The Week In - Issue 756 - 16th November 2022

THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset

16th November 2022

Issue 756

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Traffic ban trial to start on rural rat run A traffic ban trial will hit commuters travelling between

after Dapwell Lane coming from Queen Charlton.

Keynsham and Bristol from this week.

Pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and people driving mobility

The through-traffic restriction trial on Queen Charlton Lane

scooters will still be able to pass through, but not unauthorised

from tomorrow (Thursday) will run for a minimum of six

vehicles. The emergency services and landowners/farmers will

months.

be able to drop the bollards to gain access. In front of both sets

Queen Charlton Lane has traditionally been heavily used by

of bollards there will be space for vehicles to turn. There will

through traffic in the morning and afternoon peaks, with drivers

be advanced warning signs.

using the route to 'queue jump' the traffic at the Woollard

B&NES says the scheme is the first of several improvements

Lane/A37 junction at Whitchurch Village.

proposed for the Whitchurch Village and Queen Charlton area

The ban means that commuter traffic will be diverted instead

under

along Charlton Road and Woollard Lane.

programme. Meanwhile the council is also introducing two

Bath & North East Somerset Council said: “Queen Charlton

Liveable Neighbourhood schemes in Bath this week - at

Lane will be trialled as a ‘no through route’ to prevent motorists

Southlands in Weston and Church Street in Widcombe.

the

community-led

Liveable

Neighbourhoods

using it as an inappropriate short cut when travelling between Keynsham and Bristol. The aim is to ensure this narrow, rural lane is a safe environment for those walking, cycling and horse riding without restricting vehicle access to homes, businesses and farmland.”

The traffic ban came about after local residents raised the problems of through traffic and anti-social driving during a consultation about ‘Liveable Neighbourhoods’ in 2021.

The council said: “We consulted residents about this specific proposal in August and having considered all the feedback have decided to trial the scheme for six months under an experimental traffic restriction order. During this time residents will be able to comment on how it’s working for them.”

The trial is introducing a traffic-free area in Queen Charlton Lane by installing two sets of droppable bollards and temporary wooden planters. One will be just after Furthermead

Kingswood Remembrance parade row Kingswood’s Remembrance Sunday parade was cancelled a few days before the event in a row blamed by the Royal British Legion on “bureaucracy”.

The Kingswood & Hanham branch of the RBL announced on Facebook that it was off but that wreaths could still be collected from Cecil Road car park.

The wreath-laying at the war memorial at Holy Trinity Church, followed by a service, still went ahead and some Beavers, Cubs and Scouts still marched - on the pavement - from Cecil Road to the church.

Branch chairman Neville Wooding told The Week In that

“a long-standing divergence of views between the RBL and most local government authorities, including South Gloucestershire” was to blame for the parade not going ahead.

He said: “The RBL take the view that this is a civic occasion, and the local authority should ‘own’ the event. South Glos takes the view that the RBL should ‘own’ it.”

Continued on page 2

Farm (coming from the A37/Whitchurch Village), the other

Christmas Craft Fayre

Sunday 20th November 11am - 3pm

at Warmley Community Centre 20 Deanery Road, Kingswood, BS15 9JB FREE ENTRY Refreshments available to buy

Also in this week’s issue

Go-ahead for major redevelopment in Oldland Common . . . page 2

Fundraising appeal after arson attack in Pucklechurch . . . page 3

Keynsham campaigners at forefront of airport appeal . . . page 7

Images from local Remembrance services . . . page 14

Redevelopment of Chief Trading Post site is approved Plans to redevelop the seven-acre Chief Trading Post site in Oldland Common have been approved by South Gloucestershire Council.

Full planning permission has been granted to demolish the existing buildings on the old nurseries site at Barry Road and

for a retail/café building plus six supported living homes.

Outline permission has been given for 50 new homes, some of them ‘affordable’, and a new GP surgery with enhanced facilities for the Hanham Health branch surgery which is currently in Oldland Common High Street.

Kingswood Remembrance parade row Continued from page 1 A council spokesperson told us: “We are saddened that the organisers of Kingswood Remembrance Day parade decided it couldn’t take place in its usual format this year due to an issue with public liability insurance. We are proud to support Remembrance Day services which enable our communities to come together in a moment of shared reflection. Our role is to administer and authorise any

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requests for road closures to enable associated parades to take place, and parades in other areas of South Gloucestershire went ahead as planned.”

Staple Hill & District Royal British Legion again ran their annual parade and service thanks to a crowdfunding appeal to cover costs.

See page 14 for pictures from some of the local parades and services

Weighing up the plans from developer Oldland Common LLP, the planning officer said the hybrid planning application would conflict with the council’s development plan due to its open countryside and Green Belt location. However, the overall public benefits of housing (35% of it ‘affordable’), a health centre, the economic benefits and employment opportunities, plus the developer’s planning obligations, outweigh the harm.

The officer said the merits of the site include the redevelopment of previously developed land and its relatively sustainable location to schools, community facilities and bus stops with “relatively regularly” services.

The developer is obliged to carry out traffic calming measures on Barry Road, provide a zebra crossing, footway improvements, improvements to the access at the junction with Barry Road and the junction with Oakleigh Gardens, plus relocate and improve the two nearest bus stops.

The package of obligations also includes the developer making contributions to on and off-site public open space and sports facilities, and library enhancements.

Bitton Parish Council had supported the rebuilding and relocation of the Chief Trading Post, the supported living accommodation and medical facility but had concerns because of the poor bus service, insufficient parking and the creation of more traffic using Barry Road and that a precedent could be set for more development in the area.

There had been 35 objections sharing similar concerns plus 26 responses in support.

The Week in • Wednesday 16th November 2022

Arson attack on horse yard An arsonist has attacked premises near Pucklechurch where three horses are stabled.

The fire was started in the toilet block of a building used for storage and as a workshop at Pucklechurch Barn. It destroyed the building and spread through the roof of the adjoining stables where horses Bracken, Tally and Molly are kept.

Gemma Carter from Staple Hill co-owns the

The fire

horses with her mum Jane and friend Emily Brewer and they rent the premises at Westerleigh Road.

Gemma said that whoever started the blaze had opened the stable doors. Tally and Molly had already got out but the neighbour who raised the alarm had to get a terrified Bracken out of his stable.

A fundraising appeal has been launched as they lost everything they had stored there and are looking for new premises.

Emily has set up the appeal https://tinyurl.com/3c9je4hs - on the GoFundMe website. As we went to print £700 had been raised of the £2,000 goal.

Emily said: “Thankfully all three horses are safe and un-injured. The problem being we have lost everything in the fire as the barn is completely burnt down.

“This includes medication for all

Fire damage

three horses which in total is worth thousands. Any help would be greatly appreciated, we are absolutely devastated and are going to try our best to replace everything we lost - rugs, feed, bedding, hay, tack, etc. but as people will appreciate it’s going to be a major project.”

Gemma, Jane and Emily have thanked the fire service who rescued the chickens whose shed is right next to the building that was destroyed in the fire.

