THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset Issue 798
FREE
13th September 2023
Read by more than 40,000 people each week
Major commercial development planned at old nursery site A planning application to demolish the greenhouses at the
warehousing/offices at the site.
old nursery site at Brewery Hill in Upton Cheyney and
The current application is to clear the site and create 13,350sq
build 111 “workspace units” has been revealed.
m of commercial buildings (flexible Use Class E/B2/B8).
Parking provision for 357 vehicles and 222 cycles is included
Class E covers commercial, business and service; Class B2
in Upton Cheyney Land’s bid for outline planning permission
is general industrial use while Class B8 relates to storage and
for the 16-acre Green Belt site known as Springfield Lake
distribution.
Nursery.
Specifically the proposed 111 workspace units would have a
There has been no prior consultation with the community
floor area of 8,790sq m and be occupied by new and existing
about the plans for the vacant land which is close to the A431
small businesses with limited numbers of staff.
Bath Road on the outskirts of Bitton. Some years back
A transport report submitted with the application to South
planning consent was granted for a tomato factory with
Gloucestershire Council says the development would not
The plans include widening the section of Brewery Hill
harm either the capacity or safety of the local road network.
between the junction with the A431 and the site access to six
The old greenhouses would be demolished
metres, adding kerbing to define the extent of the bellmouth at the site access junction, and a two-metre-wide footway connection to Bath Road and local bus stops. The units are forecast to attract 1,080 daily (between 7am and 7pm) two-way vehicular trips at an average of circa 88 movements per hour. A travel plan would encourage employees to travel by sustainable modes of transport with an emphasis on car share. Some trees would be lost but there are plans for a landscaping scheme. The site has been identified as having the invasive Japanese Knotweed which would need to be tackled. The entrance to the site
Also in this week’s issue
‘Troubling rise’ in motorbike thefts and antisocial use . . . page 3
90-year-old badly hurt after Keynsham High Street trip . . . page 5
Continued on page 3
Brothers jailed for vicious assault at Whitchurch pub . . . page 10
£3.36m Lottery bid for Kingswood Park . . . page 11
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The Week in • Wednesday 13th September 2023
‘Troubling rise’ in motorcycle thefts and anti-social use Avon & Somerset Police say there is “a
from Westgate Buildings in Bath was
pillion passenger. When it
troubling rise” in motorcycle thefts and
recovered in Kingswood. Police had
was safe to do so, a stinger
associated anti-social use.
responded to a report of an altercation in
device was used to stop the
Three stolen bikes were recovered in
Regent Street at about 8pm where a member
vehicle on Clouds Hill Road
Hartcliffe in Bristol on Monday 4th
of the public challenged two people on a
in St George.
September, including a Triumph Tiger that
motorbike that was being ridden on the
One person was detained
had been stolen from Bath Road in
pavement. Officers searched the area and saw
following a search involving
Brislington.
a man pushing a motorbike along Grimsbury
a police dog handler. A 17-
Police attended following reports of six
Road. He fled on foot and despite a search by
year-old boy was arrested on
people on three motorbikes. They found them
officers on the ground, supported by the
suspicion
abandoned and following a short chase
National Police Air Service helicopter, he
driving, theft of a vehicle and
arrested a boy in his mid-teens on suspicion
was not found. The blue and white Honda
failing to stop for police. A
of theft of a vehicle and possession of a knife.
CRF was identified as the one stolen from
black
He was later released on bail, pending further
Bath.
PCX125 reported stolen from
enquiries.
Last Thursday evening police received
Laura Place in Bath was
In the early hours of the following day police
numerous calls from the public reporting a
recovered.
seized a Benelli BN motorbike in Keynsham.
group trying to steal motorbikes in Bath. The
In a separate incident, officers
It had been reported stolen in Twerton in
National Police Air Service helicopter was
responded to a call about the
Bath.
deployed to help officers on the ground track
theft of a Yamaha XSR 700
Also last Tuesday, a Honda motorcycle stolen
a suspected stolen motorbike with rider and
motorbike from Clifton on
of
Honda
dangerous
motorbike
The Honda PCX125 seized after a stinger was deployed
Thursday. The motorcycle
Major commercial development planned at old nursery site
was tracked to Fishponds and recovered.
immediately.”
