Issuu

THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset

18th May 2022

Issue 730

FREE

Read by more than 40,000 people each week

Relief as McColl’s is purchased News last week that the convenience store chain McColl’s had been acquired by Morrisons will have come as a huge relief to staff – at least in the short term. After months of uncertainty over the future of the business, McColl’s was finally sold on Tuesday, the day after being placed into administration by accountants PwC. Over the previous weekend, offers had been made both by Morrisons, who had an initial offer rejected and then by the Issa Brothers’ EG Group which operates thousands of petrol forecourts and shops worldwide. The brothers also co-own Asda.

McColl’s, Chandag Road, Keynsham

Also in this week’s issue

Morrisons ultimately agreed to match the Issa Brothers’ offer as well as taking on McColl’s £170m debt and pension scheme. The deal secured the immediate future of McColl’s 16,000 staff employed across 1,160 branches. Morrisons already has an existing relationship with McColl’s both as a wholesale supplier and through a tie-up which has seen around 200 shops convert to the Morrisons Daily brand. McColl’s currently has around 30 stores in the Bristol area as well as a number of Morrisons Daily stores similar to the one pictured at Hollyguest Road in Hanham. Morrisons’ first bid for McColl’s was rejected by PwC because it did not include all of the current outlets – many of which also house vital Post Office facilities – or the company’s pension fund. It had to commit to these aspects in order to match the Issa Brothers’ bid but analysts are already questioning whether this will be a longterm commitment. Adam Leyland, editor of The Grocer magazine, considered that Morrisons’ wholesale arm stood to lose around £130m if McColl’s had been allowed to go bust but that the deal will now allow it to push forward with the roll-out of the Morrisons Daily network. But other

Commonwealth Games baton coming to the area . . . page 3

Bristol Airport campaigners granted leave to appeal . . . page 5

Morrisons Daily, Hollyguest Road, Hanham

analysts suggest McColl’s financial difficulties stemmed not solely from supply problems during COVID but in trying to update many of its older and smaller stores which were based more heavily around traditional newsagents. Many stores were forced to suspend the sale of alcohol and lottery tickets immediately following the takeover. This is understood to be a licensing issue and was expected to be temporary. But more importantly, McColl’s staff in our local area are currently breathing a sigh of relief.

Dementia awareness warning . . . page 9

Keynsham woman assaulted while walking dog . . . page 11

The Week in • Wednesday 18th May 2022

Chance to see Queen’s Baton Relay The 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay will be passing through our area in July ahead of this year’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. On Tuesday 5th July the baton bearers will be in Bath, Bristol and South Gloucestershire as part of a 25-day procession which will culminate with the start of the games on 28th July. The relay started at Buckingham Palace last October when the Queen placed her message to the Commonwealth inside the baton and handed it to Paralympic gold medallist Kadeena Cox for the first leg of the relay. Since then the baton has been to Commonwealth countries around the world before it starts its UK journey in the South West and moving to Bath. Starting at the Royal Crescent, baton bearers will then visit the Roman Baths before heading to Bristol and the Empire Fighting Chance Charity where the baton bearer will be invited to spar with local boxers, including former Commonwealth and world champion Lee Haskins. They will then head to St Agnes Park to meet children from local

schools. The final stop of the day will be at Easter Compton and The Wave surfing centre before continuing into Gloucestershire. Thousands of baton bearers, each with inspiring backgrounds and stories, will have the honour of carrying the baton during the journey through England, including those nominated in recognition of their contributions to their local community, whether that be in sport, education, the arts, culture or charity. Between 40 and 130 baton bearers will carry the baton each day, and the relay will reach hundreds of villages, towns and cities during its tour of the country. In 2012, thousands lined the streets in the area to witness the Olympic torch relay as it travelled from Bath to Bristol along the A431 via Bitton, Willsbridge, Longwell Green and Hanham. This time, baton bearers will not run between the towns visited and instead of a flame, the Queen’s baton,

The Week in • Wednesday 18th May 2022

which was made in the West Midlands, is a fusion of art, technology and science. Made from copper, aluminium and steel, the baton also features a platinum strand in homage to the Queen in her Platinum Jubilee year. It is also equipped with cutting-edge technology - 360-degree camera, heart rate monitor, atmospheric sensors and LED lighting. You can find out more about the relay and this summer’s Commonwealth Games at www.birmingham2022.com/qbr

