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THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset

6th July 2022

Issue 737

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We’ve been ignored, say road safety campaigners Road safety campaigners in Keynsham say their valid

themselves.”

arguments for getting a 30mph speed limit on a

She said Wellsway is the

dangerous stretch of road have been ignored.

only one of the five major

Bath & North East Somerset Council has just issued a traffic

routes into Keynsham that is

regulation order (TRO) to reduce the limit from 40mph to

not currently 30mph, and

30mph only as far up Wellsway as The Homestead.

that reducing the speed limit

Locals warn this will make things worse as motorists will be

from 40mph to 30mph on

accelerating when they leave the 30mph limit and will still

the final 700-metre stretch

be accelerating by the time they get to the blind bend at

would vastly increase the

Uplands on the edge of the town.

safety of all road users.

Campaigners had been calling for the speed limit to be

However,

reduced to 30mph for the extra 700 metres to where the

highways team has said this

‘Welcome to Keynsham’ sign is, and for flashing signs to

section

alert motorists to the speed limit. Their 700-name petition

40mph because it is ‘rural’.

also asked for a pavement to connect Uplands with the one

Rachel has queried why

at Courtenay Road.

Uplands residents pay a

Uplands residents say they often hear the screeching of tyres

precept to Keynsham Town

and horns beeping and that there are regular accidents on this

Council of around £100 a

stretch of the B3116.

year if it is indeed ‘rural’.

This week lead campaigner Rachel Stokes, who presented

She said: “A traffic study in 2018 of this “rural’ road found

activity’ to either side of the road, but Rachel said: “Every

the petition in March, said: “I find it incredibly frustrating

that it was used by around 11,000 vehicles a day. Highways

day, farm traffic, B&B customers, delivery vehicles, cyclists,

that 700 of us engaged with the democratic process, followed

officers have been using the guidance for rural speed

off-road motorcycles and 4x4 enthusiasts pull out onto a

all the correct procedures, and instead of following their own

management when considering this road; the official

blind bend and hope for the best.”

set of guidelines and criteria, the council appear to have

designation given by the Office for National Statistics for this

She told The Week In: “For me the most worrying aspect of

chosen to use their prior opinions when making these

section of road is C1 - Urban: City and Town. 30mph is the

all this is that, in attempting to make one section of the

important decisions.

standard speed limit for urban areas.”

Wellsway safer, they will actually make the section around

“They have not carried out up-to-date speed checks or traffic

She said that roads suitable for 40mph must have adequate

Uplands even more dangerous. Cars travelling south out of

counts on this section of the road. None of the decision-

footways and crossing places but there is neither in this

Keynsham will naturally accelerate when leaving the 30 limit

makers ever agreed to visit the Wellsway and see it for

stretch. The highways department claims there is ‘limited

and will still be accelerating when they reach the blind bend.

the should

council’s remain

Rachel Stokes with son Adam

Continued on page 2

Also in this week’s issue

Popular Staple Hill store to close . . . page 2

Huge solar farm approved on Marksbury Plain . . . page 3

Pictures from Keynsham Music Festival . . . pages 6 & 7

Speeding up pothole repairs in South Glos . . . page 12

The Original Factory Shop in Staple Hill to close The Original Factory Shop (TOFS) in Staple Hill is to close down on 15th July. There had been rumours circulating in recent weeks that the store, which sells a variety of products under one roof, would be closing. A TOFS spokesperson told us: “As the landlord is looking to redevelop this site, it means that unfortunately we have had to exit the lease at our Staple Hill store. We are seeking to redeploy colleagues that have been affected wherever possible. Our next nearest branch is in Nailsea.” TOFS had previously been threatened with closure in 2018 after the landlord served notice but won a reprieve. The latest announcement has been greeted with dismay on

We’ve been ignored, say road safety campaigners Continued from page 1 Sooner or later, a collision at this junction will prove

social media with speculation that it is going to be turned into a gym. One person commented: “Oh no, what a loss to the high street, we need shops please, not gyms.” That view was echoed by many including this comment: “Another gym? There’s one right across the road for crying

fatal.”

out loud!” One person observed: “Such a handy shop! They were advertising for staff not so long ago! Nowhere in Staple Hill to buy clothes or shoes now, only charity shops.” Others praised the kind and helpful staff and one person commented: “Sadly I think it won’t be long till the high street is a ghost town.”

riders.

