THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset
1st September 2021
Issue 694
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Proposed 15-metre high 5G phone mast ‘won’t look out of place’ near Hanham Common A 15-metre high 5G phone mast will fit in well at the
coverage reach across the target area and prospective ‘in-
end of the rank of shops opposite Hanham Common.
fill’ mast sites are extremely limited.
That’s according to CK Hutchison Networks, which has
“There is an acute need for a new base station to provide
given South Gloucestershire Council prior notification of
effective service coverage and in this case, the height of
its intention to install the H3G LTE (Three) Phase 8
the proposed street pole is the minimum required to bring
monopole, a wraparound cabinet plus three equipment
the benefits of 5G to this area.”
cabinets at the junction of Memorial Road and Whittucks
The phone giant says the proposed location “will
Road.
assimilate well into the immediate street scene and not be
The application says: “The very nature of installing new
detrimental”.
5G mast infrastructure within such an urban setting
The application will be on the agenda at Hanham Abbots
was available.
requires a highly considered balance between the need to
Parish Council’s meeting on Monday (6th September)
At their meeting last Thursday, Oldland parish councillors,
extend practical coverage reach with that of increasing risk
when councillors will consider whether the position, size
who had also been opposed to the 18-metre mast, agreed
of visual amenity intrusion.
and look of the proposed mast and the cabinets will have
to object again to the “inappropriate” siting of such a large
“In this location, existing mast sites are not capable of
any detrimental impact on local residents, and give their
unit in a residential area, saying: “There are concerns on
supporting additional equipment compliment to extend
response to South Gloucestershire Council.
grounds of aesthetics, potential health implications and
The planning reference is P21/05706/PN1.
environmental concerns. The height reduction of the mast
Meanwhile Oldland Parish Council has lodged an
since the previous application in no way reduces these
objection to plans by the same phone giant for a 15-metre
concerns.
high 5G mast at the junction of School Road and Newton
“Other providers of mobile infrastructure services
Road in Cadbury Heath, very close to an existing one.
companies have committed wherever possible to promote
A previous application for a mast 18 metres high was
shared
rejected by South Gloucestershire Council earlier this
consolidate the number of base stations, and significantly
summer on the grounds that it would tower above nearby
reduce the environmental impact of network development.
shops, which have flats above them, and would harm the
“This commitment should be expected of this application
look of the area. The council also said that the applicant
using existing local infrastructure.”
had failed to prove that no suitable alternative site locally
The planning reference is P21/05528/PN1.
The plans show the mast would be close to the tree
infrastructure,
maximise
opportunities
to
Inspector rejects appeal for 20-metre high 5G mast in Stockwood, see page 2
Also in this week’s issue
Bus cuts latest, including our petition to save Service 18 . . . pages 4 & 5
New discounted solar scheme for local homeowners . . . page 7
Police warning to South Glos residents over rogue traders . . . page 8
Major works to rebuild Bristol East Junction almost complete . . . page 11
Phone giant loses appeal for 20-metre 5G pole in Stockwood A planning inspector has dismissed an appeal by phone
extent above the trees, which are of similar height to the
giant Hutchison to stick a 20-metre high 5G mast in
existing mast. It would also be considerably higher that the
Stockwood Precinct.
surrounding shops and residential buildings … I conclude
The appeal was lodged after Bristol City Council refused
that there would be a significant, negative visual impact and
permission for the mast, which would have been up to nine
that the appearance of the area would be harmed by the
metres taller than nearby trees, 11 metres higher than nearby
development.”
streetlights and 14 metres taller than the nearest neighbouring
The inspector also said the mast would harm the character of
building.
the area as it would be “incongruous with the recreational
The proposed column would have supported six antennas,
plaza, surrounding residential housing and dedicated amenity
together with three ground-based equipment cabinets.
area”.
The council received 36 objections and officers said that the
The inspector acknowledged that the cabinets and mast
mast and equipment would harm the character and
would lead to some obstruction of the paved area but that
appearance of the precinct and failed to demonstrate that the
overall would not cause a significant risk; it was also noted
harm was essential to deliver benefits.
that the mast would be shared between operators, reducing
There is an existing 11.7 metre high mast and cabinets in the
the number of masts required, and would be available to the
precinct and the proposal was to keep that for a temporary
Emergency Services Network, but nonetheless the inspector
period after installation of the new mast and equipment.
added: “I consider it critical that insufficient evidence has
The inspector appointed by the Secretary of State visited the
been provided to demonstrate that there are no viable
precinct, saying the two open sides are overlooked by
alternative locations to the appeal site.”
housing and the Maple Close Amenity Area, which is an area
The decision report noted that concerns had been raised
of important open space: “Overall, the area has a sense of
regarding the potential effects of the installation on health:
openness that provides relief from the surrounding built-up
“However, the appellant has provided a certificate to confirm
areas and the pleasant vitality of a community space.
that the proposal has been designed to comply with the
the National Planning Policy Framework (2019) advises that
“The new mast would be approximately 20 metres high and
guidelines published by the International Commission on
health safeguards are not something which a decision-maker
wider than that existing. It would protrude to a significant
Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection. In these circumstances,
should determine.”
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The current mast in the precinct is 11.7 metres high
BMX park is targeted by graffiti vandals again
Fatal crash on M32
The recently refurbished BMX Pump Track at Aldermoor Way in Longwell Green has again been targeted by graffiti vandals. Vandals first struck just days after the park reopened earlier ths summer (as we reported in Issue 683). The revamp was funded by Oldland Parish Council, bringing back the height of the jumps and surfacing the track to create a smoother ride suitable for wider use. More graffiti was recently daubed on a sign in the park although it has since been cleaned off by South Gloucestershire Council. Clerk to the parish council Victoria Hicks said: “The StreetCare team has done a great job again.
A woman died after a crash on the M32 on Monday. Police were called to the M32 southbound between Junction 1 (Hambrook) and Junction 2 (Eastville) at about 2am where a silver Vauxhall Astra had left the carriageway and gone into undergrowth. The southbound carriageway was closed for several hours. The female driver was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and drink-driving. Anyone who witnessed or has dashcam footage of the collision or the Astra in the moments beforehand is asked to call 101, quoting reference 5221200131.
“The police have been notified and CCTV images are being searched to identify the culprits.”
The Week in • Wednesday 1st September 2021
Investigation continues into assault outside Kingswood bar A punch to the head that left the victim
Street, Kingswood at about 11.50pm on
PC Steve Powell said: “This was a nasty
attack, or anyone who can help us identify
with a potential life-changing injury
Friday 9th July.
assault that has left the victim struggling to
this man, to contact us online or on 101
continues to be investigated by police.
The victim – a man in his 30s – had his jaw
speak. We’d urge witnesses to this violent
quoting reference number 5221154960.”
The assault happened outside a bar in Regent
fractured in two places in the incident when struck by an unknown male. Last Thursday officers investigating what happened released a CCTV image of a man they wish to speak with in connection with their ongoing enquiries. He’s described as being black or mixed race, in his early 20s, of slim build and wearing an anorak, black
Vintage bus wheeled out to mark the end of a chapter for the 349 Abus bowed out of operating the 349 bus service on Saturday, making the last journeys memorable by using a vintage Bristol Lodekka bus that entered service in
July 1959. Our thanks to reader Roger Newport for the photo. First buses are replacing Abus vehicles for the 349.
tracksuit bottoms and black trainers. He was seen drinking with a group of white and black males in Rumours that evening.
Arrests after police make drug swoop in Keynsham Three people were arrested in Keynsham last Wednesday over drug offences. PC James Evans said: “Keynsham Neighbourhood Police, working with other police teams, executed a successful search warrant at an address on the Bloor Homes estate in Keynsham. “Police were responding to reports from local residents of anti-social behaviour and drugs in the area. Three occupants were arrested and interviewed after a large quantity of drugs and cash were discovered.”
