The Week In - Issue 680 - 26th May 2021

THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset

26th May 2021

Issue 680

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Read by more than 40,000 people each week

£30m improvements revealed for five Ring Road junctions Plans for £30m of improvements to five junctions on the A4174 Ring Road between Lyde Green and Longwell Green have been revealed.

The five roundabouts are Lyde Green, the Rosary (also known as Emersons Green

Also in this week’s issue

Roundabout), Siston Hill, Deanery Road at Warmley and Kingsfield at Longwell Green.

Throughabouts are being proposed at the Siston Hill, Deanery Road and Kingsfield junctions. A throughabout aims to help improve the flow of traffic, especially in

Controversial waste charges in B&NES put on hold . . . page 3

areas where most vehicles are travelling straight ahead at the junction. The Wraxall Road Roundabout at Warmley is currently being converted into South Gloucestershire’s first throughabout.

South Gloucestershire Council says the proposed improvements will improve capacity and connections for walking and cycling, as well as help the flow of public transport.

The work would be subject to receiving funding from the Department for Transport.

The 12-week public consultation, which has begun this week, will support the development of a full business case for funding to deliver the scheme.

The council says the £30m scheme aims to specifically: • Reduce carbon emissions through relieving

Car ploughs into Keynsham Ambulance Station . . . pages 4 & 5

20mph zones ‘not clear’ to drivers in Hanham . . . page 6

delays and congestion on the A4174 between the Lyde Green and Kingsfield roundabouts.

• Minimise the impact of traffic / infrastructure to the natural environment and, where possible, improve the environment.

• Improve access to the North East Bristol fringe to help open up business opportunities.

• Protect and enhance access for non-car users.

Continued on page 2

Row over council support for another charity shop in Kingswood . . . page 11

Bromford apologises for Ring Road improvements ignoring tenant’s complaints about damp and mould Continued from page 1

• Improve traffic safety.

• Improve road network resilience and journey time reliability.

To find out more and share your feedback visit www.consultations.southglos.gov.uk/A4174improvemen ts Paper copies of the response form are available at Kingswood One Stop Shop. You can also ask for a printed one or an alternative format by calling 01454 868000.

There will be ‘virtual space events’ with the project team on hand to answer any questions via a live chat function on Wednesday 23rd June between 8.30am and 7pm and on Thursday 1st July from 8.30am to 7pm.

For people who would prefer face-to-face events, there will be one on Wednesday 30th June from 5pm to 8pm at Warmley Community Centre, and another at Emersons Green Village Hall on Saturday 10th July between 1pm and 5.30pm.

The 13-month throughabout project at Wraxall Road started last August.

2

Housing association Bromford has apologised to a South Gloucestershire tenant who featured in an ITN investigation after her complaints about damp and mould were ignored.

Terrie Pring lives in a two-bedroom flat with her two children, aged 11 and three. Mould began appearing in the living room and the kitchen when she moved in three years ago. She reported it to Bromford but nothing was done. She went on to complain several times but had not received a single visit from Bromford. Ms Pring regularly attempts to wash off the mould and has redecorated three times in three years, but the mould comes back worse each time. She complains of feeling chesty and has breathing problems, her daughter coughs during the night and both children struggle to breathe deeply. The family’s experiences were highlighted on national TV last Wednesday. Bromford’s executive director of transformation and compliance Paul Coates was interviewed by ITN as part of the story and apologised, saying they had failed her and would ensure that any Bromford home reporting historic damp or mould cases would be inspected.

In a statement on Bromford’s website, Mr Coates says: “No family should have to live in conditions that affect their health, and we are genuinely sorry to Terrie and her family for not acting sooner. I spoke to her on Tuesday 4th May to apologise and on Friday 7th May I visited the property along with one of our surveyors to carry out a technical inspection and agree a way forward. While there are no structural issues with the building, there are a number of repairs that need carrying out and we will also be removing the mould, redecorating, and supporting Ms Pring with any lifestyle factors into the future.

“Over the past year we’ve invested more than £28m in maintaining and improving our existing homes. We know that over the past year our customers have spent more time at home due to the pandemic which can exacerbate issues around damp and condensation. We commit to spending even more to target damp and condensation in our homes to prevent similar situations happening in the future.”

The Week in • Wednesday 26th May 2021

Council U-turn as controversial waste charges are put on hold Just a few days before planned charges for rubble, plasterboard and tyres at recycling centres in B&NES were due to be introduced, council leader Kevin Guy announced they were being put on hold and alternative savings to balance the council’s budget were being looked at.

The planned charges - due to come in on Monday of this week - would have seen residents pay £2 to dispose of a bag of rubble, £4 for a bag of plasterboard and £3.50 for

Vehicle crime in Keynsham Two men were seen on CCTV arriving at Selworthy Close in Keynsham on motorbikes at around 1.30am on Tuesday 11th May. One looked into a vehicle and smashed the window with a brick. It is believed that a purse was stolen.

At approximately 3am on Wednesday 12th May, someone stole the covers from two motorbikes on Dunster Road in the town. It is thought that the offenders intended to take the bikes but were deterred by their locks and alarms.

If you have any information about these crimes contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The Week in • Wednesday 26th May 2021

car tyres, but with residents still being able to dispose of their household and garden waste free of charge at all three recycling centres.

However, the plans have been shelved following concerns raised by residents and parish councils - particularly about the unintended consequences of introducing the fees - and also a government consultation on The recycling centre in Keynsham consistency in recycling services.

A ‘Stop the Tip Tax petition in B&NES’ launched on the “Second, circumstances have changed. The government have launched a consultation about consistency in change.org website got more than 600 signatures.

Cllr Guy made the announcement at Thursday night’s recycling services in England. Bringing in charges now, Cabinet meeting. He said: “I know how important it is only to change them later following government both that we listen to residents and that we respond swiftly instruction, would be confusing for residents and would add to our officers’ administrative burdens. to changes in circumstance.

“Two things have changed since the decision was made “We will look again at how to make alternatives savings to introduce these charges at recycling centres. First, I was to balance the council’s budget.” elected leader and I reaffirmed that we are a listening The chair of B&NES Labour Group Cllr Grant Johnson council. Cabinet member Cllr Wood and myself have said: “It is obviously fantastic to see these backwardlistened to local residents and parish councils who say looking and thoughtless charges put on hold by the they are concerned about the unintended consequences of administration, after Labour’s online campaign to see the policy reversed.” these charges.

3

Controversial bridge plans are lodged with B&NES Council Wessex Water has now lodged its planning

raised concerns about the extra heavy traffic

accessing the site through Saltford

application for a new access road and

that would be pushed on to the A431, that the

via High Street and Mead Lane as

bridge over the River Avon to link its

road floods, and that Bitton, like Saltford is

the existing route is narrow, with

treatment centre at Mead Lane in Saltford

a conservation area, the chief executive said

on-street parking in parts, a bridge

with the A431 near Swineford.

the idea had been dropped and that other

causing a height restriction, and

The A431 links Bristol and Bath and the

options would be explored.

several tight turns. The current

proposed junction is in Bath & North East

However, Wessex revealed last year that in

route

Somerset but very close to the South

fact none of the other options – 11 of which

Conservation Area and Mead Lane

Gloucestershire border.

would have provided access from the A4 –

sometimes floods.

