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THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset 10th August 2022

Issue 742

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Disruption for thousands of tenants after cyber attack Housing association Bromford, which owns 8,500 homes in South Gloucestershire, has been keeping customers updated after “malicious attempts” to access its systems. The group, which has a total of 45,000 homes in central and south west England, said it was forced to shut down all of its technology, including what it uses to communicate with customers and interact with suppliers, following the cyber attack. Emergency calls only were being taken for several days after the aftermath of the attack on 20th July, with Bromford apologising for missed appointments and its

limited service. Although Bromford has found no evidence that the hackers were successful, or evidence of any data breach, tenants are reminded that they should always be aware of the threat of potential phone or email scams. In the most recent update on its website, on 4th August, Bromford said it was rebooking any missed appointments, but things were still not back to normal: “We aren’t able to take new non-emergency repairs just yet and our lettings service isn’t fully operational.” This week Dan Goodall, Bromford's chief information officer, told The Week In: “We have been opening up our

Another charity shop for Keynsham? There is a question mark over the future of one of Keynsham’s High Street’s best-known shops, Church’s Newsagents. Adverts have appeared online for a manager and volunteers to work at the PDSA shop at 60 High Street, which is currently Church’s. On Monday PDSA regional operations controller Ian McFarlane told us: “We are currently exploring the possibility of opening a PDSA charity shop in Keynsham which will help us to fund our vital work, providing lifesaving veterinary treatments across our 48 Pet Hospitals, including the local service in Bristol.” We have also asked Church’s for a comment.

Also in this week’s issue

Seeing red over cycle lane changes in Keynsham . . . page 2

Making the Railway Path safer for cyclists & walkers . . . page 3

systems in a safe manner so we can return to our normal ways of working and most of our services are now as they should be.

“Our neighbourhood coaches, income colleagues and support workers have continued to work in their communities and remain available for customers to contact via phone for any advice or support they may need. Customers are able to make payments and can contact us via the Live Chat on our website. "Taking the step of isolating ourselves while we investigate the incident has regrettably caused some disruption to our services, but we have been rebooking any appointments we missed and aim to have completed that soon. "We would like to offer our thanks to all our customers and partners for their continued patience." Meanwhile South Gloucestershire Council has tightened its own security in the wake of the attack. This week a council spokesperson told us: “We take our cyber security seriously and are constantly monitoring and updating our security systems to protect ourselves and our schools from malicious, cyber-attacks. “We share information between partners regarding potential threats and have implemented additional phishing countermeasures and monitoring protocols after a recent, external attack was reported to us.”

Death of former South Glos Council leader . . . page 5

Fighting pollution in the River Avon . . . page 7

Will cycle lane’s new red surface stop people getting injured? The controversial cycle lane in Keynsham High Street now has a red surface. In the wake of more than 40 reports of people tripping and falling following the High Street refurbishment, a road safety audit was conducted and as a result Bath & North East Somerset Council has carried out a number of “enhancements” to improve the visibility of the cycle lane. The new measures, introduced over two nights last week, include laying red Tarmac through the length of cycle lane to enhance demarcation, reducing the width of the solid white line marking the edge of the cycle lane, in line with

As it was

Department for Transport standards, and increasing the number of cycle symbol markings along the cycle lane. In last week’s issue disability campaign group Access B&NES told us how the council had not heeded their warnings before the High Street refurbishment, including about the stepped kerb between the cycle lane and the road where many people have injured themselves, some breaking bones or knocking out teeth. And in a letter in this week’s issue the chair of Access B&NES Susan Charles gives her less than favourable opinion of the most recent changes. The “enhancements” have also drawn criticism from people on our Facebook page. Comments include: “I feel that the red coloured lane distracts the eye from the kerb somehow because I stumbled, not realising the kerb was still there. I don’t go to Keynsham very often and until Friday, when this happened, couldn’t understand what the fuss was about, but I do now.” Another said: “I think it’s confusing the bikes going the opposite way to the cars, people are used to looking one way for the cars then have to change and check the other way; while doing this have to also be aware of different heights. It’s a right old mish mash, no wonder people don’t like it.” Another observed: “The only reason they haven’t changed

THE TILE AND BATHROOM WAREHOUSE

the kerb that people keep tripping over is because if they do it means it was wrong and people might sue them.” See Letters, page 8

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New ‘Share the Path’ signs installed from Saltford to Warmley The Week In has featured several stories about conflict on the Bristol & Bath Railway Path between cyclists, pedestrians, joggers and dog walkers. Now ‘Share the Path’ signs have gone up from Saltford through to Warmley encouraging everyone to be considerate of others. The Bristol and Bath Railway Path (B2B Path) is part of the National Cycle Network, cared for by Sustrans. After safety concerns were raised with Saltford Parish Council about congestion on the path, especially during periods of good weather, the council contacted Sustrans and

Asda donates £12,500 to Bitton church The Asda Foundation has donated £12,500 to St Mary’s Church in Bitton towards its Development Appeal. Church leaders want to see the Grade I listed building become a thriving community hub, an inspiring place of worship, a focus for heritage and pilgrimage, but above all, an active centre where everyone can gather for a variety of activities in a building that is welcoming, accessible and well resourced. The church is seeking to raise more than £690,000 in total. Find out more about the appeal at https://tinyurl.com/2pah67r2 Pictured from left are Longwell Green Asda’s customer services manager Tina Lawrence and Susan Grant, the store’s community champion, handing the cheque to John and Nicola Bennetts from St Mary’s.

