Bradley Stoke Voice - April 2023 - Issue 06

bradleystokevoice

April 2023 — Issue 6

FREE EVERY MONTH IN BRADLEY STOKE, STOKE GIFFORD & LITTLE STOKE

Making cycling and bus travel easier

TRANSPORT planners are consulting on changes to make cycling and getting the bus easier for commuters.

New bus lanes and cycle lanes will be built between Thornbury and Bradley Stoke in a project aimed to cut car traffic, congestion and pollution.

South Gloucestershire Council has been asking the public to help shape its major plans for the A38 Gloucester Road and Bradley Stoke Way, as part of a project expected to be finished in 2026. Council bosses want to encourage drivers out of their cars.

The project includes building a new two-way cycle track between Almondsbury and Alveston along the A38, and a new bus lane going south approaching Hortham Lane. Bus stops and pavements on the A38 will also be improved, while the speed limit will be reduced between Almondsbury and Rudgeway.

On Bradley Stoke Way, a new two-way cycle track and separate pavement will be built between Aztec West and Great Stoke roundabout, and a bus lane will be introduced going south towards Savages Wood

roundabout. Crossings to and from the cycle track will also be upgraded.

Conservative Councillor Steve Reade, cabinet member for transport, said: “It’s really important we get the views of people who live, work or travel through the area as they will influence the steps we take to encourage sustainable travel.

“We are preparing for the local impact of climate change and an important part of our response is to provide improvements for walking, cycling, wheeling and public

transport. We are working hard to help set up sustainable alternatives to encourage more people to get out of their motorised vehicles more often.

“We are committed to tackling these issues and have already invested a total of £174 million in highway improvements over the last four years to reduce congestion and emissions, improve cycling and pedestrian routes, facilitate faster bus journeys and futureproof our road network.”

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporter

www.bradleystokevoice.com

EDITORIAL

Jane Williams

news@bradleystokevoice.com

Happy birthday, Ron!

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LOCAL INFORMATION

South Gloucestershire Council www.southglos.gov.uk

01454 868009

Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk

general enquiries: 101

Emergency: 999

Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk

General enquiries:

0117 926 2061

Emergency: 999

NHS 111

Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk

01454 868009

COMPLAINTS

Anti social behaviour team asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582

Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc streetcare@southglos.gov.uk

Environment/trading standards 01454 868001

Well Aware

Health and social care information www.wellaware.org.uk

Tel: (Freephone) 0808 808 5252

We Are Bristol helpline

Tel: (Freephone) 0800 694 0284 Mon-Fri, 8.30am - 5pm

Weekends, 10am - 2pm

Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in the Bradley Stoke Voice, contact the publisher using the details below. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour. Further details of the complaints process can be obtained by contacting the Publisher.

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PUBLISHER'S NOTE: Bradley Stoke Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Bradley Stoke Voice is distributed each month to local residents in Bradley Stoke and the surrounding areas. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please get in touch or collect one from local pick-up points. Feedback is welcomed, call Brookfield Publishing on 07540 383870 or email news@ bradleystokevoice.com. This month 7,500 copies will be distributed in Bradley Stoke and the local area.

ONE of Bradley Stoke’s original residents is turning 90. Ron and his wife Janet bought one of the first houses built in Bradley Stoke North and moved in during November 1987. They walked daily and witnessed the first shops and schools being built in North Bradley Stoke and the development of the initial library, which Janet was very involved with.

Even now, five years after Janet passed away, Ron walks daily no matter what the weather. He can be seen every morning buying his paper at the Bradley Stoke Pavilions and often walks up to the Willow Brook Centre.

April 2023 - Issue 6 Discover

Bradley Stoke is truly a community for all ages. Everyone at Bradley Stoke Voice wishes Ron many happy returns!

To advertise, contact Shaun on 07540 383870 or email sales@bradleystokevoice.com

PARENTS and carers say a shock change to criteria for autism diagnoses could cost lives.

Children must now be in “crisis” before they can be referred for diagnosis in the Bristol region after healthcare provider Sirona changed the eligibility for assessment from March 1. This followed a 350 per cent waiting list increase over two years.

Campaigners say the change was introduced without warning and they will challenge it in court. They have launched a group called Assess for Autism and a crowdfunding appeal, which raised £3,000 in a week. https://tinyurl.com/yn7u85yb \

Under the six-point criteria, children will only be referred if they have “severe and enduring” mental health issues, such as being a high risk to themselves or others, are involved with youth offending, have very low levels of communication, are in care or on a child protection plan, or if their education or family is breaking down.

Even those who are referred face a two-year wait to be seen in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG).

Sirona and the Integrated Care Board (ICB), which formally approved the new policy, insist it is necessary because families are waiting too long as it is for an initial assessment and that resources can now be focused on those with the “highest clinical need or are the most vulnerable”.

Outcry over changes to child autism referrals

Assess for Autism says Sirona’s own calculations show 60 per cent of young people in Bristol will miss out on the chance to be assessed and that suicide rates are much higher in autistic communities, with those undiagnosed at much greater risk.

An Assess for Autism spokesperson said: “It is deeply concerning that the ICB has chosen to ignore the overwhelming evidence of the positive impact early diagnosis can have. By implementing this regressive policy, the ICB is effectively creating a mental health crisis amongst the city’s young population. “Families were not consulted on these changes and swift legal action is the only recourse we have to get this policy changed.”

The changes came just as South Gloucestershire Council cabinet approved the findings of a taskforce to improve early intervention for girls with autism.

Cllr Alison Evans, who chaired the group, told the meeting: “I’m alarmed by the new Sirona referral criteria that seems to completely go against our report about identifying girls with autism earlier.