Avon Fire & Rescue Service said: “We were called at 22.31 on 4th November to reports

of a barn fire on Westerleigh Road, Pucklechurch.

“Fire engines from Kingswood, Yate and Hicks Gate attended the incident and found the fire affecting a building being used as a paddock and workshop.

“Crews used two 45mm jets and two high pressure hose reels to extinguish the fire, before using thermal imaging cameras to check for hotspots while damping down the area.

“The cause of the fire is thought to be deliberate ignition.”

£895 5

Emily with Bracken

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The Week in • Wednesday 16th November 2022

3

‘No interest in reopening post office’ The Post Office announced last week that the Warmley Tower branch, which closed last November, will remain closed.

The postmaster resigned when the convenience store on the corner of Tower Road South and Cadbury Heath Road suddenly closed. The shop remains

boarded up.

Two months ago (Issue 746) we reported that the Post Office was still looking to restore services to the community. But now Scott Lacey, the Post Office’s Network provision lead, has announced that there has been no interest or formal applications for

the position.

He said: “We would of course consider any appropriate options if there are any significant changes in the area in the future.

However, due to the length of time the branch has been closed, we would need to satisfy ourselves that any new opportunity would be sustainable for both Post Office Ltd and the operator.”

Meanwhile no decision has yet been taken by South Gloucestershire Council on the controversial plans to build a Tesco convenience store opposite the boarded-up corner shop.

The plans for land next to the King William IV involves demolishing part of the pub and putting in a new access off Tower Road South to serve a reconfigured car park.

‘Assault’ by spectator Avon & Somerset Police have received an online report of an assault, understood to have been on a referee, at Bitton AFC Sports Club. Police say: “A man reported that he was grabbed and threatened at about 3.15pm on Sunday 6th November by a male spectator at a football match. If you

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.

witnessed the incident or have any other information, please call 101 and give the reference 5222268145.”

The match was a Gloucestershire County Women’s League fixture between Bitton Ladies and Gloucester City and was abandoned at half time.

New venue for councillors Kingswood councillors Andrea Reid and April Begley are starting up their regular surgeries from this week at a new venue.

They will be at Holy Trinity Church Hall on the first Thursday of the month from 5pm to 6pm and on the third Thursday from 11am to noon, coinciding with when We are BS15’s community fridge is open.

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The Week in • Wednesday 16th November 2022

‘Pillar of the community’ dies Search for Tributes have been paid to a “pillar of the community” who has died.

Jane Allinson, a former deputy headteacher, was a serving Bitton parish councillor. A former South Gloucestershire councillor for the Oldland Common ward, she had worked on the education committee and chaired the committee responsible for RE in schools.

Jane had also been a governor at St Barnabas Primary School in Warmley since the early 1980s. Paying tribute to their mother, her sons Jonathan and Adam said she had been diagnosed in the middle of August with a brain tumour and had met this “with typical resilience and pragmatism”.

She had managed to enjoy one last holiday in Devon with family including her two grandchildren. She died at home in North Common on Monday 7th November.

In a statement Bitton Parish Council said it was “deeply saddened” to hear of her passing: “Jane was a cornerstone of Bitton Parish Council and a pillar of the community who was never afraid to get involved in any task for the benefit of our residents. Her dedication to the council was exemplary and will be a huge loss.

“Our thoughts go out to her husband Roger and family at this very sad time.”

In a statement Stanbridge Primary School in Downend, where Jane Allinson was a former deputy head, said: “There are many members in our school community who were taught by Jane and she holds a very special place in our collective hearts.”

The Week in • Wednesday 16th November 2022

community heroes

Jane Allinson

“Our condolences go to Jane's husband Roger, (who was also a former teacher at Stanbridge), and her two sons.”

Other tributes have been posted on social media by former pupils. Comments include: “Best teacher in the world”.

Another said: “I will always remember her as my favourite teacher who made school a happy place.”

One recalled “Her love of Manchester United took us on a school trip to Old Trafford.”

Jane Allinson’s funeral is on Thursday 1st December at 12.30pm at Westerleigh Crematorium, followed by a service at Unity Church in Oldland Common at 2pm.

South Gloucestershire Council wants to hear from residents about volunteers who make a difference in their area, from litter picking groups to the befriending volunteers who brighten people’s days.

The Chair of the council Cllr Sanjay Shambhu is calling for nominations of people who have made a difference to be put forward for the Chair’s 2022-2023 Community Awards.

There are several suggested areas of contribution, such as community development, promoting equality, arts, sports, play, environment, working with vulnerable or young people, advice and advocacy, and being a good neighbour.

You can nominate a person or a community group and it’s very easy to do. The deadline is Friday (18th November) and all the information on the awards, including how to make a nomination, can be found at southglos.gov.uk/communityawards

Keep in touch, let us know what you think, send us your news www.facebook.com/theweekin

5

13 South Glos schools set to join new academy trust Thirteen schools in South Gloucestershire are set to break away from council control to join a new multi-academy trust.

A stakeholder consultation has been taking place about plans for the schools to convert to academy status and become part of The Leaf Trust on a target opening date of 1st August 2023.

The 13 schools looking to join the new trust are: • St Barnabas C of E Primary School at Warmley • Cadbury Heath Primary School • Kings’ Forest Primary School and Nursery in Kingswood • Emersons Green Primary School • Blackhorse Primary School at Emersons Green

Car arson in Whitchurch Fire crews from Bedminster were called to tackle a blazing car in Pennard Road in Whitchurch in the early hours of last Friday.

The cause of the fire is thought to be deliberate.

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• Mangotsfield C of E Primary School • Stanbridge Primary School at Downend • Staple Hill Primary School • The Tynings Primary School at Staple Hill • Hanham Primary Federation (Hanham Abbots Junior School & Samuel White Infant School) • Bowsland Green in Bradley Stoke • Wheatfield Primary School in Bradley Stoke The Government’s Education Bill has set out the intention that all schools should convert to become academies and join together to form multi-academy trusts (MATs) by 2030. Such trusts are set up to run and improve schools.

The regional deputy director in charge of school provision across the South West wants to see a new multi-academy trust established in South Gloucestershire and supports the idea of it being entirely focused on primary and early years settings instead of the current MATs which are led by secondary schools.

Academies have more control over how they do things; for example, they do not have to follow the National Curriculum and can set their own term times.

All the schools looking to join The Leaf Trust currently have

Good Ofsted grades other than Mangotsfield, which was rated as Outstanding at its last inspection nearly 10 years ago, while Cadbury Heath was told in 2020 that it needed to make some improvements.

A warm welcome The United Church in Longwell Green is offering a ‘Warm Space’ on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am to noon for people to enjoy hot drinks, a warm environment and the chance to meet other members of the community.

There will be home-made soup on Wednesdays too.

• In next week’s issue we’ll have details of more places in our area which are providing safe, warm and welcoming spaces this winter.

The Week in • Wednesday 16th November 2022

Keynsham campaigners at forefront of airport fight Campaigners from Keynsham joined Metro Mayor Dan Norris and other protesters outside the High Court against the proposed expansion of Bristol Airport.

