The Week In - Issue 763 - 11th January 2023

THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset

11th January 2023

Issue 763

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‘Please support Temple Street traders during five months of roadworks’ As works to improve Temple Street in Keynsham get under way this week, people are being urged to support local traders who are facing five months of disruption, including the removal of parking spaces.

While Bath & North East Somerset Council announced last autumn that work would be starting in January, details of the impact on parking were only revealed last Thursday.

In a letter to The Week In (see page 8) Chris Oliver from Keynsham Hardware in Temple Street criticises the late notice about the removal of parking spaces on both sides of the street and adds: “Keynsham, prepare for more snarl-ups and chaos through the town centre. Please support the shops down Temple Street.”

The council has notified residents and businesses that there will be no parking on both sides from No 30 to No 52 Temple Street for the duration of the works, except on an ad-hoc basis as works allow. It says that parking is available at the car parks at the Civic Temple Street on Monday before Centre, Ashton Way and Bath Hill East. the start of scheduled works Traffic will be able to pass through in both directions along Temple Street, with one lane open and temporary traffic lights in place to filter and greening. These ‘parklets’ are being installed on a trial basis. traffic through.

The council has told traders that the traffic management The refurbishment of No 2 River Terrace to bring it back into requirements have been set by its contractors Volker to use as a community arts and local business space will also maintain safety. The works are expected to be completed in be completed this month. There will also be a new online May, subject to findings, drainage repairs and material Keynsham Business Directory and ‘shop local’ style delivery times, and are dependent on the weather including campaign in partnership with Keynsham Town Council to promote local businesses. temperatures required for materials to be laid and set.

The council says the project aims to improve the street for The council has apologised for any inconvenience during everyone who lives in, works in or visits the area, and these works and said it will work with traders to minimise includes natural stone pavements on the historic side of the disruption. The Temple Street Improvement Project is part street, planting, seating, cycle parking and improved disabled of Keynsham High Street Heritage Action Zone Programme parking. Two large bays will be altered on the Riverside development side of the street to provide additional seating

Also in this week’s issue

‘Insolvent’ Chief Trading Post makes staff redundant . . . page 2

Tackling air pollution in South Glos . . . page 6

(HS HAZ) a heritage-led renewal programme that aims to continue to make the town centre a more vibrant place for residents, businesses and visitors. The project is funded by Historic England with match funding from B&NES Council and Keynsham Town Council.

Emersons Green to become a community nature reserve . . . page 7

Phone masts refused in Stockwood, Whitchurch & Fishponds . . . page 11

Person pronounced dead after being pulled from river A person was pronounced dead after being pulled from the River Chew in Keynsham last Tuesday.

Avon & Somerset Police said: “A member of the public called us at 11.55am on 3rd January to report they had seen a person

Car arson Crews from Kingswood fire station were called to reports of a car on fire in Railway Terrace, Fishponds, on the afternoon of Monday 2nd January.

They used a high pressure hose reel to extinguish the blaze and two firefighters wore breathing apparatus for safety.

The cause of the fire is thought to be deliberate.

in the water at Memorial Park in Keynsham.

“Emergency services attended the scene, and the fire service brought the person to shore.

“Sadly, the person was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.”

The person’s next of kin has been notified.

River levels have been high following recent heavy rainfall.

As we reported last week, Avon Fire & Rescue crews pulled an adult and a dog from the river in the park after being called out to reports of people in difficulty in the water on Tuesday 27th December. One adult and two dogs had got out before the crews arrived.

Keynsham Memorial Park

The River Chew in Keynsham Memorial Park

Kitchen fire Crews from Kingswood and Temple fire stations were called to reports of a blaze in a house in Maple Avenue, Speedwell, on New Year’s Eve at 1.30pm.

The fire was in a kitchen in a semi-detached home. Two firefighters wore breathing apparatus for safety and crews used one high pressure hose reel, ventilation fans, thermal imaging cameras and gas monitors to extinguish the blaze.

