Fishponds Voice June 2021

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June, 2021 — ISSUE 74

FREE EVERY MONTH IN THE GREATER FISHPONDS AREA

Hold the front page!

Tower block fire: change of plea The owner of the former Strachan and Henshaw building in Speedwell, which was hit by a major fire on New Year's Eve 2018, has changed his plea on safety charges to guilty.

PAGE 3

Picnic launch for garden

These young journalists at St Joseph's Catholic Primary School have created their own newspaper to keep pupils, parents and their community informed. Full story: Page 7

New council era begins THE local elections saw the return of Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees for a second term and new councillors voted in for four of the six Fishponds seats.

Labour's Mr Rees now leads an authority that comprises 24 Labour, 24 Green, 14 Conservative and eight Liberal

Democrat councillors.

Veteran Tory Lesley Alexander was returned in Frome Vale, alongside Labour's Amal Ali. Deputy Mayor Craig Cheney held on to his Hillfields seat, with newcomer Ellie King taking the party's second seat for the ward.

Lorraine Francis was voted in in Eastville as the area's first Green Party councillor with Labour's Marley Bennett elected to the other seat.

Labour's Dan Norris became the second Metro Mayor, taking the role from the Conservatives.

Details: Pages 4, 5, 8 & 9

Four women who are planning a community garden in Hillfields Park are inviting residents to a launch picnic on June 19.

PAGE 15

Rev Lizzie runs half marathon Lizzie Kesteven, vicar of All Saints and St Mary's in Fishponds, has run her first half marathon, raising £1,200 for Christian Aid. PAGE 16

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fishpondsvoice Publisher & Sales Caroline Galvin 07453 954261

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DEADLINES July edition deadline is June 23 L O C A L I N F O R M AT I O N Bristol City Council http://www.bristol.gov.uk 0117 922 2000 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

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE Fishponds 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. Fishponds Voice is distributed each month to local residents. 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 Caroline Galvin on 07453954261 or news@fishpondsvoice. co.uk.

COMPLAINTS 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 Fishponds 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 found on the Voice website here, or can be obtained by contacting the Publisher.

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Anti social behaviour team asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582 Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc

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June, 2021

n NEWS

Woman dies after M32 incident A WOMAN has died after being found with head injuries on a slip road onto the M32 at the Eastville flyover.

Avon and Somerset police say the woman, who was in her 30s, had been a passenger in a green Toyota saloon car before the incident on the inbound slip road at junction 2 of the motorway, which happened at about 7.30am on May 19.

She was found outside the car on the slip road with a serious head injury, and was taken to hospital but it was announced two days later that she had died of her injuries.

Avon and Somerset police are investigating the circumstances surrounding an incident and how the woman came to sustain her injuries.

A spokesperson said that the woman is known to have exited the car on the slip road and that no other vehicles were involved.

Officers are appealing for any witnesses to the incident or anyone with dashcam footage of a green Toyota saloon travelling on either Muller Road, Stapleton Road, Glenfrome Road or the M32 between 6am and 7.30am on the day of the incident to contact them.

The spokesperson said that the family of the woman, who had not been named as the voice went to press, had been informed and were receiving support from specially trained officers.

A man aged 56 who was arrested in connection with the incident has been released under investigation.

He has been charged with a separate offence of breaching a harassment order and appeared before Bristol Magistrates Court on May 21.

Anyone with information should call the police on 101 and quote the incident reference number 5221 109 316.

Two more charges in murder bid inquiry POLICE have charged another two people with attempted murder over the stabbing of a teenager in a Fishponds street.

Jaheim Mullings, 19, of Downton Road in Knowle West, and a 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were each charged with one count of attempted murder over the incident in Ridgeway Road on February 12.

Police and paramedics were called to the road at around 8pm after a 17-year-old boy was wounded. He needed hospital treatment.

In total, five people have now been charged with offences in connection with the incident in Ridgeway Road.

A 17-year-old boy is facing one count of attempted murder and a 16-year-old girl has been charged with conspiracy to murder.

They are both due to appear at Bristol Crown Court on May 28.

A 17-year-old girl has been charged with assisting an offender and is due before a youth court on May 21.

Mullings has also been charged with the attempted murder of a 16-year-old boy who sustained multiple non life-threatening stab wounds in Wells Road, Totterdown, on April 18.

He and the 16-year-old boy appeared before magistrates in Bristol on May 14.

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June, 2021

3

n NEWS

Tower block owner admits fire safety charges THE owner of a Speedwell tower block which was the scene of a major blaze has admitted a series of fire safety charges.

Wayne Braund had bought the former Strachan and Henshaw building in Foundry Lane for £1 in 2018 with a view to redeveloping it.

On New Year's Eve of that year a fire broke out in the nine-storey office block on the site, which was being rented at the time by a music studio and a swingers' club, and also contained a number of residents and an illegal cannabis farm.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service brought charges against Braund, aged 52, of Fieldgrove in Bitton.

He initially denied all seven offences but, part of the way through a trial at Bristol Crown Court in May, changed his plea and admitted failing to: • Ensure the fire alarm system was properly maintained.

• Ensure the fire alarms were in an adequate state of repair.

• Provide adequate firefighting equipment.

• Ensure escape routes and exits could be used as quickly and safely as possible.

• Ensure emergency lighting was in an adequate state of repair.

• Undertake a suitable fire risk assessment.

The seventh charge, of failing to ensure exits led to a place of safety, was left to lie on court files.

Braund, who was legally the "responsible person" for safety at the building, is due to be sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on July 8.

Afterwards fire service head of fire safety, Station Manager Karl Venn, said: “This result is a testament of two years' hard work of our Business Fire Safety Team.

“Fire safety breaches are taken very seriously, not only by Avon Fire & Rescue Service but also the criminal justice system, as the outcome of this case has

shown."

He said prosecution was a "last resort" and the service was happy to help ensure businesses made their premises safe, with advice available on the service's website.

Mr Venn added: "I would like to remind all business owners, responsible persons and managers that they need to take their fire safety risk assessments seriously and ensure they have taken steps to make sure that the people working, living or using their premises are safe."

The fire at the tower block was the first of two huge blazes at the former engineering works.

Five months later, in May 2019, a second fire destroyed another building, next to Deep Pit Lane, which was used by 30 businesses for workshops and storage.

The Voice understands that no prosecution is currently being planned over the second fire, which left the building in

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June, 2021

n NEWS

Red, Green and blue for Fishponds THE Green Party has its first councillor in the Fishponds area after May's Bristol City Council elections.

Lorraine Francis came second in the poll for the two-seat Eastville ward on May 6, as a "Green surge" across the city saw the party win 13 seats and Labour lose nine, to leave both of them level on 24 councillors overall.

It means no party has an overall majority on the council and the re-elected Labour Bristol Mayor, Marvin Rees, will have to work with other parties to ensure budgets are passed.

The Conservatives stayed on 14 councillors overall and the Liberal Democrats lost one, to leave them on eight.

Labour remains the biggest party in the Fishponds area, with four out of six councillors in the Eastville, Frome Vale and Hillfields wards.

Conservative Lesley

Alexander kept her seat in Frome Vale and is one of only two re-elected councillors in the area: the other is Labour's Craig Cheney, in Hillfields.

Eastville EASTVILLE was split between Labour and the Greens, with Labour's Marley Bennett Marley Bennett receiving the most votes but Lorraine Francis of the Greens beating Labour's Lorraine Francis second candidate, Sangeetha Wynter, into third place.

The ward, which covers the Fishponds Road area from

Stapleton Road up to Hockeys Lane, as well as parts of Stapleton and Speedwell, had elected two Labour councillors at the last elections in 2016. One of them, Mhairi Threlfall, stood down while Sultan Khan, who became an independent before joining the Liberal Democrats in 2019, was pushed into fifth place this year.

Marley said: “I’m so grateful to have been elected to represent the community that I grew up in – huge thanks to everyone who voted for and supported me.

"I’m ambitious for what we can achieve for Eastville and want to hit the ground running.

"My priorities for the term include tackling fly-tipping, improving street safety, working to strengthen community groups, and attracting new investment and opportunity here.

