THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset Issue 808
FREE
22nd November 2023
Read by more than 40,000 people each week
Plan to pedestrianise Keynsham High Street back on the agenda Keynsham High Street, where the differing kerb heights
Somerset Council have been campaigning to get the layout
of the contraflow cycle lane have led to around 100
changed.
pedestrians injuring themselves, could be pedestrianised
One of them, Lib Dem councillor Hal MacFie, told this
– and bicycles banned.
month’s cabinet meeting that following a meeting between
A consultation is planned for the next financial year – and in
the councillors, council leader Kevin Guy and some cabinet
the meantime Bath & North East Somerset Council will
members, it had been agreed to apply “more visual cues” that
introduce more “visual cues” to alert people to the hazards
would warn people of an impending change in ground level.
of the cycle lane which opened in March 2022.
The paint will be applied in January.
People have continued to fall despite signs that were put up
Cllr MacFie said: “It was also agreed that the best way out
support for pedestrianisation against 15% for a one-way
last year advising about the new layout and the lane itself
of the current impasse was to pedestrianise the High Street
system. Then seven years ago, when under Conservative
being painted red. Injuries have included fractured bones,
with the ward councillors pushing to make it a cycle-free
control, the council said it wanted to see how a proposed one-
head and facial injuries, lost teeth and significant bruising.
area. This could only happen if there was a positive attitude
way traffic trial in the High Street worked before considering
The cross-party group of six councillors who represent
by shopkeepers and residents.”
the option of pedestrianisation. A traffic order came into
Keynsham on Lib Dem-controlled Bath & North East
He said the first step would be to draw up an outline plan and
effect in spring 2017 for a period of up to 18 months.
present it to the Keynsham population for consultation in the
A survey in early 2018 quizzed around 1,600 residents, as
2024/2025 financial year.
well as local businesses, and fewer than a quarter of
This week his fellow Keynsham councillor, Conservative
respondents wanted the one-way system made permanent,
Alan Hale, who is the council’s member advocate for road
39% wanted the trial halted and a further 30% specified
safety, said he was frustrated that it had taken so long for the
‘improvements’, the most frequently cited of which was
administration to act. He hoped the proposed visual cues
pedestrianisation of the High Street
would be effective and it would not be a case of “stumbling
Although the council’s initial response was that its cabinet
from one quick fix to another”.
would make a final decision, it did not, and the order was
Regarding pedestrianisation, Cllr Hale said any scheme
sealed by a council officer.
would have to prevent cyclists and e-scooters.
During the pandemic the High Street was closed to traffic,
Pedestrianisation has been discussed before. In 2013 The
other than bicycles, for social distancing between 9am and
Week In conducted a readers’ survey which indicated 75%
5pm.
Keynsham High Street in 2020
Also in this week’s issue
More affordable homes planned for Keynsham . . . page 3
Three hurt and one arrest after Hanham crash . . . page 4
Cllr Hal MacFie, left, & Cllr Alex Beaumont, right, collecting signatures for a petition in September
Appeal inspector allows Staple Hill retirement complex . . . page 7
Downend pub redevelopment bid refused . . . page 11
2
The Week in • Wednesday 22nd November 2023
More affordable homes planned for town centre Plans have been revealed to build two more apartment blocks next to the Tesco car park in Keynsham.
The site next to Tesco's car park
Ten affordable apartments are proposed on land to the rear of Danes Court, Danes Lane. The plans are from Aequus Group, Bath & North East Somerset Council’s housing company. Six one-bed homes are proposed in Block 1 while Block 2 will have four two-bed properties. Block 1 will have 10 cycle spaces and one for a visitor. Three car parking spaces are proposed at Block 2, along with one for a motorbike and 10 for cycles, plus one visitor. The deadline for comments is 21st December. The application reference to search for on the council’s planning
How it would look
portal is 23/04190/REG03.
Latest bid to bring old nurseries site back into use Another attempt is being made to bring the
“tantamount to the construction of new
says: “There clearly is a need to
old Whitegate Nurseries site in the Green
houses within the open countryside”.
bring this site back into use as
Belt on the edge of Keynsham back into use.
They also said that Stockwood Hill is not safe
opposed to having it empty and
Whitegate Bristol Ltd is applying to Bath &
for cyclists or pedestrians and there were also
derelict. A solution is to use the site
North East Somerset Council for Class B8
concerns about biodiversity and the impact
and the largest building for a B8
use, which is for storage or as a distribution
on important trees and bats.
use which retains the existing
centre. The proposal concerns part of the site
The developer appealed to the Secretary of
building and does not alter the site
and the largest existing building.
