THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset
6th October 2021
Issue 699
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New leisure centre for Kingswood town centre The demolition of the multi-storey car park at Kings Chase Shopping Centre to make way for a new leisure centre has emerged as a key feature of the £25m regeneration of Kingswood town centre as public consultation comes to an end this weekend. 1,200 people have visited the pop-up shop at Kings Chase to find out more about the masterplan and there has been overwhelming support, with the clear message: “It’s about time. Kingswood has been left behind.” Although “leisure facilities” are mentioned in South Gloucestershire Council’s masterplan, the idea of a leisure centre to replace the one at Soundwell has only emerged during the consultation. The council, which bought Kings Chase this year for £10m, says it would help make Kingswood a destination hub. Pictured is the latest impression showing how Kings Chase might look, with housing above and near a leisure centre. A
cinema is also an option along with ‘hot desk’ workspace and an improved mall. The council anticipates that a leisure centre would be built within four to six years and would include a pool equivalent to the one at Soundwell. The current centre, run in partnership with the Circadian Trust, has just celebrated its 60th birthday and is seen as coming to the end of its life span. This week a council spokesperson said: “Providing a new leisure centre in Kings Chase Shopping Centre is a priority for the council and the Circadian Trust as part of our regeneration plans for the area. We want to encourage a broader range of uses for land and buildings in Kingswood to include business, leisure, residential and community use to drive a more active local economy. Ultimately the new leisure centre will replace the existing Soundwell facility, and we will be exploring options for the best use of the current site.”
Four distinct zones are outlined for the town centre – a Mixed Commercial Quarter, Live/Work Urban Lifestyles Quarter, Civic Quarter and the Historic & Cultural Heart. The east part of Regent Street would be pedestrianised, with a northern outbound route for traffic and southern inbound route. Consultation closes on 10th October. Visit the pop-up shop or https://consultations.southglos.gov.uk/Kingswood Masterplan/consultationHome
The current leisure centre The multi-storey car park
Also in this week’s issue
Council ‘didn’t consult’ on Ring Road junction design change . . . page 3
Saltford engineer bids for Bake Off glory . . . page 4
Latest on Cossham minor injury unit campaign . . . page 6
Week In readers’ petition to reprieve 18 bus service is delivered . . . page 7
Wait and see how throughabout works before building more, says MP Kingswood MP Chris Skidmore says South Gloucestershire Council should wait and see how effective the new throughabout at Warmley is before changes are made to other roundabout junctions along the Ring Road. In his response to the council’s recent consultation on its plans for £30m improvements to five more roundabouts along the A4174, the MP also said he wants to see metrobus services expanded. He said: “The A4174 Ring Road is the transport backbone of our local economy. We must invest in it not only to protect existing jobs but also to provide the jobs of the future – and must do so carefully and in consultation with local people. Doing nothing represents an economic threat to our area that will ultimately undermine the quality of life for people living and working in Kingswood.” Mr Skidmore says he supports in principle the objectives of the project to reduce carbon emissions and improve journey times for all road users, including public transport, by relieving traffic delays and congestion along the Ring Road, subject to conditions. However, if funding is approved by the government, he said significant efforts would need to be made to minimise the short-term impact of any works including any rat-running by
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those seeking to avoid the roadworks. Mr Skidmore Kingsfield Roundabout at Longwell Green is one of those said this was a concern that has been raised with earmarked to become a throughabout him by Warmley residents (The Week In featured this in Issue 692). He added: “Improving traffic flow on the Ring Road will ultimately discourage local rat-running by those drivers seeking to avoid queues and consideration needs to be given on how to further strengthen the benefits of lower traffic through communities, including changes to local junctions.” Mr Skidmore said that while throughabouts have been shown to work elsewhere in the country, the one due to open soon at the Wraxall Road Roundabout in Warmley will be the first such junction in our area: “There should be some time to evaluate there needs to be a firmer commitment from both the council how effective this scheme is and allow people to become and the West of England Combined Authority to extend these familiar with it before construction begins on the other public transport services across Kingswood.” • A petition organised by South Gloucestershire Green Party roundabout junctions.” The council is proposing changes to five other Ring Road against the proposed roundabout changes, which has been junctions between Longwell Green and Lyde Green – signed by more than 1,600 people, has been handed in to the including three more throughabouts at the Siston Hill, council. It calls for the plans for the five junctions to be ditched and Deanery Road and Kingsfield junctions. Mr Skidmore continues: “The existing metrobus services for the council to investigate more appropriate ways of already run along the Ring Road to and from Lyde Green and reducing congestion that reflect the need to reduce traffic.
The Week in • Wednesday 6th October 2021
Council criticised for changing road design after public consultation With the new throughabout on the A4174 Ring Road at
flow along the A4174 Ring Road,
Warmley due to open this month, South Gloucestershire
maintain capacity and reduce delays on
Council has admitted that it had to redesign part of the
the Wraxall Road and Tower Lane
junction after an oversight.
approaches, improve air quality in the
A reader contacted us to highlight that the exit from Tower
vicinity
of
the
roundabout
and
Lane at the converted Wraxall Road roundabout looks
futureproof
the
network
the
different to the plans the public were consulted on.
additional housing and development
A large area of hardstanding has been created instead of the
schemes coming forward in the area.
grass verge with trees that had been originally planned.
“A consultation was carried out on plans
The local resident told us: “I think it is wrong that the council
for the new throughabout at Wraxall
consult with the public, the public think the construction is
Road in 2019. Consultation documents
going ahead as planned, and then it gets changed afterwards.
included
I am particularly upset regarding the trees that were to be
impressions but as with all highways
planted that’s changed to an ugly, concrete hardstanding. This
projects of this scale, these were only
is not the impression the public were given.”
indicative of the final scheme.
She contacted the council and an officer in the Designs and
“Following the consultation, and before
Operations team acknowledged that it should have been
construction started, further detailed design work was carried
“To mitigate the removal of a total of 41 trees from across
picked up prior to the public consultation. She was told that
out by the project team. Following this it was realised that a
the site, the project team has paid for a significant number of
the council realised during the detailed design stage that it
grassed verge and trees would not be possible at the exit from
new trees to be planted in Cock Road Ridge and Grimsbury
was not possible for it to be a verge with trees.
Tower Lane as this area is above the existing subway, and a
Farm to help enhance these local green spaces. In total 141
This week a spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council
hardstanding is required to safely maintain the guardrail.
new trees have been planted in the area. Work started on the
told us: “The £6.9m Wraxall Road throughabout, the first of
Given the scale of the project, we would not undertake a new
new throughabout in summer 2020 and is due to complete
its kind in South Gloucestershire, aims to improve traffic
consultation for such an alteration.
this autumn.”
