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THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset 1st December 2021

Issue 707

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Gang members from Barrs Court jailed after major cocaine investigation Four members of an organised crime group – including two

produce cannabis after a cannabis grow was found at a flat in

from Barrs Court – have been sentenced for their roles in

Stokes Croft, Bristol.

supplying huge amounts of cocaine following an investigation

All four were sentenced last Wednesday. Aaron Jefferies was

by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit.

jailed for nine-and-a-half years for conspiracy to supply

The wife of ringleader Aaron Jefferies, from Allington Drive,

cocaine and possession with intent to supply cocaine. He was

was also sentenced last week after being found guilty of

given a further 18-month sentence for conspiracy to produce

perverting the course of justice.

cannabis, making a total sentence of 11 years.

Aaron Jefferies, 31, was convicted following a four-week trial

Rafique was sentenced to five years and five months, Shore to

at Bristol Crown Court in October of conspiracy to supply

six-and-a-half-years, and Forrester received a suspended two-

cocaine alongside Aaron Rafique, 30, of Milner Green in Barrs

year sentence and was ordered to carry out 300 hours’

Court, and Robbie Shore, 25, of Williams Close, Melksham.

community service.

Connor Forrester, 25, of Meadow Road, Melksham, pleaded

Lauren Jefferies, 28, Aaron Jefferies’ wife, was found guilty of

guilty to the same offence in August 2020.

perverting the course of justice for attempting to get evidence

Jefferies and Rafique were also found guilty of conspiracy to

removed during a police search. She was sentenced on Friday

Aaron Jefferies

Aaron Rafique

to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered to do 180 hours’ community service. She was also put under a four-month curfew. Both Jefferies and middle man Rafique were arrested at their homes on 14th November 2019. When officers searched Jefferies’ Jaguar, they found packaging from at least 38 separate 1kg blocks of cocaine, which would have a wholesale value of £1.1m. Also in the car was a plastic bag containing 188g of cocaine (worth £14,000 wholesale), a green rucksack containing a further 9.5g of cocaine, eight sandwich bags each containing cannabis, an imitation firearm, a truncheon, a small lock knife and a sports bag with three sets of scales and three knives.

Three months earlier, Regional Organised Crime Unit officers had watched a meeting in Jefferies’ Range Rover in Melksham between him and Shore. A warrant at a nearby flat on Sangster Avenue led to Shore being arrested and Forrester trying to run away. He discarded what turned out to be £4,000 Continued on page 3

Also in this week’s issue

Saltford’s Giuseppe wins the Great British Bake Off . . . page 3

Council support for Keynsham as roadworks continue . . . page 5

Public art installation in Hanham raises eyebrows . . . page 7

Spate of vandalism at Warmley Community Centre . . . page 14

The Week in • Wednesday 1st December 2021

Saltford’s Giuseppe is crowned Bake Off champion Giuseppe Dell’Anno from Saltford has been crowned the winner of Channel 4’s Great British Bake Off. The 45-year-old engineer, who hails from Italy and is married with three young sons, took the coveted cake stand trophy in the final of Series 12 of the show which was screened last

Gang members from Barrs Court jailed Continued from page 1 worth of cocaine, with £300 worth later found in his pockets. A subsequent search of Forrester’s home on Meadow Road, Melksham, led to a further £14,000 worth of cocaine, four mobile phones and scales being seized. Shore was using Forrester’s address to store the drugs. Detective Inspector Charlotte Tucker, from the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit, said: “This group was organising the supply of cocaine on a commercial scale in Wiltshire and beyond. Aaron Jefferies was top of their group, but we all know the harm going on further down the chain. It’s purely about money for them, but for others it’s exploitation, fear, violence and crime-funded drug use. “We will now continue to work with the Crown Prosecutive Service to ensure it’s not just their freedom that has been taken away, but also the luxury assets their crime has funded.”

The Week in • Wednesday 1st December 2021

Tuesday. Giuseppe, who was inspired to bake by his professional chef father, was chief engineer at the National Composites Centre at the Bristol & Bath Science Park at Emersons Green from 2017 until July. He was also an Industrial Fellow at the University of Bristol. He now works in Milan but was back to watch the final with family and friends at The Gloucester Old Spot pub on Kellaway Avenue in Bristol. Millions watched as Giuseppe impressed judges Paul Hollywood and Dame Prue Leith to beat the other finalists Crystelle Pereira and Chigs Parmar. The episode saw the trio making carrot cakes, Belgian buns, and a showstopper dessert inspired by the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party for which Giuseppe did a giant tear-and-share chocolate and hazelnut brioche mushroom, with mango and passionfruit ‘Drink me’ panna cottas, heart-shaped orange and fig muffins, and an asparagus and pea-filled choux caterpillar. Paul Hollywood said he had predicted Giuseppe would win: “From the first time I walked into the tent and in the first signature and I saw his mini rolls, I thought, that looks like our winner. You could see the heart and soul going into his baking. He has done an incredible job." Dame Prue called Giuseppe a “classic, beautiful baker”. After being handed the title, Giuseppe said: “All I can think of is the reaction I am going to get from my mum and dad.” He said his father was going through a hard time health wise and this would be a boost for him.

He also said none of it would have been possible without the support of his wife Laura, who had looked after their sons aged four, six and eight all summer without him. He also thanked his fellow bakers and the team, and the public “for reaching out and showering me with love!” Giuseppe, who was a guest on ITV’s Lorraine show on Monday, is now hoping to bring out a cookbook: “I would love to crystallise my dad and family’s heritage in a cookery book of Italian baking that would draw from my family and their love for baking.” Among those offering their congratulations on his win was Saltford councillor Duncan Hounsell who tweeted: “Saltford is very proud of you and your family. Well done Giuseppe.” And West of England Mayor Dan Norris tweeted: “It’s official: West of England has best engineers and best bakers! He’s always been my Star Baker but winning really is icing on cake.” • Fancy following his Giuseppe’s footsteps? Applications for the next series close on Sunday (5th December). Visit https://gbbo.take-part.co.uk/

Auction date changed The Only Fools and Horses 40th Anniversary Auction, which had been due to take place at East Bristol Auctions in Hanham last Friday, has been rescheduled to next Monday (6th December). Del Boy’s yellow van is one of 150 items connected to the sitcom being auctioned and has an estimate of £15,000-20,000. See the full online catalogue at https://bid.eastbristol.co.uk/auctions/8013/sreas10531

Shoplifter jailed for assault on Big Issue seller A 32-year-old man who assaulted a teenager selling The Big Issue after she challenged him for shoplifting has been jailed for 44 weeks. Ashley Stephen Payne, of Fishponds, was sentenced at Bristol Magistrates’ Court after admitting 23 offences, including assault on the 19year-old woman, a separate assault on a 41-year-old shop worker, and 16 counts of theft. All the offences were committed between 30th August and 14th November this year in the Fishponds

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.

and Staple Hill areas. Sgt Andrew Bradshaw, of the Fishponds Neighbourhood Policing team, said; “We’re pleased with the custodial sentence given to Payne by the court for the series of offences he committed in our local community over a twomonth spell. “The attack on the 19-yearold woman was a particularly cowardly and

unnecessary act of aggression – all because she challenged him for stealing from a local store. “It’s taken persistence and hard work by the neighbourhood team and our colleagues in the Detainee Investigation Team to investigate this series of offences and gather the evidence needed to secure these convictions.”