State and earlier this year a planning
in any way.”
The garden centre on Stockwood Hill closed
inspector upheld the council’s decision.
The
in 2018. In 2021 an application to build up to
Speaking about Stockwood Hill, which is
23/04182/FUL. The deadline for
nine homes there was submitted to B&NES
steep, narrow and has limited visibility, the
comments is 6th December.
Council but later withdrawn.
Another
inspector said: “The proposal would not
proposal was lodged to turn five of the
provide genuine and realistic opportunities to
existing buildings into six homes and use the
travel by sustainable modes of transport
same access. But refusing that scheme last
given the risks one would need to take to
year, the council said it would involve the
access those services at Keynsham.”
substantial re-construction of buildings
A letter accompanying the latest application
planning
reference
is
Welcoming the festive season The annual Keynsham Winter Festival takes place on Friday (24th November) from 6pm to 9pm along the High Street, Temple Street and Market Walk. A highlight will be the procession along the High Street to turn on the Christmas lights. There will be traditional market stalls, street entertainers, a fun fair and food vendors. Keynsham & District Dial-a-Ride will again be providing a free park and ride service from the bus stop behind Waitrose to Ashton Way. This year they are extending the free shuttle service to include a route from Somerdale up to Queens Road and around to Ashton Way. For full information and a map visit the event page on Facebook.
The Week in • Wednesday 22nd November 2023
3
Man hurt in park assault at about 12.15pm when the incident happened. The suspect is described as a white man, aged approximately in his mid-40s and 5ft 10in. He was of medium build, with short dark, greying hair. He wore a grey sweatshirt with
A man was assaulted in a park in Downend last Friday (17th November) and Avon & Somerset Police are asking any witnesses to come forward. The victim, who is in his 40s, was sat on a bench in the King George V Playing Fields
a logo and dark blue jeans. He was in company with a white woman of a similar age, described as slim, with short blonde hair and wearing a long black coat. They had with them three small dogs of an unknown breed. One was said to be golden
in colour and another white and fluffy. The victim required hospital treatment due to the facial injuries he sustained. If you can help the police with their enquiries, call 101 and quote reference number 5223281358.
Arrest after crash injures three people Three people were injured and one person was arrested following a car crash in Hanham last Thursday. Police said they were called by the ambulance service at around 9am to Mount
Hill Road following a collision between two vehicles, one of which was parked. Anyone who saw or heard anything is asked to contact the police on 101 and quote reference 5223280277.
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THE WEEK IN Barrs Court, Bitton, Brislington, Cadbury Heath, Compton Dando, Corston, Downend, Emersons Green, Fishponds, Hanham, Hillfields, Keynsham, Kingswood, Longwell Green, Mangotsfield, Marksbury, North Common, Oldland Common, Pucklechurch, Saltford, Staple Hill, Stockwood, St George, Warmley, Whitchurch, Wick, Willsbridge. 16,000 copies are distributed through retail outlets, libraries, pubs, community centres each week. Verified pick-up rate of 97%.
The Week In Community Ltd, 8 Temple Court, Keynsham. BS31 1HA 0117 986 0381. www.theweekin.co.uk ISSN: 2052-9767 Publisher Editor Contributors
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4
The Week in • Wednesday 22nd November 2023
Two more units approved at business centre Planning permission has been granted for two more units at Pixash Business Centre in Keynsham despite significant concerns. A decision on the proposed units next to Proximity House was deferred in September by Bath & North East Somerset Council’s planning committee. Planning officers had been recommending approval, but ward councillor Andy Wait highlighted objections, the main one being overdevelopment which could lead to difficulties with access to sites nearby including the Hygge Park housing estate, the council’s new recycling centre and the new Meryton Place nursing home. A further 200+ homes are due to be built at nearby Withies Green. Cllr Wait said companies already at the Pixash Business Centre were extremely worried as the site earmarked for the two units is currently an open space where HGVs can currently manoeuvre in safety. He said that analysis of vehicle movements should have included both HGVs and articulated lorries and raised a concern that a right of way has been in place for 80 years and a covenant agreed in the 1990s requiring access at all times would likely be broken by
the application. Keynsham Town Council also raised concerns about the new development being Class B2 (general industrial) and the detrimental effect this could have on the local community if the wrong type of industry was permitted so close to residential properties, which has been the case in other areas of the town. B&NES Council’s planning committee had deferred the application from Systopia Consulting Ltd to pay a site visit and clarify some issues including getting more information relating to vehicle manoeuvring around the site, the impact of the proposed industrial use, specifically B2 use, the impact on neighbouring businesses and the legal rights surrounding access to the site. The application was back on the agenda at the planning committee meeting last Wednesday. Chris Beaver, representing the owners of the internal access road which serves existing commercial occupiers including the Bottle Company, Bath and Bristol Car Services, RoughTrax and Dataquest, said all were united in their objection to the proposal and the
The Week in • Wednesday 22nd November 2023
“inadequate” access arrangements pose a direct threat to the operation of their businesses. Mr Beaver said they had suggested a compromise solution which would have left the existing turning head to serve one single unit, but it was not an option the developer wanted to proceed with. The committee heard that the applicant had provided more information about how vehicles can manoeuvre safely and had
removed the proposals for any industrial use within the B2 class which means the units will be used for storage or warehousing or light industrial processes such as offices, research and development. The committee heard that legal issues surrounding access rights are a civil matter and would not provide a valid reason to refuse planning permission. The application was approved by a majority vote of members of the committee.
