The Week In - Issue 746 - 7th September 2022

THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset

7th September 2022

Issue 746

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Nurseries suspended by Ofsted close for good as owners call in the liquidators Four local nurseries under suspension by Ofsted because of safeguarding concerns have now shut for good, leaving parents desperate to find alternative childcare.

Leaping Lambs at Elim Church in Balmoral Road in Keynsham and at Jarretts Garden Centre in Willsbridge had been temporarily closed since 9th August.

A few days later Ofsted also suspended the registration at Leaping Lambs at Swineford as well as Caterpillars in Bath which is in the same ownership.

At the time Ofsted said the registrations had been suspended for an initial period of six weeks and the situation would be reviewed regularly and the suspensions lifted if they believed that children were no longer at risk.

But we have learned that the owners, Rebecca and Michael Lewis, contacted parents last Thursday to say that it was “impossible” for them to continue as a company. They had plans to open another nursery - Broadlands Bears - at Broadlands Academy in Keynsham this month which have

The nursery in Balmoral Road, Keynsham

Also in this week’s issue

now been scrapped.

The Week In understands that the nurseries at Balmoral Road and Willsbridge have also been under investigation by “outside agencies” and Ofsted had not even started its own investigations there. Meanwhile the owners had been working with Ofsted to put in place everything the watchdog requested at Swineford and at Caterpillars, which is on the Royal United Hospital campus.

The owners have told parents that they had explored all the different options but that with no possible opening date, they had to cease trading and had instructed liquidators.

On Friday a South Gloucestershire Council spokesperson said: “We can confirm that Leaping Lambs has ceased trading and closed their settings in South Gloucestershire permanently. We have written to those families affected with details of alternative nursery providers, so that families can continue to claim their free nursery education entitlement in

Swineford

Developer starts work on Wick Green Belt site without permission . . . page 2

Council’s property arm’s plans for landmark Keynsham building . . . page 3

Willsbridge

the autumn term.

“We provide information on all registered childcare providers in the area on our website at www.southglos.gov.uk/childcare under ‘Find Childcare’.”

This week Cllr Dine Romero, Cabinet member for Children and Young People, and Communities at Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “We have been informed by the provider of Leaping Lambs and Caterpillars that it has chosen to close all four of its settings. We are working with childcare providers and Ofsted because we recognise the impact this will have on families who have been using the settings.

“There are more than 200 Ofsted-registered childcare providers in B&NES which can be found on our ‘Find Childcare’ web pages, however, as is the case across the country, there are currently challenges finding childcare places in some areas. You can contact us with any questions via https://livewell.bathnes.gov.uk/contact” Why were the nurseries suspended? See page 3

£17m bid to improve green transport links in Kingswood . . . page 5

Bad news for bus users is confirmed . . . pages 10 & 11

Anger as Wick developer starts work without planning permission A developer wanting to build 22 homes on Green Belt land in Wick has come under fire for starting work on the site next to the A420.

Two-metre high hoarding has been put up alongside the greenfield site, prompting calls for South Gloucestershire Council to take enforcement action. Black metal gate posts have also gone up.

No decision has yet been taken by the council over the outline planning application lodged

by Wick Land Ltd for the site to the south of High Street/Church Road.

On Friday local councillors Ben Stokes and Steve Reade said in a statement: “We share residents’ frustration over this developer’s unacceptable decision to ignore longstanding procedures by boarding up the site and starting work without any kind of planning permission. We have been in contact with the council’s enforcement team and are working to ensure these premature works are halted and the hoarding removed.

A South Gloucestershire Council

2

spokesperson said: “The hoarding has been erected without the necessary planning permission and our enforcement team have advised the landowner that the fencing is in breach of planning control, and we have instructed them to remove it.”

Whereas “a balanced range of two and fourbedroom homes” was initially suggested, a recent change shows 14 four-bed houses are proposed along with three three-bed houses, three two-bed flats and two one-bed flats; 40% would be “affordable”.

The planning application says the site, which is just under six-and-a-half acres, is part of the village as there is built development on three sides, and any harm to the Green Belt would be “very limited”.