People living on either side of the river

were considered suitable to provide the

In March Wessex consulted with

would be able to have access by foot across

access needed to carry out major work to

residents

the bridge which would only have vehicular

increase capacity at the sewage treatment

Swineford, Bitton and Kelston. There were

access to the south east of the proposed

access to Wessex Water’s site.

centre and provide for the site in the long

12 objections and 20 emails in support. Most

junction. There would be eight office and

We first revealed two years ago that Wessex

term so it was returning to look at options for

objectors cited a likely increase in traffic on

welfare units, 60 parking spaces and 24-hour

Water was considering a bridge but after

a bridge.

the A431 but also concerns relating to flood

generators in acoustic cabinets along with

people in the Bitton and Swineford area

There are currently problems for HGVs

risk and biodiversity. The main reasons for

temporary lighting around the perimeter.

the emails of support were connectivity for

Proposed construction working hours are

THE WEEK IN

pedestrians, a reduction in traffic through

7.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 8am

Saltford and ecological enhancements.

to 1pm on Saturdays (where required and on

The planning application lodged with

occasion only).

Barrs Court, Bitton, Brislington, Cadbury Heath, Compton Dando, Corston, Downend, Emersons Green, Fishponds, Hanham, Hillfields, Keynsham, Kingswood, Longwell Green, Mangotsfield, Marksbury, North Common, Oldland Common, Pucklechurch, Saltford, Staple Hill, Stockwood, St George, Warmley, Whitchurch, Wick, Willsbridge.

B&NES Council says the scheme chosen is

The application says that construction traffic

the

sensitive,

would have less than a 1% impact on the

technically feasible and cost-effective

A431 eastbound and westbound, less than a

option. The approaches to the bridge would

1% impact on the A4174 ring road

be on embankments to ensure the access road

northbound and southbound, and a 1.5%

remains flood-free. Flood culverts within the

increase on the existing access road along

embankment and flood compensation areas

Norman Road in Saltford.

are proposed.

Following redistribution of the existing

Landscaping and ecological enhancements

operational traffic, the largest predicted

would be an integral part of the scheme.

impact is less than a 2% increase on the

Work is anticipated to take 12 months,

A431 at Bitton and a 20% decrease on

starting next spring. Construction traffic

Norman Road.

would need to access both sides of the river

The planning reference is 21/02322/FUL and

and as it is not possible to transport all the

the deadline for comments is 21st June.

The Week In Community Ltd, 8 Temple Court, Keynsham. BS31 1HA

plant and material to the west bank due to

• Bitton Parish Council is hosting a Zoom

0117 986 0381 www.theweekin.co.uk ISSN: 2052-9767

restricted access through Saltford, the main

meeting on Monday 7th June at 7pm to hear

working area would be on the east bank.

residents’ views. Details are available from

The plans show the main compound on the

the parish council.

16,000 copies are distributed through retail outlets, libraries, pubs, community centres each week.

Verified pick-up rate of 97%.

Publisher Editor Contributors

Stephen Rodgers admin@theweekin.co.uk Becky Feather 07403 273967 Christine Rogers

Advertising

Tracy Broderick 0117 986 0381 sales.theweekin@gmail.com

runs

through

living

most

Saltford

The A431 near Swineford

in

Saltford,

environmentally

opposite side of the A431, with a temporary

@theweekineditor No material in this publication, nor its associated website (www.theweekin.co.uk) may be reproduced without the written permission of The Week In. All rights reserved.

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4

Wessex Water’s Mead Lane site

The Week in • Wednesday 26th May 2021

Driver flees after car smashes into Keynsham Ambulance Station A car smashed through a wall of

“Occupants absconded and thankfully no

Keynsham Ambulance Station in the

staff near the wall at the time.”

early hours of Sunday, causing major

An Avon & Somerset Police spokesperson

damage.

said: “We were called at 2.42am on Sunday

A crew from Hicks Gate Fire Station were

23rd May after a car was in collision with a

called out after the incident at the ambulance

wall at the ambulance station in Park Road,

base in Park Road.

causing significant damage. The driver left

Writing on their Twitter page, Hicks Gate

the scene.

Fire Station said: “Green Watch USAR

“Enquiries are ongoing to identify and trace

(Urban Search & Rescue) have just got back

the driver and we'd ask anyone with

from a dangerous structure where a car has

information to call us on 101 and give the

gone through the wall of Keynsham

call

Ambulance Station.

5221112892."

The Week in • Wednesday 26th May 2021

handler

the

reference

number

5

Safety fears over 20mph signage confusion A 20mph limit may have come into force

Gloucestershire Council for not endorsing

Cllr Jackson said that work on signs and

on many roads in the Hanham area at the

the 20mph limit on the High Street.

markings had been scheduled to take place

end of 2019 but the lack of signs in the

He said that other than 20mph signs at either

well over a year ago.

High Street to remind drivers, plus

end of the zone – near Magpie Bottom from

He also highlighted the situation in nearby

conflicting signage on two other busy

the Bristol direction and near Baker Street

Lower Hanham Road where over the years

routes, are impacting on road safety.

Nursery coming in along the A420 from

there have been several collisions and

That’s according to Bernard Jackson, who

Longwell Green, the only repeater is near

incidents, including the deaths in 2013 of

chairs the Hanham Business & Community

Hanham Community Centre, and there are

young couple Ross and Clare Simons.

Partnership, and is also a Hanham parish

no road markings. As a consequence, drivers

Cllr Jackson said that the 20mph limit

councillor.

regularly exceed the limit.

extends all the way along the B4046 from

He

has

criticised

South

near Beacon Rise Primary on Hanham Road, along Lower Hanham Road and Chapel Road through to Hanham High Street.

Roads leading off Lower Hanham Road indicate you are leaving a 20mph zone but there are no repeater signs or road markings on Lower Hanham Road - apart from old

Bernard Jackson

30mph road markings. To add to the

Lower Hanham Road

6

confusion, the vehicle activated sign flashes

Gloucestershire Council and this week a

to tell drivers that it is a 30mph limit.

spokesperson told us: “We are scheduled to

Meanwhile back in March 2020 it was

start work on Tuesday 1st June to rectify

highlighted at a community meeting that

these issues, including putting down new

30mph markings were still on Memorial

20mph markings along the High Street and

Road in Hanham, despite the 20mph signs

Lower Hanham Road and removing the

that had been put up. At the time South

30mph road markings on Lower Hanham

Gloucestershire Council told The Week In

Road and Memorial Road.”

that it would be returning to remove the

Cllr

roundels, but the work was “weather

particularly for the High Street. He said: “It

dependent”.

is nice to know we are getting some safety

We flagged up the concern over the ongoing

features. It can get very busy when pupils are

delays and the confusion with South

going to and from school.”

Jackson

welcomed

the

news,

The Week in • Wednesday 26th May 2021

Latest twist in Keynsham power plant saga The campaign group fighting plans to massively increase capacity at the wasteto-power plant at Charlton Field Lane near Keynsham have discovered that the business is up for sale.