“Now, to even be referred for an autism diagnosis you now need to be more or less in crisis rather than us having our preventative approach to ensure children flourish.”

Sirona and BNSSG ICB said in a statement: ““We changed our referral criteria so our resources can be directed towards the children that have the highest clinical need or are the most vulnerable. It is important that we do not continue to accept more children than we can see and assess and our new approach has also brought us more in line with services across the rest of the country.

“Children do not require a diagnosis to have their needs met in schools and other settings, and the wait for the outcome of a diagnostic assessment can delay children receiving appropriate support.

It said any child referred before March 1 would be assessed under the previous criteria and that it had set up a helpdesk which can be contacted by email at sirona.cpasdhelpdesk@ nhs.net or phone on 0300 125 5560.”

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporter

n TURNERS VISION

How to choose sunglasses to protect your eyes

AS we head into spring we’ll be reaching for our shades on the way out the door.

Sunglasses are often seen as more of a fashion piece than eye protectors. Luxury brands advertise them as accessories to complete your outfit, but mention little about the benefits for your eyes.

Sunglasses vary greatly. Some provide excellent protection against harmful UV rays, whereas others are just slightly tinted lenses that look great but offer little benefit. With such a vast array to choose from, it can be overwhelming trying to find a pair that fit your style and provide the necessary protection.

So here’s my list of the 5 features to look out for when choosing sunglasses.

1.Look for UV protection

Personally, I think that this is the most important factor. UV rays are extremely harmful to eyes, damaging your corneas and causing cataracts and macular degeneration. When looking for sunglasses, aim for lenses with 100% protection against both UVA & UVB rays, to maximise effectiveness. Look out for the Zeal Optics range in our stores – (part of the Hawaiian brand Maui Jim, designed by folk who know more than most about designing sun protection!).

2.Check the lens colour

The colour of your lenses can affect how much visible light enters your eyes. Lenses that are too dark can increase your eyes' sensitivity to light if worn a lot. Lens colour has little effect on protection from UV rays, however, it can impact your vision in certain environments, for example, grey lenses are great for bright sunlight.

3. Consider the shape and size

Not something you would usually consider affecting your eye health, but the shape of your glasses can add extra protection. Ideally, sunglasses that fit close to your face and cover much of your eyes are the best, as those that don’t cover enough of the eye can allow for UV exposure at certain angles.

4. Pick a pair suited to your lifestyle

When are you going to be wearing your sunglasses most? Just out for a walk? Then stylish Ray Bans will do the job. But if you’re into outdoor sports a pair with impact resistance, like the Oakley range, are recommended. If you spend time near water and snow, Polarised lenses can reduce glare. We stock all these brands in both our Henleaze and Fishponds branches. If you wear prescription glasses, don’t forget to get prescription sunglasses to avoid discomfort.

5. Don’t forget about the quality

Finally, choose sunglasses made from high-quality materials. Cheap materials won’t provide the same UV protection and likely won’t last as long.

What do I wear?

I get asked this a lot! I love my chrome Rockstar glasses by Tom Davies –the creator of bespoke eyewear for the stars. Want to channel your inner rock star? We have a stock of these in our stores to try out. To book an appointment or view our sunglasses range, call our Henleaze team on 0117 962 2474 or Fishponds team on 0117 965 4434

Peter Turner is an Independent Prescribing Optometrist at Turners Opticians in Bristol, with a specialist interest in visual development and visual performance, who also works as a Senior Optometrist at Bristol Eye Hospital

Gastro-Glasto is coming to Little Stoke

FOODIES Festival, the UK’s biggest touring gourmet food and music festival series, returns in May. Featuring a star-studded line-up of celebrity chefs and chart-topping music stars, including Scouting For Girls and Blue, (pictured right).

Known as GastroGlastonbury, the festival will take place at Little Stoke Park from May 12-14. The three-day event features live cooking demonstrations from top chefs drawn from the ranks of TV’s MasterChef, Great British Bake Off and Great British Menu, plus top-rated Michelin-starred and award-winning chefs.

Early announcements of star names appearing in the live cooking theatres include: Great British Menu 2022 finalist Olivia Barry; chef-patron from Adelina Yard, Bristol, MasterChef 2020 champion, Thomas Frake; Great British Menu and MasterChef finalist Larkin Cen; and MasterChef champion, Dhruv Baker.

The musical feast is just as sumptuous with platinum-selling festival favourites Scouting For Girls and award-winning boyband Blue, who have sold a phenomenal 16 million records and had multiple number one hits, making them one of the biggest bands of the last two decades

Duncan James from Blue said: “We are so excited to try out all the tasty food! The band has toured around the world trying out different cuisines, but to have it all in one place…what a treat! We’re looking forward to performing all our hits and

meeting the Foodies audience.”

Scouting For Girls said: “We always look forward to Foodies and it just wouldn’t be summer without it! The festivals have a great vibe, and we often bring our family and friends along to enjoy the fun. We’ve all taken a liking to the Japanese Bao Buns and the Jamaican Jerk Chicken, so we will also be looking forward to scoffing that! See you soon at Little Stoke Park.”

Highlighting the best of the region, many of the mosthighly acclaimed Michelin and multi-award-winning chefs will also appear, including: Chris Cleghorn, head chef from The Olive Tree, Bath’s only Michelin starred restaurant; Florence Wilson, head chef from Michelin recommended Little Hollows Pasta; Louise McCrimmon, head chef from Michelin

recommended The Blaise Inn; and Elliot Lidstone, head chef from Michelin Bib Gourmand awarded BOX-E.