The application includes a new car park which the developer says will help the management of visitors to the nearby Golden Valley Nature Reserve. The proposal also includes creating an extension to the reserve and a new footpath to link to the existing public right of way.

Local people have highlighted concerns about the land being in the Green Belt and on a flood plain and the impact on a Site of Nature Conservation Interest. There is also concern about the extra traffic it would generate.

The Environment Agency has objected, saying there is no acceptable flood risk assessment. The council’s transport officer has said there isn’t enough information to

assess the suitability of the access, and that the proposal lacks a safe and suitable walking route between the on-site car park and nature reserve.

Wick & Abson Parish Council has warned that the development would have considerably detrimental effects on the Green Belt and has concerns about the impact on the River Boyd which is home to wildlife including otters and kingfishers.

The Week in • Wednesday 7th September 2022

Plans for six flats in landmark building Plans to turn a landmark Georgian property in Keynsham into flats have been revealed by Aequus Developments, the property arm of Bath & North East Somerset Council.

Two two-bed flats and four one-bed flats are proposed for Grade II listed Milward House on Bristol Road. The property is currently empty and was last used as offices.

The former Friends' Meeting House dates from the mid18th century.

The architects’ report accompanying the planning application says the building lends itself well to internal sub-division with relatively little impact on the historic fabric. They add: “There are currently a maximum of three parking spaces at the rear. It will be necessary to argue that housing in this central location does not need to fully comply with the parking provisions recommendation in planning terms.”

The Week in • Wednesday 7th September 2022

Details emerge of safeguarding concerns Ofsted’s website shows that as of Friday 2nd September, Leaping Lambs in Swineford, Keynsham and Willsbridge, as well as Caterpillars in Bath, have all closed, as has Broadlands Bears in Keynsham which had been registered in March and was due to open soon.

But what exactly led Ofsted to suspend registrations and issue welfare requirements notices at Swineford and at Caterpillars remains unclear.

Ofsted posted notices on Friday, saying that on 10th August they had identified concerns that the provider was not meeting some legal requirements at the two nurseries and had carried out regulatory visits the following day. Welfare requirements notices were issued, with a 9th September deadline for actions. The provider's registration of both settings was suspended on 12th August.

The actions Ofsted ordered at Swineford were to: • Ensure the designated lead for safeguarding has the appropriate knowledge, understanding and skills to be able to undertake the role effectively.

• Ensure allegations made about staff are managed in line with the local safeguarding partner's procedures and are referred to the local authority designated officer.

• Ensure all staff have up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding issues and can identify signs of possible abuse and neglect at the earliest opportunity.

• Ensure all staff know they must disclose relevant information that may affect their suitability to work with children.

• Ensure signs of possible abuse and neglect are responded to in a timely and appropriate way, referring concerns to agencies with statutory safeguarding responsibilities without delay.

The actions needed at Caterpillars were to: • Ensure allegations made about staff are managed in line with the local safeguarding partner's procedures and are referred to the local authority designated officer.

• Ensure all staff have up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding issues and can identify signs of possible abuse and neglect at the earliest opportunity and understand the importance of escalating concerns that are not dealt with appropriately.

• Ensure signs of possible abuse and neglect are responded to in a timely and appropriate way, referring concerns to agencies with statutory safeguarding responsibilities without delay.

• Ensure children are adequately supervised.

• Develop staff's knowledge of what constitutes physical intervention and its appropriate use.

Last Wednesday, Ofsted visited both nurseries again and felt that although some actions had been met, they needed more information. But before they could gather that, the owners notified them on Friday that they wished to resign their registration.

The Week In has asked the owners if they wish to comment.

3

Wellsway to close for resurfacing Bath & North East Somerset Council’s

three days. Signs on lamp posts anticipate

contractors Volker will be resurfacing

four days, as do the ones on bus stops

part of Wellsway in Keynsham from

advising

Monday (12th September) which will mean

Meanwhile more signs suggest parking

road closures between 7am and 7pm and

suspension from 12th to 14th September.

diversions.