Ashley Stephen Payne

Chimney fire Crews from Hicks Gate fire station were mobilised to reports of a chimney fire in Station Close in Warmley on Friday morning. They found a chimney fire involving a wood-burning stove. Crews removed the stove and extinguished the blaze using a high pressure hose reel and thermal imaging cameras. Firefighters also used ladders and rope equipment to fight the fire from the roof. The cause of the blaze is thought to be accidental.

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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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The Week in • Wednesday 1st December 2021

Council support for town centre as roadworks continue Works on phase one of the Keynsham High Street improvement scheme will continue up until 23rd December before shutting down for the Christmas break. Bath & North East Somerset Council says this change responds to feedback from residents and businesses and will bring the project’s completion date forward. Works focused around the Bath Hill and Rock Road junctions will restart on 4th January. The council and main contractor Volker have funded a variety of activities through December to encourage people to ‘shop local’ and increase footfall in the town.

The High Street has been undergoing improvement works since June and has been closed to traffic for most of that time. Support from the council this month includes free parking on Saturdays in council-owned car parks and street entertainment. Meanwhile Keynsham Christmas Market was held on Friday to coincide with the switch-on of the Christmas lights. It was a scaled-back version of the usual Winter Festival, due to the High Street improvement works, but nevertheless was well attended, with stalls in Market Walk and at The Space and live music, and many shops staying open late.

Christmas on the Hill The annual Christmas on the Hill event in Staple Hill will be in the form of a festive market this Saturday (4th December) from 10am to 4pm. There will be stalls and activities in the High Street and Fountain Square including carols by the tree with the Salvation Army.

The Week in • Wednesday 1st December 2021

Jake’s Christmas lights fundraiser in sister’s memory Display raising money for children’s hospital A festive garden display in California Road in Oldland Common is raising money for Bristol Children’s Hospital. There is a QR code on the tree in the garden so people can make a donation and there are also donation buckets. The lights are on from 4pm to 10pm daily plus Santa will be inflated from 10am at weekends and you can have your photo taken with him.

A teenage boy from Downend is once again supporting Macmillan Cancer Support this Christmas time by lighting his house in memory of his sister. This is 14-year-old Jake Skinner 's fourth year of supporting the charity and he hopes to have raised a total of £10,000 by the end of the year. His sister Stacie passed away on Christmas Day 2015, aged 17. Jake said: “My sister loved Christmas and had her own lights on her desktop at work so I used those to start my own display and things just grew from there. “Our family home is covered in Christmas lights. As a family we try to celebrate Christmas as it’s what Stacie would want so

using the lights to raise money for Macmillan seemed a perfect way to remember her, and her lights are still part of the display for 2021.” The lights blew down in the storm at the weekend but were back up in time for the official switch-on on Sunday at 26 Sutherland Avenue. Last year Jake raised £2,500, despite COVID restrictions, and to date has raised almost £7,500 which could pay for a Macmillan nurse for more than a month. The display, which expands each year due to generous donations and the family's own purchases, is designed and installed entirely by Jake. To donate the JustGiving website page at https://tinyurl.com/yckpn88r

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The Week in • Wednesday 1st December 2021

New £50,000 public artwork raises eyebrows A new public art installation at Bellway Homes’ housing estate off Greenbank Road in Hanham is causing a stir. The brief for the art project at the development was for a string of bespoke benches but the recently installed creation is on a part of the site that local people understand was earmarked for trees and a wildflower meadow. Some local residents are concerned that the 20 mushroomlike objects could become a meeting point for anti-social behaviour and questions are being asked about what public consultation took place. In 2016 the Bristol church group House of Faith, which had owned the land since the 1940s and used to have a meeting place there, sold it for development. A planning application was submitted to South Gloucestershire Council the following year and Bellway Homes started work on the 77home development in 2018. There was a £50,000 budget for a “high quality contemporary art” project to integrate the new development and its residents into the existing communities nearby. The brief said that the benches “will feature prose/poetry that takes influence from local heritage and stories. This will be written/gathered through social engagement with the local community”. This week a resident of nearby Tyler Close said: “I saw this strange display last week and wondered who on earth thought this was a good idea. I am appalled at the possible expense of this pseudo artwork. I cannot imagine what the householders who overlook this area must think. “How long are those pieces going to stay in place on a slope or be vandalised and rolled down the slope?” Another person living nearby told us: “Few, if any, of the landscaping plans for the site have been followed.” One resident said they were concerned about the apparent lack of the promised wildlife habitat. They described the art feature as “appalling” and echoed concerns about it being a magnet for anti-social behaviour. They also pointed out that despite the industrial wording on the ‘mushrooms’, the estate is called Faithfields Close, reflecting its true heritage. They said the only industry on the site had been a couple of small medieval mines. This week a South Gloucestershire Council spokesperson said: “The public art was a requirement of the planning permission for the Bellway Homes development on Greenbank Road in Hanham. The developer provided details of the art scheme to the council and the relevant planning

The Week in • Wednesday 1st December 2021

condition has been discharged. “The artists worked with Hanham Local History Society, Kingswood Museum and Bristol Archives to help understand Hanham’s history and they also conducted a series of public writing workshops with local residents at Hanham Library and Hanham Community Centre as part of the project. “The council is satisfied that the public art installation is compatible with the tree and wildflower meadow planting which is to be carried out as part of the approved landscaping scheme.”

Council leader visits school to mark Anti-Bullying Week The leader of South Gloucestershire Council Toby Savage visited Longwell Green Primary School last Thursday to meet pupils during national Anti-Bullying Week. Cllr Savage, who represents Longwell Green, was met by headteacher Darren Brown and spoke with pupils about the work they have been doing to mark the awareness week, which this year had the theme ‘One Kind Word’.

Toby Savage with Longwell Green Primary School pupils and headteacher Darren Brown

Metro Mayor’s visit focuses on innovation and enterprise West of England Mayor Dan Norris

Saltford, Mr Norris visited Wessex Water’s

activities of the laboratories.

Cllr Hounsell said: “This visit to Saltford

visited Saltford last Wednesday at the

scientific laboratories in Mead Lane where

Mayor Norris then met volunteers at the

focused on innovation and enterprise. The

invitation of local councillors.

he met senior executives to hear about the

Saltford Brass Mill at The Shallows.

Saltford Brass Mill was at the cutting edge

With

and Alastair

company’s aims, the developments at the

Volunteer Tony Coverdale gave him a guided

of technology in the 18th century using

Singleton, the B&NES ward councillors for

Saltford Water Recycling Centre and the

tour of the historic mill and Mr Norris

specialist skills brought in from the ‘low

thanked him and other volunteers for their

countries’. In the modern era, Wessex Water

dedication in preserving and showcasing the

important heritage site.

technology.”

