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THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset 17th August 2022

Issue 743

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Support for tax rise for better bus services Readers of The Week In have given Metro Mayor

amount so there has been no inflationary rise in support

Dan Norris their ideas and priorities for improving

since 1986.

buses.

Annual funding from the local councils to WECA for bus

A series of ‘Big Choices on Buses’ community meetings

services amounts to just £20.49 per head. Mr Norris said:

are being held in the region and dozens of people

“When we have people talking, particularly councils,

attended the one organised by The Week In at The Space

about the importance of buses, that is not being matched

in Keynsham on Thursday when an overwhelming

by what they are paying. I get lots of petitions from

majority were in support of the Mayor raising a public

people complaining about buses but it is often from the

transport precept via council tax bills.

leaders of the party not providing enough money to sort

Government COVID funding for buses runs out in

that out.”

October even though fewer journeys are being made and

He continued: “Rather than me hassling the council

bus costs, like everything else, are soaring. Mr Norris

leaders, who pay about a third of what they do in other

interchanged.

leads the West of England Combined Authority (WECA),

parts of the country towards public transport in our

• Buses are very expensive outside the city zones.

which is the regional transport authority. WECA and the

region, how many would you prefer there was a precept

• Bus services should run longer into the evening.

three local councils – Bath & North East Somerset, South

to pay for public transport with the assumption that the

• Run some or all of the X39 buses via Keynsham town

Gloucestershire and Bristol - have offered to fund the 60

money will be spent wisely and well?”

rather than along the bypass where there are no

or so buses they currently subsidise until next April, but

An overwhelming majority agreed that in principle they

passengers to pick up.

that will depend on whether the bus companies choose

would.

• Turn Brislington Park & Ride into an interchange to

to continue running them.

Other key points raised at the meeting were:

make full use of the site.

Although the bus companies and WECA are investing in

• The reliability of bus services is more important than

• Give incremental bonuses for bus drivers who train

recruitment campaigns and training, given the bus driver

frequency.

locally to try to retain them.

shortage of up to 150 vacancies, cuts are expected.

• The last service on any route needs to run so people

• Give bus drivers visas to come from abroad.

Alan Peters, of bus provider Abus, told the meeting that

aren’t stranded.

Concern was also raised about how Longwell Green has

before deregulation of the buses, the then Avon County

• Make buses cheaper for workers to get them out of their

become an almost “bus-less village” other than the 17,

Council paid Bristol Omnibus Company £5m as network

car.

and about the lack of a bus service from Bitton into

subsidy; last year the total given by councils in the

• Timetables on bus stops need to be up to date.

Bristol.

WECA area in support of bus services was a similar

• It’s an issue that different providers’ tickets can’t be

Mayor Norris told the meeting there is good news

The meeting in Keynsham

on the horizon as WECA secured the second highest Continued on page 4

Also in this week’s issue

Traffic ban proposed between Queen Charlton and Whitchurch . . . page 2

3 local nurseries temporarily closed over safeguarding concerns . . . page 3

£999 bill for Kingswood man who dropped a cigarette . . . page 5

24-hour gym plan for Staple Hill . . . page 6

Traffic ban proposed between villages Plans to remove traffic between Queen Charlton and Whitchurch Village have gone out to public consultation. Bath & North East Somerset Council is proposing a throughtraffic restriction on Queen Charlton Lane as part of its ‘Liveable Neighbourhoods’ programme. Queen Charlton Lane is heavily used by through traffic in the morning and afternoon peaks, with drivers using this route to 'queue jump' the traffic at the Woollard Lane/A37 junction. The proposals would see commuter traffic diverted instead along Charlton Road and Woollard Lane. In a public engagement last December, the majority of respondents from the Whitchurch Village and Queen Charlton area supported traffic interventions. In total 97% said that speeding traffic was an issue while 88% highlighted through

traffic as a concern; 96% of respondents stated that restrictions on through traffic and or HGVs would have the biggest impact to make this area safer. While residents of Queen Charlton would not be able to use Queen Charlton Lane by car to access the A37 under the new proposed scheme, they would benefit from fewer passing vehicles and quieter, safer roads and streets, says the council. Two sets of bollards would restrict vehicle access to provide a traffic-free area but would allow pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders to pass. Emergency services and local farm traffic would still be able to access this route. The council says: “We would provide advance warning signs to warn motorists that they would not be able to use Queen Charlton Lane as a through route. We are proposing a ‘New road layout ahead’ sign and a 'No through road' sign on new posts just after the entrance to Maes Knoll Drive from the west, and a ‘No through road’ sign and a 'New road layout ahead' sign on new posts as you approach Queen Charlton Lane from Queen Charlton in the east. “We are proposing to trial two sets of droppable bollards (modal filters) along Queen Charlton Lane. Coming from the west (A37), the first would be located just after Furthermead

up a more detailed design, taking on board comments. The restriction would then be temporarily installed from the autumn under a 12-month Experimental Traffic Regulation Order. During this time, residents and the wider public could experience the changes and see how it affects traffic movements before a decision is taken on whether to permanently adopt a restriction. The council would then monitor traffic movements using automatic traffic counts and cameras. The survey closes on 30th August. Have your say by

