THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset
19th January 2022
Issue 713
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GP surgeries feeling the strain of COVID-19 The strain on GP surgeries caused by increasing demand
short staffed across the
and staff shortages was laid bare last week by the
spectrum of clinical and
executive partner of a local practice.
non-clinical
Dr Paul Taylor, from Hanham Health, wrote to patients
current situation, where
advising that appointments will no longer be booked in
absences are at a peak due
advance as the surgeries in Hanham and Oldland Common
to the Omicron variant, has
struggle to maintain a service with staff off sick and the
come at a time of increased
increasing pressures of supplying COVID-19 vaccinations.
winter pressures and pent-
Claiming never to have seen such a situation in his 30 years
up ‘routine’ demand due to
in general practice, Dr Taylor told patients: “The current
the ongoing pandemic.
situation of staff shortages and last-minute absences makes
“The situation is worsening.
it impossible for us to offer a ‘normal’ service. Already
We are doing our absolute
overstretched reception and admin staff are spending hours
best to meet the demand
ringing patients to cancel pre-booked appointments.
with our limited resources.
“As in every practice across the country, we are severely
In addition, staff have
staff.
The
worked extra hours to deliver
the
vaccination Many
COVID programme.
worked
most
weekends, as well as extra
The Hanham Health surgery in Whittucks Road
weekday shifts, in December to meet the government target
future will be operating a ‘book on the day’ system for all
to offer boosters to all adults before 31st December. We did
non-nursing/healthcare assistant appointments. Dr Taylor
this but I am sorry to say that this week we had 784 un-
says that on some days they have only had one person
booked booster appointments. Many of these were offered
available to answer the phones.
due to staff working extra but also cancelling booked clinics.
“We are all exhausted. You are understandably frustrated. We
I urge you to book a vaccine/ booster if you are yet to have
are getting used to shortages of teachers, delivery drivers,
one.”
and train staff amongst others, causing everyday difficulties.
In line with other surgeries Hanham Health suspended its
The NHS, including general practice, is experiencing the
eConsult programme over Christmas and for the foreseeable
same problems but with a relentless increase of demand. We are overstretched and we are having to make difficult decisions.”
Also in this week’s issue
Council climate expert slams waste-to-energyplant . . . page 3
Play equipment damaged by dogs . . . page 5
New bridge for Keynsham park next year? . . . page 7
More bus services under threat . . . page 12
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The Week in • Wednesday 19th January 2022
Council’s climate expert slates plans for super-size power plant The controversial plans for a giant waste-to-power plant
position that there will be zero emissions from combined heat
on the outskirts of Keynsham have been harshly criticised by Bath & North East Somerset Council’s own climate policy officer.
and power (CHP) technology gives the impression that the development will be carbon neutral “whereas this is not the
Alex McCann, recently appointed to lead the council’s response to the climate emergency, has objected to the proposed planning application for an anaerobic digestion (AD) plant at the old Queen Charlton Quarry site on the grounds that it is neither sustainable nor required. The previous unfinished anaerobic digester (AD) plant at the site closed more than four years ago when administrators were appointed. Now Resourceful Earth Anaerobic Ltd (REAL) is trying to increase capacity from the previously approved 25,000 tonnes of organic material per annum to 92,000 tonnes. The facility would produce gas and electricity for local grid networks and the company would restore ecology in the old quarry. There are fears locally however that the scheme would bring greatly increased noise, pollution, smells, poor health and a massive increase in HGV journeys to bring in waste from across England and Wales. Alex McCann’s report highlights significant deficiencies with the applicant’s environmental statement, pointing out that its
The Week in • Wednesday 19th January 2022
case in reality”. The officer also confirms that as there is a surplus of AD facilities and not a surplus of food waste, there is no need for the development. “If there is any scope for the delivery of waste purposefully made for the AD plant, then this is inherently unsustainable and invalidates any remaining environmental benefits from this plant. Non-essential crop growth adds pointless additional emissions from agriculture, therefore if there is a reliance of purpose-grown waste, due to a reduction in food waste for example, then the AD plant becomes increasingly unsustainable.” Responding to the officer’s report, campaign group Protect Our Keynsham Environment (POKE), which has been coordinating opposition to the proposed anaerobic digester facility in Charlton Field Lane, said: “As most of the feedstock for the proposed AD plant will be non-essential grown maize, it is concluded that the proposed development is not inherently sustainable. “This professional representation, which is strongly supported by POKE, once and for all dismisses the falsehood
that the proposed AD plant is sustainable.” Last month (Issue 708) we reported that countryside charity CPRE Avon and Bristol had warned B&NES Council that it risks causing “severe damage” to its reputation if it permits the AD facility. We have also previously reported that the council’s highways team has highlighted concerns about the impact of the scheme on road safety. A decision on whether to grant planning permission is still pending.