The police said: “We've seen a troubling rise
If you have any other information ring 101,
in motorcycle theft and associated anti-social
or report it via https://www.avonand
motorbike use recently. If you see someone
somerset.police.uk/report/
Continued from page 1
will represent a minuscule (if any)
acting suspiciously around any sort of
Alternatively
The plans, which The Week In revealed on
proportion of journeys to and from the site.
motorbike or moped, please call 999
anonymously on 0800 555 111.
our website last Friday, have been met with
Keynsham railway station is too far away
outrage. Already the council has received
to have any practical use at all; cyclists
more than 20 objections which highlight
already stay away from the A431 despite
concerns including the impact of extra
the connection at Bitton to the Sustrans
traffic, the inadequate public transport and
Bristol-Bath cycleway because of the
the unsuitability of the site which is in
heavy and fast traffic on the road; and who
picturesque countryside.
exactly is going to walk to such a site and
One commented: “Given that Bitton village
from where?”
is already campaigning to reduce the speed
Another says: “This is a completely
limit in the village due to the number of
ridiculous application for the size of the
vehicles that speed through a residential
road it would be on. There is also a stables
area where pedestrians, cyclists and horse
opposite the entrance of this site and it
riders are frequently put at risk by careless
would be incredibly disruptive for the
drivers, I find it highly disappointing that
people who use that regularly with an
there is a proposal which will increase
increased amount of traffic - let alone very
the volume of traffic by over 1,000 cars a
unsafe.”
day.”
There was also one comment in support on
Another says: “The transport assessment
the council’s planning portal this week. The
does not reflect the reality of the location:
planning reference is P23/02551/O and the
public transport and foot/cycle journeys
deadline for comments is 5th October.
contact
Crimestoppers
New venue for auction The Upton Inn at Upton Cheyney is the usual venue for the Bitton and Oldland branch of the Royal British Legion to hold their annual harvest auction fundraiser but with the pub closed and up for sale, the organisers needed another venue. The Hawking family kindly invited them to stage the event in the barn at Manor Farm in the village. The auction is on Monday (18th September) and Oldland Brass will as usual be performing. The bar opens at 7.30pm, there will be a harvest service at 8pm and the auction gets under way at 8.30pm.
The Week in • Wednesday 13th September 2023
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Young footballer wins prestigious award
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.
A young member of Saltford Football Club is this year’s recipient of the prestigious Jack Boulton Award. After talented local sportsman Jack Boulton died in 2009 aged 17 from an undiagnosed cardiac condition, Keynsham and Saltford Sports Network decided to make an award each year to a young sportsman or woman who has displayed many of Jack’s exceptional sporting and personal qualities. This year the award goes to Jack Warren, who has been recognised as an outstanding club member and has undergone significant health challenges. This time last year Jack suddenly became unwell and was diagnosed with a rare infection in his heart which caused a blood infection. He underwent open heart surgery in mid-September and just as he was due to leave hospital, he needed a second operation to remove fluid on his heart. Thankfully Jack returned to training in November and began playing matches in January. Paul Hodkinson, his coach, said: “He’s a lad that absolutely loves football and it’s a real pleasure seeing him out there playing again given all that he and his family have been through. He’s a pleasure to coach, always turning up with the right attitude to listen and learn.”
The presentation was also an opportunity to acknowledge the huge amount of fundraising that Dave Boulton and his wife June have done in their son’s memory for CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) over the last 14 years. Huge numbers of young people in the community have engaged in the cardiac screening programme funded by CRY. Jack Warren is pictured with his trophy and certificate with Dave and June Boulton.
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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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0117 986 0381 sales.theweekin@gmail.com @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.