Airport campaigners granted leave to appeal The campaign group Bristol Airport Action Network Coordinating Committee (BAAN) has been granted permission for a High Court hearing over the Government inspectors’ decision to allow expansion at the airport. In February the inspectors overturned the decision by North Somerset Council to refuse planning permission for the airport to increase capacity to 12 million passengers a year. But last week, a High Court judge ruled that BAAN had raised arguable grounds of challenge which will be heard later this year at a planning statutory review. The group argued that in hearing the appeal against planning refusal by Bristol Airport last year, the inspectors had erred in law, particularly in the impact of carbon emissions. They also challenged the interpretation of the Government’s aviation policy which leaves the final decision on airport expansion with local, rather than national government. Estelle Dehon, QC who represented BAAN at the High Court, said: "Misinterpretation of national policy on airports has led to a climate dissonance in airport planning decisions, resulting in permission being granted for unjustified

expansion that is demonstrably contrary to local and national climate obligations. This case seeks to clarify the policy position and the correct approach to aviation emissions." North Somerset Council initially refused planning permission for the airport expansion last year and was critical of the airport’s decision to appeal for the impact the ensuing legal costs would have on already strained budgets. Following the inspectors’ decision in February, Don Davies, the council leader at the time, said they had “reluctantly” accepted legal advice that challenging it would carry high risk and “significant further costs”.

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.

But BAAN decided to challenge the legality of the inspectors’ reasoning and raised £20,000 through

An airport protest in Keynsham in January 2020

crowdfunding to mount the challenge in the High Court. Stephen Clarke, one of the coordinators of BAAN, said: "We are delighted that the judge agrees that we have arguable grounds that the inspectors’ decision has errors in law and we look forward to the full hearing. “Many thanks to the thousands of people in the region and beyond who have supported us financially through this threeyear battle."

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 ISSN: 2052-9767 Publisher Editor Contributors

Stephen Rodgers admin@theweekin.co.uk Becky Feather 07403 273967 Christine Rogers

Advertising

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

The Week in • Wednesday 18th May 2022

Fighting fund launched for Keynsham energy plant appeal Protect Our Keynsham Environment (POKE) have launched a new fundraising drive to keep up the fight against a developer still wanting to build a 92,000-tonne anaerobic digester facility near Keynsham. POKE’s earlier campaign helped persuade local councillors on the Bath and North East Somerset Council (B&NES) planning committee to unanimously oppose plans for the new power station at Queen Charlton in the heart of the Green Belt. But since that important victory, developer Resourceful Energy Anaerobic Limited (REAL) have advised B&NES that they now intend to appeal against the decision.

Royal Revel Preparations are under way for the Pucklechurch Revel Jubilee Celebration. The event will take place at the village hall on Saturday 4th June starting at 6.30pm. During the event to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee the Revel King and Queen will be crowned. There will be an American super buffet, children’s activities and a street party style disco.

The Week in • Wednesday 18th May 2022

POKE spokeswoman Kerry Morgan said: “Our community must now prepare for a likely planning inquiry and once again we need professional help to win through. This costs thousands of pounds but is very important to ensure we keep having a really effective voice. “This is a critical time for local communities, for if we lose the appeal, the supersized anaerobic digester facility will be built and our town and surrounding villages will change forever. Now is the key time to stop the developer once-andfor-all. “We urgently need the public’s help to raise a £20,000 fighting fund to oppose this appeal to the Secretary of State on B&NES's decision. We want the planning inspector to know just how strongly local people feel about this.” Developer REAL want the appeal to be determined at a public inquiry - a formal procedure where those giving evidence can be cross-examined by barristers. By contrast, POKE are asking for an informal hearing where evidence is discussed in front of an inspector and parties are not crossexamined. Kerry Morgan continued: “Our fighting fund will be vital, for we need to employ expert professional witnesses and planning consultants, and commission special reports to be

Kerry Morgan with Metro Mayor Dan Norris

presented and examined in front of the planning inspector. We totally depend on the public’s financial support, while the developer has millions. Victory is within our grasp but we still need the generous financial support of local people determined to protect our environment and Green Belt. “B&NES will fight the appeal, arguing there were good grounds for refusing planning permission. “We support the council and will work with them to complement their case.” Details about how to donate can be found on the POKE website: https://protectourkeynshamenvironment.wordpress.com

Restaurant set for expansion A popular Keynsham restaurant has been granted planning permission to expand. Tandoori Garden has been a feature on Keynsham High Street for more than 20 years. Now it has obtained change of use on the empty property next door (formally

Trojan Blinds) and is currently seeking approval for a new frontage spanning both properties. The new design would see a glass and brick frontage with centrally positioned double doors. A decision is due next month.