requested similar signage as seen on other busy sections of the B2B Path. Bath & North East Somerset Council gave permission for the temporary signs to be displayed and sent suggested locations as to where they could go. Saltford Parish Council has thanked Sustrans including the volunteers for their time in putting up the signs. Looking to the future, the parish council has contacted the Avon Frome Partnership - a collaboration between the three local authorities that B2B Path falls within who are working towards a consistent signage strategy - to discuss the Saltford stretch. The Bristol East Fringe Cycling & Walking Group (BEFCWG) is putting up similar signs after working with Sustrans and South Gloucestershire Council to promote the same message. Thirteen signs have been installed so far between Bitton and

The access point by Warmley Signal Box

One of the signs at Saltford

Warmley including at the access points to Warmley Station and Warmley Signal Box, at the Meadow Court Drive to St Anne’s Primary School crossing in Oldland Common and at Bitton Station. BEFCWG, which has thanked everyone involved, says the signs are intended to be temporary and it is hoped that permanent signage can be introduced as part of an overall Railway Path improvement plan, building on the current Sustrans One Path BS5 initiative in Bristol.

The crossing at Meadow Court Drive

Concern over Kleeneze site redevelopment

Closed for refurbishment Popular Keynsham restaurant Tandoori Garden is currently closed for a major refurbishment. The restaurant, which has been a feature on Keynsham High Street for more than 20 years, recently got planning permission to expand into the empty property next door that was Trojan Blinds. A new frontage spanning both properties is being installed. The owners tell us they hope to reopen within about four weeks. The Week in • Wednesday 10th August 2022

A group of residents concerned about the planning application for up to 200 homes on the former Kleeneze site in Hanham held a meeting on Sunday. Whilst supporting the redevelopment of the brownfield site, some local people are worried about the prospect of overspill parking on local roads, how the increase in traffic will be managed and that the height of some of the buildings greatly exceeds the previous factory ones. There are also fears about the impact on local services and that the drainage is already insufficient. Residents said they have been subjected to months of noise from drilling and compacting on the site and are concerned about further disruption. South Gloucestershire Council had been expected to determine the outline planning application, which was lodged over the winter, by March but there have been recent revisions to the plans. Several residents attending the meeting do not have nor use the internet and concern was also raised that the scale of diagrams online is so small

that some people cannot read them. Resident Kerri Warner, who called the meeting, said the timeframe to assess, digest, reflect and respond to the changes to the proposals is too short as many residents are on holiday over the summer. The application by Homes England focuses on the layout, access and building heights. An application covering the finer details will follow in due course, subject to the council’s approval of the outline plans. The deadline for comments is today (Wednesday) and the planning reference is P21/07602/O.

Helping young people with special needs into work

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.

A work experience programme at The Chocolate Quarter in Keynsham is helping young adults with special educational needs prepare for life after leaving school. Kelesie, a Warmley Park School student, has been working at B Block pizzeria once a week for the last five months. The 19-year-old is starting college in Stroud next month and to celebrate her last day at B Block, she cooked herself a Margherita pizza in the wood-fired oven and enjoyed a glass of her favourite squash. Kelesie has helped clear the tables in B Block throughout the day and taken drinks orders. She has also set up the restaurant at Somer Dining at The Chocolate Quarter, put deliveries away, rotated stock and served lunch to the residents from the retirement village which is run by St Monica Trust. Kelesie said: “Working at B Block is fun. I like making pizzas best. I like making coffee but not drinking it. The residents are nice. Thank you so much for having me.” Front of house supervisor Courtney has worked closely with Kelesie throughout her work experience at B Block. She said: “The residents and customers love her. They have seen how she’s gone from standing at the bar looking worried when she

first started, to confidently taking their orders and serving them their meals and drinks. “Kelesie’s told me she’s nervous about starting college, so on behalf of everyone at B Block and Somer Dining, we’d like to wish her ‘good luck’. Once she’s there and she gets into a routine, we know she’ll enjoy herself and fit right in – just as she did at B Block.” The work experience programme is a three-way partnership between Warmley Park School, Bristol Bears Community Foundation and the St Monica Trust, and supported by grantgiving organisation The Ciao Foundation. Kelesie’s support assistant Claire said: “The work experience programme is all about building confidence, independence and social skills to prepare pupils for leaving school, possibly having a job or, like Kelesie, going to college. “Kelesie is a very able young person but is hindered by being shy and withdrawn. Since coming to B Block it’s amazing to see how she’s gained so much independence and confidence. “All of the staff at B Block have made us feel very welcome. Nothing has been too much trouble and they’ve all supported Kelesie in every way possible.” You can find out more about Warmley Park and Bristol Bears’ work experience programme by emailing Kris.Tavender@warmleyparkschool.org.uk or calling 01454 867272.

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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

Claire Tavender, left, from Bristol Bears, & Courtney Bryant, right, from B Block, with Kelesie

@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.

