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THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset

17th November 2021

Issue 705

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Read by more than 40,000 people each week

‘Greenwash’ accusations at Keynsham food waste event The developer behind plans for a mega-sized waste power

of organic material per year, closed in 2017.

plant near Keynsham staged an exhibition last Tuesday,

REAL want to increase capacity to 92,000 tonnes

just days before the deadline for comments.

to produce gas and electricity for local grid

The campaign group against the scheme - Protect Our

networks and also propose to restore ecology in

Keynsham Environment (POKE) - said that the 11th-hour

the old quarry.

invitation via a London-based public relations firm asked locals

POKE said that nothing in the PR firm’s

to visit an exhibition in Compton Dando, which was not an

‘greenwash spin’ appeared to change the basic

obvious choice of venue.

facts of an industrial-scale development in the

POKE said: “It is three miles away from the majority of

Green Belt and that their objections remain

residents who live upwind of the huge power plant and who

unchanged. They say the claimed benefits are not

will be most impacted by the traffic, noise and smell.

outweighed by the environmental damage and

“An exhibition in Keynsham would have been the logical

harm that would be caused.

choice for those wanting to seek the true range and strength of

“There

feeling of the 16,000 local people in the town – rather than a

implications across a very wide area – for as well as maize and

Belt.”

venue in a small out-of-the-way village.”

waste delivery vehicle movements, there will likely be frequent

On their website REAL outline their plans and claim they are

POKE added: “The PR firm, based in the capital, can be

tanker transportation of water and biogas. This will be made

several reasons why the plant is necessary, including national

forgiven for not knowing where the local power plant site is

worse by chemical, maintenance and skip vehicle movements

and local commitments to fight climate change.

located – its website says Charlton Road when it is, in fact, off

to and from the site.

They say the roads along the route are quite capable of

the narrow Charlton Field Lane. Harder to forgive is not

“It is not actually green, rather greenwash, as using maize

handling the extra HGV traffic that would be generated, and

properly explaining how it came to reach its very categorical

(which is a crop, not waste) for fuel is not a sustainable method.

that measures would be put in place to contain and treat any

green claims which are hotly contested and controversial.”

The source of most of the various materials to feed the

odours to reduce their release and impact: “Generally the type

Resourceful Energy Anaerobic Limited (REAL) are hoping to

proposed AD power plant remains unclear.”

of odours coming from the plant will not be unlike the smells

counter the hundreds of objections raised by local people to

POKE also said the PR firm’s leaflet that was posted to

of agriculture which area normal to the area.”

their development plans earlier this year. This autumn they

thousands of homes and including a pre-paid reply envelope

REAL ask people to support the proposed development

submitted revised information in support of their planning

did not allow space for locals to make their own comments of

“because it will recycle food waste into green renewable

application to Bath & North East Somerset Council for the

objection.

energy, contribute to the fight against the climate emergency

digester power plant at the old Queen Charlton quarry site. The

This week POKE’s spokesperson Kerry Morgan told The Week

declared by Bath and North East Somerset Council and the UK

deadline for comments was Monday of this week.

In: “This exhibition raised more questions than it answered.

Government, support the rural economy, and deliver

A previous unfinished anaerobic digester (AD) plant at the

POKE’s concerns remain as before. This inappropriate

biodiversity benefits around the site”.

Green Belt site, which had approved capacity for 25,000 tonnes

development still remains in the heart of our precious Green

B&NES Council is due to make a decision on the scheme later

remain

horrendous

HGV

traffic

this year. See also Letters, page 10

Also in this week’s issue

Accident on the new ‘throughabout’ . . . page 3

Staple Hill road closures scrapped . . . page 9

The region remembers . . . page 14

Cycling on the Willsbridge road . . . page 18

The Week in • Wednesday 17th November 2021

Council challenged over cost of preparing plans for more junction changes The councillor in charge of South Gloucestershire’s roads has defended spending more than £800,000 on putting together plans to improve the A4174 Ring Road, only to halt them for a Steve Reade rethink after public backlash. After speaking with the council’s Department for Environment and Community Services, the Labour group on the council confirmed at last Monday’s Cabinet meeting that to date, the ruling Conservatives had spent £806,000 developing the scheme for five junctions between Lyde Green and Longwell Green. As we revealed in last week’s issue, the council has put the brakes on the plans to ask the government for £30m for the scheme after a public consultation revealed that 84% of the public were opposed to the scheme. Three of the five junctions would become throughabouts, similar to the one which opened on 25th October at Wraxall Road at Warmley. Labour Group Leader Pat Rooney asked at the Cabinet meeting whether the Conservatives acknowledged that they had “wasted” taxpayers’ money in preparation for the bid and had failed to deliver value for money. In response, Cllr Steve Reade, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Environment & Strategic Infrastructure, said: “Simple answer is no. The money is not wasted, it has given us valuable insight into what could be an opportunity in the future.” He added: “I am pleased to see how the Wraxall Road throughabout is operating, having been up there several times to see it in operation, looked at it from all different angles.” Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Rooney said: “£806,000 is a lot of money to spend on ‘valuable insight’. We just hope the Conservatives don’t end up spending another £800,000 on plans for the A4174, only for the public to oppose them again.”

The Week in • Wednesday 17th November 2021

Three-vehicle collision closes part of new throughabout A three-vehicle collision at the new throughabout at Wraxall Road at Warmley caused chaos last Wednesday morning. Part of the new junction on the A4174 Ring Road was partially blocked and emergency crews were at the scene for several hours after the collision at about 9.15am which involved two cars and a van. Fire crews from Kingswood, Temple and Bedminster stations attended and hydraulic cutting gear was used to rescue a man from one of the vehicles. He was treated at the scene by paramedics and then taken to hospital. It is understood that his injuries were not life-threatening. Traffic queued back to the Kingsfield Roundabout by Aspects Leisure Park. The throughabout opened on 25th October.

Security stepped up at hall after anti-social behaviour by youths Security is being stepped up at Emersons Green Village Hall to tackle anti-social behaviour by youths. The hall’s management highlighted the problem on Facebook last Wednesday after suffering three separate incidents in the past week. They said: “On each occasion youths entered the hall and tried to cause damage and disruption and were threatening to our staff. “The police have been notified and are aware of ongoing issues with a group of young people in and around Emersons Green. “To ensure we keep our staff and you

safe, we have implemented some shortterm measures. We appreciate this may cause some small inconvenience but hope you understand that the safety of everyone in and around the hall must come first.” The measures include locking the front doors from 3pm each day (when schools finish) between classes held at the hall. A doorbell has been fitted. The management say they are in ongoing discussions with the police and with the trustees on what measures can be taken to maintain everyone’s safety. The Week In has asked the police for a response.

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.

Concert cancelled The charity concert featuring Glastonbury Male Voice Choir, which had been due to take place in St. John’s Church in Keynsham on Saturday (20th November), has been cancelled, say organisers the South West UK Virtual Lions Club.

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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 17th November 2021

Highest state of alert declared as health and care services face ‘incredible pressure’ Health and care leaders in South Gloucestershire, Bristol and North Somerset have declared the highest state of alert – Opel 4 - because services are under “incredible” pressure. Last week they issued a fresh call to the public as continuing COVID-19 hospitalisations and ongoing workforce challenges were being felt across NHS hospitals, GP practices, community and mental health services and social

Christmas hamper collection Juice Community Project in Cadbury Heath will be giving out hampers to the more vulnerable in the area for Christmas and is in need of seasonal items if anyone is able to donate. The shopping list includes Christmas crackers, Christmas puddings, Christmas cake, boxes of biscuits, chocolates, boxes of stuffing, gravy granules, custard, tinned salmon/ham and luxury toiletries. You can drop your donations off at Juice Community Project in Newton Road. The deadline for donations is 15th December.

