3.8m project would start in

April on the Grade II* listed bridge, a crucial link in the strategic road network between the A46 and the A36. There has already been a temporary 18-tonne weight limit on Cleveland Bridge for the last year. In mid-April the council blamed the delay on the need to obtain various technical approvals and consent and said that

Scaffolding on the bridge

All aboard the Brick Express The Brick Express returns to Avon Valley Railway at Bitton this weekend (5th & 6th June). All children over five will be given a box of bricks (worth at least their ticket price) to play with onboard and then to take home afterwards. Family groups or support bubbles will be seated either in separate compartments or around tables well away from other passengers to maintain social distancing whilst onboard the train. There will be hand sanitiser available and volunteers will be cleaning the train between journeys too. There will be inspiration from Bristolbased Lego user Group ‘GertLUG’ who will be exhibiting their latest creations

The Week in • Wednesday 2nd June 2021

including cityscapes, trains and fantasy scenes. Mark Simmons, the railway’s commercial and business manager said: “Our Brick Express weekend is always great fun. It’s great to see everyone’s amazing creations and I think the adults enjoy it just as much as the children to be honest.” You’ll need to reserve your seats on a specific train, but the station site and model displays will be open all day. Advance booking is recommended to guarantee seats – visit www.avon valleyrailway.org Tickets are £10 for adults, £9 for concessions and £5 for children (to include the box of bricks).

preparatory works would instead begin on 4th May, with traffic reduced to one lane and signals in place for the erection of scaffolding ahead of a full bridge closure in the week beginning 31st May. However, last week the council announced on social media: “We continue to erect very complex scaffolding and make inspections under temporary signals; meanwhile we are finalising the diversion for when the bridge is closed. We expect the closure end of June/early July, details will be added to http://bathnes.gov.uk/clevelandbridge in due course.”

The bridge will be closed for an estimated 12 weeks. Pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to cross it. Vehicles heading west or south, as well as HGVs travelling west, will be diverted from the A46 along the A420 through Wick and Warmley, along the A4174 ring road to Hicks Gate and then onto the A4 through Keynsham and Saltford. As we have previously reported, Bath’s MP Wera Hobhouse is pushing for a permanent ban on heavy lorries using the bridge and there are concerns in South Gloucestershire that the temporary diversion for the bridge repairs may turn into a permanent closure.

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Council refutes criticism over Keynsham solar power commitment B&NES Council has rejected criticism of its commitment to green energy at the Riverside redevelopment in Temple Street in Keynsham. On social media last week, Bob Goodman, a former Conservative councillor for the Combe Down ward, posted a picture of the plan that was approved in 2016 for a large PV (photovoltaic) area, adding “guess what, I’m told that the failing ADL dev company of this Council did not install them ... so much for being @GreenBathNES”. ADL refers to the council-owned Aequus Developments Ltd. The 1960s Riverside offices in Keynsham were used by B&NES staff before they relocated to the new Civic Centre in 2015 and then stood empty for the

next three years before Aequus saw potential in redeveloping them into modern and sustainable living space. B&NES Council planners approved the high-end development of 95 modern, contemporary and affordable one and two-bedroom apartments and last month it was announced that all apartments have been sold. This week Richard Samuel, deputy council leader and Cabinet Member for Resources & Economic Development, said of Mr Goodman’s comments: “This is a complete misunderstanding of the situation. The council has retained ownership of the Keynsham Riverside roof and will install solar PV panels to supply the leisure centre below in due course.

Situations Vacant

“However, the work can’t be carried out until the new roof has been through its defects period and proven to be satisfactory. In the interim, the council is exploring developing a community-owned solar PV project for the roof of the Riverside building with Keynsham Community Energy. It’s an exciting project that reinforces our commitment to working with local residents and organisations to take practical action to tackle the Climate Emergency.” Cllr Hal MacFie, ward member for Keynsham East, added: “Over the past few years we’ve transformed the Riverside site

to provide fantastic new homes and modern leisure facilities. It has become a jewel in Keynsham’s crown and the work carried out supports the wider regeneration of the town. “Sustainability has been at the heart of the redevelopment and the installation of solar PV panels on the Riverside building is a key part of the scheme.” Keynsham Community Energy is a Community Benefit Society. Money it makes from selling the electricity to local users will be used to fund local environmental and energy efficiency projects.