Pop-up art gallery The Creation Project is a year-long pop-up art gallery being hosted by churches in the South West. It is designed to be an easy way to engage church and community in conversation around climate emergency. A grant from the Diocese of Bristol has made

the project possible. The art installation will be at St Barnabas Church, Warmley from Friday 19th August between 6pm and 8pm and on Saturday 20th August between 2pm and 4pm. Light refreshments will be available both days.

The Week in • Wednesday 10th August 2022

Former council leader dies The former leader of South Gloucestershire Council, John Calway, has died. Alderman John Calway, from Longwell Green, passed away last Wednesday. He had been suffering from cancer. He had represented Longwell Green for the Conservatives and stepped down as leader in 2014 after leading the council since 2007. He

was made an honorary alderman in 2015 in recognition of his eminent service. He had previously represented Longwell Green on Kingswood District Council and Kingswood Borough Council, and also served on Avon County Council. Toby Savage, the current leader of South Gloucestershire Council, told The Week In: "John was a towering giant of South

Food to get a second lease of life Customers and local good causes are benefitting from discounted food and surplus product after Southern Co-op unveiled a new initiative following trials. The co-operative, whose local stores include Queens Road in Hanham, School Road in Cadbury Heath, Two Mile Hill Road in Kingswood, Memorial Road in Hanham and Church Road in St George, is starting with products with use by dates, before targeting food past its best before date. The first stage launched with Too Good To Go Magic Bags, the world's largest surplus food app that lets users rescue surprise ‘Magic Bags' of delicious, unsold food

from shops and restaurants so it doesn't go to waste. Via the free-to-download app, customers can buy surplus food and drink products from local Southern Co-op sites which are near their expiry date. The Magic Bags are available to rescue for a third of the cost at £3.29. The second stage will see the rollout of other initiatives designed to save food that is past its best before date – either by reducing it to 20p or donating it to local good causes. Southern Co-op is working towards cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, aiming to shift the company into a greener seller producing less food waste.

Gloucestershire and West of England politics and he leaves a lasting legacy from his decades of distinguished public service. “His values of responsibility, hard work and family were apparent throughout his life, including in his political career, and he inspired many along the way - myself included. “I was proud to call John a friend, colleague and mentor and honoured to follow in his footsteps as councillor for Longwell Green, the Conservative Group and council leader. “Such was his immense impact, there will be countless people whose thoughts will be with John's family at this incredibly sad time. They should know that his achievements will never be forgotten." Aldermen John and Heather Goddard, who used to represent Hanham on South Gloucestershire Council, said: “John has been a great friend and colleague for 50 years He taught us all we know about politics and was an inspiration to us. “He was a man of the people and well loved and respected by his constituents in Longwell Green. We were very proud to serve as Cabinet members under his great leadership

John Calway

on South Gloucestershire Council and learnt a lot from him. May he rest in peace.” John Calway’s funeral will be held on Wednesday 24th August at 3.30pm at Westerleigh Crematorium.

New dementia meeting centre A new service for people with dementia and their families and carers is launching in South Gloucestershire. The South Gloucestershire Dementia Meeting Centre is based at Bradley Stoke Evangelical Church and has two open days

planned - on Wednesday 17th August from 10am to 1pm and on Thursday 25th August from 1pm to 4pm. To find out more go along to one of the meetings, call 0117 377 4756, or visit aliveactivites.org

‘Infill’ housing plans in conservation area A housing developer has applied for permission in principle to build up to four homes just off the Wellsway in Keynsham. The permission in principle (PiP) consent route is an alternative way of obtaining planning permission for housing-led development. Chapel Hill Homes Ltd have applied to Bath & North East Somerset Council for PiP for land to the east of Braeside Cottage at Gooseberry Lane. The application is for what is described as

“infill residential development” on a busy road surrounded by housing although outside of the housing development boundary. The site is in the Green Belt and on the edge of the Keynsham Conservation Area. There are trees on the land but they are not subject to any Tree Preservation Orders and the site is not covered by any ecological or nature designations. The planning reference is 22/02877/PIP.

The Week in • Wednesday 10th August 2022

Abbeyfield says farewell to cook after 33 years Cook Sue Evans has retired from her job at Abbeyfield House in Keynsham where she has worked for the past 33 years. Team members, volunteers, friends of the retirement home and residents came together to enjoy a cream tea and celebrate Sue’s career. House manager Charlene Fleck said: “It’s an amazing feat to stay in a role for 33 years and Sue has been such an integral part of the house as it has evolved over the years. “Not only is she a fantastic cook, but she is a true friend to us all. We wish her every Resident Jean Ewins (left) interviewed Sue (right) for the position of cook 33 years ago

happiness in her retirement and are just delighted that she’s promised to be a regular visitor.” One of the guests at the party was Jean Ewins. Now a resident herself at the house, Jean actually interviewed Sue for the position of cook all those years ago. Jean said: “In those days, I was part of a volunteer committee that ran the house. I can still remember interviewing Sue in the garden and I’m just glad that I’ve been able to enjoy her delicious meals as a resident.” Also at the party was Sam Walker, who lives oppositive Wellsway School. Many Keynsham residents will know Sam for the characterful tree stump Yogi in his front garden which he has transformed into many different guises for various events over the since he first decided to start decorating it in 2016. The pupils of Wellsway School regularly request different themes which have included the school prom, Valentine’s Day and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. In her retirement week, Sam and Charlene surprised cook Sue with a specially themed ‘cook’ Yogi to wish Sue the very best in her retirement.