Crews also isolated the gas supply and contacted the gas board to attend.

The cause of the fire is thought to be accidental.

2

The Week in • Wednesday 11th January 2023

‘Insolvent’ Chief Trading Post makes staff redundant Staff at the Chief Trading Post in Oldland Common were made redundant between Christmas and the New Year amid uncertainty about when the new café and retail building will be built as part of the redevelopment of the old nurseries site at Barry Road.

In a letter from the company to staff, which The Week In has seen, they were told that Chief Trading Post would close on 30th December and “your services are no longer required due to unforeseen circumstances”, adding: “Any money paid to staff will need to be paid by Director (sic) as the company is insolvent.”

The letter is dated 28th December and says that the land is owned by Oldland LLP and all Chief Trading Post staff had known for more than 18 months that the site would be developed for a mixed-use scheme.

It explains that the pandemic, a fire and trading conditions have caused losses in recent years and that the owner can no longer

sustain that and needs to retire.

The letter says that South Gloucestershire Council planning team “did not protect Chief Trading Post in any legal agreement”, adding: “We thought we were key, and the new building would be built first, which was not the case.”

It adds: “The new Chief Trading Post building cannot be built at a cost of £1.2m; two years ago the building was around half the cost when this planning process started, forcing a new design which continues to delay the process. We are at this point unsure of the timescale or costs of the new building.

The outcome is not what Chief Trading Post wanted but has been completely out of our control.”

A statement submitted by the developers in 2021 as part of the planning application for the mixed-use site had stated: “The muchcherished Chief Trading Post retail and café facility will be retained on site in a new purpose-built building that reflects ongoing

business needs.”

And in a report following community consultation by the developers in that year it was stated: “Intention is that existing traders will be part of the relocated Chief Trading Post (run by Roland Tanner) which will be the first stage of development.”

The existing buildings are to be demolished and as well as the new retail and café building, six supported living homes are to be built. There is also outline planning permission for 50 homes and a community/health surgery building. Full planning permission will be needed before work can start on that.

In 2017 Chief Trading Post Ltd entered into a 15-year lease with Jarrett’s who owned the old nurseries site.

The freehold was acquired in 2019 from the Jarrett family by developers Oldland Common LLP for £400,000.

Oldland Common LLP is owned by Edward Cussen and Freed Properties Ltd. The letter sent to Chief

Trading Post staff on 28th December says the contract for development was only signed late on 23rd December, with completion on the 28th. Staff are also told that they had been expected to come in on 28th December to “discuss matters” and help with clearing, but no one turned up.

• The separate fruit and veg business that was based on the site is now trading from Oldland Village Club. The dog grooming business based there has moved to a temporary home in Keynsham.

£895 5 Social group seeks more members The organiser of the Somerdale Souls group, which meets at the Somerdale Pavilion in Keynsham, is looking to attract more members.

The group for people needing to find friends and for those who are alone was set up by Barbara Thomson when the Pavilion first opened and is now celebrating its seventh birthday.

The social meeting is held on the last Wednesday of every month. Everyone is welcome to come and meet some friendly faces. There is coffee and chat from 10am to 11am and then activities from 11am to noon.

For more information contact Barbara on 07884 177684.

Keep in touch, let us know what you think, send us your news www.facebook.com/theweekin The Week in • Wednesday 11th January 2023

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3

Sending power to Ukraine A Keynsham resident is co-ordinating a fundraising campaign to send generators to help people in the Kherson region of Ukraine cope this winter.

Initially Lisa O’Brien and her family decided not to exchange Christmas presents between adults but instead put the money towards sending a generator out to Ukraine.

But the idea has snowballed. Thanks to a JustGiving page and with the help of local contacts who had previously made humanitarian trips to the region, a consignment of five 4kw generators left on 2nd January. They will provide electricity for refuge centres in Zaporizhzhia, villages along the Dnipro river and one near Kherson itself.

