THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset
15th December 2021
Issue 709
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Read by more than 40,000 people each week
A dedicated cycle lane and priority buses between Bristol and Bath A first impression has emerged this week of what
Bristol City Council area; the
travel along the A4 between Bristol and Bath in five
other five are in Bath & North
years’ time will look like.
East Somerset and include
A report setting out proposed improvements to the Bristol
separate ones for Keynsham
to Bath Strategic Corridor is going to Bath & North East
and Saltford.
Somerset
While still only at the outline
Council’s
Cabinet
meeting
tomorrow
(Thursday).
case stage, what is clear, and
Transport infrastructure improvements to the corridor
has been previously reported in
were part of the City Region Sustainable Transport
The Week In, is that the Bristol
Settlement of over half a billion pounds awarded by the
to Bath Strategic Corridor aims
government to the West of England Combined Authority
for a modal change. Car
in October. It followed public consultation over the
journeys will be replaced by
summer which drew more than 1,300 responses.
active
Key elements of the plan will see a 15.5km cycle lane
transport.
constructed between the two cities, which is segregated
With the projected population
from general traffic, and a high-quality ‘turn up and go’
rise and no measures to combat vehicle usage, the cost of
demand will result in more congestion along the corridor,
(departures every five minutes) bus service using new and
congestion in the region is estimated to rise to as much as
poorer air quality and higher carbon emissions.”
reallocated bus lanes, bus gates and priority systems at
£800m a year by 2036.
As far as the next steps are concerned, the West of England
junctions. Interchange hubs along the corridor will include
The report to B&NES Cabinet carries a stark warning:
Combined Authority is due to delegate authority to the
access to local communities nearby.
“Unless the opportunity is provided for mode shift from
chief executives of Bristol and B&NES councils early in
The Bristol to Bath Strategic Corridor has been split into
car to sustainable modes, the number of journeys by car
the new year to move on to the preparation of an outline
six separate sections where a range of improvement
(and the vehicle-kilometres) will increase with the
business case. This will include public consultation on the
options are currently being assessed. The section from
associated increase in demand on the highway network.
options for each section. With a full business case ready
Bristol Temple Meads to Brislington falls within the
As the highway network is already congested, increased
in 2024, work could start the following year.
travel
or
public
More local transport improvements, page 5
Also in this week’s issue
South Glos Council challenged over climate progress . . . page 3
European success for Longwell Green gymnasts . . . page 4
Launch of new book about Keynsham chocolate factory . . . page 7
Referendum could see Mayor of Bristol’s role scrapped . . . page 14
2
The Week in • Wednesday 15th December 2021
Santa’s grotto in Keynsham Santa has set up a grotto at the courtyard just around the corner from Temple Street Canteen in Keynsham. He will next be there on
South Glos Council challenged over climate change progress Campaigners were this week planning to
Saturday (18th December) and then next Monday to Thursday.
protest to South Gloucestershire Council over some of its climate emergency targets being off track.
Each family ticket (five children and four adults) costs £20 and
The cross-party climate emergency declaration that was passed at full council in
includes 10 minutes to meet Santa, sit in his sleigh for a
July 2019 included a request for a progress report to be made to the December meeting
photo opportunity and a small gift for each child. Café owner Cat Midgley says:
of the council each year. Tonight (Wednesday) council leader Toby
“If people are struggling with the price, because they are single parents for example, they can contact us through Facebook Emily & Isaac Messenger and we’ll do our best meeting Santa to help if we can.” at the grotto To book a slot visit https://ticketpass.org/event/EMHADO/santas-grotto
Booster jabs ramped up as rates rise COVID-19 booster jabs are being ramped up for over-18s from this week after the Prime Minister declared an Omicron variant emergency. The COVID alert level has been raised to 4 - the second highest. Rates of COVID-19 infection rates are high in our area. The latest available figures on Monday showed that in South Gloucestershire there were 615 cases per
100,000 people. From today (Wednesday) any adult over the age of 18 can book their booster jab three months after their second dose. Other measures that have been introduced in recent days are face coverings which as of last Friday are now mandatory inside most public venues. From Monday office workers who can work
100,000 population, up 10% on the previous
from home should do so. From yesterday,
seven-day period. In Bristol there were 448 cases per 100,000 people, up from 419. In Bath & North East
daily tests for contacts were introduced if they are double jabbed, instead of isolation, for suspected COVID-19 cases.
Somerset there were 437 cases per 100,000 population, up from 362.
And from today the NHS Covid Pass will be mandatory for large inside venues and large
The England figure was 508 cases per
outside venues.
The Week in • Wednesday 15th December 2021
Savage was due to present the council's climate emergency update report. While 54 projects are progressing as planned and are highlighted as ‘Green’, a further 28 are ‘Amber’, meaning there are some barriers
or modifications, but a way forward has been identified. One project – to increase renewable energy provision and encourage others to do so with their own land - is highlighted as ‘Red’, meaning it is” significantly behind schedule”. Campaigners told us that there would be a large online presence of South Gloucestershire residents at the meeting tonight, “protesting at the failure of the council to meet the targets set by the council, and its failure to address the inadequacies of the plan identified by the external advisory group from the University of the West of England.”