Abbeyfield house team

The Week in • Wednesday 10th August 2022

Council urged to drop bye-law banning swimming in river More than 3,500 people have signed a petition aimed at tackling sewage pollution in the River Avon. Hitting the 3,500-signature mark at the weekend means Bristol city councillors will now be forced to debate the issue. The river is often awash with dangerous levels of bacteria. Community group Conham Bathing say that last year Wessex Water discharged raw sewage directly into the river 23,524 times for a total of 151,258 hours. The group have been preparing an application to Defra (the Department for

Environment, Flood & Rural Affairs) for designated bathing water status at Conham River Park and Eastwood Farm Nature Reserve, an historic bathing spot that has been enjoyed by locals for generations and is also very popular for paddleboarding, kayaking and boating. With this status, the Environment Agency would monitor the levels of sewage pollution at the site and be responsible for implementing improvement measures if the water is found to be of persistently poor quality. The group need the council’s permission to submit the application as it is the landowner of the site. However, the council has refused to support their efforts due to the Bristol City Docks Bye-law 2009: Part V, sub-section 49, which prohibits swimming in the harbour, including the stretch of river at Conham River Park, despite this being some distance away. The e-petition demands that the council amend the bye-law “so we can work towards enhancing and protecting the water quality in this treasured nature reserve, not only for

Taking action over storm overflows Wessex Water’s website says they are aware of customers' increasing concern about the effect

public health, but for the river and the wildlife it supports”. Last year Conham Bathing carried out a sampling programme to test for E. coli, Enterococci and nitrate and phosphate levels which ran from 29th July to 22nd October. The samples collected by the citizen scientists were analysed at Wessex Water’s laboratory in Saltford and results largely indicated a high level of pollution in the river. Sampling is currently under way for the 2022 bathing season. The link to the petition on the council’s

website is https://tinyurl.com/mw3nm376 and it closes on Friday (12th August). The national list of designated bathing waters for the 2022 season includes only one in Bristol (the private members-only Henleaze Lake). The River Avon at Saltford is another popular location for swimming and there have been several reports of children and young people becoming ill after swimming there. It is not on the list of designated bathing waters. In fact there are none in Bath & North East Somerset or South Gloucestershire.

£895 5

that storm overflows have on rivers and the sea. Although overflows are permitted by the Environment Agency, Wessex agree that they have no place in the 21st century but say it will take time and significant investment to progressively eliminate them. “We are committed to completely eliminating the discharge of untreated sewage, starting with storm overflows that discharge most frequently and those that have any environmental impact.” There is more information at https://www.wessexwater.co.uk/services/sewerage/storm-overflows

McDonald’s extension plans McDonald’s has submitted plans to South

The plans also include reconfiguring the drive-

Gloucestershire Council to build side and rear

thru to accommodate an extra ordering booth

extensions at its restaurant at Aspects Leisure

and height restrictor. Two new illuminated

Park in Longwell Green and to alter the

signs and the relocation of an existing

entrance and access doors.

illuminated freestanding sign are also planned.

Keep in touch, let us know what you think, send us your news www.facebook.com/theweekin The Week in • Wednesday 10th August 2022

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LETTERS Seeing red over latest High Street changes

The needs of many users and residents have

Bath Hill are dying!

Keynsham Town Council proudly announced a

been ignored by B&NES Council. During the

The recent tree-planting programme – both

new deputy town clerk, finance officer and

works a number of friends and acquaintances

nationally and globally – is of course one of the

assistant town clerk.

Dear Becky

with varied mobility pointed out to me some of

responses to the global warming crisis. But these

This town council is funded by each household

Thank you for your article featuring safety in

the pitfalls of the street before it was finished.

trees are now dying in a global warming-

in Keynsham to the tune of almost £100 per

Keynsham High Street (Issue 741).

Now the council are even ignoring the views of

induced drought! It would seem that none of the

year. For many years it has spent roughly 40%

I looked with interest at the changes made in the

the councillors we voted to represent us! The

planners/planters have taken the decreasing

of its annual budget of nearly £1m on

High Street last week. The layer of Tarmac on

wishes of the residents are still being ignored.

rainfall into account. So no planned irrigation

administration. This is a large proportion and I

the cycle path has brought its height closer to

Even cyclists I have spoken to say they don't use

has been provided.

wonder how many commercial enterprises

pavement level on the south side, so easier for

the cycle lane because it is too dangerous. They

Alongside this alarming irony is the cost of each

could do this. In fact, the town council has few

cyclists to veer onto the pavement?

either go round or dismount. As one of the

planting with the skills and labour that are

responsibilities as Bath & North East Somerset

Red Tarmac? Many with colour blindness don't

letters said, do we even need a cycle lane and

required. Firstly, the growth, purchase, transport

Council funds almost everything, apart from

recognise red. And I am seeing red with the

stepped kerb? At present the cycle lane is

and digging-in of each tree. The latter

maintaining the play areas and cemetery, and

planned extra planters (I quote) “to further

illegally used as more of a mobility and e-

necessitates using at least one strong support

this is a choice as in other parts of B&NES

improve safety by directing people more clearly

scooter path. Then the council say they will

stake (often two) and their sturdy supporting

where there is no town council the unitary

towards the pedestrian crossings”.

increase the number of planters. These planters

straps. Sometimes, as at Kelston Road Park,

authority pays for these.