The Week in • Wednesday 1st September 2021
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Short notice for Passengers were informed by First of key timetable changes to local bus services just a few days before they came into force on Sunday. We highlighted last week that the 18 Kingswood to Bath service was going to be axed without consultation after the West of England Combined Authority withdrew the subsidy. However, for some bus users the first they will have heard about it is when First published details on 26th August.The end of Service 18 follows a review of
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.
financial support from WECA and last week Metro Mayor Dan Norris blamed “short-changing” by the government for the cuts to services. First say that passengers who used the 18 to travel between Bath and Keynsham can use the 39 and A4 (operated by Bath Bus Company) while those travelling between Keynsham and Kingswood can use the reprieved Service 17; however, some intermediate journeys are no longer possible without changing buses. Service 19 will continue to operate between Bath and Cribbs Causeway via Kingswood and will provide an alternative for many customers, say First. While the 18 went via Keynsham, the 19 goes via Bitton and
Kelston. First also announced changes to some journeys on the 19 around school start and finish times to accommodate travel to and from Oldfield School, which includes some additional journeys to provide sufficient capacity (term time only). Some additional journeys will also operate between Hanham and Oldfield School on Service 37 during term time only to provide additional capacity for students. Another of the key changes introduced on Sunday was to Service 5. First have blamed “very low customer demand” for the service no longer serving Bromley Heath and
from Overndale Road; buses are instead operating directly via Cleeve Hill to The Horseshoe in Downend. The route change means that the 5 no longer serves Bromley Heath Road, Quakers Road, Queensholm Drive, Four Acre Road and Badminton Road. Customers in the Bromley Heath area are advised that they can complete their journeys by using the 19, 48 and Y2. Doug Claringbold, Managing Director of First West of England, said: “We are constantly monitoring service usage and reviewing our timetables to reflect customer demand which, although steadily rising
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The Week in • Wednesday 1st September 2021
bus passengers of cuts overall post-pandemic, has remained, and looks likely to remain, very low on some routes. We work in close partnership with the West of England Combined Authority to ensure we are providing a good quality and
reliable service for our customers where it is needed most.” • We would like to clarify some of the figures used by bus campaigner David Redgewell in last week’s front page article
‘Government funding cuts blamed for bus network crisis’. The amount given to the West of England Combined Authority to support local bus services over the next six months has fallen from £273m to £226m.
Petition to save the 18 We, the undersigned, call on the West of England Combined Authority and the Metro Mayor to renew funding provided to the Number 18 bus service and allow it to continue to operate. The Number 18 bus is a vital lifeline to many people travelling to work, school and to visit friends and family. The decision by the West of England Combined Authority to withdraw its subsidy from the end of August without any public consultation must be reversed.
Name .................................................................... Address .................................................................... ....................................................................................
Postcode ................................................................... Signed .................................................................... Return your signed petition to The Week In, 8 Temple Court, Keynsham BS31 1HA by 7th October. Only complete the form once, and please do not sign the petition if you have already taken part in the petition on MP Chris Skidmore’s website.
The Week in • Wednesday 1st September 2021
Join the campaign to save the 18 bus Readers of The Week In can join the campaign get the 18 bus service connecting Kingswood to Bath via North Common and Keynsham back on the road. The petition complements the one started by Kingswood MP Chris Skidmore, and supported by South Gloucestershire councillors Erica Williams and Paul Hughes, to save the route which was until Sunday operated by bus company First partly on a commercial basis with a subsidy from the West of England Combined Authority. However that support was withdrawn without public consultation. Hundreds of our readers helped in the fight to save the 17 bus which links Southmead Hospital and Keynsham and takes in Cossham Hospital en route, with the Metro
Mayor Dan Norris saying that our petition, which supported the one started by Kingswood councillor Andrea Reid, had helped greatly in his conversations with First and others as he stressed the fundamental importance of the key service to many local communities. See page 8 for readers’ letters about the 18
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Concerns over ongoing speeding in Lyde Green A year after a petition was launched calling for urgent action to tackle the problem of speeding in Lyde Green, the organiser says nothing has really changed. Emersons Green town councillor Sadik AlHassan set up the petition on the change.org website, which he addressed to the highways authority South Gloucestershire Council and local MP Chris Skidmore. The petition highlights the “poorly designed roads” on the new estate, with Cllr Al-Hassan saying: “I believe the only solution is to create an average speed check net across Lyde Green: Having automatic number plate recognition cameras on entrances, exits and points throughout the estate will allow us to monitor speeds, monitor traffic volume through the estate, make sure commercial vehicles are using the correct entrances and monitor any construction traffic. This should be done as a matter of urgency.” Now writing on the ‘Stop Speeding in Lyde Green’ petition page, he says risks to
residents and the primary school and nursery on Willowherb Road have still not been solved: “Please share this petition as I believe supporters here are the only way to further this conversation and lead us to a solution.” This week a spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council said: “We have carried out monitoring within the Lyde Green development and the average speeds recorded were between 18-25 mph. “As the legal speed limit in the area is 20mph, we have reported this to the police who have been undertaking enforcement action, and we remind motorists that they must drive responsibly and not exceed the speed limit in place. “As the roads in Lyde Green have yet to be formally adopted as part of the wider highway network, any traffic calming measures would need to implemented by the developer. “We continue to work with the developer to explore practical solutions to reduce speeds within Lyde Green.”
Willowherb Road
Metro Mayor helps community farm café to expand Metro Mayor Dan Norris lent a hand in the kitchen at a Kingswood social enterprise café last Wednesday. Helping serve hungry customers during the school holiday lunchtime rush at The Barn Café at Grimsbury Farm, he learned how the catering business is growing, thanks to a grant from the West of England Combined Authority. The café is run by the Brandon Trust charity, whose chief executive Sue Porto explained to Mr Norris how the money has allowed the café to cater for more customers by expanding its outdoor seating with undercover pods, each of which can be used by to up to six people.
Mr Norris said: “All the summer rain we’ve become used to needn’t put anyone off heading off to the fantastic Grimsbury Farm, thanks to more sturdy undercover seating made possible by a grant from the West of England Combined Authority I’m proud to lead. And even more visitors can now refuel during their visit with some of the tasty treats produced by everyone working in the café.” Barn Café is a social enterprise providing both paid supported employment and employment training for people with learning disabilities and autism. To find out about support available to small and medium-sized enterprises, visit https://www.wearegrowth.co.uk/
Seated in one of the new undercover seating pods, from left, Jo Cullum, Sue Porto & Emma Carey, all from Brandon Trust & Metro Mayor Dan Norris. Standing are supported employees Hananza Textiera & Ben Judd
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The Week in • Wednesday 1st September 2021
New solar scheme will help residents save money and the planet As the United Nations calls for ‘immediate, rapid and large-scale reductions in greenhouse gas emissions’, residents across the West of England will get their chance to save money on their energy bills and play their part in cutting carbon emissions. You could now get solar panels installed on your house across Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset for a discount price, thanks to a new scheme launched last week by the West of England Combined Authority. By banding together, residents will be able to get cheaper deals to install solar panels and set up a battery storage system at their home, as part of ‘Solar Together West of England’. West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “Many residents know solar panels have the potential to save them money on their energy bills and cut carbon, but sometimes
there’s a fear that the whole process can be daunting and confusing which can put people off. “This new scheme will make the process easier. It means local residents can generate their own clean electricity, save money on their energy bills, and play an important part in our collective efforts to cut harmful carbon emissions and reach our ambitious net zero targets.” People who already have solar panels installed can also register to have battery storage added to their existing solar panels to maximise the benefits of their system. Solar Together West of England follows other successful schemes across the country, which have delivered more than 3,700 installations and 61,000 tonnes of avoided lifetime carbon emissions. Homeowners across the West of England can register to take part by visiting www.solartogether.co.uk/west-of-england
Have your say on council’s plans towards hitting ‘net zero’ target Residents and businesses are being asked to give their views on a series of proposed changes to the Bath and North East Somerset planning framework to help address the council’s declaration of a climate emergency and ecological emergency. In a six-week consultation, which runs until 8th October, people are asked to give their feedback on the proposed Local Plan Partial Update and three draft Supplementary Planning Documents. The planning team will be carrying out various engagement activities during the consultation period and will be hosting a series of online webinars including one on zero carbon development and energy efficiency which will feature as part of the council’s Climate and Biodiversity Festival this month. Sarah Warren, deputy leader of the council
and Cabinet Member for Climate & Sustainable Travel. said: “We have made great strides in addressing the climate and ecological emergencies. We introduced the first charging Clean Air Zone outside London, we’ve amended key planning policies to facilitate a substantial increase in the generation of renewable energy and we’re offering homeowners an easy way to invest in solar panels through the Solar Together West of England Scheme. “These proposed planning policies will deliver real change and play an important part in helping us to meet our net zero target, so I would encourage everyone to take part in the consultations.” Find out more at www.bathnes.gov.uk/ current-planning-policy-consultations Avon Fire & Rescue Service selected as one of the UK’s Climate Leaders, see page 17
We can all make a difference South Gloucestershire Council has a free online course advising residents what they can do to help tackle the climate and nature emergency.
