THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset
17th May 2023
Issue 781
FREE
Read by more than 40,000 people each week
Keynsham to remain global centre of vet group despite loss of around 400 jobs Around 400 jobs are expected to be lost over the next six
concentrate on frontline care. Globally it supports 2,600
to 12 months at the Keynsham-based headquarters of
practices, clinics and hospitals in 20 countries.
international vet group IVC Evidensia - but the company
In a statement to The Week In, the company said: “‘IVC
says that the town will remain its global centre.
Evidensia is committed to delivering outstanding care to animals and outstanding service to our customers. We continually review our back-office services to ensure they are supporting the business in the most effective and efficient way. “We’re considering outsourcing finance services to a specialist business, to help improve support levels and enable our veterinary teams to better focus on animal care and
redundancy process will be a lengthy one.
There are currently around 1,100 people employed by the
customer service.
Cadbury’s Somerdale factory closed in 2011 when production
company which is based at The Chocolate Factory at
“Following this proposed change, The Chocolate Factory in
was outsourced to Poland, and hundreds of local jobs were
Somerdale.
Keynsham will continue to serve as IVC Evidensia’s global
lost. Block C was later converted into office accommodation
IVC Evidensia supports vet care practices to free them to
centre for multiple corporate functions.”
when St Monica Trust bought the site. Its Chocolate Quarter
The company has not confirmed speculation that the jobs will
development in the other two blocks includes retirement
be outsourced to India. It is understood that retention bonuses
apartments, a care home, a GP surgery, and facilities open to
are being offered to keep staff as long as possible as the
the wider community including eateries, salons, and a pool and gym. Meanwhile the legal agreements between St Monica Trust and Bath & North East Somerset Council were finally signed off last week for a new Block D, a five-storey building which will house 44 ‘extra care’ properties on land between Block C and the Somerdale Pavilion. The site historically contained
Where the new Block D will go
Cadbury’s Block D which was demolished. Members of the council’s planning committee voted back in Continued on page 2
Also in this week’s issue
New group in takeover bid of troubled community centre in Cadbury Heath . . . pages 7
South Glos Council Tories appoint new leader . . . page 3
Traffic flow concerns at Mangotsfield Sort It Centre . . . page 4
Whitchurch Village’s Coronation tribute stolen and vandalised . . . page 7
New ‘Coronation Community Centre’ group bids to resurrect closed building A new group has been formed to put in a bid to run The Batch Community Centre in Cadbury Heath which closed last autumn. The Coronation Community Centre CIC (Community Interest Company) will soon be presenting a business plan to South Gloucestershire Council which owns the building. The previous operator, the Banjo Island Community and Sports Association (BICSA), handed back the keys last October, with the closure being blamed on the cost-of-living crisis and operational difficulties. Since then, the council has undertaken repair work to the building, which opened in 2015 at a cost of £2m and has been working to find someone to take over the facilities. Creative
Youth Network, which runs the youth wing of The Batch, was allowed back in earlier this year so that youth services could be restored. The new CIC group, headed up by Dennis Stinchcombe MBE, Edna Stinchcombe MBE, Cllr Martin Farmer and newlyappointed Cllr Jason Ball, has the full backing of Oldland Parish Council. Steve Skidmore, who is the parish development officer, said: “The aspiration of the new group is to put young people at the heart of the centre and create a thriving space for children, families and older people to
Keynsham to remain global centre of vet group despite loss of around 400 jobs
2
Continued from page 1
retailers had been approached to open a retail unit there but
October 2021 to delegate authority to the planning officer
no offers had come forward.
to permit the plans for the extra care apartments which
Meanwhile Taylor Wimpey have built hundreds of homes
replaced a previously agreed scheme for a four-storey 24-
in the grounds of the old factory and last week the house-
apartment block with retail on the ground floor.
builder announced that there was just one property
The planning committee heard that 11 national convenience
remaining to be sold.
maximise the potential of a modern, welcoming and inclusive youth and community facility. “This will include enhancing access to sports and the arts, social, educational, intergenerational work in addition to adult learning and training. “The new centre will look to create stimulating spaces for people in need of mutual support, mental wellness, support for people with disabilities, families with autistic children and young and adult carers. We want to ensure it truly reflects the needs of the local community and is accessible to everyone. “To help support the bid please let us know the type of provision / kind of activities you would support and like to access.” Comments can be sent to steve.skidmore@oldlandparishcouncil.gov.uk
The Week in • Wednesday 17th May 2023
South Glos Conservatives announce new leadership team South Gloucestershire Conservatives have
for the past eight years, was the cabinet
elected a new leader following the local
member responsible for Children and Young
elections in which they lost overall control
People during the previous administration.
of the council.