Duncan

Hounsell

New mask mandate welcomed West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris has welcomed the announcement by the Prime Minister that mask wearing will once again become mandatory in shops and on public transport. He said: “Mask wearing is a completely sensible measure to help keep you and your neighbours safer. The new Omicron variant is clearly a big worry and I urge everyone to continue to do all they can to help slow the spread.” The Metro Mayor has consistently called for mask wearing to be made mandatory on public transport and in shops since the summer with messages on First buses and a poster campaign. In October he launched a big push to encourage mask use writing to 10,000 local businesses and placing adverts in the local press. He continued: “I would like to thank everyone in the West of England who has

using

cutting-edge

science

and

Dan Norris, third from right, during his visit to Saltford Brass Mill

been wearing a mask. Undoubtedly you have helped save lives and kept pressure off our NHS. But I am very concerned about our NHS. I have spoken to many local doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals who tell me we are in the midst of a winter crisis.”

WECA meeting in Keynsham The Space community room at Keynsham Civic Centre is the venue for the West of England Combined Authority Committee’s meeting on Friday (3rd December) at noon. Metro Mayor Dan Norris will be putting

his £50m Green Recovery Plan to a vote of West of England council leaders for the third time. Among the items expected to be raised in the public session is supported bus services in the region.

The Week in • Wednesday 1st December 2021

Second controversial children’s care home wins planning approval A second retrospective planning application for a

change of use request,” said Cllr Scudamore.

children’s care home in Kingswood has been approved

He said he was also speaking on behalf of 14 local residents

despite concerns from people living nearby about anti-

who had registered objections and to some extent the 15 local

social behaviour.

residents who had objected to a similar application for the

Two adjoining houses were turned into children’s care homes

adjacent property in Tyndale Road which the council had

reporting their concerns on the basis of what has happened

without planning permission for change of use by 16 Plus

already approved, “in my opinion unfortunately”.

while these two properties have been operating without the

Care Support Solutions Ltd.

He said he was also speaking on behalf of other residents

appropriate planning consent as a care home.

The pair of semi-detached houses on the corner of Tyndale

who had told him and Cllr Davis verbally how

“I have had it confirmed by the police that over 20 visits to

Road and Lees Hill each house up to three young people with

“uncomfortable” they are about the proposal.

these properties have been made in the last year. I appreciate

24-hour carers. The Tyndale Road home opened in

When he first raised concerns with planning officers Cllr

some would have been because residents weren’t complying

November 2019 and the Lees Hill one opened last year.

Scudamore said he was told that it is really no different from

with the curfew restrictions, but there have been more serious

The company applied for two separate retrospective planning

an ordinary family home. He said: “This is not like a family

incidents that have caused serious concern to local residents.

applications and South Gloucestershire Council approved the

home. In a family home, children are there from day one.

“Let me be clear. These are not bad kids. These are not young

Tyndale Road one in October, as we reported in Issue 700.

They grow up in the community, they are known by the

offenders. These are 16 and 17-year-olds. They are normal

Ward councillor Kim Scudamore had highlighted local

neighbours. In this particular case the service provided by

kids but in many cases they’ve not had the advantage of a

concerns over the first application and addressed the

this company is for 16 and 17-year-olds and therefore they

stable home background; they do present additional

council’s development control committee last Thursday

are not there for very long, it’s very much a transient

challenges.”

about the Lees Hill application, which was being

population and there are 16 and 17-year-olds that are not

The planning officer said the council’s own children and

recommended for approval.

known to the local community because as far as I am aware,

young people’s department had chosen not to comment on

He was also speaking on behalf of fellow ward councillor

no South Gloucestershire young people are looked after in

the application and that the police had not raised any

Sandie Davis, who he said is an award-winning foster carer

these facilities.”

objection to this application.

with more than 30 years’ experience of children from

He added: “The amenity and the right of local residents to

Supporting the application, committee member Cllr Jayne

troubled backgrounds and special needs, who knows that the

feel secure in their community, in their environment, is an

Stansfield: “Children need to live somewhere if they can’t

appropriate setting can be transformational in the lives of

important planning consideration and it is certainly one of

live at home with their parents and personally if I were a

those children.

the key priorities of this council as well. Residents are not

child, I would prefer to live in a house that looks normal so

“She believes, like me, that it is the wrong location for this

concerned about what might happen, residents have been

I am going to propose that we grant it.” The committee approved the retrospective application by a

Courses for horses

majority.

South Gloucestershire Council has replaced the deck of the bridleway bridge over the A4174 Ring Road at Bromley Heath with a more animal-friendly surface. The original surface was a steel deck and horses were frightened by the noise their shoes made when going across. The council sourced rubber tiles to help give them a smoother and quieter ride and according to feedback it is working well.

Spotlight on invisible disabilities South Gloucestershire Disability Equality Network is

and statutory workers and members of community groups

holding a Zoom meeting tomorrow (Thursday) to mark the

who wish to learn more about invisible disabilities

International Day of People with Disabilities.

and their impact. BSL interpreters will be part of the

Entitled Invisible Disabilities, two speakers will be

meeting.

joining the talk to discuss bladder/bowel issues and

The session starts at 4pm and will be followed by a

autism.

question-and-answer session and at 5pm by the South

Everyone is welcome to join and the event may be

Gloucestershire Disability Equality Network AGM.

particularly relevant for members of the public, council

Find out more at https://bit.ly/3FeM1hZ

The Week in • Wednesday 1st December 2021

LETTERS Concern over plans for Temple Street

There is far too much seating proposed that in my

parking will not fulfil this. Imagine if they

shops and community. Have they asked the many

opinion is not required for Temple Street footfall,

reduced the parking on Moorland Road in Bath!

drivers who use the parking what they would do

which has traditionally had specialist shops where

There would be a riot.

if it was reduced? There are many elderly and

Dear Editor

shoppers 'shop and go'. They do not hang around

Some other parts of this proposal don't seem to

infirm people who are dropped off by or park up

I have studied the High Street Heritage Action

as though they are in a city centre, they get on

have been researched either. Do we really need

in cars, taxis and community buses specifically to

Zone Phase 2 proposals for Temple Street and

with the day.

'spill-out seating for local businesses'? Maybe

use Temple Street facilities because they cannot

would forward the following.

Yes, I would welcome money spent on Temple

outside the Canteen but is it advisable outside The

walk any further. What will they do? This

We have some 40 years’ experience retailing in

Street but let’s use some common sense.

Trout or is it even what Lavianos want? For

proposal will almost certainly reduce usage of

Keynsham and have observed everything the

Ian Mills

smokers’ convenience perhaps! Also, if we need

Temple Street as a shopping rank and community

authorities have done to Keynsham over that time,

Director, Baby & Co, Temple Street

to 'reduce the scale and dominance' of Riverside

hub.

then put some trees and greenery on that side but

Why spend so much on a scheme that may

don't put them in front of the shopping rank.

prettify yet ultimately harm the community and

Shops need visibility to attract customers.

the town it purports to serve? I will continue to

These works will cause enormous disruption to

Traders can’t afford to lose parking

Yes, we know Temple Street needs new paving

campaign against any attempt to damage the

trade; when altering pavements I can see the

Dear Stephen

and a little sprucing up but we don't want planters

community and vitality of Temple Street both as

contractors requesting Temple Street be closed for

I have recently expressed my concerns over the

taking away vital parking and blocking people's

a shopkeeper and local resident. After all, my and

safety reasons. You only have to look at the

proposed loss of parking in Temple Street to the

vision whether driving or on foot. B&NES did

others’ livelihoods are at stake.

current state of the High Street to see what we

B&NES Temple Street Improvement Project

this on the High Street and it just left a dangerous,

Chris

would face, I see parking suspended and would

Keynsham Hardware

much of which has helped destroy the retail base here, and firmly believe the proposal as stands is totally 'over the top'.

