THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset
21st June 2023
Issue 786
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Two teens charged with murder of Mikey Two teenagers have been charged with the murder of Mikey Roynon from Kingswood who was stabbed to death at a party in Bath. There has been an outpouring of grief in the 16-yearold’s home community and well-wishers have so raised more than £18,000 to support his family following the tragedy on Saturday 10th June. Emergency services were dispatched to an address on Eastfield Avenue in Weston shortly after 11pm after reports that a 16-year-old boy had been stabbed. Members of the public provided Mikey with first aid before paramedics arrived but he died at the scene. A post-mortem revealed he died from a single knife wound. Eleven teenagers were arrested in connection with the killing, but nine were later released without charge.
A 35-year-old woman was also stabbed during the incident and attended the Royal United Hospital in Bath for treatment before being discharged. A major investigation was launched involving more than 100 officers and staff. Last Thursday police announced that a 15-year-old boy from Dorset and a 16-year-old boy from Wiltshire had been charged with murder and possession of an offensive weapon. They are being held in youth custody and cannot be named for legal reasons. Detective Inspector Mark Newbury, the senior investigating officer, said that around 50 to 60 people, the majority of whom were children, who had been inside the property in Eastfield Avenue at the time of the incident “sadly witnessed things no one would want them to see”.
Mikey Roynon
He added: “As a result, we are working closely with our partners to ensure they have access to support, including specialist counselling.” The GoFundMe page set up for Mikey – who was also known as YM, says: “As you can imagine his mum and Continued on page 2
Also in this week’s issue
Mixed reaction to new parklets in Temple Street in Keynsham . . . page 3
Spotlight on Green Belt boundaries in South Glos . . . page 5
Two mayors vie to be Labour candidate for new Bristol North East constituency . . . page 10
Plans for block of flats in Kingswood town centre . . . page 11
Two teens charged with murder of Mikey Continued from page 1 dad are distraught, their son will forever be 16. “Mikey was such a kind, loving and thoughtful soul who cared so much about his friends and family. He was so funny and fearless. This money will more than
likely go towards the expenses his family now need to pay out, loss of earnings, funeral, headstone, etc. anything of their choice.” The link to the page is https://www.gofundme.com/f/towardsthe-tragic-death-of-mikey
Among those donating to the appeal and offering her support has been Viv Clifford whose grandson Ramarni Crosby was stabbed to death in Gloucester in December 2021.
A Mikey Roynon Fun Day including a football tournament is being organised in his memory. It will be held at Barton Hill Rugby Club on Sunday 9th July from noon.
Tensions at vigil in park
Van collides with house
The evening after Mikey’s
Avon Fire & Rescue Service were called
More boarding up of the property was
at Southey Park in Kingswood
to Rock Road in Keynsham on Saturday
taking place last Friday.
for a vigil.
death up to 150 people gathered
10th June after reports of a dangerous
The
structure.
memorial event. An Avon &
police
attended
the
A van had collided with a house near the
Somerset Police spokesperson
mini-roundabout by Iceland.
said: “A number of individuals
A crew from the Hicks Gate fire station
had brought fireworks to the
attended and spent time making the scene
gathering and let some of them
safe by isolating the gas and electricity.
off in the direction of and close to other members of the public
2
and police. There were no reported
grounds of public safety.
injuries.
“Those officers remained in the vicinity in
“A senior officer felt our presence at this
case of any further incident, before
memorial event was proving to be a cause
resuming patrols at about 9.15pm when
of tension and so they made a decision for
the number of participants had reduced
officers to step away from the park on the
and no other concerns had been raised.”
The Week in • Wednesday 21st June 2023
Mixed opinion on street’s new parklets There has been a mixed reaction to the two
“Without the paving the parklets are exposed
new parklets that were installed in Temple
and dangerous. I don't think anybody realised
Street in Keynsham last week.
how narrow the road was going to be.”
The original plans for the green seating
There have also been dozens of comments on
areas show them as being on an extended
social media in response to the installation.
pavement on the Riverside development
They include:
side of the street. However, they have been
“It would have been a lot safer to put it on
placed on the road itself as there is no
the pavement, rather than in the road!
funding as yet to make those pavement
Don't fancy sitting there with cars, buses
improvements.
and lorries passing close by.”
New bike racks and planters have also just
“Change can, and often is, a great thing.
been installed as part of the Temple Street
Getting people to sit in random points of a
they stay in good condition.”
being on holiday.”
Improvement Project.
busy road with nothing than a bit of metal to
“Did the people who fitted them not have
B&NES Council has confirmed that two
The project is part of the Keynsham High
protect them doesn’t feel like the positive
a level?! Can’t wait to sit on one of the
large parking bays have been altered on the
Street Heritage Action Zone Programme
change and heritage feel the planners were
stools slanted as they are now.”
east side of the street to introduce the
which involves Historic England, Bath &
after.”
“Love it. Too many negative comments.
additional seating and greening on a trial
North East Somerset Council and Keynsham
“We sat there the other evening, they were
Doesn't anyone like change? More planters
basis before deciding whether to seek further
Town Council. The aim is to improve the
okay. It was only for five minutes. Didn't
please, I'll be ready for cocktail hour. Like
funding to make the changes permanent.
street for everyone who lives in, works in or
realise they were going to be metal. In the
visits the area. A natural stone pavement has
heat those plant roots will get cooked.
been installed on the historic side of the street
Slightly unsettling that they jut out, into
and the project also includes better disabled
the road. Would be nice with some trees
parking.
along there in tree pits of course.”
This week one Temple Street trader told us:
“I had a nice little sit down there… I hope
The new parklets are on the road
Strike action by bin workers Around 150 workers employed by Suez
11.4%, this is a significant real terms pay
emptying bins in South Gloucestershire
cut. Bin loaders in South Gloucestershire
have begun a summer of strike action.
earn £11.53 per hour.
Black bin (household waste) collections
Members of both the Unite and Unison
went ahead last week but recycling and
unions
garden waste collections were affected by
Gloucestershire
the industrial action.
Kingswood Civic Centre last Monday.