He said: “I would like to thank my fellow
Parkwall & Warmley councillor Sam
councillors for putting their faith in me and
Bromiley has been named leader of the
selecting me as their group leader. I will
Conservative group. Frenchay & Downend
commit my best efforts to ensuring the
councillor Liz Brennan has been appointed
Conservative group continues to offer the
deputy leader.
very
The Tories had enjoyed an outright majority
Gloucestershire.
since 2015. On 4th May they lost 10
“We can be extremely proud of everything
councillors, ending up with 23 of the 61
we have achieved over the past four years,
seats. The Lib Dems now have 20
with the retention of free parking in all
Pic credit: Clive Dellard
best
to
the
people
of
South
councillors, Labour have 17 and there is one
council car parks, hitting record recycling
Independent.
rates, raising attainment in schools through
With no one party in overall control, talks
record investment levels and so much more.
have been under way to try to work out a way
Under my leadership, I will work hard to
forward. An announcement was expected this
ensure these achievements continue.
week.
“I would also like to pay tribute to our
Previous Conservative group leader Toby
previous leader, Toby Savage, who did such
Savage, who had represented Longwell
a brilliant job of leading the group and the
Green, announced last month that he would
council during his tenure.”
not be seeking re-election.
The Conservative group says that if it forms
Cllr Bromiley who has been on the council
the next administration, Cllr Erica Williams
From left, Cllr Liz Brennan, Cllr Erica Williams & Cllr Sam Bromiley
would be the deputy leader of the council.
has served as a councillor for the past 12
She was the cabinet member responsible for
years, representing Bitton & Oldland
schools in the previous administration and
Common. See also page 6
Keynsham Town Council remains under Lib Dem control Keynsham Town Council’s election results were published after we had gone to print last week. The council remains under Lib Dem control, there are no Tory councillors and the Green Party is represented for the first time. Brian Simmons lost his Keynsham North seat for the Conservatives on Bath & North East Somerset Council as well as
that ward on the town council. Tory Allan Sinclair lost his Keynsham South seat. Independent Deb Cooper also failed to get re-elected in Keynsham North. There are now 11 Lib Dems, three Labour councillors and one Green on the town council. • See Keynsham Town Council’s community page on the back cover for the list of elected councillors.
Keynsham East result The result of the election for the Keynsham East ward of Bath & North East Somerset Council was inadvertently left out of our round-up last week for
which we apologise. Lib Dems Andy Wait and Hal MacFie were re-elected to the ward. See Letters, page 8
New councils meet The inaugural meeting of Kingswood Town Council takes place tomorrow (Thursday) as does the first ever meeting of Staple Hill & Mangotsfield Parish Council. The town council meeting is at 7pm at Kingswood Civic Centre. The parish council’s meeting is also at 7pm at Page Community Association in Staple Hill. The Week in • Wednesday 17th May 2023
3
Traffic flow concerns at Sort It Centre The Week In has been told that since the
public highway, especially during busy
introduction of the new layout at the
times, such as the Easter bank holiday
Mangotsfield Sort It Centre, waste and
weekend.
recycling lorries have at times had to sit in
“The slip road is used by both residential
queues with residents’ vehicles for as long
traffic and waste collection vehicles during
as two hours to unload, which has been
the week and we have been monitoring
impacting on collections.
traffic flow into the site since it opened.
Our source also told us that the cameras that
“We have been working closely with our
register the number plates of people arriving
waste contractor Suez to ensure they are
at the centre have not been working since the
managing their operations so the slip road
new slip lane was installed.
runs smoothly, and the collection vehicles are
We raised these concerns with South
finishing their routes on time.”
Gloucestershire Council and this week a
The council added that the Automatic
spokesperson told us: “The slip road into
Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras
Mangotsfield Sort It Centre opened in March
are operational, and that residents of South
and has improved the traffic flow on nearby
Gloucestershire are required to register their
roads by removing queuing vehicles from the
vehicle to use the centre.
Keep in touch, let us know what you think, send us your news www.facebook.com/theweekin
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 ISSN: 2052-9767
Van catches fire after collision Firefighters were called out to deal with a
8pm on Friday 5th May.
blazing van following a crash on the
They used high pressure hose reels to
A4174 Avon Ring Road southbound
tackle the blaze and two firefighters wore
between
breathing apparatus for safety.
Emersons
Green
and
Mangotsfield. Police and crews from
There were no injuries. Avon Fire &
Kingswood and Temple attended the scene
Rescue say the cause of the fire is thought
of the two-vehicle collision shortly after
to be accidental ignition.
Firefighters cut man out of car after crash Two people were taken to hospital after a
A spokesperson for the South Western
crash in Downend last Tuesday.
Ambulance NHS Foundation Trust said:
Police and crews from Kingswood and
“We were called at 15.26 on May 9th to an
Temple fire stations were called just before
incident in the Downend area.