It outlines how we can all make a difference with small changes to our dayto-day routines. Visit https://tinyurl.com/28jtwfaa
The Week in • Wednesday 1st September 2021
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Police warning to South Glos residents over rogue traders In a letter to South Gloucestershire residents, police are warning people to be aware and vigilant of rogue trading happening around the district. “This is an ongoing issue that the police and South Gloucestershire Council are trying to combat. “The usual method of knocking on doors and asking if work needs doing is still happening
and offenders will prey on people’s fears over loose tiles and other damage that may or may not be there. The message from us to deal with this ‘cold calling’ is not to open the door. If you are unsure, do not engage. “In the current climate there will be a number of people who have amassed savings for building work and are eager to get this under way, but you should be wary of traders
Skate Jam in forest park A long-awaited Skate Jam for young people will take place on Sunday (5th September) at Warmley Forest Skate Park. The skate park was fully refurbished over two years ago, with the support of Siston, Oldland and Bitton parish councils, and the young people have been crying out for a Skate Jam. Now that lockdown restrictions have eased, the event is being organised by Creative Youth Network.
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The event will take place from 1pm to 4pm and is for those aged 11 to 25. All abilities are welcome and there are various categories. There will be a DJ, food stalls and prizes. To sign up go to www. creativeyouthnetwork.org.uk/skate-jam or get in touch with Hannah at hannah.panes@creativeyouthnetwork.org. uk or call 07747 271919.
who say they can start a roofing/building/landscaping job straight away or very soon. “The message is that legitimate traders generally do not have to seek work door to door and will have full order books normally. You should always invest time in checking the legitimacy of a trader, like do they exist at the stated address. One of the best ways to assist in choosing are personal recommendations from friends. “We see that numerous victims only make verbal agreements with traders, but you should always get everything reduced to writing in a formal agreement before any work starts. If the agreement is made at the customer’s house, it is a criminal offence for them not to be given written notice of their 14-day cooling-off rights (effectively if the trader makes any verbal agreement, they will commit a criminal offence). “If you are looking for a trader you may want to consider the Buy with Confidence scheme
run by Trading Standards where vetted members can claim to be ‘Trading Standards’ approved.” If you have any concerns, contact either Trading Standards on 0808 223 1133 or email trading.standards@southglos.gov.uk Or call the police on 101 or 999 in the case of an emergency.
The Week in • Wednesday 1st September 2021
Centre at the heart of the community looks to the future as it reopens Community at 67 based in Queens Road in Keynsham will be reopening this month with a full range of activities for everyone in the local community. Every Tuesday and Thursday from 9.30am to 12.30pm, the centre will be running a café in partnership with Virgin Care – being so well located, the café will provide a great place to drop in with friends for chat and refreshments. Community at 67 is also working with The Charlton pub and will be hosting a weekly lunchtime get-together for local people
which will start on Tuesday 14th September from noon to 2pm. During September all main courses will be reduced by 50%. Alison Jordan, who runs The Charlton, said “We are really excited about this partnership, we want to make The Charlton a place where people can meet and enjoy eating together. “We hope that this weekly event will appeal to people of all ages who want to meet other people. This might be local parents looking after small children and we know how difficult that can be, to older people who are looking for somewhere to go for lunch.” At Community at 67 there will also be activities for children and young people including a chance to chill out after a week at school with Da Beats Hip Hop/Grime Club Nights for young people in Years 7 to 13 every third Friday of the month starting on 17th September at 7.30pm. For primary aged children, the Maths Club will be restarting on Wednesday 15th September from 4pm to 5pm for those in Years 5 and 6. Those attending will discover
The Week in • Wednesday 1st September 2021
the joy and fascination that can be found in maths. For those interested in developing their craft skills, the Coffee & Crafts group will restart on Wednesday 8th September from 10am to 1pm. Meanwhile the IT group provides a friendly and very patient team of volunteers who are able to help people with getting online or any aspect of using IT. The group meets on Fridays from 9am to noon from 10th September. Community at 67 is offering new groups four weeks’ free meeting space in order to encourage the creation of new community groups. Launching the new activity schedule, Martin Burton, the chair of trustees, said: “After such a long period when people couldn’t meet, we have a range of activities that will
once again bring people together to share an interest and simply meet and chat - this is so important to help rebuild our community. “Our aim as a charity is to support our community both through providing activities at our centre but also through partnership with local groups. We are always open to new ideas for new activities so please contact us to talk about how we can support you.” For information on any of the events contact enquiries@community-67.org, call 07737 742300 or visit www.community-67.org
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LETTERS We’re being cut off from everything
and to spend our money on leisure to help local
Don’t let First Bus axe routes whenever they feel
council leaders will ever have the courage to take
businesses and the economy after the disaster of
like it. Regardless of political leanings, I urge
that on board.
the last couple of years?
everyone to add their name to Chris Skidmore’s
Paul Greenburger
Dear Editor
Mrs L Vockings, Oldland
online petition to keep the 18 bus service. Search
Having lived in Oldland for 20 years, every time I read about yet more cuts to our bus services, I
‘Chris Skidmore petition 18 bus’. Signing is Clive Honeychurch
Echoing concerns about Riverside View
Keynsham resident
Dear Stephen
Editor’s note: The Week In is also running a
I would like to respond to the letter in Issue 693
petition, see page 5
about the Riverside View apartments. We also
quick and easy, so please do it NOW.
However, it always does.
Bus cuts are increasing car dependency
From a service every 15 minutes to Bristol and
Dear Editor
a half hourly service from Bath to Cribbs via
You couldn’t make it up! B&NES, South Glos
Frenchay and Cossham hospitals, a separate bus
and Bristol councils and the West of England
that ran from Keynsham to Mangotsfield via the
Combined Authority all see increased use of
shops and cinema at Longwell Green, we have
public transport as essential to combat climate
now found services so eroded that we are being cut off from everything. This means being cut off
always think that surely it can't get any worse.
live in the apartments and totally agree with the points raised in the letter.
change. So… First Bus has axed the No 18 bus
Air polluters are being allowed to continue
service.
Dear Editor
the short time we have lived here. Repairs don't
from work opportunities, hospital appointments,
There is clearly a disconnect between politicians’
Now that events worldwide are starting to back
get sorted and communication is very poor.
and social activities.
rhetoric and harsh reality. The action of First Bus
up the claims of a climate crisis that reports and
We know other residents have issues as well and
No bus to Keynsham for work for me any more
will remove one of only two bus services using
expert opinion has been warning of for years, our
would like to think if the developers and the
(good job I was made redundant last year!) No
A4175 (Keynsham Road). This road is the only
local councils are falling over themselves to
property managers are reading this, they will see
bus to Southmead (which had been promised
bus route crossing the 13-mile stretch of the
demonstrate their green credentials.
how unhappy the residents are and start to fix the
when the decision to close Frenchay was made),
River Avon between Central Bristol and Bath.
None more so than Kevin Guy, leader of
issues.
no bus to the retail and social hubs in Longwell
Only the No 17 bus will now use this strategic
B&NES Council. While the Bath Clean Air Zone
Name & address supplied
Green. And plans to reduce the only service to
route. It only runs once an hour and has only
is apparently pocketing £50,000 a week from
Bristol to an hourly one.
recently been kept after public protest. (To cross
commercial vehicle owners, the people who
And yet, the powers that be can invest millions
the Avon, according to First Bus route planner,
cause the largest volume of air pollution –
in Metrobus infrastructure for other parts of the
the alternative to the No 17 is a bus journey of
private car owners - are allowed to continue
Proposals will tackle rat running problems
city. They can arrange for buses to serve
over three hours each way - via central Bristol
polluting at will.