Normal collections resumed this week but
Social
a second phase of industrial action is
therapists who are members of Unison
planned from Monday 26th June to
have so far taken six days of strike action
Sunday 9th July. The union Unite has
“for safe staffing levels and quality social
warned that if the dispute is not resolved,
care services for our communities”.
strike action will intensify over the
The dispute started after a decision by the
summer.
council to award staff in children’s
Staff voted to strike by 89% after rejecting
services an additional temporary £3,000
an eight per cent pay offer from Suez. The
payment on top of their basic annual
union says that with the real rate of
salary. This uplift was not offered to those
inflation the Retail Price Index (RPI) at
doing the same job in adult services.
The Week in • Wednesday 21st June 2023
held
a
workers
lobby
of
Council and
South outside
occupational
This illustrative plan showed the pavement width increased to accommodate the new parklets and the road width reduced although with two-way traffic still maintained
Major waste changes in South Glos South Gloucestershire Council is to
reduces waste going to landfill and
launch a public consultation this summer
controls costs.
over proposed changes to waste services
The cabinet has also asked officers to
which could result in less frequent black
explore ways to further reduce costs and
bin collections and the annual green waste
to report back in the autumn. Food waste
subscription rising from £30 to £75.
currently accounts for 12.5% of waste in
The council’s 25-year contract with Suez
black bins, while soft plastics account for
ends in 2025. The recycling rate has
33% so that is almost half of volume
increased from just 6% when the contract
which could be taken out of black bins
started to 59.9% in 2022-23.
through
Discussions have been under way in
Gloucestershire is currently taking part in
recent months and the council’s cabinet
a national pilot to collect soft plastics at
has this week agreed a direction of travel
the kerbside. The aim is to roll that out to
towards agreeing a new contract.
all homes in the district by the end of
The new arrangements would see kerbside
2025. Taken together, the council says
waste and recycling collection services re-
these measures would dramatically reduce
tendered to an external contractor, whilst
the amount of waste in most black bins so
the operation of the Sort It centres and
collections could drop to every three or
materials handling would be brought ‘in
four weeks.
house’ and undertaken by council staff.
Other proposed options to help the council
The council will now ask potential
cover the increasing costs of delivering
providers to demonstrate how they would
waste services include bringing the green
provide those services in a way that meets
bin subscription charge into line with
residents’ needs, drives up recycling rates,
neighbouring local authorities.
increased
recycling.
South
3
Betting shop to close Keynsham betting shop Betfred on Bath Hill is to close. Betfred told The Week In: “We monitor the footfall at all our shops and have reluctantly decided it is no longer viable to continue operating at that particular site. “We aim to redeploy staff involved as far as possible.” It is understood it will close within the next three to four weeks and that staff were only told recently about the closure.
Rebrand for convenience store McColl’s in Chandag Road in Keynsham is to become a Morrisons Daily store. The shop will close its doors for the last time as McColl’s tomorrow (Thursday) at 5pm and the premises will be shut for seven days to undergo a refit, reopening on Friday 30th June. The Post Office branch will be remaining in the new store.
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.
Would-be intruders flee Three people tried to break into a garage on Manor Road in Keynsham at approximately 1.40am on Tuesday 13th June. Their attempt set the burglar alarm off and they were seen running down the drive to the top of the road. All were wearing black clothing. The reference number for this crime is 5223138223. If you have any information, especially CCTV images, contact the police on 101, Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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The Week In Community Ltd, 8 Temple Court, Keynsham. BS31 1HA 0117 986 0381. www.theweekin.co.uk ISSN: 2052-9767 Publisher Editor Contributors
Stephen Rodgers admin@theweekin.co.uk Becky Feather 07403 273967 Christine Rogers
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Tracy Broderick 0117 986 0381 sales.theweekin@gmail.com @theweekineditor the_week_in_news
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4
The Week in • Wednesday 21st June 2023
Council accused of redrawing Green Belt boundaries As the number of objections to Redrow’s
“The preparation of the council’s new Local
providing a greater level of detail than the
Objectors to the
plans to build on protected land at
Plan requires all the policies of the existing
earlier piece of work. This will enable the
plans for 149
Hanham
Conservative
plan to be reviewed, including those relating
council to assess the relative and cumulative
homes on the
councillor has said that the new coalition
to the Green Belt. The council’s programme
impact
by
Green Belt land
running South Gloucestershire Council is
for the new plan was started, and then last
developers though the Local Plan’s ‘call for
known as The
planning to redraw Green Belt boundaries
formally confirmed by the Conservative-led
sites’ process. Once this work is completed,
Batch in Hanham
in the district.
administration in October 2022. The new
it will be published to support the next stage
have highlighted
Conservative
council administration is in the process of
of policy development in our new Local Plan.
that
councillor for neighbouring Longwell Green,
reviewing that programme to ensure it meets
This approach will provide the evidence
should be protec-
was speaking at the Hanham & Longwell
its objectives but has already stated its
necessary to enable the council to justify
ted as it is Green
Green Community Engagement Forum
determination to ensure that development
policy decisions to be made in the new South
Belt and raise concerns about the threat to
meeting on Thursday.
proposals are guided by a new up-to-date
Gloucestershire Local Plan.
ecology and wildlife, as well as the impact
He said: “It has become apparent that the
Local Plan in as short a time period as is
“These pieces of work are necessary for all
on already overstretched services and local
new Liberal-Labour administration are going
possible.
local authorities who have Green Belt land
roads.
to review the Green Belt and redraw the
“The review of the Green Belt policies will
and is consistent with ensuring the council
There are also eight comments backing the
boundaries.”
be based on two pieces of evidence. The first
meets is statutory requirement to prepare a
scheme. One supporter said: “Affordable
Cllr Murphy reassured residents that he and
is work carried out at West of England-wide
sound Local Plan.
housing is in short supply. Without building
his newly elected colleague for Longwell
level: The Green Belt West of England Study
“The current Local Plan programme
many more houses, they will never be
Green Carol Strange would be holding the
(Stage 1) 2022, which has already been
envisages that there will be two further
affordable. It's a tiny patch of scraggy field,
coalition to account to protect the Green Belt.
published. This divided the Green Belt into
opportunities for community views to be
not inhabited directly by anything special,
This week a South Gloucestershire Council
strategic parcels and considered the extent
sought and taken into account before the plan
and developers have to make at least a 10%
spokesperson said: “The council’s position
each parcel met the five purposes of the
is
improvement to biodiversity; the council
has not changed in relation to the Green Belt.