3
March completion for Keynsham High Street? The current phase of redevelopment work on Keynsham High Street is now scheduled for completion in early March.
We understand that the work, which was originally planned to be complete by the end of the year, was delayed due to ground
THE WEEK IN Barrs Court, Bitton, Brislington, Cadbury Heath, Compton Dando, Corston, Downend, Emersons Green, Fishponds, Hanham, Hillfields, Keynsham, Kingswood, Longwell Green, Mangotsfield, Marksbury, North Common, Oldland Common, Pucklechurch, Saltford, Staple Hill, Stockwood, St George, Warmley, Whitchurch, Wick, Willsbridge.
conditions discovered under the road surface. The Christmas shutdown then compounded the issue. Some people have been scratching their heads as to why Tarmac which was put down just prior to Christmas appeared to be ripped up again immediately afterwards. A council source has revealed that this was intentional and the Tarmac was a temporary measure to
make the area safe for pedestrians over the Christmas period. With the kerb line completed before the shutdown, temporary surfacing was preferred to leaving barriers in place.What has been described as a ‘design issue’ caused another temporary halt to work last week and it was for that reason that it was decided to bring forward the planned construction of the cycle lane kerbs.
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The Week in • Wednesday 19th January 2022
Dog damage to play equipment at park South Gloucestershire Council says that play equipment has been badly damaged by dogs in Springfield Park in
The council said: “We have removed the toddler swing seat and reported the damage to the police. We may have to
Mangotsfield. The play area reopened less than two years ago having had a
remove the other seats if this continues. Replacing these items has a significant cost and may take some time to
£45,000 refurbishment following an arson attack in 2019. The council has posted pictures on Facebook of the chewed
arrange funding. “Our parks and open spaces are communal areas for everyone to use and enjoy. Please be considerate and respectful of other
seats of the basket swing, the zip wire and a toddler swing.
people and the equipment. “If you have any information about these incidents, please call the police on 101, our contact centre on 01454 868000 or email playareas@southglos.gov.uk” Owners are reminded to always keep dogs under control and not to walk them in fenced play areas or allow them to chew on any play equipment. “If you cannot control your dog, it should be walked on the lead or elsewhere. “Always clear up after your dog and put the waste in a public bin or your bin at home.” Any problems with play areas or open spaces can be reported online at www.southglos.gov.uk/.../reportingproblem.../
The Week in • Wednesday 19th January 2022
5
25,000 not vaccinated in Bath & North East Somerset There are more than 25,000 people in Bath & North East
it as easy as possible for people to receive the vaccine.
Somerset yet to have a single COVID-19 vaccination. Figures released by the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group
“Our large vaccination sites in Bath, Swindon and Salisbury, along with many other of our more communitybased sites, continue to welcome people with and without
show that across the area, there are also 115,000 who have had two vaccinations but yet to receive a booster.
appointments who are in need of a first, second or booster dose.” Those who are due to receive their booster vaccine,
Gill May, Director of Nursing and Quality, said: “In no way do we wish to marginalise those who are yet to be
which for most people will be a third dose, are also encouraged to make use of the walk-in offers available
vaccinated, which is why we are doing all we can to make
across the region.
Council seeking an independent complaints assessor Bath & North East Somerset Council is looking for an additional Independent Person to help deal with complaints against councillors. The appointee will bring an important independent view on any complaints which are raised and help decide whether further investigation leading to disciplinary action should be considered. The Independent Person is also consulted in the event of complaints being raised against the council’s statutory officers – Chief Financial Officer, Head of Paid Service or Monitoring Officer. The council’s chief executive Will Godfrey says: “This is a challenging role but provides a real opportunity to make an active contribution to standards in public life. Applicants should be able to demonstrate the ability to think strategically, analyse information and question effectively. They should also have strong interpersonal skills and high standards of personal integrity.” Anyone can apply as long as they have not been an elected member, co-opted member or officer of the council or any town or parish council in Bath and North East Somerset in the past five years. Applicants should also not be related to or have a close friendship or relationship with a councillor or employee of the council, or be a member of a political party. There is a small allowance payable for the role, which is presently £500 per annum, plus reimbursement for travel expenses. For an application form contact chris_salmon@bathnes.gov.uk or 01225 394329. Applications must be received by 28th January.