One of the council’s main policies is to promote a major shift to mass transport, walking and cycling - and campaigners say that at 30mph and with a pavement, this road would be perfect for pedestrians, hikers and horse Rachel received no response from the council after presenting her petition in March so chased it up, finally receiving an email recently to tell her that the council was going ahead with the original plan. She said: “I feel I have disproved the council's statement that this part of road is 'rural', and they have offered no response to this. I feel I have disproved their statement that there is limited activity to either side of the road, and again they have not responded.” The council told her it would keep this section of the road “under review” and there might be some potential road marking and/or signing improvements. • Objections and representations to the TRO must be sent by 21st July, either in writing to the council’s Traffic Management Team at Lewis House, Manvers Street, Bath,

BA1

1JG,

transportation@bathnes.gov.uk The reference is TRO21-029/LC.

The Week in • Wednesday 6th July 2022

Solar farm on 60-acre Green Belt site given the green light A planning application for a solar farm at Farmborough has won the go-ahead. The 15 megawatt (MW) ground-mounted solar farm will be built on almost 60 acres of Green Belt land to the south of the A368 and west of the A39 and will generate clean, renewable energy for the equivalent of around 4,700 homes per year. Countryside charity CPRE had criticised the plans, acknowledging that renewable energy is vital in addressing climate change but that it is opposed to large-scale solar farms on valuable farmland. Renewable Connections Developments Ltd said the ‘Marksbury Plain Solar Farm’ would be in situ for a 40-year period, after which it would be decommissioned and the land returned to arable use. Bath & North East Somerset Council’s planning committee backed the scheme, considering that the benefits amount to very special circumstances which outweigh the harm to the Green Belt. The farm will help the council with its renewable energy generation targets. The district has an acute shortfall, raising concern about it being able to meet its 2029 targets without large-scale renewable energy projects being supported.

The council currently has a renewable energy installed capacity of 21.7MW within the district so is 88.3MW behind its target of 110MW. The Marksbury Plain farm will contribute to the targets by 18%. Cllr Shaun Hughes said he was “cautiously supportive” of the application, but highlighted concern at the lack of a council strategy for solar farms. He said instead it was being looked at on a field-by-field basis. There are already two solar farms nearby and another proposal is in the pipeline for Compton Dando, as we

reported last week. Although unanimously in favour of the scheme, some committee members voiced concerns about the decommissioning. Ward councillor Matt McCabe said conditions might change and the site could be left derelict. He suggested a bond from the developer towards unforeseen circumstances. The committee agreed to delegate the decision to permit to planning officers to seek a guarantee about the farm’s end of life from the developer.

Keynsham business features in Channel 4 series Come Dine with Me: The Professionals aired on Channel 4 last week when Keynsham’s Dalia Cocina was one of three restaurants competing in a bid to be crowned winner. The series features professionals cooking for one another in a bid to be crowned the best independent restaurant in their town, county or city. Dalia Cocina in Keynsham High Street, which offers Mexican street food, is owned by Kirsty Davenport who describes it as a “small indie business”. It has a beautiful, hidden garden, giving a real holiday feel.

Kirsty & Tamsin

The Week in • Wednesday 6th July 2022

She said: “An advert went out on Facebook and someone tagged me in it and it was trying to get people to come on Come Dine With Me: The Professionals, and I just thought, don’t be daft.” But about 20 minutes later, she received a call from Channel 4 asking her to be on the show and felt she couldn’t turn down the opportunity. Filming took four days in total. On Kirsty’s menu was Chilli Nachos to start with, a Green Chilli Pork Stew (a traditional Mexican dish) for the main course, and for dessert a Mango, Coconut, and Lime Cheesecake. A chocolate brownie was supposed to be the dessert, but disaster struck before filming was due to start with Kirsty’s oven breaking, leaving her with just a grill. She and colleague Tamsin Godfrey were up against Caribbean restaurant Fi Real and Bambalan, which serves Mediterranean-inspired food. Although Dalia Cocina didn’t win, they entertained their guests with their personalities, great food, and an evening full of laughs. Overall, Fi Real was crowned the winner. Sophie Mead