Green Belt but did not consider the
examination.”
We are continuing work to develop a new
individual or cumulative harm to the Green
Local Plan which will help protect South
Belt of specific development proposals.
Gloucestershire
“The second piece of work will therefore be
Kris
tops
Murphy,
700,
the
a
new
from
speculative
and
unplanned development.”
of
taken
development
forward
for
proposed
independent
the
land Kris Murphy
could always stipulate more than this.”
a South Gloucestershire-specific study
One of the fields at The Batch
Bigger multi-let planned Plans to turn a small house of multiple
alterations including converting the
occupation (HMO) in Downend into a
garage
large one have been submitted to South
accommodation.
Gloucestershire Council.
According to the latest HMO public
3 Hurstwood Road, which is a semi-
register on the council’s website, this is
detached house, has been used as a five-
the only multi-let in the immediate
bed HMO but the owners now want to
vicinity.
turn it into an eight-bed HMO with
The planning reference is P23/01833/F.
The Week in • Wednesday 21st June 2023
to
create
more
living
5
Changes to bus funding rules may not save rural services Campaigners seeking to reverse cuts to subsidised bus
designed to deliver long-
services were buoyed by a Government announcement on
term service improvements.
funding last week. But as with many ‘Government
Last June, the Bus Minister
announcements’ there are caveats.
at the time, Baroness Vere,
After discussions with local transport authorities around the
told Parliament that the
country, the Department for Transport (DfT) changed the
money was explicitly for
conditions attached to grants made last year under its Bus
innovation in bus travel and
Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). The West of England
could not be used “to prop
Combined Authority (WECA), along with North Somerset
up existing services”. This
Council was awarded £105m from the £1bn fund which was
proved problematic locally where WECA and the three
A nationwide problem
unitary
When Luke Hall, MP for
shire and Bath & North East
Thornbury & Yate, spoke
Somerset
were
at
in Parliament on 8th June
loggerheads
over
the
in support of rural bus
financing of subsidised bus services (those deemed socially
that it will review requests from local transport authorities on
services
necessary but not financially sustainable).
a case-by-case basis. It also warns any authorities considering
Gloucestershire, one thing
Although WECA is the local transport authority for the
making such an application to “carefully consider and
became clear – he was not
region, it has no tax-raising powers. It is therefore the local
confirm whether supporting existing routes would provide
alone.
authorities which set the budget for supported bus services
better value for money compared to their previous plans, and
and pay WECA via a transport levy. Having earlier agreed to
whether the routes they wish to support are likely to become
In
a
in
debate
South
on
bus
services, he asked Mark
authorities
of
Bristol, South Gloucester-
a request from WECA to increase that levy by 10%, the
sustainable in the long-term”. Given the ‘cost per passenger
Harper, the Secretary of
council leaders subsequently refused to hand over the extra
journey’ of some of the recently withdrawn or threatened
State for Transport: “Rural bus services such as the 84,
money and drew up a list of bus services they would no
supported bus services, demonstrating their longer-term
85 and 622 services in South Gloucestershire are vital
longer support.
sustainability may well prove a challenge.
for residents to commute to work, get to school and
Faced with a backlash from voters ahead of the forthcoming
See Letters, page 8
attend health appointments, but they are under real
council elections, money was found to provide temporary
pressure. South Gloucestershire Council has stepped in
extensions to some of the threatened bus services but many
to provide a temporary fix for the 84 and 85 services,
of those have, or are about to, expire. One of the arguments
but will the Secretary of State urge the council and the
used by the council leaders for not increasing their transport
West of England Mayor to work together to find a
levy to WECA was that the Metro Mayor had just received
Concern over suspended bus stops
permanent solution for those services, using the
millions in BSIP funding. But Baroness Vere had made clear
Roadworks in Memorial Road in Hanham look set to
improvement plan subsidies provided to them, so that
this money could not be used to keep existing services afloat
affect First Bus’s 44 and 17 routes for several weeks.
residents in villages such as Charfield, Wickwar,
and the Mayor was using BSIP funds to trial new projects,
Notices appeared last week on bus stops along
Hawkesbury Upton, Rangeworthy and Tytherington are
such as WESTlink and free ‘birthday bus’ travel which he has
Memorial Road and Whittucks Road saying that they
not cut off from having any bus services at all?”
subsequently introduced.
are suspended from Monday 19th June until Sunday
The Minister responded to say he expected West of
But now the Department for Transport has changed its view,
23rd July.
England Combined Authority and local councils to
declaring that it is minded to allow BSIP money to be used
One local resident told us that he was going to contact
work together in ensuring connectivity for rural areas.
on existing bus services. However, that is not a simple green
the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) to
During the short Parliamentary session, he then
light. WECA will not simply be able to divert funding
see if a WESTlink service could be temporarily
received almost identical questions from MPs
allocations the way council leaders such as Kevin Guy at
introduced to help those who will be cut off from
representing areas the length and breadth of the country.
Bath & North East Somerset have been calling for.
Hanham High Street and further afield during the
Notes issued by the DfT on the announcement make clear
coming weeks.
Luke Hall
WESTlink is the new, on-demand bus service to connect outlying areas with the wider transport network.
6
The Week in • Wednesday 21st June 2023
Two mayors vie to be Labour’s candidate for new Parliamentary seat Two high-profile politicians have declared
being at a General Election next year.
that they are running to be the Labour
It will include wards from both South
candidate
Gloucestershire
for
the
proposed
new
and
Bristol,
namely
Parliamentary seat of Bristol North East.
Kingswood, New Cheltenham, Staple Hill &
Last Thursday the Mayor of Bristol Marvin
Mangotsfield, Woodstock, Hillfields, Frome
Rees announced that he has formally applied.
Vale, Eastville and Lockleaze.