Throughout the three-day weekend, visitors will enjoy a jam-packed schedule of TV cooking show champions and award-winning chefs in the

interactive live theatres. In the Chefs Theatre, celebrities will create their signature dishes and share new tips and tricks, whilst in the Cake & Bake Theatre, star bakers whip up showstoppers and offer tempting sweet treats. Tickets are available from foodiesfestival.com

Monkeying around!

GYMPANZEES is running an Easter Pop-Up series of fun fitness events for children and young people with disabilities. The sessions will be from April 3-14, and will be at SGS Pegasus School, Patchway, Bristol, BS32 4AJ.

Gympanzees sessions are for children and young people (up to 25 years of age) with sensory, physical, learning difficulties, SEN and any mild to profound disability.

The pop up sessions are designed working in collaboration with therapists, specialist teachers, service users and other disability organisations to ensure they are fully inclusive and accessible.

The centre is designed around ‘Stealthy Health’, with children and young people getting therapy benefits and exercise without knowing they are. To them, it’s simply play.

There will be a trampoline room, soft playroom, music room, indoor and outdoor playground, active and calm sensory room, gym, and hangout (for children aged 11+). There will also be a sociable café to meet and chat with others after the session.

The group does not want cost to be a barrier to families accessing Gympanzees and offers a concession price for low-income families, and can offer a fee waiver for the families who would struggle to access Gympanzees otherwise.

For more information, visit gympanzees.org/ easterpopup

Photo courtesy of Jon Craig

Photo courtesy of Emily Negus

Gigabit broadband hits target

EVEN more people in South Gloucestershire are now benefiting from high speed internet due to a large proportion of the area’s infrastructure having been upgraded to deliver gigabit capable broadband.

South Gloucestershire has exceeded the government’s 85 per cent Project Gigabit broadband coverage goal, well ahead of the target date of 2025. The gigabit broadband coverage figure for the area is currently at 85.09 per cent, much higher than the national average of 72 per cent.

South Gloucestershire Council has set ambitious new targets in South Gloucestershire and is aiming to reach 90 per cent gigabit coverage by December 2025, and 95 per cent coverage by December 2027. These targets will keep the area on track to reach the government’s national target of 100 per cent coverage by 2030.

The government’s £5 billion Project Gigabit programme aims to deliver lightning-fast, reliable broadband to everyone in the UK and ensure no communities are left out, by focusing on the more rural, hardest-to-reach areas of the country.

Gigabit-capable broadband provides a more reliable connection and makes it easier and quicker to do things like stream television and video services, game online, connect multiple devices, download large files, use social media, keep in touch with friends and family online, host and attend group video conferencing and shop and order products and services online.

Councillor Ben Burton, cabinet member with responsibility for broadband at South Gloucestershire Council, said: “We are incredibly pleased to have reached this impressive gigabit broadband coverage figure, well in advance of the target.”

SOUTH Gloucestershire Council has committed to making it easier for people to make the switch to an electric vehicle (EV).

The council has adopted a new EV Charging Strategy which aims to install more charge points across the area by working with communities to improve access for people with EVs, or those considering an EV for their next car.

The new strategy looks to complement the growth in EV charging provision in the private sector by filling the gaps, especially in more rural communities. The council wants to ensure that most households in South Gloucestershire are within one mile of an EV charge point.

As part of the Climate Emergency the council has pledged to lead South Gloucestershire to become carbon neutral by 2030. Making it easier and more attractive for people to switch to an EV will help achieve this target.

Last year the council installed new charge points in Marshfield and at the Kingswood Civic Centre.

Council commits to more electric vehicle charge points

“We know that some journeys will still need to be made car, which is why we have created this new EV Charging Strategy for South Gloucestershire. The strategy encourages a cohesive approach with communities being involved to help support an increase in the number of charging points available.

Funding applications have already been made so more charge points can be installed across South Gloucestershire. New locations will be announced when funding is secured, followed by a period of engagement with local communities.

Councillor Steve Reade,

cabinet member with responsibility for transport at South Gloucestershire Council said: “We have made a commitment to make South Gloucestershire carbon neutral by 2030. To achieve it we need to provide a variety of ways for people living and working in the area to get around.

“We want to support all those who want to make the switch to an electric vehicle, regardless of where they live, in our villages or in our towns. By improving and increasing the charging network we are making owning an electric vehicle a more realistic option.

“I encourage Parish and Town Councils to continue to let us know where they have land that may be suitable for locating EV charging points. This won’t guarantee an immediate installation but will keep us informed.”

One giant leap!

METRO Mayor Dan Norris has secured funding to boost the growing West of England space industry.

The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority has secured £136,000 from the UK Space Agency to fund work on Space West - the region’s “space cluster” - while the cash boost will double the 1,000 people working in the region’s space industry in just four years.

Mayor Norris made the announcement ahead of the opening the UK Space Agency’s Ignite Space forum which was attended by more than 300 of the UK’s best and brightest space thinkers and companies.

There are more than 100 top notch West of England organisations involved in space activities right across the region like the University of Bath, and Bristol’s Thales Alenia Space who have built satellite technology used in important space missions like the European Space Agency’s ‘Copernicus’ to track the health of the planet, Mr Norris will note. While the National Composite Centre in Emerson Green acts as

a base for scientists, researchers and businesses to work collaboratively across labs and offices, he will highlight.