The Week in • Wednesday 6th October 2021
drawings
and
for
artists’
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Saltford’s star baker! One of the contestants in Channel 4’s latest Great British Bake Off series lives in Saltford and works in Emersons Green. Giuseppe Dell’Anno is the chief engineer at the National Composites Centre at the Bristol & Bath Science Park. The 45-year-old, who hails from Italy, is married with three young sons. He says he was inspired to bake by his father who was a professional chef. Giuseppe is one of 12 amateur bakers picked to take part in the show, judged by Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith.
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.
The Great British Bake Off goes out on Tuesdays at 8pm on Channel 4. All the episodes have been prefilmed but the final result won’t be revealed until the last show of the series in November. Saltford Parish Council has wished Giuseppe well, posting on Twitter: “Good luck and best wishes to Saltford’s @BritishBakeOff contestant! Hoping to see some Saltford scenes in future episodes!”
Giuseppe Dell’Anno
Beat surgery The
South
Hub. Anyone wishing to raise any issues
Gloucestershire Neighbourhood Policing
local
beat
team
from
or concerns or to receive crime prevention
will be holding a surgery on Wednesday
advice can call in between 1.30pm and
13th October at Staple Hill Community
3pm. No appointment is necessary.
Keep in touch, let us know what you think, send us your news www.facebook.com/theweekin
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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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The Week in • Wednesday 6th October 2021
Crackdown on street drinking and anti-social behaviour is hailed a success The three-month crackdown on street drinking and antisocial behaviour in Staple Hill has been successful. The Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) was introduced on Friday and Saturday nights in June after the easing of lockdown restrictions saw licensed premises closing at 10pm, leading to significant numbers of people buying alcohol in off-licences and continuing drinking in the High Street. The legislation followed nine separate incidents of assaults and public order offences, as well as reports of groups of up to 100 people gathering, verbal abuse towards members of the public, fighting, dealing in controlled substances and some evidence of individuals carrying knives and weapons. As a result of residents reporting this late-night anti-social behaviour, South Gloucestershire Council, together with South Gloucestershire Neighbourhood Policing, were able to set up a Public Spaces Protection Order for the High Street to tackle unacceptable behaviour. From 9pm to 4am on Fridays and Saturdays, the PSPO banned street drinking between from the junction with Lower Station Road and Broad Street to the junction with Park Road. The relevant licensed premises were The Old Mail House, The Staple Hill Oak, the 11Eleven convenience store, The Portcullis and 501 Bar. This week a spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council
The Week in • Wednesday 6th October 2021
said: “The Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) that has been running in Staple Hill since 10th June ended on 30th September. “The PSPO has provided an effective means for the police to respond to potential incidents of antisocial behaviour (ASB) before they escalated. This has resulted in a reduction of reported ASB and drink-related disturbances compared to the period before it was implemented. “There have been no fixed penalty notices issued for contraventions of the order. This illustrates the effectiveness of the powers given to the police who have been able to engage and educate the public without the need to move to enforcement measures, while having the option to do so if necessary. “We will continue to work closely with the police to monitor the situation in Staple Hill and retain scope to reintroduce the PSPO if required. The flexibility of the legislation enables such decisions to be taken and implemented swiftly to ensure the community’s confidence in a safe environment can be supported and maintained.” Local councillor Ian Boulton said: “As lockdown restrictions have eased, this Public Spaces Protection Order has supported the Staple Hill night-time economy by providing a safe
environment that is welcoming to locals and visitors alike.” He said it is as important as ever that all instances of antisocial behaviour are reported so the police can target scarce resources and nip any developing problems in the bud. Instances of crime or anti-social behaviour can be reported online at https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report/ or by phoning 101. In the case of an emergency or if a crime is in progress, always phone 999.
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Campaign for a minor injury unit at Cossham Hospital In response to readers’ requests, The Week In has set up a petition giving people the chance to add their support to a renewed bid to get the promised minor injury unit at Cossham Hospital. After we launched the petition last week, printed forms are quickly being returned and people are signing online at: https://www.petitiononline.uk/its_time_for_the_minor_ injuries_unit_at_cossham_hospital The petition calls on the Bristol, North Somerset & South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to implement the minor injury unit to serve East Bristol. The Save Cossham Hospital Group fought an original closure
decision in 2004. A £19m refurbishment was then carried out and the hospital reopened in January 2013, with an X-ray and scanning department, renal dialysis unit, birth centre, physiotherapy and outpatient appointments – but not the promised minor injury unit (MIU). In 2014 the Reformed Save Cossham Hospital Group petitioned for the MIU to be opened as the closure of Frenchay Hospital meant people from the Kingswood area were having to trek to Southmead Hospital or to the Bristol Royal Infirmary, or to the MIU at Yate or to the South Bristol Urgent Care Centre at Hengrove. But instead, health chiefs decided to trial a minor injury treatment service at all GP surgeries in South Gloucestershire. The two-year trial started in 2016 and cost around £500,000 to set up. The CCG said it was a better fit with their plans for improving urgent care services for South Gloucestershire and the £1m-a-year cost of running an MIU at Cossham was also a major factor in the decision. At the time, the CCG believed the trial was unique in England and might be copied in many other areas. But it failed to relieve pressure on A&E units as hoped. So the CCG then put major investment into the MIU at Yate which is open from 8am until 8pm, seven days a week and has X-ray facilities. People can drop in with no appointment or can be referred by a GP. Minor injury units are able to treat patients for cuts and grazes, sprains and strains, arm, lower leg and foot injuries (including broken bones), bites, minor burns and scalds, minor head injuries, broken nose/nosebleeds and minor eye problems such as scratches and foreign bodies.
We call on the Bristol, North Somerset & South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group to return to the original undertaking to implement a minor injury unit at Cossham Hospital. Name ................................................................................................................................................................................ Address ............................................................................................................................................................................. Postcode ...................................................... Signed ...................................................................................................... Send your signed form to: Cossham MIU c/o The Week In, 8 Temple Court, Keynsham, BS31 1HA
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What people are saying Comments on the online petition so far include: “The area is desperate for a decent minor injuries to save long journeys to Southmead or Yate causing more polluting travel and pressure on Southmead A and E. This was budgeted for originally. Where is it?” “The area is desperate for the MIU, especially for the old and infirm locally that have restricted access to transport to get to Yate or Southmead, then have to call an ambulance, tying up a crew and vehicle at A and E.” “We need this facility, especially since the closure of Frenchay Hospital.” “I am one of the older generation that should I require the services of a small injuries unit find the distance to either Southmead Hospital or Yate minor injuries is beyond me; as I live in Kingswood, Cossham Hospital would be invaluable. It's what we were promised.” “There is a great need for this, it will ease the pressure on hospitals.” “A 16-mile round trip to Yate is ridiculous.”