Bristol Airport Action Network’s High Court challenge into the legality of the planning inquiry's decision to allow Bristol Airport's plans was held at the Bristol Civil Justice Centre last Tuesday and Wednesday.

Sarah Shorter, from Keynsham Extinction Rebellion, said that up to 300 people had attended the rally, giving voice to their anger that local democracy had been totally ignored

by Government planning inspectors earlier ths year when they upheld the airport's bid to expand, quashing the decision by North Somerset Council to deny planning permission.

She said: “Local MPs, the West of England Combined Authority and people from the Chew Valley and beyond, who will be suffering from all the noise and pollution from extra night flights and road traffic, all expressed their opposition to the expansion but this was totally ignored by the inspectors.

“Many of us marched from Welsh Back to the court in Redcliff Street, following the Extinction Rebellion Landing Crew, dressed as air marshals, singing Never Take Away

My Voice by Helen Yeomans. Gathering in front of the court, we heard poignant speeches from a member of Doctors Against Climate Change, Green councillor Carla Denyer, and members of Bristol Airport Action Network (BAAN) who have been working tirelessly against the expansion for the last three years.

“Keynsham Extinction Rebellion was well represented there, along with members from Chew Valley, Bristol and Bath.

“BAAN’s legal team called for this statutory appeal, which took place over 8th and 9th November before a judge. They cited the many points in law that the inspectors had ignored, such as local core policies and national climate change policies.

“At a meeting in Keynsham Baptist Church Hall on 19th October, members of BAAN explained to an audience of about 50 people how the expansion would lead to an extra two million passengers per year, releasing an extra one million tonnes of carbon per year.

Compare this to the half a million tonnes of carbon released by all of Bristol's traffic annually - that's twice as much! As well as the extra night flights, there would also be the huge impact on local residents of 10,000 more cars, including a scheme to drop off

More appointments for patients on weekends and evenings GP practices across the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire health region are making more slots available outside of traditional opening hours.

Since the beginning of last month, most practices have begun to offer a select number of appointments in the evenings and at weekends, says the region’s Integrated Care Board.

The practices have also expanded the types of appointment being offered to patients, with many whose conditions do not require an in-person conversation receiving prompt and effective care over the telephone or by video call.

However, despite the introduction of more virtually-held consultations, patients are assured that face-to-face appointments are still very much available. In September, 65 per cent of all patient interactions in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire were carried out in person.

More than 10,000 people across the region took part in the latest GP Patient Survey,

which measures satisfaction of local primary care, and around one in 10 questioned said they had received care either online or over the phone.

Of those who were offered a virtual appointment, more than 77 per cent were satisfied to have had their care provided this way. Two-thirds of those who were questioned said they would consider proactively asking for a virtual appointment in future.

In Keynsham, West View Surgery offers extended hours for patients who work full time and find it difficult to come to the surgery during normal the surgery hours of 8am to 6pm. The practice holds later evening surgeries one evening every week, as well as a Saturday morning surgery once a month. These appointments are only prebookable.

And Temple House practice in the town opens for booked appointments with a doctor on two Saturday mornings each month. The surgery also offers booked latenight appointments one evening each week, the day varying from week to week.

The Week in • Wednesday 16th November 2022

Dan Norris with campaigners

bags the day before, which could double this.

Hearing this compelled many of us to write and sign letters to MPs and to go and make our presence felt outside the court.”

Metro Mayor Dan Norris, who opposed the airport’s current expansion plans in his manifesto, successfully changed West of England Combined Authority policy to this position soon after he was elected. Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset Council, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset councils also oppose the expansion.

Mayor Norris questions whether the Government’s lack of a national airport policy is consistent with their obligations under the Paris Agreement agreed at COP21.

Addressing residents campaigning outside the court last week he said: “A piecemeal approach does not work. If 20 regional airports all individually decide to expand, it would lead to an extra 80 million passengers a year. But due to a lack of Government policy, no consideration is being given to the

combined impact of their additional emissions. Treating each regional airport in isolation is artificially minimising the perceived climate impact.

“If the planet wasn’t heating dangerously; if the tech for zero carbon flights existed commercially; if Bristol Airport was at capacity for passengers; if local people wholeheartedly supported the expansion then maybe there would be an economic argument. But that’s a lot of 'ifs' and that’s not the case.

“The expansion of Bristol Airport would drive a coach and horses through our net zero targets and set a really dangerous precedent when it comes to other airports and their expansion plans. It shouldn’t go ahead. Yet I fear judges will be hampered by a lack of national airport policy.”

Justice Lane heard the points of law contested by BAAN and argued by the Government and Bristol Airport briefs. His decision is now awaited.

Some of of Keynsham Extinction Rebellion members

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LETTERS Keynsham town planners need to listen Dear Editor I noticed that last week’s front page of The Week In points out the future plans for Temple Street in Keynsham. It seems no one is taking any notice of people's dissatisfaction of the plans to partly close the road. Won't that cause more traffic going into Rock Road, then Park Road to get access to the other end of Keynsham?

I, for one like many others need to get to the health centre and driving through Temple Street is the normal way we go, but in future we'll need to use the other way more causing pollution and hold-ups, not to mention costing more in fuel!

I also notice traders in Temple Street are nervous as footfall will dwindle and if one cannot walk then people won't shop there.

The town planners need to pay attention to residents’ views, and not think of spending valuable cash on planters and paint. I am dismayed with old plans still going ahead.

Keynsham has been ruined and new solutions have not improved our town.

Anon

A cheaper way to improve Temple Street

The High Street is slightly more attractive, but can you really say you notice that much difference (the workmanship is terrible, judging by the cracked slabs which will, no doubt, be replaced with non-matching replacements - eventually)? And I still trip over the cycle lane kerb!

It's time councils start listening to what the people want. Car parking charges have increased and that will have an impact on trade. Surely the council could provide for one hour’s free parking? I used to visit Broadmead on a regular basis, but since car parking charges increased massively and because of the terrible road layout (you literally can't drive to many streets) I no longer make the trip, and I don't want to catch the bus laden with bags.

Far easier to go to The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, where you can just park outside. I guess many people take the same view and this must have resulted in hundreds of millions of pounds in lost trade to Bristol city centre.

So, to beautify the town, plant flowers, hang baskets, improve the park and encourage people to use it. And leave the existing parking alone and introduce free one-hour (or two) parking.

John Blanning

Dear Editor Are you, or someone you know, going to be alone on Christmas Day? Christmas time usually conjures up joyful images of family and friends celebrating, exchanging gifts, excited chatter and delicious food. For some people, however, it can be a dreaded, sad and lonely time.

Local

charity

the

Marmalade

Trust

understands how difficult Christmas can be for someone who is struggling with loneliness.