The council says that markings to the

The stretch is from near Rockhill Estate to

recently

the Compton Dando turning. However, there

treatment on Wellsway will be reinstalled,

is confusion over how long the work will

likely on the last day of resurfacing, meaning

take. Yellow road signs say five days

the road will be closed all the way to the

although a letter to local residents says up to

Two-Headed Man junction.

passengers

completed

of

suspensions.

surface

dressing

Four arrested after police pursuit Four men aged between 19 and 22 were

wrong up the High Street and into Charlton

arrested following a police chase with

Road before heading towards Whitchurch. It

helicopter support through Keynsham which

was found in Otterford Close and two men

ended in Whitchurch last Thursday.

were detained nearby. Two others were

Police officers tried to stop a car in Bath just

detained in Chessington Avenue.

before 8pm but it was driven off at speed. In

Two were arrested on suspicion of burglary

Keynsham, it went along Wellsway, the

and two on suspicion of vehicle theft.

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.

Funding boost for sports clubs in Longwell Green and Hanham Sports clubs in Hanham and Longwell Green are to receive a share of more than £90,000 funding.

The funding comes in the form of developer contributions, secured by South Gloucestershire Council from the Mount Pleasant Farm development in Longwell Green which is required to be invested in Cllrs Toby Savage, left and Christine Price with local sports facilities. the late Alderman John Calway at The Centre Longwell Green Sports Football Club will receive almost £50,000 to fund upgrades represent Longwell Green, said: “With of the boiler and shower facilities at The interest in football at such a high after the Centre, formerly known as Longwell Green fantastic performance by the Lionesses at the Euros, it is important to ensure we have the Community Centre.

And AEK-BOCO Football Club are set to facilities in place to help encourage as many receive just under £42,000 to fund the people as possible to take part. installation of cycle shelter parking racks and “We are particularly pleased to see funding drainage improvements at Greenbank Road going towards improvements at The Centre Playing Field, helping to encourage people to given the recent passing of Alderman John travel to the club by more sustainable modes Calway, who had a particular fondness for it, having chaired the centre’s management of transport.

Cllrs Toby Savage and Christine Price, who committee for 12 years.”

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The Week in • Wednesday 7th September 2022

Bid to Levelling Up Fund for £17m to improve Kingswood travel links A £17m funding bid to Government for better transport links from Kingswood High Street to nearby green and cultural spaces has been formally submitted by South Gloucestershire Council.

The Connecting Kingswood Project aims to deliver a new phase of the Kingswood Masterplan and builds on the £25m investment vision for the town centre. It would see active travel links being established to Kingswood Park, Southey Park, Magpie Bottom, Grimsbury Farm, the Bristol & Bath Railway Path, Avon Valley Woodlands and Kingswood Heritage Museum and gardens.

As part of the project, which is seeking funding from the

Kingswood Park

The Week in • Wednesday 7th September 2022

second round of the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, new physical routes will be created and existing ones improved, enhanced by planting, cycle hub facilities, resting spaces and a new community café in Southey Park.

It would establish the community as a ‘Walkers are Welcome’ town, delivering a boost to eco-tourism, leisure, recreation, hospitality and retail businesses in the area.

This week the leader of South Gloucestershire Council, Cllr Toby Savage, said: “I am pleased we will be looking to improve accessibility to key locations in the area and creating a greener and more pleasant environment with people at the heart of regeneration.”

Chairman of the Friends of Southey Park, Rhys Eggleton, said: “This bid will go a great way to linking the marvellous green spaces across Kingswood and we fully support the work by the council to feature Southey Park within the plans.”

An important factor of the bidding process is that the proposals must address the impacts of climate change and directly impact those facing the highest levels of deprivation.

• Keynsham has already been accredited with national Walkers are Welcome status, which Kingswood is seeking.

The group is organising a Keynsham Mini Walking Festival later this month and we will have details next week.

Southey Park

Kingswood Museum

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The Week in • Wednesday 7th September 2022

Hundreds enjoy record-breaking Bitton church fete Hundreds of people turned out for the annual Bitton church fete on Saturday which turned out to be a fundraising record-breaker.