Dear Becky
Cadbury Heath every 10 minutes. But never any
or Bath!)
In Bristol, Mayor Marvin Rees is happy to
As a Warmley resident, I read the article in Issue
money to assist our area. No matter who is in
The action of First Bus has immediate impact on
publicly back the ridiculous and manipulative
692 about the resident-led campaign to prevent
office, it never improves and only gets worse.
residents in the Warmley, North Common,
claims by Bristol Airport that it will soon
Ring Road traffic from rat running through the
First Bus says it's not commercially viable, yet
Oldland Common and Saltford areas, plus the
become carbon neutral (as long as no airplanes
village with great interest.
they put themselves in direct competition with
large population on the east side of Keynsham.
actually land or take off from there) and yet has
I feel very strongly against rat running as a
Wessex Connect until they had run them off the
Their walking distances to the No 17 route are
dithered and delayed in doing anything about
whole, we need to be making sure vehicles travel
road when it came to the service to Keynsham.
simply too long for most people to make this a
NO2 levels in the centre of his city.
Once the competition was gone, they said it
regular travel option, especially in bad weather.
So, we currently have a situation where a six-
wasn't profitable! First Bus have become a
Its timetable is also impractical for many at
year old diesel van or taxi has to pay to enter the
monopoly and have bullied smaller companies
Longwell Green and Barrs Court (for schools,
centre of Bath, but a resident of Weston can drive
out of business or off their routes. They tried to
employment, appointments, etc.). Loss of the No
their 20 year-old-banger into the city centre to
get rid of Abus in Keynsham using underhand
18 also impacts on everyone else living along the
take the kids to school or visit a restaurant. In
tactics.
route between the University of the West of
Bristol, Mayor Rees has long droned on about
There is obviously a need for a service to the
England and Bath.
the financial impact of a charging on lower
places above mentioned, so why doesn't the local
First Bus is increasing car dependency because
income brackets. Is the reality that businesses
council approach other bus companies to tender
viable bus alternatives simply don’t exist.
affected by the charges do not have the same
for the business? After all, isn't it in their interests
Motorists need not feel smug because the
impact on the ballot box as residents who are
for people to be able to use public transport
existing traffic congestion will become worse,
inconvenienced by clean air charging zones?
instead of polluting the area with their cars, they
and they will frequently sit in frustration for
Sooner or later, I suspect later, people will realise
keep banging on about being greener! And surely
longer than the two minutes needed to sign a
that the sort of lifestyle changes which are really
it's in their interest for us to be able to get to jobs
petition.
needed are going to hurt. I wonder if any of our
10
We have also got a list of problems that have either been from day one or have happened in
The Week in • Wednesday 1st September 2021
LETTERS on the most appropriate road for the journey they
its stringent controls on virtually anything that
are doing, and while it is frustrating to see people
moves, but we live in a country where the wishes
diverting through Warmley during the final
of the minorities are protected more so than
stages of the Wraxall Road Roundabout
probably anywhere in the world. There are
conversion, this will not always be the case.
however situations where the wellbeing and
It is important to remember that these roadworks
safety of the majority exceeds that of the
are only temporary, but the multi-million-pound
minority and the need to be vaccinated is one of
investment into this busy junction, as well as
them.
those being proposed for other roundabouts on
By doing so, you are demonstrating your care
the Ring Road, are a direct response to rat
and compassion for the community at large,
running and are being designed to help traffic
particularly to those who are elderly and/or
flow more freely and to prevent congestion for
vulnerable.
motorists as well as bus users and cyclists.
Mike Barrow, Keynsham
Once these improvements are in place, there will be less need and less incentive for anyone to rat times when travelling along our major roads.
Removal of public seating leaves us appalled
Doing nothing to improve the Ring Road is the
Dear Becky
surest route to a permanent worsening of traffic
My wife and I, as one-time regular shoppers in
congestion and the resulting rat running through
Keynsham, are now appalled at the removal of
our communities.
public seating in the High Street, leaving the
Cllr Steve Reade
elderly and disabled in a desperate plight.
Cabinet Member for Regeneration,
Who are the council idiots responsible for this
Environment & Strategic Infrastructure
and what was their reasoning behind such a
South Gloucestershire Council
move? Farewell, Keynsham, you've seen the last
run because they will have improved journey
of us!
Right to reply Dear Editor May I have the right to reply to Steve of Oldland
Bryan Chalker Honorary Alderman B&NES
Common who in Issue 692 criticised my
Charity begins at home
proposal at making jabs compulsory before
Dear Editor
being allowed on to public transport, into shops,
I see the council is going to spend £1m+ on
pubs, etc.
increasing the size of the new offices in Market
He preferred using taxpayers’ money to bribe
Walk in Keynsham.
young people in particular to showing
This includes some money on artworks for the
responsibility to others by being vaccinated.
walls. If true, surely it would save a great deal of
Canada is shortly to require all air, train and ship
money to buy pictures from all the charity shops
passengers and workers to be jabbed, a move
in Keynsham - or is it easier to buy new?
that I hope the UK Government will follow.
David Whalley
So no Steve, we do not live in North Korea with
Keynsham
Railway junction works near completion Major works to rebuild the Bristol East Junction near Temple Meads have almost been completed. The Bristol Rail Regeneration programme is delivering new railway tracks and signalling to transform the railway serving the Bristol area – paving the way for more train services to move more people, more reliably. These trains will provide thousands of additional seats, alongside plans for new stations through the MetroWest initiative backed by the West of England Combined Authority. However, people are being reminded that services which are able to operate are expected to be busy so to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys. No trains are calling at Bristol Temple Meads this week until Friday as the eight-week track upgrade is finished with a focus on signalling. Buses are replacing trains between Temple Meads and Bath Spa, Bristol Parkway and Taunton, as well as between Bedminster and Bath Spa and Bedminster and Filton Abbeywood. Work to upgrade the lines serving Bristol Temple Meads from both Bristol Parkway and Bath Spa is due to be completed by Saturday 4th September. Final testing of the new junction is planned for the weekend of 25th and 26th September. This will affect trains towards Bristol Parkway on the Saturday and towards Bath Spa on the Sunday. Bristol East Junction controls the flow of rail traffic from South Wales, the
Sudoku 1-Easy
Midlands/North and from London into Bristol Temple Meads. Much of the track and signalling infrastructure that made up the junction was installed in the 1960s. Work started on 10th July to remove old track, points and ballast, as well as old signalling equipment and a gantry. Brand new tracks have been installed in a new layout, allowing trains to come in and out of Bristol Temple Meads more easily, meaning fewer delays and better journeys. An extra line has also been introduced to support additional suburban services being planned for the future. GWR’s regional development manager Matt Barnes said: “This work will in time help us to deliver 4,000 more train seats a day into the city, on more services through Bristol and help to reduce the conflict between longdistance and local stopping services, helping to maintain the reliability of our trains. “But while we will continue to operate trains through Bristol, there will be some alterations to timetables and journey frequency, so please do check what is best for you if you are travelling during the period and allow extra time for your journey.” To find out more about how your journey may be affected visit www.gwr.com/bristol Additional work on the Bristol Temple Meads roof renovation and eastern entrance project has been taking place alongside track upgrades, making the most of the opportunity while train services are disrupted. The roof renovations at Temple Meads are due for completion in 2023.
SUNDAY CHEMISTS Sunday 5th September
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 1st September 2021
11
Lyde Green’s new secondary school will open in Winterbourne The new Lyde Green Secondary School will open at Winterbourne Academy in a year’s time, it has been confirmed. Last month (Issue 691) we reported that the new £30m secondary and primary schools for Lyde Green were going to be delayed after a change of builder and one of the sponsors, although questions about exactly why have remained unanswered. We reported that BAM will be building the co-located schools in Honeysuckle Road instead of Willmott Dixon, and that The Olympus Academy Trust will run the 900-place secondary school instead of South Gloucestershire and Stroud Academy Trust (SGS). Castle School Education Trust (CSET) will still run the proposed primary school and already runs the one in Willowherb Road. In a letter updating Winterbourne Academy parents about the situation last week, Olympus said it would be responsible for overseeing and running the new Lyde Green Secondary School when it opens in September 2022. “Designs for the new building are being finalised but the final completion dates for the new school mean that the permanent building will not be ready in time for the first Year 7 cohort at the start of term in September 2022.