The Week in • Wednesday 17th November 2021

care. Local leaders have urged people to stay away from busy emergency departments and minor injury units unless absolutely necessary, with additional exceptional steps being taken to manage the situation. People being admitted to hospital are being asked to plan their discharge with ward staff straight away, with efforts made to move people on as soon as they are medically well enough to leave hospital – even if that’s to an appropriate place further from home. This step is being taken to ensure hospital beds are available for those who are most acutely unwell. Family and friends will be called on to facilitate timely discharge of their loved ones, and voluntary and community sector partners such as the Red Cross will support more people to return home or to another service in the community. Leaders say the coming weeks are likely to be just as tough and are urging the public to: • Think 111 First for all urgent but non-life-threatening injuries or illnesses, rather than visiting busy emergency departments and minor injuries units. • Help look out for your community – checking in on loved ones and neighbours who might need extra support, especially as winter approaches.

• Protect yourself – get vaccinated against Covid-19 and flu. You can find all the details you need at grabajab.net The Healthier Together Partnership – formed of NHS Hospital Trusts, the Ambulance Trust, the Clinical Commissioning Group, all three local authorities and community, primary care and mental health services - have written to every member of health and social care staff, local councillors, MPs and community groups to share this message. The Partnership is also launching more targeted drives on recruitment - particularly into the care sector - in the coming weeks.

The Week in • Wednesday 17th November 2021

Former Labour candidate dies Mark Huband, the Labour Party candidate in North East Somerset at the last General Election has died suddenly. It was announced last week by the Cotswold Labour Party that the former journalist, author and poet had died unexpectedly following a routine hospital procedure. Having stood as a Labour candidate in the Cotswolds during the 2017 election, he campaigned unsuccessfully against Jacob Rees-Mogg two years later. In more than 20 years as a journalist

including roles as West Africa correspondent for the Guardian and Security Correspondent for the Financial Times, he reported on the Liberian civil war, the Rwanda genocide and al-Qaida in the wake of 11th September 2001. Mark also wrote several books on security issues and was an acknowledged poet. His experiences of finishing second behind Jacob Rees-Mogg in the 2019 General Election are reflected in his poetry collection The Candidate, which was published last year. He leaves a wife and two children.

Quiz finally goes ahead The 33rd annual Brain of Bitton quiz night has finally taken place. The original April 2020 and the rearranged March 2021 event had to be cancelled due to coronavirus restrictions, and there was some doubt as to whether the October contest would go ahead. “In recent years, we’ve usually had around 90 people turn up for an evening of quizzing and eating, but

numbers were certainly down for this year’s attempt,” said regular quizmaster Kim Scudamore. “We knew that some of our regulars were still reluctant to come out, but we had enough people turn up to make it worth doing. It was also good to see a new team win the trophy.” The winning team was the ‘Ken Loach Appreciation Society’.

Mark Huband campaigning in Keynsham in 2019

Gift a Book campaign calls for donations Libraries in Bath and North East Somerset are inviting book donations to be gifted to people in the community who may not otherwise receive a Christmas present. The Gift a Book campaign ran for the first time in 2019 when more than 2,000 books were donated by residents and charities across B&NES. This year the library service is calling for donations of new or good condition second-hand books which will be distributed through local charities and organisations as gifts. Books in any genre, suitable for any age and in any format — paperback, hardback, audio, or large print — are welcome. The donations can be dropped off at the council’s libraries in Keynsham, Bath or Midsomer Norton.

The libraries will be accepting book donations until 11th December. Cllr Dine Romero, Cabinet member for Children and Young People, Communities & Culture said: “Christmas can be a hard time of year for some children and families, but the gift of a book can help to show people that someone is thinking of them and put a smile on their faces. “I am sure we can repeat the success the previous campaign, which saw thousands of books gifted to people in our community who otherwise might not have received a present on Christmas Day.” The council is hoping that local organisations will once again offer to work in partnership to distribute the books and any donations that can’t be gifted will be recycled.

Keep in touch, let us know what you think, send us your news www.facebook.com/theweekin The Week in • Wednesday 17th November 2021

Former neighbours now living next door to each other in care home were

she felt it was time to move into a

neighbours for more than 20 years are

care home, we were delighted she

now neighbours in the same care home.

decided to come here.”

Sue Montgomery and Ruth Pryce lived in

A former headteacher at a primary

neighbouring apartments in Dragons Hill

school in Bedminster, Ruth even has

Court and are now living next door to each

some ex-pupils among the care team

other in St Monica Trust’s Charterhouse Care

at Charterhouse. “One of our

Home at The Chocolate Quarter in

occupational therapists is an old

Keynsham.

pupil of Ruth’s and she always calls

Former midwife Sue was one of the first

her ‘Mrs Pryce’, just as she did

residents to move into Charterhouse’s

when she was at school.

residential care unit when it opened in 2019.

“Ruth still likes to be in charge. She

Ruth was a regular visitor to see her old

always organising activities for her

friend and when the time came for her to

fellow residents, bringing us her

move into a care home, there was only one

ideas for the unit, organising

place she was going to go.

pastoral care visits and if there’s a

Charterhouse’s residential unit lead Tunde

birthday, she will always be the one

Ujlaki said: “Because Sue’s family lives a

buying a card and getting everyone to sign

have a shared love of music. They can often

cherry on the cake.”

long way away, Ruth would visit Sue and

it.”

be found having a sing-a-long with their

Ruth said: “It’s amazing that we’ve ended up

help support her with things like doctor’s

Ruth chose her own room when she arrived

fellow residents around the piano or having

living next door to each other. From the first

appointments, shopping and taking her out

and Charterhouse’s care team then supported

lunch together in the open-plan kitchen.

day I visited Sue, I’ve always felt part of the

on trips.

Sue to move in next door.

Sue said: “I feel very lucky to be here. The

community here. We’ve all got to know each

“During that time Ruth got to know

As well as being neighbours, Sue and Ruth

staff are all lovely, we want for absolutely

other very well and enjoy each other’s

everyone at Charterhouse very well, so when

attended the same church in Saltford and

nothing and being here with Ruth is the

company.”

Two

Keynsham

women

who

Sue Montgomery, left, & Ruth Pryce

The Week in • Wednesday 17th November 2021

Controversial road closures to be scrapped Controversial road closures introduced in Staple Hill last

closures have introduced further traffic issues on the

year will be scrapped next month because they have

neighbouring roads. Properties near the closure points have

caused traffic problems elsewhere, including on Teewell

experienced private driveways being used as turning areas

Hill.

and obstructed by deliveries, taxis and visitors, and large

However, the decision by South Gloucestershire Council to

vehicles reversing out onto Teewell Hill.”

remove the blockades at Signal Road and Charnell Road has

The revocation order will be made on 1st December and will

divided opinion – especially as many residents in the two

come into operation on 23rd December 2021. All physical

streets wanted them to remain.

measures installed during the trial closure will be removed

Last May the government tasked local authorities to quickly

on 23rd December.

implement schemes to capitalise on the increases in active

Councillors for Staple Hill and Mangotsfield Michael Bell,

travel and greatly reduced vehicle use seen during the first

Ian Boulton and Katie Cooper say they have received a

lockdown.