The rain held off for the event which was held on the Glebe Field, in St Mary’s Church and the garden of neighbouring Church Farm, and the organisers provisionally reported that the fete raised £10,436 - an all-time record.

The afternoon began with the traditional pageant re-enacting

the local ancient ceremony of the crowning of the king or queen of the meadows.

Visitors were entertained on the field by Oldland Brass Band, Tatters & Tails Morris and Professor Hudd’s Punch & Judy.

Highcroft Veterinary Centre ran a dog show and there were plenty of stalls, a display of classic cars, traditional games including egg throwing, and the chance to try archery with the Companions of the Longbow. There were also food stalls and bars.

Tea and cakes were served in the church where there was a needlework display and the photography competition entries.

Natalie Morton and St Mary’s Music Group performed in the church and local band the Jazzbeanz entertained visitors enjoying cream teas on the lawn at Church Farm.

The fete is part of year-round activities to maintain the historic Grade I listed church.

Crowds at the fete.

ALL PICTURES: Jim Heavens

Tatters & Tails Morris

Raffle winner Wendy Stone with her hamper

Oldland Brass Band

The jams & preserves stall

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The Week in • Wednesday 7th September 2022

7

LETTERS Support circus which helped library campaign

stopping and not even noticing when someone is halfway

Dear Editor In 2016 the Save Hanham Library campaign was at its height.

Many will remember Chris Bullzini, the tightrope artist, who was a keen supporter of the campaign. At one of the demonstrations outside the library and community centre, he performed free for several hours, drawing crowds, especially families with children. This helped draw attention to the campaign. Having moved on to Evercreech in Somerset shortly after, he has now set up a circus down there.

His next show runs from Friday to Sunday, 9th to 11th September, and now’s the chance for Hanhamites to see lots of professional circus performers, as well as repaying Chris’s generous support of the campaign.

Performances will be repeated for three days from Friday to Sunday. The times are 6pm on Friday, 2pm and 6pm on Saturday and on Sunday at 1pm and 5pm.

Each show lasts two hours. The venue is The Circus Yard, Prestleigh, Evercreech, Somerset, BA4 6LW. Tickets are £10 or family tickets up to £43. You can pay at the door or ring Chris on 0775 755 153 for tickets. The link to Eventbrite to purchase tickets online is https://tinyurl.com/3sv587er Brian Iles

made aware of this crossing. Most of the speeding traffic has

The perils of being a pedestrian Dear Editor Walking along the Wellsway in Keynsham is scary most of the time, often terrifying.

The speed limit is ignored by the majority of drivers. Why are speed cushions not in use, particularly in the 20mph limit zone? Anyone keeping to the limit is frequently overtaken by other drivers. Overgrown hedges and other vegetation push pedestrian into the path of traffic. The crossings are death traps, with many motorists not bothering to stop, even swerving round the poor person using the crossing. Again, why no speed cushions?

The narrow end of the Wellsway, (i.e. the Bath Road end) is a nightmare. Buses and large lorries mount the pavement as that is the only way to get by traffic from the opposite direction.

Why isn’t priority given to traffic from the Bath Road roundabout, with traffic from the other direction having to give way? This arrangement would means pavements could be wider than 18 inches and pedestrians would not get walloped by wing mirrors. The crossing on the Bath Road by the Grasmere is another hazard for pedestrians with many cars not

8

across. Speed cushions at the give way points of the roundabout would slow traffic and maybe motorists would be come up from Bath Hill, terrifying when at the Talbot bus stop and apparently heading at you. I am wondering if concrete lorries and skip lorries even have the capacity to go as slow as 20mph. Another case for speed cushions on the roundabout at the top of the hill.

Pedestrians are also poorly served by the appalling states of some pavements – Chandag Road is typical, and now being made even more appalling by the “superfast broadband” installation. The situation is not helped by the amount of cars and vans parked half on pavements, damaging the pavement surface, creating potholes for rainwater to collect in. I’ve seen a mum having to push her pram into the road thanks to the selfishness of motorists. And pity the poor souls with mobility scooters. Street lighting is completely wasted on many roads where trees and hedges have enveloped the lamp post, the light never reaching the pavement. Why can’t residents be made to keep their garden within their boundary?