I’m keen to hear from as many local residents as possible to get their ideas too, so if you are an Eastville resident and have any issues or concerns, please do get in touch."

Lorraine said: "I am immensely grateful for the trust that residents have shown by voting for me, with many of you voting Green for the first time. I promise not to take your support for granted!

"Overall, Greens received the most council votes in the city and now have as many councillors as Labour – it’s clear people here in Eastville and across Bristol want to see real action on transport, pollution and the climate emergency. I’ll be pushing to make that happen.

"I will soon be sharing the dates of regular surgeries that I am organising to meet with residents and hear your views."

Marley Bennett can be contacted by email at Cllr.

Marley.Bennett@bristol.gov. uk, by phone on 0758 418 2536 or on Facebook at Labour for Eastville.

Lorraine Francis can be contacted by email at Cllr.

Lorraine.Francis@bristol.gov.uk Frome Vale

Bristol North • 0117 373 8367 32A Downend Road, Downend, Bristol BS16 5UJ kipmcgrath.co.uk/bristolnorth

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IN Frome Vale, which includes Oldbury Court, Broomhill, Begbrook Park and the top end of Fishponds Road, Labour's Amal

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Ali topped the poll.

She was more than 250 votes ahead of sitting Tory councillor Lesley Amal Ali Alexander, who in turn was 164 votes ahead of Labour's other candidate, Mike Wollacott.

Amal, Lesley Alexander elected for the first time after previous Labour councillor Nicola BowdenJones did not stand again, said: "My priorities are continuing our work to improve transport in the area, supporting our community organisations and helping to improve the support in our schools for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

"As well as this, I intend to work closely with our local businesses. They’ve had a hugely difficult time during lockdown – I will work to ensure our covid recovery is as inclusive as possible, and benefits all of them as well as our residents.

"I hope to start holding dropin surgeries in the near future, so keep an eye out for these."

Lesley said: "Thank you to all the constituents who voted for me – I am very honoured, and the work starts again for all residents in Frome Vale.

"I have plans for the coming term which include work that needs to be done in some of our parks, rights of way and, of course, case work for individual constituents.

"There are a number of highways issues including pedestrian crossings, pavements, parking problems in very narrow roads and potholes.

"Fly tipping and litter are continual problems and I report those that I spot, but would be grateful if I could be advised of others in order to take action."

Amal Ali can be contacted by email at cllr.amal.ali@bristol. gov.uk, by phone on 0758 418 3077 or via Facebook at Cllr.

AmalAliFromeVale.

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fishpondsvoice

June, 2021

in local elections Lesley Alexander can be contacted by e mail at Cllr.lesley. alexander@bristol.gov.uk or by phone on 0117 965 1935.

Hillfields HILLFIELDS continues to be all red, as Labour comfortably won both seats Craig Cheyney in the ward, which includes the Hillfields estate as well as Mayfield Park, Chester Park and streets Ellie King off Lodge Causeway.

Deputy Mayor Craig Cheney, who topped the poll, was the party's only councillor in the Fishponds area to stand for reelection.

Labour's new candidate Ellie King, standing in place of retiring Anna Keen, was comfortably elected in second place, more than 560 votes ahead of the Conservatives' Charles Alexander.

The Labour councillors issued a joint statement thanking voters, and said: “When you are out every day going from door to door, listening to the needs, concerns and aspirations of a diverse range of people, you find out so much about what people find important about our area.

"We really want to carry on these conversations and

continue to have a great, ongoing relationship with constituents, businesses and community leaders in Hillfields.

"We are focussed on recovering from the impact of Covid and will continue to work hard to promote and improve spaces such as Hillfields Community Hub and Lodge Causeway.

"We also will be looking at the safety of our roads in a few problem areas, to see what we can do to improve them.

"We know that loneliness and isolation has been felt acutely and will be looking at ways to connect with our elderly and vulnerable residents and also get involved in inclusive projects such as community gardens, food growing and tree planting which will offer the opportunity to meet people, learn new skills, feel pride for where we live and contribute to our collective mental well-being.

"If you have any ideas of what you would like to see in Hillfields, want to get involved or have any problems that need actioning, please get in touch, we’d love to hear from you."

To contact Craig Cheney email cllr.craig.cheney@bristol. gov.uk or call 0746 9413304.

To contact Ellie King email cllr.ellie.king@bristol.gov.uk or call 07584 184604.

Both can also be reached via Facebook at Craig and Ellie for Hillfields.

5

Results

Bev Knott (LD) 215 Keith Fenner (LD) 201 Tommy Trueman (SDP) 112

Eastville:

Turnout: 39.25%

Marley Bennett (Lab) 1,763* Lorraine Francis (Grn) 1,632* Sangeetha Wynter (Lab) 1,269 Justin Quinnell (Grn) 1,170 Sultan Khan (LD) 690 Leigh Cooper (Con) 526 Jacob Pereira (Con) 466 Mohammad Rashid (LD) 369 Mike Luff (TUSC) 150 Turnout: 43% Frome Vale: Amal Ali (Lab) 1,521* Lesley Alexander (Con) 1,266* Mike Wollacott (Lab) 1,102 Pooja Poddar (Con) 729 Jesse Meadows (Grn) 721 Ed Fraser (Grn) 716

Hillfields: Craig Cheney (Lab) 1,367* Ellie King (Lab) 1,255* Charles Alexander (Con) 690 Lisa Calder (Grn) 620 Rick Lovering (Grn) 557 James Hinchcliffe (Con) 511 Anna Fry (LD) 192 Sundar Ali (LD) 180 Turnout: 34.27% Key: * candidate elected Lab – Labour; Grn – Green; Con – Conservative; LD – Lib Dem; TUSC – Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition; SDP – Social Democratic Party

Mayoral elections: Pages 8&9

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86

June,2021 2021 June,

n PETER'S VISION FAMILY EYE CARE FOR GENERATIONS

Seeing our way out of lockdown Q&A With so much happening, we decided to take a brief pause and catch up with Peter Turner, Senior Optometrist at Turners Opticians in Bristol.

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So Peter, how’s the last year been for you?

We literally haven’t stopped. From March 2020 we have been here when our patients needed us. Whether it was emergency responders or those who found themselves working from their dining room tables urgently needing new glasses we were able to respond quickly and look after them.

You’ve made some changes I hear.

Well yes and no. We haven’t changed. Our vision remains the same as always; reassuringly thorough eye care for every patient. It’s the NHS funding that should have changed years ago, and sadly has not!

As we set out to survive the pandemic it became clear that we could no longer work without a sustainable NHS fee to cover the cost of the thorough eye care we provide.

Don’t the NHS pay you?

A sight test with us remained 30 minutes long, despite the NHS only funding 6-7 minutes of the care our patients were receiving.

So how did you come to this decision Peter?

We had several (socially distanced of course) meetings, to try and find a sustainable way to continue caring for our patients for many years to come. It was a long, and often emotional process. We emerged from lockdown as a practice offering reassuringly thorough eye care to the whole family, for the first time in 70 years, outside of the NHS. Your Grandfather Harold founded the practice, what would he make of this?

Harold started work as an Ophthalmic Optician in the 1930’s, years before the NHS was formed. Harold believed in quality care at an affordable price. We hold those values dear to this day. I think Harold would be proud that over 80 years later his family Opticians are very much thriving in Bristol.

So how can people come and see you now?

To make thorough eye care affordable, we launched low cost monthly Direct Debit Vision Plans for eye care, and also for contact lens wearers too. Vision Plan membership lets our patients access the reassuringly thorough eye care then want, when they need it. We also include accidental damage cover for their glasses bought from us as well as emergency appointments if needed too. Full details are on our website.

Do you still see Children?

Most definitely. As parents of young children, we’re keen to offer the thorough care our children benefit from to others too. For one child it’s just £4 per month, for two or more children in a household it’s £6 for all.

We also include a pair of single vision lenses (worth £25) for each child who needs them.

Your Vision plan sounds interesting, how can I join?

You can telephone the practice, or book to come and see us, and we will be happy to set up your vision plan membership.

Although most of us are used to Direct Debits, what about those who aren’t?