Protect Our Keynsham Environment (POKE) said the administrators (RSM Restructuring Advisory LLP), who have the right to lease and run the anaerobic digestion plant, are selling Resourceful Earth Ltd. POKE says: “However it has been confirmed, alongside the sale that Resourceful Energy Anaerobic Ltd (owned

by Privilege Project Finance Ltd) have been progressing discussions with the (B&NES Council) planning officer.”

Planning permission was granted by B&NES in 2014 for a renewable energy anaerobic digester (AD) plant, using biogas to generate renewable electricity, but the works were never completed, nor was it built in accordance with the permission granted.

Administrators were appointed in October 2017.

A planning application from Resourceful Earth Anaerobic Ltd is currently being considered by B&NES. It aims to increase capacity from the previously approved

The Week in • Wednesday 26th May 2021

25,000 tonnes of organic material per annum at the site to 92,000 tonnes. The AD facility would produce gas and electricity for local grid networks and the company also proposes to restore ecology in the old Queen Charlton Quarry.

The plans have sparked major concerns about the surge in heavy traffic on local roads and that smells from the proposed giant food waste plant would affect thousands of Keynsham homes.

Gordon Brothers have been appointed by the administrators to assist with the disposal of the business and assets of Resourceful Earth Limited. The sales particulars say: “Significant investment is required to complete the anaerobic digestion plant, along with securing planning for expansion. A new planning application has been submitted to increase the size and configuration to a gas-to-grid and electric-to-grid plant.”

It is understood that bidders had to lodge

their interest by 11th May. We have asked Gordon Brothers to confirm whether a buyer has been found but had not received a response by the time we went to print this week.

The council planning officer has said the potential sale of the site isn’t a planning issue and shouldn’t affect the planning application unless the sale proceeds and the new owner wants to amend the proposal.

7

Fire service welcomes successful prosecution of tower block owner Avon Fire & Rescue Service has welcomed the outcome of a court case in which a businessman from Bitton was successfully prosecuted for failing to comply with fire safety rules.

Wayne Braund, who is the responsible person for the old Strachan & Henshaw building in Speedwell, pleaded guilty

earlier this month to six of seven charges brought against him. The prosecution followed a significant fire in the tower block of commercial and residential properties on New Year’s Eve 2018.

Braund, of Fieldgrove Lane, was bailed and is scheduled for sentencing on 8th July.

The charges brought against Braund included: • Failure to undertake a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment.

• Failure to ensure the fire alarm system was maintained to an appropriate standard.

• Failure to provide adequate provision of firefighting equipment.

• Failure to ensure exits lead to a place of safety.

• Failure to ensure escape routes and exits could be used as quickly and safely as possible.

• Failure to ensure the fire alarms provided at the premises was maintained in an adequate state of repair.

• Failure to ensure emergency lighting provided at the premises was maintained in an adequate state of repair.

Head of fire safety Karl Venn said: “This result is a testament of two years’ hard work of our business fire safety team.

“I would like to take this opportunity to remind business owners that 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.

“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.”

5G mast plan for Soundwell Road There are plans to erect a 5G mast measuring 18 metres high on the pavement next to a block of flats in Soundwell.

H3G UK is asking South Gloucestershire Council whether the prior approval of the authority will be required for the siting and appearance of the proposed mast.

The proposed site is on a wide section of pavement outside Church Court, on the corner of Leicester Square.

The slimline Phase 8 mast would have four cabinets.

The planning reference is P21/03185/PN1 and the council is due to decide on whether prior approval is needed by 7th July.

8

The Week in • Wednesday 26th May 2021

Pub landlord receives his Shining Light award David Yeoman, landlord of The Crown Inn in Keynsham, was last week presented with the Shining Light award he won at the recent virtual ceremony honouring the

Reliving the golden age of travel Our thanks to Saltford councillor Jon Godfrey for sharing his fantastic photo of the Orient Express coming through the village last Wednesday.

community heroes in Bath and North East Somerset who went the extra mile to help others during the pandemic.

Gwen Edwards from Stockwood Vale, who nominated David, went to the pub to present him with the Bath Aqua Glass Award and a certificate.

David with his award

Improvements to car park Tog Hill car park, which was closed temporarily for a number of much-needed improvements, has now reopened. The

whole site, pest control and cutting back brambles. CCTV has been installed temporarily following incidents of

work that South Gloucestershire Council has carried out includes refurbishment of benches, repairing and maintenance of the

vandalism. The council says it has spoken to volunteers wishing to set up a Friends of Tog Hill Group to help maintain the

car park surface, a full litter pick of the

important green space.

The Week in • Wednesday 26th May 2021

9

LETTERS Avon Bat Group responds to reader’s query

species showing an increase in numbers, however

above the range of human hearing.

there is still more to do.

Bats

Dear Editor

(www.bats.org.uk)

Trust

bloodsucking vampires or fiends. This is the image

‘No room for shoppers in Kings Chase precinct’

the

engrained in many people’s minds. Unfortunately

Dear Becky

I write in response to Julia Scott’s question about

conservation of bat species. The work of the Bat

the language we use gives a bad image when it

With all the extra ‘stalls’ through the middle of

bats which you published last week. Julia asked

Conservation Trust is supported by a network of

comes to phrases like ‘old bat’, ‘batty’ and ‘bats in

the thoroughfare of Kings Chase Shopping

why bats are protected by law and raised concerns

local bat groups (see www.avonbatgroup.org.uk for

the belfry’. All very negative.

Centre, there will not be any room for we

about infections, including COVID-19.

more info). Examples of what you can do to help

Worldwide many bats are killed by humans as they

shoppers. It’s fast becoming a health and safety

Firstly, it is worth pointing out that worldwide there

conserve bats include installing bat boxes, stop

are blamed for spreading rabies in Central and

are some 1,400 species of bats, all fulfilling

issue, what with the butcher’s van at the bottom

using chemicals in your garden and planting

South America. Fruit bats in Africa and Asia are

essential ecosystem services. Bats play a key role

wildflowers (including night scented flowers such

killed and eaten.

in pollination; if you have eaten a banana or mango,

as honeysuckle); these will attract nocturnal insects

The bat name comes from the Latin ‘blatta’ which

you have bats to thank for this. If you have ever

which in turn provides food for bats. More advice

translates as moth or nocturnal insect.

tasted tequila, you also have bats to thank for this

is available online if you search for ‘gardening for

I hope this helps answer Julia Scott’s question.

(or perhaps to blame if you drank too much!). The

bats’.

Andrew Harrison

benefits of bats stretch further still, including

Finally, I would like to let Julia know that bats are

contribution to reforestation (by distributing seeds)

not the cause of the current pandemic, humans are

Nationally

the

Bat

Conservation

aims

to

promote

are

often

viewed

as

creepy,

scary,

of the steps at one end, the florist extending their goods further onto the walkway, the now two food outlets and the jewellery/handbag stall, it’s well nigh impossible to distance oneself, despite the COVID risks!