“barrage of emails” following the announcement and that

on Teewell Hill, there is anecdotal evidence to suggest the

The aim of the experimental road closures introduced on

with a significant minority of local residents wanting to keep

pollutants caused by queuing traffic on this route to school

Signal Road and Charnell Road was to help to reduce the

the closures, (for Charnell Road it was 35% and Signal Road

has worsened as a result of the increased numbers of vehicles

impact of increased traffic and improve the benefits to key

45%), it was always going to be a divisive issue.

being forced to use it.

cycling and walking routes, in particular access to the nearby

“During the time of this closure, while some residents have

“Much has been made of the attempt to address the climate

Bristol and Bath Railway Path. The council said that this in

undoubtedly enjoyed reduced traffic on Signal Road and

emergency by implementing these road closures, however

turn would improve links between Page Park and the

Charnhill Road, there has been no evidence to demonstrate

the unintended consequence appears to be that pollutants

Railway Path, and routes to Mangotsfield School and The

that traffic across the wider neighbourhood has reduced. This

have been concentrated into one small area on a busy route

Tynings Primary School.

suggests that the quieter road you may have benefitted from

to school, rather than being eliminated which is clearly

Signal Road was closed 33 metres west from its junction with

has been at the expense of neighbours on, already previously

unacceptable and does nothing to support efforts to reduce

White Lodge Road while Charnell Road was closed 20

busy, surrounding roads.

emissions overall.

metres east from its junction with Teewell Hill.

“This has put extra pressure on neighbouring roads including

“We believe that officers at the council implemented this road

However, in a report that’s been published, the council says

Lydney Road, Bath Street, Gloucester Road and Teewell

closure scheme with the best intentions of making the

that despite the benefits to encouraging active travel, the

Avenue, which is a narrow, mostly single carriageway, road

Railway Path access safer following numerous appeals,

scheme has proved unpopular with residents in the

with limited passing places and, of course, Teewell Hill

including from ourselves, to review traffic calming measures

surrounding area.

which narrows to a bottle neck at the traffic lights.

in the area. Given the limited resources and the opportunity

“Whist we recognise that the scheme has received positive

“Teewell Hill has caused particular concern as a route to

provided by the emergency guidance announced by the

responses from the roads immediately affected, the

Tynings School whose parents and staff have made numerous

Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps on 9th May

consultation results show that the schemes have not been well

representations about the increased hazards since the road

2020, a decision was made to close these roads, rather than

received over the wider area.

closures including vehicles mounting the pavement and

have a more considered traffic management scheme for the

“The general view from the local community is that the

backing up the hill.”

area.

The councillors added: “Due to high levels of pollutants in

“When the director advised that he was minded to support

the air, Broad Street is already an Air Quality Management

the majority of residents who wanted the blockades removed,

Area. While we do not believe air quality is being monitored

we asked for a wider traffic management scheme to be

Teewell Hill

conducted to mitigate the effects on the residents who have enjoyed quieter roads and, in response, he agreed to introducing a 20mph zone. “On its own we do not believe that this will be enough, and we are renewing our request for a wider traffic management scheme to be investigated and consulted upon. “We should also have better enforcement of speed restrictions … and we all need to explore alternatives to using Charnell Road

Signal Road

private cars if we are genuinely interested in reducing traffic, and associated emissions, on our choked roads.”

The Week in • Wednesday 17th November 2021

LETTERS Wot, no choir boy! Dear Sir Well that's it folks - Christmas if officially cancelled for the first time in more years than I care to mention. Why? Because the choir boy is missing this year for the first time, from his yearly position on the post at the bottom of Charlton Road.

The choir boy was briefly upside down in 2019

Country park response misses the point

wrong. more woeful for being prompted by critical

Are these MPS really representing us?

Dear Becky

headlines and the furious public backlash, rather

Dear Editor

In response to the comments from Douglas

than any pretence of pangs of conscience or

In the most recent shameful episode in Parliament

Douglas of Avon Valley Country Park (Issue 704),

sudden discovery of principle. A strong,

it was perhaps not surprising to see that almost all

he seems to have missed the point somewhat.

independent Standards regime is essential in

our Conservative MPs fell in line with the Whips

No one in Bitton doubts the success of their

preventing toxic sleaze and corruption in

to try and save the skin of disgraced ex-minister

events and that times have been hard during the

Parliament, and in maintaining public trust MPs

Owen Paterson.

pandemic. To be clear, the impacted residents are

should not try to weaken safeguards or ‘mark their

How they must have felt when one of their

simply seeking some action from AVCP to reduce

own homework’ in this way.

number (our very own Jacob Rees-Mogg) and the

the increasing levels of nuisance; we have no

Our local MP, Jacob Rees-Mogg, had a starring

Prime Minister decided less than 24 hours later,

desire whatsoever to damage their business.

role in the whole sorry affair. As the government’s

to cut Paterson loose. Stories have subsequently

We note that Mr Douglas has stated regular sound

representative, he broadcast the message that it’s

emerged about the pressure MPs were put under

monitoring takes place at sites in the surrounding

fine to break the rules, because the rules can just

by the Whips to support the original amendment.

area, including Church Road in Bitton, yet no one

be changed.

Just two weeks ago, your paper had a story about

in Bitton has ever actually seen this taking place.

Local constituents deserve better than this. It

the government rejecting a House of Lords

Furthermore, when challenged to provide data

drags our politics through the mud and is

amendment to the Environment Bill so that water

from the recordings Mr Douglas declines to

something you’d expect to see in Putin’s Russia,

companies could continue to discharge raw

provide it. We also understand that any sound

rather than the home of parliamentary democracy.

sewage into our rivers. Once again, our local Tory

recording is conducted by a contractor employed

We know Mr Rees-Mogg loves obscure words, so

MPs all thought it was their duty to support their

by AVCP, hardly independent!

(with thanks to Susie Dent) here is a new one for

government and vote to reject the amendment.

All we are seeking is some actual concrete action

him to consider: ‘malversation’ which is defined

Why is it, when these MPs are elected, they

to reduce noise levels from an animal park, that

as ‘the corrupt administration of power’.

always tell us they are going to Westminster to

seems to have turned into an outdoor amusement

Cllr Alastair Singleton

represent us. Would it not be better if they said in

and concert park, without a proper impact

Saltford ward

their acceptance speeches that they were going do

assessment on local people, wildlife or even the

B&NES Council

just what they were told by their leaders

park’s own animals.

whereabouts.? A prize for anyone who has this

regardless of what their constituents think. At

We cannot understand how their animals are being cared for with the use of large-scale

Where is he? Does anybody know of his

The startling U-turn that followed was all the

fireworks overhead. Concerned residents of Bitton

least we would know where we stood.

Writing in praise of Jacob Rees-Mogg

D James

vital information.

Dear Editor

Julia Chandler

I seem to hear nothing but criticism about our MP

Questionable location of speed table

Local constituents deserve better than this

Jacob Rees-Mogg.

Dear Editor

despite pleas and complaints to Virgin Care who

Dear Editor

We have seen the shameful spectacle of

seem to regard me with contempt.

Re the Avon Valley Park story last week, we live

Conservative MPs voting to scrap Parliament’s

In desperation, I contacted Mr Rees-Mogg for

directly opposite the site on the other side of the

Standards system and safeguards in favour of a

help. The response was miraculous! Obstacles

river. Over the three days of fireworks we noticed

new regime they proposed to design.

were swept aside and the much-needed jabs were

no loud music at all whilst they were going off;

Their aim was to get one of their own number –

arranged.

even when they had the music events beforehand

Owen Paterson - off the hook and weaken a

I have no view about the current situation in

the volume always lowered at 22.00.