Crossword
Extra classroom space is being planned at the primary school in Willowherb Road
“This is an unavoidable delay and as part of the trust’s commitment to the project and involvement in the preopening phase, we have had to explore the possibility of basing the first Lyde Green Year 7 cohort on an alternative site as an interim arrangement. As Winterbourne Academy is also a member of The Olympus Academy Trust and is our nearest school to Lyde Green, it seemed logical to us that we should explore the possibility of accommodating the first Lyde Green Year 7 cohort on site in Winterbourne for their first year. This means that the new Lyde Green Secondary School will open for children in September 2022.” There will be 120 Lyde Green secondary places available in Year 7 in September 2022. The planned admission number for subsequent years is 180, with a new Year 7 cohort starting
ACROSS
DOWN
1. Corrupts (7)
1. Architectural style (5)
5. Welsh breed of dog (5)
2. Of superior quality (5)
8. Definite article (3)
4. Faster (anag.) (6)
9. Bitterness (7)
5. Stringed instrument (5)
10. Supple (5)
6. Keeps (7)
11. Rare article (5)
7. Imprecise (7)
13. US sunshine state (7)
12. Flying saucer (inf.) (3)
15. Carbamide (4) 17. Salad ingredient (6) 19. Dusk (6) 22. Flying mammals (4) 24. Curl (7) 26. Pixies (5) 29. Inert gas (5) 30. Artist's studio (7) 31. Biblical priest (3) 32. Mistake (5) 33. Small bouquet (7)
12
3. Observation post (7)
14. Final (4) 16. Gown (4) 17. Row of houses (7) 18. Director (7) 20. Of no benefit (7) 21. Female sheep (3) 23. Reach (6) 25. Large ship (5) 27. Competing (5) 28. Sprinkle (5)
each September. The letter, from Olympus’s CEO Dave Baker and Winterbourne headteacher Jason Beardmore, says: “It is planned that children attending the new Lyde Green Secondary School will have access to a full curriculum and use of some Dave of Winterbourne’s facilities, Baker but separate accommodation will be made available so that the new school’s identity can be clearly defined. “Transport will be provided by South Gloucestershire Council between Lyde Green and Winterbourne for all students who need it during 2022-23 until access to the Lyde Green site becomes available. “We hope that by forging early links between Lyde Green and Winterbourne, it will be a natural progression to the Olympus Post 16 provision at Winterbourne Academy in due course for Lyde Green students. “We hope also that some of the temporary accommodation arrangements we put in place for the Lyde Green Year 7 students will have lasting benefit for Winterbourne students once Lyde Green has moved to its own site in 2023. “We will take all necessary steps to ensure that the temporary co-location of Lyde Green Year 7 students on the Winterbourne campus will have only minimal impact on Winterbourne Academy students and that their interests are fully safeguarded.” Meanwhile new temporary classroom space is being planned at the primary school in Willowherb Road to accommodate extra pupils from the start of this coming academic year until the new one is ready. A planning application was submitted last month for a modular unit to house four classrooms. A separate planning application was submitted earlier this summer to convert the staff room and music room into two teaching classrooms with a permanent modular extension to provide a replacement music room and staff room. The Week in • Wednesday 1st September 2021
Academy trust looks to the Futura An academy trust in the West of England is starting the new school year with a new name – and says it is actively looking to “recruit” more schools. From today (Wednesday), Futura Learning Partnership is the name of the former Wellsway Multi Academy Trust, which runs 13 schools across Bath & North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Bristol. The Keynsham-based trust decided the change was needed to better reflect its schools and the 6,000 children and young people and 800 staff within them. Chief executive Andrea Arlidge said: “When we began in 2014, we chose to name the trust after the founder school, Wellsway. Our growth over seven years has brought us to a point where we feel the need for an identity that shows we are truly one organisation in which every school is an equal. “The name chosen – after consulting widely with students, staff, and governors – is forward looking, while acknowledging our history: Futura comes from the Wellsway School motto ‘Futura Aedificamus’, which means ‘We build for the future’. “Learning is our fundamental purpose while partnership underpins everything we do.
Collaboration has been the key to our success so far; it is one of our core values, along with aspiration, opportunity and respect. We are committed to continuing to develop common practices and approaches in pursuit of educational excellence. “We are an inclusive trust, providing seamless education for children from the moment they step through the doors of any of our family of schools until they leave us as young adults. “This is a hugely exciting time for us: building work is under way on a new primary school to serve the growing population in East Keynsham; we are expanding our special school provision based at Aspire Academy in Bath and we have launched our trust-wide post-16 provision, Futura Sixth. “We look forward to continuing to work together to support all the schools in our trust and every individual within them. With a strong track record in delivering educational excellence, we are also keen to maintain and develop our role supporting school improvement across our region.” Mrs Arlidge added: “There are clear advantages to schools joining the Futura
family. We are actively looking at recruiting more schools in the West of England and possibly further afield if they fit with our vision and can help us develop our
educational offer.” Futura Learning Partnership has produced a short promotional film at https://youtu.be/x32HYoM1zOg
Schools in the trust Wellsway School welcomes new principal At secondary level the partnership
Keynsham - Chandag Infants, Chandag
comprises Wellsway
IKB
Juniors, Two Rivers Primary and St John’s
Academy in Keynsham, Sir Bernard
C of E Primary – as well as Saltford C of
Wellsway School starts the academic year
Lovell Academy in Oldland Common, and
E Primary, The Meadows Primary at
with a new principal, Rob Pearsall.
Bedminster Down School in Bristol, plus
Bitton and Cheddar Grove Primary and
He comes to Keynsham as principal and
Futura Sixth – the trust’s combined sixth
Wansdyke Primary in Bristol.
executive head of Wellsway School and IKB
form.
There is also a special school - Aspire
Academy from Plymouth, where he was
The primary schools include four in
Academy in Bath.
and
the
head of Plymstock School. A teacher for 26 years, he said he was drawn
environment with a team of staff who have
to succeed both now and in the future.”
Summer schools hailed a success
the highest aspirations for the young people
Mr Pearsall started out teaching business
More than 100 children took part in
choreographing drama performances, as
in their care. My priority is to ensure that in
studies, ICT and economics but soon realised
summer school activities run by four
well as many sports and games. Activities
every classroom our students experience
that his passion was for the pastoral side of
Futura Learning Partnership secondaries.
were also run by Bedminster Down School
consistent and highly effective teaching and
his work.
Youngsters
in Bristol and Aspire Academy in Bath.
learning and that their effort is celebrated,”
He paid tribute to the way young people had
Academy’s summer school in Oldland
Futura’s director of education Gary Schlick
he said.
responded to the lockdowns and other
Common where, alongside maths and
said: “These summer schools have been a
He added: “There will be no major changes
challenges presented by the coronavirus
English, activities included putting up
wonderful success and have really helped
to the way we do things, although we always
emergency: “They have been extraordinary,
tents, baking cakes and stop-motion
young people prepare for the transition to
seek to further improve. We have a focus on
especially those in the exam years. They
animation. Children at Wellsway School in
secondary education. We are extremely
excellence for both our culture and
have shown such resilience and perseverance
Keynsham meanwhile got involved in
grateful to the staff who gave up their time
curriculum, so that it allows all young people
and have bounced back so well.”
activities such as creating poems and
to run these sessions.”
to the role at Wellsway because the school and the trust that runs it reflected his values and moral purpose. “It is a very special place - a caring
Rob Pearsall
The Week in • Wednesday 1st September 2021
took
part
in
the
SBL
13
Sign up to Bristol Memory Walk A charity worker who has been involved
“People with dementia have been worst hit
difference to the lives of people with
in one of Bristol’s leading fundraising
by coronavirus, with thousands dying and
dementia and their families. Many of the
events since it first started 17 years ago
many more rapidly deteriorating, from both
people who take part have a personal
says participants are needed now more
the virus and knock-on effects of lockdown.
connection to the cause and their stories are
than ever.