Obviously Draco, who own and manage the centre, have given permission for the stalls to be

Holidaymakers unfairly hedging their bets

and helping to control insect pests.

the cause of the pandemic. Continued expansion

Not all bats are protected by law. However in

into wild areas, including either the movement of

Europe, many countries recognised the importance

livestock into contact with wild animals or the

of conserving natural habitats and wildlife

direct eating of wild animals, provides viruses and

(including

late

other nasties the opportunity to jump between

’70s/early’80s by signing the Bonn and Bern

species, usually through an intermediary species.

conventions. Wild habitats and species have

Once the virus managed to jump species, humans

suffered greatly in the past 100+ years due to

then passed it on to other humans.

factors such as large-scale agricultural changes and

Unfortunately, this is not the first time this has

increased chemical use (pesticides, herbicides,

happened (see SARS, bird flu, swine flu and HIV),

fungicides, etc). Indeed, most wildlife species have

but we can learn from our mistakes if we protect

suffered, not just bats. These countries recognised

our natural habitats and species and give them the

that to conserve wildlife we need to act

space they need.

extra stalls. These stall owners are to be admired

collaboratively rather than in isolation. Bats were

Jim Mullholland

for their entrepreneurship and are only trying to

included in this protection, alongside a range of

Chair, Avon Bat Group

migratory

species)

in

the

other species.

Bats, like us, are mammals; they are warm-blooded,

there but why not lower the business rates on shop premises instead? Surely it would be better to fill

Dear Editor

the shops vacated by the YMCA and the beauty

There has been publicity lately of families

accessories shop between WHSmith and Costa

deliberately double booking holidays - one abroad

Coffee. Yet another shop, the newsagents next to

and the other in the UK.

Santander, is closing down. A suggestion – the

If they are able to go abroad they will cancel their

vacant beauty shop could be turned into a gallery

UK holiday at the last moment, leaving our

housing these extra stalls? In Regent Street, the

businesses with vacancies they cannot fill.

I cannot imagine anyone who reads The Week In participating in this despicable selfish practice.

Mike Barrow, Keynsham

smaller Heart Foundation shop is vacant, and as for Store 21, well, that’s been empty for about three years! It would be used as a gallery for these

Scooter ‘infestation’

fill a gap in the market for their wares besides

Dear Editor

make a living. So why don’t you Draco help

have fur and give birth to live young. Bats typically

Facts about bats

Please can someone explain the law and the correct

them?

give birth to one offspring a year and mothers (like

Dear Editor

use of these scooters which are now infesting our

If the council and the management want to

In response to Julia Scott's letter in last week’s

roads?

improve the experience of shopping in Regent

young until they are independent. Bats are loyal to

issue, bats that feed on flowers and fruit are very

It seems to be young men, without a safety helmet

Street, High Street and the Chase Shopping

their homes (called roosts), which they return to

important pollinators and seed dispersers. Many

riding in the middle of the road and giving no

Centre, then they really should take a long, hard

year on year. Bats do not create their own roosts,

flowers ‘fit’ a certain pollinator as pollen transfer is

signals.

look at their future strategy for the area – the

instead they rely on what is present in the

more effective if only one or a few species of

And as a driver, personally I find it worrying that

environment; this in contrast to birds which create

pollinator is involved. It is said that over 500

there will soon be a fatality.

new nests each year. UK bats are all insectivorous

species of plant have evolved to rely on bats for

J White, Soundwell

(insect eating), playing an important role in pest

pollination.

Editor’s note: There is currently an e-scooter trial

With nearly 1,400 species worldwide, bats make up

in the West of England being run by Voi Technology

sighted schemes.

control.

The loss of their homes (caused by multiple factors)

around 25 per cent of all the mammal species.

Ltd. Only e-scooters hired or leased through the

Marlene Crew

and declines in their food supplies have resulted in

Within the British Isles there are 17 species that live

trial can be used legally on roads, cycle lanes or

Editor’s note: This letter was written before the

population declines. The slow reproductive rate of

and breed.

cycle tracks. Riders must hold a full or provisional

announcement

bats means that their populations are slow to

Bats are not the most straightforward animals to get

driving licence. Privately owned e-scooters remain

Gloucestershire Council has bought Kings Chase

recover following a population crash. The legal

to know. They flit around under the cover of

illegal other than on private land with permission

Shopping Centre

protection has had a beneficial effect, with some

darkness and the sounds they make are mostly

of the landowner.

humans) show high levels of natal care, feeding the

10

Kingswood and surrounding community. Put the millions you have inherited to good use – community first instead of adding to these short-

last

week

that

South

The Week in • Wednesday 26th May 2021

‘Why has council backed another charity shop for Kingswood?’

The Labour group on South Gloucestershire Council have questioned why funding has been given to help another charity shop open in Kingswood town centre when there are already six as they “drag down” the economy.

Last week we reported that South Gloucestershire Council had bought Kings Chase Shopping Centre and car park for £10m.

At the council’s meeting last Wednesday, Labour leader Cllr Pat Rooney asked what the evidence was for the demand for Armed Forces charity SSAFA’s proposed veterans’ hub and charity shop, “particularly given that we are now trying to enhance the diversity of our high street offering”.

Eight months of improvement works begin in Keynsham

The council said the charity’s application scored highly in terms of selection criteria in its Thrive initiative as it contributes to the creation of a high street that supports localism and social inclusion.

But Cllr Rooney said she was “perturbed” by the Conservative-controlled council’s purchase of the centre “to regenerate, reinvigorate and transform on one hand but on the other the first thing the public will see is yet another charity shop, the seventh charity shop in the town centre which we have all said before - officers, residents and councillors - drags down the local economy and reduces the appeal to attract new businesses”.

She urged Cabinet Member for Communities & Local Place, Rachael Hunt, to provide the six Kingswood councillors with details of the next stages from the masterplan as soon as

possible. “We need to understand how you are going to repurpose the shopping centre and your ideas moving forward.

Thus far we have been excluded.”

Cllr Hunt responded: “The purchase of the Kings Chase Shopping Centre provides an Pat Rooney exciting opportunity to work with local businesses, community groups and the wider community, including yourselves, to reimagine, redevelop and regenerate this important facility in our county.”

New business opens with help from Thrive initiative New café, bar and lounge Mokka opened in Downend last week, having received a

Work was starting this week on enhancements to

£5,000

Keynsham High Street.

Gloucestershire Council’s Help us Thrive

The scheme includes widening junctions and footpaths,

initiative to purchase outdoor seating.

cycling and bus stop facilities, new street furniture,

The £400,000 grant scheme has enabled

lighting and landscaping. B&NES Council says the

support for each of South Gloucestershire’s

works are the first step in revitalising Keynsham town

eight high streets by funding projects aimed

centre.

at diversifying and introducing new

grant

as

part

of

South

From left, Cllr Brennan, Mitch & Mike Hoare, Cllr Burton & Cllr Griffiths

technologies to help the high street evolve and embrace new ways of working. The one-off grants are also designed to support the growth of existing employment opportunities, support

government grant schemes because it was yet to open.

local communities helping themselves and encourage

Through the Thrive scheme, owners Mitch and Mike Hoare

social inclusion whilst supporting a range of community

were able to access funding to help progress the opening.

initiatives and independent and small businesses.