Journey to net zero Bath & North East Somerset Council has embarked on its ‘Journey to Net Zero’. At this month’s Cabinet meeting the route map on the council’s vision of a new transport system was launched as a response to the climate emergency it announced in 2019. The adoption of the first report follows the inaugural meeting of the council’s transport forum the previous day which will advise on the implementation of the scheme. ‘Journey to Net Zero’ primarily concerns reducing the environmental impact of transport in Bath but also includes the key corridors to outlying areas and neighbouring towns and cities. Some of the statistics included in the report give a clear indication of where the problems lie. Of 22,000 people who live and work in Bath, almost half use the car to get to work. There are 28,000 commuter trips into the

city from elsewhere with 12,000 travelling in the other direction. 35% of journeys within Bath & North East Somerset (not just Bath) which could be walked in less than 25 minutes are taken by car. In city centres, pedestrians spend 40% more than motorists. The road map sets out a raft of short, medium and long-term measures aimed at reducing the number of car journeys and changing public attitudes towards travel in favour of more active and sustainable means. But Sarah Warren, the Cabinet member responsible for climate and sustainable travel, made clear that people are at the centre of the council’s journey to net zero. Public feedback had been factored into the production of the report and she reiterated that public consultation will take place prior to implementation of the measures contained within it.

Funding for Keynsham Road cycling and walking improvements Improvements to the cycle path along the A4175 Keynsham to Willsbridge road can be carried out, thanks to a grant from the West of England Combined Authority. South Gloucestershire Council has been awarded £389,500 from the combined authority to improve cycling and walking routes between the Bristol & Bath Railway Path at Bitton and Keynsham Station as well as two other routes in Filton and Thornbury. The money is intended to allow for design work on the three routes and the preparation of a full business case for further funding. South Gloucestershire Council says that local people will have the opportunity to shape the proposals as they are developed in the near future. Steve Reade, the council’s Cabinet

member responsible for transport, said: “We want walking and cycling to be credible options for travel for all residents across South Gloucestershire and this funding will help progress schemes in the Bitton/Willsbridge area, Thornbury and along the A4174 Avon Ring Road. “Installing safe walking and cycling routes will encourage more people to consider sustainable travel options and help achieve our target.” Regional Mayor Dan Norris said: “I’m particularly delighted about the connection between Bitton and Keynsham which is something I’ve had a long-term interest in. “Getting people out of their cars and walking and cycling is vital if we’re going to cut congestion and reach our ambitious net-zero targets and of course it’s good for your health too."

More carriages on popular train services this summer Great Western Railway (GWR) introduced its summer timetable last weekend together with a promise of larger trains on popular tourist routes which pass through Keynsham and Oldfield Park stations. As we reported last month, the headline announcement was the withdrawal of the Gloucester to Brighton service which provided two trains and day in each direction. But GWR has confirmed that the trains will still operate through the two stations as far as Westbury. Only

operations east of Portsmouth are being removed in a move to avoid duplication of services with Southern Railway. In return GWR is pledging to run longer trains on routes to the south coast with Saturday services to Weymouth comprising of four carriages (“wherever possible”, according to the GWR press release). It also claims that the hourly Cardiff to Portsmouth services will be operated by five-carriage trains in future.