If patients would prefer to pay for their eye care consultations each time they attend, we also offer a pay on the day option.

Well Peter, I wish you the very best. You certainly seem re-energised by your new ways of working. As a final question, what if someone has another question?

Thank you! If there’s any other questions we’re very happy to help, just email EyeCareTeam@TurnersOpticians.co.uk.

This Q&A session was with Peter Turner, who is a Senior Optometrist at Turners Opticians in Bristol, and also works part time as a Senior Optometrist at the Bristol Eye Hospital.

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June, 2021

7

n NEWS

Read all about the news from St Joe's WHEN the last lockdown forced their school to shut, these determined pupils thought of a great way to keep in touch.

The Year 5 children from St Joseph's Catholic Primary School in Fishponds decided to start their own newspaper, and came up with ideas and designs.

Once they got back to school, staff helped them put the project into print, and St Joe's News & Views was born.

Already on to its second edition, the paper covers subjects from the climate crisis to computer games and sport.

It has a 'news tree' at the front to tell readers what is inside and includes puzzles, quizzes, debates with votes, and tips on how to draw characters and make origami models.

The children say they had the idea for the paper after playing a game where they pretended to interview people.

Inspired by children's publication First News and

The Year 5 pupils behind St Joe's News & Views at St Joseph's Catholic Primary School newspapers they have at home, including the Fishponds Voice, they decided to turn their skills to producing a newspaper of their own.

School learning mentor Adeline Okpiyalele has been overseeing the project.

She said: "During the lockdown, when some children were paying computer games, we had our kids coming back telling us about the newspaper they were working on. Even their

parents didn't know about it.

"We are very proud of their hard work and they have showcased their love for reading, writing and general knowledge about events happening around them, such as climate change."

The pupils even did some market research after parents suggested they sell the paper, and did a survey to come up with a price of 60p per copy, which is going towards school funds. It is on sale outside the school gate.

Year 5 teacher Kevin Conlon said the work the pupils had put in had been "incredible".

He said: "They are so enthusiastic and have continued their learning outside the classroom.

"It's an amazing standard of work."

Head teacher Jocelyn Baker said the children wanted to help the community come together after lockdown.

She said: "They were aware people were feeling isolated, without things to do, and they wanted to make a difference.

"We do report writing as a part of the curriculum but they took it way beyond – they are a very committed group.

"It makes us really proud that they have done this completely on their own initiative.

"They have worked together so brilliantly to produce it.

"It's important that the children are finding their own voice."

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June, 2021

8

n NEWS

Mayor Marvin secures second term MARVIN Rees has been reelected as Bristol Mayor.

The Labour candidate beat his nearest rival, the Green Party’s Sandy Hore-Ruthven, by 59,276 votes to 45,663 – a majority of 13,613 – after second preference votes were counted, with no candidate winning more than half the votes in the first round.

Mr Rees will serve for three more years, after which he says he will not seek re-election.

He said his re-election was “a moment of great joy”, adding: “There’s something that’s very special about being re-elected because it confirms so much of the work we’ve been trying to do and the way we’ve been trying to do it in the city.

“We’ll continue with our focus on tackling poverty and inequality, decarbonising the economy, the ecological crisis, all the things we’ve been trying to do, build homes for people."

Mr Rees had led the council for five years, one more than the

usual electoral term, because local elections were cancelled last year because of the lockdown.

He was first elected in May 2016, when he beat George Ferguson by almost 30,000 votes.

His majority on May 6 was less than half that amount, as the Greens moved up from fourth in 2016 to second this time around.

The Greens' strong showing in the council elections, where they won an equal number of seats and a higher overall number of votes than Labour, has led them to demand a "significant role" in running the council.

Green councillor Heather Mack said: “It’s clear that the people of Bristol have voted for a lot – an equal number – of Green councillors.

“That’s the representation they want. It is now up to the Mayor to see how that power share works and how we get involved."

But Mr Rees ruled out

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appointing any Green cabinet members for the time being when he put Labour's Nicola Beech in charge of climate, ecology, waste and energy policy.

She joined four other Labour cabinet members – Hillfields councillor Craig Cheney, Asher Craig, Helen Godwin and Helen Holland – who had been announced as the Voice went to press.

Mr Rees said making councillors from other parties cabinet members needed "relationships of trust" which could take “months and years” to build.

He said: "Over the last five years, there’s been some very adversarial relationships, not necessarily creating an environment of trust that would facilitate that closeness of relationship."

Mr Hore-Ruthven said he was “pleased but also disappointed” at the mayoral result, adding: "People have seen the Green

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Party as a party that could govern the city."

By Amanda Cameron, Local Democracy Reporting Service RESULT: First round: Marvin Rees (Lab) 50,510 Sandy Hore-Ruthven (Grn) 36,331 Alastair Watson (Con) 25,816 Caroline Gooch (LD) 15,517 Sean Donnelly (Ind) 4,956 Tom Baldwin (TUSC) 3,194 John Langley (Ind) 1,528 Robert Clarke (Reform UK) 806 Oska Shaw (Ind) 389.

Second round: Marvin Rees 59,276 (8,766 second prefs) Sandy Hore-Ruthven 45,663.

(9,332 second prefs) Turnout 41.15%

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June, 2021

9

n NEWS

Dan is Metro Mayor

LABOUR'S Dan Norris has won the West of England Metro Mayor election.

The former MP beat Conservative Samuel Williams by 125,482 votes to 85,389, a majority of just over 40,000 votes, after second-preference votes were counted.

Green candidate Jerome Thomas was third, with 54,919 votes, while Liberal Democrat Stephen Williams was fourth, with 39,767.

Mr Norris was short of the required overall majority to win in the first round but when second preference votes from Green and Lib Dem voters were added to the front runners' totals, he received another 41,048 votes, to Mr Williams' 12,974.

It meant Labour gained the mayoralty from the Tories, who had won by 4,377 votes in 2017.

Mr Norris benefited from the increased turnout in Bristol,

where elections for the city council and Bristol Mayor were also taking place on May 6: he received more than 50,000 votes in the city, where Mr Williams came in third behind the Greens.

The Metro Mayor leads the West of England Combined Authority, which is responsible for strategic development of business, skills, housing and transport in the region.

Mr Norris said: "I will show the difference an active Metro Mayor makes for our region.

"I’m determined to hit the ground running, with a Jobs and Skills summit in my first 100 days and my Green Recovery Plan."

As well as his pledges on jobs and the environment, Mr Norris's manifesto included a requirement for 35% of all new homes to be "genuinely affordable", an increase in spending on housebuilding and the creation of a 'homelessness

EDA

mid-90s.

As MP for Wansdyke, which includes Keynsham and Radstock, he was appointed an environment minister by Gordon Brown in 2009 but lost his seat in the 2010 General Election, when the redrawn and renamed North East Somerset constituency was won by Conservative Jacob Rees-Mogg.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service Dan Norris celebrates with his dog Angel at the ss Great Britain after the results of the Metro Mayo election are announced taskforce'.

He has also pledged to drive through improvements to transport, including investigating mass transit and bus franchising, smart ticketing and tap-in, tap-out payments, improved rail services and walking and cycling options.

Mr Norris started his political career as a Bristol city councillor in the 1980s and also served on Avon County Council in the

EDA

V

Results Round 1 Dan Norris 84,434 Samuel Williams 72,415 Jerome Thomas 54,919 Stephen Williams 41,193 Round 2 Dan Norris 125,482 (41,048 second preferences) Samuel Williams 85,389 (12,974 second preferences) Turnout 36.6%

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June, 2021

10

n NEWS

Dog breeder jailed for cropping puppies' ears

AN UNLICENSED dog breeder from Fishponds has been jailed for animal cruelty after paying for nine puppies to have their ears cropped.

RSPCA inspectors found the litter of 15-week-old "bull breed" puppies at Adam Malik's home in Alcove Road in January, after a call raising concerns about their welfare.

Inspector Kimily Walters said the puppies were being kept in a makeshift kennel in an outhouse and their ears were "red, crusty and had not yet healed".