(TSIP) manager.

ambiguous mix.

be very worried how our customers’ delivery and

It is vitally important that we do not lose any

The TSIP may have some idyllic vision for

collection vehicles will access Temple Street.

parking. People simply pull in and pop in to coin

Temple Steet but it doesn't seem to be based on

Whilst the planters look nice, there are far too

a phrase. I have spoken to customers who do

reality or practicality. Trying to change the usage

many proposed and they will be subject to

exactly that and they tell me it encourages them

of Temple Street to a pedestrian paradise isn't

Bus service is just too expensive

vandalism, as can be seen by the one outside the

to shop here. The ability to pull in and shop easily

going to help the shops and community thrive.

Dear Editor

Civic Centre.

in Temple Street has helped us bounce back.

There is nothing wrong with the current

Does anyone remember when buses in Bristol

The planters, if close to the pavement, would also

After successful efforts to lobby B&NES earlier

arrangements for cars and people on foot, as long

were run by Bristol Omnibus Company?

make it difficult for passengers to alight from cars

in 2021 to increase and enforce the parking on

the

My late husband lived in Southmead and was an

and inhibit loading of goods into the back of cars.

Temple Street the TSIP proposals clearly want to

pavements/pedestrian crossings are properly

apprentice working in Brislington. That was a

Currently there are some 20 roadside parking

reduce the amount of parking. If the TSIP team

implemented.

two-bus journey, but he always managed to arrive

places in our part of Temple Street. This is a

had monitored Temple Street before and after the

I understand that the proposed crossing near

on time.

requirement for people wishing to park close to

increase, they would see how the ease of parking

Carpenters Lane is an advisory cobbled version.

The fare was affordable even for someone on an

and pop into shops; to say that street parking

has encouraged a stop and shop.

Though I welcome a proper controlled crossing

apprentice wage.

dominates the street is exactly what retailers want

There are currently up to 21 parking spaces

for the many elderly and infirm residents, this

My granddaughter is a student and has just paid

to see. The proposal will leave four parking places

between the crossing outside the Canteen and

advisory version would literally be an accident

£360 for a year’s bus pass with First Bus.

on the Riverside section of the road.

Carpenters Lane (plus the disabled bays). The

waiting to happen.

How things have change but it seems not for the

The proposed pedestrian crossing removes several

TSIP currently proposes just eight and two

I speak to many local residents on foot and also

better. I think reading the letters about First Bus,

parking places. I believe a survey is required to

disabled! The extra parking has already increased

people who park here to use the shops. They agree

people are really fed up with the expensive bus

check the number of people crossing at this point

'linger' time so the proposal would actually

that some of these proposals will not benefit

service we have.

to establish potential usage. There is of course a

dissuade potential customers from doing what the

Temple Street. Some say it is a waste of money.

J White

crossing a few yards away by the car park.

project intends.

No doubt there will be people who say the less

Soundwell

Reducing Temple Street’s width to 5.5 metres will

Bluntly, I and other businesses cannot afford to

cars the better, but they will then complain at the

cause congestion as with this width, a bus/HGV

let TSIP take this parking away. Any reduction

subsequent decline of local shops and community

and car would not be able to pass each other and

would be a major setback. The TSIP proposal is

services whilst increasing the carbon footprint by

will cause chaos whilst HGVs are delivering. I

counterintuitive to me. Their publicity claims the

travelling out of town.

Accident fears over illegal parking

would also propose moving the loading bay

proposals are based around ‘supporting local

Do the TSIP team know the parking was extended

Dear Editor

position to outside the town council offices so it

shops, businesses and community enterprises’ and

by B&NES less than a year ago? They did that for

I am highlighting the amount of illegal parking

is closer to the shops.

'better connectivity and accessibility’. Reduced

a reason and it has helped to support the local

around Broadlands School which is going to

vehicle

speed

calming

and

The Week in • Wednesday 1st December 2021

LETTERS Our choir boy is back where he belongs Dear Editor Wow, I cannot believe that some old soul wallowing in the past has helped to bring back the tradition that was the choir boy on his lamp post at the bottom of Charlton Road in Keynsham during the festive season. My thanks to the wonderful person who has taken the trouble to, first all, locate him and then arrange for the new light to be taken down and replaced with our own choir boy.

cause an accident. Police, council and school have all been contacted and still nothing has been done. This afternoon I had a near-miss with a child running out in front of this car parked on zig-zags and feel this isn’t going to be the last. I’m looking to bring attention to these issues so something’s done before it’s too late. Adam Foord

Clearer signs needed Dear Editor There have been a lot of letters about the Keynsham Road and shared path, but in my opinion there should be much clearer signage at both ends of this road as the current signs are too high for cyclists to notice. They would be far better on the path itself rather

I'd like to shake their hand and, in recognition of

than about five foot in the air.

their thoughtfulness, I reckon the choir boy should

Would it not be better if all cyclists were banned

be named after him, or indeed her. So, own up,

from this portion of road and made to use the

what is he or she to be named? Answers on a post

shared path.

card please!

M H Cornwell

Julia Chandler

Intruders steal special needs bikes and charity boxes Intruders forced their way into Warmley Wheelers and stole two specialist bikes and charity boxes. The cycling project, which is based in a container next to the Bristol & Bath Railway Path, has a range of specially adapted bicycles for people with disabilities or additional needs. Andy Underdown, the project coordinator, said: “We are sad to say that early Wednesday morning (24th) November), four youths broke into the main Warmley Wheelers container. “They then proceeded to make off with the two horizontal tandem bikes which were subsequently damaged and abandoned. They also stole charity boxes, and our spare bike batteries. Over time these items can be fixed or replaced. “The real tragedy is that this mindless act takes away the opportunity to the numerous people who enjoy the freedom these bikes provide. Some children from Warmley Park Special Education School missed out on their ride on the Wednesday morning as one of the volunteers was required to assist with the bike recovery and therefore not all the usual bikes could be taken across. “The reaction of some of these youngsters when they realised that their bike was not available was heart-breaking.

Sudoku 1-Easy

“However, I can confirm there are many more good people than bad. We would like to send our thanks to the member of the public who posted on Facebook that he had seen one of the horizontal tandems abandoned near Staple Hill Tunnel. “A massive thank you to the guys at PJ McNama Ltd who fetched and stored that tandem on their site, and a big thank you to the kind lady from Chestnut Court who, on discovering our other horizontal tandem near her house, rang the number on the frame and then stored it in her garage until we recovered it. “Both bikes are now back with us and will be repaired over the coming weeks.” If anyone has any information call 101, quoting incident number AS-202111240194.