3.30pm to reports a two-vehicle collision
“We sent two double-crewed land
at Cleeve Hill.
ambulances, hazardous area response
One vehicle was on its roof. One of the
team and a rapid response vehicle.
people inside had got out but a second
Two individuals were conveyed by
person was trapped and crews used cutters
two land ambulances to Southmead Hospital.”
Publisher Editor Contributors
Stephen Rodgers admin@theweekin.co.uk Becky Feather 07403 273967 Christine Rogers
and spreaders to safely rescue him.
Advertising
Tracy Broderick 0117 986 0381 sales.theweekin@gmail.com
Post Office branch set to reopen
@theweekineditor the_week_in_news 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
Beech Hill Post Office in Fishponds,
The Post Office branch will be open daily
which has been shut since January when
from 7am to 10pm. Similar services will
the McColl’s store it was in closed, is due
continue to be available, excluding vehicle
to reopen on 20th June under new
tax.
management.
Scott
It will be based at the previous location in
Provision Lead, said: “We are delighted to
Frome Valley Road in a new convenience
soon be restoring Post Office services to
store run by the Latestop operator, which
the Beech Hill area of Fishponds as we
runs some Spar and Costcutter stores in the
know how important a Post Office is to a
West Country.
community.”
Lacey,
Post
Office
Network
The Week in • Wednesday 17th May 2023
Ambulance service is ordered to improve An ambulance company based near Keynsham has been
2022.
told it needs to improve after inspectors highlighted
Leaders told the inspectors that the vehicles should all be
concerns including that its fleet of patient transport
deep cleaned every six weeks and whilst accepting this
vehicles hadn’t been deep cleaned for eight months.
wasn’t currently happening due to a recent loss of contact
However, the recently published Care Quality Commission
with the cleaning company, they were not aware it had been
new identification badges issued to new staff were said to be
(CQC) report into Secure Care UK Ltd, also found much to
eight months since any of the fleet vehicles had been deep
“not fit for purpose”.
praise, including the kindness and compassion of staff and
cleaned. The management team could not find the company’s
This week a spokesperson for the company said: “Secure
the support they give new members of the team.
infection prevention and control policy to see what guidance
Care acknowledges the findings of the CQC and we are
The inspectors also found “outstanding practice” in terms of
was available to staff.
confident that the issues identified during the inspection were
restraint reduction standards. At the time of the inspection,
Other reasons for the rating were because management
isolated and did not impact patient or staff safety.
the company was the only secure mental health transport
systems did not alert leaders when there were risks to patient
“We have already made strong progress with an action plan
provider to become accredited in its own right.
safety, such as infection prevention control risks, and when
to rectify the issues raised. We are delighted the CQC
This was the first time that the CQC had inspected the service
staff had not been given required training. Staff were not
recognised that our staff are compassionate and kind as they
which is based at Burnett Business Park. Secure Care UK
aware of learning from incidents, complaint, or feedback, and
go about their duties.”
took over the contract from Tascor Services Ltd in February 2021. Secure Care UK Ltd collects patients from their homes,
Event to support Ukraine guests and hosts
hospitals, and custodial settings. Patients are transported to
An event about housing-related issues for Bath & North
can be provided to Homes for Ukraine guests, along with
hospitals or other facilities to receive treatment for their
East Somerset residents taking part in the Homes for
useful information and advice on the costs of running a
mental health conditions and in the past 12 months, the
Ukraine sponsorship scheme will be held in Bath next
tenancy, how to source furniture, welfare and accessing
service had undertaken 2,791 patient journeys. There were
Tuesday (23rd May).
benefits. Anyone considering hosting is also welcome to
52 members of staff employed at the time of the inspection.
The event, being organised by B&NES Council, is an
drop in and find out more about the sponsorship scheme.
An overall rating of ‘requires improvement’ was given.
opportunity for guests and hosts to find out more
The event takes place from 5pm to 7.30pm at the
Although the inspectors found that staff followed infection
information on topics including re-matching to a new host,
Guildhall. It is a drop-in event with no booking required.
control principles, including the use of personal protective
social housing and private renting.
Find out more about the Homes for Ukraine scheme at
equipment (PPE), record checks found that no vehicles in the
There will be information on the financial package that
https://tinyurl.com/y63bpp6v
site’s fleet of eight vehicles had been deep cleaned since May
The Week in • Wednesday 17th May 2023
5
Time to replace lopsided voting system? As the dust settles on this month’s local elections, results across the country have led to renewed calls for a different voting system. The Electoral Reform Society last week renewed its call for an end to the ‘first past the post’ system in favour of one which better reflects the wishes of local people. And to highlight the problem, one of the councils singled out after an analysis of all the local council results, was Bath & North East Somerset. As we reported last week, the Liberal Democrats became the first party to win two consecutive terms of leading the council by winning 41 wards out of the 59 available. That represents almost 72% of the seats but as the table below shows, they won 42% of the votes cast. The Conservatives, who won almost 24% of the votes, have three councillors. Bath & North East Somerset Council Party
% vote
Seats
Liberal Democrat
42.3
41
Labour
14.1
5
Independent
6.5
5
it will mean that 36% of voters in South Gloucestershire are
which has been used in Scotland and Northern Ireland for a
Green
13.5
3
disenfranchised.
number of years. In 2020, the Welsh National Assembly
Conservative
23.6
3
passed legislation to allow councils to adopt STV at the next elections.