Police seized the nine cropped puppies, along with another 12 four-week-old puppies and their mother, which were being kept in a shower cubicle, and an eightmonth old puppy Malik had also bred.

Malik told the investigators that he had arranged for someone he didn't know to come to his home, take the puppies away and crop their ears, paying £3,000 for the illegal procedure

One of the puppies whose ears were cropped for unlicensed breeder Adam Malik to be carried out around three have their ears cropped for one weeks earlier. reason only; to achieve a certain Bristol Magistrates Court 'look'. In short, it makes them heard that he intended to sell the look tougher, more intimidating. puppies, which had received no "Ear cropping is painful and pain relief. completely unnecessary. Despite The RSPCA says ear cropping what some breeders will claim, has become "glamourised" due cropping a dog's ears does not to celebrities owning and posting benefit them in any way. It can pictures of cropped dogs on be detrimental to their health, social media. behaviour and welfare in the RSPCA dog welfare expert Dr short-term and in the longSamantha Gaines said: "Dogs term."

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Kimily said: “Many of these pups have had ongoing problems caused by their cropped ears, including recurrent infections.

One needed an operation because two of the staples, used to seal the wound after the procedure, had become embedded inside his right ear."

The nine puppies are now all in "wonderful" foster homes, she added.

Malik, aged 30, pleaded guilty to an offence under the Animal Welfare Act. On May 6 magistrates sentenced him to 14 weeks in jail and disqualified him from keeping dogs for 15 years, telling him the offence was so serious prison was the only option.

They told him: “The puppies continued to suffer pain and wound infection and you must have known they were suffering and they continued to suffer.

"They saw no vet and it was all for commercial gain."

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June, 2021

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fishpondsvoice

14

June, 2021

n NEWS

More places at schools SECONDARY schools serving the Fishponds area are set to expand their intake this year to ensure there are enough places for every Year 7 pupil.

Bristol Metropolitan Academy is set to expand numbers to 1,060, some 115 more than its capacity of 945, as it expects a Year 7 intake of 220.

Numbers at Bristol Brunel Academy are due to rise temporarily from the current capacity of 1,180 to 1,248 in September, when the expected Year 7 intake will be 290.

The Cabot Learning Federation, which runs both schools, has entered a consultation process over the planned expansion, which also includes raising the capacity at John Cabot Academy from 1,056 to 1,235 to accommodate an increased number of post-16 students, which will rise to 391.

The federation is required by law to consult on any increase of more than 30 children above the agreed capacity number at any school.

All parents and carers of children at the school have been contacted, as well as feeder primary schools and neighbouring secondaries.

The increase in places comes as building of a planned new secondary school at Temple Quarter, which was originally due to open in time for this September's Year 7s, continues to be delayed.

The Voice reported last year that the city council and CLF had agreed a deal to provide 138 extra spaces for Year 7 students this year to meet the needs of a population bulge in the area, in return for funding for a post-16 building the federation on the site of the former Speedwell Fire Station.

Anyone who wants to comment on the changes should email info@clf.uk.

Year 2 children at Chester Park Infant School with their posters

Walking helps the planet CHILDREN at the Chester Park Federation have been getting active and making a difference to the environment by walking, scooting or cycling to school.

Year 2 children at the infant school in Ridgeway Road made posters to publicise the Walk to School Active Week and raise awareness about the speed of vehicles on Lodge Causeway next to the school and the impact of fumes.

They are encouraging parents dropping pupils off to park a little farther away and to walk part of the journey.

Year 3 children at the junior school in Abingdon Road have been studying pollution in the area, while older pupils have campaigned for more sporting opportunities, resulting in a sponsored walk and sports day being organised.

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

BSpoke16 returns to the streets

A YEAR on from the first outdoor trail, BSpoke16 is back in July with another showcase of extraordinary creative talent from our area.

Many makers, artists and designers are returning following the first two successful events last summer and winter, which have attracted and inspired more exhibitors to join the collective for the third trail.

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fishpondsvoice

June, 2021

15

n NEWS

Community garden plan for Hillfields A COMMUNITY picnic is being held to launch a garden project for the people of Hillfields.

The event on June 19, from noon until 2pm, will bring together residents to help plan a community garden in Hillfields Park.

Four local women – Rhianna Micciche, Rebecca Jenkins, Teodora Aldridge and Sarah Rogers – have worked for months to get permission and funding to build the garden close to Hillfields church off Thicket Avenue.

It will include raised beds for herbs and vegetables, a wildflower area, two living willow play domes and an orchard of 18 fruit trees, where locals can grow food together and connect with nature.

Sarah, 37, who has lived in nearby Woodland Way for five years, said the community garden would take away the pressure of growing things in your own garden.

She said: "There’s often a

Quarry Court

Rhianna Micciche, Rebecca Jenkins, Teodora Aldridge and Sarah Rogers are behind the Hillfields Community Garden fear that if you plant something, all of a sudden you have a big commitment. With the community garden we want to show that the pace of life can be a bit slower when you’re gardening.

"We don’t want gardening to be elitist in any way. It makes no difference whether you know the Latin name for a plant, what matters is that you have a go at growing something. If it doesn’t work the first time, you just try it a different way next time."

Sarah is hoping to run children’s gardening sessions, teaching them how to grow fruits and vegetables including raspberries, strawberries, beans and tomatoes.

Rebecca, 35, who has lived in Hillfields for six years and has experience of managing social projects, helped apply for £800 funding from Fishponds Local Action Group (FLAG) to cover the start-up costs of the garden.

She said: "Gardening is a great way of bringing people

Adelaide Place, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 2FX

together.

"A lot of similar activities for toddlers, such as forest schools, are really expensive, so we wanted to set up the community garden so children can access nature for free."

People coming to the picnic can contribute ideas about how they’d like to see the community garden used, as well as join in games and enjoy music.

If more than 30 people come along, the organisers will split the event into two groups to comply with covid restrictions.

The community picnic will be followed by a Dig Day on July 25 from 10am-3pm, where residents can help build the raised beds, using railway sleepers.

In the future, the group hopes to get permission to add seating and a path, to make the garden more accessible.

Anyone who can spare time to help out with the community garden can contact the group via the Hillfields Community Garden Facebook page.

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fishpondsvoice

16

June, 2021

n NEWS

Lizzie's charity run

Is left best on railway path?

FISHPONDS vicar Lizzie Kesteven has raised more than £1,200 for a charity after running her first half-marathon.

With organised mass events not happening due to the pandemic, Lizzie, who is the vicar of All Saints and St Mary's, organised her own run with her friend Flo Weston.

Lizzie decided to raise money for Christian Aid, the relief and development charity which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, while Flo was fundraising for Self Injury Support, a local mental health charity helping people affected by self-harm.

They ran along the Bristol Fishponds vicar Lizzie Kesteven, running and Bath Railway Path, from mate Flo Weston and pace setter Claire Royal Crescent in Bath to the fish sculpture near Morrisons, Roscoe at the end of the run on the Bristol and Bath Railway Path. completing the run in two hours and 27 minutes in April.

To donate to Lizzie's fundraiser, which had passed £1,200 as the Voice went to print. To contribute, visit bit.ly/2TcuyE5 online.

Flo had raised just over £900 and her fundraising page can be found at bit.ly/3vdTvNw.

THE transport charity responsible for the Bristol and Bath Railway Path is hoping to settle a question which has been dividing users: should everyone using the path keep left?

Sustrans has been working with councils and path users on the ‘OnePath BS5’ project to make physical improvements to the bottom end of the path to make it easier for cyclists and pedestrians to share the space.

Changes to the layout of the path at key points including widening the Clay Bottom "wiggle" and improving the crossing at Whitehall Primary School are underway.

But Sustrans is also trying to establish "core principles" for using the busy sections of the path, "to support a positive attitude as well as particular positive activities".

Suggestions from its public consultations included promoting the ideas of sharing, leaving space for other users, and cyclists using bells to warn pedestrians when they are approaching.

Sustrans is now asking path users to give their views on whether to introduce a "left is best" principle using for the path.