Farm, while the second would be just before Dapwell Lane.” Both proposed locations provide space for a vehicle to make a three-point turn if needed. The council says it will consider and publish the feedback and assuming there is support for the restriction, it will draw

completing an online form at https://tinyurl.com/3z6er832 For a paper copy call 01225 394041. • The council was due to stage a public engagement event today (Wednesday) at Queen Charlton Village Hall between 4pm and 8pm.

Queen Charlton

The Week in • Wednesday 17th August 2022

Nurseries suspended from providing childcare The Leaping Lambs nurseries in Keynsham, Willsbridge and Swineford have been closed temporarily by Ofsted as the education watchdog investigates safeguarding concerns. The one based at Elim Church in Balmoral Road in Keynsham and the one at Jarretts Garden Centre in Willsbridge have both been closed since last Tuesday. The one at Bath Road in Swineford was closed by Ofsted on Friday. Ofsted has said that registrations have been suspended for an initial period of six weeks and the situation will be reviewed regularly and the suspensions lifted if they believe children are no longer at risk. Rebecca and Michael Lewis, who run the nurseries, said they could not comment due to Ofsted rules but said: “We do understand as parents ourselves the anxiety and frustration this has caused. We are working with Ofsted and other bodies to resolve the issues as fast as possible.” The couple also own Caterpillars Nursery in Bath and we were waiting for confirmation as we went to print about whether that too has been temporarily closed by Ofsted. Willsbridge and Swineford are in South Gloucestershire and the council is supporting the settings to address the concerns raised. It is also writing to families with details of alternative

Willsbridge

The Week in • Wednesday 17th August 2022

Keynsham

nursery providers. The council provides information on all registered childcare providers at www.southglos.gov.uk/childcare Bath & North East Somerset Council said it is working with Ofsted and the Keynsham nursery and anyone with concerns about the setting should contact Ofsted. Advice for parents and carers on nursery provision in B&NES is available at https://livewell.bathnes.gov.uk/ Suspension of a childcare provider’s registration does not always mean that the provider has done something wrong, but it does allow Ofsted time to look into its concerns or give it or the provider time to take steps to reduce or remove any possible risk.

Swineford

Appeal after biker assaults man Police have appealed for witnesses to a serious assault in Longwell Green. The victim was on Marsham Way at about 8.40pm on Sunday 10th July when he was approached by two motorcyclists. One used his helmet to push the man over, causing him to fall. He suffered serious shoulder injuries as a result, as well as

bruising. The offender is described as white, of large build, with a beard. Anyone who saw what happened or who has dash cam footage showing bikers in the Marsham Way area around that time is asked to call 101 and quote reference number 5222163967.

Teenage boy punched and thrown off his bike Police are appealing for witnesses following the attempted robbery of a teenager in Downend. On Tuesday 5th July at around 3.30pm, a 15-year-old was stopped outside The Horseshoe pub while cycling home from school. He was threatened, punched, and thrown off his bike, which was damaged by the offender, but he failed to take it as the victim had tangled his legs in the frame. The victim described the offender as aged around 15, slim

and black, with brown dreadlock-like hair. He wore a black ski mask around his neck, a plain white, short-sleeved school-style shirt, black trousers, and black shoes. Police would especially like to speak to a woman aged 40 to 60 who came to the aid of the victim. She was wearing light blue jeans and had come out of the Young Lives vs Cancer charity shop. Call 101 and give the reference number 5222159693.

Support for tax rise for better bus services Continued from page 1

supporting fares and things like community transport and

amount of money in the country for buses – about two-

demand-responsive schemes with minibuses.

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.

thirds of a billion pounds -

He said: “I do believe that the future can be very positive

that will kick in next April.

providing we make the right decision and the right calls

But this funding cannot be

now.”

used on existing services,

• We printed a survey in last week’s issue for people to

only on new, innovative

have their say on buses. A printable survey is also

ones. It can also be used on

available on WECA’s website. See Letters, page 8

16,000 copies are distributed through retail outlets, libraries, pubs, community centres each week. Verified pick-up rate of 97%.