We don’t want anyone to spend Christmas Day alone if they don’t want to, so we invite them to join us for a free festive lunch on the big day. Members are those who feel particularly lonely and isolated this year, for example, a person of an older age who may have no family or friends around. To self-refer, or make a referral for someone else (with their consent), please visit www.marmaladetrust.org/referrals or call

A far cheaper way to improve the ‘ambiance' of Temple Street in Keynsham would be to

Dear Editor

offer grants to retailers encouraging them to

I am responding with much sympathy to the

put hanging baskets outside of their shops.

letter you published from David Kanehl in

Cadets in Tesco in Keynsham a couple of weeks ago. Then to watch ATC and ACF Cadets as well as numerous Scouts, Guides, Cubs and Brownies, together

with their

leaders filing into St John’s Church on Remembrance Sunday was heartening.

We often hear about bored youngsters but these various organisations give great opportunities to many. After the church service they paraded to the Memorial Gates at Keynsham Park where a large crowd gathered in the sunshine for a brief service and to pay their respects. It made me feel so pleased to live in this town, despite it having some problems!

Hazel Powe, Keynsham

Legion thanks The Royal British Legion in Keynsham would like to thank Ryan from RJ Scaffolding and Allied Hire from Bristol for

kindly

supplying

the

access

requirements for fitting the new flagpole without charge.

07566 244788. Everyone who joins us is made to feel part of our Marmalade family and is supported by our network of friendly

Write to us

volunteers. We currently hold our lunches in pubs/restaurants throughout Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset. Each member also receives a connection doorstep

Loss of Wetherspoon’s is so sad for community

Dear Editor

Help to bring festive joy to the lonely

visit in November and a Christmas gift.

We’re still looking for more volunteers too! If you can spare a few hours around lunchtime on Christmas Day please get in touch. For all details

head

to

our

website,

email

christmas@marmaladetrust.org or call 07566

The Week In is independent of any political or commercial interest. We aim to produce a balanced and accurate view of local news and welcome comments from our readers.

Normally, we will publish letters in full but reserve the right to shorten or clarify the contents or to refuse publication. Please try to keep letters under 300 words and supply your full name and address for reasons of authentication. Only the name and district where you live will be reproduced.

Anonymity is possible under certain circumstances.

This has been shown to encourage visitors by

your 12th October issue about Wetherspoon’s

creating an attractive street scene, as well as

closing The Jolly Sailor in Hanham.

providing opportunities for bees and other

It’s terrible for a lot of people who meet up

insects. There's still room for seats on the

with friends especially and families of course.

leisure centre side. Councils should stop

But when you are lonely it’s a great place to

wasting money on street improvements that

meet up. It’s very sad news and I hope no

Pride in Keynsham

Copy can be sent by post or, preferably, e-

really don't improve matters very much, when

more close down for locals elsewhere. The

Dear Editor

mail and should arrive at our offices no

'beautification' with flowers would be a

Wetherspoon’s in Staple Hill is very good too.

It was again a pleasure to buy a poppy from

later than 9.00am on the Monday of each

fraction of the cost and be much more popular.

Marlene Hill

two smartly dressed and polite young ATC

week. E-mail to:admin@theweekin.co.uk

8

244788.

Helen Ker-Bridges Volunteer coordinator, Team Marmalade

The Week in • Wednesday 16th November 2022

Key Keynsham road to close for 12 weeks for flood relief works The B3116 Wellsway in Keynsham will close for 12 weeks next year while Wessex Water constructs a relief sewer.

Closure order for flat over drugs and anti-social behaviour A flat in Fishponds has been made the subject of a temporary closure order after magistrates heard evidence of criminality and anti-social behaviour being linked to the address.

They received multiple reports linked to the address in Wharf Road between March and August.

A warrant carried out at the property over the summer found evidence suggesting drugs were being used by people entering the property.

There were attempts by Stonewater, the property’s owner, and the police to resolve the situation. The police have ended up going to court to seek a temporary closure order.

Neighbourhood Inspector Kris Harris said: “We are delighted magistrates have supported our application for a three-month closure order at this address, because we’d heard several residents tell us the distress the issues were causing them. Within 24 hours of the order being confirmed we received a message of thanks from one member of the public who said it was a ‘relief’ to learn it had been granted.

“Nobody should have their life made a misery because of anti-social behaviour or crime, so we’d continue to urge anyone who is experiencing such difficulties in their neighbourhood to report it to police over the phone or on our website.”

It is understood that the works near the cricket club were originally planned to get under way at the end of February but following talks with Bath & North East Somerset Council it was felt that next summer would be the safest and least impactful time.

At their meeting this month Saltford parish councillors raised concerns about the impact of the closure on local roads including the lanes between Keynsham and Saltford.

This week a Wessex Water spokesperson told us: "To protect the environment and help alleviate flooding problems, we are installing a new sewer along a short stretch of the B3116. It's

Sudoku 1-Easy

part of a half-million pound investment scheme for the area.

“At the request of Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES) Council’s highways team, this 12-week scheme is now being planned for next summer, based around the school summer holidays, ensuring it can be completed safely and reducing impact on the local community as much as possible.

“We are currently finalising arrangements to proceed with the authority and will be continuing our process of speaking to residents, businesses, schools and the town council about the scheme in order to understand and address local concerns.’’

SUNDAY CHEMISTS Sunday 20th November

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 16th November 2022

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Nightspot’s new bid for longer opening hours A Kingswood venue is trying again to increase its opening hours after losing a bid earlier this year.

Rumors Lounge Bar and Pub in Regent Street applied in February to South Gloucestershire Council to vary the premises licence in the wake of a number of Temporary Event Notices being approved to cover later hours for the sale of alcohol, late night refreshment and live and recorded music.

But there were concerns regarding noise and nuisance and in April the licensing sub-committee refused the application.

An acoustic consultant’s report confirmed that the fire escape door was the main area from which noise was breaking out.

Now a new licensing application says that a fully sealed acoustic door is in place which has reduced noise levels significantly. The premises licence holder constantly monitors the music with a decibel meter and has now implemented changes recommended by the council’s environmental health team who are said to be satisfied and have not received any other complaints.

Rumors wants to stay open until 3.30am on Fridays, Saturdays, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. The application also seeks to play live or recorded music and serve alcohol and late night refreshment until 3am on those days.

Currently there is no entry to Rumors after 11.30pm on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. The applicant wants to replace that with no entry/re-entry after 2am on Fridays, Saturdays, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, nor after 11.30pm from Sunday to Thursday.

Crossword

Another condition is for more door supervision. Hours for alcohol and late night refreshment on Thursdays would remain the same but the venue wants to increase licensable entertainment by 30 minutes.

The deadline for comments is 21st November.

ACROSS

DOWN

1. Travelling bag (8)

1. Pack (4)

5. Coarse file (4)

2. Large book (4)

7. Navel (9) 9. Alcoholic drink (4) 10. Food fish (4) 11. Surround with problems (5) 14. Transparent (5) 15. Sturdy (5) 16. Musical

4. Select group (5) 5. Comprehensive defeat (4) 6. Immobilise (8) 7. Subway (9) 8. Capitulate (9)

composition (5)

11. Freshwater fish (5)

17. Coconut meat (5)

12. Dusty (anag.) (5)

18. Wash lightly (5)

13. In that place (5)

19. Perhaps (5)

14. Australian parrot (8)

22. Church recess (4)

20. Legal defence (5)

24. Fasten securely (4)

21. Prickly shrub (5)

26. Lawyer (9) 27. Likelihood (4) 28. Water the ground (8)

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3. Apart (5)

Appeal to help people in crisis with energy bills Bristol-based charity the Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) has launched a new appeal to support people struggling with high energy bills and cold homes.