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The Week in • Wednesday 13th September 2023
90-year-old’s horror injuries after High Street trip A 90-year-old woman suffered severe injuries after tripping and falling in Keynsham High Street. The incident happened on the pavement outside Lloyds Pharmacy on Friday 1st September. Shirley Hobbs, who contacted The Week In to share her story, smashed her face, broke her nose and bones under her eyes, and damaged her teeth and palate. She has severe bruising to her face and neck and broke her left wrist which is in plaster. There have been numerous falls connected with the High Street cycle lane since it opened in March 2022 as part of a public realm improvement scheme which also included
Shirley fell outside Lloyds
The Week in • Wednesday 13th September 2023
pavement widening and resurfacing. Bath & North East Somerset Council announced earlier this summer that remedial work would take place in June to repair broken paving slabs and replace cycle stands and bollards, and that a High Street road safety audit would follow along with a cycle lane design review. Shirley, who lives in the town, believes that an uneven paving slab contributed to her fall. She says she was wearing sensible flat shoes at the time. She was taken by ambulance to the Royal United Hospital in Bath where she was kept in for two nights. She was due to go back this week for outpatient appointments, including to the oral and maxillofacial surgery department. Shirley is very grateful to the people who came to her assistance and stayed with her and her husband Peter during the half-hour wait for the ambulance. She has been in contact with local councillors about her fall and Cllr Alex Beaumont has met with her. Last week we reported that they are asking people who have suffered falls in the High Street to complete a
Shirley Hobbs is recovering at home after her ordeal
questionnaire detailing where they tripped, their injuries and contact details. Primarily the councillors have been contacted about falls connected with the kerbed cycle lane and they are due to present a motion calling for action at the council’s meeting on 21st September.
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The Week in • Wednesday 13th September 2023
Do you remember Keynsham & Somerdale Station? The Week In will be producing a supplement in one of our editions this autumn on the history of Keynsham railway station and its association with chocolate production at Somerdale. Today, while hundreds of people each day enjoy the pleasant walkway from the station to their office in the Chocolate Quarter, many are perhaps unaware that this was once a vital railway siding through which tonnes of Fry’s and Cadbury’s chocolate products were dispatched around the world. First built in 1840, Keynsham Station today is a vital commuter link to Bristol and Bath for many people living in the town and used by 300,000 passengers a year. But between 1925 and 1974, it was renamed as Keynsham & Somerdale with the opening of the Fry’s chocolate factory. After a few years, the station was rebuilt with longer platforms to
accommodate the thousands of workers who travelled out from Bristol each day. The railway siding which connected the factory to the mainline was used until the late 1970s and we are keen to hear from anyone who worked at the factory while it was operational. The Week In supplement is intended to provide a written testimony to a significant part of Keynsham’s history. We also plan to produce a short film report for YouTube and are in discussion over producing information boards for the station itself. This supplement will follow a similar format to our previous publications on the 1968 floods and the anniversary of chocolate Easter egg production in Bristol. It will appear initially within the newspaper, and keepsake versions printed on high-grade paper will be available
The station as it was
the historical facts. Please contact Stephen Rodgers on 0117 986 0381 or email: admin@theweekin.co.uk.
after publication. If you have any experience of working in the sidings or Fry’s dispatch, we would love to be able to include some personal memories along with
Keynsham Station 2023
A diesel in the siding
Free shuttle bus will help fill transport gap caused by M4 bridge closure A new free shuttle bus will be introduced from tomorrow
travel. The service will operate every 30 minutes from 7am to
(Thursday) to help fill the transport gap caused by the closure
7pm Monday to Friday and the trial will initially run until the
of the A432/M4 overbridge.
end of the year.
National Highways has agreed to fund the new service and has
A number of defects have been uncovered at the bridge. Cables
been working with South Gloucestershire Council to get it up
that should be surrounded by concrete have voids around them
and running.
and cracking caused by the deck flexing under the weight of
The council has appointed bus operator Transpora and agreed
traffic has caused concerns that concrete could be dislodged
for the route to go to Yate Park & Ride before travelling along
and fall on to the motorway. Loose concrete has now been
the A432 to the bridge closure. It is then a short walk over the
removed.
bridge, which remains open to pedestrians and cyclists, to
National Highways engineers hope to know by the end of the
access the m3 and m3x metrobus services. Residents can also
year whether they could potentially reopen the bridge, whether
use the shuttle to connect with the Y1/Y2 services for onward
it needs strengthening, or needs to be demolished and replaced.