SUNDAY CHEMISTS Sunday 5th December

2 -Hard

Boots, Gallagher Retail Park, Longwell Green (10.30am-4pm) Asda, Longwell Green (10am-4pm) Boots, Emersons Green Retail Park (10.30am-4.30pm) Sainsbury’s, Emersons Green Retail Park (9.30am-4.30pm) Stockwood Pharmacy, 78 Hollway Road, BS14 8PG (9am-7pm) Keynsham Pharmacy, 15 Station Road, BS31 2BH (10am-4pm) Tesco, Callington Road, Brislington (10am to 4pm) Morrisons, 688-718 Fishponds Road, Fishponds (10am-4pm) Boots, Avonmeads Retail Park, St Philips Causeway (11am-5pm)

The Week in • Wednesday 1st December 2021

B&NES councillors back action over fireworks B&NES Council has agreed to a string of measures to tackle the impact of fireworks. Following a motion put forward by the Conservative Group, the council has resolved to recommend that all local public firework displays be advertised in advance to allow residents to take precautions for animals and vulnerable people. The council also agreed to actively promote a public awareness campaign about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people in the lead-up to relevant celebrations and cultural events through existing council communication channels. And it was agreed the council would write to the Local Government Association to lobby for a limit to the maximum noise level of fireworks to 90 decibels for those sold to the public for private displays, and to encourage local suppliers to stock quieter fireworks for public display. During the discussion Keynsham councillor Alan Hale said he had received a number of emails from constituents who share significant concern about animal welfare whilst fireworks are being used locally, as well as concern for the welfare and mental wellbeing of vulnerable people in the community. He said he himself has two rescue dogs and they are “absolutely terrified” by fireworks. He reminded the Lib Dem administration that in 2020 the

Crossword apology We apologise to all our crossworders that one file was not updated in last week's issue resulting in the wrong grid appearing. We have added a bonus puzzle this week to compensate.

council gave its support to a motion by the Labour group but “to the best of my knowledge, nothing has changed since last year from a council perspective”, Cllr Hale stressed: “This is not a killjoy motion, we are not seeking to ban fireworks in their entirety.” Labour councillor Grant Johnson, who had put forward the motion last year, said that this year he had worked with the organiser of the annual Paulton Rovers’ fireworks display and asked for the noise from the fireworks to be reduced due to complaints from residents. “After the display took place, I was amazed to receive an email of thanks which highlighted the difference one of my residents felt this had made on all the previous years. It just goes to show the impact we all have in our wards.” Cllr Carol Warrington, deputy leader of Conservative group, said: “I don’t want to stop anybody’s fun but we have got a climate and nature emergency and this is a small part that can help towards that.” Labour councillor Eleanor Jackson said her asthma is always much worse after the air pollution caused by fireworks from big displays. She said she had a friend who had survived the Blitz but is “always completely spooked on Bonfire Night because the bangs and the flashes recalled what he had endured as a teenager and narrowly survived”. She added: “Of course we have living among us veterans who survived horrible ordeals

Crossword

in Iraq and Afghanistan so lowering the volume of these fireworks I think is really important.” Richard Samuel, deputy leader and Cabinet member for Economic Development & Resources, gave an assurance that the Lib Dem administration would fulfil the actions of the resolution.

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)

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 1st December 2021

Ofsted praise for school where the pupils ‘love learning’ Chandag Infant School in Keynsham is celebrating after again being rated a ‘Good’ school by education watchdog Ofsted. Inspector Marie Thomas visited the 178-pupil school in Chandag Road for two days at the end of September and her report, published last week, praises children, staff, governors and trustees. “Pupils at this school love learning,” her report says. “Leaders and staff are ambitious for all pupils. The school’s

Free entry to tree festival The popular Christmas Tree Festival returns to St John’s Church in Keynsham this weekend and entry is free. The community occasion gives local groups the chance to showcase their work by entering a decorated Christmas tree. More than 40 are taking part. There will also be trees in the church hall along with festive refreshments, and crafts. There will be a continuous programme of live music in the church. The festival opens on Friday (3rd December) from 3pm to 8pm and continues on Saturday from 10am to 6pm and on Sunday from noon to 5pm.

Crossword

curriculum inspires and challenges them. Staff and pupils live the school values. They treat each other with respect and kindness.” The report finds that the school’s safeguarding is strong, with staff well trained to spot concerns and quick to support families in need of extra help. It says that children feel safe in school and parents believe this is because staff “genuinely care about the children”. It notes that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities make good progress. This week headteacher Annie Smart said: “There are many strengths to celebrate in the report and we are proud to continue to be recognised as a ‘good’ school. I would like to congratulate the whole team in always striving to be the ‘best that they can be’ for the pupils. I would also like to thank our parents for their ongoing support of our school and our pupils who make Chandag Infants a delightful place to teach and learn. “Our one identified area for improvement is for staff and pupils to better articulate the knowledge and skills that we want children to learn and remember in History. We have

ACROSS

DOWN

1. Wall support (8)

1. Good Queen ---- (4)

5. Narrow aperture (4)

2. Implement (4)

7. Highest Alpine peak (4,5)

3. Glorify (5)

9. Make dirty (4)

5. Dispatched (4)

10. Ribbon (4)

6. Apartment house (8)

11. Type of tree (5)

7. Heavy burden (fig.) (9)

14. Pacifies (5) 15. Astound (5)

8. Ornamental horse covering (9)

16. Lustre (5)

11. Possession (5)

17. Unlace (5)

12. Dismal (5)

18. Culpability (5)

13. Lanky (5)

19. Late (5)

14. Noblewoman (8)

22. Food fish (4)

20. Main artery (5)

Headteacher Annie Smart with pupils

already taken steps to strengthen this area of our curriculum.” Chandag Infant School was last inspected in 2014, when it was also rated Good. This was the first inspection since the school joined the multi academy trust now known as Futura Learning Partnership in 2017.

4. Ointment (5)

24. Crossbow arrow (4) 21. ----- Day, film star (5) 26. Always bearing

23. Greedy (4)

foliage (9)

24. Ray (4)

27. Remit (4)

25. Piquancy (4)

28. Taking for granted (8)

The Week in • Wednesday 1st December 2021

Series of attacks by vandals at community centre Vandals have targeted Warmley Community Centre, ripping down the memorial weathervane and smashing skylights. They also kicked footballs around on the flat roof, took tiles off and smashed them into the car park. A spokesperson from the centre said that youths had been on the roof four times – on the 16th 18th, 19th and 21st November. She described the youngsters as “brazen”, with incidents taking place when centre users were in the building.

When the weathervane was in place

Police have reviewed the centre's CCTV and spoken to staff about security measures and the centre is now planning to install spikes and anti-climb paint. This week PC Phil Busvine said: "Clearly as well as causing damage to a community facility these young people were putting themselves at risk. I'd ask parents and carers to speak to their children about the consequences of this sort of behaviour. "We'd always encourage people to look out for their community and report any anti-social behaviour as it's

happening. If you have any information about who was responsible for this, please call 101 and give the reference 5221272658." The rear of the hall has also been the target for graffiti in recent weeks. Last month we reported on problems with youngsters involved in anti-social behaviour in and around the village hall in Emersons Green where staff have had to step up security including locking the front doors at certain times and fitting a doorbell.