5
Helping people stay warm and well this winter As the weather turns colder and the cost of living remains
activities.
Find
your
nearest
welcome
space
at
high, South Gloucestershire Council is stepping up
www.southglos.gov.uk/community-welcome-spaces
support for its most vulnerable residents.
Financial support is available for anyone who is struggling
To help those who need it through the winter months, the
to pay for everyday essentials like food or energy.
council is promoting a wide range of support available,
To help older residents as much as possible, the council is
including emergency and long-term financial help, warm
encouraging pensioners to apply for the unclaimed £4m of
packs for the most vulnerable, Community Welcome Spaces,
Pension Credit in South Gloucestershire. Pension Credit is a
health advice and expert tips to save energy and keep your
national welfare benefit which tops up a state pension with
home warm.
an extra £67 a week. Recipients may also be eligible for other
Using funding from the Government’s Household Support
support such as national Cost of Living payments totalling
Fund, the council will be giving out 1,000 free warm packs
£900 a year, free TV licences for those aged over 75, help
is struggling has enough food to eat, keeps warm and can get
to residents who are struggling with the cost of living at the
with heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme
help with essential outgoings.
moment. The bags will include hats, gloves, socks, blankets,
and reduced utility bills such as discounts on water charges.
“Reaching out for help is nothing to be ashamed of. Whether
thermal mugs, hot water bottles, reusable handwarmers and
The council’s Take the Credit campaign will encourage
it’s calling up to discuss benefits you may be entitled to,
soup. They will be available for adults, pensioners and
pensioners in receipt of certain local discounts and benefits,
popping into a Community Welcome Space to warm up over
families from early December in South Gloucestershire’s
such as housing benefit and council tax reduction, to check
a cup of tea or asking for a warm pack in one of our libraries
libraries, One Stop Shops and children’s centres. Staff will
their eligibility and apply for Pension Credit before the winter
– our friendly teams are here to help make sure the support
be trained to have discussions with residents to establish if
sets in. Council officers will be attending various pensioner
we have available reaches those who need it.”
they would benefit from a warm pack.
groups and meetings to provide advice and information on
The freephone number to call for help is 0800 953 7778.
In addition, a network of Community Welcome Spaces is now
how to apply.
The NHS recommends heating your home to 18°C. The
open offering a friendly welcome and a warm space for
Cllr Alison Evans, the council’s cabinet member for cost of
council’s partners Severn Wye are offering energy-saving
people to meet others, enjoy a hobby or just spend some time
living, said: “Please don’t struggle in silence, there are lots
advice and top tips to keep your home warm, as well as
for free. Most venues offer hot drinks and refreshments and
of options available to our residents to make sure anyone who
information on grants and schemes to help pay energy bills
Alison Evans
or install energy-saving measures such as insulation. Call the
Support for older people experiencing food poverty
helpline on 0800 500 3076.
Research commissioned by Bath & North East Somerset
a smaller sample of older residents and health and care
Council has revealed high levels of food insecurity for
workers across B&NES, also highlighted social connection
older people on low incomes.
as protective against food insecurity. Alongside the rising
Two studies by the University of Bath concluded that social
cost of food and fuel, older people talked of tasks such as
connection, as well as health and financial resources, are
shopping, food preparation, and socialising as becoming
key to reducing the risk of food insecurity.
increasingly difficult due to health and mobility issues,
A questionnaire to B&NES residents receiving Pension
including access to suitable transport. Residents struggling
Credit showed nearly half of respondents (46%) reported
with food or in financial crisis can contact the council’s
some degree of food insecurity over the past 12 months.
welfare support team on 01225 477277, Monday to
Around a third of participants (34%) reported worrying
Thursday, between 9am and 5pm (Wednesday 9.30am to
about food running out before they could afford to buy
5pm), and on Fridays from 9am to 4.30pm. Alternatively
more and indicated that it was often or sometimes true that
visit https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/apply-welfare-support
they could not afford to eat balanced meals (33.6%). One
People can also contact the Community Wellbeing Hub on
in 10 sometimes or often didn’t have enough to eat in the
freephone 0300 247 0050, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm,
past 12 months.
or at https://communitywellbeinghub.co.uk/
The most common source of support for respondents was
There
friends and family. While most had people to help them if
https://livewell.bathnes.gov.uk/cost-living-support
they really needed it, close to one quarter did not.