While cyclists tend to stick to the rule of the road and stay on the left, there is a long-standing debate about whether people walking on the path would be better on the left side in the same direction as bike traffic or on the right, so they are facing oncoming cyclists. Sustrans has launched an online survey for people to have their say. The online survey is open until June 13 and can be found at bit.ly/3bwoe0w. *A teenager arrested over a series of incidents on the railway path in Fishponds could still face criminal charges.

The case against the boy, arrested in December on suspicion of sexual assault, has been referred to the Crown Prosecution Service by a youth offending panel.

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fishpondsvoice

June, 2021

17

n NEWS

No Party in the Ponds Art club has new home – but fairs are back ORGANISERS of the annual Party in the Ponds festival in Fishponds have confirmed that the event will not be going ahead this year.

The free one-day party had grown to the extent that it was set to move from Fishponds Park, where it had been held up until the last event in 2019, to Vassals Park.

But the coronavirus pandemic put paid to last year's event and, with uncertainty surrounding the changing of rules on mass events under the government's roadmap, this year's event has also been cancelled.

Organisers had pencilled in Saturday June 12 as a possible date for this year's festival but will now look to bring the event back next summer.

Events which are going ahead in the coming weeks include summer fairs at two Fishponds churches.

The first to take place will be at All Saints Community Hall in Grove Road, on Saturday June 26 from noon until 3pm.

Stalls will include a plant sale and games, and lunches will be available for visitors at the event, which is free to enter.

The following weekend, on Saturday July 3, St Mary's church in Manor Road will hold its summer fair from 11am.

There will be stalls, an auction of promises and light refreshments for visitors.

C

T

CC C

AN art club is returning from lockdown in a new home.

Phoenix Art Club will meet at Stapleton church hall in Park Road on Tuesday mornings between 10am and noon from June 22.

The group previously met at the Methodist church hall in Guinea Lane, but had to find a new home after the church announced it was closing its doors for the final time on May 30.

After an enforced absence due to the lockdown the art club, which stages affordable art shows in Iron Acton and Chipping Sodbury, is now ready to return.

Eileen Senior, from the club, said: "We are a friendly group using a variety of mediums from watercolour, acrylics, oils, photography, computer art and crafts.

"We embrace new members, from beginner to experienced.

"We are not teacher-led but a few times a year we arrange workshops and artist demonstrations, which are always very popular and educating."

Eileen said the club's new base was "large, airy and bright" and includes a car park and facilities for disabled people.

The club plans to stage its next affordable art show in Chipping Sodbury in September.

For more details call 0117 965 8455.

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fishpondsvoice

18

June, 2021

n NEWS

Mark is new police commissioner CONSERVATIVE Mark Shelford has been elected Avon and Somerset’s new police and crime commissioner.

The former soldier made election pledges to “reassure, refocus and rebuild” and prioritise preventing crime, not just trying to catch criminals.

He received 161,319 votes in the May 6 election, 15,000 ahead of Labour’s Kerry Barker, on 146,293, after first and secondpreference votes were counted.

Green candidate Cleo Lake finished in third place, with 64,790 votes, Liberal Democrat Heather Shearer received 52,839 and independent John Smith 46,379.

Voting took place across South Gloucestershire, Bristol, B&NES, North Somerset and Somerset.

Mr Shelford topped the first round poll in every area except Bristol, while Mr Barker received more second round transfer

votes everywhere except for three of the four Somerset county districts.

The election was postponed a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, and Mr Shelford will only serve a three-year term.

He said: "It’s really exciting and quite humbling.

"There’s a huge responsibility placed on my shoulders. I’m relishing the opportunity to get started as soon as possible.

“It’s about making the police more efficient and effective. We will do that together.”

Mr Shelford had criticised the police for the handling of recent 'Kill the Bill' protests in Bristol and said the force should not have allowed a “mob” to pull down the statue of slave trader Edward Colston last summer.

One of his first tasks will be to appoint a new chief constable, after Andy Marsh steps down in July.

Mr Shelford said he would

not rush into making an appointment and was looking for “somebody that exudes leadership and command, and has unshakeable belief in the Peelian principles of policing (by consent)".

He will also appoint a new deputy PCC. Outgoing PCC Sue Mountstevens had made Mr Smith the first deputy PCC last year, but he was unable to repeat her success at the ballot box.

Mr Shelford, a former Army lieutenant colonel, served for four years as a Bath & North East Somerset councillor but lost his seat in 2019 after a boundary change.

In his acceptance speech he thanked Ms Mountstevens, who he said had "worked tirelessly over the last nine years to keep the people of Avon and Somerset safer".

By Stephen Sumner, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Mark Shelford

Results First round results: Mark Shelford (Con) – 136,988 Kerry Barker (Lab) 93,495 Cleo Lake (Green) – 64,790 Heather Shearer (Lib Dem) – 52,839 John Smith (independent) – 46,379 Second round results: Mark Shelford 161,319 (24,331 second preferences) Kerry Barker 146,293 (52,798)

Chester Park Infant School Places available for September 2021 Do you have a child born between September 1st 2016 and August 31st 2017, if so you can still apply for a reception year place for September 2021 If you would like to visit the school, please call 0117 3773047 to arrange a visit for the end of June 2021. A virtual tour and further information can be found on our website by following this link: https://www.chesterparkschools.org/applying-for-a-reception-2021-place/ These visits are only for September 2021, if you have a child due to start in September 2022 visits will be available soon!

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Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

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fishpondsvoice

June, 2021

19

n NEWS

Jo set for wing walk Drug grower jailed A MEMBER of staff at an Eastville primary school is going above and beyond the call of duty to help fund a new facility for the children.

Jo Lewis Edkins will be strapped to a plane for a wing walk to raise money to buy an outdoor classroom for Glenfrome Primary School's orchard area.

Jo, who has worked in the school office for the past 11 years, was given a voucher for the hair-raising ride, which is due to take place on June 1, by her brother after joking Jo Lewis Edkins that she would prefer a wing walk to rising in a hot air balloon.

With regular school fundraising events hit by the pandemic, she decided to put the voucher to use and make the wing walk a sponsored challenge for the Friends of Glenfrome.

Jo, who attended Glenfrome as a child and also sent her three children to the school, said: "I’m currently having my heart jump out of my chest whenever I remember what I’ve actually signed up for!"

Jo has admitted she is not good with heights but is hoping that she will be able to "enjoy the view" during the flight.

As the Voice went to press, supporters had already pledged more than £3,200 towards the target of £5,000 towards the outdoor classroom building, which will provide shelter from bad weather during outdoor learning sessions.

To donate to the fundraiser, visit bit.ly/2RxLrc0 online or search for Friends of Glenfrome at uk.gofundme.com.

AN Eastville man has been jailed for his role in a cannabis growing operation that produced drugs worth more than £1 million on the street from each harvest.

Alessandro Carbone, aged 46, from Glen Park, was one of six members of an organised gang who pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to produce cannabis following an investigation by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit.

Alessandro Carbone A court heard the men used an industrial unit in Birkenhead, Merseyside, where more than 600 plants were spread over three floors, and a house in Easton to grow the plants, bypassing electricity supplies to provide the large amount of power required.

Four of the men were arrested as they headed back to Bristol after visiting Birkenhead in October 2019, in vans containing harvested cannabis, soil and plant waste.

Carbone and a sixth man were arrested a fortnight later in Brislington, where £19,000 in cash was seized from a bedroom and a further £50,000 worth of cannabis was found in a car boot.

He was sentenced to four years in prison, while the other gang members, from other parts of Bristol and South Gloucestershire, were jailed for between 22 months and four-and-a-half years, at a hearing at Liverpool Crown Court earlier this year.

The gang's use of motor trade insurance policies to try and distance themselves from ten vehicles used in the production and distribution of the drugs was uncovered by the Insurance Fraud Bureau, which provided evidence for the police investigation.

“The school is a calm and happy place where pupils want to learn.”

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June, 2021

20

n NEWS Mum's warning over play park perils A MUM has warned other parents to be on their guard after her young child trod in human excrement in a play park.

The mum, who has asked not to be named, also pleaded to people to clean up after themselves or their children after the incident, which happened in Fishponds Park in May. The three-year-old boy was playing hide and seek with friends by a tree in the play area when his mother noticed the mess all over his shoes and trousers, and had to immediately clean him up.