Sue Jackson

Stop penalising Keynsham Dear Editor So it would seem that Bath & North East Somerset Council have decided to give shoppers another reason to avoid Keynsham with their decision to increase parking charges. Not content with the debacle that is the remedial work to the High Street/cycle lane with its ongoing cost of “enhancements” and continuing injuries sustained by the public, this decision will have a negative impact on traders struggling to keep their businesses afloat.

Many people are having to prioritise their spending due to the looming financial crisis due to the increase in their energy bills, and I accept that B&NES Council are not immune from this, so now is the time for making the right decisions - and increasing parking charges is clearly not one of them.

Keynsham has always been penalised with regards to charges for parking - Midsomer Norton, Paulton, Radstock, Peasedown St John and Saltford, amongst others, are free to park! Even just down the road at Kingswood (South Glos) parking is free.

Perhaps Keynsham is part of B&NES in name only?

These increases will do nothing to help the decline of our High Street, but when it comes to Keynsham it would seem that stupidity and short-sightedness walk hand in hand.

John Howlett

Post Office still hoping to reopen Warmley Tower branch The Post Office says it is still looking to restore services to the community following the sudden closure of the Warmley Tower branch last November.

The convenience store on the corner of Tower Road South and Cadbury Heath Road that included the branch closed at short notice and the postmaster resigned. The shop remains boarded up.

The vacancy has been advertised on www.runapostoffice.co.uk and it will soon be re-advertised.

A spokesperson for the Post Office said: “We are still looking to restore service to the community and we would encourage any interested retailer to contact us.”

Meanwhile no decision has yet been taken by South Gloucestershire Council on controversial plans to build a Tesco convenience store on the opposite corner of the road, next to the King William IV pub which involves demolition of part of the building. A new access off Tower Road South to serve a reconfigured car park is The old Post Office being proposed.

Earlier this summer consultants for developer Cordages Estates said the proposed store had been redesigned to address issues raised by South Gloucestershire Council’s urban design and conservation officers, while road safety concerns flagged up by the council’s highways officer had also been addressed, including using smaller delivery vehicles.

There is speculation that should the store get approval, it could incorporate a post office.

King Billy pub

The Week in • Wednesday 7th September 2022

Fun raft race from Keynsham to Hotwells raises close to £3,000 A fun raft race from Keynsham to Hotwells in Bristol has raised close to £3,000 for three good causes.

Keynsham firm 4Concrete organised the 10-mile challenge which saw six rafts setting off from the town’s marina on the morning of Sunday 28th August.

Jamie Britt from 4Concrete said the day had been “excellent” and will now become an annual event following requests from all participants.

He said: “The reason we did this is my father-in-law Richard Beach died six months ago. He had suffered a stroke 16 years ago and also had a heart operation six years ago and was taken away from us too soon. He was the best father-in-law you could ask for.

“25 years ago, Richard, his son Shawn and I did a raft challenge to raise money for the Bristol baby unit; 25 years later we thought we would do this again and raise money in memory of Richard.”

He thanked all the people who have kindly donated to raise money for the British Heart Foundation, stroke charity Different Strokes and also Alzheimer’s UK as Jamie said his own father has recently been diagnosed with dementia.

Jamie said: “I would like to thank everyone who came and supported all of us through the day, cheering us on which kept us all going to the end, it was very much appreciated.

“We had some minor repairs to rafts, also capsized rafts and also a couple of our phones were lost in the water but this didn’t stop us draining the water back out, getting back on finishing the challenge and to make the day even better all the rafts finishing the challenge at Hotwells.”

A total of 15 companies sponsored the event - 4Concrete, Vanbase, Bom IT Solutions, K&C Garage, CMW Services, AJM Groundworks, Bratton Transport Solutions Ltd, IJ McGill Transport and Severn Civils, Supreme Lounge, RJ Scaffolding, JK Mobility, Premier Cement, Cemfloor and Another Level Projects – whose raft won the race.