Information on food support can be found at
A second study, which carried out in-depth interviews with
https://www.banesfoodfinder.org.uk
is
also
information
at
A warm welcome There is a network of more than 60 ‘Welcoming Spaces’ in Bristol that are open to everyone where people can find company, a warm space, get help and guidance, or take part in activities. The list includes Kingswood Methodist Church, Hillfields Library, The Beehive Centre in St George, Brunelcare’s Colliers Gardens Extra Care Home in Fishponds, St Augustine's Church in Whitchurch, Christ Church in Petherton Road, Hengrove and Hengrove Park Leisure Centre. Find out more at https://tinyurl.com/bdyxztb7 People can get information and advice about the cost of living by calling the free We Are Bristol helpline on 0800 694 0184 between 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. There is also lots of information about the support available to those struggling with the cost of living at https://tinyurl.com/ysjj8ee5
POOCH PLAY TIME Bristol’s first Indoor Dog Adventure Playground Indoor dog adventure playground for safe, socialized fun. Owners stay for controlled play. Stimulating environment, attentive staff. Dogs leave happy, tired and content. Stimulation is what we pride our Adventure Playground to be. www.pooch-playtime.co.uk 07432 556255 Clack Mill, Keynsham Rd, Willsbridge, Bristol BS30 6EH
6
The Week in • Wednesday 22nd November 2023
Developer wins appeal to build new retirement complex Churchill Retirement Living submitted plans
Road where the former infant school stood.
the overall design would be acceptable even
permission for a new retirement complex
to
in
The proposed block will have one and two-
though its position would harm the
of 42 apartments in Staple Hill.
September last year for vacant land in Page
bed apartments and will be larger than the
spaciousness of the area. However, the
school which was demolished in 2019. It will
inspector said this was outweighed by the
Minibus service for rail commuters
be three storeys with a set-back fourth storey
benefits, particularly as there is a “critical
and the scheme includes communal facilities,
need” for specialist accommodation for older
Commuters who use Keynsham railway station are being encouraged to try the WESTlink minibus service for the final leg of their journey. WESTlink is the West of England's shared bookable minibus service. A new dedicated space will now for the first time allow WESTlink minibuses to wait in Keynsham Station car park, responding to public feedback. From Monday (27th November) a WESTlink minibus will be specially waiting to depart from the station car park each weekday evening at 5.45pm. It is designed to meet passengers arriving at 5.35pm from Bristol Temple Meads and at 5.38pm from Bath. The 12-seater minibus will then drop off passengers at the nearest bus stop to their home in the Keynsham and Saltford areas. Passengers should download the
parking and landscaping.
people and the scarcity of available suitable
Because the council failed to make a decision
sites, along with the economic, social and
within the set time (but would have refused
environmental benefits. The scheme includes
it) the developer appealed to the Secretary of
a contribution of more than £110,000 from
State to determine the plans.
the developer towards public open space as
Following an appeal hearing in August, the
well as a financial contribution towards
inspector has now granted approval, saying
affordable housing in the district.
A
planning
inspector
has
granted
South
Gloucestershire
Council
Mayor Dan Norris at Keynsham Station
WESTlink app from the App Store or Google Play, register and enter the pick-up point of Keynsham Station and their desired drop-off point. A single adult journey costs £2 and journeys can be booked up to 24 hours in advance. About 75 people arrive daily at Keynsham Station between 5.35pm and 5.38pm. If passengers opt to take the WESTlink home, it will help cut congestion and pollution, says Metro Mayor Dan Norris. The trial will run for a month and could be rolled out to other stations if successful.
The Week in • Wednesday 22nd November 2023
7
LETTERS Will decaying site be properly redeveloped? Dear Editor In Issue 807 of The Week In you reported on the planning application to redevelop the former Lucas site in Moravian Road, Kingswood for up to 140 homes. Not before time! It's disheartening to have witnessed the decay and abandonment of this site, causing feelings of disregard, hopelessness and frustration within the community.