Local councillors Ben Burton, James Griffiths and Liz

Despite being a new business, one that would help the local

Brennan paid a visit to Mokka just before the opening to

economy to bounce back and draw people to the local high

find out how Mokka has been managing as a new start-up

street, Mokka was ineligible for financial support and

during the pandemic.

Sudoku 1-Easy

SUNDAY CHEMISTS Sunday 30th May

2 -Hard

Boots, Gallagher Retail Park, Longwell Green (10.30am-4pm) Asda, Longwell Green (10am-4pm) Boots, Emersons Green Retail Park (10.30am-4.30pm) Sainsbury’s, Emersons Green Retail Park (9.30am-4.30pm) Stockwood Pharmacy, 78 Hollway Road, BS14 8PG (9am-7pm) Keynsham Pharmacy, 15 Station Road, BS31 2BH (10am-4pm) Tesco, Callington Road, Brislington (10am to 4pm) Morrisons, 688-718 Fishponds Road, Fishponds (10am-4pm) Boots, Avonmeads Retail Park, St Philips Causeway (11am-5pm)

The Week in • Wednesday 26th May 2021

11

Plans for new 420-pupil primary school are approved Plans for a new 420- pupil primary school off the A4 in Keynsham have been approved by Bath & North East Somerset Council.

The Two Rivers Primary School will be built on Crest Nicholson’s Hygge Park development The new Church of England school building will be operated

by Wellsway Multi Academy Trust and is scheduled to open in September 2022. The school opened last year in purposebuilt temporary accommodation on the nearby Wellsway campus of schools in Keynsham.

The principle of a new one-form entry primary school on this site was approved in 2017 as part of the outline planning application for Hygge Park. Due to the demand for school places, the need has increased from 210 pupils to a two-form entry school for 420 pupils aged between four and 11.

Set back from Fairfield Way, the school will be surrounded

The site of the new school

Crossword

12

by landscaped grounds for play, sports and nature. It will meet a high level of sustainability standards and some of the facilities, including the outdoor multi-use games area, hall and studio, will be available for community use and for hire outside school hours. A total of 52 cycle parking spaces will be provided.

In determining the planning application, the council said that whilst some concern had been raised during the application process about the amount of fencing proposed within the site, it was recognised that this is dictated by safeguarding requirements so on balance was considered acceptable.

Council planners said the new school building would be set a sufficient distance from neighbouring homes to not have a significant impact in terms of loss of light or overbearing impact.

Although the outside play areas may not meet official guidelines, the council acknowledged the need for a 420pupil school is high and “it is accepted that there may be some compromises, particularly in the short term”.

B&NES Council recognised that the school will not be fully occupied for a number of years: “The early stages of occupation will be by Reception and Key Stage 1 pupils for which it is understood that there are no on-site sports pitch requirements. The school will be located 500 metres from the existing Wellsway Secondary School and from earlier discussions it in understood that it is proposed the two schools will share the sports facilities to make up any shortfall.”

ACROSS

DOWN

1. Occasionally (9)

1. Male offspring (3)

6. Settle for (3)

2. Cash (5)

8. Bewilder (7)

3. Lean, slope (4)

9. Awry (5)

4. Old firearm (6)

10. Type of agate (4)

5. Exchange (4)

11. Affirmative (3)

6. Art of paper folding (7)

13. Young cow (4)

7. Working party (4,5)

14. Recurrent theme (5)

10. Perceptive (9)

16. Scream (6)

12. Sift (5)

18. Simpler (6)

14. Adult males (3)

19. Highly strung (5)

15. --- Weldon, British

21. Repose (4)

novelist (3)

22. Downwind (3)

17. Breathe (7)

23. Lazy (4)

20. Motive (6)

27. Get up (5)

24. Laundry appliance (5)

28. Coastal area (7)

25. Jewels (4)

30. Foot digit (3)

26. Prods (4)

31. Style of typeface (4,5)

29. Imp (3)

How the school will look

‘Mini cops’ help clean up their community The ‘Mini Police’ from Parkwall Primary School in Cadbury Heath have been out litter picking in the community with the local beat team.

Avon & Somerset’s Mini Police project is aimed at Year 5 children aged nine and ten. The pupils support police priorities through participation in community engagement events.

They went around Cadbury Heath and collected six big bags of litter from the old golf course, the skate park and from Banjo Island.

Last year pupils from Parkwall carried out speed watch duties with the police and Police Community Support Officers at two locations where speeding is a problem Parkwall Road and Mill Lane.

11. Bumpkin (5)

The Week in • Wednesday 26th May 2021

New displays as museum reopens Kingswood Heritage Museum will reopen to the public on Tuesday 1st June.

Until 21st June it will be open on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 11am to 5pm. From 22nd June onwards it will be open on Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 2pm to 5pm.

The museum has four new displays for the new season. These include two centenary celebrations, featuring a major employer in the area, Fantasie Foundations, and the history of education at Brook Road (formerly Kingswood Grammar School and now King`s Oak Academy). The permanent exhibitions have also been reviewed and developed.

Admission will cost £3 for adults, with all children under 12 admitted free. Face coverings and social distancing will be required until 21st June, after which face coverings will be advised.

The Fantasie display

New test and collect hub in Keynsham A new test and collect hub opened in Keynsham on Monday to help people living and working in the area to get tested regularly.

The ‘test and collect’ hub in Ashton Way car park replaces the current test site at the Masonic Hall in the town and the tests are for people without symptoms.

Becky Reynolds, Director of Public Health for Bath and North East Somerset, said: “As we emerge from lockdown, it’s important we stay on track and continue to do the things that will keep us safe – washing hands, covering our face, making space, and opening windows where possible. And making sure we take a regular COVID-19 test is another important step we can all take.

“One in three people with COVID-19 have no symptoms, so test yourself twice a week, and self-isolate if it comes back positive – this will stop the spread of the virus in its tracks.”

Free test kits can also be collected from your local pharmacy. Find your nearest site at https://maps.test-andtrace.nhs.uk/

Over 60 pupils isolate after COVID case All Year 3 pupils at The Park Primary School in Kingswood were isolating last week after a child was diagnosed with COVID-19.

A total of 63 youngsters and three staff were identified as close contacts.

They were due to return to school this week.

The Week in • Wednesday 26th May 2021

13

Homes England to ‘engage with partners’ after Brislington Meadows U-turn Homes England has provided a further

residential development, bought it in March

positively with all parties involved to

response after the Mayor of Bristol’s

2020 for a reported £15m to bring forward

identify a sensible route forward.

announcement last month that the

plans for new homes and community

“We remain committed to working with local

Brislington Meadows site, which had been

facilities. After the Mayor’s announcement

representatives and interest groups on the

earmarked for around 300 homes, will

on 19th April, Homes England responded

future plans for Brislington Meadows and

now be kept as a local green space.

with: “We are aware of the Mayor's

will be engaging with partners in the coming

Marvin Rees’s announcement is part of

announcement, we intend to work positively

weeks.”