Award for Sirona
Sirona Care & health has been announced as a diversity champion by Bristol City Council for its commitment to championing diversity as part of the Stepping Up programme. The award is given to organisations which have made an exceptional contribution to the programme which aims to develop talent and ensure fair representation of women, black, Asian, minority ethnic and disabled people in positions of leadership. The award was presented to Sirona staff by Bristol City Council Deputy Mayor Cllr Asher Craig during a recent virtual ceremony before Programme Director and architect of Stepping Up Professor Christine Bamford delivered the award in person. She said: “Sirona has supported the Stepping Up diversity programme from the very beginning. The support extended far beyond nominating diverse members of staff to attend the programme. “They have actively embraced diversity through staff-led groups and Associate Non-Executive Directors and are proud that they meet gender equality and diversity standards for their Board.” 6
The Week in • Wednesday 19th January 2022
Council leader outlines his priorities When Kevin Guy took over as leader of the Liberal Democrat group running Bath & North East Somerset
reference to vehicle charging, so is this no longer an option? “We are monitoring the current traffic, but the problem is that
news for Keynsham. £750,000 has been set aside for provision of a new bridge in Keynsham Memorial Park (see
Council (B&NES) last year, there was no honeymoon period of ‘first 100 days’. Even the usual ‘procedural vote’ which followed confirming
movement is abnormal because of the pandemic. At the moment we do not know what the new normal is. We need
below).
him as the new leader of the council was anything but a formality. With a COVID-impacted budget increasing demands on services, particularly social care, and council revenue decimated in the tourism sector, these were ‘interesting times’ in every sense of the apocryphal Chinese curse. When The Week In met with the council leader recently, he was keen to point out that those ‘interesting times’ were still with us. The coming year’s budget plans are currently out to consultation and due to be adopted next month. Despite an extra £3m grant from the Government there will still be a shortfall for 2022/23. Should the Government be doing more to help with social care costs? “We are talking,” Cllr Guy says. “I have lost count of the number of letters and every government says the same. But this is a national problem. Child and adult social care provision is at breaking point nationwide and the system needs a radical overhaul.” Another priority issue for the council is the environment. B&NES has just launched a public consultation on its Journey to Net Zero, and the Bath Clean Air Zone (CAZ) has been in place since last March. The decision to introduce a CAZ was has its roots in the previous administration and at that time there were calls by many, including Liberal Democrats to extend the charging system to private cars. The Journey to Net Zero consultation paper makes no
more data and the Government would not agree to any funding without it. Right now, it would be crazy to make simply ideological decisions.” Also included in the Journey to Net Zero is mention of a possible mass transit system for Bath. While it comes with a major caveat that the city is probably too small for such a system to be deemed viable, the council leader is far more optimistic about plans for the Green Corridor between Bath and Bristol. The development of the transport hub at Hicks Gate is also crucial to Cllr Guy’s vision for the future: “Building new homes must include the option of a good transport service.” On these infrastructure issues, we are moving on to the jurisdiction of the West of England Combined Authority and just recently there was a lot of acrimony before Metro Mayor Dan Norris eventually managed to bring B&NES, Bristol and South Gloucestershire councils on board with his Green Recovery Fund. But Kevin Guy is clear he sees working with the regional authority as the way forward. “Regional cooperation with WECA will be vital for future transport issues and unlocking more Government funding,” he says. Moving on to more local issues, we asked his opinion on the current planning application for a waste-to-energy plant at Queen Charlton Quarry, south of Keynsham. The current application being considered by B&NES planners is for an operation four times the size of the one previously granted planning permission and has caused considerable alarm among locals worried about lorry movements and smell. “Obviously this is a current planning application so I cannot
New bridge for Keynsham Park The footbridge across the River Chew in Keynsham’s Memorial Park was closed suddenly in October 2019 after support beams were discovered to be decaying. After a year of inactivity, a petition was started by local B&NES councilor Andy Wait, calling for repairs to be carried out on the bridge which is seen as key to a great number of people’s leisure and work needs. More than 400 people signed the petition. It subsequently transpired that the rare style of the 25year-old bridge’s construction – from glued laminated timber – meant replacement was more likely than repair. Last autumn the council was said to be considering a temporary bridge while a longer-term solution could be sought, but now a budget allocation has been included in the next financial year’s spending review. If the budget is adopted next month, it is not yet known how long it will be before the bridge will actually be built.