I made my way toward this bus in the expectation that it would be changed to ‘44’ which, according to the bus stop electronic information board, was due. This assumption was correct but as I and other passengers walked toward it, the doors opened, a man wearing a yellow hi-vis jacket climbed on board and, instead of the bus being lowered to accept the wheelchair that I was pushing towards it, the driver immediately closed the doors, raised the bus and drove off, leaving me, my disabled passenger and assorted other would-be
passengers
open-mouthed
in
amazement. When I confronted another driver about it,
ensure that everyone at your dinner table can have
Be deaf aware this Christmas
fun together whilst being deaf aware to make sure that everybody feels included.
Dear Editor
Visit rnid.org.uk/game and we’ll send you a game
Christmas is a time when families and friends look forward to getting together, but for the one in five adults with hearing loss, crowded dinner tables full of people laughing and shouting over each other can be a nightmare to follow.
pack in the post which will include everything you need to have a festive, fun-filled dinner, at the same time as also learning a bit of BSL (British Sign Language) on the side. You’ll also find tips for being deaf aware on our
You may have family or friends who struggle with hearing loss? Or perhaps you are the one who often feels left out of conversations? The Christmas Dinner Game from RNID (the Royal
website. Teri Devine Director of Inclusion and Employment at RNID
National Institute for Deaf People) was created to
her response was that either he was behind direction! If his eyesight was that bad, he ought
Saying thanks to shop workers
not to be anywhere near a bus, let alone be driving
To mark Respect for Shopworkers
one.
Week, organised by USDAW (the shop
This is by no means the first occasion on which
workers’ union), Labour councillors
schedule, or he hadn't seen us heading in his
The Lucas site
However, I wonder whether this proposal will fare any better than the development of the former Bendix site in nearby Wood Road, given the fact that both sites are believed to be owned by the same person? The former Bendix site is nothing short of a disgrace and hasn't been further developed, other than a few dwellings, for almost three years! Unfinished properties have been broken into and squatters occupy two or more of these and presumably abstract electricity. If the local authority/developers are unable to manage this former Bendix site to its stated objectives, then I have little confidence in them similarly being able to hold the owner responsible for a successful redevelopment of the old Lucas site in their Kingswood Masterplan. Stuart Lockwood Kingswood resident
to my personal knowledge such an incident has occurred at this location, and I have in the past attempted to raise the matter with Doug
visited shops in Keynsham South to thank staff for all the work they do.
Claringbold (First’s managing director) but I have
The aim last week was to raise
never had the courtesy of a reply, despite, by the
awareness of the increased amount of
way, also raising the matter at a public meeting
abuse, shoplifting and anti-social
with the West of England Mayor Dan Norris, who
behaviour that many shop workers
promised to look into it. I have heard nothing
experience. In a recent UK survey
from him either.
three-quarters said they experienced
I acknowledge the fact that it is sometimes
verbal abuse; half had been threatened
necessary for buses to queue at this Broad Quay stop but surely it is also incumbent on drivers to ensure that they do their best to allow those passengers who are quite understandably waiting
by a customer and 8% assaulted. Nearly a third (30%) were considering changing their job and 41% felt
at the official pick-up point to make their way to
anxious about work because of high
their chosen bus, which unbeknown to them
levels of abuse, threats and violence.
issues they face on a daily basis. We are
might be hidden behind one or two other buses in
Martin Burton, who represents Keynsham
asking everyone who uses local shops to
the line. It is not down to passengers to know that
South on the town council, said: “We are
say ‘thank you’ to the staff the next time
unless they do this, they are likely to be left
very fortunate in having so many wonderful
they visit – it doesn’t cost anything!”
standing?
shops in Keynsham staffed by fantastic
Cllr Martin Burton is pictured on the right
staff who sometimes are having to deal with
with the duty manager at the Co-op in
very stressful and sometimes dangerous
Queens Road Derek Timbrell holding the
situations.
letter of thanks, and David Biddleston, who
Left standing
Clearly though, the incident is in a category of its
Dear Editor
own, and I would like to believe that this driver
As a fairly regular user of First Bus, I have
(who, for the record, departed at around 14.30
noticed a steady improvement in services.
from the Broad Quay stop) would be disciplined,
However, on Tuesday last (14th November) while
but from past experience I hold out very little
“The staff provide an outstanding service
represents Keynsham South on the town
waiting at the Broad Quay stop, a ‘Sorry, not in
hope of there being any more of a response from
and we felt we should use the week to not
council and Bath & North East Somerset
service’ bus joined the queue behind two others
First Bus than I have had in the past.
only thank them but raise awareness of the
Council.
parked at the outbound stop.