Cricket star launches club centenary Former England Test star Robert Croft MBE was the guest speaker at Whitchurch Cricket Club’s gala dinner, held recently to launch its centenary year. The club has a number of other events planned to mark the milestone including a match against an MCC representative side on Thursday 21st July. Club president Ashton Broad, who has played an incredible eight decades for the club, opened the evening which was attended by more than 150 past and present members. If you are interested in joining the club contact Pete Lloyd on 0788 988 3881 or email Petelloyd1@virginmedia.com

The Week in • Wednesday 18th May 2022

Douglas Cavalcade rides again The annual Douglas Cavalcade returns on Sunday 29th May, when dozens of vintage motorcycles will move off from Kingswood Heritage Museum in Warmley at noon to ride the old factory test route. People are invited to come and see the largest collection of roadworthy Douglas motorcycles, showcasing one of Kingswood’s best-known engineering icons. The museum will also be open from 11am to 5pm. Visitors will be able to view the collection of vintage Douglas motorcycles and memorabilia, as well as all other interesting exhibitions. The newly refurbished café will be open. The photo shows the start of a previous cavalcade.

The Week in • Wednesday 18th May 2022

A message from Hope for Ukraine Hope for Ukraine’s first full lorry load of humanitarian aid has reached its first destination in Ukraine. It follows the journey last month from Keynsham of more than 10 tonnes of clothes, medicine, hygiene and baby equipment and other desperately needed donations which were unloaded into the warehouse at Chernivtsi, near the Romanian border. From there, our local contact Pastor Dimitriy is now mobilising groups to distribute your generous contributions to their onward destinations. These include nearby towns and cities damaged and destroyed in the conflict – the map right will give you a rough area. There are still many people trapped there who are receiving very little outside help, so we are urging local people to donate whatever they can. An updated list of the donations we need can be found on our website and social media platforms, but the priority is non-

perishable food, medicine, tools and clean sleeping equipment. We are also keen to connect with anyone that can help us source an ambulance or minibus, generators and bulk food items. We’re also happy to announce that, thanks to the hard work of the team at the Charity Commission, Hope for Ukraine is now a registered as Charity 1198779. www.hopeforukraine.org.uk

LETTERS New use for High Street planters

up of the High Street to make it safer instead

help make a difference by downloading the

decision.

of accepting his vast responsibility in such set-

BanktheFood charity app and following their

It is also worth mentioning that as things stand,

up, including the hardly used cycle lane, itself

nearest foodbank. The app will then ping their

Lyde Green sits in its own catchment area for

Dear Editor

dangerous to pedestrians?

phone a real-time list of urgently needed items

primary school choice. This means that when

B Chris

when they are at the supermarket, making it

applying for a primary school, any choice

easy to add an item or two to their shopping

outside of Lyde Green puts families at a big

and leave it at the drop-off point when they

disadvantage from the start.

have finished.

South Gloucestershire Council’s oversub-

The app is free to download and use, and all

scription criteria puts out-of-area siblings at

foodbanks can register. It’s a simple way to

point 4 of 6, leading to a higher chance of split

make a huge difference.

siblings. This is not the case in Bristol. Point 5

Emma Spring,

of 6 is for children outside of the area and point

Co-founder and volunteer at BanktheFood

6 being a tie-breaker. With no signs of building

I’ve just worked out what the wooden containers

which

recently

appeared

Keynsham High Street are for.

No Mow May Dear Becky So South Gloucestershire Council is to cut back on grass cutting this month? I suspect in June a month's grass will need agricultural-scale

mowing

and

baling!

Meanwhile we will watch the grass grow and have limited pathways through green space.

Some people assumed they were for plants but in fact they’re for temporary storage of bodies that might occur due to the new road layout. Forward thinking by our ‘leaders’. A bruised victim of the High Street

Place your bets on the High Street Dear Editor

work starting for ‘primary school 2’ and the secondary school, are families really going to

But how will council grounds staff be

Tea and memories

redeployed when they won't be grass cutting?

Dear Editor

Suggestion: perhaps they will clear the

I would like to make people aware of a free

vegetation edges and surfaces of shared use

local event which will be on Thursday 9th June

paths? Then pedestrians and cyclists can use

at 10.30am. This is part of the Community Café

their respective lanes to help avoid collisions.

Tea and Memories, run by the Abbeyfield

Incidentally, what did happen to lane

Society in the Baptist Church, High Street,

demarcation markings … mostly worn away

Hanham, on the second Thursday of every

now.

month. It will feature local singer Frankie

Who actually benefits from the throughabout?

Robin Champion

Johns, singing golden oldies and will also have

Dear Editor

Jubilee refreshments and chat.