Standards system that they seem to find

Parliament but I have nothing but gratitude for Mr

Considering we’re probably living the closest to

uncomfortably independent at a time when our

Rees-Mogg’s work as a local MP.

them, we have no problem whatsoever with them.

hapless government and its members seem ever

The media seem slow to acknowledge his efforts

Remembrance thanks

In fact we really enjoy listening to the music.

more prone to losing sight of simple concepts like

on local level which may have saved a life.

Dear Becky

J Plumstead

integrity and the difference between right and

Alistair Gilroy

I should like to express my thanks and

We have no problem with park

Dear Editor

I was getting nowhere in trying to get a COVID booster and a flu jab for my mother-in-law,

Can anyone advise the cost of a speed table approximately 20ft x 20ft across the bottom of Tabernacle Road, outside the church, in Hanham. I am suggesting approximately £15,000 to £20,000. It would appear this table is positioned at a point just before you hit the back wall at the entrance to the one-way section of road in a 20mph area. Has April 1st come early? J D Smith

The Week in • Wednesday 17th November 2021

LETTERS appreciation for the poignant Remembrance

council tax bill which contributes to the running

held in the village hall in Compton Dando. I only

A little further on by the traffic lights of the above

Sunday ceremonies which took place in

of a town or parish council).

found out about the exhibition at the last moment.

lanes, the inside lane marking changes and

Keynsham today. I had the honour to form part of

While there is of course a cost to running a town

Unless you live in Compton Dando, getting there

indicates that traffic can now turn left and go

the parade and for me, one of the most uplifting

or parish council - in the form of a precept - many

was virtually impossible unless you have

straight on.

moments was when, as the parade marched off

people in parished areas could point to the greater

transport. There are no buses there and it is not

This is confusing because drivers get in the

after the Memorial Gates service, the crowd,

control they have on local matters, such as parks

particularly safe to walk or even cycle in the lanes

outside lane to proceed straight on, believing

which must have numbered several hundred gave

and

to get there.

that all traffic on the inside lane are turning

their applause. It was their way of recognising the

allotments, festivals and celebrations, as well as

The company said that they couldn't find

left.

sacrifice of so many that our freedom for

community safety.

anywhere more suitable to hold the event. Perhaps

This is further complicated due to stationary

generations to come might be preserved.

In terms of cost to residents, another aspect that

they do not know the area too well.

vehicles in the inside lane who are waiting at the

Yet another example of the amazing community

should be mentioned are what are known as

From a company who say they are doing

lights are hiding the sign painted on the road

which we have here in Keynsham.

‘Special Expenses’, which households in

something to be 'green', this puts them in a bad

which changes the instructions given to drivers.

Thank you.

unparished areas pay in their council tax for the

light to begin with.

In my view the above situation needs to be

Cllr Lisa O’Brien

services which town and parish councils would

All the traffic to the site will have to enter from

rectified with some urgency. The inside lane

Chairman, B&NES Council

provide. Should these new parish and town

the A37 Wells Road. They had indicated 300 lorry

should be changed to indicate left only or left and

Ward Councillor for South Keynsham.

councils be created, South Gloucestershire

trips, to and from the site every week; however,

straight on.

Council would review the ongoing need for

it was only when they were questioned further

I trust you will highlight the above to your readers

The benefits of having a parish or town council

Special Expenses, so as to ensure no one is taxed

that it was discovered that this was only for the

and those responsible for their oversight.

twice for the same services.

waste products.

G B Slade

While the consultations will require residents to

There will also be crops (maize) grown for the

The Week In asked South Gloucestershire Council

Dear Editor

make up their own minds around the future of

purpose of going in the AD. This is a quarter of

to respond and a spokesperson said: “We have

I would like to respond to Cllr Rooney’s letter in

their community, in my experience having a town

the materials to be used. This will all travel at the

listened to feedback since the new junction

Issue 703, regarding the current consultations

or parish council comes with great local benefits

same time, at the maize harvest time!

opened and we thank the members of the public

with residents of Kingswood and of Staple Hill &

for a relatively low cost, giving a greater local

Interestingly, they did not deny the potential

who have taken the time to contact us directly with

Mangotsfield about the prospect of creating brand

representation and stronger voice whilst allowing

smell/stink that the site may produce. If the wind

their comments. We have already made some

new town and parish councils in those areas.

open

spaces,

community

transport,

for more targeted and effective local services to

is in the wrong direction, that could make

minor alterations, including updating these

One of the main purposes of parish and town

meet the needs of local residents.

Keynsham very smelly!

particular road markings, and the work was

councils is to provide a stronger voice to local

For more information on the consultations about

Kim

carried out overnight to minimise any disruption.

people as well as to provide more localised

introducing town or parish councils, please visit

services. The majority of South Gloucestershire

the South Gloucestershire Council website.

already has this level of representation and, as part

Cllr Rachael Hunt, South Gloucestershire

of the Community Governance Review we are

Council Cabinet Member for Communities &

Flaw in road markings at throughabout

Local Place

Dear Editor

undertaking, we are revisiting the question of whether residents in unparished areas would like

“We will continue to closely monitor the junction over the coming weeks and months and our engineers will be visiting the site, reviewing video footage, and carrying out regular checks.”

I wish to draw to your attention to a flaw in the

to become parished and what priorities these new

road markings when approaching the new

organisations should have.

Not such a green idea

I am pleased that the Labour group and many

Dear Becky

the east.

other local residents are keen to engage to make

You had an article in Issue 703 about the proposed

There are two lanes to choose from. The inside

an informed decision on this topic. In the letter,

anaerobic digester near Keynsham.

lane first indicates that all traffic should turn left.

Cllr Rooney makes comparisons to the council

I went to an exhibition last Tuesday run to inform

The outside lane indicates that all traffic should

tax precept (the additional sum paid through the

local people. I was really disappointed that it was

go straight on or turn right.

throughabout at Warmley at Wraxall Road from

Sudoku 1-Easy

THE WEEK IN adverts call 0117 986 0381

SUNDAY CHEMISTS Sunday 21st November

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 17th November 2021

Mencap quiz night returns Keynsham Mencap held is first quiz night in over two years earlier this month. This was always a very popular event pre-COVID among members families and friends of the society and this time was no different. Over 80

people had a great time at the Saltford Hall answering questions around sport, music, general knowledge and TV they enjoyed drinks from the bar, a ploughman’s supper and the ever-popular raffle.

“This was our first independent fundraising event since the start of the pandemic and so we really did not know what to expect”, said fundraiser Amanda Leonard. “The total raised that evening was just under £1000, which was just superb.” Keynsham Mencap is independently financed and has been running for over 40 years, providing social opportunities for 150 people from the Bristol and Bath area with learning disabilities and complex needs including autism. The charity’s work is essential in reducing isolation, facilitating friendships, building confidence and increasing self-esteem within its community. Amanda said: “We rely on raising over £160,000 each year to ensure our members have the opportunity to take part in social activities and meet with friends in a fully supported and secure environment. The clubs offer parents and carers short but regular respite from the demands of caring 24/7. “The majority of that figure comes from fundraising and raising awareness of the charity which is why our events are so important. We took a hit with COVID so it is great news that we can now start up our diverse range of physical fundraising events that will appeal to most people.”