make any specific comment on it. I have to say though that while we need to look at every option to make our environment greener, I am personally sceptical of the green credentials of this type of system.” Kevin Guy
Finally, and returning to next year’s budget, there is some more good
Donation for Mencap Saltford Community Association has raised more than £1,500 for its chosen charity Keynsham & District Mencap through its pre-Christmas activities. Money was raised through street collections with Santa’s sleigh as well as the Christmas market and lighting of the Christmas tree event. The final figure was £1,570.
The Week in • Wednesday 19th January 2022
7
LETTERS Cut off after loss of the 18 bus service
And in doing so I find myself in the strange
Dear Editor
Parts of our common law regarding juries
You asked readers to let you know how the loss of the 18 bus has affected them. Well, after being made redundant and finding it hard to find new employment due to COVID and the furlough/work from home/lockdown of the past two years, I would have been able to look for work in my nearest town of Keynsham but found myself unable to get there. It therefore removed a lot of potential jobs and made it much harder to find employment. As a non-driver, with medical problems, it is much too far for me to walk there and back from Oldland. I now can't catch a bus to use the shops there either or go for a meal and a few drinks unless my husband drives and he then can't have a drink. We can't even use our nearest station now. I just can't understand how our new Metro Mayor has stood by and done nothing. He's even more useless than the previous one, despite receiving funding for improvements to public transport from central government (which he was boasting about in a previous edition of this paper.) If he had any idea what it is like to rely on our bus services in this area, he might have made some effort, rather than ignoring the petition that over 1,000 people signed. Leisa Vockings, Oldland Common
Acquittal by jury is part of our history Dear Editor I read with interest Mr Walters’ letter regarding the recent acquittal (by the jury) of the Colston Statue Four and whilst I may (or may not) agree with the four’s actions, I fully support the right of the jury to come to their verdict, no matter how inconvenient for the powers that be, nor how guilty the defendants appear to be (technically) in the eye of the current law.
8
position of agreeing with the Right Honourable Leader of the House, Jacob Rees-Mogg. predate the Norman Conquest and whilst this sort of decision was very much the exception until the 16th/17th century (before that jury members were frequently selected to be the right sort of person and/or bribed and/or liable to punishment if they came to the wrong decision), after that it has been one way the common person can message the lawmakers that they are unhappy with the law as presented in a particular case (one other way includes flaming torches and pitchforks but we tend to leave this sort of thing to our more excitable cousins on the continent). The phrase to look up (if you're interested) is 'jury nullification' and according to Wikipedia, reasons for acquittal can include that the law itself is unjust, the prosecutor has misapplied the law, the punishment is too harsh, or express frustrations with the criminal justice system itself. One example dates to 1649 when to the astonishment of the judges, John Lilburne was acquitted by the jury of inciting a rebellion against Cromwell's regime. Four years later he was again acquitted on a different charge apparently because the jury felt that the likely
Do we need Park & Ride buses right now?
We need a bypass, not a railway station
Dear Editor
Dear Editor
There has been a lot of news in The Week In
Whilst I appreciate the parish council are in full
recently about buses. Not only are many routes
support of reinstating the railway station in
disappearing when they should be increasing,
Saltford, I do not believe it will help Saltford
but the pandemic and Brexit has resulted in a
in any way; in fact, I believe it will be
shortage of drivers for the buses which should
detrimental. The A4 is already an extremely
be running. COVID and working from home
busy road, adding a station in Saltford will
have resulted in fewer customers on the buses.
bring people from the surrounding area to use
This must also be the case then for Park & Ride
the station that would usually go to Bath or
facilities around Bristol and Bath. By my
Keynsham, thus increasing the traffic through
reckoning, the X39, 349 and 178 all go right
Saltford and subsequently the air pollution.
past the Brislington Park & Ride – there may
Often in the evenings traffic flows at 40 or
be more services I do not know about.