Osteopaths on hand to treat fun runners
Keynsham-based Redfern Osteopaths were on hand to treat runners taking part in the recent five-mile Saltford Santa Dash. Miranda, Claire and Liz gave pre and post-race massages to warm up legs before the run and to work out niggles afterwards. Redfern Osteopaths are on Bath Road – follow @redfernosteopaths on Facebook for tips and advice on stretches and exercises.
3
Gymnastics club flying high after European success Majestic Gymnastics in Longwell Green are celebrating the success of their members who made history at the 2021 TeamGym European Championships in Portugal. The competition took place in Guimaraes from Wednesday 1st December to Saturday 4th December. Great Britain had six teams taking part, with Majestic gymnasts in three of the teams. Majestic Gymnastics, directed by Michelle George and Candice Littleton, are the only TeamGym specific club in the South West. Coach Stacey Godden and gymnasts Paige
Larissa Royal
Philiips, Larissa Royal, Katie Iles and James Langley all won medals. Stacey was the unit lead for
the mixed category junior team, which included Paige, and the senior team which included Katie and James. Candice said: “Both teams had a fantastic qualification event to reach the finals. Both teams worked extremely hard, pulled through injuries and team changes and made history by earning the first ever GB medals in these categories.” The junior mixed team took gold, becoming the first British team to win a major TeamGym title. Stacey, Katie and James were in the senior mixed team and took silver. Larissa was part of the junior women’s team who earned GB’s first ever bronze medal in this category. Candice said: “Great Britain have only ever won one medal at these championships before, in the junior men’s category. “To achieve these results is a fantastic achievement and a testament to their hard work and dedication to the sport.
THE WEEK IN Barrs Court, Bitton, Brislington, Cadbury Heath, Compton Dando, Corston, Downend, Emersons Green, Fishponds, Hanham, Hillfields, Keynsham, Kingswood, Longwell Green, Mangotsfield, Marksbury, North Common, Oldland Common, Pucklechurch, Saltford, Staple Hill, Stockwood, St George, Warmley, Whitchurch, Wick, Willsbridge. 16,000 copies are distributed through retail outlets, libraries, pubs, community centres each week. Verified pick-up rate of 97%.
The Week In Community Ltd, 8 Temple Court, Keynsham. BS31 1HA 0117 986 0381 www.theweekin.co.uk
“Majestic Gymnastics are extremely proud to have these gymnasts and coaches as part of our club.” She continued: “The club is still in the process of fighting for a new home as our current venue is due for demolition in September Stacey Godden is second from the left and Paige 2022. Philips is No 11, kneeling down on the right “South Gloucestershire Council are currently looking into options to rehome previously reported. the club. After the success of these They draw gymnasts from not just South championships these gymnasts need a home Gloucestershire but B&NES, Bristol, to train in and prepare for Luxembourg Wiltshire and Wales. Hundreds of recreational gymnasts pas through the doors 2022.” Based in a unit at the old Saville’s Freights each week, plus some 90 national gymnasts yard at Aldermoor Way, the club are facing who train there for 12 hours a week. an uncertain future because of a proposed The club also cater for pre-school gymnasts redevelopment of the site, as we have and run parent and toddler sessions.
Tia reaches the final with GB’s senior women’s team Tia Collins from Longwell Green, who used to train at Majestic Gymnastics, was part of the senior Great Britain women’s team at the European championships in
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
No material in this publication, nor its associated website (www.theweekin.co.uk) may be reproduced without the written permission of The Week In. All rights reserved. The Week In is regulated by IMPRESS: The Independent Monitor for the Press CIC. As such, we adhere to the IMPRESS complaints procedure. A copy of this procedure can be found on our website or can be sent upon written request to the address above. 4
Katie Iles is on the left of the front row with Stacey Godden behind (second from left) with James Langley in the centre of the back row
Portugal. The team qualified in third place and then continued onto the finals. They were just edged out of bronze by Finland but improved on their qualifying score by over three marks to finish a very respectable fourth. It was Tia’s third Europeans for GB. She is currently affiliated with Portsmouth
sessions via Zoom with her coaches.
School of Gymnastics and travels there twice a week while also attending The
Tia tells us she is currently training to hopefully be chosen for the next
Gym in Longwell Green for strength training. During COVID restrictions she was not able to train so her family
Europeans in Luxembourg in September 2022. She added: “Majestic Gymnastics
developed a home gym and she had
will always be a part of me as I trained for so many years with them.”