Dan Norris said: “The West of England space sector is a success story. From the genuinely world-leading scientific research on developing state-of-the-art satellite systems to monitor and then address the impacts of the climate emergency here on Planet Earth at Bristol’s CGI UK to work to make nuclearpowered space missions a reality at Rolls-Royce over at their Filton home, we are harnessing the endless possibilities of space to boost all our communities. I’m pleased to have secured this £130,000-plus cash injection into Space West that we have developed so that, with our partners, we can go even further. My West of England Mayoral Authority will continue working to deliver so we can lever even more money to put rocket boosters under these and more exciting West of England space projects to protect our planet, secure our futures and explore our universe.”

More than 5,000 trees planted

SOUTH Glos Council has been hard at work planting more than 5,000 trees across the district.

The main areas for planting have been Bradley Stoke North, Downend, Patchway and North Thornbury. Most of the new trees are small ‘whips’, and around 900 are more mature trees. The council has also replaced trees that have been infected with ash-dieback.

Councillor Steve Reade, cabinet member responsible for the environment at South Gloucestershire Council, said: “Increasing tree canopy cover in South Gloucestershire is part of the council’s Climate and Nature Emergency Action Plan to restore and protect nature and prepare for the effects of the changing climate.

We are committed to an ambitious tree planting programme, which hopes to see enough trees planted by 2030 that at maturity will double canopy cover in our area.”

The importance of body knowledge

Understanding is one of the core values at Fascia First Chiropractic, not because Lee passively listens and agrees with you, but because in understanding a concern about your body comes a chance to change. When your body is compensating or sti , doing the same will likely get you the same.

Lee Wickham, in a Chiropractic sense, works di erently because he looks to identify confusion, compensation and/or con ict, at each visit. Rather than do the same to your body every time or enrol you into a long and expensive package of ‘treatment’ like other Chiropractors may do.

Confusion occurs when you fail to co-ordinate your muscles and joints. Compensations occur in place of natural movement and soon become normal, for you. Compensatory movements involve a work around of an injury, but if you don’t use it, you lose it. Sometimes the rst you’ll know your body is compensating is that you have become chronic.

Con ict of thought occurs as you try to gure out what is wrong. Usually springing into one idea about your body discomfort, thinking it is the answer, until two weeks later you happen upon another ‘answer’!

When Lee provides maintenance care, he aims to help the root of the problem, facilitating co-ordinated strength, relative to your own tness, in the movements and postures you regularly do.

Online booking is available everyday except Thursdays and Sundays and a consultation costs £45. Book yourself in today to get help with your aches and pains.

Vaccination centre shuts Slug menace affects traffic lights

A COVID vaccination centre set up at the University of the West of England's Frenchay campus has closed, after giving more than 270,000 jabs.

It brings to an end a three-year occupation of UWE’s Exhibition and Conference Centre, which started when the building was converted into an NHS Nightingale Hospital early in the pandemic.

It took just 24 days and cost £14.2 million to open the hospital in April 2020, but it was never used to treat Covid cases.

After being 'stood down' a year later it was taken over by the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Vaccination Programme, and opened as a vaccine centre that July.

At its peak in December 2021 more than 4,000 people a day were being given AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Moderna jabs at the centre, which was open seven days a week for appointments and walk-in clinics.

The 273,000 Covid vaccinations administered at the centre represented more than one in every ten of the 2.6 million given across the region, and it also offered flu and monkeypox jabs.

Future vaccinations will all be administered at community vaccination clinics, GP surgeries and pharmacies

The UWE centre's final vaccination clinic was held on March 17.

BNSSG Covid-19 Vaccination Programme chief nurse Anne Morris said the closure was a "positive

milestone".

She said: "The closure of the Vaccination Centre @ UWE Bristol is only possible because of the hard work of numerous health and care colleagues across our system, as well as the overwhelming response from people in our area who have come forward for their covid vaccinations when invited."

UWE Bristol vice-chancellor Professor Steve West said: "It is a source of great pride for our staff and students that our university hosted the region’s largest vaccination centre."

For details of local vaccination sites visit www. grabajab.net.

SLUGS and other small creatures are shorting out traffic lights across South Gloucestershire, it has been revealed.

The molluscs squeeze their way into control boxes for warmth and shelter but are singed when they come into contact with the electrical wiring, which knocks out lights in the district about once a month.

The council has set up its own in-house team of dedicated engineers to try to prevent the damage caused by the pests and keep the road network running.

The team is carrying out preventative maintenance to seal holes and make sites watertight, with the aim of cutting reported faults from eight per day down to "two or three a week".

A council spokesperson said: ““This is by no means unique to South Gloucestershire but is an issue our new in-house team is actively trying to prevent to keep the network running."

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

The opening ceremony for the NHS Nightingale Hospital Bristol in 2020. Picture: Ben Birchall, Press Association.

n NEWS FROM THE BRIGHTWELL By

Monthly outreach sessions return

I WORK as a Citizens Advice caseworker in a position funded by the local MS Society group for people with Multiple Sclerosis. After a few years of not being able to have face-to-face appointments because of Covid, I have finally started doing monthly outreach sessions back at the Brightwell Centre in Bradley Stoke, where various therapies and services are offered for people with neurological conditions.

Most of the people I see there come to discuss health-related benefits, but I do also advise on the other areas Citizens Advice are known for, such as debt, housing and employment issues. The work is always varied and interesting and the environment of the centre is very friendly and supportive.

Along with the current cost of living crisis, I am seeing a lot of cases where PIP awards are coming to the end of their term. It is almost 10 years now since Personal Independence Payment (PIP) was first introduced to replace Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for claimants between 16 and retirement age. PIP is a nonmeans tested, non-taxable benefit paid to

Caroline Langdon

ring the DWP enquiry line on 0800 1214433 - it can take up to an hour to get through, so leave your phone on speaker and get on with other things while you wait!