Is it just me or has the famous throughabout on the Ring Road just made the situation worse for

have an option in 2024? Education no longer seems to be a priority, with lack of funding, critically poor SEND provision and inability to build schools in line with demand. Matt Palmer

With the Keynsham High Street improvements

Foodbank app

This is a free event and is especially aimed at

completed, I am opening the betting.

Dear Editor

older people in the community.

all users without actually making much

Who will be the first to dig it up? Gas maybe?

The cost of living is skyrocketing, and more

Anne-Louise Critchlow

difference to the problem it was meant to

Electricity probably. Water certainly! We will

people than ever now

see. I will give them a month.

seek emergency food

Jeff Adam

parcels. Pressure is mounting

the

solve? I know these are purely my own

Dismay over school provision in Lyde Green

observations but I do travel between Keynsham and Emersons Green on a regular basis and at many different times of the day. So, the

More High Street questions

2,000 UK foodbanks,

Dear Editor

problem used to be at rush hour – especially the

with

unprecedented

Parents in Lyde Green are devastated once

evening – with standing traffic tailing back and

demand. But imagine

again as 35 families were affected by the

vehicles finding it difficult to get out of Wraxall

Dear Editor

a foodbank with 1,000

removal of the bulge class at Lyde Green

Road and Tower Lane. Now, whenever I travel

As a regular user of Keynsham High Street, I

tins of baked beans

Primary School.

between 5pm and 6pm, the traffic still seems

am still awaiting to see, as previously

but no toilet rolls!

This isn’t a criticism of Lyde Green Primary

to tail back in either direction from the traffic

mentioned in The Week In, councillors

Often foodbanks are inundated with one item

which for the past three years supported the

lights. But then again, it is the same situation

carrying out the proclaimed survey regarding

but have very little of another and asking

community with an extra class, arguably an

at almost any other time of day. Two (and now

the wishes of local residents.

donors for specific items is challenging - the

extra two classes considering the original plan

three) lanes of traffic held at the lights while a

Or am I expected to just see the outcome of

situation has usually changed by the time the

was for only 30 places. The problem has been

small number of vehicles join or cross the

said survey without one being carried out,

message has spread.

communication from South Gloucestershire

junction from Wraxall Road and Tower Lane.

which is what I and others expect to happen?

To help change this, BanktheFood is a new

Council. Families were not made aware of the

I am not really sure who has benefitted,

Why is Cllr Alan Hale promoting himself as the

charity set up to help foodbanks get what they

reduced intake number at Lyde Green Primary,

certainly I cannot see how nitrogen dioxide

person pushing for the changes in the new set-

need, exactly when they need it. Readers can

not allowing them to make a fully informed

levels have reduced. If the problem was simply

The Week in • Wednesday 18th May 2022

LETTERS accessing or crossing the Ring Road during rush hour, why didn’t they just install part-time lights on the old roundabout? They seem to have put full-time lights on almost every other roundabout along the Ring Road. D Smith

Can you help with our nativity figures? Dear Becky A few years ago the life size nativity figures were bought by the Mangotsfield Residents’ Association to be displayed during the Christmas period inside the historic Dame School building in St. James Street in Mangotsfield. This has now become a muchcherished event, much admired by locals and visitors alike. It is also now floodlit to re-create the atmosphere in the biblical times, and we hold an annual carol service in the grounds.

Unfortunately, the storage facilities which we have been using during the rest of the year are no longer available and hence this request for any assistance. Please contact me on michael.bell@southglos.gov.uk or 07875631817 if you can possibly help. Cllr Michael Bell