The next day Damien Egan, who is currently
The current Kingswood MP, Conservative
the elected Mayor of Lewisham, threw his
Chris Skidmore OBE, has announced his
hat into the ring. Mr Rees was born and
intention to stand down at the next election.
raised in Bristol and Mr Egan grew up in the
Last May Bristolians voted in a referendum
Kingswood and Staple Hill area.
to scrap a directly elected Mayor and return
The new constituency, expected to be
to having a council leader and committee
formally
Boundary
system at City Hall from May 2024, which is
Commission review which will see the
when Mr Rees’s second term comes to an
Kingswood seat disappear, would come into
end.
agreed
under
a
Damien Egan
Marvin Rees
Can you help the children of Myrcha? villages, or from the nearby town of Borodyanka, the scene of some of the worst fighting. As the Russian forces retreated, the school and kindergarten were looted of all equipment and the buildings damaged to the extent that they remain largely unusable. The village constructed a basic bomb shelter which has simple benches, two bio-toilets and a small wood-fired stove to provide light and heating. This is where the entire school and kindergarten pupils, aged from three to 18, are currently being educated. Although the area is back under Ukrainian control, the situation is far from stable and missile and drone attacks are frequent. The charity is currently providing emergency equipment such as generators, LED lighting, and proper heating. It is also supplying a wifi hub, laptops and printers to help the children’s education. The students are returning to school on 1st September after their summer break and the charity is hoping to have this equipment in place ready for the new school year. The next phase of the project will be to
The charity formerly known as Chernobyl Children’s LifeLine, now renamed The Helping Hand for Ukraine, has spent 30 years providing Ukrainian and Belarusian children with respite holidays to the UK, allowing them a break from the radiation emitted by the world’s largest nuclear disaster in 1986. However, at the outbreak of war in Ukraine, the charity was forced to immediately transfer all activities to providing emergency supplies to affected Ukrainian people. The charity has recently partnered with the local council in the Ukrainian village of Myrcha, around 60 miles north west of Kyiv. Myrcha is home to around 130 children, most of whom attend the village’s only school and kindergarten. These buildings are also used as the village’s primary medical care centre and ambulance point. Myrcha and the surrounding area was occupied by Russian forces from February to May 2022. The village has been extensively bombed, shelled, and been the location for open tank battles. There were nearly 1,200 people trapped in Myrcha during the occupation as they escaped from nearby
restore the school buildings and set up a psychological support unit within the kindergarten to help the children to cope with the trauma they have experienced during the
war. The charity says that small donations really can make a huge difference. Visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/ccllmyrcha-ukraine
S
Break-in foiled A resident of Great Leaze in Cadbury
Handstones before the police arrived.
Heath was disturbed by an attempt to drill
If you have any information about this
the door lock of a garage at approximately
incident, especially CCTV images, call
2am on Friday 9th June. There were two
101,
offenders, both male and wearing dark
5223135077. Alternatively call Crime-
clothing. They left in the direction of Long
stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The Week in • Wednesday 21st June 2023
giving
reference
number
7
LETTERS Carbon reduction must be world’s top priority Dear Editor The notion that humanity is on the brink of mass extinction is one for the birds, isn’t it? Or is it? Recalling
last
summer’s
record-breaking
heatwave, most people agree that our planet is getting hotter. I often get the impression that a significant minority are in denial about the scale of climate change and resist confronting the seriousness of global warming and its gathering consequences. I even overheard on the bus recently a man talking to his friend about global warming and dismissing the issue as a “grotesque exaggeration”. I disagree. Here in Britain we’re fortunate we don’t (as yet) suffer the devastating impact of climate change which is causing chaos in many countries outside
Of course I hope this bleak scenario never
routes instead.
kindness to her. In the week commencing 5th
happens. But if we continue to disregard scientific
As there is such clear need for these vital bus
June, Marilyn was standing at the bus stop in
evidence warning us of what the future has in
services, I am working with leaders of
Caernarvon Road in Keynsham waiting to board
store as a result of global warming, mankind’s
neighbouring councils, and with councillors from
a 349 bus to take her to the town centre. On that
existence could become threatened.
across North East Somerset, to encourage the
day two had been withdrawn and when the third
In his recent detailed article on climate change
Metro Mayor to reinstate lost services. Our
arrived, it was almost full. The driver left his seat
(Issue 781) publisher Stephen Rodgers sums up
communities need a properly functioning public
and, telling Marilyn she could board, he took her
the general public’s apathy regarding the climate
transport system, with regular, reliable buses
shopping trolley and lifted it on to the luggage
emergency with his headline ‘Climate action is
connecting larger towns and villages, particularly
rack. Although seats were occupied other
fine, as long as it doesn’t inconvenience us’. Well
in the morning and evening. In between those
passengers generously offered theirs to Marilyn.
put.
times and in smaller places with no public
She would like to thank everyone who showed
For future generations’ sake, the public needs to
transport, an “on-demand service” might well
her kindness on that day but particularly to the bus
be made more aware about the danger of
work. But without regular, familiar bus services,
driver who went beyond the call of duty.
continuing to pollute the atmosphere. Otherwise
the new “on-demand” system is not fit for
Mike Barrow
our intrepid scribe Stephen might have to start
purpose.
writing sequels charting the gradual decline of
We know that using public transport is great for
human beings losing their prevailing dominance
our mental and physical health, not to mention its
of planet Earth.
environmental benefits. I am also particularly
The Week In is independent of any political or
Philip Gannaway
concerned for rural residents without access to
commercial interest.
cars. So, it is crucial now that the Metro Mayor
balanced and accurate view of local news and
listens to reason - please do the right thing!
welcome comments from our readers.
Lib Dem Cllr Sarah Warren
Normally, we will publish letters in full but
Bathavon North ward, Deputy Leader
reserve the right to shorten or clarify the contents
of B&NES Council with responsibility
or to refuse publication. Please try to keep letters
for Climate & Sustainable Travel
under 300 words and supply your full name and
our shores. Already this year many nations including Spain, suffered severe heatwaves. Also wildfires are
Time for Metro Mayor to do the right thing
becoming a frequent nightmare, causing misery
Dear Editor
and devastation for millions of terrified citizens.