Metro Mayor talks about democracy to primary pupils Metro Mayor Dan Norris paid a visit to Barrs Court Primary School on Wednesday to answer questions from pupils in Years 5 and 6. Following the children’s recent studying the importance of democracy, he spoke about what a Metro Mayor does, the role of the West of England Combined Authority and his previous roles as an MP and Government minister. The pupils asked an array of questions. When asked what he was proud of achieving, Mr Norris mentioned three things: changing the laws so children are safer, stopping hunting with hounds of foxes, and being involved with the Northern Ireland peace process. He discussed his experience as Mayor and how he is strongly

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.

in favour of educating young people about a greener future. Dan Norris, back left, is pictured with headteacher Daniel Webster and pupils Jacob, Athena, Monique, Ronnie, Daisy and Jack.

‘Catapult’ fired at homes Police believed a “catapult-type weapon”

glass

caused damage in Saltford on Thursday 16th

conservatory windows were smashed at

June. A number of properties on Montague

another property and a third had a rear window

Road were damaged during the night. A

damaged. Anyone with information can call

ground-floor window had the outer pane of

101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

shattered

one

home,

three

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The Week In Community Ltd, 8 Temple Court, Keynsham. BS31 1HA 0117 986 0381. www.theweekin.co.uk ISSN: 2052-9767 Publisher Editor Contributors

Stephen Rodgers admin@theweekin.co.uk Becky Feather 07403 273967 Christine Rogers, Sophie Mead, Kamui Oshino

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

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. The Week In is regulated by IMPRESS: The Independent Monitor for the Press CIC. As such, we adhere to the IMPRESS complaints procedure. A copy of this procedure can be found on our website or can be sent upon written request to the address above.

The Week in • Wednesday 6th July 2022

Refugees finding Glastonbury leftovers support in B&NES will be sent on to Ukraine Two Hope for Ukraine volunteers donned gloves and headed to Glastonbury last Tuesday to rescue items left behind from the festival from landfill. Dawn Elmer, a trustee from Keynsham, and Terry Morgan had a great time finding items that will be sent on to the charity’s contacts in Ukraine. Hope for Ukraine, which is based at Carmel City Church in Brislington, is still looking for camping equipment, such as sleeping bags, camp beds and sleeping mats for its next aid mission. This Saturday (9th July) the charity will be at the Repair Café at Keynsham Baptist Church from 10am to noon to again collect tools in good condition that can be sent to Ukraine. They will also be collecting food with at least a six-month shelf life. For up-to-date details of what donations are needed, and the opening times of donation hubs in and around Keynsham, visit https://hopeforukraine.org.uk/ or search ‘Hope for Ukraine Bristol’ on Facebook. Get in touch at email info@hopeforukraine.org.uk or call 07933 712584.

The Week in • Wednesday 6th July 2022

Dawn Elmer

As the war in Ukraine continues, people fleeing the conflict are finding refuge in Bath and North East Somerset. At the recent Keynsham Area Forum meeting the council revealed that 134 sponsors and more than 300 guests have now been matched. So far 83 of these homes have received guests with 179 guests having arrived so far, 71 of them being children and young people. Others have come through the family visa scheme. Those coming have access to public services and benefits. The council’s welfare team is providing families with living expenses whilst they sign up for benefits and await payments. Keynsham Ukrainian Support Network offers local support and signposting. English classes are held on Tuesdays from 6.15pm to 7.15pm at Community at 67 in Queens Road. There are also volunteers who can help sponsors and guests with form filling. Meanwhile the help provided by Saltford Ukrainian Support Network includes a free café alongside English lessons every Saturday morning, when there are also donated items on offer including clothes and toys. Volunteers also provide lifts to appointments and a welcome pack is provided to new arrivals. Kamui Oshino

Keynsham Music Festival in pictures Crowds flocked to Keynsham Music Festival which was this year