“Like all charities, our fundraising has taken
often heart-breaking. It’s also a fun and
Established in 2004, Alzheimer’s Society’s
a significant hit during to the pandemic,
uplifting, family-friendly event and such a
Bristol Memory Walk had to be cancelled
while demand for our vital services like the
memorable experience.
last year due to the pandemic, resulting in the
Dementia Connect support line has sky-
“This year we hope that the event will raise
charity losing an estimated £100,000. The
rocketed. It’s only through people signing up
£60,000 but to do that we need more people
fundraising event is now back and taking
to events like the Bristol Memory Walk and
to sign up to take part. There are estimated
place at Bristol’s harbourside this Saturday
raising money that we can continue to be
to be more than 4,700 people living with
(4th September).
there for people affected by dementia.”
dementia in Bristol. They have suffered
for
Involved in Bristol Memory Walk since the
extraordinarily due to the pandemic and we
Alzheimer’s Society for Bristol, said:
very beginning, Lorna, who has worked for
need to raise vital funds to help reach more
Lorna
14
Robertson,
area
manager
Alzheimer’s Society for 21
of them.”
years, has seen the event go
Memory Walk will bring together people at
from strength to strength.
numerous locations across England, Wales
suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs with
Beginning as a small event
and Northern Ireland. Supporters can also
assistance. The longer 4.5km walk is more
with
hundred
opt to walk on their own, or with loved ones,
challenging, and will take you around
participants, it has grown to
on the paths, pavements, parks or pebbles in
Bristol’s historic harbourside, enjoying
attract thousands of people.
a location of their choosing throughout
views of the SS Great Britain and
She said: “While it may
September and October.
Cumberland Basin before returning across
have grown, what has
The shorter 1.5km Bristol Memory Walk is
Pero’s Bridge. Dogs are welcome on both
always remained at the very
a gentle stroll around Cathedral Walk and
walks.
heart of the event is a real
Hannover Quay, which is suitable for
Register
desire to make a genuine
Memory Walkers of all ages. This route is
alzheimers.org.uk/memorywalk
just
a
Lorna Robertson
to
take
part
for
free
at
The Week in • Wednesday 1st September 2021
Council chief is guest speaker at Over 50s Forum South Gloucestershire Over 50s Forum
September and is supported by South
will hold their annual general meeting on
Gloucestershire Council.
Thursday 14th October at Yate Methodist
The group’s mission is to influence
Church (BS37 4BZ) starting at 10am.
decision-makers nationally and locally on
The guest speaker will be Dave Perry, the
such matters as health, educational and
chief executive of South Gloucestershire
leisure activities, transport, social and
Council. The forum, which has more than
community
care,
housing,
age
4,000 members, was formed in 1993 to
discrimination
in
employment,
and
enable people over 50 to have a voice and
pensions and benefits.
holds meetings in Kingswood, Emersons
For
Green, Yate, Thornbury and Patchway.
southglosover50s@gmail.com or ring
It became a registered charity last
07967 1021141.
more
information
Pub hosts Songs of Praise The White Hart in Bitton hosted a special
1.30pm and will be opened by actor Joe
Songs of Praise event in a packed pub
Sims. There will also be entertainment from
garden on Sunday.
Somerset Morris and Professor Hudd’s
Oldland Brass performed along with the
Punch & Judy show.
music group from St Mary’s Church in the
Highcroft Veterinary Centre will be running
village. And Oldland Brass will be back in
a dog show and there will be a display of
Bitton on Saturday 11th September for the
classic cars as well as stalls, traditional
annual St Mary’s Church fete which starts at
games and refreshments.
Music in Page Park Westerly Winds will be playing at the bandstand at Page Park in Staple Hill on Sunday (5th September) at 2.30pm. The band promise an afternoon of uplifting tunes. The event is free.
Keep in touch, let us know what you think, send us your news www.facebook.com/theweekin
The Week in • Wednesday 1st September 2021
15
NHS urges people in South West to come forward for life-saving cancer checks People in the South West with potential cancer symptoms are being encouraged to come forward for life-saving checks as part of an NHS campaign. NHS England chief executive, Amanda Pritchard, launched the campaign to highlight symptoms of abdominal and urological cancers, saying that the NHS is open and ready to treat people. The ‘Help Us, Help You’ campaign raises awareness of symptoms of cancers in the abdominal area, urological cancers, and lung cancer. The adverts feature people with a range of symptoms, such as prolonged discomfort in the tummy area or a persistent cough, and aim to persuade people experiencing these to contact their GP. NHS data shows that more than 16,664 people in the South West are diagnosed with abdominal or urological cancers each year. But research shows that three in five people (60%) are concerned about burdening the NHS, with half (49%) saying they would delay seeking medical advice compared to before the pandemic.
The NHS chief stressed that there could be tens of thousands more people who are not coming forward, either because they’re unaware of common cancer symptoms, or because they feel they would burden the NHS. Despite abdominal and urological cancers accounting for 6,461 cancer deaths in the South West, new figures from the NHS show that many people are unaware of common warning signs which could prevent them seeking help. Three in five (63%) people said they didn’t recognise discomfort in the abdominal area for three weeks or more as an indication of cancer. Alongside abdominal and urological cancers, the campaign also highlights common signs of lung cancer – after research has found that two in five people don’t recognise that a persistent cough for more than three weeks as a sign of the disease. There is also concern the symptom could easily be confused with COVID-19. Symptoms that could be possible signs of abdominal or urological cancers include discomfort in the tummy area for
three weeks or more, diarrhoea for three weeks or more or blood in your pee – even just once. People are being reminded to contact their GP if they have any of these symptoms. People should also speak to their GP if they notice any other unusual changes, such as a lump in the tummy area, post-menopausal bleeding, or unexplained weight loss, as these can also be signs of cancer. NHS data shows that more than 3,903 people in the South West are diagnosed with lung cancer each year, with the total number of deaths at 2,693. Since May 2020 (with the exception of January 2021), the South West overall has met or exceeded the 93% operational standard for patients seen within two weeks following an urgent GP referral for suspected lung cancer. Around a quarter of a million people were checked for cancer in June, the second highest number on record, and treatment numbers have been back at usual levels since March. More than 27,000 people started treatment for cancer in June, a 42% increase on the same time last year.
Piece of Hanham’s history up for sale An historic group of barns and outbuildings in Hanham come up for auction later this month. The crumbling barns adjoin Castle Inn Farmhouse in Castle Farm Road which dates from the 18th century and is Grade II listed. Planning permission to convert two of the barns into four homes, with a new access via the paddock to the side and to demolish outbuildings, has lapsed. Hollis Morgan are auctioning the lot on Wednesday 15th September.
Demolition plans The old buildings coming up for sale
16
Plans to demolish three stone barns at the rear of the veterinary centre at 1 Court Farm Road in Longwell Green have been submitted to South Gloucestershire Council. The reason given is that the roofs of the barns have collapsed due to storms, making the structural walls unsecure. The proposal is to remove the barns, leaving a boundary wall. The planning reference is P21/05334/PND.
The Week in • Wednesday 1st September 2021
Avon Fire & Rescue Service recognised as one of UK’s Climate Leaders Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) have been selected as one of the UK’s Climate Leaders ahead of the COP26 United Nations 2021 Climate Change conference due to take place in Glasgow in November. COP26 will bring together almost every country on earth for a global climate change summit. Ahead of this, the Cabinet Office will be showcasing AF&RS’s environmental journey in a bid to encourage others to make
changes and reduce their carbon footprint. Annabel Harford, AF&RS’s environmental manager, said: “As a fire and rescue service we have a long way to go in fully decarbonising our vehicles and stations, but I am incredibly proud of the strides we are making to achieve our ambitious plans. “It is an honour to be recognised as one of the UK’s Climate Leaders, we’ve made a lot of progress on our environmental journey so
far and being recognised for this only increases our motivation to make further changes. “From electric vehicles to installing LED lighting and solar panels, we’re well on our way to reducing our carbon footprint.