Sudoku 1-Easy

SUNDAY CHEMISTS Sunday 11th September

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 7th September 2022

9

Bad news for bus users as 178 and Last Wednesday First finally confirmed one of the worstkept secrets that the 178 bus service will be withdrawn next month.

The announcement also contained bad news for bus users in south and east Bristol with the cancellation of the 5 and 96 services, although a new number 47 route is designed to mitigate some of the impact of the withdrawal of the former.

The new service will connect Yate to Bristol via Pucklechurch, Emersons Green, Downend and Fishponds.

In south Bristol, the 36 service between the city centre and Brislington will terminate in St Annes after 9th October. The 96 from Brislington to Hengrove via the Tesco store is to be withdrawn on the same day.

Last month we reported that the 178 service from Radstock to Bristol via Keynsham was under threat once more but First refused to comment until it had completed its network review.

A last-minute announcement on 19th August from the Government of an additional £130m of emergency funding for bus operators to see them through to next April brought some hope that First may be able to rethink some of its strategy.

routes, it will leave large areas with virtually no bus service to speak of. The route provides a vital link between Keynsham and villages to the south as well as an additional service into central Bristol via Brislington and the A4. When it ceases on 9th October, villages like Marksbury will have

But it appears it is not just the financial realities of running the network with only 75% of pre-pandemic fare income which is driving First West of England’s decision-making.

With the company currently over 100 drivers short, this is not only impacting on its ability to operate its network but preventing rival operators from taking over routes such as the 178.

Although First will start a new 379 to link Paulton, Radstock and Midsomer Norton with Bristol and Bath via more direct

just one bus a week (to Bath) while High Littleton will have none.

First proposed a similar scheme last year which would have resulted in the 178 terminating in Keynsham. But it dropped the plan after the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) found extra cash to keep it running. But now, not even an offer from WECA to keep funding the service was enough to persuade First.

Doug Claringbold, managing director of First West of

Duck race returns Pensford Tennis Club’s annual duck race returns to the Rising Sun pub in Church Street, Pensford, on Sunday (11th September), with the day starting at 11am.

The event is open to everyone and no booking is required.

The race will start at 2pm but before that there will be lots of fun activities. Families and children can enjoy activities including a lucky dip, raffle, guess the weight of the duck and duck hoopla.

Proceeds are in aid of the new clubhouse fund. You can buy as many ducks as you like, even if you can’t attend.

They cost £1 each and they can be purchased via www.pensfordtennisclub.co.uk

Crossword

ACROSS

DOWN

1. Exceed (7)

1. Shovel (5)

5. Abyss (5)

2. Lift (5)

8. Downwind (3)

3. Examine (7)

9. Stir up (7)

4. Drowsy (6)

10. Zodiac sign (5)

5. Discontinue (5)

11. Hard mineral (5)

6. Enliven (7)

13. Foreword (7)

7. Advise wrongly (7)

15. Eye infection (4)

12. Cow's sound (3)

17. Beverage (6)

14. Repose (4)

19. Extend, scatter (6)

16. Freshwater duck (4)

22. Tray (anag.) (4)

17. Irritable (7)

24. Heart chamber (7)

18. Portable gun (7)

26. Fruit liquid (5)

20. Sleepwear (7)

29. Caber (anag.) (5)

21. Curve (3)

30. Women (7)

23. Type of jacket (6)

31. Sheep (3)

25. Applaud (5)

32. Raise objection to (5)

27. Eskimo home (5) 28. Follow (5)

33. Make good (7)

10

The Week in • Wednesday 7th September 2022

other services are cancelled England, said: “We recognise the impact these changes will have on some of our communities and are truly sorry for those who will be affected. We’ve actively engaged with local authorities to try to keep these services running.

“We had high hopes that, as we moved beyond the pandemic and COVID restrictions, we would see a stronger recovery in bus use. Unfortunately, the world has changed more than we predicted and we are still seeing a significantly lower level of bus use, as well as different travel patterns across our network. On top of this, like the rest of the bus industry and other sectors, we are operating against the backdrop of rising business costs and labour shortages that are particularly acute in our area.