This can be particularly important if other things are dependent on a particular award, such as a motability car, a blue badge, or other benefits; if your award stops, eligibility for these can too.

people who are eligible, whether in or out of work. The benefit is paid to people who incur extra costs as a result of difficulties to perform certain daily living tasks and/or mobility.

Unlike DLA which was generally awarded indefinitely, most PIP awards were given after assessment for a fixed term between 2 and 10 years. At the end of this term claimants have their awards reviewed and reassessed or have to make a new claim. When this happens, the DWP either issue an Award Review form or a letter telling claimants to reapply. However, they are not always doing either, and leave it up to the claimant, especially if a fixed award has been given at appeal.

It’s very important that anyone who is receiving PIP knows when their award is meant to end, and what they should do before then. If you are in receipt of PIP and unsure,

Another thing causing some problems with award reviews is that assessments are taking a very long time as there is a significant backlog. To address this, the DWP are often just extending current awards for several months, but this can cause issues with how long blue badges are awarded for, if they need renewing in that period. Also, if a higher award would be expected at review, it might be worth telling the DWP of a change of circumstance, rather than waiting for the review assessment, to ensure that any increase in benefit is received earlier. In this case it would be a good idea to get advice as to the best way forward.

If you suffer from Multiple Sclerosis, and would like support with benefit applications/ renewals etc, you are welcome to make a nocost appointment with me at the Brightwell Centre, 01454 201 686, or self-refer on 07397 532224 or email caroline.langdon@ citizensadvice.org.uk

Otherwise, see www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Music talent on show

SOME talented young musicians from the region’s schools will perform on the same bill as professionals in April.

The organisers of Mangotsfield’s Ham Farm Festival are holding a one-off concert at St James Church, Mangotsfield, on April 29 at 7pm.

Young performers from South Gloucestershire Music Hub will perform over 30 minutes at the start of the event, before a one-hour performance from professional violin and guitar duo Paco y Julian.

Festival organiser and musician Emily Correa, who also teaches flute at Downend School, said: “The idea of the concert is to enable local people and particularly local young people to hear world-class music making, and also to get young musicians in the area performing on a professional stage, to a public audience, showcasing the talent of South Gloucestershire youth.

“It’s the first time a concert like this has happened in South Gloucestershire, but we hope not the last time - if it’s successful we will run it every year.”

Tickets for the event, which is being subsidised by the festival, are free to under-18s and cost £10 in advance for adults, online at bit. ly/3ZJeN4O, or £12 on the door.

The young performers taking part include violinists Jasper and Jet Hung, who attend Bradley Stoke Community School and Meadowbrook Primary School respectively, double bassist Perry Lam, from Bedminster Down, singer Juliet Bentley, from Hayesfield Girls School in Bath, flautist Skye Uhlyk, from Watermore Primary School in Frampton Cotterell, and singer Emily Butcher, from Chew Valley School.

Energy bills to rise by £900

SOUTH Glos locals face a painful hike to their energy bills in April due to a planned cut in government support.

Watchdog Ofgem has reduced the price cap to £3,280 per year for households from April to July: an almost £1,000 drop from the current £4,279 per year level.

But South Glos residents still face a £900 bump up in their bills with the Chancellor increasing the Energy Price Guarantee threshold from £2,500 a year to £3,000. With the price cap still above the subsidy rate, customers will have little choice but to take on the £500 per year hit, alongside the £400 loss of the energy rebate scheme coming to an end in April.

This is an effective £900 spike in the average South Glos household energy bill - raising the prospect of a sharp fuel poverty rise in the area as residents struggle to cover their costs.

With the price cap expected to fall to about £2,100 from July, Metro Mayor Dan Norris has urged the Chancellor to keep current support in place until then, so people do not face three months of hardship. In the meantime, he is doing all he can to offer support to residents including investing in emergency support to keep vital energy advice services running as well as bringing forward another £5 million package to get on with retrofitting across the region.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “The Tories’ plan to hike energy bills in April will come as a hammer blow to South Glos families already struggling to make ends meet in the face of soaring food shop bills, mortgages and taxes. The Government must cancel April’s energy hike paid for by expanding the windfall tax on oil and gas giants rolling in extra cash. With the cost of wholesale gas plummeting, the Chancellor has no excuse for not intervening. Under my leadership, the West of England Combined Mayoral Authority is doing all it can to cut energy bills for people in the long term, including by making our homes and businesses more energy efficient - but in the here and now, it is the duty of ministers to step up and step in.”

Testing the flood gates

THE Avonmouth Severnside Enterprise Area (ASEA) Ecology Mitigation and Flood Defence project team has commissioned a flood gate and glass panel defences at New Passage. This is a vital process towards ensuring that the new defences will help protect communities from the threat of flooding and rising sea levels.

Weighing over a tonne, the flood gates used on the project are a substantial part of the flood defence network. Unlike those found elsewhere, these gates can be mechanically and manually operated. This makes it much easier to open and close them for Environment Agency staff in a range of circumstances. The flood gate at New Passage is one of several being installed throughout the 17km project area, with others at Lamplighter’s Marsh and in Aust.

To perform the test, two tonnes of water was pumped behind the gate with site staff observing carefully for any leakages. If any were spotted, the seals on the gate were adjusted and the test resumed. The same process was repeated on a section of the glass panel flood defences at New Passage.