Crowds in Keynsham Park on Saturday

marking its 25th anniversary. The week was packed with entertainment, music and arts. Organiser Ric Davison said: “It’s absolutely clear that the people of Keynsham flocked to the festival in the thousands. There was something for everybody.” Tosca

Gavin Osborn

Acrobatics in the town

Da Fuchaman performed with the Fire Blaze Band

St Opia

The Week in • Wednesday 6th July 2022

Bake Off star opens Saltford Festival Saltford Festival got under way on Saturday

days of the festival, there is something for

with local resident and Great British Bake Off

everyone. Many of the events are free of

winner Giuseppe Dell’Anno performing the

charge.

official opening at an open morning at Saltford

Head to Saltford Community Association’s

Hall. Giuseppe also made some cakes which

website download the festival brochure -

were on sale at Saltford Primary School’s

https://saltfordhall.co.uk/Festival.html

summer fair in the afternoon. With more than

Tickets for a raffle, for which the top prize is

80 different events taking place across the nine

£500, are on sale during the festival.

One of the many acts which were performing on four stages in the park at the weekend

Giuseppe, second from left, at the official opening at which there was also a town crier

Choir in concert The latest concert in the summer programme

The choir meet on Monday evenings at St

at the bandstand in Keynsham’s Memorial

Dunstan's Hall from 7.30pm to 9.30pm and

Park will be by Key Voices Community Choir

new members are always welcome.

who will be performing on Saturday (9th July)

Details of other concerts are available at

from 2.30pm to 3.30pm.

http://www.keynsham-tc.gov.uk/

Channelling Ziggy Stardust

The Week in • Wednesday 6th July 2022

LETTERS Council is ‘victimising’ the elderly

no hardship to push it for that ridiculously short

messenger’s getting so much flack. It is not

Rich Prior

strip – no more so than a shopping trolley?

about us, it is the predictions of scientists that

…and of course the rally and march was

It’s not as if this is the missing link in superb

should concern us. Do our critics simply not

ethical, destroying the planet is not. It was

Dear Editor

provision for cyclists at either ends.

get it? If they were to say that our tactics are

legal, we currently still have free speech in this

I have just read your paper and the article

Before the work started I attended one of the

wrong, we would point out that it is

country.

regarding the toilets in Ashton Way.

“consultation” sessions in The Space where the

overwhelmingly XR and Greta Thunberg that

How ridiculous that cash will not be able to be

cycle lane opposition was made clear but, of

have brought the message to people and the

used. I am 85, it’s bad enough having fewer

course, we got it anyway.

reason why so many authorities have now

Legitimate outrage

cash machines to pay for car parking but to not

At the moment the High Street is trying to be

declared a climate emergency. So many words

Dear Editor

be able to get into the toilets, preferably for

all things to all men – and failing. I would very

but so few actions from politicians and

Re criticism of Extinction Rebellion’s march in

free, adds insult to injury once again.

much like to hear what the business community

business. So, what would you suggest we do?

Keynsham

At my age having a smartphone and apps for

would like to happen as, without them, we

We welcome the words of any politicians of

disappointing!

such small amounts is not something I wish to

don’t have a High Street to visit.

any political persuasion that sincerely attempt

The fact is, that the main rally was in the park

do. I need to keep a tight track on my cash.

Sheila Crocombe

to provide solutions to the climate emergency.

and in the High Street (where the traffic could

Conversely, Keynsham Extinction Rebellion’s

go around Ashton Way) avoided any negative

decision to organise the rally and march was

effect on the farmers’ market, whilst at the

the direct result of the horrifying remarks made

same time reaching out to shoppers on a busy

by our “representative” in Parliament, Jacob

Saturday.