I share our residents’ real concerns about the loss
Glacial ice caps are melting at an alarming rate.
of vital, regular local buses in North East
Ocean
causing
Somerset. They have told me how this is
horrendous ever-recurring hurricanes, cyclones,
impacting their ability to get to work, to school,
typhoons and tornadoes around the globe.
Thailand, India and the Horn of Africa have
temperatures
are
rising,
Write to us We aim to produce a
address for reasons of authentication. Only the name and district where you live will be
to medical appointments and other essential
A big thank you from Marilyn
Extreme precipitation is also causing vast areas
journeys.
Dear Editor
Copy can be sent by post or, preferably, e-mail
of land to become flooded, forcing millions to
Responsibility for public transport now rests with
I am writing this on behalf of Marilyn Evans who
and should arrive at our offices no later than
seek refuge until the water recedes. At the same
the West of England Combined Authority Mayor.
lives in Dartmouth Walk in Keynsham who would
9.00am on the Monday of each week. E-mail
time, due to a lack of rainfall, many countries
Whilst Bath & North East Somerset Council took
like to thank those who recently showed great
to:admin@theweekin.co.uk
endure severe drought – leading to widespread
hard decisions to increase to £1m the financial
famine. Carbon reduction must become the
levy we pay WECA for bus services, the Metro
world’s urgent top priority. Unless world leaders
Mayor has at his disposal a £57m fund, dedicated
seize the initiative to reduce our dependency on
solely to improving buses. So, it’s astonishing that
fossil fuels, the global upheaval will continue –
he decided not to support and enhance regular
and get worse!
services, but instead to bring in an untested, “on-
Aeons ago, we inherited a relatively safe and
reproduced. Anonymity is possible under certain circumstances.
Join the arts trail The first ever BS4 Arts Trail is happening
community-run swimming pool Jubilee
this weekend (24th and 25th June).
Pool in Knowle.
demand” service, WESTlink, for the whole of
There are four venues, three of them in
The venues will be all be open from 10am
beautiful planet. In recent centuries however, as
North East Somerset, with no consultation or
Brislington.
to 4pm each day.
a result of mankind’s greed and selfishness, this
marketing.
They are the creative community hub St
Find out more about the trail and the
heritage has become grievously undermined. Our
WESTlink does not currently have the bus or
Anne’s House, Holymead Hub next to
exhibiting
uncertain world is now caught in a self-
driver capacity to meet demand, despite the lack
Holymead Primary School on Rossall
https://bs4artstrail.co.uk/the-trail/
destructive spiral. Reversing the impending
of public awareness of it. If B&NES had control
Road, and St Cuthbert’s Church Hall on
The website also has details of food and
global disaster is becoming less likely as global
over the Government bus service improvement
Sandy Park Road. The fourth venue is the
drink hotspots to visit during the trail.
warming continues to wreak havoc.
funding, we would use it to reinstate lost bus
8
artists
and
makers
at
The Week in • Wednesday 21st June 2023
‘Glowing’’ Ofsted report for academy Broadlands Academy in Keynsham has
effect.
retained its Good Ofsted rating following
Those with special educational needs and/or
a recent inspection.
disabilities (SEND) are identified early and
The secondary school has been part of the
achieve well.
Academies Enterprise Trust since 2012.
The report also said that staff feel well
At the previous inspection, in 2016, there
supported and leaders make sound decisions
were 430 pupils. There are currently 502
to ensure workload is manageable.
children on the roll.
Ofsted did highlight that some pupils,
Ofsted said that leaders at the school,
including
working closely with the trust, have made
backgrounds, have low attendance which
many changes over the last few years. They
hinders their learning, and said leaders
have created a new ambitious curriculum
should take further steps to improve pupils’
which aims to help all pupils achieve highly.
attendance.
Pupils say that they feel cared for, and
The trust’s director of education Phil
relationships between pupils and staff are
Humphreys called it a “glowing report” and
Signs go up at Keynsham bottleneck
strong. Leaders have introduced a new
thanked the whole team, led by principal
New signs clearly explaining who has
The signs show that motorists heading
behaviour policy, which has had a good
Louise Hamilton.
priority in the narrow section under the
down the hill towards the bridge have to
railway bridge at Avon Mill Lane in
give way to drivers coming in the opposite
Keynsham have gone up.
direction.
those
from
disadvantaged
New bridge hoisted into position Avon Mill Lane in Keynsham was closed
brought into Memorial Park.
on Sunday to allow for the deck of the
The opening of the new polymer bridge is
new footbridge over the River Chew to be
expected to be at some point in July.
Sudoku
SUNDAY CHEMISTS
1-Easy
Boots, Gallagher Retail Park, Longwell Green
Sunday 25th June
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 21st June 2023
9
Block of flats proposed in town centre Plans to build a block of flats on a redundant car park close to Kings Chase Shopping Centre in
Volunteers jazz up care home and garden A team of eight from
Kingswood have been submitted Gloucestershire South to
NHS Shared Business
Council. Whitehorse Homes Ltd have lodged the application for nine flats in a two-storey detached block on
recently carrying out
the site which sits between Dorset Road and Gilbert Road. 7-9 Dorset Road is a single-storey light industrial building which has
paid volunteering days
a large service/car parking yard. The existing access from Dorset Road which serves the site would be retained and continue to serve 7,8, and 9 Dorset Road. The proposed access to the new development would come off Gilbert Road. The planning application says the proposal seeks to make
Services spent a day voluntary work at a Mangotsfield care home. Employees receive three per year to give them the opportunity to give back to local communities. Set up in 1986, Milestones Trust assists individuals with
better use of a large plot and does not cause any overlooking issues. Twelve car parking spaces are proposed. There would also be a bike store in the rear communal gardens with 12
mental health needs, learning disabilities and complex
spaces.
Charnhill Crescent, one of the trust’s residential care
behavioural needs. It supports more than 550 people in specialist, nursing and supported living services in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset. home in Mangotsfield, provides 24-hour support for
More hedgerows set to be lost Wessex Water is planning to remove more established
development.
hedgerows in connection with works at its wastewater
Mitigation works are planned including planting a new
treatment plant in Saltford.
species-rich hedgerow measuring 258 metres.