The Week in • Wednesday 6th October 2021
More than 150 readers add their names to petition to save the 18 bus More than 150 readers of The Week In have added their names to a petition to reprieve the 18 Kingswood to Bath bus service which was axed at very short notice at the end of August. Kingswood MP Chris Skidmore and councillors Erica Williams and Paul Hughes, who represent the Oldland Common & Bitton ward, set up an online petition to save the well-used route 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. With not everyone having online access, Cllr Williams asked us to run a petition in The Week In too. It appeared in Issues 694 and 695 and this week editor Becky Feather met the councillors to hand over the petition forms with 158 names. The councillors thanked The Week In for supporting the campaign. The majority of responses were from readers in Keynsham, Kingswood, North Common and Oldland Common. Others in Soundwell, Staple Hill, Hanham, Warmley, Cadbury Heath, Willsbridge, Bitton, Longwell Green, Bridgeyate, Saltford, St George, Fishponds, Mangotsfield, Downend and Brislington also signed the petition. Comments we received from readers included: “Yet another
The Week in • Wednesday 6th October 2021
bus withdrawn! Aren’t pensioners in Oldland meant to go out?” The petition calls 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 and stresses: “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.” Mr Skidmore has thanked everyone who took part. The online petition - www.chrisskidmore.com/campaigns/save 18bus - has more than 850 signatures so far and the closing date is tomorrow (Thursday). Any more forms we receive this week will be passed on to Cllr Williams. In the summer The Week In was part of a successful campaign to keep the 17 Southmead Hospital to Keynsham service as a through service. There had been plans to split the route into two involving a change for passengers in Kingswood. There had been no public consultation, sparking concerns including from patients and NHS staff for whom the 17, which also stops at Cossham Hospital, is a lifeline.
The Week In editor Becky Feather, right, presents the petition forms to councillors Erica Williams & Paul Hughes at the bus stop in Mill Lane where the 18 used to stop
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Police chief’s dismay at damage to public trust The Deputy Chief Constable of Avon & Somerset Police Nikki Watson says she is “dismayed and outraged” at the damage caused to the public’s trust in police officers following the murder of Sarah Everard. DCC Watson issued a statement following the sentencing last week of Sarah’s killer Wayne Couzens, who was a Metropolitan Police firearms officer who used his warrant card and handcuffs to snatch her off a London street. DCC Watson said: “Firstly, the thoughts of all officers and staff at Avon & Somerset Police are very much with Sarah Everard’s loved ones at this truly horrific time.
Sarah Everard
“I am both dismayed and outraged by the damage caused to the public’s trust and confidence in police by the sickening crimes of a man, who took an oath to serve and protect the public. His grotesque abuse of power singlehandedly undermines the authority and legitimacy of dedicated and committed officers across the country. His abhorrent actions in no way represent policing. “I understand the concern this terrible crime has caused and that we, as police officers who care so passionately about protecting our communities, need to do everything we can to reassure them that we are here for them. “In Avon and Somerset, we’re wholly committed to protecting the vulnerable and targeting the perpetrators. Tackling violence against women and girls will always be a
priority for us and we have been undertaking a significant amount of work in the last few years to improve areas that disproportionately affect women. For example, we recently introduced a new evidence-based approach, which aims to transform the way police respond to rape and serious sexual offences by taking a perpetratorfocused approach, disrupting repeat offenders, improving victim support and engagement, providing specialised training to officers and using data more effectively.” She continued: “We’re working with the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) in supporting the national violence against women and girls strategy and liaising with our local stakeholders to listen to the women in our communities in order to improve how we tackle violence against women. We’re also working closely with our partners to play our part in making public spaces safer for women, including public streets and public transport. “We’re dedicated towards taking a preventative approach to these issues, tightening our grip on offenders and creating safer communities for women.” She said police officers always carry identification, whether in uniform or plain clothes, and can always be asked for verification: “They are used to providing that reassurance.” Officers and staff have been reminded of the need to be tolerant with those who wish to be further reassured and to do everything they reasonably can to verify their credentials
Nikki Watson
and the reason for the interaction. DCC Watson continued: “It is not unusual for officers to operate alone, but anyone who is stopped by a single officer should always expect to see officers arrive very quickly afterwards. If this doesn’t happen, or if someone remains concerned, then they should seek further assistance. Genuine police officers who are acting legitimately will understand. “If at any time someone feels threatened, they should draw attention to themselves in the best way possible – this could be by shouting out, running into a house or business, flagging down a motorist or if possible, by calling 999.”
Appeal after collision between car and e-scooter Police are looking for witnesses and dashcam footage following a collision between a car and an e-scooter in Fishponds on Monday 27th September. It happened on Forest Road at around 9.50pm and involved a black Audi Q2 and a privately owned scooter.
The e-scooter rider, an 18-year-old man, was taken to hospital with serious injuries. Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or the moments leading up to it. If you can help, call 101 and quote reference 5221225706.
Bristol garden waste collections to resume Bristol Waste has announced that garden waste collections will resume from Monday (11th October) after being suspended since July. The city council-owned service has thanked everyone for their patience and understanding during this time and apologised again for the disruption to the service.
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Staff shortages due to COVID-19 and the national driver shortage have been blamed for the suspension which has allowed Bristol Waste to maintain essential waste and recycling services. During the suspension residents have been encouraged to compost their garden waste at home.
The Week in • Wednesday 6th October 2021
Pub allowed to keep outside bar for one year A Keynsham pub’s plea to keep the outside bar that was
Almost 50 letters of support were sent to B&NES
installed without planning permission has been
Council and last week it granted permission for
successful.
the shed for one year - until 27th September 2022
Bath & North East Somerset Council has approved the
– on the condition that it is stained a dark colour
retrospective planning application at The Old Bank in High
within a month to tone it down.
Street, which is Grade II listed.
The council’s planning department said that a
Applicant Western Inns said the large shed had been installed
permanent structure of this scale, material and in
to create a COVID-safe environment for customers and is a
this location would, under normal circumstances,
key part of their survival plans.
unlikely be supported by the council. "However,
The application sets out the economic case for temporary use
it is understood that the Old Bank shed is
to 2026: “To continue beyond lockdown, the pub has taken
temporary, given the current COVID-19 situation,
on debts. We desperately need to be able to continue to trade
and there is a need for it to serve the outdoor
for the pub to start recouping these losses and have a long-
seating for the pub.”
term viable future. Without the outside bar, the pub could
Keynsham Town Council flagged up concerns
simply cease to exist, causing greater risk to the upkeep of
about it being a retrospective application in a
the listed building.”
conservation area, on a site where failures to apply for planning permission before starting work have occurred previously.
The Week in • Wednesday 6th October 2021
“The town council are concerned about the
incorporates UPVC windows and doors which are a totally
adherence to planning law within the town's conservation
inappropriate material for a Grade II listed building
area and the number of applications that are coming forward
extension.”
retrospectively, not only on this site but others. In view of
Earlier this year the pub, which had painted its facade blue
this, the installation of the outdoor shed to incorporate an
without first getting listed building consent, lost a
outside bar should be a temporary measure only and any
retrospective application to revert to the colour the frontage
permission should contain a condition that the shed be
was prior to 2019 which was restoring the top half to a cream
removed after a specified period of time. The design
colour and keeping blue on the ground floor.