The Week in • Wednesday 13th September 2023
The bridge remains closed
7
LETTERS Concerns over delayed Green Belt decision Dear Editor Regrettably, despite South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) receiving nearly 800 objections to the planning application for 149 homes at The Batch in Hanham, a scheduled Green Belt site, the application has not been determined. It’s important to stress that this well-used undeveloped community space is not simply green fields but is one part of only 15 Scheduled Green Belt areas within England. Its location alongside the Avon Valley Woodlands currently enhances leisure space, wildlife and the natural feel of the whole area. Development in this location would be contrary to national, as well as SGC’s own planning policies. In addition the development would set a very dangerous precedent for the development of swathes of surrounding protected countryside. The
determination
date
of
the
initial
application, which is widely resisted, was 14th
unsuccessful.
8am – 9am lottery is done away with. Of
lollipop model. There are some amazing
Further, can we be assured that SGC’s planning
course, there isn't a single computerised system
designs out there for these masts. I recently saw
department and our local councillors have the
to be used; surgeries can choose which
one that looked like a tree.
necessary resources to adequately scrutinise the
programme they want to use - another needless
Many thanks for listening.
additional information in such a short space of
complication.
Richard
time?
The Government needs to recognise that the
Parallel to this attempt to develop the local
majority of the over 70s probably do not have
Green Belt, is the shambles of the development
or want to have anything to do with
of the Kleeneze site, a ‘brownfield’ site, located
smartphones or computers and prefer to meet
close to all the amenities of Hanham and with
face to face with a receptionist or, failing that,
considerably better connectivity routes, etc.
a phone call arrangement. While this new
After what seems an eternity, the new access
system might be more efficient in the long
route appears eventually to be nearing
term, it reduces the possibility of people talking
completion.
with people and getting to know each other and
However, this site is moving at a snail’s pace
this is not good for society as a whole.
towards a more sustainable development,
I know that Hanham surgery is out of favour
whilst our Green Belt is under threat of housing
with many ‘clients’/patients and, if my
development, far from shops or bus routes!
experience on Monday is anything to go by,
Alan Jones
this reputation is likely to deteriorate even
Hanham District Green Belt Conservation
further.
Society
David Matthews
Update on Keynsham’s Retail Revolution Dear Becky Here are the latest happenings regarding the Keynsham Retail Revolution. I assured my fellow residents that the blood transfusions were ready to revive the heartbeat of Keynsham’s Retail Revolution. I have gone from despair to excitement from December to now. How come? Well, The Week In have published my letters (of which this is my third) and Cllr Alex Beaumont and the town council have encouraged me every step of my mission. We need you! Keynsham has something that Bath and Wells can never have and Bath and
Editor’s note: We have invited Hanham Health, which runs the Hanham surgery in
Wells have something that Keynsham can
local disdain, (and only a few positive
The struggle to get a GP appointment
comments) to 11th September.
Dear Editor
Now this date has been further extended by
Last Monday afternoon (4th September) I was
SGC to Friday 29th September in order to
in Hanham surgery for a relatively simple
allow the applicant’s team to respond to the
matter which was dealt with efficiently by the
Why phone masts are so necessary
high number of objections received.
receptionist.
Dear Editor
so that we can say “You must visit Keynsham
This extension has been granted by SGC’s
However, there were at least three other people
I often see articles and letters in your paper
because…”
planning department, despite Grassroots
in the queue who were wanting to book
about the fight against mobile phone/4G and
I have a plan, which I have submitted to Cllr
Planning (acting on behalf of Redrow Homes
appointments but were told that they needed to
5G masts being erected.
Beaumont. This time I’m not putting my head
and Ashfield Land) as yet not releasing any
use the new ‘Anima’ app on their smartphone
STOP! In 2025 the communications network
above the parapet but hand on the baton to you
further documentation. Our community,
or, presumably, PC and if that isn't possible, to
as we know it will be changing massively. BT
all. All the independent shops assure me they
including Hanham District Green Belt
phone as usual. They all complained that they
and other companies are doing away with their
are here, in Keynsham, to stay. Remember,
Conservation Society, Say No To Redrow, as
are not connected to the internet or don't have
copper networks which a lot of businesses and
every independent shop owner obviously is
well as other individual objectors, anticipate
a smartphone and had been trying throughout
residents rely on for telephone and broadband.
believing in Retail Revolution in Keynsham.
that we will be deluged with an avalanche of
last week to ‘get through’ to the surgery
As of yet we don't know how this will affect us
Do submit your ideas to your town councillor.
detailed paperwork, all to be considered in a
without success.
and what areas will be ready for it. Hopefully
Winifred Rickard
very limited timeframe.