Alzheimer’s – ‘not getting old but getting ill’ A quarter of those diagnosed with dementia in the South West have lived with the condition for more than two years before getting a diagnosis. And over half of those put the delay down to thinking they were ‘just getting old’. To mark Dementia Action Week this week, Alzheimer’s Society has launched a new campaign “It’s not called getting old, it’s called getting ill” to encourage people worried about their own or their loved ones’ memory to seek support in getting a diagnosis. The charity has worked closely with leading clinicians to make the diagnosis process easier, developing a new ‘symptoms checklist’, available on its new online hub, highlighting changes that might be due to dementia. Kelly Inwood, Alzheimer’s Society area manager, said: “Asking the same question over and over again is not called getting old, it’s called getting ill. If you’re worried for yourself or someone you love, take the first step this Dementia Action Week – come to Alzheimer’s Society for support. “The stark findings of our survey released today show just how dangerous it can be to battle dementia symptoms alone and put off getting help.” Keynsham-based Howard Davidson, 73, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in August 2021; his wife Trish had been pressing for a diagnosis on his behalf for many years beforehand. The couple both knew that Howard, a renowned composer and retired lecturer at the Royal College of Music, was at high risk of developing the condition. His father had had vascular dementia, therefore Howard volunteered to take part in tests at RICE, a dementia research and treatment centre at the Royal United Hospital in Bath. It was confirmed that Howard had a protein that made him pre-disposed to dementia, making him eligible to take part in the various research projects, and was initially told he had mild cognitive impairment. For six years he had been behaving uncharacteristically. “Despite the fact that we knew Howard was high risk of developing dementia and the symptoms he displayed, I still had to push for him to be officially diagnosed,” said Trish. “I knew it was more than just normal forgetfulness as you get older. It was so frustrating because Howard was deteriorating quite a bit,

Sudoku 1-Easy

Howard and Trish Davidson

which was particularly affecting his driving ability, but nothing was done.” When Howard was finally diagnosed, Trish says it had a wholly positive impact on their lives: “I knew a diagnosis was key to us making progress. We could move forward proactively and access help from charities like Alzheimer’s Society. “Howard is still in the early stages of dementia and has followed advice to exercise, eat healthily and socialise which are all important to ward off the symptoms.” Howard added: “It took me a while to get used to the diagnosis but then I decided to be proactive. During a charity-run brain training session, it dawned on me how important music therapy is. After my diagnosis I was surprised I could still play the clarinet, and so I demonstrated to the group how they could work on a music piece I had written. This was hugely successful, with everyone participating. Now I’ve started a music group for people with dementia and brain training. “I’m keen to try and improve things for future generations and families that will have to deal with someone who’s poorly with dementia.” During Dementia Action Week, Alzheimer’s Society is urging anyone worried about themselves or someone they love to take the first step and contact the charity for support. Visit alzheimers.org.uk/memoryloss or call 0333 150 3456.

SUNDAY CHEMISTS Sunday 22nd May

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 18th May 2022

Cutting the queues From this month residents visiting Bristol’s two reuse and recycling centres at St Philips and Avonmouth need to book. Bristol Waste says the booking system will create a better experience for residents by removing the odd and even

River park incident now classed as ‘racially motivated’

number plate restrictions, eliminating queuing time, easing congestion on roads around the recycling centres and ensuring a smoother on-site experience. People can book with as little as an hour’s notice and there are ways to book online and offline.

Police appealing for witnesses to an incident near Conham River Park in March say it has now been classified as racially motivated. As we reported in last week’s issue, Avon & Somerset Police had launched a review of the case in which a boy aged 12 received a head injury. A woman was arrested and subsequently de-arrested and the case closed through lack of evidence. Following the announcement that the case was to be reviewed, Avon & Somerset Police said last week that the case had been re-classified as racially motivated and that a Detective Sergeant was leading the review with oversight from a senior officer. They also called for any more witnesses to come forward saying: “We’re re appealing for further witnesses to come forward as we know a number of people were in that area of the riverside that afternoon. “We’re keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the original incident, or who may have phone or other footage which could help. Please call 101 and give the reference 5222071897.”

Fete returns to Compton Dando After two years of coronavirus restrictions preventing the village fete, the Compton Dando community are delighted it will return on Saturday 2nd July. There will be classic games, a coconut shy, community raffle, stalls, live music, and more. The fete will run from 2pm to 5pm. All proceeds support the village hall, St Mary's Church and Compton Dando Community Association.