The utility company has already been granted permission
As part of its new access road and bridge scheme that is
to remove a hedgerow measuring 161 metres in connection
under way, Wessex Water removed a large swathe of
with a landscaping bund to mitigate the look of new control
hedgerow on either side of the A431 near Swineford.
equipment.
The bridge for Wessex Water traffic will also include a
It has now applied to remove two more hedgerows
permissive footpath linking to the River Avon Trail. The
measuring 136 metres in total to create access to this new
scheme includes landscape planting and a wetland scrape.
adults with mental health needs. The volunteers painted the communal spaces to refresh them and outdoors they weeded and planted to create colourful displays.
Don’t miss your appointment As part of Cervical Cancer Screening Awareness Week (19th to 24th June), doctors are reminding those who have received a cervical screening invitation to book an appointment with their GP practice.
Crossword
One in three don’t take up their invite. Dr Glenda Beard, GP and Clinical Lead for Cancer at Bristol, North ACROSS
DOWN
Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care
1. Piercing (6)
1. Security (6)
Board (ICB), said: “Early detection really is the best
4. Remnant (6)
2. Order to be detained (6)
form of defence. Sometimes people can feel
3. Lime tree (6)
practice nurses who do the cervical screening test will
5. Wall painting (6)
support you through what is a quick and simple
6. Root vegetable (6)
procedure.”
8. Food shortage (6) 10. Great fear (6) 11. Plunges (5) 12. Leather worker (6) 14. To the other side (6)
10
embarrassed or unsure about having the test but GP
7. Songbird (6) 9. Republic of Ireland (4)
16. Eat a meal (4)
10. Nipple (4)
17. Sound a horn (4)
13. Fertiliser (5)
River litter pick
19. Scottish hillside (4)
15. Perch (5)
The Conham Bathing group which is campaigning to
22. As well (4)
18. Utters (6)
end raw sewage discharge at Conham River Park is
26. Mucous secretion (6)
19. Carefree (6)
organising a paddle litter pick on Sunday 16th July.
20. Ancient (3-3)
The group says that over the last couple of months there
27. Collect (6)
21. Islamic ruler (4)
have been reports of litter caught in trees along the
28. Sea duck (5)
22. Matures (4)
River Avon including plastic, toilet roll and ‘flushable’
29. Writer (6)
23. Lasso (6)
wipes, which is indicative of the use of combined sewer
30. One flank leading (4-2)
24. Words of dismay (2,4)
overflows.
25. Violent excitement (6)
Volunteers in canoes, kayaks and standup paddle
31. Regular (6)
boarders will be meeting at 10am at Hanham Lock, next
32. Floor (6)
to The Chequers Inn.
The Week in • Wednesday 21st June 2023
Exploring the Cotswolds After the rain and cold in May, suddenly sun, greenery and hot weather arrived and summer tumbled in. On a whim we decided to book a weekend in the Cotswolds, staying in the pretty little town of Winchcombe. The weather was set fair and we arrived at our accommodation at lunchtime after stopping for coffee in Painswick at a hotel directly opposite the church. We had front row seats at the roadside window and admired the 99 yew trees said to grow adjacent to the ancient Cotswold stone building.
jungle setting. Life-size polar bears as well as gorillas and giant hedgehogs appear from behind trees and shrubbery and appear to roam the tropical terrain. The present castle owner is Lady Elizabeth Ashcombe and her two children. She has lived at the castle for more than 50 years since marrying her first husband Mark Ashcombe in 1962. It is due to her and her husband that the castle has kept its relevance. We met a group of Americans who were overwhelmed by the beauty and history of Sudeley. One of their relatives had moved from Winchcombe to the States more than 100 years ago. To them it must have seemed a magical experience; to us, lucky enough to live with so much history, it’s a good day out plus a chance to brush up on the last wife of Henry VIII. Life-size elephants made from bamboo in the castle grounds
Sudeley Castle & grounds
Winchcombe is very close to Sudeley Castle. Our cottage, with its almost kerbside lounge and tiny kitchen, boasted all mod cons and a beautiful back garden. Rickety steps led to a high terrace with distant vistas across the valley. The view of lichen-covered roof tiles gave way to luscious fields of greens and yellows which in turn merged in the shimmering hot sunshine with the distant blue-green hills and sky beyond. Once unpacked we made our way to Sudeley Castle. Here there is much to see and admire. The last of Henry VIII's wives, Catherine Parr, is entombed in St Mary's Church, close to the ruins of the original castle. She lived at Sudeley and was very involved with the upbringing of Elizabeth l who also spent much of her childhood there. Even when she became Queen, Elizabeth visited the castle often and celebrated the defeat of the Spanish Armada there with an elaborate three-day party. Much of the English nobility found itself either visiting or living at this celebrated castle, Richard III, Henry VII and Lady Jane Grey being just a few of them. During the English Civil War the castle was a military base for Charles l and Prince Rupert. However, Parliamentarians managed to seize it in 1649 and raze it to the ground to ensure it would never again be used as a military post. For 200 years the castle lay in ruins until the Dent glove manufacturing family bought and restored it to much of its former glory. During the Second World War the Tate Art Gallery used it for storage, keeping their treasures safely away from the Blitz. Part of it was also used as a Prisoner of War camp with inmates providing labour for the local farming community. A new enterprise in the grounds is the introduction of many full-size replicas of African animals. Children will be awestruck by the 100 bamboo elephants that can be seen in the The Week in • Wednesday 21st June 2023
The following day we went to the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway. It is managed by 900 volunteers and runs from Cheltenham Racecourse to Broadway in the heart of the Cotswolds. As one of its stops is just outside Winchcombe, we made a bee line for this local tourist attraction. The station is typical of wartime England with old vehicles and machinery placed strategically around the environs. In 1981 British Rail agreed to sell the route to the newly formed Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway Plc and the long process of rebuilding the line began. The track was completed in 2003 and opened by HRH The Princess Royal. Once on the platform, we waited expectantly for the huge green engine. As it came into view, trainspotters and photographers raced to catch its magnificent beauty. Steaming smoke and clanking gears finally stopped it in its tracks and with mounting excitement we boarded the mighty beast complete with its re-upholstered carriages and overhead
Winchcombe Station
The signal box at Broadway Station