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them. Nice!
Illegal scooters are seized in Staple Hill
When I see planning application for new
Following a day of action by the Staple
used on the road, pavement or any public
Hill Neighbourhood Policing Team, two
place. Only e-scooters that are hired or
high powered e-scooters were seized.
leased through the West of England’s e-
One of the e-scooters confiscated on Sunday
scooter trial can be used legally. They have
26th September by PC Neal Scarborough
insurance and are classed as motorised
was capable of speeds up to 40mph. It was
vehicles so riders must hold a full or
S Freeman
seen doing a wheelie through Page Park
provisional driving licence and be over 18.
Bitton
before being stopped.
They should not be used on pavements or
Police remind people that privately owned e-
parked in a way that disrupts pedestrians or
scooters are not road legal and are not to be
causes a nuisance.
LETTERS Redundant bus stops Dear Editor I read with interest the petition that the Conservative MP/councillors have launched about the No 18 bus. It is not only the 18 bus that we have seen affected. I recall the No 42 that does not go to Keynsham anymore so they introduced the No 18/18a instead; now this is under attack. Then the fight to save the No 17 – now some of the buses are split into two journeys. What about the cuts made to the No 37 bus? No
The bus shelters in Bitton are becoming hangout places with empty bottles/cans found in
housing schemes and they state in their application “good transport links” - e.g., Bitton Mill, Bilbie Green, who are they kidding? We are being left with redundant bus stops that no longer serve any bus services. They will become relics of the past.
petition for this service. And the No 19 service, which now does not run from Bath after 7pm,
Shoebox gifts
this is disgusting!
Dear Editor
All these cuts to our services have made bus
Would anyone like free shoebox items as l can
stops redundant. You hardly see anyone
no longer do them?
standing at them, waiting for a bus, that’s
Contact me on 0117 9087507.
because there aren’t any!
Marlene
Heritage railway hits appeal target Avon Valley Railway Heritage Trust has
volunteers plan to recreate the hut at the
hit its crowdfunding appeal target of
north end of the old cattle dock, close to
£5,000 to recreate Bitton Station’s Lamp
where the original one stood to be used as
Hut. The lamp hut once played a key part
a storage space for tools used by the group
in the operation of the station, being a
who maintain the award-winning gardens.
place to clean, trim and refill the oil lamps
We featured the appeal in Issue 696. More
that shone from the signals and bathed the
than 70 people donated to the appeal and
platforms in pools of muted yellow light.
the trust has thanked them for their
It was demolished in the 1960s but now
generosity.
PC Neal Scarborough with the confiscated scooters
New homes planned behind church Plans have been submitted to South Gloucestershire Council for a pair of bungalowstyle flats in the former garden behind the Spiritualist Church in Soundwell Road, Staple Hill. The site, which is currently overgrown, is reached by an existing driveway. The new An impression of the new hut
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Credit: K Ashcroft
single-storey homes would have off-street parking and gardens. The planning reference is P21/06386/F.
The Week in • Wednesday 6th October 2021
Should more areas have their own councils? South Gloucestershire residents are being given the
included in the consultation.
chance to have their say on proposals around changes to
Residents in Kingswood, Staple Hill & Mangotsfield, and
town and parish councils including the creation of three
Charlton Hayes will be sent information detailing what is
new councils - in Kingswood, Staple Hill & Mangotsfield,
proposed and will also have the opportunity to meet and
and Charlton Hayes.
discuss the consultation changes with council officers.
The Community Governance Review (CGR) consultation
In addition, there are also smaller changes proposed for
launches on Friday (8th October). It will look at current
existing town and parish councils such as name changes,
governance structures across various areas and examine how
boundary modifications and reviewing the number of
well they serve local democracy.
councillors to reflect changes to housing numbers.
South Gloucestershire Council’s regulatory committee
The consultation will run until 31st December.
recently received representations about the unparished areas
• Let The Week In know what you think too.
of South Gloucestershire and concluded that they should be
Anyone for Scrabble? The popular Scrabble Club at the Community at 67 centre in Keynsham has restarted. The club meets on Wednesdays from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. If you enjoy pitting your wits against other friendly players you are welcome to join. Community at 67 is situated at 67 Queens Road and offers a range of activities. To find out more visit www.community-67.org or call 07737 742300.
Bat walk The Friends of Siston Commons are leading a bat walk on Sunday (9th October) from 6pm to 7.15pm. The informative circular trail of around one mile will be a chance to learn about and look for bats before they start hibernating. Meet outside Warmley Forest Park at the entrance nearest the car park. People are encouraged to bring torches and wear warm and bright/reflective clothing. To find out more email heritagewalkingsiston@ gmail.com
Sudoku 1-Easy
SUNDAY CHEMISTS Sunday 10th October
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 6th October 2021
11
Cyclists raise £3,000 for Warmley Wheelers A group of people with disabilities and their families have raised £3,000 and cycled hundreds of miles to raise money for Warmley Wheelers, a cycling scheme that gives people with health conditions and supported needs the chance to ride a bike. Run by Bristol-based social care charity Milestones Trust, the cycling group offers specially adapted bikes and a safe, friendly environment to help people into cycling.