South Gloucestershire Council
Instead of placing one or two crosses against the preferred
But the Electoral Reform Society has highlighted even
Party
% vote
Seats
greater disparities elsewhere in the country. At Broxbourne
Conservative
36
23
choices. These are then allocated according to the proportion
Liberal Democrat
34
20
of votes cast and the number of councilor seats being
the Labour Party won with a similar imbalance. In both those
Labour
24
17
cases, minority parties which accounted for almost 20% of
Green
4
0
the votes cast have no councilors at all.
Others
2
1
Council in Hertfordshire, the Conservatives won 50% of the votes and 90% of the seats while in Tameside (Manchester)
opposite demonstrates. But, if as expected, the Liberal Democrats and Labour reach an agreement to run the council,
Voter ID Figures released by Bath & North East Somerset Council show that 56 people did not vote in this month’s local elections because they did not have the correct identification. The elections were the first to take place after the rule changes which required people voting at polling stations to have a form of photo identification. According to the
contested. According to Darren Hughes, Chief Executive of the
In South Gloucestershire, the three major parties finished with a more balanced share of votes to councillors as the table
candidates, voters are asked to rank their top five
Electoral Reform Society, voter choice has more than doubled and uncontested seats have become a thing of the past.
What the Electoral Reform Society is advocating is the
You can find out more and sign the Electoral Reform Society
introduction of the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system
petition at www.electoral-reform.org.uk
New date for Paulton election The election for Paulton ward, which was rearranged
Any new candidates wishing to stand at the re-scheduled
following the death of the Green Party candidate Tim
election can email elections@bathnes.gov.uk to request a
Morgan, will take place on Thursday 22nd June.
nomination pack.
New poll cards will be sent to voters, including
All other previous candidates remain validly nominated
information about how to arrange a postal or proxy vote
and will be included on the ballot paper. Candidate
if they cannot make it to the polling station on the new
nominations must be delivered to the Returning Officer no
date.
later than 4pm on Thursday 25th May.
council, 141 people were originally turned away from of the accepted forms of ID. Of those, 85 returned later
Emergency repairs cause disruption
with the correct ID and were able to vote.
Two sets of emergency A4 Bath Road roadworks have been
West Utilities near Grange Road to trace and repair a gas
Across Bath and North East Somerset 112,492 people
causing delays through Saltford this week.
leak.
were eligible to vote in person at the polling stations and
Wessex Water has been dealing with a burst pipe near The
Meanwhile there was a planned overnight closure this week
34,841 votes were cast.
Glen. On Monday Bath & North East Somerset Council said
at The Shallows in Saltford. It was anticipated that the closure
This represented a turnout of 38.95%, down slightly on
that two-way temporary signals would be in place while
for railway bridge repairs would be required for four nights
the 2019 figure of 40.76%.
repairs are carried out.
between 10pm and 6am, with a diversion via the High Street,
There have also been ongoing emergency works by Wales &
Norman Road and A4.
polling stations because they either had no ID or not one
6
The Week in • Wednesday 17th May 2023
Knitters’ dismay as postbox topper is stolen and vandalised A knitting group has been left dismayed at the theft and
The group had made eight figures – a King, a Queen, three
vandalism of the figures they created as part of a
Guardsmen and three Beefeaters – that were all attached to a
Coronation tribute in Whitchurch Village.
metal frame and on a knitted base.
The Knit and Natter group, which meets at Whitchurch
Mary Leader from the group said: “We put it up at 10am on
United Reformed Church, worked hard to produce the knitted
Saturday 29th April to be there all week to celebrate the
Coronation themed topper for the postbox at the crossroads
Coronation on Saturday 6th May. Unfortunately by 6pm on
by the Maes Knoll Toby Carvery on the Wells Road.
Bank Holiday Monday 1st May it had been stolen and vandalised,” She said that a CCTV camera in the area had captured it being removed just before 6pm. Two of the Beefeaters still attached to the metal frame were found at the bus stop opposite the post box. The incident has been reported to the police. Mary added: “We had many very complimentary comments on Facebook about how much enjoyment the topper had given to people during the 55 hours it was up.” The group’s members produce many knitted items, usually for charity, and their three other postbox toppers – last spring, last Christmas and at Easter – were admired and left intact. “We will not be deterred and will be working on another themed topper which will be put up once we have completed
The knitted display was removed
it, this time more securely fixed, but that should not be One of the Beefeaters was damaged
The Week in • Wednesday 17th May 2023
necessary,” said Mary.
and third Thursdays each month in the church hall at the back
The group meets between 2.30pm and 4.30pm on the first
of the church and anyone interested is very welcome to join.