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

Advertising

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 17th August 2022

Man ordered to pay £999 after dropping cigarette butt A Kingswood man has been ordered to pay almost £1,000 after being found guilty of littering, following the first court case related to South Gloucestershire Council’s new street enforcement service. Naresh Mahay, 30, of Fairview Road, was found guilty in his absence after failing to appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court last Monday. He was fined £220 along with a £34 victim surcharge and ordered to pay costs of £745, making a total of £999. The court heard that on 11th March, the council’s street enforcement officers were on uniform patrol in Regent Street in Kingswood when they saw Mahay smoking outside a betting shop. They saw him throw his cigarette end away and walk back into the bookmakers. It

transpired that he had thrown the cigarette end down the drain by where he had been standing. The officer approached Mahay and pointed out the offence of littering. Mahay argued that he had thrown it down the drain, however he was advised that this was still a littering offence and he was issued with a fixed penalty notice (FPN). He failed to make any payment so the prosecution for the offence of littering was brought via the court. After the court case Cllr Rachael Hunt, Cabinet member responsible for environmental enforcement at South Gloucestershire Council, said: “Discarding cigarette ends is becoming one of the most common forms of littering that the street enforcement officers are encountering, especially in our high street locations, and I

Youths walk over cars A group of youths walked across the bonnets and roofs of a number of cars parked in a layby on Rowan Walk in Keynsham at around 11pm on Thursday 4th August.

If you have any information about the incident, call the police on 101, giving reference number 5222188840. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The Week in • Wednesday 17th August 2022

Regent Street in Kingswood

am pleased by this outcome, which is the first court case related to the work of South Gloucestershire Council’s new street enforcement service that we introduced at the start of the year. “Smokers are encouraged to dispose of their smoking litter in the bins provided or take it home with them. There is a common misconception that by throwing the cigarette litter down the drain that is somehow a lesser thing to do than throwing it on the ground.

However, both instances constitute littering with those thrown down drains eventually making their way into water courses and potentially even the sea/ocean. It can take between 18 months and 10 years for the component parts of a cigarette end to decompose.” FPNs for littering carry a £150 charge but if paid within the first 10 days are reduced to £75 as an opportunity to discharge any criminal liability.

24-hour gym planned for former Staple Hill shop Plans to turn the recently closed Original Factory Shop in Staple Hill into a 24-hour gym have been submitted to South Gloucestershire Council. The Broad Street shop closed on 15th July. A company spokesperson told us last month that the landlord was looking to redevelop this site which meant they had to exit their lease. Now an application to change the use from retail to gymnasium has been lodged by owners Greenstone Noble Ltd. They say they are keen to introduce new tenants and Snap Fitness have reached an agreement to utilise the premises for a 24hour gymnasium. Their application states: “There are no changes proposed to the building, apart from internal modifications to provide for changing and shower facilities and the gymnasium area itself. These changes do not

require planning permission. “The only changes sought are those relating to hours of operation. The shop has been open from 9am-6pm Monday to Saturday and restricted hours on a Sunday. The proposal seeks to provide 24-hour facilities. Snap Fitness will be staffed by two full-time employees (general manager/assistant manager) and three to four personal trainers. The gym will be staffed from 6.30am to 9pm. This will be based on typical industry shift patterns. Personal trainers will also operate outside of these hours depending on demand. “Outside of these hours the premises can only be accessed through a secure membership system, which uses a membership card swipe system. This allows entry into the internal lobby, while preventing potential tailgating. The system recognises if two people try to enter using the same card and will not provide access to the

facilities unless two cards are used. These facilities cater to modern living/working conditions.”

The planning reference is P22/04759/CLP and the deadline for comments is 3rd September.

Crackdown on drivers ignoring road closure Police have been carrying out patrols and say

work. A diversion is in place.

Play area refurbishment

they have spoken to many motorists who have

The South Gloucestershire neighbourhood

been ignoring the road closure signs at Teewell

policing team say that many drivers they spoke

Work has got under way to replace the

vandalism. South Gloucestershire Council

Hill in Staple Hill.

to were cooperative and given words of advice

equipment at the play area at Beaufort Road in

says the project is being funded with £45,000

The road closed to traffic for four weeks from

but others received warnings and a few are

Downend following three serious incidents of

in developer contributions.

25th July for essential gas main replacement

being considered for court proceedings.

The Week in • Wednesday 17th August 2022

Scorching weather prompts fire danger warnings With the spell of hot weather set to continue, despite some rain expected this week, Avon Fire & Rescue Service are urging people to stay safe and help reduce the chance of grass, woodland and crop fires. In hot conditions, fires can develop and spread rapidly with greater severity, especially due to increased barbecues and bonfires, flames from which have the potential to spread wildly across dry grass and crops. A large section of grassland caught fire at Stoke Park in Bristol last Thursday after a barbecue was left unattended. There was also a report of a fire at the Blackhorse Road playing fields in Mangotsfield at the weekend

and reports of youths trying to set fire to grass at Manor Road playing fields in Keynsham. Avon Fire and Rescue Service area manager Vaughan Jenkins said: "As the hot weather continues, I know it can be tempting to have a barbecue with friends and family, but with the ground so dry it poses a significant fire risk. "We're asking everyone to do their bit and take care to reduce the risk of fires starting in the first place. "We will always be there if you need us in an emergency, but let’s work together to make sure our resources are available for those who need us most.” If you're going to have a barbecue, they are best used: • In your garden. • Away from your home. • A safe distance from anything that could catch fire, including hedges, sheds or garden furniture. • If using a disposable barbecue, place it on a flat, nonflammable surface and only dispose of it once it's cold.