50mph through Saltford and whilst the parish
So if numbers are low at the moment, why
council does not support a bypass as they are
don’t they stop the dedicated Park & Ride
concerned about infill, a bypass is the best way
buses and put passengers onto the ones which
to reduce traffic, increase air purity and make
already stop there on the way to Bristol? It
Saltford safer; we do not need a station!
would save money that can be used to keep
Since moving here I have developed a cough
other bus routes going and provide more
that disappears when I go on holiday and
drivers for the other routes which are suffering
comes back when I come home to my house on
delays and cancellations at the moment.
the A4. We do not need more traffic; we need a
This doesn’t have to be a permanent change but
bypass and better air quality.
if buses are only carrying half the number they
Steve Johnson, Saltford
do normally, then surely this would help with the short-term problems?
Write to us
H Janus
punishment (death) was too harsh for his crime.
Lost a bike?
The Week In is independent of any political or
The unusual three possible verdicts in Scottish
Dear Editor
commercial interest.
law, guilty, not guilty and not proven, are a
I came in to your office today to say I had
balanced and accurate view of local news and
direct consequence of jury nullification over
found a bicycle a few days ago in Carpenters
welcome comments from our readers. Normally,
the years.
Lane, Keynsham. I reported same to Police
we will publish letters in full but reserve the right
Frequently it seems that our society is out of
who were not interested. I advertised on the
to shorten or clarify the contents or to refuse
step with our lawmakers and let's be honest,
Keynsham Facebook site and received one
publication. Please try to keep letters under 300
we're often out of step with each other. But no
reply, unfortunately it was not the one they had
words and supply your full name and address for
matter how much some people would like to
stolen. I am asking if you could advertise this
reasons of authentication. Only the name and
present this latest verdict as an example of the
item as possibly stolen and then dumped as the
district where you live will be reproduced.
world gone mad, or to try to fan the flames of
chain had come off and was left on the grassed
Anonymity
the supposed culture wars, I believe this is just
area in Carpenters Lane.
circumstances.
one more example of a deep historic right that
If then someone rings and their description is
we in this country have and will support this
accurate, I will deliver it to them.
right through thick or thin, whether I agree with
My phone number is 07414 618959.
the verdict or not.
Many thanks.
Simon Buck, Oldland Common
Graham
is
We aim to produce a
possible
under
certain
Copy can be sent by post or, preferably, email and should arrive at our offices no later than 9.00am on the Monday of each week. E-mail to:admin@theweekin.co.uk
The Week in • Wednesday 19th January 2022
Smash hit show coming to Bristol The award-winning smash hit production of Girl From the North Country, written and directed by celebrated playwright
which starts and is running from 30th January to 4th February 2023. Set in 1930s America, it is an uplifting and
Conor McPherson, with music and lyrics by Bob Dylan, goes on tour later this year
universal story about family and love which boldly reimagines the legendary
and is due at the Bristol Hippodrome in early 2023.
songs of Bob Dylan like you’ve never heard them before. Call 0117 302 3228 or
Tickets are now on sale for the show
visit www.atgtickets.com
Seeking new South Gloucestershire Local Nature Action Plans school governors Park & Parkwall Primary Schools Federation is looking for additional school governors and would ideally like to tap into the skills and experience of people from its diverse local community. The Federation comprises of two schools Park Primary School on Hollow Road in Kingswood and Parkwall Primary School at Earlstone Crescent, Cadbury Heath. Being a school governor is a voluntary unpaid role but plays an important part in running schools by setting the Federation
vision, ethos and strategic direction, holding the executive headteacher to account and overseeing the financial performance. The governing board meets about 10 times per year in term time and there are a few times a year when school visits are needed during school time. If you think you may be interested, then contact either wendy.lewin@sgmail.org.uk or karina.jameswiltshire@sgmail.org.uk for further information and an application form.
Sudoku 1-Easy
Town and parish councils across South Gloucestershire are working with the council to deliver Local Nature Action Plans (LNAPs) to meet the challenge of the climate emergency. Developed by the biodiversity team at South Gloucestershire Council, an LNAP sets out information, guidance and a template plan for local councils to identify priorities and the actions they want to take to protect and increase nature in their local area. Work to protect and improve local natural resources is an important element
of the council’s commitments outlined in its Green Infrastructure Strategy which was adopted last November. LNAPs were launched last year in recognition that town and parishes, many of which have also declared a climate and a nature emergency, are keen to play their part in their communities to improve their local area, but do not always have the resources to coordinate local projects. Siston Parish Council is one of 10 parish councils already signed up to develop its own action plan.