Opportunist thief on the prowl

Crossword

ACROSS

DOWN

1. Mocks (7)

1. Gold coin (5)

5. Merry frolic (5)

2. Poised for action (5)

8. Swindle (inf.) (3)

3. Discussed formally (7)

9. Room, space (7)

4. Writer (6)

10. Allow in (5)

5. Angry growl (5)

11. Assignation (5)

6. Stays (7)

13. Gold ingots (7)

7. No longer alive (7)

15. Always (4)

12. Regret (3)

17. Fall back (6)

14. Exhort (4)

19. Guests (anag.) (6)

16. Calf meat (4)

22. Prayer ending (4)

17. Battlement (7)

Police say there have been numerous incidents of a man trying the door handles of cars and homes in the Staple Hill and Mangotsfield area. On a number of occasions he has found some unlocked doors, leading to a burglary and some thefts from vehicles. The offender has been seen on seven different streets in the last few months. Police remind residents to ensure that they close and lock all unattended doors and windows, at home and on their vehicle. It may affect any insurance claim if you don’t take steps to secure your property. Keys should be removed from locks and put in a safe place, out of sight and reach of any openings, but ensure all the residents know where the keys are kept in case of emergency. People are also reminded to remove all property from vehicles, especially cash, wallets and purses. As the contactless payment amount has recently been raised, you could be hundreds of pounds out of pocket before you realise your bank cards have been stolen.

24. Wonderful event (7) 18. Pirate (7)

26. Throttle (5)

20. Release (7)

29. Semi-precious stone (5)

21. Moose (3)

30. Flagrant (7)

25. Thin pancake (5)

31. Pastry dish (3) 32. Curt (5)

27. Chemical compound (5)

33. Completely full (7)

28. Bird of prey (5)

23. Amalgamation (6)

The Week in • Wednesday 17th November 2021

Call for bus consultation to be extended A survey asking for people across the West of England to have their say on supported bus services is not being promoted widely enough, says a leading transport campaigner. The majority of bus services in the area are run commercially i.e. by private bus operators for profit. For services which are deemed desirable but are not financially sustainable, such as rural routes, early morning, late evening or weekend services, bus operators receive financial from the local transport authority. Historically, these were local councils but now the West of

England Combined Authority is the transport authority for Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire and has a number of contracts in place with local bus operators. As part of a review of how these supported services are operated, there is a public consultation which began on 18th October and runs until Sunday 28th November. But David Redgewell, of Bus Users UK, is calling for the deadline to be extended to allow people more time to respond. He says that other than on some Stagecoach services, there is very little information on buses, at bus stops, bus stations

or in libraries about the consultation. He wants the survey extended until 20th December to give the travelling public the chance to have their say. You can give your opinion online either by going to https://consultation.westofengland-ca.gov.uk Print versions are also available by emailing consultation@westofengland-ca.gov.uk or calling 0117 3741265.

Plans to halve admissions to primary school South Gloucestershire Council is consultating on a proposal to halve the annual admission number for Barley Close Primary School in Mangotsfield from September 2023 It is proposed to reduce the admission number from 60 to 30. The council says the proposal will bring the admission number more closely in line with recent and anticipated admissions to the school and will apply to new applications

The Week in • Wednesday 17th November 2021

received for first admission to the Reception class in September 2023. The new admission number will age through the school and reach 30 across the age range over a period of seven years. Children currently attending the school will remain on roll. The closing date for responses is 17th December. All responses will be included in the council’s annual report on admission arrangements and considered by the cabinet in March 2022.

David Redgewell

Lest we forget The region paid its respects last Sunday with a number of parades and ceremonies taking place in bright, autumn sunshine. Staple Hill’s remembrance service was held in Page Park and led by Major Colin Hylton-Jones and Staple Hill Salvation Army Band. Around 2000 people were present and the parade marched from The High Street to the park featuring many local community groups. The crowds turned out in Keynsham too for the return of the parade and wreath laying ceremony in front of the Memorial Park gates. There was spontaneous applause as the participants marched off after the service. At Somerdale,

Eddie Parsons at Hanham. Steve Hicks

residents of the Chocolate Quarter joined with former Cadbury employees for a service at the Fry’s memorial. There was a great turn out at the remembrance service at the Hanham memorial on Sunday. The sun was shining as members of the public from all generations arrived to pay their respects and observe the two-minute silence to remember those who gave their tomorrows for our today. Among them was 101-year-old former marine Eddie Parsons who lives locally. On Sunday afternoon it was Mangotsfield’s turn to pay their respects with a service at the war memorial. See also page 10.

Mangotsfiled. Michael Bell

Fry’s Memorial. Hugh Evans

Staple Hill

Keynsham. Denise Ashworth

Hanham. Stef Condick

24-hour grapple planned in aid of Movember charity A Warmley gym is holding a 24-hour grapple this weekend to raise money for the Movember charity. Movember is an annual event to raise awareness of men's health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health. The event is taking place at The Pit Gym on London Road from 1pm on Saturday (20th November) to 1pm the following day. At least one pair of fighters must be engaged in sparring in fancy dress at any one time within the 24-hour window. Gym owner Mark Skidmore said: “Anyone is welcome to attend whether they are experienced martial artists that want to come in and spar or someone looking to learn something

new and meet some new people in a safe and friendly environment. “Our aim is to raise money for Movember and also raise awareness. There have been a number of suicides in our local area that have affected some of our members who were close friends and we want to show men that there are places they can go away from ego and bravado, places where they can talk to others that may share similar experiences, men from all walks of life who can offer advice and support or just a friendly ear in a time of need.” It costs £10 to enter the grapple and names will be entered into a raffle with prizes from local businesses. Donate and find out more at https://tinyurl.com/yhmujykb

From left, Jack Smith, Josh Box, Tom Wareham & Mark Skidmore

The Week in • Wednesday 17th November 2021

Council rejects developer’s plans for three-storey block of flats A developer’s plans to build a three-storey block of flats on land off Grimsbury Road in Kingswood have been refused. Horizon Construction Bristol Ltd lodged a “planning in principle” application with South Gloucestershire Council for land to the rear of numbers 58 to 68. The paddock has been subject to a number of planning applications in recent years which have been refused on overdevelopment grounds. In 2017 approval was granted for three houses but this has now lapsed. A report from the council planning team noted that approval was given at time when the local planning authority was unable to show it had a five-year land supply of housing. “This situation has changed and is not the currently the case.” There were 37 letters of objection to the

latest scheme from local residents, backed by ward councillor Alison Evans who said the proposed block of flats would not only look out of place with the existing houses on Grimsbury Road, but would be an overdevelopment of a small site with limited access. In refusing the application, the planners said that a block of up to nine flats was “overly ambitious” and would result in a cramped form of development and be out of character with the location. The report added: “If the amount of development on the site was reduced to a two-storey building and moved within the site, then it may be possible to accommodate a reduced number of flats, such as six at a maximum, but this would need to be demonstrated by the submission of detailed plans.”