Manor Road playing field

Troopers Hill

• Dispose of smoking materials responsibly, make sure cigarettes are fully out and cold before being put in a bin - do not drop them on the ground. People are asked to pick up their litter and not leave bottles or glass in dry areas as sunlight shining through the glass can start a fire. If you see a grass fire, you are urged to move to a safe place and call 999 immediately -

don't try and tackle it yourself. Meanwhile the Friends of Troopers Hill Nature Reserve in St George are urging people to be very careful when visiting the beauty spot in this dry spell. “Barbecues are a no-no. Take care with cigarette butts and please put all litter in the bins. We have had large fires in the past, let's make sure we don't have one this year.”

No plans for a hosepipe ban Wessex Water says there are still no plans for

Groundwater resources are below average but

a hosepipe ban in our region but urges

still above the levels of the 1976 drought when

everyone to continue to use water responsibly.

we saw the region’s last hosepipe ban.

The region is unusual in that 75% of the water

Groundwater is more resilient so providing we

is groundwater and only 25% surface water

get 80% of normal winter rain, we will not

from reservoirs. Nationally only about 30%

have any problems next year, adds Wessex

comes from groundwater.

Water.

Reservoir storage in the Wessex Water region

For the utility company’s tips on saving water

visit https://tinyurl.com/s42rnv92

currently

61%

total

capacity.

Heatwave crime alert With the exceptional weather, Avon &

your car keys. If leaving your home, even for

Somerset Police say that many of us will be

a very short period, always ensure it is locked

spending more time in our gardens and urge

and secure. Finally, if hosting a garden party /

people to keep their front doors and windows

barbecue, consider your impact on social

shut and locked.

media. It is well advised to celebrate after the

“Sadly, opportunist criminals will take

event than before. Posting on social platforms

advantage of this heatwave, either entering

that you will all be in the back garden is an

homes or reaching through openings and

advert that your home is most likely empty,

taking what they can, which could include

quite likely with windows open.”

The Week in • Wednesday 17th August 2022

LETTERS Praise for buses

Although it is no longer a requirement to wear

I received a short reply to my letter. Mr Norris

a Mayor who claims responsibility for

Dear The Week In

a mask, if the bus is pretty full you can wear

did not comment on my arguments but simply

transport yet appears to have little influence

I have filled in the Big Choices bus survey to

one. Also people say that they are not very

responded by saying that as First Bus are a

and even fewer ideas on how to fix our

the best of my ability, finding that most

clean but I don’t agree. The people who use

commercial company, he had no influence

transport system.

questions do not apply to me!

them should take their rubbish with them or

over their operations. Even so, I had expected

Mr P Gould

I have held a senior bus pass since 2008 at the

place cans or crisp packets in the bin on the

he would at least pass my comments on and

age of 60. I have used it ever since then and

bus. And drinks and food should not be

lobby to persuade the bus company to

sold my car in 2011 when I retired and worked

consumed on the buses. There used to be

reconsider.

out the cost of running it was horrendous. And

notices stating this on the buses. Most of us

I then read that Mr Norris was to convene a

Concern over site of new zebra crossing

no, I am not sorry that I did so.

have much respect for other users and the

public meeting at Yate on Monday 1st August.

Dear Editor

Despite the pandemic I have only had a few

drivers who get us to and from wherever we

I travelled to that meeting by car (in the

I live on Lower Hanham Road – and no one

occasions when the bus has not turned up.

wish to go.

absence of a bus service), expecting to be able

consulted with us about the new zebra crossing

Few people of my age (73) actually work out

A very happy bus user

to repeat my arguments and to ask Mr Norris

currently being installed on the semi-blind

the true cost of running a car – it’s very

whether he had made an attempt to lobby First

bend just up from the Queen’s Head pub.

expensive. And most elderly drivers only do

Bus on behalf of those people he represents in

As of Monday 8th August, Lower Hanham

Downend.

Road is closed in both directions with notices

Many people were already seated in the hall

of diversions from both Kingswood and Hanham.

If the bus stop is not right outside their door

Mayor’s ‘lack of influence’ over transport system

they may just have to walk a little way to one.