Two of these people became very angry,
everything goes to plan but if it does not, some
Keynsham
In this unusual situation, it is vital that our
understandably, but were told that nothing
areas may only get good internet and phone
community once again take time to quickly
could be done.
services from one of these new masts.
Reasons for falls
assess this further information, once finally
I know that this new booking method has to be
Instead of complaining and objecting, speak to
Dear Editor
posted, and continue their resistance to these
set up in every surgery across the country so
the company and see if there is anything they
I see that the other week a lady fell NOT in
proposals to ensure these underhand tactics are
that, in the words of the Health Secretary, the
can offer rather than the bulk standard white
Keynsham High Street but at the light-
August; this was extended due to enormous
8
Whittucks Road and the one in Oldland Common, to respond.
never have. Unfortunately (for Keynsham) Bath and Wells have coachloads of visitors, mostly from America and Japan. Now, residents and schools, work out what Keynsham is missing and then, hardest of all, what can Keynsham do to make itself unique
The Week in • Wednesday 13th September 2023
LETTERS controlled crossing opposite Sainsbury`s which does question is it not just the road layout at fault in the High Street which yes does need modifying, but down to people’s concentration levels and maybe
Public Notice
Would a yellow line help curb falls?
and clear warning. You never know, it might end up being a permanent solution, but, even if not, it
Dear Editor It struck me whilst walking in Keynsham
might help to immediately stem the
Licensing Act 2003 Notice of application for the GRANT of a PREMISES LICENCE
number of injuries. It would cost next to
a medical issue/balance, etc.
High Street that the problem with the
The footpaths along the full length of the
cycle lane is that there isn't enough
High Street have many trip hazards i.e.
contrast between the levels.
loose paving slabs where cars/vans park
Maybe a short-term solution, prior to
on them. Some alongside Iceland are an
destroying the cycle lane and starting
Bath & North East Somerset Council for
example.
again, might be to paint a yellow line (as
its view on this suggestion?
10 to 12mm is deemed a trip hazard by
in 'parking restriction' type bright yellow
John Blanning
one authority I dealt with years ago. Just
line material) on the surface of the edging
Editor’s note: We will John, and hope to
saying.
stone, with the paint touching the
bring you the council’s response next
R Earle, Keynsham
pavement edge. That would be a bright
week.
nothing and could be carried out in a matter of days. Perhaps The Week In might like to ask
Firefighters forced to clear fly-tipped waste blocking narrow lane Firefighters responding to reports of a blaze found their route blocked by fly-tipped waste and had to get out and clear it by
Proposed licensable activities: SUPPLY ALCOHOL Name of applicant: SASINDU RATHNYAKE MUDIYANSELAGE, 3 SHORTWOOD ROAD, PUCKLECHURCH, BS16 9RA Date by which Other Persons and Responsible Authorities may make representations: 19/09/2023 A record of the application made to the Licensing Authority will be kept on a register at South Gloucestershire Council, Licensing Service, Engine Common Lane, Yate, South Gloucestershire, BS37 7PN, and the register may be inspected during normal office hours. All representations regarding this application MUST BE IN WRITING and sent to: South Gloucestershire Council, Department for Environment and Community Services, Licensing Service, PO Box 1954, Bristol, BS37 0DD or e-mail licensing@southglos.gov.uk. For further assistance, please telephone 01454 868001
hand. They have released a photo of the building materials dumped across Highwall Lane near Queen Charlton and blasted those responsible. On their Twitter account last Tuesday, Hicks Gate Fire Station said: “Last night we were mobilised to a fire; whilst en route we were confronted with this fly-tipping; it was impossible to turn the fire appliance around and a very long reverse, so we had no choice but to manually remove the reckless flytipping.” An Avon Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson added: “At 5.07pm crews from Hicks Gate were called to reports of a
Lane. There was a report of building materials dumped there
grass fire off Queen Charlton Lane, Whitchurch. Upon arrival,
in March of last year.
there was no presence of fire; the crew proceeded to fully
It is illegal to fly-tip and anyone caught doing so is liable to
investigate the area to make sure it was safe.”
prosecution, with fines of up to £50,000 or five years'
It is not the first time waste has been dumped in Highwall
imprisonment.