Rees-Mogg, who expressed a desire to drain

The march was needed in Keynsham because

every last drop of oil out of the North Sea. It is

we are in desperate times. Our planet, our

the fossil fuels that we have been extracting

home, is in imminent danger of destruction as

that scientists tell us are destroying the planet.

it heats up because of the ever-rising use of

That is why those present at the rally, a

fossil fuels and destruction of forests and peat

Extinction Rebellion explain their actions

significant number of his constituents, spent

bogs, causing widespread heatwaves, flooding,

their Saturday morning demonstrating their

famine and the decimation of nature.

huge frustration. He does not represent our

It’s as though a giant comet was hurtling

Dear Editor

views - or yours?

towards Earth and we had the technology to

Firstly Keynsham Extinction Rebellion would

We do not think we have all the answers and

destroy it but failed to do so because it wasn’t

want to apologise sincerely if we did cause

we are all guilty of contributing to the carbon

in the interests of big business. (Ring any bells?

inconvenience to any shopkeepers’ trade on

economy, we do not want to blame each other,

A reference to the Netflix film, Don’t Look

11th June; if by stopping cars driving through

we want to ask questions, to draw people

Up).

the High Street for one hour on a Saturday did

together and come up with answers together.

We need lots of people to join the call for

have such an impact. We actually brought some

To put pressure on those with the power to

proper insulation and water conservation for

people to Keynsham, encouraged them to

implement the solutions, rather than add to the

buildings, to stop issuing licences for new gas,

spend their money here and we put the town

problem. We don’t want to disrupt people’s

oil and coal, to hugely step up renewable

and farmers’ market on the map.

lives, we just want to get the message of

energy, including onshore wind turbines, as

Pedestrians could use the pavements and cars

environmental scientists’ across.

well as rewilding programmes.

could still park in the car parks. We felt the

Obviously, any inconvenience caused by us

We need the legitimate outrage of the vast

minor disruption was more than proportionate

pales into absurd insignificance compared to

majority of human beings to be garnered so that

in order to draw attention to the devasting

the inconvenience of those suffering from the

this should be allowed to happen. If your reader

impact that the impending climate catastrophe

impact of the climate destruction. Perhaps

can suggest any better ways to engage the

is already having, through fire, floods,

those few complaining, compared to the many

public and help them understand and get

Dear Editor

heatwaves, drought and famine.

that supported us are not aware of the dire

involved, then he should get involved in a more

Is anyone going to admit that the cycle lane in

It is more than just businesses that suffer;

predictions – if anyone has any better ideas

constructive way and he should do something

the High Street is proving to be a costly

already countless lives through starvation,

how to communicate this and effect change, we

to make a difference.

mistake?

poverty, migration and so many deaths.

would really welcome your suggestions.

Sarah Shorter

If you are fit enough to ride a bike surely it is

What I really don’t understand is why the

Email us at keynshamxr@gmail.com

Keynsham resident

I do not understand why B&NES is victimising the elderly. Eileen Cooper

I too have been ignored by my MP

Keep up the good work Dear Week In team I think your publication is fantastic and am delighted I have just found I can see it online. Keep up the excellent work please - you are

Dear Editor

really appreciated.

As I read the letter from Debbie (29th June) I

Caroline Beresford

found myself nodding in agreement. I too have sent emails to Chris Skidmore, my MP, three or four times, but have never received a reply. I find this to be very rude and ignorant and feel he is just not interested in his constituents unless he can claim positive media coverage. I have come to the conclusion that he is someone who sits on the fence on major matters until he sees which side will ‘win’ the debate, then he will side with them. He needs to remember who voted him in and show some respect. As it is we feel totally ignored. He will need our votes come the next election so he needs to show he is worthy of them. Susan

‘Costly mistake’

(Letters,

Issue

735),

how

The Week in • Wednesday 6th July 2022

Charity golf day in memory of Stixy A charity golf day will be held on Friday 22nd July at Kendleshire Golf Club in aid of the Steve Talboys Foundation. The Steve Talboys Foundation has created a fundraiser challenge called Stixy Challenges in memory of the former Premier footballer. Known as Stixy, Steve was born in Kingswood and played for Longwell Green FC at an early age, then went on to play for Wimbledon FC aged 26. After retiring from professional football, he committed his time, energy, and enthusiasm to youth football in his local community.