Dear Editor

when Mr Norris arrived. He immediately

Of course many elderly people can’t walk too

Earlier this year it was announced that the Y2

announced that this was not going to be a

far but many would find the benefits of

bus service from Yate to Bristol via Downend

conventional public meeting. He didn’t want

walking just a little way good for their health

was to be axed. I wrote to West of England

to hear us airing our views. He had come to

and wellbeing.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris in the hope that he

Yate to organise a workshop so that we could

Many elderly drivers should not be driving

might intervene. After all, each edition of all

resolve the many problems he faces. Therefore

anyway. The form that you have to complete

local free newspapers carries a half-page

we were instructed to leave our seats, move

to renew your driving licence should have to

advert drawing attention to the Mayor’s role in

tables and chairs around and form tables of 10

be authorised by your GP as many of us know

transport planning.

people. Then Mr Norris moved quickly around

of those who should not still be driving,

In that letter I reminded the Mayor that without

the tables, choosing who he would speak to

reactions in busy traffic, etc.

the Y2 service, Yate and Chipping Sodbury

(usually one person per table) and ignoring

Why does the questionnaire ask about

would be impossible to reach by public

many people, including my wife and I even

It didn’t stop a car speeding uphill on Monday

ethnicity? What difference does that make to

transport from Downend. I also pointed out

though I endeavoured to engage him in

evening. The driver wasn’t aware of the closed

the running of any public transport? The buses

that First Bus has run down the service since

conversation.

part of the road until the barriers were in plain

are capable of catering for the disabled and

the start of the pandemic by reducing the

It then became clear that certain lobby groups

sight. A quick right-hand turn at speed into

they do so very well, it’s the mothers with

service from half-hourly just to hourly, then

which seemed always to include councillors

Woodyleaze Drive saw the car come to a halt

pushchairs that can sometimes cause problems

finally two-hourly.

were being prioritised, I felt the whole exercise

in a garden opposite the entrance to the pub car

with space!

Furthermore, Downend has lost its link to Yate

was extremely patronising and an affront to

park. The skid marks on the road tell the tale.

What about us non-payers paying £20/£25 a

yet Winterbourne is still served by two buses.

democracy,

If anyone had been on the yet to be completed

year for our bus passes. After all, you have to

The only other direct bus link between

Something that did emerge at the meeting is

zebra crossing at the time, they’d have been

pay for a senior rail card!

Downend and Bristol, the 48 service, has now

that whereas councils in the West of England

killed for sure. It’s a dice with death to cross

I am certain that most OAP/bus pass-holders

been significantly reduced in regularity and is

area are spending only £20.49 per head of

at that point – if you live locally, you just

would willingly do so. Also, when you come

unreliable. When returning from Bristol, most

population on buses, Greater Manchester

wouldn’t choose to cross there. Traffic whizzes

to the age when you can get a senior bus pass,

buses along Fishponds Road now service the

spends £67.58 and Liverpool £63.58. So

both up and down ‘LHR’ and vehicles also

you should have to apply for one as at the

University of the West of England (Service

perhaps our councillors are letting us down.

spring fast out of Mount Hill Road at that

present time they are automatically issued at

48a), not Downend. This means that a journey

Yet Mr Norris’s predominant message was to

point. It’s a complete act of madness to put

retirement age. This must cost the bus

from Bristol to Downend more often than not

expect more cuts in the autumn.

pedestrians in that space.

companies! Lots of people receive them

has to be broken at Fishponds, often at least

Therefore, having attended this charade of a

Us neighbours, several of us who have grown

automatically but never use them.

doubling journey times.

meeting, I am left wondering what to make of

up on Lower Hanham Road, would never have

short journeys anyway.

The Week in • Wednesday 17th August 2022

LETTERS put the zebra crossing there – but nobody asked us – or anyone else. Why not? A Lower Hanham Road resident Editor’s note: In 2020 South Gloucestershire Council held a public consultation into putting a zebra crossing on a speed table south of the junction of Mount Hill Road and Tabernacle Road. It followed a petition led by the local MP and a crossing assessment in 2015. There were a total of 28 responses to the consultation with overwhelming support (96%) for a crossing. In response to concerns raised at the time that the positioning of the crossing would be very dangerous, the council said the location was a suitable distance from the junction, that signage would be installed and that the footway would be built out to stop vehicles turning out into the zebra at speed.

Let’s get Keynsham thriving again Dear Editor I am a regular reader of your weekly paper and

and not turn away.

local volunteers have once again done us proud

Thank you, keep up the good work.

with the floral displays in Page Park in Staple

H Hanson

Hill and the Alec Large Park in Mangotsfield. Cllr Michael Bell

was surprised to read some articles still

Fabulous florals

remarking on the no-go aspect of our once

Dear Editor

thriving High Street.

The South Glos Council Streetcare team and

People I've heard just won't drive into

Page Park

Keynsham for shopping, or just meeting a friend like they used to, since all these changes and traffic closures. Why, oh why, have council members done this without any regard for local residents’ opinions?