Nine people took part in this year's Cycle Challenge, including Joni Pike, from Warmley, who has cerebral palsy and cycled 40 miles in a month using a hand bike from Warmley Wheelers. Judith Gordon cycled 1,000 miles during the Cycle Challenge in July, as a way of saying thank you to the group which has allowed her 12-year-old son, who has special needs, try out and ride lots of different bikes so he can start to cycle independently. Joni, who has lived in Warmley all her life, started riding with Warmley Wheelers a year ago and says it has made such a difference to her, in terms of both fitness and mental health, that she wanted to give something back to the group by raising money. She set herself the target of riding 40 miles in a month by cycling the group's hand bike from Warmley to Bitton Station and back every Thursday and an electric hand bike at the gym every Monday. Joni smashed both her distance and fundraising target, originally set at £100, by clocking up 42
Joni Pike at Bitton Station
Crossword
Judith Gordon
ACROSS
DOWN
1. Piercing (6)
1. Security (6)
4. Remnant (6)
2. Order to be detained (6)
8. Food shortage (6) 10. Great fear (6) 11. Plunges (5) 12. Leather worker (6) 14. To the other side (6)
5. Wall painting (6) 6. Root vegetable (6) 7. Songbird (6) 9. Republic of Ireland (4)
16. Eat a meal (4)
10. Nipple (4)
17. Sound a horn (4)
13. Fertiliser (5)
19. Scottish hillside (4)
15. Perch (5)
22. As well (4)
18. Utters (6)
26. Mucous secretion (6)
19. Carefree (6)
27. Collect (6)
21. Islamic ruler (4)
28. Sea duck (5)
22. Matures (4)
29. Writer (6)
23. Lasso (6)
30. One flank leading (4-2)
24. Words of dismay (2,4)
31. Regular (6) 32. Floor (6)
12
3. Lime tree (6)
20. Ancient (3-3)
25. Violent excitement (6)
From left, Sue Barnes, Milestones Trust volunteer and Cycle Challenge participant; Hilary Crowhurst, Milestones Trust’s chief executive, (back centre); Susan Hammond, who works at Warmley Wheelers and took part in the challenge, and her son; and Joni Pike (front centre)
miles and raising £1,160 so far. She said: “Cycling helped me and lots of other people who need additional support to get out and enjoy exercise, especially in the lockdowns of the last year or so. It is lovely to see different kinds of nature while out cycling. It helps a lot with mental health and is good for exercise and getting fit - a win-win situation. "Warmley Wheelers have helped me so much over this year. They even helped to adapt my bike to make it more comfortable for me. This is my first-ever charity fundraiser and I've never done anything like this, so I am really proud of what I have done." Judith Gordon, who worked for national walking and cycling charity Sustrans for 17 years, says the group has been a huge help to her and her son, Josh. Having always used ‘tag along' bikes, the group has helped him find the right cycling solution to start to ride independently as he becomes a teenager and means they can continue to enjoy cycling together as family. Judith, who got married during her 1,000-mile challenge month, is a keen off-roader and visited various well-known locations in cycling distance of Bristol, from the stone circles at Avebury to the Forest of Dean. The money raised by this year's Cycle Challenge will go towards running the project and maintaining the fleet of adapted cycles. Participants were invited to a special celebration event and presented with a commemorative medal by Milestones Trust's chief executive Hilary Crowhurst. Equipment on offer from Warmley Wheelers includes batteryassisted bikes, bikes with platforms for wheelchairs, recumbent bikes which places the rider in a reclined position, and a variety of trikes. The group also has tandem bikes so that family members and carers can be part of the ride. The group is based just off the Bristol & Bath Railway Path, next to Warmley Waiting Room Café. For more information visit www.milestonestrust.org.uk/what-we-offer/communityprojects/
The Week in • Wednesday 6th October 2021
Revised plans for Cadbury Heath regeneration after ‘bland’ design criticised Revised plans to regenerate part of the Cadbury Heath estate by demolishing poor quality homes and building new ones are being considered by South Gloucestershire Council after the initial design was criticised for being “very bland”. Housing association Bromford has also increased the size of the redevelopment. The first planning application was to demolish 22 homes and a block of 10 garages and build
39 affordable homes, providing a total of 78 parking spaces. The latest plans are to knock down 24 homes and build 44 new ones, providing parking for 84 cars. The one-hectare site covers 1-18 Hampton Close, 13, 15, 17, 19, 22 and 24 Newton Road and the Earlstone Crescent garage site. The majority were let as social rented homes and the tenants have been or are in the process of being re-housed.
The latest house designs
The Week in • Wednesday 6th October 2021
The council’s urban design consultant objected to the original scheme, saying the majority of the proposed properties were “very bland” with neither a more modern and interesting style or a traditional style. “There is a real missed opportunity here to create something distinctive and special.” Bromford and their architects say the revised
scheme shows properties with more interesting detail and responds “sensitively and positively” to other homes in the local area. The new layout shows eight one-bed flats, 18 two-bed houses, 16 three-bed houses, two four-bed houses with access, parking and hard and soft landscaping. The planning reference is P21/00546/F.
13
Recognising South Gloucestershire’s unsung heroes Nominations are now open for South Gloucestershire
helpful neighbours who have supported those self-isolating,
Council Chair’s Community Awards 2021-22.
and many other unsung heroes.
The annual awards recognise and celebrate the valuable
Chair of South Gloucestershire Council Cllr Ruth Davis said:
contribution that local unpaid volunteers and community
“Volunteers play such an important role within our
groups make to life in South Gloucestershire.
communities with their selfless work and dedication, and our
The next celebration of community work and volunteering
Community Awards are a fantastic way to celebrate the
takes place in January, and you have until 19th November to
individuals and groups who don’t always get the recognition
nominate your local ‘community heroes’.
they deserve.
The Community Awards is your opportunity to nominate
“I encourage residents to nominate volunteers in South
anyone in South Gloucestershire who volunteers for a good
Gloucestershire who give up their own time to help improve
cause, such as those who help keep parks clean and tidy, the
other people’s lives and make a positive impact on the
befriending volunteers who brighten people’s days, the
community around them. We know how vital our volunteers have been throughout the pandemic and these awards offer a
Comedy from am-dram group
great way to celebrate their hard work and commitment.”
The award-winning Kingswood-based Woodland
You
Players are preparing to present a comedy with a
www.southglos.gov.uk/communityawards
Christmas theme.
If you are unable to access the internet or have any questions,
‘The Inaccurate Conception’ is billed as a raucous and
call 01454 863019.
The Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire Edward Gillespie OBE will attend the awards ceremony and select one of the winners to receive a special Lord Lieutenant’s Award. can
nominate
your
community
hero
at Edward Gillespie
slightly surreal celebration of everyone’s first brush with the theatre – the school Nativity play. The show will be performed at Our Lady of Lourdes School Hall, Hanham Road, on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th December at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/woodlandplayers
Keep in touch, let us know what you think, send us your news www.facebook.com/theweekin
B&NES hospital named as one of 40 new community diagnostic centres One of the new community diagnostic centres that the
bought Circle Bath, which was an independent hospital
government has announced will open across England in a
providing care for both private and NHS patients, in June
range of settings is in B&NES.
and the trust announced at the time that it was planning to
Sulis Hospital at Peasedown St John is on the list of 40
increase diagnostic capacity using the facilities at the
new ‘one-stop-shops’ for checks, scans and tests backed
newly-named Sulis Hospital, providing quicker and easier
by £350m from the government to provide around 2.8
access to a range of tests on the same day and supporting
million scans in the first full year of operation.
earlier diagnosis.
The government says the new centres will help to achieve
The 40 new centres are in a range of settings including
earlier diagnoses for patients through easier, faster, and
shopping centres and football stadiums as well as more
more direct access to the full range of diagnostic tests
conventional venues like Sulis Hospital.
including cancer and help to tackle the backlogs that have
The government says centres will begin providing services
built up during the pandemic.
over the next six months, with some already up and
The Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust
running, and will be fully operational by March.
Remembrance service in Hanham
Theft from unlocked car
Hanham Parish Council says that a Remembrance Sunday service will take place on Sunday 14th November at 11am in the Hanham Memorial Garden in front of the community centre. The council says that individual groups will this year need to make their own arrangements for wreaths and crosses.