So now with limited traffic on the High Street

are part of the problem, not the solution. They

there is the addition of a very tall, galvanised

I realise that it does distribute grants and fund

means a person with a disability (wheelchair

impair visibility and cause confusion. A fence

metal protective frame around each tree. Sadly

other minor things but in these difficult times, I

user, blind/partially sighted, etc. is expected to

along the kerb edge would be safer and make

– madly – this is often to protect a sapling which

continue to be concerned about the high admin

leave say the greengrocer’s shop and head 30

people cross at the crossings, though not pretty

is dead by the end of the season! What is the

costs.

yards along the pavement, negotiating planters,

to look at. The next step is that B&NES are

financial cost of each planting procedure?

Hazel Powe

A-boards, street café furniture and other

going to reduce the parking in Temple Street and

Please highlight this issue and encourage any

Keynsham

unexpected obstacles, then cross the road at the

(you guessed it) put more planters in. There is

reader who lives near a newly-planted tree to do

designated crossing and head 30 yards back to

nothing wrong with a green agenda but not one

their best to keep it watered. Campaign for

the shop/café opposite where they started. With

that actually endangers life and hinders those

mandatory irrigation programmes from the

no doubt difficulties and/or pain. And possibly

with disability. B&NES will not act on public

various authorities who sanction tree planting,

no vehicle passing in the meantime.

wishes. They have their own agenda.

at the very least through the first season after

Planters are not only a common height to

One would even wonder if they have shares in

planting.

destabilise those not expecting them but are

a planter manufacturer? In the meantime what

Glenys Hirst

expensive for the taxpayer to maintain.

is suffering? Keynsham!

Editor’s note: In Bitton the residents’

The High Street has been a popular place for

Chris

association, whose members already water the

those who are mobility challenged. It is ideal for the several independent retired accommodation businesses and cafés on their doorstep. Please, please, councillors, rethink before more

Dear Becky

tragedies, maybe fatal, happen to more

It was good to read the article and see the

unsuspecting visitors.

photograph of you planting the rowan tree in

Susan Charles

Bitton (Issue 740).

Chair, Access B&NES

I wonder though if any thought has been given

complexes within the area, with its handy shops,

to the subsequent nurture of the tree? Newly-planted trees in and around Keynsham

Still being ignored

are dying from the lack of rain – they can be

Dear Editor

seen along the A4 between Keynsham and

I would like to come out in support of Susan

Saltford, in the newly-refurbished playing fields

Charles in your last edition (‘We were ignored over Keynsham High Street concerns, say disability campaigners’).

Dear Editor The Week In keeps talking about the minor injury unit (MIU) that was planned for Cossham

planters on the Bath Road bridge, will also be

Plea for residents to help water trees

Where’s the promised community hospital?

taking care of the new rowan. Regarding concern about new trees in Keynsham/Saltford, we understand that Bath & North East Somerset Council does have a weekly tree watering schedule. However, during spells of hot and dry weather, as we are currently experiencing, newly-planted trees may need supplementary watering. Saltford Parish Council recently encouraged local residents to help with watering.

Hospital but has not opened, but what happened to the money for a new Frenchay Community Hospital? There was money from sale of the old Frenchay Hospital and space there for a community hospital. It’s about time we had it built. Also, if they are saying there can’t be an MIU at Cossham, how about they turn the old Store 21 in Regent Street in Kingswood into a MIU/walk-in centre? There is a big free car park behind. A Kingswood resident Editor’s note: The wait for community hospital provision at Frenchay has been going on since 2012. It was intended to relieve ‘bed blocking’

at Kelston Road and alongside the new housing

Concern about council’s admin costs

on Charlton Road – even the shrubs in the

Dear Editor

campaigner Barbara Harris about the ongoing

newly-landscaped ‘urban garden’ at the top of

I was rather surprised to see in Issue 741 that

wait for the community hospital. She has since

at Southmead Hospital. We published a letter in May (Issue 731) from

The Week in • Wednesday 10th August 2022

LETTERS told us that she is hoping to have a meeting in the autumn, arranged via her MP Jack Lopresti, with whoever is appointed Health Minister following the Conservative leadership election. We will keep readers updated.

New High Street layout ‘disorientating’ Dear Editor I read your article about people tripping and falling on the new Keynsham High Street (Issue 701). I would think it is more than 40 who have tripped or fallen as I know of a number of people who have tripped on the High Street but not reported it. My sister tripped and cracked a rib, she also told me of two of her friends who have tripped too recently. I have also tripped. It is very difficult to see the different levels, especially when the sun is low in the sky. It is not just senior citizens have incidents but all ages. Also I find it disorientating as one does not know which way to look when crossing and I have seen people nearly run over by cars and buses. There are pedestrian crossings but because it was closed to traffic for a long time, people have got used to no traffic. Now with traffic, it is only time before a serious accident may happen. I came out of a shop the other day on the High Street, did not know which way to look before crossing the road, and then tripped on the raised kerbing as I was more looking for traffic and cyclists. The council needs to improve it as currently it puts people off visiting Keynsham and I am not sure putting red Tarmac on the cycle lane will reduce trips and falls. John Bolton