Lisa, who is a local councillor, said: “Donations have come from many sources including members of St Francis Church, The Chocolate Quarter and Keynsham residents, as well as the wider area of Bath and North East Somerset, Dorset and Surrey. The level of generosity from so many has been amazing. The response has exceeded my wildest dreams, and

means of cooking and charging mobile phones to allow vital

I am now determined to send a second shipment by early

communication, focused in small community hubs to benefit

February if possible.

as many as possible.”

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.

“Those brave people, facing

Lisa is pictured with Martin Grixoni from Bath, left, who has

bitter cold, lack of supplies

already co-ordinated three humanitarian trips to Ukraine, and

and under the threat of

the main driver Andrew Ring.

further

from

Other smaller generators and humanitarian aid from a Bristol

Putin’s forces need our help.

church were also included in the vehicle that went to Ukraine.

Together we can provide

Over £7,700 has been raised so far. To contribute visit Lisa’s

electricity for heat, light, a

JustGiving page at https://tinyurl.com/yrc8xwu4

aggression

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

Stephen Rodgers admin@theweekin.co.uk Becky Feather 07403 273967 Christine Rogers

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

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4

The Week in • Wednesday 11th January 2023

Hi-tech firm’s extension plans Bridgeyate engineering firm McBraida plc, who are a major employer contributing to the success of the region’s aerospace sector, have announced plans to extend their headquarters.

The fourth-generation family business have operated at the plant just off Bath Road since 1959, supplying precision machined parts. Driven by overseas sales success and the lack of space at the Bridgeyate plant, the business opened a second production base next to Rzeszow International Airport in

Tesco store gets the thumbs down The controversial planning application for a Tesco convenience store next to the King William IV pub in Warmley was formally refused by South Gloucestershire Council last Thursday.

In last week’s issue we highlighted that the plans faced being rejected on the grounds that the proposed service bay in front of the Tower Road South pub, so close to a pedestrian crossing, would likely increase highway dangers.

The plans, which were first filed with the council in mid2021, had been amended several times including altering the design of the building and making changes in respect of transport movements but ultimately have failed to satisfy council planners.

The Week in • Wednesday 11th January 2023

Poland in 2013.

They say this purpose-built modern production base, which has capacity to double production footprint, is a stark contrast to the “cramped and dated” Bridgeyate facility where they now have a vision for a statement building and an energy-efficient operation aiming for net zero.

The proposed extensions will envelope most of the existing factory and will give an increased production area, storage, new offices and staff facilities.

The number of people employed by McBraida at Bridgeyate has grown steadily in recent years from about 95 staff in 2006 to more than 180 in 2019. More than 100 live within South Gloucestershire.

The planning application to South Gloucestershire Council

The McBraida site

says: “The appearance of the McBraida works will be transformed from its current anonymous presence. The intended design aesthetic is ‘modern industrial’, appropriate for the company’s business although to a higher specification than a standard industrial unit…The public-facing part of the building will express the forward-looking How McBraida’s new building would look aspirations appropriate for this high Credit: GCP Chartered Architects technology company.”

It adds: “Over the next decade, McBraida plc’s ability to transcend the manufacturing and technology sectors will be crucial to its ongoing success. It is vital that they have the appropriate space and environment to make this a reality.”

The planning reference is P22/07171/F.

5

30 actions to improve air quality in South Gloucestershire South Gloucestershire Council is running a consultation on a new air pollution action plan which aims to improve public health.

The Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP) considers air quality throughout the whole district in addition to Air Quality Management Areas previously declared in Kingswood (and subsequently extended to Warmley) and in Staple Hill.

The CAAP will deliver up to the year 2026 to reduce concentrations of air pollutants and exposure to air pollution.

It includes 30 actions designed to improve air quality but does

The effects on health Poor air quality affects everyone’s health, particularly those living in areas of deprivation, children, elderly people and those with chronic health conditions like asthma, heart disease, stroke and some cancers, and contributes to premature deaths.