SUNDAY CHEMISTS
2 -Hard
Sunday 23rd January
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 19th January 2022
9
The Community Page
Make this your best New Year’s resolution!
Ros Pyle from the Friends of Siston Commons please join us. We welcome anyone who can help. You will biodiversity which needs to be preserved. We are a bunch of enthusiastic unpaid local residents; (FOSC) tells us about the work of the group soon make friends. The Friends of Siston Commons Group was founded in 2016 volunteers who love the commons and who want to restore which is looking for more volunteers. We really enjoy working outside. It makes us feel better mentally and physically. It is satisfying to see trees re-emerge
and has been working on the commons ever since. The commons include Bridgeyate, Goose Green, Webbs Heath
them and conserve them for the future. We work to plans devised by Matthew Lipton who is the biodiversity and
from the choking brambles and able to thrive again. If you want to help our local wildlife and enhance their habitats,
and all parts of Siston Common. They are a precious ancient landscape with a fascinating local history and rich
commons officer for South Gloucestershire Council, and we are kindly funded by Siston Parish Council and various grants including from our local ward councillors and outside bodies such as Wessex Water. The money from our ward councillors has been used to pay for the signs you may have noticed, including at the junction of Stanley Road and Firework Close. In the past 12 months we have been working hard, alongside members of the Conservation Trust led by Claire Dinsdale,
Crossword
ACROSS
DOWN
1. Surprise attack (6)
1. Writer (6)
4. Tristan and ------ (6)
2. One under par (golf) (6)
8. Fine cord (6) 10. Illusion (6) 11. Continue uninterrupted (3,2)
10
3. Frightens (6) 5. Plains (anag.) (6) 6. Listed (6)
12. Supposes (6)
7. Expels (6)
14. Most secure (6)
9. Powder (4)
16. Compass point (4)
10. Flowerless plant (4)
17. Sleigh (4)
13. Mother-of-pearl (5)
19. Donkey's cry (4)
15. Barrier (5)
22. Truth (4)
18. Cut down (6)
26. Dairy food (6)
19. Quieten (6)
27. Vigour (6)
20. Behind (naut.) (6)
28. Silent (mus.) (5)
21. Period of time (4)
29. Dealer (6)
22. Experience (4)
30. Small finch (6)
23. Pranks (6)
31. White fur (6)
24. Hypnotic state (6)
32. Regard (6)
25. Method (6)
and also the Kingswood Ramblers volunteer group, particularly on Siston Hill. The photograph shows some of the work that has been done. It is mainly removing brambles that have encroached across the commons over the past couple of decades or grown up into trees which damages them. We have also cut a path through woodland near the Madeforever Community Hub in Fisher Road. We usually meet on Tuesday mornings; and on the third Saturday of the month, just for the morning, 9.30am to 12.30pm. Many of us also pick litter at least once a week, using equipment kindly supplied by South Gloucestershire Council. To join us and find out where and when our next task will be happening please email friendsofsistoncommon@outlook .com. All tools, gloves and a hi-vis waistcoat are supplied. You just need wellingtons or walking boots and old clothes that you don’t mind getting grubby! It will be the best resolution you ever made, and the easiest to keep! We look forward to welcoming you. • In Issue 711 we highlighted a series of events showcasing a different part of Siston Common led by Phoebe Trott, the education officer for the Friends. The next one is on Saturday 29th January and will be a walk learning how to identify mosses and lichens. This will go from Warmley Forest Park to Siston Common and back and will take place from 2pm to 3.15pm. Details of all details are posted on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
The Week in • Wednesday 19th January 2022
Snowman trail winners
The winners of this year’s festive Kingswood Snowman Trail were the Dawski family. The annual event was organised by Kingswood Business Association. Shoppers were asked to find and identify snowmen
hidden in shop windows around the town. All the correct answers were then entered into a draw. Our picture shows Leo (aged 5) and Anthony (aged 8) Dawski collecting their prize from Kingswood’s snowman.
The Week in • Wednesday 19th January 2022
11
A bumpy road ahead for local bus services The much-publicised cuts and threats to
running until the end of April, said: “While
local bus services may just be the tip of the
I am delighted to retain the 178, I’m also
iceberg unless more money is found to
aware there isn’t a bottomless pot of money.
cover the shortfall in fare revenues for
I’ve been calling on the Government to step
local operators.
up to the plate and provide the funding shot
In the stories surrounding the 178, 17, 18 and
in the arm to help retain bus services for
5 routes which have appeared in The Week
other communities.”