luggage racks. The station master blew his whistle and our journey began. Picking up speed, with the smell of steam and smoke permeating the carriage, we were thrown back to an age of leisurely relaxing travel. One of the highlights of the journey is the Stanway Viaduct, a structure 50ft high with 15 brick arches crossing the valley below like an elaborate giant toy. At Broadway Station we alighted to be met with sticky summer heat and then walked the mile or so into the small Cotswold town. The hostelries were not too busy and we succumbed to a cool drink before exploring briefly what Broadway had to offer. During the 1600s this was a major coaching stop on the road from Worcester to London and had more than 30 public houses. However, with the arrival of the railway at nearby Evesham in 1852, travel by stagecoach stopped almost immediately and the village became a backwater. Today it is a mix of small shops, hostelries and cottages that front on to public grassy lawns; it is a chocolate box setting and a favourite stopping-off place for ramblers. I realised the walk back to the station would be too tiring in the heat, but at that moment we were lucky enough to find a centrally situated bus stop and within minutes boarded a number 606 bus that took us back to the station. We returned to Winchcombe and spent the final evening dodging a local thunderstorm which threw spectacular lightning and torrential rain on to a parched but pretty part of England. It had been an extremely interesting and educational weekend but not surprisingly finished with a typically British downpour that only served to make the Cotswolds even more exciting. A wet weekend in the Cotswolds it certainly wasn't. Christine Rogers
Catherine Parr's tomb at St Mary's Church at Sudeley Castle
11
Gloucestershire
and families. The cool packs follow the
Council’s ongoing cost of living support,
success of free warm packs which were
Phone mast plan outside pub is blocked
free cool packs containing items to help
distributed during winter 2022/23, with
A bid to put a 15-metre high phone mast
neutral comments and one in support. The
people keep cool and well in warm
500 being collected as temperatures
outside a Downend pub has been blocked
concerns raised included that it would be an
temperatures are now available to collect
dropped and residents faced higher energy
by South Gloucestershire Council.
eyesore in a residential area, was too close to
from local libraries and children’s centres.
bills. The packs also contain lots of
Telecoms giant CK Hutchinson Networks
homes and that there were more suitable sites
Each pack is made up of an insulated
information about financial support
(UK) Ltd was seeking prior approval to install
elsewhere; it was also felt that there is already
picnic bag and contains a handheld fan,
available as well as advice to help
a monopole with six antennas and three
a reliable 5G signal in the area.
insulated cooling bottle, two caps and ice
maintain good mental health if you have
equipment cabinets on the verge between
There were also concerns about harmful
packs. Specific bags for older people also
financial
also
Badminton Road and Blackhorse Lane,
radiation; however, the applicant had
include a cool gel pad to aid sleeping in
information about health tips for warmer
immediately to the west of The Trident pub.
submitted a declaration of conformity with
hot temperatures and bags for families
temperatures and free things to do with
The mast being proposed would be much taller
international radiation guidelines.
include ice lolly moulds and fun recipe
children during the summer. The council
than all the other development and trees in the
The council refused to grant prior approval on
cards to make with children as well as
also has a range of grants to help residents
area and twice the height of nearby street
the grounds that the siting and design were not
caps and water bottles for kids.
who are struggling financially, and staff
lights. The council received 26 letters of
acceptable in the attractive open space in a
In total, 1,000 cool packs will be available
can help access national support for the
objection from local residents as well as two
residential area.
over the summer for adults, pensioners
rising cost of living.
Keep your cool As
part
of
South
concerns.
There
is
Concert at church Some tickets are still available for Bath Gilbert & Sullivan Society’s performance of The Mikado at St Mary’s Church in Bitton on Saturday (24th June) at 7.30pm. Call 07970 325927.
How you can support The Week In For the last 15 years The Week In has been
genuinely local publication.
The Week In will always be free but the size
readers and members of the community.
the voice of the community. Whether
Much has changed over the last 15 years.
and number of copies printed will continue
Other initiatives will be unveiled during the
informing, celebrating or holding decision
Technology has changed the way people get
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course of this year aimed at making The
makers to account, the newspaper is still
their news and The Week In has also
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Week In a relevant asset to the community
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for the coming 15 years and more.
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The Week in • Wednesday 21st June 2023
The Community Page
Saltford Parish Council Follow us on Facebook, Twitter or check out the ‘News’ page of SPC’s website
New Saltford Parish Council Chair and Vice Chair At the first meeting of the newly elected
more
information
please
visit
the
Saltford Parish Council (SPC), Cllr Jon
‘Councillors’ page on the parish council’s
Godfrey was elected as Chair with Cllr
website.
David Halton as Vice Chair. Cllr Phil
The image shows Chair Jon Godfrey (top
Harding continues as Chair of Planning
right); next row from left, Julie Austwick,
Committee, with Cllr Shayan Aziz
Shayan Aziz, Dudley Bartlett, Gary
appointed as the committee’s Vice Chair.
Graveling and David Halton (Vice Chair);
Councillors are members of committees
in the bottom row from left are Phil
and working groups, as well as being ‘Link
Harding, Emma Hughes, Andy Rice, Paul
Members’ with local organisations. For
Smith and Sally Turner.
Temporary traffic regulation order on High Street Please be aware that if driving in the ‘old village’ area in Saltford that ongoing temporary restricted parking measures and stop/go boards are in place during 2023 to allow heavy plant vehicles access to and from the Wessex Water Saltford Recycling Centre site in Mead Lane. Wessex Water’s stewards will be present at key operational times. Expect delays. SPC will welcome Wessex Water representatives to present at its July meeting to give an update on the site works, and appreciates continued communications with Wessex Water about the
Saltford Sports Club goes from strength to strength SPC was delighted to be invited to Saltford Sport Club’s official opening of their new pétanque court and patio. SPC gave a grant of £2,000 towards pétanque court costs, with Cllr Phil Harding enjoying trying out the new court at the opening (pictured). Thanks were expressed by those at the club to SPC as well as the many people and businesses who helped achieve this project.
over the playing fields and are just some
The new court and patio, along with the
of the great improvements made at the
substantial refurbishment of the sports
club in recent years for the benefit of the
Saltford’s buzzing!
club’s bar area, provide fantastic views
community.