Curo makes top 100 in UKwide list of best workplaces West of England housing association Curo is ranked among the UK’s 100 best companies to work for in the latest Best Companies listings. Curo is also positioned as the fifth best housing association to work for in the country, and among the top 50 best companies to work for in the South West, where the Bath-based business is ranked 21st in the region. The Best Companies lists celebrate the very best in workplace engagement and are based on rigorous, independent assessments of each company’s commitment to engaging with and investing in their workforce. Across the UK, Curo charts at number 79 in the large companies category, which includes private and not-for-profit organisations that employ between 200 and 1,999 people. Curo chief executive Victor da Cunha said: “We strive to be a great employer as we

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believe that’s at the heart of creating an effective and resilient organisation and essential in delivering our social purpose. “Our Best Companies result for 2021 is a huge credit to every one of our colleagues at Curo. Each of them has worked tirelessly during the pandemic to keep our customers safe and provide essential services to some of the most vulnerable people in society and they have done that with positivity and a ‘can do’ attitude throughout some of the most difficult circumstances we have faced.” Curo is involved in all aspects of social housing, care and support and community development. The housing association employs more than 600 people and supports people of all ages to live independently. With more than 25,000 customers, Curo manages more than 13,000 homes and is building hundreds of new homes every year.

The Week in • Wednesday 2nd June 2021

Faith and COVID-19 webinar South Gloucestershire Council is hosting a webinar next week for faith communities to provide factual information about COVID-19 and discuss how the pandemic has impacted faith. The council’s director and deputy director of public health will give information and

The Week in • Wednesday 2nd June 2021

answer questions. Faith communities will share their experience of the pandemic and the importance of faith. The webinar will be held on Thursday 10th June from 6pm to 7pm. To sign up visit faithandcovid.eventbrite.com

Power tools stolen Thieves have stolen power tools from a building under construction on Bath Street in Staple Hill. It happened between 3.30pm on Monday 24th May and 8am the following day. The building does not have a roof and

it is thought this is how the offenders got in. Anyone with any information about the theft is asked to contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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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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The Community Page

Bitton Parish Council Bitton Parish Council have a

Goodbye to an old friend

Trading Post. The consultation period ends on Friday 18th

new Chair for the 2021/22 year.

Sadly we are having to say goodbye to a much loved old

June 2021. This is your chance to have your say, your views

Councillor Jane Allinson of the

friend. The rocking horse at Torrance Close play park has

will play an important park in the outcome.

North Common Ward was

had to be retired. Bitton Parish Council have supported the

unanimously voted in. Jane is

bid for a replacement. Once again a rocking horse can give

Return to meetings

keen to hear your thoughts. If

our young residents hours of enjoyment.

Bitton Parish Council look to return to face to face meetings

you have any concerns of any

from July following government guidelines. If you would

degree within the Parish of

No Park at Champion

like to attend any of the meetings, please contact the Clerk

Bitton, do get in touch via the

We were saddened to learn that Champion Play park will not

to ensure that the correct attendance criteria is met.

Clerk.

be refurbished. This is due to the pollution found on the site. However, South Gloucestershire Council is seeking a suitable

Photography Competition

site in the area.

We have received an amazing amount of entries for the

Bitton Parish Council Contact the Clerk:

Photography Competition. Councillors have sifted through

Baby and Toddler Group

Kelly Fry – 01454 868102 or email

the high level of entries and the winners will shortly be

We are pleased to welcome a New Baby and Toddler Group

clerk@bittonparishcouncil.gov.uk

contacted and invited to a presentation later in the year.

to the Community Building on a Tuesday morning 10.00am -11.30 am. Please come along and support this new group.

Creative Arts

Details can be found on their Facebook page Oldland Baby

Thank you to all the local schools who took part in our

and Toddler Group or alternatively you can email Nikki on

Creative Arts Competition. We will be in touch to arrange to

oldlandbabyandtoddler@gmail.com.

come into school to announce the winners shortly.

Community Building We still have availability for regular room hire at our

New Tracks Youth Club We welcome back our young people and staff to our Youth Club. A programme of events will be put together shortly to

Community Building on a Monday and Thursday. Please contact the Clerk for more information.

cover the summer period. Please encourage young people to

Consultation

come along and enjoy what we have to offer. The Youth Club

Parishioners are encouraged to respond to the consultation

is open on Wednesday and Friday evenings 7pm – 9.30 pm.

that is in place for the refurbishment of the site at the Chief

Next week’s Community Page – Emersons Green 24

The Week in • Wednesday 2nd June 2021