Even with recent milder weather, CSE’s free telephone advice line is experiencing a four-fold demand for support. The Share the Warmth Appeal will support this service and donations will be used where they are needed most to help people in fuel poverty.

Janine Michael, from CSE, said: “Every day, our energy advisers speak to people across the South West struggling with energy bills, expensive heating systems, or in cold and draughty homes.

“CSE is hearing from more and more people worried about turning on their heating because they simply can’t afford it. Our advisors support people in crisis with energy-saving advice and help to insulate and improve their home. We help when people are in debt to their gas or electricity supplier and ensure they access the benefits they are entitled to so they can afford to heat their homes.

“Please help us support more people this winter by donating whatever you can to our Share the Warmth appeal.”

CSE does not have funding to cover the costs of the increased demand on its freephone telephone service. It has subsidised the service using its charitable reserves for the last five years but is no longer able to sustain this.

The Share the Warmth Appeal is supported by Bristolbased renewable energy company Thrive Renewables, which operates 23 clean energy projects across the UK, including its four-turbine wind farm in Avonmouth and a 20MW battery project under construction at Feeder Road in Bristol. The CSE’s advice line is 0800 082 2234.

The charity’s website - https://www.cse.org.uk/advice has details of how to donate and information on how CSE can help.

23. Ages (4) 24. Melody (4) 25. Entice (4)

The Week in • Wednesday 16th November 2022

Quiz night in aid of Ukraine families The Chernobyl Children's LifeLine (now known as The Helping Hand for Ukraine) will be holding their annual quiz night at Christchurch Hall in Downend on Saturday 10th December.

It will raise money for children and families being directly affected by the war in Ukraine. The charity has had to change dramatically since the war started in February. It now provides aid and support on the ground in Ukraine to help refugee families, many of whom have special needs

or disabilities.

This includes the current project to set up a safe house in northern Ukraine for those fleeing conflict areas but who are unable to leave Ukraine easily, if at all.

The format for the quiz night will remain the same as in previous years with bring your own drinks and food, and prices are the same as 2021- £6 for adults and £3 for any team member under 16. If you want to enter a team (maximum six quizzers) visit https://www.facebook.com/ccllbristol/

Motorbike torched Crews from Hicks Gate fire station were called out at 4.10am last Friday to reports of a motorbike fire at Brewery Hill, Upton

Cheyney.

The cause of the fire is thought to be deliberate.

The Week In at Stockwood Following the announcement in last week’s issue that the McColls branch in Stockwood is to close, we have made arrangements for copies of The Week In to

be delivered to Londis, also in Hollway Road. We will continue to deliver to both outlets until such time as a closure date has been confirmed.

The Week in • Wednesday 16th November 2022

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City council battles with shortfall of up to £87m Bristol City Council, which has a substantial deficit and is in a cost of operating crisis, is encouraging residents to have their say on its savings proposals for the coming five years.

Council leaders warn that despite plans to continue to spend on priority areas, to do so the authority must find a mix of additional income and cost savings of between £37.5m and £87.6m - which equates to between 9% and 20% of the council’s core budget - over the coming five years.

This will require a major redesign of the council in future years to be able to continue delivering vital frontline services and invest

in the areas needed to meet critical ambitions, such as becoming a net zero city by 2030 and deliver sufficient housing for all.

Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, said: “It’s clear that we are currently living through a national cost of living crisis that shows no signs of ending anytime soon. Councils are underfunded and Government shows no partnership with city leaders to design services and places that support a financial crisis. As a result, we have to balance a substantial shortfall in in our funding and must make the council smaller, do less and focus in on our priorities, while making yet further efficiencies.”

Boy assaulted at fireworks event Police are investigating an assault on a boy at the Downend Round Table fireworks event at the King George V Playing Fields.

An Avon & Somerset Police spokesperson said: "The victim was punched multiple times at about 7.30pm on Friday 4th November and sustained facial injuries in the process. Officers attended but were told the offender fled the scene soon after the

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assault.

"The offender is described as white, male, mid-teens, about 5ft 4-6ins with dark mousy blond hair. He was wearing a grey top with a CP Company logo on one sleeve” Witnesses or anyone else who can help police enquiries is asked to call 101 and give the reference number 5222266142.

He continued: “There is still plenty that we will continue to do and our priority of building a city of hope and ambition remains within focus. We’ve built the foundations of a resilient city that has the ability to overcome these challenges and the potential to support communities to prosper. We can’t do this alone and will actively work with all partners, locally, regionally, and nationally, including other councils, to reshape local government to fit the model forced onto us

by Government.”

As part of this year’s consultation, the

council is seeking views on proposals to raise additional income and cut costs, to help inform its budget planning before a final decision is made by all Bristol councillors in February 2023.

The consultation is on the city council’s website and closes on Friday 23rd December.

You can request alternative formats by calling 0117 9222848.

‘Kind and respectful’ pupils praised Christ Church Infant School in Downend continues to be a ‘Good’ school, says Ofsted following a recent inspection.

The Church of England school, which has 224 pupils, is said to be a “welcoming and caring place” to learn and leaders have high expectations of what all pupils can achieve. Pupils are said to thrive on the rich experiences they are offered.

The inspectors said that the youngsters are excellent role models: “They are kind and

respectful. Pupils know what it means to be a good friend. They reflect on the importance of welcoming Ukrainian refugees into their community.”

Youngsters’ attitudes to learning are said to be exceptionally strong because they have a “thirst for learning”.

The inspectors’ report praised leaders for extremely effective additional teaching for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

The Week in • Wednesday 16th November 2022

Wartime memories from Staple Hill The distressing images we see on news reports from Ukraine where civilians have been the target of Russian missile attacks have had even more poignancy for one local resident.

Local writer and musical composer David Britton has just recently been able to fill in the gaps of one haunting childhood memory

of growing up in Staple Hill during the Second World War. As a five-year-old he had a lucky escape during a bombing raid in October 1940; the occupants of the house that backed on to their garden were not so lucky.

He said: “I remember the door of our Anderson shelter in Acacia Road being blown off during an air raid one evening. It

was the only bomb dropped on Staple Hill during the war but it killed two very young children at a house in Portland Place.

“For many years I have been trying to find out more about that incident from my childhood until recently, when a relative of the family affected joined our reading group.

“She was able to show me a letter of sympathy written at the time by the Reverend Riley of the local Congregational Church – where I used to attend Sunday School.”

The letter (pictured) is addressed to Mrs Davison and is dated 29th October 1940. It explains to a relative what happened to the occupants of the house including the sad demise of two young children.

Rev. Riley says: “On Sunday last at 6.45pm an H.E. bomb struck the next door house, buried itself twelve feet in the soft clay and exploded. The Kearns were out fortunately.