“Our data shows that passengers do not use these services in

sufficient numbers and are unlikely to return. Along with the significant driver shortages, this means we simply have no choice but to withdraw or reduce those services and ensure we focus on running buses where there are enough customers travelling.”

Bus industry sources have told The Week In that West of England Mayor Dan Norris has been in direct contact with other bus companies about taking over the 178 and none are prepared to do so. Like First, the main constraint remains a lack of drivers.

Mr Norris told us: “Like many residents I’m disappointed that buses are set to be cut. Unfortunately First Bus took the decision to stop running a number of routes, including the 178. While the new 379 (covering the Wells Road, Hallatrow,

Paulton, Midsomer Norton, Radstock, Peasedown St John and Odd Down areas) will serve a good chunk of the old route, I appreciate some direct links are set to be lost.

“This isn’t down to money - there is still cash on the table and I’d like to see a service connecting High Littleton, Timsbury, Marksbury and Keynsham. The big problem is a lack of drivers. During the pandemic many left the profession, some returning to Europe and some becoming HGV lorry drivers. Unfortunately the Government wrote to bus drivers suggesting that they become HGV lorry drivers which has exacerbated the problem. Given the severe bus driver shortage I am working with bus companies on driver recruitment and training - but as you will appreciate this is not a short-term fix.”

Bristol Community Transport closes The news of bus cuts comes at the same time as the abrupt closure of Bristol Community Transport (BCT) on Friday (2nd September).

As we reported in last week’s issue, the troubled community transport organisation had already ceased its dial-a-ride and community bus services. On Friday, its depot at Parson Street in Bedminster closed permanently and with it some local services. BCT operated the m1

The Week in • Wednesday 7th September 2022

metrobus service on behalf of First. The service was suspended over the weekend with First taking up operation on Monday morning.

Its other bus services that have ceased include Route 52 (South Bristol Hospital to Old Market), Route 55 (South Bristol to Bristol Airport), Route 511 (Bedminster to Hengrove), Route 515 (Stockwood to Hartcliffe) and Route 516 (Knowle to Hengrove Park via Whitchurch).

11

Heritage Open Days return Venues across our area will be opening up their doors for Heritage Open Days from Friday 9th to Sunday 18th September.

The nationwide celebration of history and culture is a chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences for free.

In Bath & North East Somerset Council there will be the chance to take a walk around Keynsham by award-winning

Still no plans for a hosepipe ban The Environment Agency put the whole of the South West

theatre company Show of Strength, which will tell the town’s story like never before, and to visit Keynsham's Grade II* listed Albert Mill to learn about the area’s significant industrial history.

The remains of the medieval Keynsham Abbey will be open to visitors as will the town’s Durley Hill Cemetery which is both a Victorian burial ground and the location of a major Roman archaeological site. Other venues open in B&NES will be Saltford Brass Mill.

In South Gloucestershire, people are invited to discover the local area’s rich history of zinc and brass production at Kingswood Heritage Museum or peer behind the scenes at Brandy Bottom Colliery to learn more about the district’s coal

industry. You can also visit the Grade II listed Warmley Midland Railway Signal Box and discover hidden grottoes and subterranean tunnels in William Champion’s Garden behind Kingswood Museum.

And Frenchay Chapel, the oldest purpose-built nonconformist chapel in the country still in use by a Unitarian congregation, will also be opening its doors.

Among the attractions in Bristol is the chance to discover the history of the camera at the Royal Photographic Society at Paintworks in Arnos Vale.

Full details of all Heritage Open Days and opening times can be found at https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/

of England into drought status last week following some of the driest conditions in nearly 90 years.

Bristol, Somerset, Dorset, South Gloucestershire and parts of Wiltshire, referred to in the Environment Agency as the Wessex area, have now joined Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly which had already been declared to be in a drought earlier in August.

In a statement Bristol Water said: “We do not anticipate the need for any hosepipe bans or water supply restrictions in the Bristol Water supply area this year. This is due to our current reservoir storage and how together we're all reducing the amount of water we use. We are continuing to carefully monitor our water resources due to very low levels of rainfall over the summer.”