The weathervane was ripped off last month by vandals

The Week in • Wednesday 1st December 2021

Homes and businesses hit by phone and internet outage Many homes and businesses in Saltford were without landline phone connection for weeks and with only intermittent broadband after utility workers accidentally damaged cables in the village. We understand that several hundred people were affected by the outage after damage was caused during the last week of October. Last Thursday Openreach confirmed to us that the network in Saltford had been affected by damage caused by a "third party" and said that a total of 31 faults were reported, all of which were cleared by 20th November. The spokesperson said more properties may

have been affected but they could only account for the faults reported. They added: “We were able to put in place a temporary fix and all landline and broadband services have been restored. Our contractors are due to install new duct next week and then the repairs will be permanent. “We encourage anyone experiencing any disruption with their phone or broadband service to report it to their service provider who will then inform us.” The Week In understands that the service providers will be giving compensation to their customers for every day they were without connection.

24-hour grapple raises more than £1,800 A Warmley gym which held a 24-hour grapple in aid of the Movember charity last month has so far raised £1,860. Movember is an annual event to raise awareness of men's health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and

mental health. The event at The Pit Gym on London Road saw at least one pair of fighters engaged in sparring in fancy dress at any one time within the 24-hour window. You can still donate at https://tinyurl.com/yhmujykb

Nativity sets back on display After a two-year absence, a huge collection of Nativity sets from all over the world will be on view again at St Michael the Archangel Church in Two Mile Hill in Kingswood during December. Jackie Elliott and her husband John started collecting and showing the sets after he was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in 2004. After a successful operation, and with funding from Macmillan, they set up GOSH (Bristol) - Gastro Oesophageal Support and Help - to support sufferers from oesophageal or stomach cancer and their carers. John passed away in 2008 but

Jackie has continued the cause. There are now more than 450 sets from all over the world from minuscule to life size. They will be on display this weekend (4th and 5th December) and next weekend (11th and 12th December), on Saturdays from 10am to 5pm and on Sundays from 11.30am to 5pm. Jackie says they will be displayed safely, observing COVID rules with a one-way system, and accompanied with Christmas music and candlelight. There is no charge but any donations go to support the cancer charity.

Over 40 stalls at market Saltford Christmas Market takes place this Saturday (4th December) from 10am to 2pm at Saltford Hall. All stalls are sold out both in the main hall and both rooms upstairs meaning there will be more than 40 stalls. You'll find loads of ideas for presents including crafts,

toys and various handmade items. Saltford calendars and Christmas cards will be on sale. There will be a Santa's Grotto, Santa's sleigh, elves and a festive café serving mulled wine and mince pies as well as Newton Farm bacon rolls.

Keep in touch, let us know what you think, send us your news www.facebook.com/theweekin The Week in • Wednesday 1st December 2021

Star Stephen Merchant lends his support to South Glos libraries Hanham-born comedian, writer, director, actor and presenter Stephen Merchant has teamed up with South Gloucestershire Council to promote the library service. Stephen, whose TV series The Outlaws has just finished on BBC One, has recorded a number of announcements for the Open Access service, and has also recorded a video where he highlights the importance of libraries. Stephen said: “I was more than willing to support South Gloucestershire libraries. The service has so much to offer – access to computers, a meeting place to connect with your community, somewhere to study and if you want to find out anything then the library is the place to go. But above all these great services it’s their power to change lives through reading. I would encourage

everyone to use their local library.” Cabinet member for Communities & Local Place Cllr Rachael Hunt said: “It was really kind of Stephen to record the announcements and the video, we want our libraries to be welcoming places and having a well-known friendly voice with a very recognisable local accent is brilliant. Hearing his voice will bring a smile to our users’ faces. “South Gloucestershire has one of the highest number of opening hours of English public libraries due to our use of technology which allows the libraries to be open for registered users when there are no staff present.” During lockdown South Gloucestershire libraries provided a lifeline to residents - staff visited more than 450 people in their homes, 500,000 books were issued, and 12,000 hours of

Stephen Merchant

IT were used. The service went virtual to deliver online story times through Facebook, with some sessions reaching over 5,000 people, and the use of eBook, eAudiobooks and online magazines increased by 60%. To view the video, visit https://tinyurl.com/mr2bsm2w

Iain’s cameo appearance in The Outlaws Anyone who has been following Stephen Merchant’s The Outlaws on BBC One may have noticed a familiar face in Monday’s final episode. Iain Aitchison, owner of Longwell Records in Temple Street, Keynsham, made a cameo appearance playing opposite American film legend Christopher Walken. There was no vinyl in sight however during the scene as Iain used his acting skills to play a grumpy pub landlord asked to rustle up Mai Tai cocktails. Iain also presents the weekly Longwell Records show on KTCRfm every Friday (repeated on Saturday and Tuesday).

Iain in character

More high-class radio drama from KTCRfm Following on from the success of the radio drama Greenborne, local radio station KTCRfm is currently broadcasting a new series, Night of the Living Flatpacks. The series of five 15-minute broadcasts heads up the Keynsham station’s Spoken Word programme which goes out every Monday, Wednesday and Sunday. It is produced by Naked Productions, in collaboration with Graeae, which works to promote deaf and disabled actors in theatre. The quirky title reflects the story of three women trapped overnight in Sharewoods home furnishings store. The principal characters are wheelchair user Stella, a former school friend Erica and Sharewoods employee Ali. The drama starts when the store closes and Stella finds herself stranded on the top floor, having been given the key to the disabled toilet and then left to her own devices.. Erica has been hiding from her clinging boyfriend, having bailed out 16

during their shopping trip, while Ali is homeless but has decided that a home furnishing store can provide for all her needs. A 15-minute broadcast is not long to introduce the characters and present a storyline but Night of the Living Flatpacks manages to keep things simple and fast moving as the relationship between the three main protagonists develops. It turns out to be a feel-good series about friendships which challenges stereotypical perceptions. Each episode is written by a separate deaf or disabled writer and the three disabled directors are all new to radio drama. Funding has come from the Audio Content Fund. Listen to Night of the Flatpacks on KTCRfm’s Spoken Word programme on 105.8FM on Mondays (4pm), Wednesdays (2pm) or Sundays (3pm). Alternatively, listen on catch up at www.ktcrfm.com The Week in • Wednesday 1st December 2021

A festive message from Keynsham Foodbank As Christmas approaches, the Keynsham Foodbank team are encouraging people to kindly continue to “give as usual”. Project manager Garry Wheadon said: “We get lots of lovely phone calls at this time of year from people asking what we need ahead of Christmas. We really appreciate this. Whilst mince pies are always lovely, we already have plenty thank you, we always say to people that what we really need is what you usually give - the need for a tin of beans or UHT fruit juice doesn’t go away.” Dami Howard, volunteer foodbank manager at The Key Centre in Keynsham, said, “People often ask if small gifts are useful: Yes, just a few please, we are limited for space. As well as the standard food parcels we give to people, at each foodbank we put extra Christmas food items and unwrapped donated gifts on a table for clients to choose from. This way people can select what will best suit their family needs. “Providing this choice, especially at Christmas, is important for people’s sense of dignity and self-respect, and this small act can help make a difference.” Like foodbanks across the country,

Keynsham Foodbank, which is part of the Trussell Trust, is expecting more people to get in touch to ask for help. Garry said: “Please don’t wait until your cupboard is bare before you ask for help, there is no need to hit rock bottom before you get in touch. Take a look at our website and you’ll see the simple things to do to receive help from us – or give us a call and one of our volunteers will guide you.” Keynsham Foodbank’s collect-atour-door service for clients with eVouchers is available on Mondays from 10am to noon at The Key Centre (Victoria Methodist Church) via the side entrance on Charlton Road. On Thursdays it is open from 10am to noon at St Francis Church and on Fridays from 10.15am to 11.45am at St Mary’s Church Hall at Saltford. Details of how to receive an eVoucher from one of the many referral agencies are on the Keynsham Foodbank website and Facebook page. Although all Keynsham Foodbank volunteers

The Week in • Wednesday 1st December 2021

give their time freely, the charity always has bills to pay including for the warehouse and diesel for the van. If you would like to give help, the latest ‘most wanted’ items can be found at www.keynsham.foodbank.org.uk/givehelp/donate-food/, and on Facebook and Twitter. To donate money the recently changed bank details are Keynsham Foodbank 60-12-11, new account number 26725592.