Based on 2017 data, it has been estimated that in South Gloucestershire there are around 217 deaths per year attributable to the combined effects of exposure to nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) which represents approximately 9.3% of all deaths of people aged over 25.

The council says that whilst high quality measurements for PM2.5 in South Gloucestershire are limited to one location - at an automatic monitoring station set up in August 2021 next to the A4174 Ring Road near the University of the West of England - it is very likely that exceedances of the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline value for this pollutant are also widespread, as is the case for monitoring that takes place in neighbouring Bristol.

“This illustrates that there is a need to tackle air pollution across South Gloucestershire to make improvements in locations where legal pollution levels are not breached and do not require an air quality management area, but where pollution levels are still high enough to be detrimental to health.”

not include setting up a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) or similar scheme to restrict access to Kingswood and Staple Hill.

The report says: “A CAZ isn't appropriate for South Gloucestershire given the limited scale of exceedance of pollution objectives.

It will take considerable time to develop and approve a CAZ, in which time vehicles will be cleaner. The Clean Air Action Plan The Broad Street/ High Street/ Soundwell Road/ focuses more widely at reducing pollution Victoria Street crossroads in Staple Hill across South Gloucestershire beyond basic The council says the masterplan being developed for the compliance with air pollution objectives.”

The Kingswood–Warmley Air Quality Management Area regeneration of Kingswood is likely to make “significant (AQMA) runs from the Bristol/South Gloucestershire changes” to vehicle movements and to reduce pollution. boundary in Kingswood and along the A420 to the junction While all 30 actions are important, the council is proposing with Goldney Avenue in Warmley. In Staple Hill the AQMA to prioritise actions that will reduce transport emissions, such covers the Broad Street/ High Street/ Soundwell Road/ as reallocating road space for active travel and public Victoria Street crossroads, and the High Street/ Acacia Road/ transport and improving the active and public transport offer to maximise usage; and actions to reduce emissions from Pendennis Road junction.

In 2019, only one location in South Gloucestershire was domestic solid fuel burning. shown to exceed air pollution objectives and that was Hill Examples include improving the lighting, safety, and attractiveness of the stretch of the Bristol and Bath Railway Street in the Kingswood–Warmley AQMA. Path between Bitton and Warmley for active travel in the darker winter months.

The council also wants to introduce more ‘School Streets’.

These aim to transform roads outside schools, so that pedestrians and cyclists can use them safely at school start and finish times. They are currently being trialled at four schools including King’s Oak Academy in Brook Road, Kingswood.

The council also estimates that by 2030 it will need to install an extra 500 electric vehicle (EV) charge points to meet demand in locations where commercial operators will not provide them.

The consultation runs until Tuesday 31st January. To read it in full and take part go to https://tinyurl.com/3x23e5za If you need a paper copy of the survey, ask staff at a South Gloucestershire library or One Stop Shop to download and The trial ‘School Street’ at Brook Road print one for you.

Hambrook traffic trial still in place as data collection continues The traffic management scheme introduced in August 2019 at the Hambrook traffic lights to improve poor air quality was meant to be on an 18-month trial basis but is still in place.

As part of a national assessment, the A4174 Ring Road between Junction 1 of the M32 and the A4017 Bromley Heath roundabout was identified as being above acceptable nitrogen dioxide levels. South Gloucestershire Council was ordered by the Government to tackle air pollution in the shortest time possible for people living nearby and all road users.

The experimental traffic order removed the westbound bus lane through the junction to the M32 traffic signal as well as the right turn facility onto the B4058 from the westbound carriageway of the ring road, the straight on movement for the B4058 northbound from Frenchay, and the right turn facility from the B4058 from Frenchay onto the A4174.

The restrictions mean motorists have to travel around the 6

roundabout at the M32 junction and return in the opposite direction, but the council said that reducing the amount of time and number of vehicles that are stationary at the traffic lights would reduce emissions and therefore improve air quality.