Sudoku 1-Easy
SUNDAY CHEMISTS Sunday 17th September
2 -Hard
Boots, Gallagher Retail Park, Longwell Green (10.30am-4pm) Asda, Longwell Green (10am-4pm) 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 13th September 2023
9
School steps in after bus services are axed Winterbourne Academy has stepped in to provide transport
Health/Frampton Cotterell. Those are continuing for another
To remain viable, sufficient numbers of parents will need to
for pupils left stranded after bus cuts.
year after the council matched the routes to Section 106 funding
commit so the service is being trialled initially until Christmas.
The West of England Combined Authority (WECA) and South
agreed with developers for local improvements.
It is understood to be costing parents £300 a term per child.
Gloucestershire Council were unable to find the money to save
Schools aren’t responsible for transport provision but, concerned
The standard school hours are 8.30am to 2.40pm. The route
the 458 from Fishponds via Downend, which was previously a
about pupils getting to school safely, Winterbourne, which is part
following what was the 458 arrives in school at the same time
commercial route, and the 963 from Patchway, Bradley Stoke
of the Olympus Academy Trust, worked over the summer to find
as the 459 –7.35am - and staff are on hand to supervise students
and Little Stoke to the academy (previously supported by
a solution. It said: “Through some imaginative use of the
from 7.30am. The 427 leaves at 3.20pm and the school has
WECA).
Olympus Post 16 bus, which transports sixth form students
agreed to fund staffing until then.
The council worked with bus operator Stagecoach and the
between secondary school sites for lessons, we have been able
Headteacher Jenny Cartwright said it has been a “distressing
academy to save three other services - the 459 from Lyde Green,
to offer places on buses on what were the 963 and 458 routes to
situation for parents” and the academy will continue to raise
the 427 from Frenchay, and the 460 from Coalpit
help students in their journey to school.”
concerns with WECA and South Gloucestershire Council. She said providing the bus service places an additional administrative
Brothers jailed after assault in pub garden
and financial burden on the school at a time when budgets are
Two brothers have been jailed after
A council spokesperson said: “WECA is the local transport
admitting breaking a man’s jaw during an
authority and responsible for bus services in the region. We
assault in a Whitchurch pub garden.
became aware that support for a number of local bus services
Clinton Jackson, 28, of Eva Turner Close
was being withdrawn earlier this year and since then we
in Whitchurch, and Jamie Jackson, 21, of
have been working tirelessly to find alternative ways to fund
Pine Grove, Filton, both admitted causing
them, as they play an important role in taking local children to
grievous
school.
bodily
harm.
They
were
“extremely stretched”.
sentenced at Bristol Crown Court last
“Unfortunately, we do not have unlimited resources to fund all
Thursday to 22 months and 19 months
the services at risk and encourage partners to work with us,
respectively.
communities and bus operators to find a solution to the issues
Their 33-year-old victim was at The
facing many bus services across the West of England.”
Whitchurch pub in Oatlands Avenue with
WECA says it is the responsibility of local authorities to provide Clinton, left, & Jamie Jackson
free transport if the school is the nearest appropriate one, and
friends on 3rd December, 2021. They were in the pub garden at about 11pm and when his friends left to
teeth removed. He expects to need further dental treatment.
the distance between home and that school, measured by the
go back inside, he was attacked by the brothers. Clinton
In an impact statement, he said the assault had stopped him
nearest available walking route, is three miles or more for
punched the unsuspecting victim from one side before putting
from socialising and left him feeling he needed to escape the
children aged eight to 16.
him in a headlock and repeatedly punched his face. Jamie did
area he grew up in. He couldn’t work for four months and
Regional Mayor Dan Norris said this week: “Jenny and all the
the same before both ran off.
believes he will be unable to fully return to work in the
team at Winterbourne Academy deserve deep credit for working
The victim needed surgery to his broken jaw and had to have
building trade.
to find a solution for the 963 and 458. I continue to lobby Government for additional resources.”