That house took the shock. It caused the two houses to collapse. Mrs Taylor and Mrs Matthews were at the time looking at the flares, at the front door. The older child was

upstairs asleep. The younger one was asleep in the cradle in the back room. The roof crashed on the two of them and unfortunately prevented the rescue until the next morning.

The two women were blown onto one another, Mrs Taylor on Mrs Matthews.

Fortunately the walls were blown away so that they were rescued very quickly…. Olga and Lily were on a settee which blew over and saved them. They had bruises and shock.

Reggie was also rescued. His leg was broken.

The two other children were not badly knocked about but I think they died from shock and suffocation. They are to be buried tomorrow.”

In an age when even domestic telephones were a rarity, letters like this were the way in which relatives were informed of what was going on in what must have been an equally harrowing time for the residents of Bristol as for Ukraine today. Given the scale of the tragedy, the ‘matter of fact’ style of the minister’s account does make for interesting reading today.

Acacia Road and Portland Place today Credit: Google

Advertising feature

Help for patients with pelvic pain Redfern Osteopaths in Keynsham have expanded and diversified and now also offer specialist pelvic health care.

The practice on Bath Road welcomes Megan Jackson, a specialist pelvic health physiotherapist with 20 years’ experience in the NHS and private practice, who treats both men and women. Megan is available at Redfern Osteopaths on Mondays and Fridays.

Pelvic health issues are surprisingly common but never normal. You may be suffering from urinary or bowel issues, pelvic or abdominal pain or have symptoms of prolapse.

Pelvic floor physiotherapy can be an extremely effective way to improve your symptoms, helping to give you confidence

The Week in • Wednesday 16th November 2022

and transforming your quality of life.

Megan also runs free webinar Q & A sessions once a month on how to prepare your pelvic floor for pregnancy, birth and beyond. The next dates are Wednesday 21st December and Thursday 26th January at 7.30pm. She also offers a bespoke antenatal and postnatal MOT session.

For appointments or enquiries call 07969 910 845 or email info@redfernosteopaths.co.uk Online bookings are also available at www.redfernosteopaths.co.uk

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We will remember them There was a high turnout at Remembrance Sunday services with local parades including through Keynsham, Saltford, Staple Hill and Warmley and thousands of people paid tribute at war memorials.

The Week In thanks John Aldridge, Ian Adams, Dilys Richardson, Steve Hicks, Hugh Evans, Saltford Parish Council and The Meadows Primary School for contributing photographs.

Luke, Jack & Paddy from the 1st Saltford Scouts

In Keynsham the service at St John’s was followed by a procession to the gates of the Memorial Park for wreath-laying and two-minute silence

The Last Post at Keynsham

The Saltford Scout and Guide movements paraded through the village, with residents joining them The service at the Somerdale war memorial in Keynsham

An estimated crowd of more than 350 people attended the Hanham service at the memorial in front of the community centre

Pupils from The Meadows Primary School took part in an Act of Remembrance at St Mary’s Church in Bitton on Armistice Day, laying crosses each inscribed with one of the names on the war memorial. On Sunday St Mary’s welcomed the Bitton & Oldland branch of the Royal British Legion to the Remembrance service.

The service at the war memorial in Warmley

This striking poppy design for one of Avon Fire & Rescue Service’s fire trucks was produced with the help of Kingswood’s Blue Watch and featured in the Staple Hill parade

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Hanham parish councillors Ian Richardson & John Ball

Hundreds of people, including the Salvation Army, Royal British Legion, veterans and uniformed youth groups, marched through Staple Hill to the war memorial in Page Park

The Week in • Wednesday 16th November 2022

New Parliamentary map of constituencies draws closer Kingswood constituency to be abolished and a new one created which spans the River Avon The Boundary Commission is conducting the final round of public consultation on proposals for new Parliamentary constituency boundaries which will have dramatic consequences for some voters in our area.

Eyebrows were already raised two years ago when the first round of boundary proposals included a new ‘cross-border’ constituency encompassing Keynsham and parts of South Gloucestershire.

There have been two rounds of consultation since the 2021 report with 45,000 responses received over plans in the South West. The final proposals published last week include further changes to almost half of the 58 constituencies in the region but the only one

which affects this area is a proposed name change to that already controversial Keynsham and North East Somerset constituency. Currently the plan is to rebrand it as North East Somerset and Hanham.

The background to the Boundary Commission’s work is a plan to have 650 Parliamentary constituencies, each one with an average number of voters between 69,724 and 77,062. Changing demographics over the years have led to some constituencies having significantly more or less voters and one example is Bristol West, where the total currently exceeds 100,000.

So, a new constituency is proposed for Bristol North East but as a consequence, the old Kingswood constituency is being bitten

Existing boundaries are in dark blue and the proposed ones in cyan. BC stands for borough constituency (predominantly urban) while CC stands for county constituency (predominantly rural)

off on all sides and creating a new one which straddles the River Avon.

It’s not the first time that both banks of the river have been in the same constituency.

Many of the affected wards formed part of Wansdyke until the 2010 election. What was the old North East Somerset constituency will see much of its southern territory become part of the neighbouring Frome

constituency.

The proposed changes are detailed below and the deadline for comment is 5th December. A definitive set of proposals is due next July which will allow time for legislation to pass ahead of the scheduled 2024 General Election. You can see the full review in detail and make comments by visiting www.bcereviews.org.uk

Proposed new constituencies post 2023 Bristol North East

Christmas card postal service Keynsham & District Dial-a-Ride will be providing a Christmas card postal service.

It will start on Tuesday 1st December and the last collection of Christmas cards will be midday on 19th December. Stamps will cost 50p each. To purchase them ring the Dial-a-Ride office on 01225 395321.

A Dial-a-Ride stamp must be on the envelope otherwise it will not be delivered.

Cards will be collected from designated boxes – Keynsham Town Council offices in Temple Street, Mexican restaurant Dalia

Cocina in High Street, Community at 67 in Queens Road and Keynsham & District Dial-a-Ride at the Day Centre in Sherwood Road.

If you are unable to get to any of the above ring the office and arrangements will be made to collect your cards. Once collected they will be delivered within three working days. You can also pass the Christmas cards to Dial-a-Ride drivers.

Collections and deliveries will be in the BS31 area only. All funds raised will go to Keynsham & District Dial-a-Ride.

The Week in • Wednesday 16th November 2022

This new constituency will take parts of Bristol North West on one side as well as Staple Hill (formerly part of Filton and Bradley Stoke) and Kingswood.

Thornbury & Yate Siston and Bridgeyate will now join Wick, Abson and Pucklechurch in Thornbury & Yate.

Bristol East Still covers Brislington and Stockwood although it has also gained Knowle Park.

Filton & Bradley Stoke While losing its southern ‘finger’ around Staple Hill, the constituency will spread eastwards and take in other parts of the old

Kingswood constituency including parts of Downend and Emersons Green.