The Week in • Wednesday 15th December 2021
Metrobus improvements planned Plans to improve the metrobus service in Lyde Green and Emersons Green have been unveiled and people are being asked to have their say. The project is being managed and led by the West of England Combined Authority. The existing bus stops outside Lyde Green Primary School will be upgraded to metrobus standards so they can take two
Spotlight on the No 2 bus route
People are being invited to have their say on improvements to the No 2 bus route (A37/A4018) which goes from Stockwood to Cribbs Causeway. It is part of a wider transformation by Bristol City Council and the West of England Combined Authority over the next decade to make the city’s transport network better for everyone. Residents, businesses, commuters and anyone else who travels along the No 2 bus route can give their views on detailed designs and proposals that could be made to improve the safety, reliability and ease of catching the bus, cycling and walking. Find out more at travelwest.info/A37A4018 For a paper copy of the consultation call 0117 9036449.
The Week in • Wednesday 15th December 2021
buses at once and will have an increased bus shelter along with iPoint ticket facility including Real Time Information
Park layby bus stop by 19 metres to make it easier for buses to leave due to the speed of vehicles on the A4174 Ring Road,
screen, CCTV coverage and bin and cycle stands. The metrobus route will change, with buses travelling along
and to improve the safety of users at the bus platform area along with users of the shared use path.
Newlands Lane, rather than Acorn Drive, to reach the stops outside the school.
The consultation closes on 7th January and details are on South Gloucestershire Council’s website. Call 01454 863699
At Emersons Green there are plans to extend the Emerald
if you require a paper copy.
Plans to improve the A37 and A367 corridor The West of England Combined Authority wants to hear from people who live near or travel along the often congested A37 and A367 for work or leisure, including anyone whose main route into Bristol or Bath is via these roads. The A37 and A367 Corridor project is being led by WECA and delivered in partnership with B&NES Council. The project aims to enable people to move away from using cars to improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions, offering an improved bus service and easy-to-use walking and cycling facilities which connect to communities along the corridor; it also aims to support opportunities for regeneration and economic growth along the corridor and improve options for Park & Ride. The consultation is open until Sunday (19th December). Visit https://travelwest.info/projects/ improvements-on-thea37-and-a367
For a paper copy call 07436 601889. Feedback will help the combined authority prioritise available funding.
5
Sir Bernard Lovell Academy rated as Good by Ofsted Sir Bernard Lovell Academy in Oldland Common is celebrating after being upgraded to Good by education watchdog Ofsted. The inspectors’ report reflects the continuing improvement of the secondary school over recent years. It had been placed in special measures back in 2014 and joined the Wellsway Multi Academy Trust, as Futura Learning Partnership was then called, a year later. In 2018, a year after Dean Anderson took over as principal, Ofsted removed the school from special measures,
Car fires
Crews from Kingswood and Hicks Gate fire stations were called out after reports of a road collision on Aldermoor Way in Longwell Green last Wednesday afternoon. They found one car well alight and used a high pressure hose reel to extinguish the blaze. One firefighter wore breathing apparatus for safety. Avon & Somerset Police were also on the scene, managing traffic. The following night crews from Hicks Gate and Temple stations tackled a fire involving two vehicles in Caldicot Close in Willsbridge. They used two high pressure hose reels to extinguish the flames and one firefighter wore breathing apparatus. The cause of the fire is thought to be deliberate.
6
recognising that significant progress had been made, but that it still required improvement. Now following the latest inspection, the hard work of staff, students, parents, carers and the support provided by governors and the Futura Learning Partnership has been recognised. Mr Anderson said: “We have worked hard as a team to build our reputation in our community, and we are proud of how our students have responded. “It is important that a community can be proud of its school and from the start we have had the aspiration that SBL will be the school of choice for children that grow up in this area. The increase in student numbers and this successful
SBL principal Dean Anderson is pictured with student principals and vice principals Ben Whiteman, Joseph Crees, Jack Dunn, Grace Cowley, Bella Molloy & Lauren Butterfield
Ofsted inspection indicates that we are moving in the right direction.” The two-day Ofsted inspection of the 1,163-pupil school took place in early November and was carried out by a team of four. Their report included many positive comments about students’ attitudes and behaviour and noted the high and consistent expectations from staff. It said children enjoy coming to school and have strong relationships with staff, which enables them to feel safe and protected. The report praised the curriculum, and other opportunities, including sports and creative clubs. Inspectors said the sixth-
form curriculum is well-structured and that students are supported to achieve well. Inspectors said the next steps, to enable the academy to improve further, should be to help students with special educational needs and disabilities develop literacy skills so they can learn well in all subjects, and to improve personal and social education to prepare students for life in the 21st century. Andrea Arlidge, chief executive of Futura Learning Partnership, said: “I am delighted that the dedication and hard work of everyone at Sir Bernard Lovell Academy has been rewarded with this excellent report.”