Someone was seen on CCTV entering a car parked on Florence Road in Kingswood at approximately 8.50pm on Sunday 26th September. The vehicle had been left unlocked. Two pairs of sunglasses were taken. If you have any information about this incident, contact the police on 101. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
14
The Week in • Wednesday 6th October 2021
Playtime with dads The popular Saturday morning toddler group for dads, grandads and father figures has restarted in Keynsham. Who Let the Dads Out? is a part of the national charity Care for the Family. Sessions take place on the third Saturday of the month at St John’s Church Hall and the fourth Saturday of the month at St Francis Church Centre. All sessions run from 10am to 11.30am. There is equipment for the children to play on plus drinks and bacon rolls for the dads. Organiser John Wilkinson said: “Dads can lose out in playing with their children as they grow up so this is a great opportunity to spend quality time with their children. It’s also an excuse for mums to get rid of the dads and children and have a
Search for Keynsham Memorial Park’s litter heroes People visiting Keynsham’s Memorial Park are being encouraged to help keep it nature rich and litter free this October. The charity Your Park Bristol & Bath has launched the Keynsham Litter Heroes Challenge. All you have to do is use the 2 Minute Litter Pick Station at the Park Side Café, where pickers and bags are available. After doing a quick litter pick, snap a photo and upload it to social media tagging @YourParkBB and using the hashtag #KeynshamLitterHeroes
Each post on social media creates one entry into the prize draw. Entries opened on 1st October and run until the end of the month. The competition aims to encourage the use of the litter picking station in the park by a wider range of people. Keynsham Town Council has donated £50 in prize money for the winning person. The winner will also receive a Your Park T-shirt and there will be a range of prizes from local businesses announced on social media.
quiet morning at home.”
New benches for walkers New benches have been erected along the river walk between Compton Dando and Chewton Keynsham. They have been funded by a grant from the parish council and Compton Dando Community Association.
Keep in touch, let us know what you think, send us your news www.facebook.com/theweekin
The Week in • Wednesday 6th October 2021
15
South Glos Council identifies £19.7m in savings as it plans budget South Gloucestershire Council has released its draft budget for 2022/23, setting out proposals for making significant additional investment in children’s services as well as other local priorities. The proposals include increases in funding to children’s services worth more than £10m over the next four years, as part of the council’s focus on supporting residents as the country emerges from the pandemic. The draft budget outlines how the council proposes to allocate £111.555m to capital projects, and a net revenue budget of £250.918m, amounting to more than a £360m net budget in 2022/23. The proposals factor in a 1.99% rise in council tax, in addition to a 2% Adult Social Care Levy, which will specifically help contribute towards the council meeting increasing demand for social care services. In developing the proposals, the council says it has carried out a thorough review of its services and identified £19.7m in savings
through service improvements, better crosscouncil/partner agency working and clearly aligning available resources with the Council Plan, ensuring that frontline services are protected and staff are supported to work more flexibly to best meet community needs. The council says there will be job losses but it aims to minimise the number of redundancies through maximising opportunities to use natural turnover coupled with skills development to move people between roles wherever possible. “However, it is recognised that this will not be possible in all instances and the council holds a level of funding to support potential severance costs.” The council says it is committed to helping those most in need through, for example, the continuation of its Community Resilience Fund. “We will support local communities across the district by investing in facilities and infrastructure to improve the places people live and work and how they get around. And we will continue to ensure that
we meet our Council Plan commitments and work towards our priorities in ways that represent value for money.” The draft budget proposals acknowledge that the extensive spending nationally and in South Gloucestershire to support local people and the local economy over the past two years of COVID-19 will affect the resources available into the future. Additionally, the council says it needs to
confront the challenges of rising costs and rising demand, particularly for social care services, which were factors before COVID19 and remain issues that must be managed into the future. The draft proposals will be considered by the Cabinet on Monday (11th October). A 12week public consultation process is due to begin on 18th October, ahead of the council setting its 2022/23 budget in February.
South Glos StreetCare services provide value for money
16
A study carried out independently by the
maintenance, gritting, tree works, grounds
Future Highways Research Group has
maintenance in parks, road verges and
concluded that the services delivered by
open spaces, pest control services, street
South
Council’s
lighting, plumbing and electrical repairs,
StreetCare team provide ‘value for
as well as structural engineering and
money’.
design. Head of StreetCare Mark King
The study also highlighted the resilient
said: “We have a great team of staff in
services which adapt to the needs of
StreetCare who work across a really
residents. The team carry out a range of
diverse range of roles. They are all
specialist and frontline services across
passionate about the local area and as well
South Gloucestershire including street
as having great pride in their work, they
cleansing services such as litter picking
always go the extra mile to ensure that our
and
residents are satisfied.”
Gloucestershire
graffiti
removal,
highways
The Week in • Wednesday 6th October 2021
Firm’s support for pupils is child’s play Concrete Repairs Ltd (CRL), based at Burnett Business Park near Keynsham, have been keen to offer their expertise, materials and time to aid local causes as part of their community project scheme. The specialist asset maintenance contractor for the inspection, repair and refurbishment of buildings and structures approached Chandag Infant School earlier this year with the offer of helping with any repair projects. The school was keen for them to completely Kenton Riley, of CRL, forming fossil imprints clean and repair an area called ‘Small World’ imprints and toy dinosaur footprints, feature roads and a which had become unsafe for the children to use. ‘Small World’ play areas are very valuable in providing early couple of pipe tunnels. years children with a sensory, tactile and imaginative play “We were requested to keep the colour scheme earthy and experience which provides them with an opportunity to neutral while highlighting the roads by painting black and the explore new materials, build language, practice social skills, sides white. act out scenarios from real life and gain an understanding of “The work was carried out by a number of CRL staff over three days during the school summer holiday period. The the world. A spokesperson for CRL said: “Following discussions with school were delighted with the finished result. one of the teachers, the Chandag request was for a natural, “We were invited to attend a special assembly to reveal the volcanic, mountainous landscape to feature areas of sand, repaired play area to the children and we presented them with loose stones, embedded stones, sparkly stones, fossil and fern toy cars and diggers.”
The Week in • Wednesday 6th October 2021
Plans for new school dining hall are approved King’s Oak Academy has been granted planning permission to build a new multi-use dining hall after its old canteen’s asbestos sheet roof collapsed. The secondary school’s old dining hall also posed a safety risk to students who had to leave the main site and cross Brook Road to access it at lunchtime, said Cabot Learning Federation which runs the school. The new single-storey hall, kitchen and staff accommodation will be on the main site where five old buildings next to a staff car park have been demolished over the summer. They had been unsafe for students to use for some time. The new hall will be used for exams and lunches and by the wider community as a rentable space out of school hours.
The old canteen
17
New bike track in Stockwood will benefit the whole community The redevelopment of Stockwood Bike Track has begun.
all ages and abilities, as well as being
Located in Stockwood Open Space, it is being redeveloped
accessible for bikes, scooters and
as part of Access Sport’s Making Trax Programme by
skateboards.
specialist track builders Architrail Velosolutions.