Councillor Toby Savage, Leader of South Gloucestershire Council and cabinet member with responsibility for Climate Change, said: “Seeing the flood gate and glass panel defences in action is a clear visual reminder of how far the ASEA project is has come. The rigorous testing happening now is incredibly important to give confidence to New Passage residents that the flood defences here will help provide protection from the effects of climate change and rising sea levels.”

Councillor Nicola Beech, cabinet member with responsibility for Strategic Planning, Resilience and Floods, Bristol City Council, said: “I’m incredibly pleased with the progress being made on this ambitious project where we are now getting on with testing the flood defences that have been installed. The glass panel flood defences are one of several innovative solutions that will better protect residents and businesses from flooding in the future.”

Council commits additional £500k cost of living support to the voluntary sector

SOUTH Gloucestershire Council has committed to provide an additional £500,000 to the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector in the area to help ease financial pressures on local residents caused by the rising cost of living.

The funding, agreed as part of next year’s budget, will be distributed over the course of the 2023/24 financial year, to organisations that deliver support to members of the community in need.

Proposals on how the support will have the most benefit were developed in partnership with the Voluntary Sector Leaders Board and were given the go-

ahead by the council’s cabinet in a meeting last month.

The priority areas of support identified were:

• Support for community services, such as those helping children and families, and welfare, benefit and debt advice partners

• Support to VCSE organisations to help with increased running costs, as well as developing their ability to apply for other grants and funding

• Grant funding to help support the running costs of community buildings and Community Welcome Spaces

The extra money is in recognition that the local voluntary sector, like similar

organisations across the country, is facing growing pressure due to increased operational costs, unprecedented demand and staff facing their own cost of living challenges.

South Gloucestershire Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for equality of opportunity, Cllr Franklin Owusu-Antwi, said: “I am delighted we are providing the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector with additional funding at this difficult time.

“We have long recognised the value of the VCSE sector in South Gloucestershire, which is why we have signed up to the Keep it Local Pledge, which commits us as a council to supporting and

sustaining local voluntary groups that help local people.

“These organisations are facing increased costs, as we all are, and it is absolutely right that we are providing extra funding to help them support some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.

“We will continue to do all we can to support the VCSE sector during the current cost of living crisis, but also work with them to help them into the future.”

Residents who are facing financial difficulties are encouraged to find out about the range of help available by visiting the council website: southglos. gov.uk/CostofLiving.

Perceptual Robotics expands into Asia

A STOKE Gifford-based wind-turbine inspections company has announced it is expanding into Asia thanks to a new partnership.

Utilising AI and drones, Perceptual Robotics provides autonomous wind turbine inspections across the UK and Europe. The company has now secured a deal with leading south-east Asian organisation, K2 Energy Group, which has purchased its own Dhalion drone as a first of its kind for the region.

The new technology from Perceptual Robotics will enable K2 Energy Group, which is based in Singapore, to inspect its customers’ onshore wind turbines. The agreement will also see Perceptual Robotics supporting the group with blade repairs and wind turbine inspections, while also looking to expand into inspecting offshore wind turbines.

CEO of Perceptual Robotics, Kostas Karachalios, said: “We are delighted to announce our partnership with K2 Energy Group, which sees us expanding into Asia for the first time. K2 Energy Group has a vast amount of experience within the operation, maintenance and inspection of wind turbines across south-east Asia and our collaboration allows them to utilise our technology, whilst enabling us to build new relationships with

customers in an entirely different region.

“We welcomed K2 Energy Group chairman, Nicholas Conway, to our Bristol office to demonstrate Perceptual Robotics’ unique technology. Since then, we have been working closely with the team, providing our expert training and onboarding services so that they can fly the Dhalion drone and easily inspect onshore blades and turbines.”

Perceptual Robotics’ pioneering Dhalion

system collects and analyses wind turbine inspection data with all information available to review in two hours or less. The state-ofthe-art technology achieves superior results by uniquely identifying potential faults and damage prior to severe impairment of the turbine.

This high-quality data collection and analysis from Perceptual Robotics quickly provides blade engineers with all of the information they need to carry out preventive maintenance, dramatically reducing turbine downtime, increasing safety and cutting costs.

Nicholas Conway, chairman of K2 Energy Group, said: “By utilising Perceptual Robotics’ technology and software, K2 Energy Group will be able to conduct our own drone inspections whilst receiving all the benefits of Perceptual Robotics’ inspections, analysis and reports.

“We are excited to be working with Kostas and the team to bring their new technology to the region.”

The latest news comes after Perceptual Robotics revealed last month another successful funding round with Brookstreet Equity Partners LLP. This will support Perceptual Robotics in expanding to new geographies and develop their product offerings.

CEO of Perceptual Robotics, Kostas Karachalios with Nicholas Conway, chairman of K2 Energy Group

n NEWS FROM YOUR LOCAL MP

Ukrainians fight for their lives – and our values

Filton & Bradley Stoke MP Jack Lopresti writes about his recent visit to Ukraine

JUST recently, I stood in the destroyed town of Irpin in Ukraine, surrounded by homes similar to the ones we live in and the same cars that we drive.

All that was left behind by the people fleeing for their lives were discarded shoes, clothes and a few wrecked vehicles. I saw the complete annihilation of a community.

On the outskirts of Irpin I saw what the local Ukrainians referred to as the "Cemetery of Burnt Cars”, where families had loaded up what they could to escape the advancing Russian forces, but they didn’t make it out. The Russians fired on them and killed all trying to escape.

This is taking place, on the continent of Europe, in a Parliamentary democracy.

The people of Ukraine are

fighting for their lives and their freedom.

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, I have asked several Parliamentary questions, spoken in debates and hosted Ukrainian Members of Parliament at Westminster.