The Week in • Wednesday 15th December 2021
New book charting life at Somerdale is launched Former workers at the chocolate factory in Keynsham held their Christmas get-
became Cadbury) for the next 41 years and seven months and still has a close association
together at the Somerdale Pavilion last Wednesday when they were entertained
with the company, (now Mondelēz International) through the former Fry Club (now the Somerdale Pavilion Trust),
by Bristol Veterans Brass. The event also saw the launch of author Dave Noble’s new book about working at Somerdale, with 120 copies sold on the day and orders placed for more. Dave, who grew up in Oldland Common, started work at JS Fry & Sons Ltd at Somerdale on 9th September 1958, just four days after his 15th birthday. He remained working at the site (which
Somerdale Pensioners’ Association, and the Cadbury Somerdale Retirement Group. The book focuses on Dave’s experience of working there. Besides the chapters he has written are contributions from former colleagues and employees. Dave, who has written three books, can be contacted on 01454 633888 or email noble440@btinternet.com
Dave Noble at the book launch Credit: Alan Hillman
The pensioners’ Christmas get-together Credit: Mark Chappell
Christmas tree lights vandalised Lights on Staple Hill’s Christmas tree were vandalised last Wednesday night.
the tree contact Avon & Somerset Police on 101 and quote crime reference number
Local councillor Ian Boulton said the lights were made safe by South
5221289021.” Staple Hill Community Hub has a
Gloucestershire Council’s StreetCare team with the damaged strings disconnected
crowdfunding appeal on the JustGiving website to pay for the tree (search ‘Staple
from the electricity supply. He said: “The remaining strings have been
Hill Christmas Tree’). Cllr Boulton said: “Obviously it is more important than ever
reaffixed towards the top of tree to try to try and keep them out of reach. If you have
that we meet our target if we are going to be able to have a Christmas tree in future
any information about the vandalism on
years.”
The Week in • Wednesday 15th December 2021
7
LETTERS Disaster is imminent Dear Stephen I read with concern your article last week listing the forthcoming changes to bus services. Hopefully at least a month before the changes occur, First and the West of England Combined
are being withdrawn at Christmas with little chance of many routes returning. The local bus network throughout the country is at risk of being destroyed and not enough people seem to be aware of this imminent disaster. Alan Peters, Abus Ltd
Disappointing coverage
division. One man and his dog won’t do it alone. Cllr Ben Stokes
Dear Editor I was disappointed to read the coverage in last week’s edition of this month’s West of England Combined Authority meeting in Keynsham and what seemed to almost be a first-hand account from the WECA Mayor without any comment
The 172/349 connection at Keynsham will
No carte blanche for phone masts
presumably be at the church as the only common
Dear Becky
the lengthy delay to the meeting was because the
stop. Will the connection be guaranteed? How
I had to respond to Richard Mackenzie’s letter
WECA Mayor had been refusing to meet
long will the gap between the times of the buses
from last week's issue.
collectively with all council leaders on a
be? If one is running late, how long will the
Although our planning services can sometimes
consistent lawful basis. This has prevented us
connection wait? What provision will be made in
seem very time consuming and onerous, I believe
from coming together to discuss how best we can
the event of missed connection? Will through
that we all need to value the protection this system
work together on joint projects and initiatives that
fares for shorter journeys be available or will all
can give us and our environment.
help us to tackle the regional challenges we face,
passengers have to buy a £7.50 DayRider?
Only recently a telecoms mast application was
whether
This sort of connecting service is WECA’s plan
Authority will actually detail how the services will work.
from the three council leaders also present. For anyone who was unable to view the meeting,
Deputy Leader of South Gloucestershire Council
Club on the move Dear Editor Longwell Green Probus Club is moving! After 33 years at Longwell Green Community Centre, rising costs have forced us, somewhat reluctantly, to find a new meeting place. After a careful search for local premises, we have agreed a move to Warmley Community Centre. We are actively seeking new members so if you or anyone you know are recently retired or approaching retirement, we’d love to hear from
the
you. Although nominally a men’s club, we
refused at Marksbury. Had we not had the benefit
environment.
for the future in its Bus Service Improvement Plan
of planning services a mast would have appeared
Instead, we saw the Mayor putting forward “his”
Contact our vice president Neil on 07837 946084
and the Enhanced Partnership it is negotiating
on a blind bend that would possibly have become
reports as part of “his” plan and expecting
with operators for next April. Hopefully some sort
an accident blackspot for years to come!
everyone to comply, with a threat to veto anything
of better facilities will be provided at connecting
Another application at Broadlands School is
else and stall democracy again. This would be a
hubs.
under consideration due to the concerns of
good time to remind readers that this is meant to
In my opinion connecting into a comparatively
neighbours (who were not even notified about the
be a “combined” authority.
low frequency (349) service does not work. The
application), and also from concerned parents of
The meeting started with what only can be
core route needs to be at worst every 15 minutes
children who would spend many waking hours
described as a pre-written 10-minute rant from the
or the risk of long waits and considerable
close to the mast and its emissions.
WECA Mayor which colleagues felt sought to
increased journey times is a problem.