Church hands over minibus for Ukraine aid mission The Brislington-based charity Hope for Ukraine has gratefully received a minibus for its next aid mission. Following an appeal on social media, an eight-seater vehicle was handed over by Crofts End Church in St George to Steve Lewis, the chair of trustees at Hope for Ukraine. The grateful charity, whose main hub is based in Carmel City Church, is now getting the vehicle serviced and fully overhauled. At the end of the school holidays the team plan to drive it over to Romania where it will be collected by contacts in Ukraine. The vehicle will be filled with essential supplies that have been requested, such as food, tools, first aid and mobility aids. It will be converted into a patient transporter and used to move sick and vulnerable displaced elderly people. 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. The charity, which has already sent one lorry load of aid to help people in Chernivtsi in south-western Ukraine, can be contacted at Info@hopeforukraine.org.uk or on 07933 712584. The picture shows Hope for Ukraine’s Steve Lewis (left) receiving the keys from Pete Webley, senior pastor at Crofts End Church. Also pictured are church leaders Clyde Planter and Louise Tripp.

Sudoku 1-Easy

SUNDAY CHEMISTS Sunday 14th August

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 10th August 2022

New stand and floodlighting approved at sports ground Plans to install a 74-seat viewing stand and six 15-metre high floodlight columns at Wick Sports Ground have been approved by South Gloucestershire Council. The facilities are considered essential to allow Wick FC to play in a higher grade of football. The ground in Oldbury Lane is in open countryside, within the Bristol and Bath Green Belt and just within the Cotswolds National Landscape. The council said the proposed floodlights and spectator

viewing stand are not inappropriate development within the Green Belt but the stand has been discreetly located and neither it nor the floodlights are particularly bulky. “As such, whilst there would be some impact on the openness of the Green Belt, this would not be significant in nature. Given that the structures would be within the existing sports ground, there would be no further encroachment into the countryside although the use of the site would to some extent intensify.”

Though more spectators will be encouraged to the site, it is not seen as a major travel generator and the large car park already has a safe access. In the interests of encouraging sustainable travel, the council’s transportation officer has requested the installation of secure and under cover cycle storage. Before the facilities are opened a plan detailing the location and specifications of ecological enhancements, including bat and bird boxes, must be provided. And floodlighting must not used during the main bat activity season (May to September).

Council to trial hybrid community meetings South Gloucestershire Council has decided to pilot a hybrid way of holding its Community Engagement Forums. The regular forums are held across the district and give people the chance to find out what is happening in their area and to raise any local issues. Before the pandemic the meetings were held face-to-face. They were restarted on a digital platform in September 2020 which has meant that people without internet access have been unable to participate. A spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council said: “Following a review of the way we deliver Community Engagement Forum (CEF) meetings and a survey of participants, we will be piloting a series of different projects, including a hybrid meeting which provides choice to either

Crossword

attend in person, or remotely via the internet. “This reflects the feedback we received and aims to enable

ACROSS

DOWN

1. Disapproval (9)

2. Destroyed (6)

9. Cherry red (6)

3. Emotional shock (6)

It is anticipated that the hybrid pilot will be trialled in the

10. Passport endorsement (4)

4. Box for dead body (6)

autumn.

11. Apartment (4)

6. Measured (7)

12. Fall back (6)

7. Freshwater fish (4)

13. Mythical sea creature (7)

8. Below (9)

16. Notion (4)

more people to connect with their local CEF which deals with important, local issues.”

5. Wound mark (4)

13. Miniature universe (9)

17. Lump (4)

14. Measure of paper quantity (4)

18. Forbid (3)

15. Rolling hills (5)

20. Edge (3)

18. Ballpoint pen (4)

21. Crosspiece (4)

19. Frozen food store (7)

23. Woody plant (4)

22. Summerhouse (6)

25. Rescuer (7)

23. Drink regularly (6)

26. Gossamer (6)

24. Continent (6)

29. District (4)

27. Stream (4)

30. Front of vessel (4)

28. Foreshadow (4)

31. Holy (6) 32. Recuperated (9)

The Week in • Wednesday 10th August 2022

Good progress on Grade I restoration project Trustees of the Whitfield Tabernacle Trust in Kingswood say they were pleased to get inside the Grade I listed 1741 building recently to see progress on the stabilisation

project. Trust secretary Kim Scudamore told The Week In: “The last time some of our trustees had been inside the building there was no

Grants for good causes Funding for a variety of good causes is to be awarded by South Gloucestershire Council in the latest round of Area Wide Grants, part of the council’s commitment to supporting a thriving community and voluntary sector. Each financial year a pot of £70,000 is provided for groups to bid on, with this, the first round of funding, benefiting 14 initiatives. The organisations receiving a combined £28,820 of funding are: • Milestones Trust: £2,300 to support the Warmley Wheelers. • Willsbridge Mill CIC: £1,400 to fund electrical wiring for the mill and barn. • Northavon Singers: £550 to support choir singing and live music. • Brain Tumour Support: £3,000 for brain tumour support services in South Gloucestershire. • Kingswood Community Transport:

£3,000 to help fund an accessible vehicle. • Cleve Archers: £650 for the Moorend Project. • Wick Sports Ground: £1,500 for the provision of secure, undercover cycle parking. • Post Script 360: £3,000 to support work in tackling dependence and mental health. • Imperial Winterguard: £1,250 for dance workshops. • Avon Valley Railway: £3,000 for IT infrastructure upgrades. • SSAFA: £3,000 for veterans’ support. • Ghana Community Bristol: £1,500 for Ghanafest 2022. • Warmley Community Centre: £3,000 for new tables and chairs in the main hall and Wakeford Lounge. • Sedgemoor Target Sprint Club at Yate: £1,670 to support the Sedgemoor Target Sprint Athlete development.