She said: "It's a real lure for the children, having the nice greenery and bushes.

"I could see lots of children going in and out of the bushes and had to warn their parents there was something quite disgusting there."

After the warning was shared on social media questions were raised over whether the closure of nearby public toilets by the city council three years ago had made the situation worse. But the mum, who said there were also problems with people dumping drug paraphernalia in the park, said she did not blame the council.

The neighbourhood police team is aware of the issue.

Petals for pipes A GROUP set up to improve Fishponds Road has announced its first practical action.

The Voice reported last month that people who wanted to improve the environment of the area were getting together to come up with a Fishponds Road Enhancement Plan.

Now the group, which has taken the name Fishponds Road Revival, is planning to clear rubbish and grit from the large concrete pipes behind the old Farriers Arms building next to Morrisons, before painting them and filling them with soil and plants.

The project is set to take place over two weekends, on June 6 from 1pm-4pm and a week later on the 13th at the same time.

People are being asked to bring compost or soil, buckets, spades and garden tools to the first event and paint, brushes and protective clothing to the second. Children are welcome at both events. Organiser Kathe Jacob is appealing for car or van owners who can help at the event to contact her by email at kathecakey@outlook.com or by calling 0779 668 5241.

The cows arrive at Stoke Park Estate COWS have returned to the Stoke Park Estate as part of a regeneration project.

The park next to the M32, between Stapleton and Lockleaze, was historically used for grazing, and the herd of 20 Shetland, Hereford, British Blue and Holstein cows has been moved there from a farm in Frampton Cotterell.

The city council says the cows will "improve the biodiversity of Stoke Park and provide a more sustainable and natural way to manage the land", through "conservation grazing". They will be checked daily by herdsmen and park rangers.

Plans to graze cows were first mooted in 2009, two years before the council officially took over the 270 acres of public open space, and were revived again two years ago.

The success of a scheme grazing goats at the park last year paved the way for the arrival of the cows in May. The council says the project is part of its One City Ecological Emergency Strategy to protect local wildlife, ecosystems and habitats.

Fields containing cows will be clearly signposted and visitors are being advised not to try to feed them. Dog walkers are being advised to keep their pets on a lead.

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fishpondsvoice

June, 2021

21

n MAYOR'S VIEW

Second time around IT is a deep honour to have been re-elected. My thanks go out to everyone who campaigned and voted for me, encouraged, endorsed and supported me in the many ways people have.

We have spent my first weeks since being re-elected planning ahead, reconnecting with city partners and our regional, national and international allies, reviewing Bristol City Council’s corporate strategy, meeting council staff, refining our city priorities and getting on with delivery. It has been a busy time.

The themes we will be working to over the next three years are shaped by the following: Bristol is a city of contrasts and contradictions. We have great wealth and opportunity living alongside poverty and hopelessness. The challenge of inequality will become more significant following Covid because it’s the most vulnerable who have been hit first and hardest, and it is they who will be least well placed to participate

in the recovery. Providing quality jobs, affordable homes to underpin and inclusive economic recovery must be at the heart of all we do. This is not only an issue of social justice. Unequal societies waste talent, cost more in terms of public services and are more unstable. Building a city in which everyone has hope is in our collective enlightened self interest.

We need to meet the economic challenge in the face of the climate and ecological emergencies. Decarbonising and building nature in the energy, transport, housing and other city systems we depend on is crucial.

The pace and scale of change we need cannot be delivered one lifestyle decision or project at a time. This will take a wholesale city redesign. Our climate and ecological strategies set the framework and working through the City Office and One City Plan we will be able to approach this challenge as a whole city.

There is great opportunity in this. Investors are looking for

opportunity to put money into decarbonisation and places that are more resilient to future global shocks, be they social, economic or environmental. We in Bristol already have a strong global reputation for the work we have done to put the UN’s Global Sustainable Development Goals at the heart of our One City Plan.

The opportunity is to win investment, generate jobs and build an economy that is diverse, more resilient and minimises the contribution it makes to the likelihood of future shocks.

We also know that we are not just taking these challenges on for the 466,000 people who call Bristol their home today.

Bristol is forecast to grow by around 100,000 people by the middle of this century. For that greater population we must ensure Bristol provides inclusion (tackling inequality) and reduces impact (carbon and impact on nature) today. Our plans must

The Mayor’s View Each month Bristol mayor Marvin Rees shares his views with Fishponds Voice

take into account the increasing numbers of people who will grow up here, and travel to Bristol for work, education and leisure.

I was sent an incredible quote from Raymond Williams during the campaign by Professor Tom Sperlinger at the University of Bristol: “To be truly radical is to make hope possible rather than despair convincing.”

This is a huge challenge. But it also presents a huge opportunity.

I hope we can all hold that observation tight.

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fishpondsvoice

22

June, 2021

n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

So near and yet so far FOLLOWING the coastal footpath to Tintagel Castle is one example.

There is a long way inland and uphill to go before you can cross the bridge, and enter the castle.

As a diesel car driver I feel the switch to an electric car is also so near and yet so far. So obviously the right next step with autumn restrictions on access to the city centre likely, yet such a leap in terms of cost to purchase an equivalent electric vehicle.

Maybe reading this you have similar feelings about leaving off the use of plastics, or installing solar panels at home.

We all need stepping stones to help us to progress along a path of change. We need to hold the dream intact, while we make a smaller step in the meantime. So we are not abandoning our aim, but we are taking a step in the right direction that will not be wasted.

Christians are following an ideal, based on a promise of

God in the Old Testament : “For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea” (Habakkuk 2 : 14) Jesus tells his disciples how this is to be achieved : “…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1 : 8) As a Christian I personally get doubtful and worried when

it comes to fulfilling Jesus’ words, let alone those of Habakkuk. I personally believe that Jesus Christ died to take away our wrongs and make us right with God. I do believe that he rose again and has given his life to be at work within all who trust in him. I can see that I am a witness to these things because he has really changed my life round for the better. Yet still the fulfilling of God’s promises seems such a long distance away for the world.

I guess I need the equivalent of a hybrid petrol/electric car.

I need a stepping stone. My Jerusalem should be my own household, my Judea, my neighbourhood. Even if I don’t see national revival instantly, I’m not going to give up on the promise that God has made for

Rev Charles Sugden Rector of Frenchay and Stapleton parishes

the whole world.

Perhaps if you wish to see a litter-free environment in Bristol and South Glos, then the same principle applies. We can take a bag and a disposable glove with us where we regularly walk and play our part. Who knows, if plastics cease being produced, then our litter problem may be much closer to being realised than we imagined!

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fishpondsvoice

June, 2021

23

n FROM OUR MP

It's a shame more people don't vote I WANT to start by thanking everyone who voted in the elections last month. It’s a shame that only 40% or so of eligible voters cast a ballot. Although this level of turnout is not uncommon in local elections, it is important that people take part in the democratic process. I would urge you to make sure you are registered to vote, especially if you’ve recently moved house.

Only two of the six candidates elected in the Fishponds area were councillors before; you can check who your new representatives are on www. bristol.gov.uk. I want to pay tribute to those who stood down at this election, and to former councillor for Frome Vale, Bill Payne, who has died after many years of ill-health. Bill was also involved in campaigning for victims of the contaminated blood scandal, and I am glad he lived long enough to see justice done.

Along with Marvin being re-elected as Mayor of Bristol, we also have a new Metro Mayor in Dan Norris, who I hope will be more visible and effective than the previous incumbent. During the recent campaign, many people asked what exactly was the role of the metro mayor?

The answer is that they’re meant to take a strategic overview of sub-regional priorities for the West of England, on transport, housing, planning, jobs and skills.

It’s an important job when it’s done properly, especially with the Government introducing new changes to the planning system, which are quite worrying in the extent to which they appear to be giving much greater powers to developers. MPs from both sides of the House have expressed concern about these reforms.