There is always going to be an element of
belittle and insult them whilst at the time trying
David Redgewell is correct in saying finance is
NIMBYism from those who, yes, want the faster
to claim there should be unity. As was said at the
the problem but does not tell the whole story.
broadband, but no, don't want an ugly mast
meeting, we’ve never known anyone claim to
WECA have a £500m capital fund for bus
looming over their property or local landscape;
want to calm choppy waters by instead turning on
services as stated by Mayor Norris. This cannot
and those who suffer sensitivities and depleted
a wave machine.
be used to support bus services, only for capital
health issues when in the vicinity of the emission
It took the combined efforts of the three councils
projects. The £3bn Bus Back Better fund includes
fields that accompany this burgeoning new
– Labour, Lib Dem and Conservative – to
money paid to support operators since September.
technology.
eventually steer the meeting to arrive at a
The amount left for distribution in April is
All of these factors should be considered before
compromise that saw an ambitious Green
estimated to be less than £1.5bn. The amount
permitting the placement of these masts, and all
Recovery Fund delivered and advancements
asked for by transport authorities to pay for their
relevant current safety and scientific evidence
made on our respective local priorities. A good
schemes is in excess of £7bn. So at best most
must be followed.
result but one that was a much harder fight than it
authorities will get 20% of the funding they
Without planning services this would not happen
otherwise should have been.
require. As he said, the Department for Transport
and profiteering telecoms providers would have
As the Labour Mayor of Bristol quite rightly
severely overestimated the level of passenger
carte blanche to stick these masts wherever they
stated, it would be suggestable for the WECA
return with the result that claims for support are
deemed easiest, regardless of any detrimental
Mayor to take a good look in the mirror and to
being reduced by 20% in many cases. The system
effects to community or citizens; and that people
ponder the true definition of a Combined
of claiming was so difficult to comply with, many
can't get BB as fast as they'd like should not be
Authority. The leaders are willing to meet with
operators didn’t even apply. The result in
the overriding reason for granting permission.
him and work together, but that requires collective
Hereford is that all non-supported city services
Pat Harris
agreement and a preference for unity over
8
that’s
transport,
skills
and
include ladies in all our holidays and events. or email neilmattock@btinternet.com Longwell Green Probus Club
Thank you from the Keynsham Legion Dear Editor The branch committee of Keynsham Royal British Legion thank the members of the public and parade participants for all their valued support at this year’s Remembrance Day parade and service. Your support means so very much to us and this year was no exception. It was wonderful to see so many
people,
following
last
year’s
disappointment of not being able to parade due to the pandemic. Following the parade, participants and members of the Royal British Legion returned to their club in Charlton Road where a small reception was held. It was a chance for veterans, cadets and other parade members to talk and ‘catch up’. They were also provided with entertainment from Ruby Darbyshire, a young piper from Warminster who also played the bagpipes during the parade. Whilst the reception was taking place, Peter Buck was presented with his Royal British Legion Meritorious Certificate and gold badge. Peter has
The Week in • Wednesday 15th December 2021
LETTERS Recollections of Bristol Omnibus Company Dear Editor A note following Lionel Hutt’s letter last week, in which he stated he has lived in Bristol nearly 50 years. I was referring to Bristol Omnibus in the 1950s and ’60s when I caught a bus for school and then work until the 1980s. J White, Soundwell
been a member of the Royal British Legion since 1966, covering the post of standard bearer and currently president, following service in the Army and them the ambulance service. The chairman and fellow officers of the Royal British Legion Branch Committee wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Jeanie Fairnington RBL Keynsham branch secretary
Force cyclists to use paths provided for them Dear Editor I wholeheartedly agree with MK Cornwell in Issue 707 in that cyclists should be banned from road use where a cyclepath has been provided for them. We all pay the costs of setting up and maintaining the cyclepaths and motor vehicle users deserve to benefit from this also. Pedal cycles, after all, are unlicensed, wholly uninsured and their riders require not even a basic
Bus timetable gripe
proficiency test or any knowledge of The Highway Code,
Dear Editor
If I drove a car or motorcycle without any of these, I would
I recently had an update from a First Bus Customer Service
be fined. In particular, the Bristol to Bath cyclepath along
adviser informing me that the No 19 bus timetable had been
the Midland rail line should be compulsory for cyclists
updated, and kindly sending me a link to the new timetable.
travelling from one city to the other. At present the A431 is
I thought great, I can get a bus back from Bath later that
regularly used as a racetrack by cyclists, resulting in an
7pm. Nope, I was wrong. First Bus in their wisdom have
accident most weekends; I am sure the A4 has similar
updated the timetable so more buses are now GOING into
problems.
Bath from Bristol, but the timetable has not changed for
The cycle path has been provided at considerable cost and
buses returning from Bath to Bristol.
upkeep and should be used for all through cycle traffic. As
So, I can now get a No 19 bus to Bath from Bitton at 19.58
for the letter recently suggesting that cyclists should be able
but the last bus back from Bath to Bitton is still 18.45!
to maintain inertia and keep up a constant speed, this is
What is the point of that?
proof that the writer hasn’t read The Highway Code. All
Thanks, First Bus you obviously do not care about
traffic should behave according to the prevailing conditions
women’s/girls’ safety so they can get home safely by bus
and with due consideration for other road users. Not to suit
from a night out.
themselves.