Within a few weeks of the invasion I asked the Deputy Prime Minister about the UK supplying Starstreak anti-air missiles to destroy Russian fighter jets in the air. Just a couple of weeks

ago, I asked the Prime Minister at PMQs to thank and pay tribute to the people who are working at MOD Abbey Wood who are providing the logistical support and procuring weapons to send to Ukraine so they can kick the Russians out and defend their country.

I felt incredibly moved to be in Kyiv for the anniversary of the invasion, when I was able to place a candle at the Wall of Heroes.

Since the conflict started,

the government has committed over £3.8 billion in humanitarian, economic and military assistance to Ukraine. The new revised Integrated Review has pledged to increase defence spending by a further £5bn over the next two years, on top of £560 million of new investment last year and a record £20bn uplift announced in 2020.

I founded and chair the AllParty Parliamentary Group for Sovereign Defence Manufacturing Capability, and recently began an inquiry on the impact of the Ukrainian war on our capacity to keep producing weapons for Ukraine and replenishing our supplies.

I will continue to work with ministers, manufacturers, the team at DE&S Abbey Wood to ensure that the Ukrainians get the equipment they need as quickly as possible as they defend our universal values of democracy, freedom and an international rules-based order.

Slava Ukraini!

Jack Lopresti in Ukraine

n WHAT’S ON

5 April

n EASTER WREATH-MAKING WORKSHOP

From 6.30-9pm. Tickets £34 per person, must be bought in advance. Hosted by Hobbycraft at The Brightwell, Wheatfield Drive, BS32 9DB. Tickets from reception or thebrightwell.org.uk/ events/easter-wreath-making

16 April

n COMMUNITY LITTER PICKING

Meet at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre from 11am-12pm for an hour of litter picking. Community litter picks are run each month by Bradley Stoke Zero Carbon Community Group. The group can provide litter pickers, hoops and bags if you don’t have equipment. Full details can be found on their Facebook page. Everyone is welcome. There is no lower or upper age limit. You just need to be able to spot litter, pick it up and bag it with a litter picker. That’s as complicated as it gets!

19 April

n TALK TO US! EVENT

From 10-11.30am, come to the Community Hall Cafe in Little Stoke Lane, and talk to your neighbourhood policing team. Whether you want advice on how to protect your belongings, more information about the work they are doing in your area or you want to raise a concern about an issue in your community, your local Neighbourhood Policing team will

n STOKE GIFFORD WI

be on hand to help. Organised by Stoke Gifford Parish Council.

19 April

n COMMUNITY LITTER PICKING

Meet at Stoke Gifford Community Hall from 1-2.30pm and join the community litter pick. A hot drink will be provided before the group sets off. All equipment will be available and together the group can hit identified litter problems and make our parish a cleaner one. The more the merrier. Why not make your walk have a purpose. All welcome!

20 April

n ARTS APPRECIATION GROUP

Join us at Bradley Stoke Community School from 7pm for a demonstration and talk by Paul Weaver about an artist at work. More details from Sally on 01454 774401.

26 April

n MS AWARENESS WALK, TALK & PIZZA

Tickets £5 per person or £12 per family (up to two adults and three children). Tickets must be bought in advance. From 3.30-5pm, walk starts at The Brightwell, Wheatfield Drive, BS329DB. Wear something yellow and walk, skip or roll with us to raise awareness of MS! After the walk, enjoy pizza and drinks at Black Sheep Kitchen. thebrightwell.org.uk/events/ brightwell-awareness-walk-talk

29 April

PRESIDENT Sue Grimsted welcomed members to our March meeting and the first day of Spring.

Our speakers for the evening were Sue with her guide dog Yarran, who are members of our WI, and also Monica with her guide dog ambassador Murray.

We heard how guide dogs are raised and trained over a long process, before they are then matched with owners with varying disabilities. Both dogs were extremely relaxed and Murray slept through most of the talk.

We have several activities planned over the next few months including a trip to Hanham Court, a walk along Severn Beach and a cake and tombola stall at the Stoke Gifford Fete.

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday April 5 at 7.30pm in the Trust Hall, North Road, Stoke Gifford. Our speaker will be Stephen Loader, talking about his role as Chaplain at Portbury Dock. Visitors will always find a warm welcome so please come along and join us.

5 DOORS FITTED FOR £579

ANY 5 WHITE PRIMED 6-PANEL ‘COLONIAL’ OR 5-PANEL ‘SUFFOLK’ DOORS WITH YOUR CHOICE OF 6 STYLES OF HANDLE, HINGES, MORTICE CATCH, FITTED IN YOUR HOME FOR £479*

DOORS EXTRA COST

n FANCY DRESS OPEN WATER SWIM

At West Country Water Park. Tickets from £20 per person. Tickets must be bought in advance. From 11am-1pm at the stunning West Country Water Park, Bradley Stoke. Dig out your favourite fancy dress and join The Brightwell for an open water swim during MS Awareness Week 2023. Have fun and raise funds for The Brightwell. thebrightwell.org.uk/events/fancy dress-for-ms-open-water-swim

Regular event

Every Monday

n RHYMETIME

Come along to Bradley Stoke Library on Mondays between 11-11.30am for a storytime session for younger readers. Term time only.

Every Thursday

n KNIT, STITCH & NATTER

Every Thursday, the Knit, Stitch & Natter group meets at Bradley Stoke Library at 10am to work on their own projects in the company of other like-minded crafters. There is no need to book in advance. Just bring your own project and join the friendly group in the warm and welcoming library.