Mike Openshaw, Hanham
8
The Week in • Wednesday 22nd November 2023
Jess scoops two volunteer awards after losing her mum A bereaved young woman from Willsbridge has won two awards for her inspirational volunteering work. 20-year-old Jess Sheridan’s mum died in May 2021 and was cared for at home by the community palliative care nurses from Dorothy House Hospice. After losing her mum, Jess joined the hospice’s Teen Bereavement Group and has been working with the family support team to navigate her own bereavement journey, as well as helping Dorothy House communicate the importance of grief support in schools by becoming a young people’s ambassador. At the Hospice UK Awards earlier this month she was named Young Volunteer of the Year. Presenting Jess’s award, Toby Porter, chief executive of Hospice UK, said: “Everybody knows how vitally important volunteers are to each and every hospice. Without their incredible dedication and support, the hospice sector would simply not be able to provide the excellent services that they do. Jess is a wonderful asset to Dorothy House Hospice, showing remarkable commitment to championing the hospice’s work in her role as young people’s ambassador. “By generously sharing her personal experience of losing her
Fun and games Bath & North East Somerset Council launched Board Game Saturdays at three libraries at the weekend. Every Saturday there will be a great variety of board games, suitable for all ages. Drop in from 10am to 12.30pm at Midsomer Norton Library and from 12.30pm to 4pm at Keynsham and Bath Central libraries.
mum as a teenager, Jess has offered advice to other bereaved young people, acting as a role model and helping them to connect and support each other.” Jess said: “Since my Mum died, Dorothy House has supported me at every step. I am passionate about seeing grievers like me understood and not alone – and want to be an ambassador especially for children and young people, whose stories are invaluable and should be heard.” On receiving the award, she said she felt like she was representing the huge group of amazing volunteers at Dorothy House. Jess also scooped the Young Volunteer of the Year Award at Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Community Awards 2023/2024 which champion those who make a difference in their communities and support others.
Zebra crossing proposal South Gloucestershire Council has launched a public consultation on its plans to install a zebra crossing on Four Acre Road in Downend. The chosen location is on the south side of the junction with Quakers Road and the aim is to make it safer for families going to and from Bromley Heath Primary School. It is also proposed to replace the guardrails with bollards to improve the visibility of pedestrians to drivers. The closing date for comments is Monday (27th November). Depending upon the result of the consultation it is hoped the scheme will be implemented during the council’s next financial year.
Sudoku 1-Easy
Jess Sheridan pictured with her national Young Volunteer of the Year Award from Hospice UK
SUNDAY CHEMISTS Sunday 26th November
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 22nd November 2023
9
Crackdown on anti-social motorbike riding Avon & Somerset Police say an operation targeting crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB) involving motorbikes, mopeds and e-bicycles has led to arrests and a reduction in reports. The force-wide operation was built on a successful local initiative in South Bristol. It involved identifying hotspots and offenders and targeting them with specialist resources including CID, roads policing, intelligence, drones and neighbourhood and ASB teams working closely with patrol and the force’s communications centre to improve the response, supported by the National Police Air Service. The tactics led to 28 arrests or voluntary interviews, some involving the same individuals more than once, the recovery
of 27 stolen motorbikes and a 35% fall in reported ASB involving two-wheeled vehicles. A number of cases remain under investigation or are going through the courts and many defendants cannot be named for legal reasons due to being aged under 18.
Among them was Harvey Mitchell, 20, from Staple Hill, who was handed a five-year CBO, a community sentence and an eight-month driving ban after admitting offences including taking a motorbike without consent in Glencoyne Square in Bristol and driving without insurance.
As well as criminal charges, the police are using ASB legislation to impose restrictions on their behaviour, working with the Youth Justice Service to ensure positive requirements are added to youth rehabilitation orders as appropriate. Seventeen people have received Community Protection Warnings (CPWs), including one who was handed a Community Protection Notice for breaching the conditions in the CPW. Three Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) have been issued by the court.
The CBO includes requirements not to be in possession, sit on, ride, or be a passenger of any motorcycle, moped, electric bike or electric scooter in a public place; not to congregate in public with two or more people in a manner causing or likely to cause anyone to fear for their safety; not to wear a balaclava in a public place; and not to associate with three named individuals. Breaching a criminal behaviour order can lead to five years’ imprisonment.