Alec Large Park

The ironic thing is I recall people being asked what they thought but plans still went ahead and it resulted in a fancy cycleway painted red that blind people cannot see and still risk falling. More expense to have fancy planters, for decoration. I am not able to walk at the

Keep Stockwood tidier

moment and so use a wheelchair, but even if I

Dear Editor

used my 4-wheel walker would find the

My parents have lived in Stockwood for many

pavement impossible to negotiate, so I just

years. Now some residents there don’t care

haven't been out in the High Street. Keynsham

about their gardens and leave their rubbish on

I see is also about to get another charity shop

the Green Belt behind the school in Whittock

when Church's move out. We need another

Road. One time if you had a council house,

newsagent and stationers, and specialised

you had a warning regarding the garden; if you

outlets to bring custom to a lovely little town -

did not comply with these regulations, you

there's already too many charity shops now!

were out. But today that doesn’t apply any

Our local councillors take credit for re-opening

more. One time this was the best area in

the public toilets in Ashton Way car park, but

Bristol. The views across Bristol, there was

we have to pay to use them now - great!

none better. So I say to the people who don’t

Please, please get the High Street back to what

care and have no respect for your area, I feel

it was and spend time sorting out ample car

sorry for you. It must be your upbringing.

parks to welcome more visitors and hopefully

I admire the pensioner who goes round the

new trade will follow.

fields picking up mess. She deserves a medal.

Keynsham has so much new housing around

TT, Bristol

the town, surely that alone is business we need

Extension at Cossham Hospital Work is under way on an extension to Cossham Hospital. The single-storey extension in the north-west corner will be used by the diagnostic imaging department and will provide new CT and MRI scanners, with support accommodation at ground-floor level, and plant rooms at lower-ground floor level.

Sudoku 1-Easy

SUNDAY CHEMISTS Sunday 21st 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 17th August 2022

Developer seeks to build more homes after appeal win Developer Horizon Construction Bristol Ltd have won their appeal for permission in principle to build up to five homes on land next to Kingwood Rugby Club. They are now hoping to build even more, with an outline planning application recently lodged with South Gloucestershire Council for nine houses on the site. An inspector appointed by the Secretary of State backed Horizon, who were seeking to

develop paddock land behind 58-68 Grimsbury Road. A South Gloucestershire Council planning officer had recommended approval, but the development management committee had refused the application in March, saying it would lead to conflict between vehicles and pedestrians using the access lane and would be a cramped development. The developer than appealed.

Appeal against storage yard enforcement notice South Gloucestershire Council has issued an enforcement notice against the change of use of land in Oldland Common from garages to a storage yard. The council says there has been a breach of planning control at the site off Henfield Crescent, which is accessed by a lane, but the site owner is appealing. A fence cordons off the area surrounding the garages and the council says that “paraphernalia” associated with business use and waste collected from building sites has been stored there, adding that the “uncontrolled use” has been causing disturbance. The council has also flagged up a road safety risk from commercial vehicles reversing.

The notice takes effect from Friday (19th August) and the council is ordering that the storage of non-residential items ends permanently and that the fence is taken down. The owner, who has an address near Chippenham, says the skip on the site has been removed and there will be no further activity other than residential garage use, but he wants to keep the fence. He says: “We have had numinous break-ins and damage done to the garage doors over the time of our ownership; the fence does not hinder nor detract from the area, it only protects our property.” The matter will be decided by a planning inspector.

There had been 20 objections to the plans. At the time local councillor Alison Evans said that multiple previous planning applications for the site had been refused and although planning for three detached houses had been approved back in 2017 (since lapsing), it was at a time when the council was unable to demonstrate a five-year land supply of housing, which was not now the case. The inspector allowed the appeal saying the site is suitable for residential development and it was unclear why there would necessarily be a conflict between different users of the access. In terms of concerns raised about land ownership, he said that is a separate civil matter between the respective landowners.

The latest application is for nine threebedroom houses on land to the rear of Grimsbury Road and Baden Road in a “consolidated residential development”. The application site has been enlarged from the smaller site to now encompass garden land previously associated with 9 Baden Road. The proposed townhouses are arranged as three pairs of semis and a terrace of three, each with private rear gardens. The existing access lane from Grimsbury Road would be realigned and widened to 4.8 metres and connect Grimsbury Road to courtyard parking areas situated to the east of the proposed houses. A total of 18 parking spaces are proposed. The planning reference is P22/03189/O.

The access

Crossword ACROSS

DOWN

1. Mollusc (7)

1. Disorder (8)

8. Mythical creature (7)

2. Change (5)

9. Performer (7)

4. Mexican village (6)

10. Refuse to deal

5. Cunning (4)

with (7)

6. Temporary stay (7)

11. Nocturnal bird (4,3)

7. Biting insect (4)

14. Decompose (3) 16. Worry (4) 18. Limit (4) 19. Augury (4) 20. Certain (4) 21. Unused (3) 23. Release (7) 26. Gourd plant (7) 28. Experience (7) 29. Fiendish (7)

3. Lariat (5)

12. Naked (4) 13. Small bird (4) 15. Urban area (4) 16. Hill (4) 17. Loft access (8) 18. Hermit (7) 22. Castrated male (6) 24. Apple drink (5) 25. Of the ear (5) 26. Nosegay (4) 27. Monarch (4)