Bristol City Council’s plan to tackle the

with all parties involved to identify a

The decision by the Mayor last month was

ecological emergency.

sensible route forward.”

welcomed by the chief executive of Avon

The 10-hectare site had been earmarked by

In a statement issued last week Homes

Wildlife Trust, Ian Barrett, who said

Bristol City Council for development for

England said: “We fully understand the need

Brislington Meadows is an important habitat

years.

for wildlife, which provides vital access to

Homes

responsibility

England, for

which

has

to

accelerating

new

environmental concerns. We intend to work

balance

housing

delivery

and

nature for local people.

Have your say in Refurbished garden wildlife survey opens at Mill Avon Wildlife Trust is asking South

and if the trust expands its work, what should

Gloucestershire residents to take part in a

be prioritised.

wildlife survey.

The survey also asks people to share their

The trust manages several nature reserves in

most memorable or enjoyable wildlife

South Gloucestershire including Willsbridge

sighting in their local area and any ideas or

Valley, pictured, and Grow Wilder in

concerns about wildlife and wild spaces in

Frenchay.

South Gloucestershire.

Among the questions people are being asked

To take part in the South Gloucestershire

in the online survey is whether they would

Wildlife

be interested in seeing more spaces protected

www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/form/south-

for nature in South Gloucestershire by AWT

gloucestershire-wildlife-s

14

Survey

2021

visit

Willsbridge Mill Community Refresh, which look after the heritage site, welcomed visitors to their newlyrefurbished wildlife garden at the weekend.

The garden, which has taken nine months of hard work and dedication by volunteers, features an accessible pathway, bridge, lawn and bench area, as well as a perfectly designed wildlife pond and dedicated dipping ponds which will soon be home to many frogs, toads, newts and a variety invertebrates.

The rockery has been planted with beneficial flowers and plants to create the ultimate habitat for wildlife.

Having previously been run by Avon Wildlife Trust, the mill buildings were taken over in 2014 by WMCR who are ‘tenants at will’ at the site, which is owned by South Gloucestershire Council.

They oversee the work to restore the mill and its surrounding gardens while Avon Wildlife Trust still maintains Willsbridge Valley as a wildlife reserve.

The Week in • Wednesday 26th May 2021

The Week in • Wednesday 26th May 2021

15

Village’s new parking regulations are being enforced Parking enforcement officers are regularly visiting Saltford to ensure that new regulations, including a residents’ parking zone and double yellow lines along two riverside roads, are being followed.

Double yellow lines have been laid along most of The Shallows and Mead Lane, pictured right, while The Shallows also has a residents’ parking zone (RPZ).

The RPZ bays are clearly signposted. A three-hour limited

waiting bay has been created on The Shallows near the public car park, and the car park itself has parking spaces in marked bays only.

The newly implemented Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) follow a Bath & North East Somerset Council consultation earlier this year, which saw an overwhelmingly positive response from residents in favour of the new parking measures.

Over recent years there have been numerous instances of dangerous and inconsiderate parking along these two narrow roads next to the River Avon.

There were scenes of gridlock last year which severely reduced access for emergency vehicles, leading to several police road closures in Saltford’s ‘old village’ area.

Benefits of the new parking restrictions include a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists, good access for vehicle users, and the ability for residents to access and park

near their homes during busy periods. The new parking restrictions have also led to an improved environment for those who come to enjoy the riverside setting, such as kayakers and anglers, and also protect the riverbank structure.

B&NES ward councillor Duncan Hounsell said: “It is exceptional for a RPZ to be created in a relatively small area.

B&NES Council has moved swiftly to respond to the needs of residents to have priority parking in The Shallows. With the parking restrictions now in place on a permanent basis, it is clear that the best way for visitors to enjoy Saltford’s riverside is by cycling or walking, whilst there are disabled parking bays within The Shallows public car park where limited parking continues to be provided.”

Cllr Chris Warren, who chairs Saltford Parish Council, added: “The parish council has worked closely with B&NES Council (the highways authority) to achieve the implementation of the Traffic Regulation Orders, which benefit The Shallows and Mead Lane residents, the wider Saltford community who come to enjoy the riverside area, and visitors to the village. Ensuring safety and access at this location is paramount.”

Plans for three bungalows in the Green Belt An outline planning application has been lodged with

that the site was outside the settlement boundary of

B&NES Council to build three bungalows on a Green Belt

Whitchurch Village, the impact on the rural feel of the area,

site next to Oaklea at Sleep Lane in Whitchurch Village.

and the impact on the openness of the Green Belt.

The scheme involves the demolition of existing buildings

The applicants say that since the decision there have been

and redevelopment of the land for two three-bed

a number of changes including the completion of two

bungalows and one with four bedrooms, along with

major housing developments nearby which has completely

landscaping, access improvements and parking.

changed the rural feel and that limited infilling is now

Previous plans for six homes on the site that were

deemed acceptable in the Green Belt.

submitted in 2017 were refused by B&NES on the grounds

The planning reference is 21/02321/OUT.

Toy sale at church On Saturday 5th June Kingswood Congregational Church in Hanham Road will be making a step back towards normality with a ‘New to you’ toy sale from 10am to 2pm.

A cake stall and tea and coffee will also be available. COVID-19 guidelines will be followed.

16

The Week in • Wednesday 26th May 2021

Soap watch

Ghosts come back to haunt the villagers in Greenborne We are three-quarters of our way through Greenborne, KTCRfm’s weekly radio soap, and in the latest episode we were told to expect the past to come back and haunt the residents.

For garage owner Arjun and his son Jeet, emotions are still raw as they come to terms with the first anniversary of Simran’s death. Jeet realises that the anger at losing his

The Week in • Wednesday 26th May 2021

mother to COVID should not be directed towards his father but as the two of them begin a re-set of their relationship, it seems people are claiming to have seen Simran around the village that day. The mystery is soon solved with the appearance of Aunty Piya, Simran’s twin sister. She couldn’t attend the funeral last year due to COVID restrictions, but why has she waited so long before turning up unannounced to visit her brother-in-law and nephew?

Pub landlord Alan is also haunted by ghosts, but of a more sinister kind. A series of seemingly unconnected events lead to a pretty dramatic conclusion for the former Met policeman. First comes the bad news that a former colleague has just died in unusual circumstances, but it is being treated as an accident with no further action being taken by the police. Then, all the old boxes of Alan’s police files which have been gathering dust in the box room appear to have been rifled through. Finally, when the back door to the Fox and Dragon is left open and the dog escapes, Alan sets off without his phone in the dark and the rain as part of the search party.

The dog is found and returned to the pub by one of the other locals but there is no sign of the landlord. As Bev sets out to look for him we hear the revving of a car engine and the squeal of tyres followed by a scream from Bev as she arrives on the scene of the hit-and-run.

You can listen to Episode 10 of Greenborne during the Spoken Word Show on 105.8fm today (2pm) or on Sunday at 3pm. Alternatively, listen again via the website www.ktcrfm.com

17

Air ambulance launches appeal to tackle £250,000 shortfall Over the last year, Great Western Air Ambulance Charity says it has seen a £250,000 drop in income due to the pandemic.