In in last few months, the recurring theme
With bus operators claiming passenger levels
has been the level of Government funding
are just 54% of the same period in 2019, the
through its Bus Recovery Grant. This is the
Metro Mayor said: “These latest figures
emergency funding bus operators have been
show the drop in passenger numbers that we
receiving to enable them to keep running
all feared was coming.”
services despite lockdown and working from
But the problem is not just limited to the
home decimating their fare revenues.
West of England. The West Midlands
But as we reported last August (Issue 693)
Transport Authority is predicting a £50m
the final tranche of money intended to see
shortfall unless more money is forthcoming
operators through to the end of March was
and local bus companies have already
massively reduced. The reason, it transpired
notified the cancellation of services which
was that the figures were based on passenger
will affect 37,000 journeys a week. And
numbers returning to 80% of pre-pandemic
West Yorkshire’s Metro Mayor has had to
levels whereas in reality, they were not even
intervene to keep one key route running,
at 60%.
handing over £120,000 to the bus operator
The West of England Mayor wrote to the
which wanted to withdraw it.
Transport Minister Baroness Vere at the
Looking further forward, there is also
time, supported by all the local MPs – but to
concern about the promised £3bn investment
no avail. In December, when First
in bus services in the Prime Minister’s much-
announced
and
heralded Bus Back Better programme. Due
cancellations affecting more than 30 local
to come into effect in April, the pledges
services, David Redgewell, from Bus Users
made in the programme have been estimated
UK, told The Week In that the money had
by the Confederation of Passenger Transport
run out. Ultimately, the 178 was reprieved
to cost closer to £7bn. But more concerning
and some but not all of the proposed changes
was the announcement in the Chancellor’s
on the 5 were shelved. But with the funding
Autumn Statement of a mere £1.2bn. An
due to expire officially on 31st March and
article which appeared in The Guardian last
bus operators having an obligation to give
week expressed concern that some of the
six
service
money earmarked for the bus service
cancellations, many are bracing themselves
improvement plan is actually being used for
for the middle of next month. Some industry
the emer-gency funding through the Bus
insiders are warning of cuts of between 10%
Recovery Grant.
and 17% if no more money is forthcoming.
A Department for Transport spokesperson
In the West of England, regional mayor Dan
told The Guardian: “We have provided
Norris, who has funded First to keep the 178
unprecedented levels of funding for the bus
weeks’
timetable
notice
changes
of
any
But at least the potholes may be gone! Assuming that we will still have local bus
South Gloucestershire. The money is
services in the next 12 months, the roads they run on may be in slightly better condition.
aimed at replacing funds from the Department of Transport’s highway management fund next year and giving
West of England Mayor Dan Norris is proposing a £10m top-up from his City
the three councils £25m a year for the next five years.
Region Sustainable Transport Settlement to help council highways teams in Bath &
A decision will be taken at the West of England Combined Authority’s meeting
North
on 27th January.
12
East
Somerset,
Bristol
and
The 18 bus route fell victim to cuts last year
sector during the pandemic, including the
Better programme is a key plank of its
£1.5bn coronavirus bus service support grant
commitment to reduce carbon emissions
and the ongoing £226.5m made available
from transport.
under the Bus Recovery Grant.
With the Omicron variant ensuring there is
“As Omicron cases rise, we are closely
no immediate end to the pandemic, the level
monitoring the effect of new restrictions on
of support that will be available from 1st
passenger levels and services, working with
April is still not clear. And with the deadline
the bus sector to understand their potential
to
impact.”
cancellations just two weeks away, the future
The Government’s promise to transform
of local bus services stands on something of
the bus industry with its Bus Back
a precipice.
register
31st
March
bus
service
New bus fares First Bus is revising its fare structures
travel over extended periods, with larger
from next week in a bid to make them more relevant to passengers’ travel habits.
bundles also available to maximise savings.