Sarah Freeman, Bitton
Mrs L Owen
Sudoku
1-Easy
prior to using them on the roads.
Santa tour is raising money for Mencap Santa is making his traditional visits to Saltford in the run-up to Christmas and this year is helping Saltford Community Association raise money for Mencap. The association have taken over the running of this village tradition following the demise of Keynsham Lions Club which had organised the event for many years. Santa has made other appearances already this month including at the Christmas Market in Saltford Hall and at the lighting of the Christmas tree. Santa and his sleigh are touring the streets this week, starting at 6pm and finishing around 8pm. Last night (Tuesday) he was due in the Claverton Road, Grange Road and Manor Road area. Tonight (Wednesday) he was expected in the Rodney Road, Tyning Road and Uplands Road area. Tomorrow he will be visiting Norman Road, Stratton Road and Wedmore Road and on Friday it’s the turn of the Beech Road, High Street and The Shallows area. On Saturday (18th December) morning he will be outside Saltford Community Post Office and Library. If after seeing Santa and his sleigh you would like to make an online contribution to Mencap visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Saltford-Santa
Bus cuts meeting Proposed bus cuts in the region, as we featured in last week’s issue, are due to be discussed at an online public meeting this evening (Wednesday) by concerned stakeholders. The meeting is via Zoom and starts at 7.30pm. The link is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83898110734
Keep in touch, let us know what you think, send us your news www.facebook.com/theweekin
SUNDAY CHEMISTS
2 -Hard
Sunday 19th December
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 15th December 2021
9
Council refuses plans for new golf clubhouse and restaurant at leisure resort Tracy Park Golf and Country Hotel’s redevelopment proposals have suffered a major setback after plans for a
2020. There is a desperate need to invest in Tracy Park.
new clubhouse and restaurant were refused by South Gloucestershire Council. The Shaw family want to turn the estate at Wick into one of
“We need to stabilise the business in the short term to ensure the facility
the region’s finest four-star hotel and leisure complexes. Earlier this year their plans for a 120-guest wedding venue in the historic walled garden were approved. Plans for a hotel and a swimming pool are also in the pipeline. Tracy Park has two championship 18-hole golf courses but only just over 500 members, largely due to the clubhouse which is a portable cabin. The owners say a facility offering 36 holes would expect to have between 1,200 and 1,400 members. The application was to demolish portable cabins on site and build a new clubhouse and restaurant extension with a glazed link to the Grade II listed manor house, with an improved kitchen, restaurant and bar, and a lift in the manor house. Manager Greg Shaw told the development management committee meeting on Thursday that the business employs 23 people. Since acquiring Tracy Park in 2015, around £2.3m had been invested to try to maintain existing business levels and stem the losses but challenges remain, including the constrained layout of the manor house. He said an example of the problems they are facing was the heating system which had burst the previous weekend because of old iron pipes: “This flooded the cellar and led us having to give compensation to the wedding that we had.” He said: “The business is currently haemorrhaging money, with losses of over £1.1m in the years between 2017 and
Crossword
can continue to operate, protect jobs and contribute to the local economy.” He added: “If the application is refused then the golf club will likely lose further members. This will naturally cause further financial adversity for the business and the site as a whole.” He said the location of the new extension had been chosen so that An impression of the proposed extension to the manor house the manor house could continue to be enjoyed by members and guests. But the committee agreed with planning officers that the The council received 130 letters backing the application and siting, scale and design of the extension would harm the local councillors Steve Reade and Ben Stokes spoke in character and appearance of the listed house and that the support at the meeting. applicant had not shown the very special circumstances Cllr Stokes said: “This is a proposal that makes for a viable needed to allow the development in the Green Belt. business. They have done that successfully at other sites Planning officers have stressed that they would wish to which have got national acclaim.” support an “appropriately located scheme”. He added: “They have got to manage the very challenging economic circumstances facing hospitality and leisure and particularly coming out of the pandemic. I just don’t want to see this manor house fall apart and get to a point where it is beyond repair.” Cllr Reade said. that while large, the proposed extension After the meeting, Greg “does not impose itself on the house”. Shaw told The Week In: “We are extremely shocked and disappointed by today’s decision. DOWN ACROSS “We felt and still feel that 1. Measuring device (5) 1. Female horses (5) the best and most
Statement from Tracy Park
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8. Flammable solvent (7)
3. Hank (5)
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17. Insect (3)
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15. Russian villa (5)
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16. Worship (5)
25. Tower of ----- (5)
17. Skeletal tissue (4)
28. Circular (5)
21. Bird of prey (6)
29. Be aware of (7)
22. Woody perennial (5)
30. Store for electricity (7)
23. Fully grown (5)
31. Prestige (5)
24. Scrounge (5) 25. Very dark (5) 26. Construct (5) 27. Yorkshire city (5)
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sympathetic use for the manor house is to accommodate our golf club to secure its longterm future. This would
Greg Shaw
have enabled us to make minor material alterations to the current fabric of the current building by placing the changing rooms and new kitchen in the new extension, allowing us to retain and restore current features of the heritage asset whilst also providing resource to repair and improve parts of the building that are so desperately overdue. “By utilising the manor house, we also felt it would minimise the building footprint on the Green Belt compared to a brand new standalone structure. “I would like to thank our members, the local community, local parish councils and Cllrs Stokes and Reade for their overwhelming support of this project and hope that a solution to secure the long-term viability of the site can be achieved very soon.” The Week in • Wednesday 15th December 2021
End of the London Waterloo service The London Waterloo to Bristol Temple Meads ceased last Friday, ending South Western Railway services north
He said Bath MP Wera Hobhouse raised it with the government and South West Wilts MP Andrew Murrison
of Westbury, including to and from Keynsham. The only through train (GWR) from London to Keynsham now leaves Paddington at 06:20 - and it's a peak fare train.