Charity fundraiser Dance fitness group SwingTrain Bristol are staging a fundraising event on Saturday (9th July) in memory of friends and family who have been lost to suicide. The Tea, Talk, Dance! event at Kingswood Community Association will raise money for Changes Bristol, a peer support mental health charity. The event runs from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Suggested donations are £5 via https://tinyurl.com/y3cbwxs6

The Steve Talboys Foundation was founded in 2019 after his death from a heart attack. It funds local amateur sports clubs for children and young people as well as individual children or young people who may be held back by their financial situation from pursuing their sporting goals. As well as football, Steve enjoyed cricket, cycling, rugby, tennis, hockey and golf. The Kendleshire Shamble Charity Golf Day will raise money for the Foundation and its campaign to put defibrillators into as many sports clubs as possible. Stixy wore ‘18’ for Wimbledon FC so with a nod to that, the Foundation launched the DEFIBRILL18 Campaign. Anyone interested in entering a team can visit https://www.stevetalboysfoundation.org/events

Songs of praise There will be a songs of praise service in the garden of the White Hart pub in Bitton on Sunday (10th July) from 4.30pm to 6pm. There will be music from St Mary’s Minstrels and Oldland Brass. Everyone is invited. A barbecue will be available from 4pm.

Museum talk This year’s programme of monthly talks at Kingswood Heritage Museum continues on Wednesday 13th July with the second of two talks telling the story of the Roman invasion, occupation and settlement of the area. The talk will be provided by Stephen Clews, the recently retired manager of the Roman Baths and Pump Room in Bath, and will feature the development of villas and the many important mosaics discovered across the area. Admission costs £4, including tea or coffee, and seats can be reserved by calling 0117 9605664.

Sudoku 1-Easy

Steve Talboys

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SUNDAY CHEMISTS Sunday 10th July

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) 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 6th July 2022

Academy students feel Nursery goes from Inadequate to Good valued, says Ofsted Busy Bees Day Nursery in Emersons Green, which was given the lowest grade by Ofsted last November, has turned things around and is now rated as ‘Good’. Ofsted had rated the nursery in St Lukes Close as ‘Inadequate’ and took enforcement action over concerns that children were being placed at significant risk of harm. But following another inspection in May, the latest report has now been published: “The manager, staff and leadership team have worked tirelessly to make the necessary changes that have

IKB Academy in Keynsham is celebrating after being rated Good in all areas by Ofsted. IKB is a studio school specialising in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) and currently has 162 students aged 14 to 19, 60 of whom are in the sixth form. It is part of the Futura Learning Partnership Multi-Academy Trust and shares a site with Wellsway School. At its previous inspection in 2018 IKB was told it needed to improve. In this latest report, the inspectors said: “Pupils feel valued at IKB. They say staff know them very well and as a result they feel supported to do their best. Some pupils told us their experience at IKB has renewed their enthusiasm for learning.” The inspectors found that leaders have an ambitious vision for the school and teachers have high expectations in all curriculum areas. Pupils value the guidance they receive about careers. Those with special educational needs and disabilities are supported well. Principal Debbie Gibbs said: “This is an important milestone for IKB Academy and is a tribute to the hard work of our staff team and our students with the support of families, the community, and the trust.”

Crossword

had a massive impact on the provision. As a result, children are happy, settled and are making good progress with their learning.” The report praises the new manager and leaders for having “high ambitions for what they want children to achieve. They provide staff with the necessary support to raise the quality of the education provided.” Ofsted says the manager and staff understand their responsibilities to keep children safe, and support children to learn how to keep themselves safe.

Blood donors urgently needed NHS Blood and Transplant is urgently appealing for people to make an appointment to donate at Bristol Donor Centre because stock levels have dropped. Stocks have been affected by staff and donor absence due to illness and the drop in donations over summer when people are busy with holidays and events. Stock levels are said to be “vulnerable” and could fall further without a rise in appointments. The lowest blood stock is for O positive,

ACROSS

DOWN

1. Table ball game (9)

1. Flying mammal (3)

6. Mongrel (3)

2. Song-like (5)

8. Ground (7)

3. ---- the Terrible (4)

9. Sprinkle (5)

4. Milk curdling substance (6)

10. Chance (4) 11. Female fowl (3) 13. Travel by ship (4) 14. Paved terrace (5) 16. Roof timber (6) 18. Ornamenta tuft (6) 19. Isolated (5) 21. Not any (4) 22. Bishop's diocese (3)

with national levels at around three days, while the NHS seeks to have six. Donors with this type are particularly needed, though donors of all types are welcome, especially O and B negative. Demand for blood has also risen as hospitals catch up on the backlog of routine activity postponed due to the pandemic. The permanent blood donor centre is at Southmead Road. There are also mobile sessions available. Visit www.blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.