Gift Aid makes a huge difference and turns every £1 donated into £1.25 for the charity. The foodbank can claim Gift Aid on donations made over the previous four years. • The Christmas and New Year schedule will see The Key Centre open on Monday 20th December but closed on Monday 27th December and Monday 3rd January which are both bank holidays. St Francis and St Mary’s will be open as usual.

Keeping Keynsham homes warm this winter A Keynsham community organisation is giving away free DIY energy efficiency products for the second year running. Keynsham Community Energy (KCE) is holding pop-up energy efficiency cafés at Temple Street Canteen and Community at 67’s lunch club. People can pop along to chat with volunteers about keeping homes warm and bills down and where to get help with grants and loans,

and there will be a selection of DIY products to give away. The energy efficiency cafés are at: • Temple Street Canteen on Saturday 4th December and Saturday 5th February between 2pm and 4pm. • Community at 67’s lunch club at The Charlton pub on Tuesday 25th January (book through Community at 67). For people who can’t make it to the cafés, draught-proofing for doors, windows and

chimneys, radiator reflectors, pipe lagging, and energy efficient light bulbs are available for Keynsham residents who live in hard-toheat homes. Just get in touch with Keynsham Community Energy at www.keynsham communityenergy.org or by calling volunteers on 07801 462 278. The Energy Saving Trust estimates that draught-proofing around windows and doors makes homes feel warmer and can save the average household around £20 a year.

Draught-proofing an open chimney when not in use could save around £15 a year. Turning the thermostat down by one degree can save 10% on energy bills (but it’s best not to go below 18C if you have health concerns, are elderly or have small children). KCE is able to offer free energy efficiency products thanks to a grant from the Bath and West Community Energy Fund, which aims to help people cut their energy bills and carbon emissions.

Council catch-up plan for missed garden waste collections Residents in Bath and North East Somerset who have been affected by suspended garden waste collections are being advised of the catch-up arrangements being made. In recent weeks, the council has suspended some garden waste collections due to the national shortage of HGV drivers and staff sickness to prioritise kerbside recycling and waste services. Garden waste collections were due to go into the annual shutdown period from next Monday (6th December) until 16th January but the council says it will now be using the first two weeks of the

shutdown to provide an additional collection for residents whose services were suspended on 11th November and between 15th and 19th November. As some collections did take place during suspensions, the additional collections will only be for those rounds which missed out. Collection rounds suspended on 11th November will have an extra collection on 9th December. Collection rounds suspended in the week beginning 15th November will have an extra collection on the usual collection day during the week beginning 13th December.

The Week in • Wednesday 1st December 2021

Close to 1,800 people now backing Cossham petition Almost 1,800 of our readers have now pledged their support to the petition to secure the long-awaited minor injury unit at Cossham Hospital in Kingswood. The Week In launched the petition to give more people the chance to back a renewed bid to get the promised facility. After we highlighted in September that an online campaign had been started on the change,org website, some readers pointed out that they couldn’t take part as they don’t have internet access, and asked us to print a petition in the paper.

When Cossham Hospital reopened in 2013 following a major refurbishment, the promised minor injury unit (MIU) was not there. The £19m refurbishment had followed

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 so was not continued. Instead the Clinical

detailed consultation with local people and the NHS to look at the healthcare needs of the population in Kingswood and East Bristol and there was anger that it was not included. The cost of running it – an anticipated £1m a year - was a factor. A subsequent fight to get it opened failed to persuade local health chiefs who instead in

Commissioning Group made significant investment into Yate Minor Injury Unit, which is open from 8am until 8pm, seven days a week. However, support for Cossham’s MIU clearly remains strong. Comments from people signing the petition in the past week include this from C Stones: “When I needed hospital treatment for a broken wrist, I went to Bath hospital and came home on two buses because the A and E waiting times were so bad here in Bristol. We need an A and E for minor injuries in East Bristol at Cossham Hospital.” John Watts said: “62 years ago, when I was 5 years old, I was rushed to Cossham by the only neighbour with a car, after I had been hit on the head by a lump of falling metal. I had a number of stitches in my forehead. If that

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..............................

happened to anyone now, they would need to go to Southmead or the BRI, which is not straightforward, especially if they do not have access to a car. I therefore believe it is essential for Cossham Hospital to have a minor injury unit as originally promised.” Meanwhile Sandra Zealand said: “The unit was promised and is much needed to serve local people and take some pressure off Southmead A&E.” If you wish to sign this petition, either fill out the form on this page and return it to the address given or search for Cossham Hospital on the PetitionOnline.uk website.

Signed ............................................................................................... Send your signed form to: Cossham MIU c/o The Week In, 8 Temple Court, Keynsham, BS31 1HA

Family’s tribute after body is identified The family of a missing man whose body was found in woodland in Stockwood have issued a tribute to him. Daniel Hill went missing from Bristol on 9th September. Police confirmed last week that human remains found in woodland near Whittock Square on Sunday 14th November had been identified as those of Daniel Hill. His death is not being treated as suspicious. His mother Anne said: “Danny was a oneoff. He had a big heart that was full of love and he cared passionately about his family and friends. He was funny, kind and clever, he was also a very gentle, sensitive soul and we’re going to miss him so much.”

Daniel Hill

Avon & Somerset Police said their thoughts continue to be with Daniel’s family at this difficult time.

The Week in • Wednesday 1st December 2021

The Community Page DOWNEND & BROMLEY HEATH PARISH COUNCIL Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council is delighted to announce details of the 2021 Christmas lighting throughout the High Street. This year, there are two Christmas trees; one outside The Horseshoe pub and a second, smaller tree outside Michael Nicholas Estate Agents. This second Christmas tree has been funded by the ‘Welcome Back Fund’ at the request of local South Gloucestershire Councillors Ben Burton and James Griffiths. In addition, festoon lighting has been installed along the two footpaths from the Co-op car park leading up to the High Street. If you have any ideas or suggestions that can be explored for Christmas 2022, please do not hesitate to get in touch!