North East Somerset & Hanham Much of the former Kingswood heartland – Warmley, North Common, Cadbury Heath, Oldland Common, Bitton, Longwell Green and Hanham - now join again with Keynsham and Saltford. Many of the rural communities to the south of Keynsham and as far as Paulton remain although villages close by like Marksbury now find themselves in a new constituency.

Frome Radstock and Midsomer Norton are the largest population centres to move east into Frome. Villages including Hunstrete and Priston join Marksbury and Peasedown St John.

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Clock ticking for demolition of illegal buildings The owners of the Resourceful Earth Ltd site near Keynsham have less than four months to abide by enforcement action to demolish buildings that were erected without planning permission in relation to an anaerobic digester.

The owners applied for planning permission to try to address some of the elements contained in an enforcement notice but this was refused by Bath & North East Somerset Council’s planning committee in March. The applicants then appealed to the Planning Inspectorate but withdrew their appeal in August.

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Two detached buildings, five silos and one tank have been erected without planning permission. The compliance period ends on 10th March 2023. If no action is taken by then, the council could prosecute, seek an injunction, or commission direct action whereby the council pays to undertake the works and raises a charge.

Earlier this year we reported that the council was also intending to serve an enforcement notice in relation to an unlawful landfill at the site, something that campaign group Protect Our Keynsham Environment (POKE) has been requesting for years.

Show conjures up more than £7,000 for women’s charity Studio 11 Aerial Fitness in Charlton Road, Keynsham, have raised more than £7,000 from their latest charity show.

More than 100 members of the studio performed for a sold-out magical and mystical show at Saltford Hall in aid of One25, the Bristol-based charity which reaches out to some of the city's most marginalised women.

Lisa Henderson, Studio 11’s owner, said: “I am so incredibly proud of my team of instructors, and our amazing members.

These annual shows have helped so many deserving charities over the years.

“We would like to thank the local businesses of Keynsham and surrounding areas, who support us every year by donating incredible raffle prizes drawn after the show.”

The Week in • Wednesday 16th November 2022

Fishponds campaigner attends royal reception An environmental campaigner from Fishponds has visited King Charles III at his first reception as monarch in the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Naseem Talukdar was among 300 members of the British south-east Asian community to be invited to the official residence in Edinburgh.

The event was held to recognise the contribution they have made to the health

service, arts, media, education, business and Armed Forces.

Naseem founded Projects Against Plastic (PAP) to find ways to reduce single-plastic use, starting in the hospitality sector. Joining him at the reception was Moslek Uddin from Weston-super-Mare who founded UK Curry Connect (UKCC) to tackle skills shortages in the Asian food industry. Together they have created a partnership to bring greater change

Plans for block of flats Plans to build a three-storey block of flats on land to the rear of Express Shoe Repairs and Key Services on Staple Hill High Street have been submitted to South Gloucestershire Council.

The site is currently a single-storey workshop/store building accessed from a

in the industry.

Naseem said: “His Majesty was keen to learn about the challenges and accomplishments of the plastic pollution campaign.”

He added: “The Queen Consort was impressed to learn about PAP’s activity over the past few years. She was keen to learn more about the Plastic Free Ramadan campaign – set to be a nationwide event to enable the faith communities to reduce food waste and plastic waste.”

Moslek, who heads Chutneys, is a PAP

trustee and uses reusable metal containers for food orders at his takeaway. Naseem is director for social responsibility and sustainability for UKCC. Naseem’s father, Hazi Mohammed Siddik Ali, came to the UK in the early 1970s and opened his first restaurant in Bath, called Prince of India. He later opened Rupali in Kingswood.

Naseem went on to work at Rajastan Royal in Downend, which has won several awards for innovation and community support.

private road reached from Soundwell Road.

The proposal is to demolish the building and use the footprint, together with the existing parking area, to form the proposed block of three two-bedroom flats.

The planning reference is P22/06038/F.

Scrambler stolen At some point between Thursday 3rd and Wednesday 9th November someone stole an electric scrambler bike from an unlocked rear garden shed at Park Road in Keynsham.

If you have any information about the burglary contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The Week in • Wednesday 16th November 2022

Naseem Talukdar, founder of Projects Against Plastic at Holyroodhouse pictured with the Queen Consort

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Situations Vacant

Vacancy to fill?

Inspiring adult learners are celebrated Adult learners from South Gloucestershire have been celebrated at a special event to highlight the inspirational ways they have thrived through taking part in the council’s Community Learning and Skills Service (CLaSS) courses and 1:1 career progression programmes.

In total seven awards and more than 25 certificates were presented to learners who completed Functional Skills and Accredited Employability courses. In addition, more than 40 learners were recognised with 100 per cent attendance through the presentation of attendance scrolls.

Cllr Erica Williams, cabinet member responsible for skills, schools and

employment and Cllr Sanjay Shambhu, Chair of South Gloucestershire Council, welcomed more than 100 participants and their families to the annual celebratory evening. Cllr Williams said: “The Community Learning and Skills Service works with local people to help them overcome barriers, stretch their minds and build resilience. Through taking part and working with the service, so many of the participants are making huge strides to improve their work skills and are feeling empowered to reach for their aspirations in both their work and home lives.”

For more information visit www.southglos.gov.uk/communitylearning

The winners receiving their awards

Advertising in The Week In is an effective and low cost option.

Call Tracy on

0117 986 0381.

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The Week in • Wednesday 16th November 2022

The Week in • Wednesday 16th November 2022

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The Community Page

Saltford Parish Council MiPermit introduced at The Shallows car park Bath & North East Somerset Council has announced that seasonal parking charges and the use of MiPermit for all short-stay durations at The Shallows car park have been introduced to help manage turnover, particularly during peak periods.

Charges apply from 1st April to 30th September, but parking is free from 1st October to 31st March (a free stay during October to March still requires a free activation via MiPermit). Parking (free or paid for) applies from 8am to 8pm all year. A no return period of four hours applies all year to support increased turnover and prevent a vehicle from parking all day.

B&NES parking enforcement officers regularly enforce parking conditions at this location, including with penalty

notices given to any vehicle not in a marked bay. Those parking outside of marked bays at the car park are subject to a £70 fine.

As a ‘cashless only car park’, use of MiPermit is required to park at The Shallows car park.

Please see signs or visit Saltford Parish Council’s website in advance for information on how to use MiPermit.

Parish council hosts ‘Meet Your Community Police Officer’ event Saltford Parish Council was pleased to welcome PC James Evans, Neighbourhood Officer for the Keynsham Beat Team, to its annual ‘Meet Your Community Police Officer’ event on Thursday 3rd November at Saltford Hall.

The event was open to all Saltford residents, and at SPC’s

invitation was chaired by Saltford B&NES ward councillor Duncan Hounsell. SPC was also pleased to welcome Cllr Alastair Singleton, B&NES Council’s representative on the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Panel (and also a B&NES councillor for Saltford ward).

The opportunity was given to everyone present at the meeting to ask questions or to raise concerns regarding policing matters in the Saltford area as part of an open question-andanswer session. After the meeting formally ended residents had the opportunity to discuss matters of concern directly with PC Evans. For more information about the event and how to up a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme see the ‘News’ section of SPC’s website.