“Over the next few years you can anticipate trials of electric fire engines and much more in a bid to achieve our ambitious net zero carbon goal by 2030.” Find out more at https://together-for-ourplanet.ukcop26.org/climate-leaders/
Granting wishes for hospice at home charity Hospice at home charity Jessie May has welcomed support from the online platform Wishy. The
Kingswood-based
charity
has
specialist nurses who provide at-home nursing and respite care for children and young people with a terminal or lifelimiting condition throughout the South West. Wishy allows people to support charities
like Jessie May. Having them on the
of their choice with ease and simplicity. It
platform and helping them to grant wishes
allows smaller charities to be noticed and
on a daily basis is not only an honour, but
given more of a voice. The donator can
a fantastic opportunity for us to help them
choose how their money is used by the
provide opportunities they might not have
charity. The contributor may wish to give
been able to elsewhere.
£65 for a specialist nurse to provide an
“They are an amazing charity, and we are
hour of clinical support, or perhaps £25 for
so humbled by the work they do daily. An
a memory box after a child has passed
impressive team and we are proud to be a
away.
supporter. It’s a difficult time for
Liam Summers, founder of Wishy, said he
everyone, and hopefully we can help a
was keen to help Jessie May by providing
little to make things better for the people
an alternative stream of vital income:
they support.”
“When Wishy was set up, we hoped that
Find
we would be able to work with charities
https://wishy.org.uk/
out
more
about
Wishy
at
Annual art exhibition Bath Society of Artists will be staging their 116th Annual Open Exhibition at the Victoria Art Gallery from 2nd October until 20th November. Art enthusiasts will be able to browse and buy from more than 250 paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures by the region’s top artistic talent, at prices to suit
every pocket. Last year the exhibition moved online due to COVID-19, but this year people will once again be able to enjoy the show in real life and place their votes for the Public Choice Prize. All the works will also be available to view and buy online from 12th October at www.victoriagal.org.uk/bathsociety2021
The Week in • Wednesday 1st September 2021
17
Foodbanks braced for increase in local families needing support Foodbanks in our area are braced for more families needing their help when the £20 Universal Credit uplift ends in October. For some families, this will mean suddenly losing up to a fifth of their income, says the Trussell Trust, which supports a nationwide network of foodbanks and campaigns for change to end the need for them. The Keynsham Foodbank, the Resound Foodbank at Mangotsfield and the South & East Bristol Foodbank are all part of the Trussell Trust and are all preparing for an increase in the number of referrals. The Keynsham Foodbank team will be restarting their ‘collect-from-our-door’ option from 9th September when they will be welcoming clients back to St Francis Church in Warwick Road on Thursday mornings. This supplements the collection option at St Mary’s Church in Saltford on a Friday morning, which restarted in July, and the team’s ongoing delivery options. “The pandemic led to quite a few changes in the way in which we operate,” said long-time trustee June Brassington. “One of the key parts of the foodbank service which stopped was collection. More importantly, this also meant that we lost the opportunity to have a friendly chat with those we support, and the chance to signpost to other organisations for help beyond the food parcel. Whilst we are not yet able to offer cups of tea as we did in the past, we hope that by reopening for collection at our door, our volunteers will be able to provide more support to those who come to us for help.” Local people in food crisis receive support from the foodbank via an eVoucher system from an extensive list of local agencies. Keynsham Foodbank works with more than 100 local referral agencies, including B&NES Welfare, Citizens Advice Bureau, the Community Wellbeing Hub, local schools, churches and charities. Lucy Duffy, Trussell Trust’s area manager, said: “The Keynsham team have been working hard throughout the pandemic, and like foodbanks nationally, experienced a significant growth in demand and generous community support.
18
St Francis Church
“As autumn approaches, and furlough comes to an end, the Trussell Trust is particularly concerned about the impact the cancellation of the £20 Universal Credit uplift will have in October. For some families, this will mean suddenly losing up to a fifth of their income, and the concern is this cut will mean even more people in the UK will need a foodbank later this year.” June Brassington added: “We’re getting our volunteer teams and systems as ready as we can be for what we think will be a difficult autumn. We thank the local community for their generous ongoing support and have one more request to add to our list. In order to reopen on a Monday morning at Victoria Key Centre in Keynsham, we are looking for one or two people to join us who have the skills to lead a volunteer team with strong interpersonal skills and basic IT skills, and we’ll provide you with all necessary training. This is an opportunity to make a real difference in your community. If you think you have the expertise to help us, and would like to know more, please get in touch, we’d love to talk with you.” Keynsham Foodbank’s collect-at-our-door service will be available, by arrangement on Thursdays at St Francis from
10am to noon from 9th September, and on Fridays at St Mary’s in Saltford from 10.15am to 11.45am. The option of delivery continues until at least the end of September, currently on a Wednesday and Friday, and then, from 9th September onwards, on a Thursday and Friday. The team are grateful to Keynsham & District Diala-Ride for their generous ongoing support. Meanwhile in an update to its supporters, the Resound Foodbank at Blackhorse Road in Mangotsfield, which reopened its doors in May for the first time in over a year, says it has remained open despite the recent increase in the COVID rate, with extra precautions being taken to help protect the safety of both volunteers and clients. A spokesperson said: “The number of referrals is slowly increasing again and we are expecting this to continue with the ending of furlough and other support programmes and the removal of the additional £20 a week Universal Credit which I am sure will hit some families very hard. Thank you for your support, kindness and continued generosity.” The foodbank is open Fridays between 10am and noon. Call 0117 3050969 or 07485 688621. The South & East Bristol Foodbank, which has six outlets including at Waters Road in Kingswood and Fishponds Baptist Church, is urging people to consider writing to their MP to call on the Government to stop the £20 cut to Universal Credit. It warns: “This cut will have devastating consequences in the areas that we cover in Bristol and South Glos.” The Kingswood outlet is open by appointment on Tuesdays from 9.30am to 12.45pm and on Fridays from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Call 07584 625082 or 01179 478441. The Fishponds outlet is open by appointment on Fridays from 12.30pm to 2.15pm. Call 07584 625082 or 0117 9653421. The Week in • Wednesday 1st September 2021
Play Streets are back in Bristol After a tough 18 months, Playing Out is back supporting people in Bristol who want to create a Play Street on the road where they live. Playing Out started more than 10 years ago in Bristol and since then, the movement to enable children to play out safely where they live has spread across the country to over 80 councils. Regular Play Streets are a great way for the community to come together as well as giving children new skills, enabling them to become more independent and feel connected and part of where they live. It’s also a free and easy way to keep children
active. Bristol City Council has now reopened Play Street applications. Residents can apply to shut their road to through traffic for up to three hours every week – it’s up to neighbours to decide how long and how often the sessions happen. As it takes up to eight weeks for the council to process an application, you could aim to have your first session in the October half term. Check out www.playingout.net for all the information you need. The Bristol application page is h t t p s : / / w w w. b r i s t o l . g o v. u k / s t r e e t s travel/playing-out
Mobile speed camera locations this week Here are the locations in our area where
Lane at North Common.
you can expect to see police mobile speed
Bath & North East Somerset:
cameras this week.
In Keynsham on Charlton Road, Park
South Gloucestershire:
Road, Coronation Avenue and the B3116
In Bitton on the A431 Bath Road and
Wellsway; in Saltford at The Shallows,
A4175; also on the A4175 at Oldland
Grange Road and Manor Road; also on the
Common; on the A4174 ring road at
B3116 at Burnett Hill, on the A37 at
Emersons Green and Bromley Heath; in
Pensford and A39 at Corston.
Kingswood on New Cheltenham Road
Bristol:
and Cock Road; in Pucklechurch on the
At Bamfield in Whitchurch; in Hengrove
B4465 Westerleigh Road; at Siston Lane
on Whitchurch Lane and Tarnock Avenue;
at Webbs Heath; in Longwell Green on
in
California Road, Long Beach Road and
Sturminster Road and Stockwood Lane; in
Court Farm Road; at Barrs Court on
Brislington on the A4174 Callington
Craven Way; in Hanham on Abbots Road,
Road, Kensington Park Road and B3119
Memorial Road and Whittucks Road; at
West Town Lane; in Fishponds on Gill
Parkwall Road in Cadbury Heath; at Lyde
Avenue, Thingwall Park, Thicket Avenue
Green
on
Boulevard
on
Hollway
Road,
and
and the A432 Downend Road/Fishponds
Willowherb Road; in Staple Hill on
Road; in Whitehall on Gordon Avenue and
Cassell Road and Broad Street/High
Park Crescent; in St George on Furber
Street;
in
Road, Crews Hill Road, the A431 Nags
Mangotsfield and on Overndale Road in
Head Hill and Beaufort Road; in Hillfields
Downend; in Wick on the A420 and at
on Woodland Way and the B4465 Forest
Naishcombe Hill; on Victoria Road/Mill
Road.
at
Jenner
Stockwood
Blackhorse
Road
Plea for book donations Willsbridge Mill Community Refresh is setting up a book swap shelf and is in need of donations. Anyone who has books they could donate is asked to take them to the café or mill shop.