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

‘The ever-expanding population of East Bristol needs this minor injury unit’ More readers have been having their say on why Cossham Hospital needs its longawaited minor injury unit. The Week In launched a petition last month in response to calls from readers and we have been overwhelmed by the response, with almost 1,500 people signing it so far. You can either fill out the form on this page and return it to the address given or alternatively sign it online – search for Cossham Hospital on the PetitionOnline.uk website. Cossham Hospital in Kingswood reopened its doors to patients in January 2013 after a major £19m refurbishment but without its promised minor injury unit (MIU). A subsequent campaign led by the late campaigner Reg Bennett to secure it failed to persuade health chiefs who instead in 2016 launched a two-year trial in which minor injuries were treated in GP surgeries in South Gloucestershire. But the scheme failed to reduce attendances at A&E. Significant investment was instead put into the Yate MIU, which is open from 8am until 8pm, seven days a week, including bank holidays. X-ray facilities are available and people can drop in with no appointment necessary. However, there is clearly still a huge amount of support for a unit at Cossham. Recent comments on our online petition include this from Nicola Harris: “We need a minor injuries unit in this part of South Glos. Southmead, BRI and Yate are all too far away and with so many more new housing and elderly residents, more medical facilities are needed to treat minor injuries to stop the

main A&E departments being clogged up. “Let them deal with the major stuff. Everything is practically there already to run a MIU. Frenchay was ripped away from us and nothing left to replace it. A community hospital was promised 15 years ago and still no sign of it. Give us something.” Alistair Jack said: “There is no 'in between' hospital services in the area - it is a choice of trying to book at a GP or visit one of the two city A&E departments. The ever-expanding population of East Bristol needs this MIU service.” And Roberta Locke commented: “We need this facility for the people of Kingswood as there is nothing in the area.” We also had a note this week from Dorothy Pullin from Fishponds along with her signed petition form. She said: “I think it would be easier to get to Cossham Hospital on the 17 bus than going to the minor injury unit at Yate on the Y2 bus. The Y2 bus is every two hours.”

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 The Week in • Wednesday 17th November 2021

The Community Page A wild weekend on the North Devon coast Our travel writer Christine Rogers explores Ilfracombe and Woolacombe small harbour entrance. It was at this moment that the 21-metre high sculpture of Verity, a statue designed by Damien Hirst first caught my eye. In plain sight, the cranes had obscured its location. It is made of bronze, stainless steel and fibreglass. The statue is both dramatic and initially shocking. It portrays a woman with her unborn child and skull exposed. It was placed on the harbour entrance in 2012 and reminded me of the Statue of Liberty in New York. I spoke to one local resident who although initially horrified by Verity said she later saw it in evening sunlight after a storm. The effect was profound, and she is now extremely protective of it. There is a little seating area next to the statue which also has a plaque explaining the processes used in its construction. We spent the rest of the day walking around the headland, watching waves crash heavily on the ancient coastline. For our final day we decided to take the bus to Woolacombe. It was the last Sunday service of the season. The ride is spectacular with breathtaking views of the coast. The journey takes just 30 minutes and there were very few passengers on board as we rattled our way through Mortehoe, another pretty Devon village.

The Landmark Theatre at Ilfracombe

We left Bristol mid-morning for our long weekend in Ilfracombe and Woolacombe. The weather forecast wasn't good but after lockdown, anywhere different is a welcome change. However, once we'd driven through busy Bridgwater and with Porlock Hill behind us, we found ourselves crossing Exmoor and its sweeping moorland. Rolling hills and deep green valleys competed with distant coastal views. The sound of screaming gulls whistled overhead while sheep, with the confidence of ownership, strayed across the windswept country road. Brought to a halt for a few minutes, they stared at us with disdain. Low scudding cloud intermingled with sudden showery sunlight and rainbows. A wild and woolly weekend had begun.

On arrival at Ilfracombe, we found our accommodation near the little rocky beach on the front, an ideal spot for adventurous families. To one side the cliffs rise up steeply to a blowy viewing point. The other side is Ilfracombe Theatre and Museum. The Landmark Theatre was built when the previous Victorian theatre was ruined during a fire in the 1980s. It is an unusual modern design and resembles two connecting sandcastles. The museum used to be a hotel laundry and is filled with all sorts of local paraphernalia as well as military and marine artefacts. It is run by a charity that supports some of the disadvantaged residents of Ilfracombe. On the opposite side of the beach road is a covered rank of shops and cafés with Victorian wrought iron awnings. Victorian ingenuity is integral to Ilfracombe, and you can find its legacy everywhere, from the three and four-storey hotels to the decorative railings and substantial stone walls around the town. Ilfracombe's High Street rises steeply from the seafront. However, the small roads leading to it take only a few minutes to climb. We found that many of the little individual shops and cafés were closed which I assume was because our visit was late in the season and also due to the restrictions of COVID. Even so, a number of gift and charity shops welcomed determined shoppers and those of us who appreciate a pre-loved bargain. During our first evening we frequented a well-known hostelry famous for its cheap coffee and selection of pre-cooked meals. Conveniently situated within five minutes of our accommodation it served us well during this holiday break.

Damien Hirst’s statue Verity

The following day we decided to explore the harbour area. The quay was alive with small boat owners having their vessels lifted by crane onto waiting lorries. The summer holiday for these small craft was over and they were being packed away for winter storage. Alongside, harbour shops and cafes eked out end-of-season trade and above us rainbows intermingled with sun and cloud, lighting up the

Woolacombe is a small seaside town which, when we were there, was extremely windy and showery. That didn't deter the surfers who thronged the beach; black sleek figures carrying colourful surfboards made their way down to the

The road leading to Exmoor

shoreline, breaking waves awaiting them. Although exciting to watch, we opted for a small beach walk before retreating for coffee to a rather elegant Victorian hotel. After refreshment we walked around the small holiday resort which comprises holiday accommodation, a few shops and a couple of pubs. Making our way back to the bus stop, we were suddenly hit by the sharpest shortest torrential storm I have ever experienced. Within the space of five minutes, we were blown sideways and drenched to the bone. With no chance for cover we boarded our bus in a sorry state. Luckily, we were the only passengers. Although uncomfortably soggy, we were glad to be going back to Ilfracombe and our hotel. We spent our final evening watching television and reminiscing about our holiday. Weatherwise it had been colourful, surprising and extremely dramatic. On reflection it was refreshing to experience what nature can do at this time of year, providing of course there's always somewhere comfortable to come home to.

The Week in • Wednesday 17th November 2021

Police appeal to find two men suspected of supplying drugs and firearms Police have appealed for information about the whereabouts of two men wanted in connection with an investigation into large-scale drugs supply, firearms offences, and money laundering in the South West. Billy Foster, 33, from Oldland Common, has been charged with seven offences, including conspiracy to sell or transfer two handguns, conspiracy to supply cocaine, and money

laundering. Christopher Barbosa, 29, from Sea Mills in Bristol, is charged with conspiracy to supply heroin and cocaine and money laundering. Barbosa failed to attend Bristol Magistrates’ Court on 31st March and Foster failed to attend a separate hearing on 27th April.

Rogue trader fined for targeting 91-year-old Kingswood resident A South Gloucestershire rogue trader who targeted a 91year-old Kingswood resident has been fined £900 following a successful prosecution brought by South Gloucestershire Council’s Trading Standards service. Richard O’Driscoll, 22, of Northwood Park, Winterbourne, appeared before Bristol magistrates after being arrested on warrant due to non-attendance at court. O’Driscoll, who traded as Rightseal Roofing, pleaded guilty to three offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, which were committed in March 2021. The case was investigated by Trading Standards following a complaint that O’Driscoll had cold-called at the home of the 91-year-old woman and informed her that some tiles were loose on her roof. He implied that he was working on the property opposite where a building company was currently carrying out work. As the resident believed he was from a reputable company, she decided to have the alleged problem rectified. O’Driscoll was said to have carried out 45 minutes’ work on the ridge tiles of the property and requested £350 in cash, which was paid. However, the victim’s family did not believe that any work needed doing in the first place. On further investigation it was established that O’Driscoll had failed to comply with legislation on doorstep sales and provide his customer with details of their cooling off rights, despite being advised by Trading Standards about

this in 2016. O’Driscoll’s tactics were also of concern to Trading Standards as he was shown to have started work within the 14-day cancellation period and without the express request of his customer, thereby committing a separate offence of an aggressive commercial practice. Trading Standards gave O’Driscoll the opportunity to resolve the matter informally and return the £350 to his customer on two separate occasions but he failed to do so. As a result, the court fined him £900 and awarded his customer £350 compensation. He was also ordered to pay £500 of South Gloucestershire Council’s costs. This week South Gloucestershire Council Cabinet Member for Communities & Local Place, Cllr Rachael Hunt said: “Richard O’Driscoll has been advised previously by Trading Standards and was aware about the law on doorstep selling but carried on with the practice regardless. “Where a trader is not complying with the law in this way it will not be tolerated, no matter how big or small the loss to our residents, and we will pursue the matter through the courts if necessary. Residents should be aware that if any such agreement is made in the home, they should be provided with the trader’s business details and advised of their 14-day cancellation rights. We remind residents that if they are not sure, do not answer the door.” Anyone who suspects that rogue traders are operating in their area is advised to contact Trading Standards on 0808 223 1133.