Council calls for better regulation of fireworks Though enjoyed by many, it is recognised that fireworks have the potential to disturb residents as well as pets, horses and livestock.

At the council’s November meeting members resolved to take action to reduce the impact of fireworks on vulnerable people and animals by: • Supporting the RSPCA’s #BangOutOfOrder campaign to raise awareness of the impact of fireworks on animals and

• Recommending to local organisations and groups that all public firework displays within the area are advertised in advance so that people can take precautions for themselves and their animals.

Contact details Saltford Parish Council www.saltfordparishcouncil.gov.uk Follow us on Facebook, Twitter or check out the ‘News’ page of SPC’s website

Grant to Saltford Sports Club The parish council was delighted to grant Saltford Sports Club £2,000 at its October meeting towards the costs of pétanque courts. Saltford Sports Club say pétanque (known to some as boules) is “a great sport that can be enjoyed by everyone regardless of age and ability”. SPC viewed the application as yet another excellent initiative by this not-for-profit community club and is looking forward to seeing the two courts installed soon.

‘All You Seed is Love’ project shortlisted for award SPC was delighted to have been shortlisted for the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) Bee Bold People for Nature Award for the Saltford Wildflower Project ‘All You Seed is Love’.

Saltford Parish Council was informed that Metro Mayor Dan Norris and their panel of regional experts loved the work that SPC has been doing to support pollinators.

Looking to the future, Saltford Parish Council has recently been named by B&NES Council as only one of two parish councils in the district to be a partner in its funding application to WECA for further environmental initiatives. If successful, this will help continue and expand SPC's wildflower initiative. Watch this space!

Saltford Parish Council's ‘All You Seed is Love' launched a year ago to coincide with the COP26 climate change conference. Since then, more than 600sq metres of wildflower seeds have been planted in the village. Look out for the numerous ‘Let’s Get Buzzing’ signs around Saltford.

encourage the general public to be more considerate of pets, horses and livestock as well as wildlife.

• Writing to the Local Government Association to lobby for a limit to the maximum noise level of fireworks to 90dB for those sold to the public for private displays.

• Requesting the Government to better regulate fireworks by limiting the noise level for those used in public displays to 90dB. 20

The Week in • Wednesday 16th November 2022

The Community Page

Members thanked for their input Members of The Week In Community held their latest meeting in Hanham last week.

Society chair and publisher of The Week In newspaper, Stephen Rodgers, thanked the group for turning out on an unpleasant evening weather wise and for their contributions and ideas for future activity.

He said that producing a weekly newspaper is an intense operation for editor Becky Feather, sales manager Tracy Broderick and himself which left little opportunity for thinking ‘outside the box’. He welcomed the chance to sit around a table with members and to appreciate how they see the future of The Week In and what it stands for.

Catching up on activity so far this year Stephen pointed to the importance of developing additional sources of income

beyond the sale of advertising in the newspaper. The Week In is at a point in time where it has to respond to the needs of its current readership but also look to attract new and younger readers.

Currently there is still pressure to produce more printed copies of the paper, while at the same time employing more digital innovation for the future.

Creating more members of the society is progressing slowly but surely while applications to grant funders, particularly for some of the new digital initiatives, continue.

Those present at the meeting expressed disappointment that a funding application to the John James Foundation to print extra copies for distribution to residential homes in the area had been declined. Keynsham Town

Council has provided a grant to allow the purchase of mobile video recording equipment.

One of the member suggestions at the meeting has already become a reality, as can be seen below. In discussions about ways to increase membership numbers of The Week

In Community, it was suggested that there are perhaps people who want to support The Week In’s aims without necessarily wanting to join and a QR code which people can scan and donate could be created. So now it has.

It appears in the box below and is also on our website.

Pushing against the tide?

At the summer members’ meeting it was agreed that The Week In should make support for the development of tidal energy in the Severn Estuary one of its editorial policies. We have subsequently produced articles with the aim of re-igniting the debate in the light of the current energy crisis. As far as the readership is

concerned, that aim looks like it has worked, generating a coherent reaction through subsequent ‘Letters to the Editor.’

One member has taken the matter further by contacting local politicians on both sides of the Severn. Bath MP Wera Hobhouse has agreed to a meeting to discuss the topic further.

Support The Week In Community For almost 15 years The Week In has been the voice of the local community – celebrating achievement and holding decision-makers to account. We have embarked on a journey to ensure that remains the case for future generations despite the challenges we have and that continue to face independent local journalism.

There are two ways you can offer your support: Either Support The Week In Scan the QR to make a donation and become a supporter of The Week In Or Become a member The Week In Community is a community

The Orbital O2 turbine. Credit: Orbital Marine Power

benefit society. Members have an equal share of the society and an equal vote on how The Week In newspaper is run. Either click the button in the top right of our website homepage or complete the form below.

News from Longwell Green WI At our October meeting we had a talk entitled Style Opportunity, from Gail Painter, a fashion and colour consultant.

She explained about warm and cool colours and how to mix and match them using a colour wheel. She also gave us ideas of how our clothes could be worn to give different looks and encouraged us to get out of our comfort zone and try some new colours. Using such ideas many people are surprised at what they really can wear. Also outfits can be brightened up with accessories. Perhaps it is time we look in our wardrobes, recycle the clothes we don't wear anymore and make room for a new range of clothes.

Our November meeting is our AGM, followed by a talk from Dr Francis Burroughes called Can You Play Jerusalem For Us, revealing the funniest

The Week in • Wednesday 16th November 2022

moments as a WI speaker.

In December we are planning a Christmas craft day and a Christmas party for members.

We have lots of groups that our members can participate in. There are book clubs, walking groups, a knitting group, skittles and social suppers. On the first Thursday of the month we meet at The Chapel Coffee Shop in Longwell Green for Tea and Chat.

Longwell Green WI regular meetings are on the third Friday of the month at 7.30pm at The Centre at Longwell Green and new members are always welcome. If you are interested in visiting us get in touch by email at longwellwi@gmail.com, by phone on 0117 9864782 or come along on the meeting evening.

Linda Muller 21

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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Service Directory Book a series of adverts and save even more

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An advert like this costs

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+ VAT per insert Discounts are available for multiple bookings starting at 2 weeks

Adverts cost £4.20 per centimetre (min 5cm) The more weeks you

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D.JAMES DECORATING Over 40 years’ Experience.

Qualified tradesman Efficient/Reliable.

References Available 07861 898902. 01275 831696 or visit our website www.djamesdecorating.com

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DEADLINE FOR PLACING DIRECTORY ADVERTS IS FRIDAY 4.30PM

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THE WEEK IN adverts call 0117 986 0381

You don't have to book successive weeks.

You can choose fortnightly, monthly or specific insertion dates as long as the total number of insertions booked corresponds to the discount rate.

Similar percentage discounts apply equally to larger sized adverts.

DEADLINE FOR PLACING DIRECTORY ADVERTS IS FRIDAY 4.30PM

Call us now on

0117 986 0381 23

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The Week in • Wednesday 16th November 2022