30. Athlete (7)

The Week in • Wednesday 17th August 2022

Man jailed for romance fraud scam A fraudster from Marksbury has been jailed after trying to deceive a woman he met through a dating site to transfer him money. Sebastian Timmis was jailed earlier this month after pleading guilty to fraud by false

representation for a romance fraud he attempted. On 1st May, the 30-year-old began communicating with a woman via a dating site. Within 24 hours he told her he was looking for someone to fall in love with and that she did not need to keep her dating

Village now has a public defibrillator Oldland Common now has a defibrillator, thanks to a fundraising campaign. As St Anne’s Church Hall is reasonably central to the village, the management committee there made inquiries about obtaining a defibrillator to be located on the external wall for public use. Hall manager Terry Scull said the 54th Kingswood Scout Group started fundraising as did St Anne’s Church and Phoenix Judo Club which meets at the hall. He said Bitton Parish Council and NatWest Bank arranged for a donation and a number of other hall users also held fundraising events and made donations. Mr Scull said they made contact with charity Jay’s Aim, which had donated a defibrillator to a school in Hanham. Jay’s Aim was established with the target of

profile any more now they had found each other. Quickly afterwards he asked her to transfer him £50 for petrol, telling her his wallet had been stolen. When challenged he claimed his friends couldn’t help him, his family were abroad and he was unable to get to work without her financial help. The woman did not transfer him any money but did an internet search and found media stories showing Timmis had previously been sentenced for multiple romance fraud offences. Timmis, of Hill View, was handed a 12-week prison sentence at Bath

Sebastian Timmis

Magistrates’ Court. He was also recalled to prison to serve the remainder of a sentence he received last year for similar offences. He will not be eligible for release until January 2024.

Bridge inspections may slow journeys reducing the rate of sudden cardiac death among young people in the region. The charity said it could give a defibrillator for St Anne’s Church Hall for a donation. Following the delivery of the defibrillator it was installed by Jack Clail Electrical Services. The picture show Joanne Philips, chair of the Scout Group, and hall manager Terry Scull with the new defibrillator.

The Week in • Wednesday 17th August 2022

South Gloucestershire Council is carrying out inspections of five bridges on the Bristol & Bath Railway Path this week and next week. The structures between Bitton railway station and the River Avon boundary with Bath and North East Somerset are being looked at in detail. Contractors are using vehicles that may be parked on the path. Marshals are helping walkers and cyclists around scaffolding

The bridge over the River Avon

towers, and path users may have to slow down or stop for a few minutes if necessary.

Charity’s free boutique Brislington-based charity Hope for Ukraine has a boutique stocked with new or very good condition clothes that have been donated but have not been required in the Ukraine. The charity says the boutique at its main hub at Carmel City Church has had a complete refresh, with summer and autumn clothes available in sizes 8 to 24, along with shoes, bags, toiletries. All are free of charge for Ukrainian guests. If you are a Ukraine host/guest call 07933 712584 or email

Continuing support for Ukrainian refugees who have settled in B&NES Bath and North East Somerset has welcomed 240 Ukrainian refugees under the Homes for Ukraine (H4U) scheme over the past five months. Under the scheme, 148 adults and 92 children and young people have escaped the war and are currently settled in safe, secure accommodation provided by kind-hearted residents. An additional 13 guests who arrived in B&NES have since left to return to Ukraine or another country. The refugees and their sponsor families are being supported by Bath & North East Somerset Council

info@hopeforukraine.org.uk to arrange a visit. For up-to-date details of what donations the charity currently needs, and the opening times of donation hubs in and around Keynsham, visit https://hopeforukraine.org.uk/ or search ‘Hope for Ukraine Bristol’ on Facebook.

and other local partners. An additional 81 refugees have been matched with sponsors in B&NES but are yet to make the 1,700mile journey. Several groups have been set up to support sponsors and guests across the area including the Keynsham Ukrainian Support Network, while Saltford Community Association is providing every arriving family with a welcome pack including an iPad donated by Futura Learning Partnership and a free SIM card from Vodafone.

Bike scheme for refugees As part of South Gloucestershire Council’s Wheels to Work programme, there is an initiative to provide refurbished bicycles along with locks and lights free of charge to Ukrainian refugees. This would help them with travelling to interviews, open days, job fairs, courses, training, work placements, apprenticeships or for the first month of

a new job. The programme is also hoping to provide bikes to Ukrainian children where they would be of use to help them travel to school. If you have any bikes you would be able to donate, there is a drop-off point at Lyde Green Community Centre. All bikes will be thoroughly checked over and any repairs made by Dr Bike.