Pre-school rated as Good

No objection to new 5G mast

Whitchurch Under Fives Pre-School has been rated as Good following a recent Ofsted inspection. The inspector highlighted that children’s behaviour is excellent and they have strong bonds with the staff who have high expectations and pitch activities at the right level to offer suitable challenge. Partnerships with parents are also said to be very good There are 20 children on the roll at the pre-school which is next to Wansdyke Primary School.

South Gloucestershire Council has raised no objection to EE Ltd and Hutchison 3G UK Ltd’s plans, in conjunction with Mobile Broadband Network Ltd, to add a 5G mast to the base station on the rooftop of Kingswood Telephone Exchange in Hanham Road. The site is operated by radio site infrastructure provider Cellnex which says the purpose of the upgrade is to facilitate essential new 5G coverage and improved 2G / 3G and 4G service provision.

The Week in • Wednesday 17th November 2021

Both men were Billy Foster arrested as part of national Operation Venetic, the UK law enforcement response to the takedown of encrypted communications platform EncroChat. Barbosa is described as being of mixed race, 6ft 2in and of medium build, with a black beard and moustache. Foster is described as white, 5ft 10in, of medium build, with dark brown hair and possibly has a beard and moustache. If you see either of the men, who are not believed to be together, do not approach them but call 999. If you have any other information which may help the police find them, call 101 quoting reference 5220116639.

Christopher Barbosa

Why cyclists boycott this shared path Following a recent letter from a reader asking why cyclists aren’t using the shared path the road between Willsbridge and Keynsham, reader Roger Tilley shares his perspective. Thank you to Nick Gould for writing to The Week In regarding the cycle path. Prior to cycling, I would agree wholeheartedly with his comments. Not wishing to condone cycling on the road, rather than the ‘dedicated’ cycle path, I wish to list the reasons why I tend to use the road myself.

At the Keynsham end, the path comes to an abrupt stop

The pavement that can’t be used

When cycling (to catch a train for which I am usually late), speed or un-interrupted travel is of an essence. Probably also for the cars and other traffic, which don`t want to be held up. Hold-ups on the ‘cycle path’ are not something able to be tolerated, hence the road use, where journey time is predictable. When I wrote to The Week In back in August 2018, Bristol had just been accredited as a European Cycling City. I questioned, how could this have been achieved, with hardly any evidence of specific cycle routes? At around the same time, another correspondent, Andy Wait, had written, raising concerns of the Keynsham/Willsbridge path`s suitability as a ‘cycle path’. The points I consider sufficient to boycott the path and consider using the road are as follows: 1. Thank you to the volunteers for their hard work, but, when the vegetation grows back, the path`s width is insufficient for safe passage of pedestrians, and even one cycle or worse with two cyclists. Sod’s law, pedestrians usually walk in the same direction as yourself. Ringing a bell is frequently unheard because of earphones. Just cycling on, hoping the pedestrian will keep his positioning on the path is optimistic,

The sign at Willsbridge

and contrary to the Highway Code to expect the worst, and don`t assume. Having got up to speed, slowing down is the last thing a cyclist wishes to do, (as per vehicular traffic), although it is easier for traffic to speed up again. 2. There is a blind spot as the path starts at the Willsbridge end. This is, as the path dips, wonderful to get up to speed, and only reluctantly would I want to slow. When I approach, I have hands on the brakes, and ready to take evasive action, as has happened. If it was wide enough here for a grass verge, that would be one option as an avoidance route. It was this blind spot Andy Wait wrote about. Unlike motor driven vehicles, cyclists try to avoid stopping or slowing, wasting their previous energy to get back up to speed. 3. At the Keynsham end, the path comes to an abrupt stop. This entails getting off and waiting for the traffic to allow crossing the road to the other side. There is no central refuge to wait to clear one lane, so a wait for both lanes of traffic is necessary. No cycle or pedestrian track here. No alternative but to cycle on the road. Not just any road, but a steep incline, which at 75, I have no option but to get off and walk. Fortunately, the road here is generously wide, so no traffic queues are created. The road layout entrance to the adjacent housing estate could have been configured to include enough space to continue the ‘cycle path’ further. The traffic-light crossing there would provide a safe, suitable place for cyclists and pedestrians to cross safely. What does this tell us about the authority`s interest in pedestrians and cyclists? Not only has the ‘cycle path’ not been extended at its end but sharp stones have been built into the hitherto

pavement, preventing any attempt to access it. 4. A further delay at the Willsbridge end, (crossing the traffic flow before getting on the ‘cycle path’), is another reason to avoid the path, delaying the journey time to catch the train. This is not a complaint, just fact. Traffic doesn`t have this problem of course. Solutions are limited. Widening it isn`t probably feasible, especially at the Willsbridge end; likewise, making it one way, and building a second path on the other side of the road, again because of space. Widening the road, with a dedicated cycle lane each way, is again I suspect out of the question because of space. As previously stated, my intention is not to condone riding on the road. As a motorist, I am annoyed as anyone else being held up by a cyclist, especially with an alternative ‘route’ they could use. If only. As regards night-time travel, even another good reason to use the road, to be able to swerve and avoid pedestrians or cyclists not showing lights or not wearing light-coloured clothing. Years ago, I was taken to court, having experienced a cyclist propped up against my car bonnet. It was night-time, I hadn`t seen any lights, he was wearing a black coat, the streetlights were fully functioning. I was turning right from a main road into a minor road. Again, sod’s law, a policeman going home off duty was waiting at the junction, saw it all, and hence the court appearance. I had just completed an advanced driving course and knew the Highway Code back to front. My plea was the cyclist should have been wearing light-coloured clothing at night-time. The case was dismissed.