Saltford Parish Council was delighted to be a named partner in Bath & North East Somerset
Grant to Saltford Santa Dash
Council’s successful application to the West
Though thoughts of Christmas during
for several weeks already! SPC was
of England Combined Authority (WECA) for
these hot summer days seem far away, the
pleased to award this great local initiative
‘Community Pollinator’ funds. Funding was
Saltford Santa Dash Committee have been
£275 at its June meeting to help them on
utilised to engage with Year 4 children at
busy planning their December 2023 event
their way.
project.
Saltford Primary School in May. Workshops led by B&NES Council and Avon Wildlife
Sewage in river continues to be a concern
Trust included children finding out about how
Scouts and Saltford District Guide groups
they could use the natural environment in
wildflower seedballs to mark the Coronation
The sewerage network discharges treated
for B&NES Council to take the lead on a
Saltford to encourage more insects and
last month. More than 350sq metres of
sewage and overflows of untreated sewage
‘safer, cleaner river’.
wildlife to the area.
wildflowers seeds were distributed to younger
into the River Avon at Saltford. Water
SPC has been informed that Wessex Water
The children also investigated the different
members of both groups. SPC thanks B&NES
quality in the River Avon in Saltford
is
types of insects in the school surroundings
Council for supporting the environment by
continues to be a concern for many. The
improvements to increase capacity at one
and completed collage work linked to this
leaving sections of longer grass in the village
parish council raised this with the B&NES
of the several storm drains in Saltford.
theme. Further activity in the village is
to thrive (as seen at ‘Admirals Park’ in the
Council WaterSpace Project Officer and
Users are reminded that if they become
planned so watch this space! SPC was also
photo). SPC views this action a great balance
the Catchment Partnership Officer at its
unwell after entering the water to call 111
pleased to give members of the Saltford
between access and letting nature thrive.
recent meeting following SPC’s request
or visit www.nhs.uk to seek medical help.
The Week in • Wednesday 21st June 2023
planning
some
storm
overflow
13
Crossword Solution
Sudoku Solutions 1-Easy
2-Hard
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Keynsham Music Festival – Saturday in the Park Over the past few years, the festival organisers have been
politics,
developing the Saturday of the festival so there is so much
pretentions much will strike a
more for the whole family to enjoy together.
chord with today’s audiences.
Festival Saturday (1st July) now complements the traditional
customs
and
Eco Village
and ever-popular music and dance of Sunday to make it a Big
Another
Weekend in the Park.
Keynsham Eco Festival was
This year the action revolves around many areas: the
set up three years ago to raise
Truespeed Top Stage where you will find all of the Family
awareness locally about the
Festival entertainment, the Crystal Clear Abbey Stage where
global climate crisis and what
the Bath Gilbert & Sullivan Society will be performing The
ordinary people can do to make a difference now and for
Mikado, the Meryton Place Wellbeing Village, and the M G
future generations. It also helps local community eco groups,
Estate Agents Folk & Roots Stage where you will find a
charities, organisations and businesses connect and work
superb range of folk and acoustic music going on well into
together on common projects to build community resilience.
the evening.
On Saturday there will be an Eco Village – a carnival of
first
this
year,
Family Festival
colourful interactive stalls along by the river with wide appeal
Compered by JoJo Sparkles, the stage will see performances
for all the family, highlighting what local eco groups and
from KLOGS, Phoenix Youth Theatre, and Razzamataz. In
businesses offer and how to get involved and make a
between these acts there will be a variety of performance
difference.
Art Zones
artists including Boom Circus, Circomedia and even Wonder Woman will be appearing!
This year we are very grateful to Flourish of Glenavon Farm
Outside there will be a variety of workshops including circus
for enabling us to extend our arts to four distinct zones.
skills, hula hoops, willow weaving and clay modelling and
1. The Willow Project
walkabout entertainers.
You can get involved in the building of a giant willow
Making their first appearance at the festival are Super Pirates
mushroom. Led by the young people at the Nova Youth Arts
– providing entertainment for 3 to 10-year olds.
Festival, the structure highlights the positive impact that the
They are an energetic team of playworkers, actors and
humble fungi have in combating global warming.
dancers, who know all about putting smiles on faces. Nobody
2. Clay Modelling
They will be performing on both Saturday and Sunday from
leaves a Super Pirates play area without feeling more
This popular workshop encourages your artistic side in
3:00pm to 4:30pm at the top end of the park.
awesome about themselves.
making something personal to you. You can then take your
You will see aerial hoop, strap and trapeze work.
The Mikado
work to Flourish and paint it. See Flourish for a token.
Meryton Place Wellbeing Village
The award-winning Bath Gilbert & Sullivan Society makes
3. Spray Painting
The Wellbeing Village, makes a welcome return to the family
its debut at this year’s festival with a concert performance of
Try your hand at spray painting with artist Nick (who painted
day at the festival. There will be an impressive mix of local
one of the most popular and successful shows of all time.
the mural at the Pocket Park). Limited spaces available.
wellbeing providers on offer that you can try out for yourself
It boasts some of Sullivan’s greatest musical achievements
4. The Gallery
throughout the day.
including ‘Three Little Maids’, ‘Tit Willow’ and the famous
Keynsham’s local artists will be at the Festival on Saturday
Weather permitting, we will have an outdoor area
‘Little List’ song.
and Sunday with ArtSpace.
demonstrating different forms of pole fitness. If you’re
Although Gilbert’s plot pokes fun at Victorian British society,
16
Circomedia
looking for something less active, why not treat yourself to
Again this year, we welcome more students from Circomedia
one of our taster sessions from our local massage therapists
showcasing their skills.
or reflexologists.
The Week in • Wednesday 21st June 2023