7
LETTERS Thank you for voting Lib Dem Dear Editor May I take this opportunity to thank all those people who voted Liberal Democrat in either election on Thursday 4th May. We achieved our best results ever. 41 out of 59 seats in Bath & North East Somerset and 11 out of 15 on Keynsham Town Council. We
Safety audit ‘will explore whether more cycle lane improvements are needed’
will try our best to support everybody in the town. Andy Wait, Keynsham
Bath & North East Somerset Council has responded with a two-line statement to questions
New paving dug up
raised on our Letters page about the latest safety
Paving laid outside Victoria Methodist Church as part of
Since the redesigned High Street reopened to traffic
the Keynsham High Street improvement scheme was dug
in March 2022, there have been at least 59 reports
up last week. Signs said that work was being carried out
to Bath & North East Somerset Council of people
by Kier Construction and National Grid.
sustaining injuries including broken bones, sprains,
There were still barriers cordoning off an area at the start
cuts and bruises.
of this week.
Reader Michael Lowe was one of the first people
audit of the cycle lane in Keynsham High Street.
to injure himself shortly after the lane opened. At the time he said his fall was caused by the unexpected second drop-down kerb from the cycle lane. Last week he asked how independent the awaited Stage 4 Road Safety Audit is, who is carrying it out, what involvement they have had with the council in the project to date, and whether they would have any vested interest in justifying the status quo. He also queried if anyone representing the Keynsham community is involved in the audit. We put his questions to the council and received a statement from Sophie Broadfield, Director of
Try your hand at bowls
Sustainable Communities. She said: “The Stage 4
Keynsham Bowling Club, based in Keynsham Memorial
with the requirements set out in the design manual
Park, is affiliated to Bowls England and each year it
for Roads and Bridges, to explore whether further
Street as a whole, and changes were proposed by the design
participates in the Big Bowls Weekend by staging open
improvements to the cycle lane are needed.
team to the cycle lane which included installing red Tarmac;
days. So if you have never rolled a wood and would like
“This would be in addition to work we have already
reducing the width of the solid white line marking the edge
to give it a try, sign up for one of the hourly sessions on
completed, which has reduced the number of reported
of the cycle lane, in line with Department for Transport
either Saturday 27th or Monday 29th May.
incidents.”
standards; and increasing the number of cycle symbol
Slots are available at 10am and 11am and 2pm and 3pm
The council did not confirm whether engineering consultancy
markings. The cycle lane changes were introduced last
each day and you can reserve a place by contacting club
and professional services firm Jacobs would be carrying out
August.
secretary David at kbc57info@gmail.com or calling
the audit. Jacobs did the Stage 3 audit last May on behalf of
However, people have continued to trip and fall. Local
07787 968874.
the council and stated at the time that no member of the audit
councillor Alan Hale told us that there was another incident
All equipment is provided and you just need to wear a
team had been involved with the scheme’s design.
last Wednesday which resulted in the person having to go to
pair of flat shoes. Qualified club coaches will be on hand.
Last year’s audit made several recommendations for the High
hospital.
Road Safety Audit will shortly be carried out in line
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(car,
kitchen,
double glazing etc.) from an advertiser in The Week In. Call 0117 9860386 or email: sales.theweekin@gmail.com
8
The Week in • Wednesday 17th May 2023
Garden revamp and time capsule mark church’s commemoration of the Coronation Hanham Methodist Church decided to commemorate the
The church membership were asked to donate plants or
Coronation of King Charles III by revamping their
money with which to purchase them.
garden.
On the day more than 20 volunteers braved the weather. A
With the pay-as-you-can Beacon Café, which is based at the
tree was planted with a plaque to mark the occasion and the
church, they applied for and received a Big Help Out grant
time capsule was buried with a plaque asking that it should
with which they were able to purchase compost, bark and
be opened in May 2073.
provide refreshments for volunteers on the day.
After the work was done an excellent picnic lunch was
Prior to the bank holiday, much hard work was done in
prepared by the Beacon Café, which is part of the community
clearing the borders and preparing the ground.
organisation We Are BS15.
A time capsule was also purchased which was filled with
A memory book is being made with photos of the day and
local newspapers of that weekend, national papers with
dedications to anyone for whom a plant or shrub was
photos of the King and Queen, details of activities in the
purchased.
New planting in the garden
church, the history of the church and Hanham Mount, a photo of the membership and a stamp with the King’s head, plus several coins.