Crossword

ACROSS

DOWN

2. Topic (7)

1. Female horse (4)

7. Anger (4)

2. Chair (4)

8. US state (4)

3. Reserved (6)

9. Loving (7)

4. Wears away (6)

10. Religious order (4)

5. Fling (4)

12. Hotpot (4)

6. Long (4)

15. German composer (5)

10. Extend (7)

17. Bellowed (6)

13. Hard work (7)

18. Fodder (6)

14. Garlands (7)

19. Uproar (6)

15. Open country (5)

21. Geometric line (6)

16. Mature (5)

22. Fiend (5)

20. Great fear (6)

23. Belonging to a woman (4)

21. Soft metallic element (6)

26. Aid to the poor (4)

24. Nervous (4)

28. Sooner (7)

25. Ooze (4)

29. Fever (4)

26. Waterless (4)

30. Graven image (4)

27. Open to debate (4)

11. Sweet talker (7)

31. Egyptian monument (7)

The Week in • Wednesday 18th May 2022

Arts project explores the old Mangotsfield Station A year-long creative project has been launched on the Bristol & Bath Railway Path at the old Mangotsfield Station. The station was once a stop on the Midland Railway route between Bristol and Birmingham. It closed in 1966 when services to Bath ended, and the railway line through it closed in 1969. In the 1980s, it reopened for active travel as the flagship of the National Cycle Network. The project encourages more people to walk, wheel or cycle on the popular stretch of National Cycle Network Route 4. Many of the station walls and platforms are still there and it is a popular place to stop and rest. The project, called Mangotsfield Folly, is a series of creative commissions by established and emerging artists, programmed by curator Suzanne Heath. The programme will be developed around a new folly structure and outdoor table designed and built by Chippenham-based architects Artel 31. The project will create an adaptable space suitable for artist takeovers, classes, lectures, performances, cinema screenings and workshops. Five new artist commissions will include: • An artist residency by Feral Practice, exploring the area’s biodiversity with local residents and culminating in a display of work towards the end of the year.

The Week in • Wednesday 18th May 2022

The Folly

• A public commission by writer Holly Corfield Carr. • A new mural on the folly structure by Bristol-based street artist and illustrator Alex Lucas. • Participatory printmaking by Bristol-based artist Nick Hand. • Bespoke signwriting by Eric Porter of the Straight and Narrow Sign Company. There will also be an open call for a series of bursaries for emerging local artists. The project has been funded by Arts Council England and Emersons Green Town Council. People can follow the project’s progress at https://mangotsfieldfolly.uk/

Woman assaulted in Keynsham Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman was assaulted in Keynsham last Monday (9th May). The victim was walking her dog in fields off Severus Street on the Somerdale development when she was punched and kicked by another woman after asking her to keep her German Shepherd dog on its lead. The incident happened at approximately 1.10pm. Officers have visited the victim at home and have taken a statement from her and her husband. Video of the incident has appeared on social media and the police identified two people they were keen to talk to. They were also reviewing CCTV from the area while neighbourhood officers carried out reassurance patrols. Anyone with information which could help the inquiry is asked to call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5222109359. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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

Young photographers are honoured Club’s

Young

them from meeting the entrants in person.

Competition

award

A Rotary spokesperson said: “This year it has

ceremony took place on Saturday 30th

been a great pleasure to meet our participants

April, when the winners received their

and congratulate them on their success and

certificates.

wish them all great success with their

Parents, friends and Rotarians gathered at

photographic adventures in the future.

Saltford Golf Club for the occasion, but

“We are hoping to repeat this competition next

unfortunately not all the winners were able to

year and hope that more enthusiastic budding

attend. Although Keynsham Rotary ran a

photographers will rise to the challenge.

couple of similar competitions over the last

Please look out for further information about

two years, COVID restrictions prevented

this later in the year.”

Keynsham

Rotary

Photographer

Keynsham recycling hub under way Work is under way on the new £39m recycling hub in Keynsham. The site being developed on Pixash Lane by building firm Farrans will see new state-of-the-art facilities for both household waste and kerbside collections as well as eco-friendly buildings and solar power generation. Once complete, the hub will permit the relocation of recycling facilities at Midland Road in Bath.

The existing Reuse and Recycling Centre on Pixash Lane will remain open during the construction of the new facility. Pictured during a recent visit to the site are (from left) David Wood, Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services, Glenn Gilmore, regional director of Farrans, Cllr Kevin Guy, leader of the council, and Clare Taylor, contracts manager for Farrans.