“With many fundraising events and activities cancelled, we have been unable to bring in our usual level of funds, yet our crew have continued to be here, responding to those in need at a moment’s notice.

“During the height of the pandemic, our crew of critical care doctors and specialist paramedics remained operational, stepping up to support their NHS and frontline colleagues in the fight against the virus.

“The crew stepped in to perform inter-hospital transfers of critically-ill intensive care patients to relieve the pressure on local hospitals, as well as providing a 24/7 trauma advice line to local paramedic crews during the busiest months.

“Despite people staying home for much of the year, the crew were called out to over 1,700 patients in 2020. As things return to ‘normal’ and restrictions are easing, they are busier than ever before. From 12th to 18th April, they saw their

busiest week on record, receiving 52 call-outs across seven days.”

Medical director Dr Ed Valentine said: “This last year has been tough on everyone, but it has been especially testing for the crew, who have worked tirelessly to save lives in your community. Now, as restrictions start to ease, we’re facing a very different challenge – a rise in the number of patients who need us.

“As people get back into their cars for their daily commutes, take their summer ‘staycations’, and flock to our beaches, there will be no rest for us.”

Each call-out costs the charity around £2,000 on average, meaning this loss in fundraising could have covered more than 100 lifesaving missions. Each year, the charity needs to raise over £4m to remain operational and relies entirely on charitable donations to do this.

People are asked to support the charity’s COVID-19 Recovery Fund. Visit https://greatwesternairambulance.com/ recoveryfund/

Dr Ed Valentine

New Chair and Vice Chair of South Gloucestershire Council elected Cllr Ruth Davis has been named as the new Chair of South Gloucestershire Council after being elected by her fellow councillors.

Cllr Davis, who represent Yate, moves into the role after serving as Vice Chair last year, with Cllr Sanjay Shambhu being elected as Vice Chair for this year. Cllr Shambhu, who represents Charlton & Cribbs, said it was a privilege to be the council’s first Asian Vice Chair.

The Chair and Vice Chair represent the council at civic functions as well as chairing council meetings. Each year, the new chair selects a charity to support for the year ahead, with donations received during that time presented at the end of the term of office. Cllr Davis will name her chosen charity at the next full council meeting in July.

Cllr Sanjay Shambhu

Cllr Ruth Davis

The outgoing Chair, Hanham councillor June Bamford, said that despite the limited opportunities for fundraising activities because of the pandemic, she was able to make a

donation of £9,228 to her chosen cause, Great Western Air Ambulance Charity, thanks to her fellow members making contributions through their member award allocation.

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life, on and off the dance floor. We are constantly evolving our music, moves and classes, creating the hottest, most effective beat-pumping workouts for our customers.

There are classes in Saltford, Keynsham and Longwell Green and now is the perfect time to start as our summer sale is on, two months for one low price. Classes are limited in number and must be booked in advance to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines.

For more information or to book a class email Carole at Jazzercise@outlook.com or visit www.jazzercise.com The Week in • Wednesday 26th May 2021

B&NES Council provides Old phone box gets new lease of life £400k extra support to those in financial hardship Residents in severe financial crisis following the pandemic can now access extra food support and help to pay their bills in changes to welfare policy being introduced by Bath & North East Somerset Council.

The council is increasing the weekly amount of money for food support provided to residents living in hardship, as well as introducing a wider range of supermarket vouchers and prepaid debit cards for bills, essential household items and clothes.

The council will increase its welfare support budget from £190,000 to £590,000 for the 2021/22 year to mitigate the impact the pandemic has had on jobs, livelihoods and businesses. This targeted support will be used to help people with their debt, bills, household purchases, clothing and items for children.

The scheme is also being widened to invite applications from all residents in severe need, rather than certain groups. It is being introduced following a decision made by Cllr Richard Samuel when acting as council leader.

He said: “We know that some of our residents are battling fiercely to keep their heads above water due to the impact the pandemic has had on their jobs and livelihoods. Many of them are families with dependent children who need to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. It is these people who are most in need that we want to support through the changes to our welfare support policy.

“We particularly welcome applications from residents who have lost employment during the course of the pandemic or are facing redundancy, as well as mediated applications through key partner organisations such as Citizens Advice.

Please apply to us if you are in financial hardship and need urgent help.”

People in financial hardship are defined as being unable to meet basic living costs for food, shelter and clothing, taking into account the resources they have available to them.

Applications can be made via email or by telephone to the welfare support team welfare_support@bathnes.gov.uk 01225 477277.

£1,500 donation to community kitchen Hanham Business & Community Partnership has handed

had not held its usual summer and Christmas fairs so

over a cheque for £1,500 towards the new community

instead has decided to use funds to help local people in

kitchen being set up to serve the BS15 area.

need. The partnership also handed over a cheque for £1,500

We Are BS15 is a Community Interest Company (CIC)

to the Kingswood Foodbank last Christmas.

started by the founders of the BS15 COVID-19 support

We Are

groups.

https://tinyurl.com/vsus2j6s

BS15

has

a

crowdfunding

appeal

at

We featured the plans for the kitchen in Issue 676. The kitchen, based at Holy Trinity Church Hall, is due to open

The disused phone box opposite the Bird in Hand in Saltford has been relocated to outside the pub and refurbished to house a defibrillator.

The new lease of life for the traditional red phone box by the parish council was supported by Saltford Marina and the pub.

Picture credit: Phil Harding

Change of use approved Plans to change the use of the old Hotcha takeaway in Temple Street in Keynsham to a tattoo parlour have been approved by B&NES Council.

Plans for illuminated signs at the premises were withdrawn.

next month and will produce cooked meals on a 'pay as you can' basis.

It is the first of a series of projects being set up by We are

Keep in touch, let us know what you think, send us your news

BS15 and will be open two evenings a week (Thursday and Saturday) for collections and deliveries.

www.facebook.com/theweekin

Hanham Business & Community Partnership chair Bernard Jackson said that because of COVID-19, the partnership

Taxi driver injured

Festive competition

Witnesses are being sought after a taxi driver sustained injuries in Stockwood earlier this month.

Police were called to Stockwood Road at about 8pm on Saturday 8th May after the driver sustained injuries to his nose and hand in an altercation with a customer.

A 21-year-old man has been arrested and released under investigation. Police are keen to hear from any witnesses who’ve not yet contacted the police. Call 101, quoting reference number 5221100361.

Emersons Green Town Council is planning ahead for Christmas 2021 with the launch of a festive street light competition.

Primary school aged children are invited to design a festive street light and the two winning designs will be turned into real Christmas street lights that will displayed in Emersons Green and Lyde Green.

The closing date for entries is Sunday 25th July. For full details visit the council’s website or Facebook page.

The Week in • Wednesday 26th May 2021

19

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The Week in • Wednesday 26th May 2021

Dementia support group keen to welcome back clients and carers Keynsham & Saltford Dementia Action Alliance (KSDAA) is looking to return to normal this summer.

When COVID-19 restrictions came into force in 2020 KSDAA had to close its doors on its popular twice-monthly Music for the Mind sessions.