5. Waistband (4) 6. Dead body (7) 7. Regal colour (5,4) 10. Opera glass (9) 11. Stringed instruments (5) 12. Saltpetre (5) 14. Podded vegetable (3) 15. Cereal (3) 17. Trumpet flourish (7)

23. Subdue (4)

20. Antenna (6)

27. Grilled bread (5)

24. Alert (5)

28. Prehistoric period (4,3)

25. Pace (4)

30. Female sheep (3)

29. Stray (3)

26. Rain heavily (4)

31. Arctic creature (5,4)

The Week in • Wednesday 6th July 2022

Land sales set to go ahead Keynsham Town Council looks set to take over the ownership of two parcels of green land from Bath & North East Somerset Council. B&NES has approached the town council with a proposal to transfer both the Fox and Hounds Lane Fox and Hounds Lane Conservation Area and The Paddock in Station Road for £20,000 per site. It follows a third-party community asset transfers. The conservation area is being restored for valuation. At its last meeting the town council the community by the Fox and Hounds Lane confirmed its wishes to proceed with the Action Group.

The Paddock

The Week in • Wednesday 6th July 2022

The Community Page

Speeding up potholes Downend & Bromley repairs in South Glos Heath Parish Council DOWNEND & BROMLEY HEATH PARISH COUNCIL held its Annual Meeting in May. The first item on the agenda at such meetings is always the election of a new Chairman. As several years have passed since Councillor Janet Biggin has been Chairman of the Council, it was time for a new member to be elected. We are delighted that Councillor Jon Hunt has taken up this role. Many of you will know Jon who has served as both a district and parish councillor in the past. In recognition of his service as a member of South Gloucestershire Council, Jon has now been made an Honorary Alderman. Councillor Sheila Ottewell is appointed as Vice-Chairman of D&BH Parish Council for 2022/23.

South Gloucestershire Council has announced a new way to manage and report potholes. The system lets users report potholes online through the council’s website. People are encouraged to report potholes, damaged surfaces, worn road markings, empty grit bins and similar problems. A photograph and additional information can be added to help the council identify the issue. Once a report has been made through the

Councillor Jon Hunt

This is an opportunity for any issues or concerns to be raised, or to just come along and hear about all that is going on in the local area. If you would like to know more, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the Parish Clerk, Angela Hocking, tel. 0117 9567001 or email clerk@dbhparishcouncil.co.uk. The next council meeting will be held on Thursday 21 July 2022.

Stop loan sharks At the most recent Community Engagement Forum, a presentation was made about loan sharks by the England Illegal Money Lending team. With the pandemic and the cost of living rising, more people are turning to illegal lenders. A loan shark is defined as ‘someone who lends money without the correct permission required by the Financial Services and Markets Act’. There is a short YouTube video explaining this in more detail at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5g3_6BxSkdU Stop loan sharks are the lead organisation in England with the power to prosecute loan sharks and illegal money lenders. Since 2004, they have helped over 30,000 people who have borrowed from loan sharks. If you have borrowed from a loan shark or are worried about someone else, they will provide help and will keep you safe. Their specially trained staff will provide you with emotional and practical support that is tailored to your needs. Call them 24/7 on 0300 555 2222 or start a Live Chat with them by visiting their website www.stoploansharks.co.uk. 12

A pothole in the road needs to measure 300mm by 300mm and be 40mm deep to be considered in need of attention. Since the start of 2022, the council has resurfaced more than 23 kilometres of road with around 5,000 potholes filled between 1st January and the end of May.

Carbon-saving road resurfacing

Parish council meetings Parish council meetings are ordinarily held on the third Thursday of the month. We welcome members of the public to these meetings which are held at Badminton Road Methodist Church and commence at 7pm.

new system, issues are dealt with as quickly and efficiently as possible, with up-to-date information sent directly to StreetCare operatives. You can report an issue by visiting www.southglos.gov.uk/report

Bath & North East Somerset Council has announced an alternative method to resurfacing roads. As part of its ongoing commitment to tackle the climate emergency, a carbon-saving method called Foambase® is being used by

contractors. It uses 50% less CO2 emissions than traditional methods as it is applied cold and recycles the existing aggregate on site, which reduces waste. The A368 at Chelwood is the first project to be undertaken with the material being used to resurface 10,000m2.