spoke about it on the floor of the House of Commons, but it wasn't enough to persuade the “mandarins in Whitehall” that
Lead campaigner Graham Ellis has thanked the 330 people in Jacob Rees-Mogg's North East Somerset constituency who signed his petition asking for the popular service to continue, and everyone else who had helped and supported the campaign.
Hunt is on for 24 Kingswood snowmen The 6th Kingswood Business Association Snowman Hunt was launched on Saturday with an appearance by the Kingswood Snowman. After the scaled-back event in 2020, the association’s secretary Nick Worlock was pleased to see 24 Kingswood businesses taking part in this year’s event by naming and decorating their snowmen before hiding them in their windows for shoppers to find. The competition runs until 23rd December and is open to all ages. Anyone finding and naming all 24 snowmen will earn a small prize and be entered into a draw for a chance to win a larger prize. The Kingswood Snowman is pictured with Harrison Worlock, who helped distribute entry forms on Saturday, and local councillor Andrea Reid.
The Week in • Wednesday 15th December 2021
their decision needed review. “All journeys will remain possible by rail, but they will now involve one or more changes of train along the way, and in most cases with significant waits between trains at interchanges or at a significantly higher price. The leisure market, which is key to the future of the railways, is very sensitive to price and the ability to make journeys direct, and the services we are left with are not an adequate alternative. “We are told that the services being removed are "duplication" but they were not duplicates as far as customers were concerned. That is why over 6,000 people signed our online petition asking merely to retain the services for a further year while sensible consultation took place.” Timetable alterations as a result of the pandemic and driver shortages had already decimated the link. South Western Railway said the withdrawal decision, made without consultation, was a financial one made at the behest of the Department for Transport. Mr Ellis said that further changes are planned for trains on the line for 2023: “This time decisions will not be made solely in ministry circles and presented with a "too late to do anything else" excuse. Local views and knowledge can and should lead to a far better considered outcome.”
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The Community Page Saltford Parish Council
Saltford Wildflower Project: All You Seed is Love Saltford Parish Council is excited to launch its ‘Saltford
Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2022 from everyone at SPC Saltford residents were invited to meet their local police
Wildflower Project: All You Seed is Love’ initiative to help bring the bees back to Saltford!
officers at Saltford Hall on the evening of Tuesday 16 November. SPC hosted this opportunity for residents to
SPC’s aim is to support pollinating insects by creating lots of
receive an update from Avon and Somerset Police about
new wildlife habitats throughout the village. Saltford Parish Council is giving free Beebomb seed balls to Saltford
being a chance for residents to ask questions and discuss
crime rates and crime prevention in Saltford, as well as it any village-wide issues they wished to raise with the
residents so they can create wildflower habitats in Saltford’s public spaces. SPC is also offering free Beebombs to local community groups who have outdoor space. It is also a great opportunity to brighten up the village and get Saltford blooming!
Keynsham Beat Team and A&S Police’s Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator. SPC thanks everyone who attended.
This project has been made possible through funding from SPC’s Environment budget, as well as external funding from B&NES Ward Cllr Alastair Singleton’s ‘Ward Councillor Empowerment Fund’ and a grant from the Saltford Environment Group (SEG). Information about participating in the project is available on SPC’s website.
SPC Co-opts a new Councillor SPC is pleased to welcome Cllr Dudley Bartlett, who was co-opted to the Council at its October meeting following the notice of a Councillor vacancy. For further information about SPC’s Councillors please visit the SPC website.
Building Saltford’s resilience SPC Cllrs, B&NES Ward Councillors and members of the SCA met recently to start the process of developing a Saltford Emergency Plan, working with B&NES Council’s Emergency Response team. The plan will assist the village in co-ordinating an effective and efficient response to a major emergency. Key information following its development will be shared with residents in due course.