Emily

Lydia

Oskar

Dylan

Leelanie

The Week in • Wednesday 18th May 2022

Plans for three houses instead of one for old pub The company developing the former Fleur de Lys pub in Pucklechurch is now attempting to build three houses on the site instead of one. Last year, the developer was granted planning permission to build one four-bedroom home on the footprint of the former public house along with a micropub. Permission had earlier been granted to build six houses on land to the rear of the pub and there is also a further planning application under consideration by South Gloucestershire Council to erect a single detached house there. Now planning agents Stokes Morgan have advised the council that the latest proposal will “make more efficient use of the residential areas” by replacing what they term as a “very large” 290 square metre four-bedroom house with a terrace of three houses. Two of these would be two-bedroomed homes of 71 and 80 square metres and a three-bedroom home of 118 square metres. The intended micro-pub is retained. The planning reference is P22/02688/F and members of the public have until 17th June to make their comments.

The Week in • Wednesday 18th May 2022

Free daytime concerts at church A new Trio Paradis Café Concert series is coming to St John's Church in Keynsham, starting on Friday 27th May and continuing on the last Friday of each month at 1pm. Trio Paradis are pianist Jacquelyn Bevan, Lisa Betteridge on violin and cellist Linda Stocks, a professional ensemble who formed in 2009. Their daytime monthly café concerts are informal, uplifting musical events with the added attraction of tea, coffee and home-made cakes and the chance to chat with friends and make new ones. A pop-up cafe opens 30

minutes before each concert. Each concert is different, with a range of musical styles brought together in a themed programme. Poems feature in some of the concerts, which last about 45 minutes. Entry is free with contributions invited on a pay-what-you-feel basis. Families with children are welcome, especially at the first concert, Birds & Beasts, on 27th May. It will feature numbers from The Carnival of the Animals alongside well-known tunes from Disney films. More information, including the programme for each concert, can be found at www.trioparadis.com

Situations Vacant

Trio Paradis Picture credit: Martin Veal of Fromedia

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

Service Directory Aerials

Appliances

Boiler Service

Computers

Car Repairs

Electrical

Car Mechanic

Garden Services

Blinds

Garden Services

Home Maintenance

Home Help

DEADLINE FOR PLACING DIRECTORY ADVERTS IS FRIDAY 4.30PM

The Week in • Wednesday 18th May 2022

Service Directory Book a series of adverts and save even more

Oven Cleaning

Plumbing

Sewing Lessons

OLDLAND Village Club Bar & Social Club

Private function room with bar and stage. Kitchen available. Up to 120 guests for parties, receptions, children's parties, presentations or wakes. Parking. Ring Pam on

Our Directory is the perfect place to find a local tradesperson.

An advert like this costs

£21.00 + VAT per insert Discounts are available for multiple bookings starting at 2 weeks

Adverts cost £4.20 per centimetre (min 5cm)

Venue Hire

0117 9077432

for further details www.oldlandvillageclub.co.uk

Our Directory is the perfect place to find a local tradesperson.

An advert like this costs

£21.00

Painting & Decorating

Telephone Engineers

Waste Disposal

+ VAT per insert

D.JAMES DECORATING Over 40 years’ Experience. Qualified tradesman Efficient/Reliable. References Available 07861 898902. 01275 831696 or visit our website www.djamesdecorating.com

Discounts are available for multiple bookings starting at 2 weeks

Adverts cost £4.20 per centimetre (min 5cm)

The more weeks you book the cheaper

Book a series of adverts and save even more

The more weeks you book the cheaper

Plumbing

each insertion

becomes

1 week - £21

2 weeks - £18.90

DEADLINE FOR PLACING DIRECTORY ADVERTS IS FRIDAY 4.30PM

4 wk - £17.85

6 wk - £16.80

8 wk - £15.75

8 wk - £15.75 Tree Services

12 wk - £14.70

26 wk - £13.65

52 wk - £12.60

All prices per week exc VAT

Roofing

Wigs

You don't have to book successive weeks. You can choose fortnightly, monthly or specific insertion dates as long as the total number of insertions booked corresponds to the discount rate.

Similar percentage discounts apply equally to larger sized adverts.

Call us now on

0117 986 0381 The Week in • Wednesday 18th May 2022

THE WEEK IN adverts call 0117 986 0381

DEADLINE FOR PLACING DIRECTORY ADVERTS IS FRIDAY 4.30PM

Call us now on

0117 986 0381 15

The Week in • Wednesday 18th May 2022