Look out for the scarecrows
Campaign for pedestrian crossings
The Friends of Christ Church School in Hanham have
Residents in Brislington are campaigning for pedestrian
Every year the Friends get local children and families to
Community litter pick
crossings at the junctions of Hampstead Road with both
design and make a scarecrow. These are then placed in
Hanham Baptist Church and members of the local
Talbot Road and Kensington Park Road.
shops and venues up and down Hanham High Street.
community came together on Monday 8th May - the day
They are trying to raise support for a bid for funding to
Each year there is a different theme for the trail which is
of The Big Help Out - for a litter pick.
create safer routes to local schools and community
given when people collect their entry sheet. They cost £4
The team of 18 pickers covered quite an area on foot,
facilities.
and can be collected from Hanham Community Centre
from the High Street to Hanham Common, Memorial
They say at present these junctions are busy and difficult
between 11am and 3pm each day.
Road up to Greenbank Road and over to Aspects Leisure
to cross on foot or by bicycle.
The job is to follow the trail and against each number
Park.
If they manage to secure funding, a detailed proposal
identify who or what the scarecrow is.
A big thank you goes to everyone who took part and to
would be designed alongside Bristol City Council and
There are prizes for taking part. You can submit your
members of the community who thanked the volunteers
subject to consultation at that stage.
sheet with your name and contact number at the end of
en route and gave them encouragement.
Brislington ward councillors say they are fully supportive
the trail back at the community centre, or return it to the
These community litter picks are held in Hanham on a
of the campaign and encourage people to register their
school office by Tuesday 23rd May. Winners will be
monthly basis, the next one being Saturday 3rd June at
interest at https://tinyurl.com/yc7wv7bw
drawn on Wednesday 24th May.
10.30am. The venue has yet to be confirmed.
The time capsule
their annual scarecrow trail this weekend (20th and 21st May).
Sudoku
SUNDAY CHEMISTS
1-Easy
Boots, Gallagher Retail Park, Longwell Green
Sunday 14th May
2 -Hard
(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) Keynsham Pharmacy, 15 Station Road, BS31 2BH (10am-4pm) Tesco, Callington Road, Brislington (10am to 4pm) Morrisons, 688-718 Fishponds Road, Fishponds (10am-4pm) Boots, Avonmeads Retail Park, St Philips Causeway (11am-5pm)
The Week in • Wednesday 17th May 2023
9
Public meeting to discuss new community garden Behind the Methodist Church in Queens Road in Keynsham there is a sizeable piece of land owned by the church which has been unused for a number of years. The church is now proposing that it could become a community garden. Mike Barrow, on behalf of Keynsham Methodist Church, said: “The church does not have the human resources to develop this project and then manage it and is proposing that it be a joint project with the community. “To try and move this idea forward, a public meeting has been arranged to take place at
the church on 31st May at 7pm to which any interested party or person in the community is invited. “It is envisaged incorporating raised allotment beds, a sensory tranquillity area with wildflower beds and seating – an ecological project that enhances biodiversity and pollination. “The town council is totally supportive of this project and it is hoped that councillors who will have been recently elected to serve on the town council and Bath & North East Somerset Council will also be able to attend.” The land behind the church
Ofsted praise for ‘welcoming and inclusive’ school Ofsted has praised “welcoming and
quality, enjoyable learning experiences.
inclusive” Chester Park Junior School in
They work closely with staff, parents and
Fishponds, saying it continues to be a
outside agencies to identify and meet the
Good school.
needs of pupils with special educational
Pupils at the school in Abingdon Road are
needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
happy, polite and friendly and have
And they “relentlessly follow up on
positive attitudes toward learning, the
absence and support families to improve
inspector found. Pastoral support is said to
pupils’ attendance but despite their efforts,
be strong and parents speak in “glowing
some pupils do not attend regularly. Ofsted
terms” about the school.
says that the school must continue to
The inspector said that leaders and staff
improve attendance so that pupils do not
have a shared ambition to provide high-
fall behind in their learning.
Crossword
Pre-school keeps its Outstanding rating Sunshine Pre-School in Whitchurch has
progress in their learning.
kept its Outstanding Ofsted rating.
Those with special educational needs
The pre-school in East Dundry Road
and/or disabilities (SEND) are supported
opened 20 years ago and there are 35
exceptionally well.
children on the roll.
Leaders also support staff's well-being
The inspector who visited recently said
very well, which enables them to
that the youngsters are excited to start their
understand and support the well-being of
day, and are greeted enthusiastically by the
children.
warm, friendly staff. Children behave
complimentary about the provision and the
exceptionally well and make excellent
excellent progress their children make.