Also in the Queen’s Speech, the Government announced proposals to introduce compulsory voter photo-ID,

SUMME 2021

S ARE D AY T R I P

despite the fact that around 3.5 million people in this country don’t have photo-ID. There were only six cases of fraud at the last general election, but the Government says it wants to “prevent the problem before it occurs”, which seems like a rather odd set of priorities, particularly when there are so many other pressing concerns.

We are, for example, still waiting for the Government to produce its plan to reform social care, which it has supposedly been working on for the past two years. We saw over the last year just what strain has been placed on the care system by years of systemic under-funding. We badly need a joined up health and social care system to relieve these pressures.

As always, I will continue to try to hold the Government to account on all the issues I’ve mentioned here! You can email me at kerry.mccarthy.

Kerry McCarthy MP for Bristol East

writes for Fishponds Voice

mp@parliament.uk, call on 0117 9399901, or write to me at the House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.”

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fishpondsvoice

June, 2021

n NEWS

25

Eviction questioned

Children from Avanti Gardens School with their model village

Marvellous model!

PUPILS at a Fishponds primary school have come together to build their own model village.

Children at Avanti Gardens School in College Road have created mountains, rivers, trees, flowers, people and houses for the art and craft project, which has been taking place throughout the past term.

Craft teacher Jenny Hopkins organised the project.

While the children have been creating a village the school has been at work on a revamp of the early years foundation stage rooms, and a revamp of outside learning areas is about to get under way.

BRISTOL Mayor Marvin Rees is being asked to review the decision to evict a man who was sleeping in a shelter in Eastville Park.

Ward councillor Marley Bennett said he had contacted the Mayor to ask for a review after the man, known to park users as Ali, was removed from the shelter, which was then boarded up.

Park users raised concerns on social media with both ward councillors, and have also contacted MP Kerry McCarthy about the decision to evict the man.

Cllr Bennett said: "Although it was far from ideal, at least where Ali had been staying he had shelter and a network of residents providing him with support and company. It would be troubling to discover Ali is still rough-sleeping somewhere he does not even have this."

A city council spokesperson said: “No one should be sleeping outside, but we understand that homelessness is a complex issue and there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach. Repeated offers of accommodation, and other support, throughout the pandemic and at times of severe weather were made with respect to this individual.

However, all advice and support from ourselves and our partner organisations was turned down. A possession order was obtained by the Homelessness service team who boarded up the Eastville Park shelter following implementation of the possession order. The newadministration is reviewing the course of action that was taken and looking at the best ways to find a positive solution for this person. We will also make sure all belongings are returned and offer support."

• Bailiffs acting for Wales & West Utilities moved in to evict about 75 travellers who had been living on a site in Glenfrome Road on May 20.

Avon and Somerset police, who closed the road around the site between 5.15am and around 3.45pm, said there had been no arrests during the eviction.

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June, 2021

26

n NEWS

Volunteers give school a spruce-up OUTDOOR play areas for children at Frenchay Primary School are as good as new after a volunteer team got stuck in to a clean-up.

Members of the New Life Church, based at Frenchay Village Hall, went to work as part of The Noise, an annual project where volunteers from different churches and communities join together to host events and carry out practical projects to make a difference in neighbourhoods across the Bristol area.

They revitalised the school's Gruffalo garden area, installing new edging and bark, redecorating the playhouse and giving its mosaic a thorough jet wash.

Head teacher Katherine Marks said: "We have been blessed to have the support of The Noise again this year.

"Their hard work and dedication have given some areas of the school a muchneeded boost.

"The playhouse is now light and inviting and the children are loving playing in it.

"The team worked tirelessly for 2 days to tackle many jobs around the site.

"They also generously made a donation towards the resources which all the children will benefit from.

The team from New Life Church in action at Frenchay CofE Primary School "With their support Frenchay Primary can continue to adapt and offer a better environment whilst we await our new build.

"Thank you to Richard and the team for all their work, positivity, and commitment.

We really do appreciate it."

The Noise took place over the May Day bank holiday weekend and volunteers also ran pop-up takeaways and treasure hunts, delivered cream teas to pensioners at home and worked on projects to improve public spaces.

Slip road closure DRIVERS are being warned that a slip road at the M32 Eastville junction will be closed for two weeks during June.

A 13-week programme of work on the northbound exit slip road, from the motorway to the Muller road roundabout, started on May 10. It aims to repair damage caused by a fire in the backyard of the Eastville Tesco Extra in February last year.

Most of the work will take place during the daytime, with the restrictions in place allowing cars and motorbikes to use the ramp. But it will be closed completely from Monday to Friday on the weeks beginning June 14 and 28, to prevent vibrations affecting the setting concrete. During the closures, the official diversion for traffic will be via the Hambrook junction several miles away, and back on the southbound carriageway.

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fishpondsvoice

June, 2021

27

n HOME CARE & FUNDING

Tom Jackson, Commercial Lead

We Care & Repair

Support for homeowners from Bristol City Council AS a homeowner, you’ll know that making essential repairs can be complex, unexpected and costly.

Spreading the cost may be an option to help you manage unexpected repair bills, and a loan funded

by Bristol City Council may be the answer you have been looking for.

Bristol City Council have worked in partnership with Social Enterprise lender, Lendology CIC, over the last 15 years. To date, the partnership has lent over £3million to homeowners across the city with over £2million having been repaid, creating a recycling pot of funding.

Lendology provide finance to a wide range of people, including those who may be excluded from mainstream finance providers.

Whether you are employed, self-employed, in receipt of State Benefits, retired, or have struggled with your credit history in the past, Lendology take the time to understand your unique circumstances.

With a range of repayment options, they will talk through the options, and people make the lending

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decisions, not computers.

For an informal chat about the loan scheme and eligibility, call Lendology today on 01823 461099, email loans@lendology.org.uk or visit www.lendology.org.uk.

Local not-for-profit home improvement agency, We Care Home Improvements, are at hand to support you with assessing the works required to your home and provide guidance or project management

services, for homeowners of any age. For more information on the services provided by We Care Home Improvements, call 0300 323 0700 or visit www.wecr.org.uk Typical Example (4% fixed interest rate, Typical 4.2% APR).

Borrow £5,000 over 60 months. £92.08 monthly repayments. Total amount repayable = £5,544.96, including £20 fee for registering the

Title Restriction. Missing payments could affect your credit rating and ability to obtain credit in the future.

Loans are subject to status and are typically protected by a Title Restriction. This means that you may not be able to sell your home without our permission unless the loan is fully repaid. This is a financial promotion approved by Lendology CIC. Lendology CIC is a trading name of Wessex Resolutions C.I.C.: a community interest company limited by guarantee, registered in England, company number 4512225. Registered address: Heatherton Park Studios, Bradford on Tone, Taunton TA4 1EU. Wessex Resolutions C.I.C is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (675263) for credit regulated activities.

Up to

£1,000 OFF

Did you know Bristol City Council fund a loan scheme for homeowners? *

the cost of works to your home**

Working in partnership with We Care Home Improvements and Lendology CIC, the partnership takes the stress out of funding and finding contractors for home repairs, improvements or adaptations.

If you are a homeowner, of any age, and need to make essential repairs to your home, call us today for more information. Works covered under the scheme include roof repair, electrical and plumbing work, damp and structural remedies, heating installations or replacement, amongst other works.

For an informal chat about the loan scheme and eligibility, call Lendology on 01823 461099, email loans@lendology.org.uk or visit www.lendology.org.uk

For more information on the services provided by We Care Home Improvements, call 0300 323 0700 or visit www.wecr.org.uk

*Subject to eligibility. **A maximum reduction of £1,000 from an approved loan over £2,000. For loans £2,000 or less, the reduction will be 50% of the loan value.

Budget is limited and will be awarded on a first come, first served basis. Typical Example (4% fixed interest rate, Typical 4.2% APR). Borrow £5,000 over 60 months. £92.08 monthly repayments. Total amount repayable = £5,544.96, including £20 fee for registering the Title Restriction. Missing payments could affect your credit rating and ability to obtain credit in the future. Loans are subject to status and are typically protected by a Title Restriction. This means that you may not be able to sell your home without our permission unless the loan is fully repaid. This is a financial promotion approved by Lendology CIC. Lendology CIC is a trading name of Wessex Resolutions C.I.C.: a community interest company limited by guarantee, registered in England, company number 4512225.