KSDAA chair Alan Hale said: “Having to close was such a shame because many of our clients so enjoyed the sessions and many who had little communication would suddenly come out of themselves and sing all of the words of some of the songs. It was both heart-warming and rewarding. The mornings afforded some respite for the carers as well."

The group will be reopening sessions on 22nd July at St Dunstan's Church Hall at Bristol Road, Keynsham, and then continue them on the second and fourth Thursday of each month between 10.30am and 12.15pm.

The sessions are free unless those attending wish to make a small donation. Carers must stay. All sessions will be COVID safe. Temperatures will be taken and masks and sanitiser will be necessary. It is also hoped those attending will take a rapid flow test at home the day before but that will not be a requirement of attending.

The normal format of each session is coffee, tea, cake and a chat for half an hour and a few light seated exercises followed by singing and percussion.

For the first few sessions until singing is permitted in groups, there will still be refreshments, chat and some entertainment. Mr Hale added: "We the volunteers are really looking forward to receiving clients and carers again and we hope that we might see some new faces as well as our regulars."

Anyone interested in attending the sessions can email dementiafriendlykeynsham@gmail.com or call 0777 649 3221 or 0117 9837923.

KSDAA is also setting up online Zoom sessions to deliver ‘Dementia Friends’ familiarisation sessions and can also offer informal surveys of shops and business premises in order to help make the venue more dementia friendly.

Meanwhile donations of financial support can be made at Sort Code: 60-12-11 Account number: 26686740.

St Dunstan’s Church Hall has a large car park, is on a bus route and a five-minute walk from the railway station.

Attendance is not restricted to the Keynsham and Saltford but you are asked to make contact before attending so that numbers and spacing can be assessed.

Awards for Resound Foodbank’s managers Mangotsfield Community Award certificates have been presented to the managers of the Resound Foodbank - Claire Collins and Steve Riches - for their service to local needy families by providing food parcels and toiletries since the facility was started eight years ago.

Local councillor Michael Bell and the chair of Mangotsfield Residents’ Association Clive Heath paid tribute to the pair who have been supported by a committed team of volunteers.

Claire will shortly be standing down and taking a well-earned rest.

National Insurance scam alert Avon & Somerset Police are highlighting the latest scam email that is being circulated.

An email claiming to be from GOV.UK advises that a number of National Insurance numbers have been disabled following reports of fraudulent activity.

The email states that if you are the recipient of such an email then your ‘NIN’ as they call it has been disabled and you must reactivate it on the attached document.

If you receive one of these emails, police say do not follow the instructions and do not click on the red (Start Now) button but delete the email immediately.

Keep in touch, let us know what you think, send us your news www.facebook.com/theweekin

The Week in • Wednesday 26th May 2021

From left, Cllr Michael Bell, Claire Collins & Steve Riches of the Resound Foodbank, and Clive Heath, chair of Mangotsfield Residents’ Association

Mobile speed camera locations Here are the locations in our area where you can expect to

in Saltford on Grange Road, Manor Road and Norman

see police mobile speed cameras this week.

Road; on the A431 Kelston Road; on the A37 at Pensford.

South Gloucestershire:

Bristol:

On the A4175 at Oldland Common; on the A431 Bath

On the A4 Bath Road at Hicks Gate; in Brislington on the

Road at Swineford; at Upton Cheyney on Marshfield Lane

A4 Brislington Hill, the A4174 Callington Road, Allison

and Brewery Hill; in Hanham on Whittucks Road and

Road, Talbot Road, Hungerford Road, Wick Road and

Abbots Road; at Sweets Road in Kingswood; on the A4174

School Road; in Hengrove on the A37 Wells Road, A4174

Avon Ring Road near Junction 1 of the M32; in Wick on

Hengrove Way, Tarnock Avenue, Cadogan Road, Petherton

Milford Avenue; in Longwell Green on Court Farm Road,

Road, Hengrove Avenue and Great Hayles Road; in

Shellards Road and Ellacombe Road; in North Common

Stockwood on Ladman Road, Stockwood Lane and

at Mill Lane and at Tower Lane in Warmley; on Gloucester

Sturminster Road; in Whitchurch on Hazelbury Road,

Road in Staple Hill; in Downend on Cleeve Hill and the

Ridgeway Lane and Whitchurch Lane; in St George on the

A4017 Bromley Heath Road and North Street; also at

A431 Nags Head Hill, the A420 Bell Hill Road/Two Mile

several locations along the A432 Badminton Road,

Hill Road, Kingsway, Blackswarth Road, Plummers Hill

including Downend.

and Hillside Road; in Fishponds on the A432 Fishponds

Bath & North East Somerset:

Road and Thicket Avenue; at Forest Road in Hillfields; at

In Keynsham on the B3116 Wellsway, Albert Road, Bristol

Argyle Road in Mayfield Park; in Whitehall on Whitehall

Road, Coronation Avenue, Queens Road and Rock Road;

Avenue and the B4465 Whitehall Road.

21

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Crossword Solution

2-Hard 5 8 9 2 1 7 3 6 4

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An advert like this costs

An advert like this costs

£21.00 + VAT per insert

Sewing Lessons

Home Help

£21.00 Waste Disposal

+ VAT per insert

Discounts are available for multiple bookings starting at 2 weeks

Discounts are available for multiple bookings starting at 2 weeks

Adverts cost £4.20 per

Adverts cost £4.20 per

centimetre (min 5cm)

centimetre (min 5cm)

The more weeks you

The more weeks you

book the cheaper

book the cheaper

each insertion

each insertion becomes

becomes

Telephone Engineers

1 week - £21 2 weeks - £18.90

2 weeks - £18.90

Locksmiths

Rubbish Clearance

4 wk - £17.85 6 wk - £16.80

Cheap and fast

8 wk - £15.75

We load and clear any household, garden, garage and shed clearance Free estimates Fully licensed 85% recycled

12 wk - £14.70 26 wk - £13.65 52 wk - £12.60

Call 0117 9373009 at anytime to book

All prices per week exc VAT You don't have to book successive weeks.

You can choose fortnightly, monthly or specific insertion dates as long as the total number of insertions booked corresponds to the discount rate.

DEADLINE FOR PLACING DIRECTORY ADVERTS IS FRIDAY 4.30PM

0117 986 0381

Wigs

Oven Cleaning Tree Services

Similar percentage discounts apply equally to larger sized adverts.

Call us now on

1 week - £21

DEADLINE FOR PLACING DIRECTORY ADVERTS IS FRIDAY 4.30PM

The Week in • Wednesday 26th May 2021

THE WEEK IN adverts call 0117 986 0381

4 wk - £17.85 6 wk - £16.80 8 wk - £15.75 12 wk - £14.70 26 wk - £13.65 52 wk - £12.60 All prices per week exc VAT You don't have to book successive weeks.

You can choose fortnightly, monthly or specific insertion dates as long as the total number of insertions booked corresponds to the discount rate.

Similar percentage discounts apply equally to larger sized adverts.

DEADLINE FOR PLACING DIRECTORY ADVERTS IS FRIDAY 4.30PM

Call us now on

0117 986 0381 23

24

The Week in • Wednesday 26th May 2021