The open access facility is also being
The old facility had fallen into a state of disrepair and the
accompanied by a new footpath
redevelopment aims to transform it into an exciting all-
connecting the track to nearby Whittock
Tarmac jump and pump track that blends into the landscape.
Road, a storage unit to provide a safe
The new track will offer a wide range of riding options for
place to store community bikes and helmets and social space to watch the
Social group to meet again
action on the track. Lucy Fisher, national development manager at Access Sport,
starting. “We have worked hard to secure this facility and, as
said: "We are delighted that the work is now under way on
one of only four in the city, will benefit children, young
the redevelopment of Stockwood Bike Track. We hope that
people and families in all parts of the ward. To see such a
Longwell Green Ladies Group are planning to start
creating a unique and exciting facility here in Stockwood will
large investment in our community is wonderful news and
meeting again following a long break because of the
inspire more people from the local area to get on their bikes
we hope many young people and families will get as much
pandemic.
and get active.
pleasure from using this facility as we will from delivering
Meetings will be held in the afternoons starting on
“This facility will become a great asset for Stockwood, and
this facility.”
Tuesday 19th October at 2pm at the United Church, Bath
we hope it will become a thriving community cycling hub
As well as support from Access Sport, The London Marathon
Road (opposite Aldi). New members and visitors are
which will provide a wide range of opportunities for the local
Charitable Trust, Enovert, John James Bristol Foundation and
welcome.
community to get involved whether that is through riding,
Bristol City Council have enabled the development to go
To find out more contact Maureen on 0117 9322341 or
coaching or volunteering.”
ahead.
just come along.
Stockwood councillor Graham Morris said he and fellow
The facility is due to be finished in November and a launch
ward councillor Jonathan Hucker were delighted to see work
event is being planned.
18
The Week in • Wednesday 6th October 2021
Providing opportunities for all with a more diverse workforce More disabled people will be supported into work, thanks
I look forward to hearing first-hand from disabled people
that reflects the diverse range of customers a business serves,
to a new initiative launched by West of England Metro
about its impact.”
and the community in which it is based.”
Mayor Dan Norris.
The most recent statistics available in the region are from the
Over the next 18 months Leonard Cheshire will work with
It is designed to break down barriers to employment and will
2011 census, which revealed that in Bristol for example
local businesses to help them increase their knowledge and
be delivered by disability charity Leonard Cheshire as part
75.4% of disabled people aged 16 and over were
understanding of disability, providing training, workshops
of the West of England Combined Authority’s Workforce for
economically inactive compared to a quarter (24.9%) of their
and resources and support them to proactively employ
the Future programme.
non-disabled counterparts.
disabled people.
One hundred businesses will receive tailored, targeted
Leonard Cheshire’s chief executive Ruth Owen said:
Applications are now open for the Inclusion, Disability,
disability inclusion training to help them create a more
“There are over 7.7 million people of working age in the UK
Equality, Action (IDEA) project. Eligible businesses will be
diverse workforce.
who are disabled or have a long-term condition, which
based in the West of England (Bath & North East Somerset,
Mr Norris said: “I want disabled people in the West of
equates to approximately 125,000 people in the West of
Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire), and be
England to have the right opportunities to get into
England.
a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) with between five
employment.
“Encouraging applications from disabled people is good for
and 250 employees.
“Work can be enjoyable, energising, and a boost to self-
business, not only because it increases the number of talented
Find out more at https://www.westofengland-ca.gov.uk/what-
esteem. This programme is a step in the right direction, and
applicants available, but because it also creates a workforce
we-do/employment-skills/workforce-for-the-future/
Christmas Tree Festival returns Keynsham community groups and schools are being invited
activities.
to take part in this year’s Christmas Tree Festival at St John’s
The seasonal community occasion gives local groups the
Church.
chance to showcase their work by entering a decorated
The organisers say that although there is some uncertainty
Christmas tree.
on what the next few months may bring in terms of holding
During the festival there will be musical events and
community events, they are planning for the popular festival
refreshments available.
to go ahead from 3rd to 5th December.
Entry to see the displays will be free but donations are
There will be a fee of £25 to take part in the festival, which
invited with any profits from the festival going towards St
includes the provision of the tree, which the group can keep,
John’s Church to help play its role in the community of
and the loan of a stand and lights. Participants can then dress
Keynsham.
their tree with symbols and decorations representing their
For any enquiries email treefestival@hotmail.co.uk
Job seekers’ support group After an 18-month closure due to lockdown, the drop-in
independently job search or if you need more help, such
job seekers’ support group is back at the Staple Hill
as getting an email address, writing a CV, and looking for
Community Hub in Berkeley House.
work on job sites, that is available.
The new time is 1.30pm to 4pm (last entrance at 3.30pm)
Call 01454 868374 to find out more. Free refreshments are
every Monday. There are laptops and wi-fi so you can
available.
The Week in • Wednesday 6th October 2021
19
Wild beavers recorded in Avon for the first time in 400 years New evidence from Avon Wildlife Trust has shown wild beavers are thriving in the Avon catchment area – making this one of the UK’s first regions in which the endangered creatures have established themselves without human assistance or interference for more than 400 years. Since the early 2000s, beavers have been reintroduced across the UK, through conservation trials like the River Otter Beaver Trial in Devon. At a time when the UK government has launched a landmark consultation on the reintroduction of beavers in England, this new sighting of three generations confirms that beavers are successfully expanding their range naturally. The Wildlife Trusts have been at the forefront of beaver conservation in Britain, and Avon Wildlife Trust (AWT) say they are delighted to have beavers on their own patch. Amy Coulthard from AWT said: “A new sighting of wild beavers is extremely significant. Beavers are a keystone species and they have an extraordinary ability to change habitats to suit their needs while creating ecosystems for other species to thrive. The presence of this beaver population will support other wildlife and help us to tackle the ecological emergency.” AWT recently launched the 30 by 30 appeal, to raise £30,000
20
to help ensure at least 30% of our land and sea is connected and protected for nature’s recovery by 2030. Funds raised through the appeal will go towards nature recovery projects like the Avon beavers and the newly appointed Beaver Management Group. The group will monitor the new population and work with landowners in the catchment area to maximise the benefits beavers provide as well as manage their impact.
A five-year scientific study conducted by the Wildlife Trusts shows that the presence of beavers has a wide range of positive effects on biodiversity, nature and people. The research found that active beavers improve water quality, reduce flood risk and increase biodiversity. Ponds created by beavers may host 50% more unique species than other wetlands. Find out more at avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/beavers
The Week in • Wednesday 6th October 2021
Start-up thrives despite pandemic uncertainty A Bridgeyate-based
business
really proud of what we’ve achieved.
which
launched just 10 weeks before the first
“Our aim was to create a brand known for
lockdown in 2020 has reported significant
doing good. We pride ourselves on ‘never
growth despite the uncertainty of the
saying no’ and have helped people achieve
pandemic.
their dream homes, who had been told
Advantage Financial Solutions (Advantage
elsewhere it wouldn’t be possible to even get
FS) was started around the kitchen table by
a mortgage. We’ve heard from first-time
former colleagues Tom Collier, Steven
buyers who were confused and nervous to
Morris and Dan Light and now boasts a 13-
get their foot on the property ladder and
strong team.
people
The team recently celebrated achieving more
previously and had lost all confidence in
than 200 5* reviews on Google - more than
mortgage advisers.
any other independent broker in the South
“For us, the proof is in the pudding. We are
West.
immensely proud of our testimonials from
All three directors advised and managed at
happy clients.