Durley Hill Cemetery

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Web: thetileandbathroomwarehouse.com | Tel: 01179 770011 The Week in • Wednesday 7th September 2022

The Community Page

Making Oldland Parish a more vibrant place to live, work and play Thank you to the many people who have so far contributed to our community engagement project using the Interactive Map. Your input is extremely valuable and helped to create a good foundation on which to find sustainable solutions. Phase Two seeks to build on what we have learnt and begin to focus on key themes.

The new Oldland Parish Hub provides access to unique pages dedicated to key themes. You can still have your say by continuing to use the Interactive Map or contribute by interacting with a theme. The themes focus on Getting

Visit the Oldland Parish Hub to hear what people have told us, listen to what we initially plan to do and find out how you can get involved. The new platform provides an interactive tool for communicating with our community. We are keen to get conversations going about key issues and concerns and get the community’s backing for making changes where needed.

If you are unable to use or access the technology, please get involved using email, letter, or telephone. There is still nothing better than a face-to-face conversation, so we are also

Around, Getting Actively Involved, Getting Our Environment Right and Getting Young People Involved.

As your first tier of local government, we are keen to offer people every opportunity to get involved. If you have a keen interest in any of the themes and would like to become more active in developing ideas, please make contact. For example, under the theme of Getting Around, pavement parking has been raised as a significant issue. Not just does pavement parking effect people’s ability to get around, it puts people in danger. However, some consider it reasonable for people to walk out into the road regardless. If this is an issue that affects you or someone you know, either interact using the Oldland Parish Hub or get in touch.

keen to meet people on an individual basis and anyone is welcome to attend one of our council meetings.

We want to ensure everyone has an opportunity to have their say and get actively involved. For more info, scan the QR code or visit https://opencommunityhubmap.commonplace.is/ Steve Skidmore Parish Development Specialist, Oldland Parish Council Email: steve.skidmore@oldlandparishcouncil.co.uk Tel: 0117 9673941

Community at 67 launches autumn programme Community at 67 in Keynsham has something for everyone as it reopens following building work this month.

For children and young people there is a maths group which helps children enjoy and develop their maths skills and a weekly coding club.

There is a weekly group for mums to meet and support one another. Running alongside this is the weekly coffee morning for anyone to drop in and have a coffee, a chat and meet new people. The charity also runs a weekly coffee and craft group for anyone wanting to develop their skills and discover new ones.

For anyone who want to develop their digital skills or just want to know how to use a computer, drop into the weekly internet café where a group of friendly volunteers are on hand to support you.

Community at 67 is working with the Wellbeing College to offer courses to help support people.

In addition, the centre hosts a wide range of sessions provided by groups hiring the premises. If you want to set up a group and are looking for somewhere to meet Community at 67 has a well-equipped kitchen, Wi-Fi and a loop system.

For details of all the activities visit www.community-67.org or ring 07737 742300.

Art project kickstarts community garden Church St Barnabas Church in Warmley recently hosted an art installation featuring five local artists who managed to present their work in such a way that viewers were challenged to think about the wonders of creation that sadly, we as humans, have neglected to care for.

The works were loaned by Hazelnut Community Farm where church worship is very much connected to the natural world and takes place in the open, rather than a church building. They garden and grow produce that is then shared with their local

community.

This has inspired St Barnabas Church to clear a plot of land and with the help of a grant from Siston Parish Council, we have been able to buy the materials from a local wood merchant (Bendrey Brothers).

Warmley Men in Sheds kindly gave their time to erect two raised beds to kickstart the beginnings of a community garden on the church site.

An official blessing and opening of the garden will take place in the autumn.

Sally Sibley

The Week in • Wednesday 7th September 2022

holiday club More than 50 children from local primary schools attended the Waste Watchers’ Holiday Club run by St James’ Church in Mangotsfield last month. It explored a Christian response to the ongoing needs of our planet and youngsters had a lot of fun, including junk modelling. During the course of the week the holiday club received a visit from South Gloucestershire Council staff who reinforced the message about the need to reduce food waste.

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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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