West of England choirs in harmony at Wells Cathedral Music lovers from across the West of England were treated to an evening of song and jazz music in Wells Cathedral last Wednesday. Representatives from the 24 choirs which make up the Good Afternoon Choirs joined forces to present a joyous event called the Big Sing involving more than 600 singers. The groups represented were Keynsham, Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Norton Radstock, Yate and Chipping Sodbury, Chippenham and Calne, Churchdown, Cirencester and Stroud, Devizes, Frome, Malmesbury, North Somerset, South Somerset, Taunton, Thornbury, Warminster and Westbury, and Wells. The evening began with Grenville Jones, founder of the Good Afternoon Choirs, presenting the Wells Cathedral
Crossword
School Senior Jazz Combo. Next the combined choir sang a selection of well-known songs. Among them was Top of the World by The Carpenters, and the haunting and enigmatic favourite Hallelujah, written by Leonard Cohen. Also taking part were the Bristol Military Wives. Their moving contribution included Hold Back the River, Brave and Remember. Grenville brought the evening to a close with God Save the King. A retiring collection for the Royal British Legion was taken as the hundreds of choir
ACROSS
DOWN
1. Meeting schedule (6)
1. Help (6)
4. Moneylender (6)
3. Type of window (6)
8. District adjoining a town (6)
5. Calm (6)
10. Source (6) 11. Pale purple (5) 12. Separate (6) 14. Course at dinner (6) 16. Attire (4) 17. Tall grass (4) 19. Land measure (4) 22. Metallic element (4) 26. Buy back (6) 27. Breed of sheep (6) 28. Essential (5) 29. Light rainfall (6) 30. Unwholesome (6)
members and their guests departed. Christine Rogers
2. Receding (6)
6. Esteem (6) 7. Park warden (6) 9. Wounding remark (4) 10. Ended (4) 13. Move to music (5) 15. Male voice (5) 18. Reliable (6) 19. Abut (6) 20. Worship (6) 21. Islamic ruler (4) 22. Muslim prayer leader (4) 23. Charge weapon again (6) 24. Agile (6) 25. Breed of dog (6)
31. Over there (6) 32. Stick (6)
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The Week in • Wednesday 22nd November 2023
Pub redevelopment plans are refused Plans to partly demolish a 19th century Downend pub to create two houses have been refused by South Gloucestershire Council. The application for The White Swan in North Street said the pub had been vacant since February 2021 and a single-storey roof and supporting walls had sustained serious structural deterioration. The plan was to knock down part of the pub and build a two-storey side extension, creating two houses which would each have a garden and parking.
The council received objections from two local residents who said the history of the pub should be conserved, maintained and continued. A comment of support was received from another local resident highlighting there had been noise and antisocial behaviour when the pub was operating. Council planners said the proposal had not provided proof that the pub is no longer viable, and the overall design failed to preserve the significance of a local heritage asset.
Enforcement appeal dismissed by inspector A developer who appealed to the Secretary of State after being told to take down a 2.4 metre high wooden fence and gate from a Green Belt site in Wick has lost their
challenge. Wick Land Ltd appealed against the enforcement notice issued in September 2022 by South Gloucestershire Council. The
council had told the developer to remove the structures from land to the south of the A420 High Street/Church Road because of their negative impact and ordered that the land be restored within one month. Now a planning inspector appointed by the Secretary of State has dismissed the appeal and the enforcement notice has been upheld. The same developer was behind an outline
planning application to build 22 homes on the land, along with a car park to serve the nearby Golden Valley Nature Reserve. The council also refused that scheme on several grounds, including inappropriate development and that it would harm the setting of nearby Grade I listed Wick Court. There were also road safety concerns. The developer challenged that decision too but subsequently dropped the appeal.
Could you volunteer? The Carers Support Centre, a charity which provides support, information and advice to carers of any age living in Bristol and South Gloucestershire, is looking for a volunteer to help with Carers Emergency Card forms. Such cards shows a carer’s name, unique identification number and an emergency phone number. If they have an accident/emergency then the card can be used to alert a 24-hour emergency call centre that the person being cared for needs help. The charity is looking for someone who is good with people on the phone and has basic IT skills. The role will involve two to three hours a week and there’s scope for additional promotional/outreach work too. Email volunteering@carerssupportcentre.org.uk for more information.
Van damaged Someone damaged a van parked in Courtenay Road in Keynsham between 2am and 7.45am on Thursday 9th November. The front windscreen was smashed and the side of the vehicle dented in what may
have been an attempt to gain entry. If you have any information about this incident, especially CCTV images, call 101, giving reference number 5223273914. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The Week in • Wednesday 22nd November 2023
11
Man admits fly-tipping on Siston Common A man from Emersons Green who
roadside verge at Siston Hill. The waste was
black bags.
pursue fly-tip related prosecutions through
admitted he got fed up with queueing at
removed for disposal by the operatives and a
South Gloucestershire Council has a zero-
the
Mangotsfield recycling centre so dumped
search of the bags by the council’s
tolerance approach to fly-tipping and always
environmental enforcement team has a 100
waste on nearby Siston Common has been
environmental enforcement officers revealed
looks to prosecute fly-tippers and other
per cent record of securing successful
fined.
documents relating to Sullivan’s address at
offenders for illegally disposing of their
prosecutions for this type of offence.”