Crossword ACROSS
DOWN
1. Embarrassed (8)
1. Rotate (4)
5. Burden (4)
2. Roof overhang (5)
9. Account, bill (7)
3. Gripping tool (6)
10. Banishment (5)
4. Pace (4)
11. Seize wrongfully (5)
6. Natural simplicity (7)
15. Morose, grumpy (5)
12. Food pulp (5)
7. Bony structure (8) 13. Part of garment (6) 8. Stomach (5)
17. Wealthy (4) 19. Fish eggs (3) 20. Short note (4) 21. Effluent drain (5) 23. Three times (6) 24. Outmoded (5) 28. Monk (5) 29. Idiotic (7)
13. Slumber (5) 14. Honest (8) 16. Quarrel (3) 18. Genial (7) 21. Disdain (5) 22. Repair (anag.) (6) 25. Skid (5) 26. Head of hair (4) 27. Encounter (4)
30. Lie about (4) 31. Most tired (8)
10
The Week in • Wednesday 13th September 2023
Lottery funding bid to improve Kingswood Park Plans to restore and enhance Kingswood Park have moved a
Park and the wider community to understand
step closer after South Gloucestershire Council submitted a
what matters to local people. The aim is to
bid for £3.36m to the National Heritage Lottery Fund.
enhance the park’s features and improve its
The council has worked with the volunteer Friends of Kingswood
facilities so visitors can relax and meet other people in a safe, well-managed and welcoming setting and preserve the park’s heritage as a focal point for the community. If the bid is successful, the money will be used to install accessible toilets and improve pathways, redesign the play area with better equipment, including for youngsters with disabilities, and introduce a mobile refreshment facility. There will also be more wildlife-friendly tree planting, the creation of a wildflower meadow
Accessible toilets would replace the dated block
to boost biodiversity, and an upgrade of historic
There are plans to replace the current play equipment
features such as the railings and walls. The central amphitheatre will also be fully restored
Photography exhibition Members of The Hive Avon have been working with photographer Sebastian Bruno as part of Bristol Photography Festival to take pictures and make artwork, and there will be an exhibition of their work at the charity’s drop-in centre at Two Mile Hill Road in Kingswood on Saturday (16th September). The charity works with adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults and their families. The exhibition is open to everyone from 4pm to 6pm.
as a performance space. There will also be improved access to the neighbouring Holy Trinity Church yard. Once the improvement works are carried out, a three-year programme of community events with a focus on health and wellbeing is planned. The park restoration is part of the wider £25m Kingswood Masterplan, a regeneration vision for Kingswood town centre. The decision on Lottery funding is expected towards the end of the year.
Charterhouse Care Home
The ampitheatre will be restored as part of the project
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Registered Charity 202151
The Week in • Wednesday 13th September 2023
11
The Community Page
Allow extra time Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council for your journey REQUEST FOR HELP! WOOL REQUIRED!
With work continuing on a major sewer flood alleviation scheme in Keynsham, road users are being reminded to
With the financial assistance of the Parish Council, the Knit & Natter Group, who meet every Monday in Downend Library, are urgently seeking double-knit wool (any colours) to knit jackets for children and other various things for numerous charities. Currently Knit & Natter have made 780 teddy bear jumpers for sick children who are transported to hospital by ambulance, twiddle muffs for people with dementia, items to support the Scouts, jackets for the premature baby unit, and so much more. PLEASE, if you have any spare double-knit wool, drop it in to Downend Library, who are open on Mondays,
consider extra time for their journey as the new school year gets under way. Wessex Water says that the 12-week project to install a new gravity relief sewer along a 170-metre stretch of the B3116 Wellsway near Keynsham Cricket Club is progressing well towards its early October finishing date. The £500,000 project, which started in July, is connecting two separate systems in a bid to reduce incidents of sewer flooding in nearby streets and homes. The work was timed to ensure most of it coincided with the school summer holidays, keeping
Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturday mornings. Thank you for your support.