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The Week in • Wednesday 1st September 2021
19
Study finds some road closures cause less traffic Two researchers from the University of the West of England have published a study shedding new light on why traffic is sometimes reduced when roads are closed by councils. Dr Steve Melia and Dr Tom Calvert, from UWE Bristol’s Centre for Transport and Society, found that if main or ‘strategic’ roads were closed, some drivers decided to stop using their cars and instead used different forms of transport, or changed their travel habits. Since the first lockdown, many councils have been closing roads to car traffic, converting them to pedestrian walkways or reserving them for buses and bikes. For the study, the researchers looked at other similar trends from evidence around Europe, and two recent examples in South West England, including Bristol. Earlier studies had shown that when roads were closed, some of the traffic usually ‘disappeared’ but until this latest study the reasons behind this were uncertain. Steve Melia, who is senior lecturer in planning and transport, said: “We found that if you close
a local road with easy alternatives, nearly all the traffic is displaced onto those surrounding roads and there may be no traffic reduction. “But if you close a strategic road, causing a big detour, then some of the traffic does ‘disappear.’ Traffic volumes go down, partly because congestion increases, at least in the
longer term, there’s some evidence that traffic volumes continue to fall, gradually reducing the congestion.” He added: “This creates a dilemma for local authorities. The easy road closures might help to improve the feel of a street, but they do nothing to reduce traffic. The bigger, more controversial closures do cause some
demonstration on Bristol Bridge caused the strategic closure of the bridge, the only route for traffic to cross the city centre. The alternatives were longer and already congested. Over the five days of demonstration, congestion increased slightly and the volume of traffic fell by seven per cent in the city centre and two per cent across
short-term. Some people switch to public transport, walking or cycling, while others travel less or go somewhere else. In the
congestion, at least to start off with, but they’re the ones that bring the benefits of less traffic across the city.” In 2019, in the centre of Bristol, a five-day
the rest of the city. Bristol City Council has since installed a bus gate on Bristol Bridge, permanently removing cars and vans.
Harvest auction The annual harvest auction in aid of the Bitton & Oldland Branch of the Royal British Legion will take place on Monday 6th September at 8pm at the Upton Inn,
Upton Cheyney. The auctioneer will be David Hawking and there will be music from Oldland Brass. Everyone is welcome.
Praise for nursery after first Ofsted inspection Baker Street Nursery and Pre-School in Hanham has received a Good rating from education watchdog Ofsted following its first inspection since opening in 2018. The inspector who visited over the summer said that children are happy and arrive eager to learn. Staff's interaction with children was described as “warm, caring and nurturing” and they praise youngsters for their efforts, achievements and positive behaviour. The inspector also highlighted that staff effectively support children with special
20
educational needs and/or disabilities. Children unable to attend the nursery during the COVID-19 pandemic had support to continue their learning at home. For instance, parents were sent story videos and ideas by staff to help children meet their individual targets. Parents said they felt well supported through the regular information provided on the online system during the pandemic. The nursery in Hanham High Street has 122 children on its role.
Community meeting The next virtual meeting of the Hanham & Longwell Green Community Engagement Forum (CEF) is next Thursday (9th September) at 7pm. Organised by South Gloucestershire Council, CEFs give residents a chance to raise any concerns and find out what’s happening in their community. Local councillors and representatives from the police and Avon Fire & Rescue attend CEF meetings. To get involved, email communityengagement @southglos.gov.uk or call 01454 868113. The Week in • Wednesday 1st September 2021
Seeking stories from South Gloucestershire’s Indian community South
Gloucestershire
Council
has
funding from Arts Council National Lottery Projects Grants to share the history and experiences of people from the multi-faith Indian community in the district. The aim is to find and share unexplored stories of Indian heritage, migration, settlement, and what life is like today to coproduce
oral
contemporary
histories,
film
collections,
stories,
exhibitions,
learning resources and a celebration event. Anyone from the Indian community with a story they would like to share is asked to get in touch.
and whether they have any photos or objects.
The council is working on the project with
The deadline to submit a story is Tuesday
the South Gloucestershire Race Equality
14th September. Contact Shiv Sama, who
Network
chairs the South Gloucestershire Race
(SGREN),
Avon
Indian
Community Association (AICA), South
Equality
Gloucestershire Museums Group, South
Community
Gloucestershire
samashiv@yahoo.co.uk or Jane Marley, the
Libraries
and
Network
and
Avon
Indian
Association
at
Gloucestershire Archives.
council’s museums and heritage officer, at
In less than 150 words, people are asked to
museums@southglos.gov.uk
share a brief story of their migration here,
The council did a similar project with local
how they settled and what life is like now,
Second World War stories.
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Family Announcements
More improvements to Railway Path Sustrans, the charity which looks after the Bristol and Bath
Bereavement
Railway Path, which runs through three local authority areas, says it has secured funding for improvements in part of the South Gloucestershire stretch. “South Gloucestershire Council will tackle the ongoing drainage issues at Staple Hill tunnel. There will be some resurfacing on the path, and they are looking to make improvements to access and crossing points.” Meanwhile Sustrans has been working with Bristol City Council on major improvements between Clay Bottom and Trinity Street as part of the One Path: BS5 project which seeks to tackle issues that sometimes arise on this very busy 1.5 mile stretch. In recent years, the popularity of the path has led to conflict between some users of the popular cycling and walking route. The aim is to make the path a safer, more inclusive space.
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21
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Crossword Solution
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Advertising feature
Bra-vo for Perfect Fit as it celebrates 30 years in business Keynsham lingerie shop Perfect Fit celebrates its 30th
issues and also pride ourselves in going the extra mile.
anniversary in September and there is a special 10%
Perfect Fit has a dedicated team of staff who are fully trained
discount on all purchases for customers for a limited
and very professional at all times.”
period.
Now Debbie and her team of six are delighted to be
The Temple Street shop, known far and wide for its
welcoming customers back into the shop for fittings after
professional and expert bra fitting service and extensive
months of lockdown. They have regulars who come from as
range of lingerie, was started by Lyn Young. She ran it for
far away as Australia and Dubai!
25 years before selling the business to Debbie French who
Debbie loves helping women of all ages get fitted with the
had been part of the team since 2007.
right bra (surveys suggest as many as nine out of 10 women
Debbie has lived in Keynsham since the 1970s, having spent
in the UK are wearing the wrong size) and says that new
her early years in Devon. She was working in The Handyman
customers are amazed at the quantity and quality of stock at
Shop in Keynsham when she was head-hunted by Lyn.
Perfect Fit. The shop carries around 10 leading brands and
Within weeks she was asked to become the manager and to
sizes ranging from triple A to K. There is also an extensive
learn the business side, so she was a natural successor to take
range of nightwear, support wear and swimwear.
The business has been honoured over the years, including in
over the reins when Lyn decided to move on.
There is 10% off all purchases at Perfect Fit from 6th to 11th
2019 when it won the Super Star award at the Underlines
Debbie says she took on a business that was well established
September. The discount is a thank you to loyal customers
magazine awards ceremony in London, recognising the
with a good reputation, and it has gone from strength to
as well as an invitation to new shoppers.
expertise, knowledge and passion of independent shops.
strength. Not only are the staff experienced at measuring and
You’ll be spoilt for choice, but Debbie and her team will help
And the team will be toasting Perfect Fit’s three decades of
fitting, they are friendly and welcoming. Says Debbie: “We
you find what’s right for you, whether it’s everyday essentials
success with a special anniversary meal at Laviano’s in
are always looking for ways to help ladies who have sensitive
or something for a special occasion.
Temple Street soon when they will be joined by Lyn.
24
Debbie French outside the shop
The Week in • Wednesday 1st September 2021