The Community Page

A busy year for The Week In Community Having postponed the original meeting set for July because of the forecast 35-degree heatwave, The Week In Community’s annual meeting took earlier this month amidst (relatively) cooler conditions. Although the main purpose is to satisfy the statutory requirements of the society to elect a governing board, the small group of members who attended the Royal British Legion in Keynsham were also able to discuss ongoing issues and future aims. Stephen Rodgers, Becky Feather, Tracy Broderick and David Brassington, who all stood down at the end of their one-year roles, were all re-elected. They will be joined this

year by Ric Davison. Chairman Stephen Rodgers’ annual report highlighted some of the initiatives during the year, in particular the success of the two university internships. Sophie Mead and Kamui Oshino had been able to ‘road test’ some of the plans to make The Week In more appealing to a younger audience. The launch of the paper’s Instagram account and the acquisition of video recording equipment, thanks to a grant from Keynsham Town Council, have laid solid foundations and the next step will be to add a younger member or school leaver to The Week In team later in the year. Grant funding continues to make progress

albeit slower than hoped for. The time in preparing applications and keeping to deadlines was at times difficult when combined with the pressures of producing a

Severn Estuary tidal power At the request of two members, the editorial stance of The Week In on the development of tidal energy in the Severn Estuary was discussed. Whilst not entirely a local issue and with no firms plans in the public domain, the subject has been

brought back into consideration following a recent meeting between the West of England Mayor and First Minister for Wales. The members agreed that supporting the scheme should become editorial policy.

The future of local bus services With the subject regularly taking up column inches in the paper, The Week In Community hosted a public meeting in Keynsham last week (see our front page). Against the backdrop of local bus companies operating at only three-quarters of pre-pandemic fare revenue and Government assistance due to end next month, there have already been a lot of service cuts announced and coupled with driver shortages, the situation will only get worse. West of England Mayor Dan Norris was able to get people talking about the wider implications of what is needed for the

newspaper every week. As the membership of the society has expanded, volunteers are starting to come forward who may well be able to ease the situation.

The meeting in Keynsham

future. Arranging the meeting is just one of the areas beyond newspaper publishing where The Week In Community is looking to engage with local communities and giving them an opportunity to be heard.

The Week in • Wednesday 17th August 2022

Volunteers needed to help struggling families in Bristol & South Glos A local charity which supports families through some of their toughest times is looking for new volunteers to join its training course this September, as demand from struggling families grows. Home-Start Bristol recruits and trains volunteers, who typically spend two to three hours a week visiting a family in their own home, providing non-judgemental, compassionate support tailored to the family’s needs. The charity helps to support families in Bristol and South Gloucestershire who may be struggling and who have at least one child under the age of five. Terri Fletcher, manager of Home-Start Bristol (HSB), said: “We are seeing a growing need from young families, as pressures on them increase. As we go into the autumn, we are

expecting this trend to continue. The after-effects of the pandemic, including increased isolation and financial pressures, coupled with the rising cost of living, are putting families under more stress and impacting children. “Many of our families are single parents, so having that regular support from a volunteer can provide key emotional support, practical help to connect them to community groups, and positive effects on the children which can last for life. Our volunteers gain training, skills and confidence working with families. Many have gone on to find paid work in early years development, education, and social care.” Volunteers usually have parenting experience themselves and stand side by side with parents to give children a better start. The volunteer training course starts on 20th September and runs every Tuesday from 9.30am to 2.30pm for five weeks, finishing on 18th October. It will be held at Greenway Centre, Southmead and volunteer travel expenses will be paid. HSB welcomes volunteers

Visit https://homestartbristol.org.uk, email admin@ homestartbristol.org.uk, or phone Terri Fletcher on 0117 9501170 to find out more. Founded in 1973, the charity has more than 180 Home-Starts across the UK, including the Bristol one.

Situations Vacant

of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences.

Advice on financial support and money-saving tips South Gloucestershire Council is working to help people manage their budgets in light of the rise in the cost of living. This month officers from the council’s financial support team are out in shopping centres across South Gloucestershire to talk to people about the various help available as well as offering top tips to save money. The pop-up roadshows will offer information about eligibility and how to apply for funds and extra support available to people who need it. There will also be information on rebates and reductions, as well as guidance on where to check if you are eligible for national support such as the Universal Credit top-up payment. The council has also produced tips and advice to help save money in and around the home. There will be information on how to cook smarter to save money on

energy bills, keep your house cool in summer and warm in winter, and how to make the most of the food you buy. The waste and recycling team will also be on hand to give handy hints on how to minimise food waste. There is a roadshow tomorrow (Thursday) from 10am-2pm at Willow Brook Shopping Centre, Bradley Stoke; on Thursday 25th August from 11am-3pm at Yate Shopping Centre and on Tuesday 30th August (10am- 2pm) at Kings Chase Shopping Centre, Kingswood.

The Week in • Wednesday 17th 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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The Week in • Wednesday 17th August 2022

The Week In - Issue 743 - 17th August 2022