The Week in • Wednesday 17th November 2021

Celebrating British Curry Day Curry houses across the Bristol area are commemorating the forefathers who introduced millions of Britons to a taste of the subcontinent. British Curry Day has been launched to mark those who came to Britain from the 1960s opening restaurants and takeaways – and to show support for the industry today. Among the curry houses taking part are Tikka Raaz and Rajastan Royal in Downend, Rajastan Royal in Emersons Green, Curry Kings in Kingswood, Arjee Bhajee and Curry

High Sheriff of Bristol Susan Davies

Supreme in Staple Hill, Spice Bazaar in Brislington and Paprika in Whitchurch. They will donate £1 to good causes for every Tikka Masala – the nation’s favourite curry – sold on Wednesday 1st December. Spice Business, a magazine for the Asian restaurant sector, launched British Curry Day to commemorate early ‘curry pioneers’ who came to Britain from the 1960s. It was set up to mark the end of lockdown in England and to encourage people to eat out, as well as creating themes and opportunities to raise money for charity. The first event was held last year and called Back the Bhaji with many businesses donating to charities for each one sold. The event this year is expected to raise thousands of pounds for 10 small community groups, through #AskingBristol – connecting charities with individuals, organisations and businesses who can support them. British Curry Day coincides with 50 years of independence for Bangladesh and is a national holiday in the country on 16th December. High Sheriff of Bristol Susan Davies said: “It is such a brilliant idea to celebrate with a national Curry Day. Curry is now one of the nation's favourite dishes and linking this with Independence Day is perfect - as most of the cuisine we know so well was brought to Britain from Bangladesh. “But not only is this a day of celebration for Bangladeshis and their wonderful food, but dozens of restaurants across the region are also raising money for local charities, making this a valuable event in so many ways." Naseem Talukdar, from Fishponds, whose parents ran the Rupali restaurant in Kingswood, heads the award-winning

Rajastan Royal in Downend and his work in the food industry has led him to help the homeless and set up Plastic Pollution Awareness and Action Projects. He said: “My work in takeaways, restaurants and with the homeless has heightened my awareness of the huge amount of plastic used in the industry. I’ve been working with various specialists to find a long-term solution to this problem.” Rajastan Royal continues to contribute to its community, including its role in the Food4NHS project, delivering thousands of free hot meals to NHS staff during the pandemic. The business has also donated money to 1625 Independent People, which supports young people at risk of becoming homeless or who are already homeless. Community champion Naseem received a High Sheriff’s Award from the LordLieutenant of Bristol in recognition of his contribution to the city and was invited to meet the Queen. He said: “British curry has been a key culinary and cultural contribution made by migrants from the Indian subcontinent.

Naseem Talukdar

“In turn, it has helped to support future generations in the industry - as well as doctors, teachers, engineers and other professions which help their communities.”

Yurt-based nursery proposals withdrawn Plans for a children’s nursery at Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park in Keynsham have been withdrawn. The planning application submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council in the summer sought to change the use of the mini-golf area to a 96-place nursery in six yurts, with two shipping containers converted to provide reception, service and toilet facilities. The park’s owners told

the council that they are diversifying the business in response to the pandemic to enable them to continue to provide and invest in the popular visitor attraction and support ecology work. The council’s highways team recently flagged up concerns that none of the written statements or plans submitted for the nursery proposal considered highway implications in any detail.

The Week in • Wednesday 17th November 2021

Launch of new Surviving Winter Appeal A new appeal has launched to support

been running the annual Surviving Winter

Foundation says it is conscious of the

along and now have to choose between food

people across the West of England

appeal for a decade. It calls on those who feel

additional pressures on local charities and

or heating; or older people coping with

through winter.

they can afford it to donate their Winter Fuel

the people who rely on them, and that many

health issues who always struggle to heat

The Surviving Winter Appeal has been

Payment, or to make a financial contribution,

households who were already struggling to

their homes as temperatures start to drop.

launched by Quartet Community Foundation

to help local vulnerable people. Last winter

make ends meet are facing a “perfect storm”

“Over the last 18 months we’ve seen just

to support local charities whose work helps

alone this appeal raised over £16,000 for

as fuel and food prices rise just as incomes

how effective local organisations can be in

local people experiencing fuel poverty,

local projects.

are squeezed further.

responding at speed to a major crisis,

isolation and acute financial pressures during

This year, as the government warns of a

In response Quartet is expanding the

offering support to the people we live

winter. Quartet Community Foundation has

difficult winter ahead, Quartet Community

Surviving Winter appeal to benefit even

alongside.

more people, including struggling families

“We plan to work hand in hand with the

as well as the many thousands of local older

fantastic local charities, community groups

people in need.

and voluntary organisations across B&NES,

The money raised through this year’s

Bristol, North Somerset and South Glos to

Surviving Winter appeal will enable Quartet

provide vital support in our communities.

to direct grants to local charities across the

“To do this we need your help. So we’re

West of England addressing fuel poverty,

asking people to consider donating their

isolation and financial pressures over winter.

Winter Fuel Payment, or to make a one-off

Suzanne Rolt, chief executive of Quartet

donation, to help make a real difference to so

Community Foundation, said: “It’s so often

many vulnerable people this winter. Thank

those with the least who bear the brunt of

you for the support.”

these crises. This could be working families

You can donate to the Surviving Winter

who were just about keeping their heads

appeal at https://quartetcf.org.uk/donate-

above water before the fuel price hike came

now/

Book and tool sale at museum Kingswood Heritage Museum will be holding a book and tool sale from 2pm to 5pm on the last two weekends of November (20th & 21st and 27th & 28th). Many of the books are brand new and written by local author Ian Bishop. There will also be a selection of postcards and

unframed local prints. Tools for Self Reliance will also be on hand to sell a wide range of second-hand tools. The funds raised will be used to transport refurbished tools to many African countries to help families to support themselves.

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

Situations Vacant

The Week in • Wednesday 17th November 2021

Bristol Greens say more needs to be done about the climate emergency This month marks three years since Bristol City Council

was set up in July 2019 but the action plan it published last

voted unanimously to support Green Councillor Carla

year was criticised by Green councillors for lacking concrete

Denyer’s motion declaring a Climate Emergency,

actions.

committing the city to go carbon neutral by 2030.

A Clean Air Zone (CAZ) next year has been accompanied

Commenting on the progress made, Cllr Denyer said: "I look

by proposed updates to the Local Plan to require new

back on the years since with a mixture of pride and

developments to be zero carbon. But, the CAZ, will affect

frustration. I am proud that the Green Party councillors led

one in four drivers and is focused on reducing Nitrogen

Bristol to make the first Climate Emergency declaration in

Dioxide emissions, not car journeys or carbon. It is unlikely

Europe and kick-started a wave of similar declarations across

to reshape transport patterns or carbon emissions

at least three-quarters of the UK’s local authorities, as well

substantially while updates to the Local Plan may not be in

as many other governments and organisations.

place until 2024.

seen this at both an international level, with COP, and locally

“Many of these declarations were accompanied by ambitious

Bristol City Council has also refused calls to oppose the

here in Bristol.”

new carbon reduction targets, making a substantial

proposed expansion of Bristol airport and has yet to divest

Councillor Lily Fitzgibbon, who job shares Bristol Green

contribution to tackling the climate crisis.

millions of pounds in council pensions from fossil fuel

Group’s Shadow Cabinet role for Climate and Ecology with

"However, I also feel frustration, and sometimes even

investments.

Cllr Denyer, added: “It’s amazing to see how far Climate

despair. Because three years later, not enough has changed.

Cllr Denyer said: “I do not get the sense that the politicians

Emergency declarations have come over the last three years

Bristol, the UK and other countries across the world have

from the other parties – who were happy to jump aboard the

– from every level of government and every kind of

commissioned reports and made positive noises, but

Climate Emergency bandwagon, have properly grasped that

organisation we are seeing a real awareness of the severity

ultimately changed very little.”

acknowledging that we’re in an emergency means that we

of the situation. But awareness isn’t action, and we need to

Following the declaration, the One City Environment Board

need to act like it – things need to change, urgently. We’ve

see concrete changes in the city to reach our net-zero target.”

Carla Denyer and Lily Fitzgibbon

Situations Vacant

The Week in • Wednesday 17th November 2021

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