Councillor Janet Biggin, Chairman

Vacancies on the Parish Council

Proposal for new pavilion at King George V / Badminton Road playing field

Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council currently has two vacancies in our Downend Ward. If you are interested in serving as a Parish Councillor, please send a written expression of interest to the Parish Clerk, along with a short personal statement giving reasons why you are interested in joining the Parish Council and include information on any skills or experience you feel you can bring to the role. Please also confirm that you consent for this information to be passed on to the Parish Councillors of Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council. Your name must appear on the current register of electors, or you should, during the whole of the twelve months preceding the relevant date, have resided in or within three miles of the parish. Candidates for co-option will be invited to attend the next Full Council Meeting of D&BH PC, which will be held on Thursday 9 December 2021, at 7pm at Badminton Road Methodist Church. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Angela, the Parish Clerk, tel. 0117 9567001 or, if you would like to apply, please write to the Parish Clerk via email: clerk@dbhparishcouncil.uk or post to: The Parish Office, Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council, Downend Library, Buckingham Gardens, Downend, Bristol BS16 5TW.

As we write this article, we still await the outcome of our

planning application for a new pavilion. Hopefully news will be forthcoming very soon. The Parish Council wants to ensure that the pavilion becomes an asset to the community as a whole and hopes that investment in this

Pop-up Advent calendar fun During December keep a look out for the giant Advent calendar cards popping up randomly on lamp posts in Hanham. Each day somewhere in Hanham a new pop-up Advent calendar card in the form of a display board will appear with Nativity story-themed artwork produced by local children and young people from the schools and preschools in Hanham. On the card will be a QR code which if you scan it with a smart phone, will tell you details of the young artists as well as an important code word unique to each card. Rev Steve Dyson, from Christ Church in Hanham, said: "What we want you to do is find all the pop-up Advent calendar cards and collect all the code words. “Then you can come along to Christ Church on Saturday 18th December from 10am till 3pm with 18 code words to claim a little prize - or if you really enjoy it you can collect all 24 and come along at 4pm on Christmas Eve to our Christingle service to claim your prize.” To download al sheet to print off and record your code words search Facebook for @ChristChurchHanham.

Crib festival in church St Barnabas Church in Warmley is staging a Nativity Crib Festival this weekend (4th and 5th December). The display will be on show from 10am to 4pm on the Saturday and from 10.30am to 3.30pm on the Sunday. There will be refreshments and homemade cakes as well as entertainment and everyone is welcome.

project, and the wider park, will further enhance one of Downend’s most loved open green spaces.

Update on CCTV in Downend Whilst there have been some delays with this project, the CCTV contractor will now be commissioning the cameras through to both the Bristol Operations Centre and the Kingswood CCTV Reviewing Suite. It is anticipated that the cameras will go live in the coming days.

PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGS All Council meetings are held on a monthly basis and members of the public are welcome to attend. If you would like to come along, please visit our website which provides a wealth of information, including dates and times of all such meetings.

Look out for Santa A fundraising Santa’s Christmas float will be on tour in and around Bristol, Bath and Wiltshire from this weekend, weather permitting. The float will be raising money for children with cancer. Each night Santa will start at 6pm/6.30pm. Times will be confirmed the night before each day. This Saturday (4th December) the float will be in the Oldland and Cadbury Heath area. On Saturday 11th December it will tour Keynsham and Saltford, on Sunday 12th December it will be in Brislington and on Monday 13th December in Whitchurch and Hengrove. Keep up to date with all routes at https://tinyurl.com/3nwcysmn

If you wish to get in touch with Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council, please contact the Clerk to the Council, Angela Hocking, tel: 0117 9567001; email: clerk@dbparishcouncil.co.uk;

Keep in touch, let us know what you think, send us your news

website: www.dbhparishcouncil.uk

www.facebook.com/theweekin The Week in • Wednesday 1st December 2021

First female Chief Constable of Avon & Somerset Police appointed Sarah Crew has become the first female

taking on the role of Deputy Chief Constable

Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset

in 2017. She said: “It will be the greatest

Police, 27 years after she joined as a new

honour of my life to serve the wonderfully

recruit.

diverse communities of Avon and Somerset

She was confirmed in post at a meeting of

as Chief Constable. I don’t underestimate the

the Police and Crime Panel last Thursday,

privilege and responsibility this role carries

three weeks after being named as the Police

with it and I’m wholly committed to

and

delivering the outstanding policing our

Crime

Commissioner’s

preferred

candidate following a rigorous selection

communities want and deserve.

process. It follows her appointment as

“Policing is at a watershed moment; there’s

Temporary Chief Constable in July.

nothing more precious than the founding

During her policing career, Sarah has taken

principle of policing by consent, and we

on roles including head of intelligence, lead

must work tirelessly to earn and keep the

officer for Bristol CID and commander of

public’s trust.

South Gloucestershire policing area, before

“As a society, we’re facing growing levels of

Sarah Crew

inequality and a criminal justice process

achieving this.”

under pressure. These times call for policing

She added: “I want courage and empathy to

to stand strong in its mission and stand firm

be at the heart of everything we do – in every

to protect what we prize in our way of life.

interaction with a vulnerable person; at the

Alert over insurance scam

“At its heart, the philosophy of policing is a

core of every investigation and in our

bond of trust between citizens in policing

relentless pursuit of justice.”

Avon & Somerset Police say they have received reports of a scam where victims are encouraged to buy bogus insurance policies for household appliances. The fraudster calls the victim and offers them insurance for appliances including washing machines. But in reality victims are handing over money for policies that do not exist. Fraud protect officer Jordan Coates said: “Lots of people are conscious of their finances with Christmas around the corner and the thought of your expensive appliances breaking, such as your fridge, boiler or washing machine, is a nightmare. “However, there is nothing worthwhile or safe about taking a policy out with someone who calls you out of the blue and that you cannot verify who they are.

and citizens in communities. Protecting and

Sarah, who is the National Police Chiefs’

strengthening this bond of trust is my over-

Council lead for rape and sexual assault, said

riding priority and I believe greater openness

her dedication to policing stemmed from a

and accountability, and a renewed focus on

drive for fairness and equality and her

culture and ethics, will be pivotal in

determination to stand up against the bully.

“Our advice is simple: tell the caller to put any proposed policy in writing, then call the company back on a number they advertise on their official website and never use a number they (the caller) give you. If the person is genuinely who they claim to be, they will not object to you being cautious. “There are also several well-known websites offering price comparisons for insurance policies so we’d urge people to use them to conduct research, rather than accepting what someone unexpectedly offers over the phone when you cannot be sure who they really are.” If you have been victim of a scam report it to Action Fraud online or call 0300 123 2040, Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm. In an emergency dial 999.

Situations Vacant

Metro Mayor welcomes National Trust’s trail hunting ban The West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris has welcomed last week’s announcement by the National Trust that it will stop issuing licences for trail hunts on its land as a “big step forward”. This comes after trail licences were suspended last year following the discovery of a video from a huntsman advising how to conduct covert illegal fox hunts, and National Trust members voted at the end of October for a motion to ban trail hunting on the organisation’s land by a landslide majority. Mr Norris said: “The

law was being subverted by those who wanted to continue to hunt, so today’s announced is a big step forward. “I’ve campaigned against fox-hunting for decades and have repeatedly said that getting the fox hunting ban through Parliament was one of the best things I achieved as a Labour MP. “It sends a really strong message that there isn’t a place for so-called ‘trail hunting’ in a civilised society – so I’m delighted the National Trust has taken this decision, and I hope other organisations will follow.”

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