The Week in • Wednesday 10th August 2022

roof, we had to carefully pick our way over rotten floorboards and try to avoid the trees and vegetation that had taken over the space in the years that the building lay abandoned. “To see the restored pillars, new roof, windows and security doors gave us a glimpse of what the restored space will look like when the full development is achieved next year.”

The building has been saved and made secure in this first phase which has also seen security measures installed. The next phase will be to develop it into a community building and performance space for everyone to enjoy. The trust would very much like to hear from anyone with memories or pictures of how the building used to be used. Visit www.whitfieldtabernacle.org/

Big Choices Bus Survey The Week In’s public meeting on the future of our local buses takes place in Keynsham tomorrow evening (11th August at The Space, 6.30pm). If you live in East Bristol or North East Somerset, this is an opportunity to reflect on some of the likely changes to the network as a result of the COVID pandemic, rising costs and a shortage of bus drivers.

It’s also about how bus services are financed. How much should be centrally or locally funded and what is a fair price to buy a ticket? If you don’t use buses very much, what needs to happen to persuade you to leave the car at home and use public transport? The meeting is free and open to all. If you are unable to

attend, then below is a copy of Regional Mayor Dan Norris’ Big Choices questionnaire. Feel free to complete it and return to: The Week In, 8 Temple Court, Keynsham, BS31 1HA. We will then pass them on to the Mayor’s office before the 31st August deadline.

1. Thinking about buses you use already:

5. How should we spend tax payers’ money on

7. Here is a list of how much councils in areas

I use the

fare packages?

with Combined Authorities put towards

(please insert bus numbers you use)

Please circle your preferred option

subsiding bus services per head.

It takes me

Imagine you can choose between saving one bus

Greater Manchester £67.58

destination. (insert time)

a day from a village to a city which regularly

Liverpool £63.58

I'd keep using the bus unless it cost more than

serves 15 people; or instead you can pay for an

North of the Tyne £43.51

additional bus on a busy city service which

West Midlands £39.80

sometimes leaves passengers waiting at the bus

West of England £20.49

stop as the current bus is full.

Cambridge & Peterborough £15.38

In an ideal world a fare for a return journey

Save the village service / add an extra city

I think it would be reasonable for the local

would cost

service

councils in the West of England to invest

bus/es. minutes to get to my

(insert price) I wouldn't mind if the services ran every minutes, if it was reliable. (insert time) (insert price)

I'd keep using the bus unless it took more than minutes to reach my destination. (insert time) In an ideal world it would take minutes to reach my destination. (insert time) If I did have access to a car, I'd use that instead. Agree / Disagree 2. Now let's think about journeys you don't make by bus: Please rank 1-5 (1 is least important and 5 is most important): I would use the buses more if they were:

❑ Cheaper ❑ More reliable ❑ More comfortable ❑ More frequent ❑ Went to more destinations

spending the limited money we have to make it cheaper for a certain group of people to Please tick your preferred option:

❑ Families ❑ Young people ❑ Older people ❑ Disabled people ❑ Job seekers ❑ Commuters ❑ Encouraging new bus users ❑ People who use the bus regularly ❑ Apprentices ❑ Refugees ❑ I wouldn't choose a special group, I'd just

make it a bit cheaper for everyone.

(please state)

❑ Other ethnic group (please state)

says as long as I can get the information on

Gender

Agree / Disagree

What is your gender?

❑ Female ❑ Other

The bus stops near me are run down Agree / Disagree

❑ Families ❑ Young people Buses are for people like me Agree / Disagree ❑ Older people ❑ Disabled people ❑ Job seekers ❑ Commuters 9. About you ❑ Encouraging new bus users Age ❑ People who use the bus regularly What is your age group? ❑ wouldn't choose a special group, I'd just make ❑ Under 18 ❑ 19 – 24 it a bit more expensive for everyone. ❑ 25 – 30 ❑ 31 – 39 It's reasonable for the West of England ❑ 40 – 49 ❑ 50 – 59 Combined Authority to subsidise bus travel that ❑ 60 – 64 ❑ 65 - 74 costs £ per-passenger, per-journey in ❑ Over 75 ❑ Prefer not to say one direction. (Insert cost)

What is your ethnic group?

4. While we don't have enough bus drivers,

2030:

we need to make some big choices. What do

Please circle "Agree" or "Disagree":

you think?