ACROSS
DOWN
1. Disapproval (9)
2. Destroyed (6)
9. Cherry red (6)
3. Emotional shock (6)
10. Passport endorsement (4)
4. Box for dead body (6)
11. Apartment (4)
6. Measured (7)
12. Fall back (6)
7. Freshwater fish (4)
13. Mythical sea
8. Below (9)
creature (7)
13. Miniature universe (9)
16. Notion (4)
14. Measure of paper
17. Lump (4)
quantity (4)
18. Forbid (3)
15. Rolling hills (5)
20. Edge (3)
18. Ballpoint pen (4)
21. Crosspiece (4)
19. Frozen food store (7)
23. Woody plant (4)
22. Summerhouse (6)
25. Rescuer (7)
23. Drink regularly (6)
26. Gossamer (6)
24. Continent (6)
29. District (4)
27. Stream (4)
30. Front of vessel (4)
28. Foreshadow (4)
Parents
are
highly
5. Wound mark (4)
31. Holy (6) 32. Recuperated (9)
10
The Week in • Wednesday 17th May 2023
Explore villages’ rich history at your own pace Thanks to Bitton Parish History Group, visitors and locals alike can now enjoy free detailed tour maps that take them on a journey through local villages' most significant historical landmarks. The walks are self-guided, allowing people to take their time and explore the area at their own pace. There are separate maps for Bitton, Oldland Common and Willsbridge. Each walk comes with an easy-to-read illustrated map that guides visitors through the historic sights. The maps also include step-by-step directions, photos, and background information, making it easy for visitors to navigate the walks and learn more about the history of the villages. Accessibility details are clearly indicated on each map. Visit Bitton Parish History Group’s website to download the self-guided walk maps at https://www.bittonhistory.org.uk/walks/ Alternatively collect any of the maps (free)
from any of the following locations: • Bitton Station (10am – 4.30pm on Avon Valley Railway’s normal operating days). • Cadbury Heath Library (on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 10am to 5pm, or Saturday from 9.30am to 12.30pm). • Kingswood Heritage Museum, Tower Lane, Warmley (Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday, 2pm to 5pm). • St Mary’s Church, Bitton (open daily April to early October from about 9am to 6pm). • Willsbridge Mill Community Refresh (open Monday, Thursday and Friday,10.30am to 2.30pm, and on Saturday and Sunday from 10.30am to 3.30pm). Printing costs of the leaflets were shared between Bitton Parish Council, ALHA (Avon Local History & Archaeology) and Bitton Parish History Group. Graphic design was provided by Rainbow Press, Kingswood.
Trust hits station restoration project target Avon Valley Railway Heritage Trust has
In the years following the line’s closure,
hit its target of raising £2,500 to create one
Avon Valley Railway Heritage Trust,
of the first heritage railway stations in the
based at Bitton Station, worked hard to
UK dedicated to the closure period.
rebuild a portion of the line, reaching
As we reported in Issue 769 (22 February)
Oldland Common Station and building a
a project is planned to restore Oldland
new platform in 1997 to again connect the
Common Station to how it would have
village with steam trains.
looked in the 1960s, with replica signage
But
and restoration of the lamp posts.
crowdfunding appeal was launched with
The station and line were closed to
the plan being to capture the heritage
passengers in March 1966 with the
atmosphere of the station, telling its story
platforms and all other infrastructure
and of the line and allowing visitors to
swept away as part of the Beeching cuts.
enjoy it properly once again.
with
refurbishment
needed,
Keep in touch, let us know what you think, send us your news www.facebook.com/theweekin
a
As it was, looking south towards North Street bridge from the Up side in the mid-1960s. © C Maggs
The Week in • Wednesday 17th May 2023
11
Climate action is fine, as long as it doesn’t inconvenience us Earlier this month (Issue 779) I wrote an article about how local council plans to reduce pollution are coming up against a seeming reluctance to give up our cars. Reduced speed limits and pedestrian first ‘liveable neighbourhoods’ are either proactive measures to decarbonise and impact on the estimated 30,000 extra deaths a year from vehicle emissions, or they are simply ‘anti-car’. At almost the same time, a pan-European poll was being carried out by the YouGov-Cambridge Centre for Public Opinion Research on environmental attitudes – and the good news is that we are not alone. The poll, carried out in seven European countries including the UK, basically confirmed that almost everyone supports action on climate change, but not if it means personal inconvenience, and particularly to giving up their cars. Starting with the good news, most of us are worried about climate change (65% in the UK, rising to 81% in Italy). What’s more, less than 20% across Europe believe it is not man made, and this includes the 5% who do not even believe
climate change is real. There is broad support for planting more trees (45%-72%) and even more for Government subsidies to improve home energy efficiency (67%-86%). Even a ban on single use plastics wins approval across Europe (40% to 56%) while around one third would happily swap to an electric vehicle. But when it comes to lifestyle changes, concerns over climate action begin to dissipate. Perhaps surprisingly, the country where people would be most happy to limit meat and dairy consumption is Italy (48%), twice the figure in the UK. As for giving up the car in favour of public transport or active travel, it is only Spain (44%), Italy (40%) and France (35%) where the figures are above a median of one in five. Raising fuel duty produced similar response levels, as did a ban on the sale of petrol and diesel cars.