Celebrating winners of SPC’s Community Awards (finally!) SPC was delighted to celebrate winners of its 2020 and 2021
Community
Awards,
following
several
postponements of the ceremony. Almost 100 people gathered at Saltford Hall on 10th September to congratulate our local heroes, including special awards created for contributions made during the pandemic. Details of all the winners are on our website. Thank you to the SCA for their ‘Big Thank You’ the same evening, and for co-hosting this event with SPC. SPC will launch its 2022 Community Awards in January, information on how to nominate will be on our website. The SPC Community Awards ceremony 2022 will be part of Saltford’s Annual Parish Meeting in April.
Saltford Parish Council Councillors October 2021
Photo shows members of the Saltford Community meeting with B&NES Council’s Emergency Planning officer
B&NES Council public consultation 21-023a: Proposed 40mph speed limit scheme on A4 between Saltford and the Globe Roundabout B&NES Council is holding a public consultation on proposals
to where the 30mph limit starts. SPC made this request to aid
to reduce the speed on some local roads from 50mph to
the reduction of speeding as vehicles enter the 30mph section
40mph, including the A4 Bristol Road / Bath Road between
of A4 Bath Road in Saltford. More information about this
Saltford and The Globe roundabout.
consultation can be found on the B&NES Council website and
Just over a year ago SPC resolved to ask B&NES Council to
further information is on SPC’s ‘News’ webpage. The end date
reduce the speed limit on the A4 Bath Road into Saltford prior
for responses to B&NES Council is 22nd December 2021.
12
Winners of the 2020 and 2021 Saltford Parish Council Community Awards with Vice Chair Cllr Phil Harding (photo by Cllr Jon Godfrey).
The Week in • Wednesday 15th December 2021
Car park for nature reserve proposed as part of housing scheme Developers wanting to build 22 homes in
development on three sides and Green Belt
extension to nearby Golden Valley Nature
the national lockdowns has increased. On-
the Green Belt in Wick are proposing to
harm would be “very limited”.
Reserve, making the southern area of the site
street parking in the area is limited and this
provide a public car park for visitors to
The application says: “The proposed
public open space and creating a new
resulted in considerable problems in the
the Golden Valley Nature Reserve as part
residential development at land accessed off
footpath through the site to link up to the
locality.”
of the scheme.
the High Street, Wick shows a sustainable
existing public right of way.
The application adds that increasing visitors
Wick Land Ltd have lodged an outline
and well-designed housing development.”
It says the provision of a new public car park
to the area would support local businesses
planning
South
The homes proposed are said to be “much
“with nearly 20 spaces” would also help the
and a further benefit of the car park would
Gloucestershire Council for a greenfield site
needed” and nine would be affordable. They
management of visitors to the area: “The
be to provide a potential income stream for
to the south of High Street/Church Road.
would be carbon neutral to help combat the
number of people using the nature reserve
the nature reserve.
The planning application says the site,
climate emergency and be a mixture of two
for leisure and recreation, particularly during
The planning reference is P21/07243/O.
measuring just under six-and-a-half acres. is
and four-bedrooms homes.
part of the village as there is built
The proposal also seeks to create an
application
with
Situations Vacant
Image: Stokes Morgan Planning
The Week in • Wednesday 15th December 2021
13
Public to decide on the future of an elected Bristol Mayor Bristolians will go to the polls next May to decide whether to keep or scrap the elected mayoral system.
The motion, presented by Lib Dem councillor Alex Hartley,
Afterwards Mr Rees, who does not intend to run in 2024,
was passed with the support of his party and nearly all Green councillors last week. It said that the position of West of
defended his record and said that if a committee system was voted in, Bristolians would no longer have the opportunity to
England Mayor has made many of the purported benefits of a mayoral system for Bristol City Council redundant,
vote for the city’s political leader. Bristol Chamber of Commerce and Initiative had written to
The vote will be held a decade after the first referendum that created the post of a directly elected mayor (DEM).
adding that the mayoral system has centralised executive power to the detriment of citizens’ engagement in decisions that affect their lives and reduced the accountability of
councillors saying a referendum would be a “distraction” and had called for the motion to be rejected in favour of a commitment to improve the current model. The TUC in the
Independent George Ferguson was the first incumbent.
governance.
region said it wasn’t the time for a “divisive” referendum.
A majority of councillors backed a motion to let people decide whether to return to the committee system at the end of Labour Mayor Marvin Rees’s second term of office in May 2024.
Sudoku Solutions 1-Easy 4 9 1 7 5 3 6 8 2
2 3 6 8 4 1 7 5 9
8 7 5 9 6 2 4 1 3
1 6 7 4 3 5 9 2 8
Crossword Solution
2-Hard 5 8 9 2 1 7 3 6 4
3 2 4 6 8 9 5 7 1
9 5 8 1 7 4 2 3 6
6 4 3 5 2 8 1 9 7
7 1 2 3 9 6 8 4 5
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