To help tackle the climate emergency and cut

Please circle "Agree" or "Disagree" with the

congestion I'd prioritise spending money to

following statements:

encourage new people to use the bus, over

❑ Arab ❑ Asian/Asian British - Bangladeshi ❑ Asian/ Asian British - Indian ❑ Asian/Asian British - Pakistani ❑ Asian/Asian British - Chinese ❑ Asian/Asian British - Other

I'd rather that there were fewer services, but they

people who already use the bus

(please state)

were more reliable Agree / Disagree

Agree / Disagree

❑ Black/ Black British/African/Caribbean-

I'd rather have more buses running later into the

I would pay a bit more for my ticket to travel on

African

evening and night even if it meant fewer services

a more environmentally friendly bus

❑ Black/ Black British/African/Caribbean-

during the day Agree / Disagree

Agree / Disagree

Caribbean

❑ Male ❑ Prefer not to say

Disability

I use buses because I have to, not because I want

6. We have ambitious net zero targets for

❑ I Prefer not to say

when the bus arrives on my phone

All my friends use the bus Agree / Disagree

me using the bus

❑ White - Gypsy or Irish Traveller ❑ White - Irish ❑ White - Roma ❑ White - Other

I don't mind what the information at the bus stop

book a seat on a minibus Agree / Disagree

❑ Making more than one bus change would stop

Irish/ British

Please circle "Agree" or "Disagree".

to ask the following groups to pay a bit more:

using the bus

❑ White - English/Welsh/Scottish/Northern

statements please?

I would consider using an app or phoning up to

❑ Making one bus change is okay ❑ Making just one bus change would stop me

❑ Mixed/Multiple Ethnic Groups - Other

(please state)

8. Finally what’s your view on these

income to invest back in buses I think it's fair

Which of these statements do you agree with?

Black Caribbean

travel, I'd choose:

education, shopping if only:

between buses.

❑ Mixed/Multiple Ethnic Groups - White &

councils to invest £(insert box) (Insert cost)

to Agree / Disagree

3. Moving on, let's think about changing

Black African

If more, I think it would be reasonable for

Actually given we desperately need more fare

routes to:

❑ Mixed/Multiple Ethnic Groups - White &

subsiding bus services per head.

I'd consider using the bus to get to work,

I would use the bus more if there were new

❑ Mixed/Multiple Ethnic Groups - White &

Asian

More / Less / The same amount towards If it was up to me, and I could only prioritise

❑ Black/ Black British/African/Caribbean-Other (please state)

Do you consider yourself to be disabled?

❑ No ❑ Yes - Physical impairment, such as difficulty using arms or mobility issues which may mean using a wheelchair or crutches

❑ Yes - Sensory impairment, such as being blind having a serious visual impairment or being deaf / have a serious hearing impairment

❑ Yes - Mental health condition, such as depression, anxiety or schizophrenia

❑ Yes - Learning disability/difficulty (suchas Down's Syndrome, dyslexia, dyspraxia) or cognitive impairment (such as autistic spectrum disorder)

❑ Yes - Long standing illness or health condition, such as cancer, HIV, diabetes, chronic heart disease or epilepsy

❑ Yes - Other (please state) ❑ Prefer not to say If yes, please tell us how this affects the way that you access or use services.

The Week in • Wednesday 10th August 2022

First summer internship scheme for The Week In Over the summer our small team at The Week In have been joined by two interns from the University of the West of England. Undergraduates Sophie Mead and Kamui Oshino, who have been funded jointly by The Week In Community and UWE, have just come to the end of their time with us. Working alongside publisher Stephen Rodgers, editor

Becky Feather and advertising sales consultant Tracy Broderick, Sophie and Kamui have acquired various new and valuable skills to

previously were not publishing news on. Thanks to Sophie and Kamui, we now have an active account on the site where we post

carry with them into their degree and future employment. In turn they have helped us, including increasing our online presence. We established that a majority of the younger generation receive their news on Instagram, a site we

links to our main stories on our website. Kamui said: “I have given suggestions of stories we can cover to target new audiences. An example of this was me covering Pride, an event that is very important to many readers in the area.” Kamui used her own equipment during her time with us to record interviews. Moving forward, we now have an action camera to use to conduct interviews and film content, thanks to a grant from Keynsham Town Council. Kamui added: “My time at The Week In has been very enriching and enjoyable.” Sophie said: “I have had the opportunity to meet so many interesting people who have made me feel part of the

Kamui

Situations Vacant

wonderful community. I have had the pleasure of working alongside the best team who have opened my eyes to my future career prospects and taught me so much. “In return, I hope to have offered a different perspective and assisted with the forever advancing technological side to the media.” The Week In Community is a community benefit society which means we are owned by our members. By joining The Week In Community and paying an annual subscription of £36, you can not only help the financial sustainability of the publication but be part of its ownership. Find out more at www.theweekin.co.uk

Becky and Sophie

Sale at museum The Friends of Kingswood Heritage Museum are holding a table-top sale from 11am to 4pm at the museum in Tower Lane, Warmley, on Saturday (13th August). The gift shop will be open and refreshments will be available. Tables can

be reserved at a cost of £10 per table, payable in advance, and can be set up from 10am on the day. If you are interested contact Linda Payne on 0117 9605664 or email kingswoodmuseum@gmail.com

The Week in • Wednesday 10th August 2022

Sudoku Solutions 1-Easy 4 9 1 7 5 3 6 8 2

2 3 6 8 4 1 7 5 9

8 7 5 9 6 2 4 1 3

1 6 7 4 3 5 9 2 8

Crossword Solution

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

3 2 4 6 8 9 5 7 1

9 5 8 1 7 4 2 3 6

6 4 3 5 2 8 1 9 7

7 1 2 3 9 6 8 4 5

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