Which? Financial Services and it was there
“Eighteen months later, we now have a team
that they decided to set up a far-reaching
of 11 advisers, all of whom are ex-Which?
several industry awards.
impressed with the culture we have created
mortgage and protection service. They now
colleagues that we previously recruited and
The firm is also a registered B1G1 Business
here.
have their sights set on becoming one of the
trained ourselves. Thankfully, this has made
for Good ‘micro-giving’ movement, which
“We are also planning to begin working with
UK’s most trusted brokers.
our growth to date straight-forward as we are
means every time they celebrate a success,
more estate agents in the area as the estate
Founder and advising director Tom Collier
already familiar with everyone and we know
they also give to a good cause.
agency business model changes in the
said: “January 2020 was probably one of the
that we are bringing the very best on board.”
Tom said: “Helping people is integral to
coming years.
worst times imaginable to start a new
Advantage FS recently rebranded and
what we do and will always be the focus of
“The ultimate aim is to become the ‘go-to’
business, particularly one which relies on the
launched a new website with a dedicated
the business. The short-term plan is to
broker for quality mortgage advice in Bristol
stability of the property market, but we
client area filled with useful links and a
continue to grow our team, albeit at a slightly
and Bath, and in fact, the whole of the UK.”
worked around the clock from Dan’s kitchen
portal to keep all important documents in one
slower rate, and we know that many advisers
For more information about Advantage FS
table and now just over 18 months on we’re
place. They have also been shortlisted for
we have worked with previously are
visit www.advantagefs.co.uk
who
have
been
mis-advised
From left, Steven Morris, Tom Collier, Eliana Biasutti & Susannah Truslove
Christmas on the Hill
Bus services cancelled
Staple Hill’s annual Christmas on the Hill festival will
Stagecoach West has been forced to cancel many bus
be taking place on Saturday 4th December and the
services because of the national driver shortage and
Weekend of culture and wellness
Chamber of Trade is looking for stallholders.
COVID-19.
Bristol Improv Theatre are hosting a lively, colourful
The company has been running a reduced timetable for
weekend of sisterhood, empowerment, African and
weeks with disruptions to services including the 462
Indian dance, yoga and wellness coaching in
(Emersons Green - Bristol City Centre) and the 86
Kingswood. Warrior Women Like ME: Wellness &
(Kingswood -Yate).
Improv will be held at the Dance Studio on the
Anyone
interested
is
asked
to
staplehillchamber@gmail.com
Visit from Metro Mayor
Kingswood Estate in Britannia Road on 23rd and 24th October from 10.30am to 5.30pm.
Metro Mayor Dan Norris was due in Staple Hill this
Find out more at
afternoon (Wednesday) to meet shoppers and traders
www.differentwomenproject.co.uk/warriorwomen
looking to boost business after the impact of the pandemic. He was invited by Cllr Ian Boulton who chairs
In Memoriam
the Staple Hill Partnership to hear their thoughts on how more people can be encouraged to use local facilities.
IN MEMORIAM
Royal party in the park
Mary Dorothy Wesbroom
The Friends of Page Park are planning a major
8th October 1921 11th March 2018
community event on Saturday 4th June next year to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. Preparations are already under way and any bandstand or other performers and stallholders are invited to get in touch to register interest. Anyone who would like to be involved and help with organising and on the day is also invited to contact the Friends. Email friendsofpageparkbs16@gmail.com The Week in • Wednesday 6th October 2021
Library extension plans A planning application has been lodged with South Gloucestershire Council for a single-storey extension to the front of Emersons Green Library in Emerson Way to provide space for a small group learning space.
Loved and missed every day. A good neighbour and friend
God Bless Her 21
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Crossword Solution
2-Hard 5 8 9 2 1 7 3 6 4
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£21.00 + VAT per insert Discounts are available for multiple bookings starting at 2 weeks
THE WEEK IN adverts call 0117 986 0381
The Week in • Wednesday 6th October 2021
Service Directory Book a series of adverts and save even more
Home Maintenance
Plumbing
Roofing
Tree Services
Book a series of adverts and save even more
Our Directory is the perfect place to find a local tradesperson.
Our Directory is the perfect place to find a local tradesperson.
An advert like this costs
An advert like this costs
£21.00
£21.00
+ VAT per insert Discounts are available for multiple bookings starting at 2 weeks
+ VAT
An advert like this costs
£21.00 Locksmiths
per insert Venue Hire
+ VAT per insert
Adverts cost £4.20 per
Adverts cost £4.20 per
Discounts are available for multiple bookings starting at 2 weeks
centimetre (min 5cm) The more weeks you
Discounts are available for multiple bookings starting at 2 weeks
centimetre (min 5cm) The more weeks you
book the cheaper
book the cheaper
each insertion
each insertion
becomes
becomes
Telephone Engineers
1 week - £21
1 week - £21
2 weeks - £18.90
2 weeks - £18.90
4 wk - £17.85 6 wk - £16.80
Painting & Decorating
8 wk - £15.75
4 wk - £17.85
Rubbish Clearance
6 wk - £16.80
Cheap and fast
12 wk - £14.70
We load and clear any household, garden, garage and shed clearance Free estimates Fully licensed 85% recycled
26 wk - £13.65 52 wk - £12.60 All prices per week exc VAT
Call 0117 9373009
Tree Services You don't have to book successive weeks. You can choose fortnightly, monthly or specific insertion dates as long as the total number of insertions booked corresponds to the discount rate.
Waste Disposal
Call us now on
0117 986 0381 The Week in • Wednesday 6th October 2021
52 wk - £12.60 All prices per week exc VAT
Similar percentage discounts apply equally to larger sized adverts.
£21.00 + VAT Discounts are available for multiple bookings starting at 2 weeks
26 wk - £13.65
You don't have to book successive weeks. You can choose fortnightly, monthly or specific insertion dates as long as the total number of insertions booked corresponds to the discount rate.
An advert like this costs
per insert
12 wk - £14.70
at anytime to book
Plumbing
Similar percentage discounts apply equally to larger sized adverts.
8 wk - £15.75
THE WEEK IN adverts call 0117 986 0381
DEADLINE FOR PLACING DIRECTORY ADVERTS IS FRIDAY 4.30PM
Call us now on
0117 986 0381 23
24
The Week in • Wednesday 6th October 2021