So it does appear that if we think we are doing our bit by sorting the recycling every week but then jump in our car for a journey of less than two miles (50% of us do apparently), we are not being selfish. Our European neighbours tend to think the same way. Stephen Rodgers
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Tackling tenancy fraud in Bristol Bristol City Council says
During 2022/23 the council’s
cases of fraud have been
that work to tackle tenancy
fraud
stopped.
fraud saved more than
prevented
of
Cllr Tom Renhard, cabinet
£2.5m last year, while also
tenancy fraud and abuse
member for housing delivery
freeing up homes for those
across the city. This included
and homes, said: “Bristol
in need.
stopping fraudulent housing
adopts
Bristol currently faces a
and
approach to tenancy fraud,
housing crisis with more than
applications,
a
and will work with and
19,000 households on the
prosecution for someone
support other agencies and
waiting
subletting their property to
social housing providers to
housing, along with more
someone else.
stop tenancy fraud, and make
than 1,200 households in
Since 2010, when the team
the
temporary accommodation.
was launched, more than 350
housing.”
list
for
social
investigation 36
cases
team
right-to-buy and
a
most
zero-tolerance
of
its
social
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The Community Page
News from Keynsham Town Council A MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAIRMAN With the local elections now behind us, I am pleased to introduce the new group of Councillors who will be representing Keynsham for the next four years. Please see further information below about who the newly elected Councillors are and the areas they represent. I look forward to working closely with all Councillors as newly appointed Chair of the Council. Finally, I wanted to express my gratitude to those Councillors who chose not to re-stand for elections or were not successful in re-election. Being a Councillor for Keynsham Town Councillor is a volunteer position and their contributions to the town, particularly during the ‘covid years’, should not go unnoticed. Many thanks for all that you have done to support Keynsham.
Alongside the elections, I wanted to congratulate the Town Council staff on holding a fantastic Coronation Picnic in the Park on Sunday 7th May. It was a lovely day out with entertainment and activities that the entire community could enjoy - it was truly Keynsham at its finest. I am now looking forward to the Keynsham Music Festival even more. Not the least because this year’s Music Festival will include the new Nova Youth Arts Festival, created by Keynsham’s young people with support from the Town Council’s Youth Service Staff. It’s sure to bring the best of Keynsham out again to socialise in Memorial Park. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for sunshine this year! Hal MacFie, Chair, Keynsham Town Council
Keynsham Comes out to Celebrate the Coronation On Sunday 7th May Keynsham Town Council hosted the Picnic in the Park to commemorate the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. And what a day it
Results of Keynsham Town Council Elections
was! The sun was shining, and the residents of Keynsham
Keynsham North Souzan Alenshasy, Liberal Democrats Alex Beaumont, Liberal Democrats David Brassington, Liberal Democrats Edmund Cannon, Green Party Martin Woodward, Liberal Democrats
of the highlights included the children’s races, a full line-
Keynsham South Dave Biddleston, Labour Party Martin Burton, Labour Party Chris Davis, Labour Party Alan Greenfield, Liberal Democrats Andy Halliday, Liberal Democrats
Keynsham East Caitlin Brennan, Liberal Democrats Clive Fricker, Liberal Democrat (Vice Chair) Caroline Leonard, Liberal Democrats Hal McFie, Liberal Democrats (Chair) Andy Wait, Liberal Democrats
and surrounding areas came to celebrate in style. Some up of bandstand performances, and all the family-friendly performers keeping the crowds entertained. A special thanks go to KTCRfm who compered the bandstand and kept the crowds up-beat in-between sets.
If you need to contact your local Councillor, please contact Keynsham Town Council by phone 01179868683 or visit the office at 15 – 17 Temple Street.
To find out more about the Keynsham Music Festival, running June 26th – July 2nd, and the Nova Youth Arts Festival, running June 26th - July 2nd, please visit: keynshammusicfestival.co.uk
Photo credit: many thanks to Mike May and John
Facebook: Keynsham Music Festival Instagram: @keyshamfest or @novaartsfestival
Aldridge for capturing the day in pictures.
Keynsham Good Citizens Award Winners At the Town Council’s Annual Town Meeting on 20th April, Keynsham Town Council were pleased to award the following residents Good Citizen Awards. Now in its 14th year, the Good Citizen Award aims to recognise individuals who devote their time and effort to enhance the Keynsham community. Under 25s Matty Jackson, KeynshamNow Over 25s Geoff Davis, Somerdale Shed Mark Tanner, Keynsham Table Tennis Club Russell Pocock, Keynsham Mencap Tracie-Jane Bath, for her support of Keynsham Music Fest Trevor Cruse, Keynsham Life Saving Club All the winners have devoted their time and effort to their various Clubs and Associations - thank you for all that you do and congratulations to all our winners! 16
The Week in • Wednesday 17th May 2023