Registered address: Heatherton Park Studios, Bradford on Tone, Taunton TA4 1EU. Wessex Resolutions C.I.C is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (675263) for credit regulated activities.

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

28

June, 2021

n A DVERTISING FEATURE

New£7mspecialist STEM(Science, Technology, Engineering andMaths) andCreativeCentreat SGSWISECampusisopen THE new Brunel Centre at SGS College’s WISE Campus in Stoke Gifford is designed with sustainability and wellbeing at heart. The Brunel Centre will be home to a variety of Science, Technology, Engineering, e-Sports and the recently rebranded Bristol Academy of Media (BAM) courses. With high ceilings and exposed timber interior walls, the whole building has been designed to provide a cutting-edge learning environment.

Kevin Hamblin, SGS Group CEO, said: "The build will provide increased capacity in the area for the next generation of scientists, technicians, engineers and creatives and inspire them to push harder to achieve their educational goals.

Credit must be given to the West of England Combined Authority who had the foresight and confidence to make this investment, as it will provide a world-class environment for another 400 students a year to study at SGS." A new University Centre, accommodating the relocation of SGS's undergraduate provision will open in September 2021 at the WISE Campus; creating new spaces for the specialist degree programmes in Business, Management, Sports, Media, Games, Specialist Make-up,

Performing and Theatre Arts. SGS has a reputation for delivering quality innovative degrees in a supportive and flexible learning environment. SGS was placed within the top 10% of all universities for overall student satisfaction in 2020.

SGS College welcomes you to attend the

launch of the Brunel Centre and Community Open Event (across all Campuses) on Saturday July 3, 2021, from 10am to 4pm and discover the range of college, undergraduate and adult courses. To reserve your place(s) please refer to the website at sgscol.ac.uk or telephone 0800 0567 253.

Higher Education

SATURDAY 3RD JULY 2021, 10:00 – 16:00 SGS College looks forward to welcoming you back onto all our campuses for our Community Open Event.

From Undergraduate, Further Education, Leisure, Professional and Apprenticeships programmes, we have a course to offer you. Whether you are looking for full or part-time study, we have flexible study options to suit all.

You will have the opportunity to have a personal guided tour on the Campus of your choice, have the opportunity to get involved with a subject specialist masterclass, or find out more about our courses from our staff and students.

We will be giving tours around our campuses, to show you why SGS is the place for you.

To reserve your place, please refer to our website at www.sgscol.ac.uk or email info@sgscol.ac.uk

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

June, 2021

29

n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE

Back on holidays!

L

IKE a breath of sea air on a warm summer morning, holidays are back!

It’s time to haul those shorts and the swimming gear out of hibernation, dust off the beach towels and get set for some serious R and R. But wait… after more than a year of being cautious, we can’t afford to ruin all that good work.

That’s why the powers that be have advised us which countries are considered safe to visit – and we must continue to abide by the rules. In the UK, too, there’s still a list of sensible dos and don’ts that we must follow.

As a chiropractor and health professional, it’s part of my job to advise people how to look after themselves, particularly when they’re getting ready for that well-earned break away from the daily grind.

So here goes…

ON THE MOVE Remember that there are pitfalls to avoid before you even reach your holiday destination.

You shouldn’t be sitting in a car for hours on end without taking a break. For the benefit of both your body and your powers of concentration, it’s best to drive only for a maximum of two hours in one hit.

If you’re on a long-haul flight, get up and walk around every two hours – or between films!

When it comes to luggage, you should only attempt to lift those heavy bags using your strong legs and clenching your

buttocks before you begin. Of course, if you have mobility problems, you can contact the airport or your travel operator in advance to see what help they’re able to offer.

How often have you reached your hotel, settled down for a good night’s sleep and wished you’d brought your favourite pillow along for the ride? This is a great idea, especially if you suffer with neck problems. Pillows are easy to pack and can also be used as a head rest during the flight.

WHEN YOU GET THERE Don’t even think about walking for miles in flip-flops, when you get off the beach put your trainers on! Don’t walk into and around the town in flip flops. This can cause no end of foot, ankle and back problems. Just pack a pair of your most comfortable shoes that you know you can rely on.

I’m a serious advocate for the many benefits of vitamin D – an even tan being an important one – but there are sensible precautions to take before throwing down that towel and soaking up the rays.

Be careful not to lie on your front with your back arched for too long as this is a common cause of back pain and don’t forget to use natural sun creams from reputable sources – and wear a hat!

Carefully study the recommendations for particular skin types, especially if you’re prone to burning easily or

suffering from heat rashes and other conditions.

ENJOY A PROPER BREAK If you’re a serious exerciser – maybe a three to seven times a week runner or gym nut, all year round – remember that your body will thank you for a week or two away from the serious stuff. Why not have a change of routine and get into some swimming, for example? Even professional athletes need to give their bodies a rest, so you should do the same when you’re on holiday.

If you’re not into regular exercise but find yourself enjoying a lovely swim or long walk on holiday… don’t stop when you get back home! Hopefully you will have discovered a new healthy routine that you can build into your regular daily life.

Extend that holiday feeling by discovering your neighbourhood

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swimming pool or even braving an open water venue.

You could take to the local streets to clock up those 10,000 steps a day – you can still dream of Malta while you’re walking around Mangotsfield!

A Team approach to healthcare.

Supporting Premiership Football, Rugby, 2012 Olympics and World Athletic Championship 2017 Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Back & Leg Pain, Sciatica Sports Massage Headaches & Migraines Trapped Nerves Repetitive Strain Injuries Occupational Injuries Sports Injury Specialist Competitively priced

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June, 2021

30

n PLANNING MATTERS WITH CHRIS GOSLING

Will changes make homes more affordable?

IT'S policy time again. The Queen's speech, when the government puts forward the programme for new acts of parliament, has turned planners’ minds to the future.

For the current government, it is an opportunity to exercise a bit of ‘joined-up thinking’, reveal a future direction for the country and add some flesh to the bones of slogans like "Build Back Better".

As ever with the current government, the flesh is thin and lacking in detail, but there are enough signs of interaction between policy in different areas to maybe discern some kind of vision.

The vision for planning can be wrapped up in one oft-used word: reform.

This is intended to take the form of a 'zonal' system. What will these zones be, how will they be allocated and what the implications will be in practice are the big questions.

The focus is very much on promoting house building, but I have explained before that it is not

necessarily down to planning that not enough homes are being built.

The million-plus un-started houses which already have planning permission are testament to this.

The bigger issue is, of course, affordability.

The housing industry would be foolish to build houses without the people in a position to buy them, but it is not a simple question of supply and demand.

House prices have risen by 10% in the last year. If the equation were simple, then building more houses would mean the value of the house you may own would go down. That is unlikely to generate votes from millions of homeowners.

Yet without the ability to get on the ladder, the housing market looks like a castle with the drawbridge pulled up. That situation is unsustainable, and only higher wages from better-paid jobs or a drop in house prices will remedy it.

It will be interesting to see if the taxpayer will continue to

AERIALS

underwrite ever-larger mortgages with schemes like Help to Buy or if the government can more effectively ensure that a proportion of new houses are genuinely affordable.

With the zonal system, whichever form it finally takes, public participation is intended to be ‘front-loaded’ at the stage of drawing up a local plan to guide development.

This looks like becoming a political battleground: you could see the public as just as much an impediment to house building as planning is supposed to be.

If the public does not get involved in drawing up the local plan, the one opportunity to comment will have been lost. Of course, at such an early stage it is hard for anyone to appreciate the practicalities of the limits set in a local plan, certainly in comparison with a specific application in your street.

It looks likely that in the future, planning applications will be

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judged against the zone a proposal is in.

Planners may look at how many storeys a building would have and the details of the design. If the right boxes are ticked, the public is unlikely to even be asked for their thoughts: their only opportunity was when the local plan was drawn up.

Any changes will be vying with many other potential new laws in a busy parliamentary year, but change, of some sort, is coming – and seemingly sooner rather than later.

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