Timothy Sullivan, 47, of Clematis Road,
Clematis Road.
waste in South Gloucestershire, rather than
Household waste can be taken to the
appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court last
Sullivan attended the council’s offices in Yate
issuing fixed penalty notices (FPNs).
council’s Sort It recycling centres where it
week where he pleaded guilty to fly-tipping
for a voluntary interview on 3rd August,
Cllr Leigh Ingham, the council’s cabinet
can be disposed of at no cost - see
and was ordered to pay a fine of £320, along
where he was shown photographs of the fly-
member responsible for environmental
www.southglos.gov.uk/sortitcentres
with £819 in costs and a £128 victim
tip and documentation. He admitted that
enforcement, said: “This waste could have
Residents who see illegal fly tipping are
surcharge, making a total of £1,267.
some of the waste was his and said he had
easily been disposed of at one of our Sort It
encouraged to report it by calling the
The court heard that on 12th July, South
been going to the Mangotsfield Sort It
recycling centres, but due to impatience, it
council’s StreetCare helpdesk on 01454
Gloucestershire Council’s street cleansing
Centre but after waiting 15 minutes in a
was just dumped on the roadside.
868000,
team discovered a fly-tip of black bag
queue, had lost his patience and drove up to
“Rather than relying on fixed penalty notices,
streetcare@southglos.gov.uk
household waste and other materials on a
Siston Common where he dumped the
South Gloucestershire Council will always
www.southglos.gov.uk/flytipping
courts
and
our
award-winning
emailing or
visiting
Service of remembrance
Carol and memorial service
On Sunday (26th November) Potterswood Methodist Church in Kingswood will be holding a service of remembrance to remember loved ones. The service, led by the Rev Anthony Hick, will take place at 11am, and all are welcome. Everyone can light a candle for those lost and you can have a name read out during the service if you wish. Knitted candles will be available to take home, free of charge, to remember someone special. After the service everyone is welcome to stay for a hot drink. The church is on Pow's Road, just opposite The Star pub on Hanham Road, and more information can be found at www.potterswood.org
Westerleigh Cemetery & Crematorium is issuing an open invitation for people to visit on Wednesday 6th December to take part in its annual Christmas carol and memorial service. The festive gathering provides a valuable opportunity for families and friends to come together and remember their loved ones in the run-up to Christmas, a time when people can particularly feel their losses. The service starts at 7pm and will include a selection of readings and popular carols. It is free but anyone wishing to attend is asked to email westerleighcrematorium@westerleighgroup.co.uk or call 0117 9374619. Visitors will be able to write personal messages onto tags which will be placed on a memory tree.
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The Week in • Wednesday 22nd November 2023
Church plans ‘Green Christmas’ St Barnabas’ Church at Warmley has been awarded Eco Church Bronze status after efforts to ensure that its ministry, lifestyle, care of the buildings and land, as well as all outreach work, considers the need to live more simply and ‘tread lightly’ on the planet. The church is busy planning a month-long project concentrating on enjoying a ‘Green Christmas’ by thinking about how materials and
resources are used in relation to the climate emergency and global warming. Eco-friendly Christmas tree displays made and supplied by local schools, groups and businesses will be on show at every service and event. The main event will be on Saturday 9th December from 10am to 4pm when the church will be open for people to come and enjoy seeing the various Christmas tree displays.
Gift a book this festive season Residents in Bath & North East Somerset with unwanted new or as-new books are encouraged to donate them to people in their community who might not otherwise receive a Christmas present. The Gift a Book campaign is being run by the libraries service for the third year running. Donations can be made until 2nd December at the libraries in Keynsham, Bath and Midsomer Norton.
Situations Vacant
The Week in • Wednesday 22nd November 2023
13
Crossword Solution
Sudoku Solutions 1-Easy
2-Hard
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Plumbing You don't have to book successive weeks. You can choose fortnightly, monthly or specific insertion dates as long as the total number of insertions booked corresponds to the discount rate.
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Similar percentage discounts apply equally to larger sized adverts. DEADLINE FOR PLACING DIRECTORY ADVERTS IS FRIDAY 4.30PM
The Week in • Wednesday 22nd November 2023
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The Week in • Wednesday 22nd November 2023