With more people working from home, traditional commuter travel patterns have
Analysis has also shown that up to 80% of passengers buying day tickets only
changed, making weekly and monthly season tickets less attractive. From 23rd January, three-day and five-day passes
actually make two journeys. A cheaper two-trip fare will also be available. For full details of the revised fares from
will be available via the First Bus app which will allow customers to spread their
23rd January www.newbustickets.co.uk
go
to
The Week in • Wednesday 19th January 2022
Concerns over 45 bus route changes Plans to re-route the 45 bus service between Longwell
Your chance to design the transport authority logo The West of England is to get its own transport logo to be used across buses, trains, e-scooters and other public transport - and
Green and Cherry Gardens have been met with anger and confusion.
Metro Mayor Dan Norris is seeking local people’s
Bus campaigners say the proposed interchange facilities at
artistic talent to help design it.
Cherry Gardens are inadequate and the new route will also involve passing under the low railway bridge at Bitton
"Everyone knows the iconic roundel design that appears right across the London transport network. Now
Station. When First announced cuts and revisions to around 30 local bus routes last month, it confirmed the withdrawal of what
I'm calling on local people to create our very own unique logo,” said the Metro Mayor. "I'm looking for something
remained of the 37 bus service between Bristol and Bath. This was the only route along the A431 which provided a
really special. A logo that is memorable and easily recognisable, that shows the pride we have in our great region and promotes sustainable forms of transport." The competition is open to all residents from across the West of England Metro Mayor area, from budding artistic amateurs to seasoned graphic designers. The winning entry will be finalised by professional designers. The rules are simple. The logo should feature the words ‘West of England Sustainable Transport’ and it should work in colour or black and white. The competition runs until Friday 12th February and it is hoped to start using the logo on the region’s public transport this year. Full details of the competition can be found at www.westofengland-ca.gov.uk/logo-competition/
direct link from places like Hanham, Longwell Green and Bitton to Bath. In mitigation, the changes which come into effect on 30th January include an amendment to the 45 service from Bristol to Cadbury Heath. From Longwell Green it will now operate via Watsons Road, Shellards Road, California Road and Long Beach Road to rejoin the A431 Bath Road and then via Willsbridge Hill to terminate at Cherry Gardens instead of Cadbury Heath. Passengers can then change at Cherry Gardens and catch the 19 bus which runs from Kingswood to Bath. But David Redgewell, from Bus Users UK, says the facilities at Cherry Gardens do not constitute an interchange. Passengers will have to walk between the bus stop on Bath Road to the one at Cherry Garden Road, and the latter does not have real time information. Mr Redgewell said: “One of the bus stops dates back to the days of Gloucestershire County Council, there is no lighting,
Station. Back in 2015, First had been running an extension
no CCTV or helpline intercom. Passenger security is
of its 42 bus service from Cherry Gardens and Keynsham but
certainly an issue when it is dark and raining.
took the decision to divert the route away from the bridge.
“The West of England Combined Authority’s future bus
The reason given at the time was a height restriction change
strategy is based on transport interchange facilities but this
imposed by Network Rail which meant even if buses could
is not the situation at Cherry Gardens. Passengers travelling
fit below the 4.3m bridge, they would be breaking the law.
from Longwell Green to Bath will have to get off one bus
Ultimately, concerns about double-decker buses negotiating
and wait for another with no idea whether or not it is going
Oakleigh Gardens and crossing the narrow bridge led to
to turn up.”
withdrawal of the service completely.
The new timetable for the 45, effective from 30th January features the connecting 19 service for onward travel to Bath.
Temporary timetable for GWR
Great Western Railway is operating a temporary reduced timetable in response to higher than usual levels of staff being absent or self-isolating due to COVID. The reduced timetable came into effect on 8th January and is updated on a weekly basis. It is only expected to be in operation for a short time – until the impact of the Omicron variant has lessened. GWR’s managing director Mark Hopwood said: “We are taking some sensible
the time we went to print.
measures using the experience, knowledge and good processes we have developed over the past 20 months to give customers confidence in our timetable.
The other concern involves the railway bridge at Bitton
“Like many other businesses, we are expecting prolonged
The revised timetable for the 19 had not been published by
periods of staff absence due to COVID to continue in the coming weeks and the objective of this temporary timetable is to provide a service that can be relied on, reducing the potential for ad hoc short-notice cancellations. We will be reviewing the need for temporary changes weekly and will update journey planners and our website gwr.com with details of any changes needed for the week ahead. “As always our advice to customers is please check your
The two bus stops
The Week in • Wednesday 19th January 2022
The bridge across the A431
journey before you leave journeycheck.com/greatwesternrailway.”
home
at
13
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Crossword Solution
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