Soundwell swimmers among country’s best Soundwell Swimming Club is celebrating a record number of its young swimmers qualifying for the 2022 British and English Age Group Swimming

Championships. Qualification for these events is by invitation only, with only the top-ranked swimmers in the country in each age group and event

qualifying. The swimmers, who train seven days a week at Kingswood Leisure Centre under head coach Jon Wills, will be competing in July and August at the Ponds Forge International Sports Centre in Sheffield. Club chair Sarah Taylor said: “To qualify for these championships is a huge achievement and we are thrilled to have 11 swimmers competing this year, which is a club record.”

Bereavement

The Week in • Wednesday 6th July 2022

Spotlight on new Keynsham Recycling Hub The new £39m public waste and recycling centre due to open at Pixash Lane in Keynsham later this year will be quick and easy to use, with long traffic queues eliminated. The recent Keynsham Area Forum heard a presentation about the new Keynsham Recycling Hub which will provide residents with opportunities to recycle even more materials. Kate Hobson, Bath & North East Somerset Council’s waste relocation project manager, said the site had been designed with traffic flows at forefront of their mind. There will be queueing room on site so as not to impact Pixash Lane or

Worlds End Lane (which is being widened to two lanes a with a feeder road off to the hub), let alone out on to the A4. There is no intention to have a booking system. However, in the unlikely event of build-ups of queues waiting to get in, the council says it will introduce one as a back-up. Due to the increased size of the hub, even more materials will be recycled, such as mattresses, carpets and hard plastics, and it is hoped that plastic films, wrappers and shopping bags can be recycled from next summer when a reprocessing plant is due to open in South Wales.

By next July the council’s operations at Midland Road, Locksbrook Road and Ashmead Road, including fleet workshops, will be relocate to the new hub where which will convert to electric vehicles as part of the journey to Net Zero. For bulk haulage there will be ease of access on to the strategic road network via the Keynsham Bypass and A4174 Ring Road. Around 200 staff will be based at the hub where the main office and welfare building will be built from materials chosen specifically with energy saving and efficiency in mind. The plant will have solar panels, rainwater harvesting and sustainable drainage. There will be a shop where customers can donate items to be reused and sold. Alongside this an MoT centre and education centre will also be opening. The public recycling centre at Midland Road will stay open until a replacement is open in Bath, likely to be at Odd Down.

Situations Vacant

Checks to ensure outsiders don’t visit At the Keynsham Area Forum local councillor Andy Wait asked whether B&NES Council intends to have a system of residents registering their licence numbers as a way of monitoring usage of the new recycling hub. He was concerned about traffic tailing back as far as the Keynsham bypass if vehicles coming in that way from other local authority areas. Waste relocation project manager Kate Hobson said a previous electronic system at the Pixash Lane recycling centre had been taken out because the council “could not

get it to work as we really wanted it to with the IT that was available at the time”. She said it is something the council would be looking at to make the new hub more efficient, but checks would be in place when it opens to ensure it is used by B&NES residents, rather than those coming from Bristol or South Gloucestershire. She said that there was a brand new centre in Bristol so people would be using that. The South Bristol Reuse and Recycling Centre opened in Bedminster last month.

Contractors’ community credentials Farrans, the main contractors building the new Keynsham Recycling Hub, highlighted their community credentials at the Keynsham Area Forum. Suzanne Lutton, Farrans’ senior community business partner, said they would be providing apprenticeships on site and jobs for local people.

They are using the local supply chain including concrete, crane and catering companies, and their social value delivery plan includes placements, work experience, careers fairs, volunteering, supporting community events and making local charitable donations. To find out more contact Keynsham@farrans.com

Keep in touch, let us know what you think, send us your news www.facebook.com/theweekin The Week in • Wednesday 6th July 2022

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