King George V and Badminton Road Playing Fields King George V and Badminton Road Playing Fields are managed and maintained by Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council. It is the venue every weekend for our local teams to play their football matches, or cricket during the summer months. Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council is proud to support these groups and has invested in some suitable storage facilities at the playing fields. A further container has now received planning permission and is due to be installed on site in the coming weeks. This will enable the current compound area behind the pavilion to be cleared in readiness for the new pavilion. Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council has also paid for two ash tree trunks which had been felled to be carved into benches. The hedgehog one is a great favourite. Downend Round Table kindly paid for a new bench near the care home gate using funds from the bonfire and fireworks last year. It has been much appreciated by those who can only walk short distances and need a seat at that point to enable them to complete a circuit around the park. The flowers at the bonfire patch have been beautiful this year with sunflowers, poppies, cosmos, etc. All the new trees planted by South Gloucestershire Council in the spring have benefitted from the large amount of rain we have had and are looking splendid.
disruption to local people to a minimum. With traffic volumes now increasing as pupils return, the utility company says it has introduced extra measures to ensure people are aware that Wellsway remains shut to through traffic and that the diversion route in place remains clearly marked. The diversion uses the B3116 (Wellsway and Burnett Hill), A39, and A4 Bath Road. There have been a number of reports of HGVs breaching restrictions and using residential roads including Chandag Road and Hurn Lane.
Concert cancelled after violinist dies The concert by Stringfever that had been due to take place at The Space in Keynsham on 30th September has been cancelled after the tragic death of band leader Giles Broadbent. Tickets will be refunded to purchasers. Giles, who was Stringfever’s lead violinist and founder member, died suddenly on Wednesday 6th September. He studied at the Royal Academy and formed the Stringfever quartet in 2003 alongside his brothers Ralph and Neal, and cousin Graham. Not only did Giles perform worldwide with Stringfever, most recently touring Europe, the USA, China and Japan with huge success, he also led many orchestras, both classical and theatrical, in the West End.
12
The Week in • Wednesday 13th September 2023
After vandalism set-back, knitters return with a colourful display Regular readers will remember that earlier this summer we featured the story about the postbox topper in Whitchurch Village that was vandalised. The Knit and Natter group, which meets at Whitchurch United Reformed Church, had worked hard to produce the knitted Coronation themed topper for the postbox at the crossroads by the Maes Knoll Toby pub on the Wells Road. Members were dismayed at the theft and vandalism of the figures but pledged that they would not be deterred. We are now pleased to report that they have installed another topper – this time with the theme of Noah’s Ark. Mary Leader from the group tells us: “Whitchurch Village Council have commissioned us to produce something to go
on display in the Village Millennium Garden during the Remembrance Day weekend so watch this space.” The group meets between 2.30pm and 4.30pm on the first and third Thursdays each month at the church.
Situations Vacant
Vacancy to fill? Advertising in The Week In is an effective
More events lined up in memory of teenager
and low cost option. Call
More fundraising events are planned in memory of 16-year-
A 50km sponsored walk from Chippenham to Warmley via
old Mikey Roynon from Kingswood who died after being
Atworth, Dundas Aqueduct, Bathampton, Bath, Saltford and
stabbed at a party in Bath in June.
Bitton was held on the recent bank holiday weekend.
Deadline for Situations
Mikey’s World has been created by his mum Hayley Ryall,
Supporters are now planning a sponsored climb of Pen Y Fan
Vacant advert
supported by family and friends. The project encourages
on 7th October.
youngsters to get off the streets and into boxing or music
Mikey’s World has a £10,000 target and over £2,600 has
studios. Mikey’s World is also raising awareness of methods
already been raised. There is a JustGiving page at
and kits to help save lives from knife injuries.
https://tinyurl.com/yc4jtn8v
The Week in • Wednesday 13th September 2023
0117 986 0381
Hanham Community Centre
PART TIME CARETAKER VACANCY
Opening & closing the Centre, including maintenance of the building, cleaning and preparation of rooms. 16 hours a week plus holiday cover. This is a Keyholder position. Experience not essential as training will be given. Application forms & job descriptions available from the office or email your CV to
admin@hanhamcentre.org
bookings is 4.00pm on the FRIDAY preceding publication.
More details contact:
0117 9674439 admin@hanhamcentre.org www.hanhamcentre.org
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