Every Friday

n STORYTIME

Come along to Bradley Stoke Library on Fridays between 10.45-11.15am for a storytime session for younger readers. Term time only.

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

You’re not the only victim if you buy a fake

AS the national lead PCC for Economic and Cybercrime, I’m always supportive when I see a national campaign highlighting the impact that fraud can have on communities and how we can work together to stop this criminal activity.

This is why I was delighted to see that the charity Crimestoppers has launched a year-long national campaign to raise awareness about the personal dangers and harms that consumers face when they knowingly or unknowingly buy fake goods.

Causing a £9 billion annual loss to the UK economy, counterfeit goods fraud can be defined as the sale of fake items as authentic goods from established brands.

The criminals behind this crime intend to deceive and exploit consumers into buying fake products, thinking they’ve bagged themselves a bargain. It’s worth stressing that those individuals who deliberately buy a fake product

are also committing a crime and contributing to the problem.

There’s always a victim when you buy a fake product: fake goods cause 80,500 UK job losses every year and the crime has links to organised crime groups who are complicit in human trafficking, child sexual exploitation and prostitution.

While criminals are becoming more skilful at finding new ways of ripping people off, there are a few signs to look out for to protect yourself when you’re looking for a good deal.

These include: the price being too good to be true; dodgy websites and an unusual place of sale; spelling and grammatical errors on websites and product packaging; differences in product or packaging; and missing information like the batch number.

I’m urging local people to report any information they have in relation to counterfeit fraud using Crimestoppers’ anonymous

reporting service, which can be found online or by calling 0800 555 111.

Dog theft is a wide concern for pet owners in our force area.

Last month, to mark National Dog Theft Awareness Day, my team spoke to Avon & Somerset Police’s Animal Welfare Legislation Officer, PC Natalie Cosgrove.

She told us that the force recorded 16 cases of dog theft in 2021 and only five in 2022. While a reduction and, I’m sure reassuring to many, that is still five cases too many.

If you are a dog owner, there are specific security precautions you can take to make dog theft harder, including camera doorbells, keeping doors locked and sensor lighting outside your house.

I would also like to remind those who have a dog to not leave it unattended in your car, your garden, or tied up outside shops.

Remember, microchipping is not only a legal requirement,

With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford

it means your dog will be much easier to track down if it is stolen.

I also urge dog owners to consider DNA tracking to help identify their dog if it is stolen then recovered by the police. More information on DNA tracking can be found on the ‘DNA Protected’ website.

If your dog has been stolen, you should immediately contact the police and report the crime as theft.

All aboard! Introducing WESTlink

THE West of England Combined Authority is trying something new.

The Big Choices public meetings I held last summer with residents talking all things buses showed me that the status quo doesn’t work. People want change.

It’s one reason why I’m introducing WESTlink, the brand-new stop-to-stop minibus service offering tailor-made journeys for locals.

The first passengers will be able to book a WESTlink from their local bus stop from April - dropping them off at another bus or train stop to continue their onward journey. WESTlink will continue to fully roll out over successive months.

I saw the first WESTlink a few weeks ago. The bright green minibus, which was taking part in testing, is one of what will eventually be a new 30-strong fleet that residents in the West of England will be able to book by phone, online or with a dedicated app.

That bus will be ready from April, with

more WESTlinks to follow until we reach the first milestone of 30 full-time minibuses.

It is all thanks to a £3 million investment my West of England Combined Authority is making.

This is a big moment for the West of England, and our local transport journey.

Similar schemes have been trialled in other areas of the country, but never on such a scale. This scheme will grow to become the biggest in the UK.

It comes hot on the heels of my decision to bring forward a £7 million package of big bus improvements, including adding more main route buses to areas where WESTlink is arriving.

Now, I’ll be frank with you – it certainly won’t be plain sailing at the start.

We’re over a dozen drivers short at present. And there are other things we need to iron out to ensure people get to the places they need to go to as easily and efficiently as possible.

In the first instance, you will need to consult a bus or train timetable to check the best way to make your onward journey, whereas in the future you will be able to do that all in the app.

But I’m determined we get on with trying something innovative and something different, so I need your help.

Please play your part by trying WESTlink yourself. Tell me how it needs to change and improve. By doing so, together we can grasp this fantastic opportunity to shape our transport future for the better.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris writes for the Voice

An Easter egg-stravaganza

BRADLEY Stoke-based charity

The Brightwell has announced its annual Easter Egg hunt will be back this month.

Last year’s Egg Hunt was a great success and raised £2,500 along with very positive feedback from participants. Claire said: “My children and I have really enjoyed the Easter egg hunt that

The Brightwell Centre organised. We found paths we never knew existed and walked/scooted much further than we would have. The displays were brilliant and picking up our prizes at the end made it even better.”

While Beau said: “We really enjoyed our experience of decorating our front garden for the Easter trail. It was lovely to watch all the families come into the street looking for the letter. We loved doing the trails as a family ourselves as well.”

Families will follow trails around Bradley Stoke to search for hidden letters displayed on decorated Easter eggs that are being hosted by the community. Once all the letters have been found, children can try to spell out the Easter word or phrase. On completion of all five trails, families can bring their completed answer sheets to The Brightwell to receive an Easter

surprise for their children and enjoy a fun photo opportunity (NB: just one Easter surprise per child per completed trail pack).

This year’s Egg Hunt will be available during the Easter Holidays from April 1-16 with trail maps available to purchase now from either thebrightwell. org.uk/easter or from the charity at Bradbury House, Wheatfield Drive BS32 9DB. For more info, contact libby.jordan@ thebrightwell.org.uk

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