This week a council spokesperson told us: “The traffic management at the A4174 Hambrook traffic signals is not included in our draft Clean Air Action Plan as it is a specifically targeted scheme already in place under Ministerial Direction.

“The data collected since the start of the Hambrook scheme has been impacted by the change in travel patterns during the pandemic. The scheme must stay in place until there is sufficient data representative of both normal traffic conditions and where acceptable nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels are also consistently met. For the time being, this means the layout changes must stay in place.

“There are other influences since the traffic movements were altered that may also affect the data we collect at Hambrook, such as the Stoke Gifford Transport Link, new developments, Bristol and Bath’s clean air zones, public transport (including Metrobus) use, e-scooters, roadworks, fuel price fluctuations, increased remote working and increasing number of lower or zero emission vehicles.”

The Week in • Wednesday 11th January 2023

Town council setting up whole community nature reserve A community nature reserve is being set up to cover the whole of the Emersons Green Town Council area.

As well as Emersons Green, this includes Blackhorse, Lyde Green and parts of Mangotsfield.

The town council says: “This is an exciting new development for the area. Everyone who manages a garden with wildlife in mind is invited to say what they are doing and register their patch of land as part of the nature reserve.

“The town council will also actively seek to enhance naturerich areas under their control and will be working with South Gloucestershire Council on a local nature action plan.

“Nature reserves don’t have to be out there, away from anything. They can be right here, next to your house, in

Emersons Green

your garden. We already have an amazing area for wildlife. We have meadows and commons, teeming with insects and wildflowers. We have woodland and wetland, ponds and a lake. We have seen little egrets, heron, woodpeckers and jays. We know we have foxes, hedgehogs, deer and badgers. We have even filmed otters in our area.”

The launch will take place at Emersons Green Village Hall on Thursday 19th January at 7.30pm.

The council is looking for design ideas for a logo to promote the community nature reserve. The competition is open until

midnight on Sunday 15th January. The logo will promote the interests of the natural world to the whole community and will appear on a range of materials including a window sticker. It must include the words ‘Community Nature Reserve’ and clearly reflect that it is a wildlife-friendly area where people care about nature.

Send your designs to Community Nature Reserve Logo Competition at clerk@emersonsgreen-tc.gov.uk or drop them into the council office in person at Westerleigh Road, Emersons Green. The winner will be announced at the launch.

Council refuses bid for 22 homes and a public car park Controversial plans to build 22 homes on Green Belt land next to Church Road in Wick and provide a public car park to help manage visitors to Golden Valley Nature Reserve have been refused

by South Gloucestershire Council.

Several reasons have been given, including harm to the Green Belt and the impact on the setting of the nearby Grade I listed Wick Court.

Council planners also had concerns about how so many homes would fit on the site with all the necessary infrastructure and were concerned at the lack of a crossing point for people to get from the proposed car park to the nature reserve on the other side of the busy A420, where there is a history of accidents.

Developer Wick Land Ltd’s outline scheme was also contrary to council policy on appropriate provision for affordable housing and public open space.

The council had received 118 letters of objection and 11 in favour of the scheme.

As we reported last summer, the developer came under fire for starting work on the site by erecting a 2.4 metre high fence to screen it from the road, which led to the council issuing an enforcement notice. The developer appealed after being ordered to take it down and a planning inspector’s decision is pending.

The Week in • Wednesday 11th January 2023

7

LETTERS In praise of community radio stations Dear Editor Some years ago, your excellent community newspaper was kind enough to print my good wishes on the broadcasting licensing authority Ofcom issuing a permit for Keynsham Town Community Radio to begin programming to the area with a low power transmitter on 105.8 FM. This month, Keynsham Town Community Radio marks its third anniversary. I would like to congratulate the station on reaching this milestone, particularly given the fact that it came to the air during the unfolding crisis of the Covid pandemic.

KTCR is just one of several voluntary/ community radio stations that grace the airwaves in Bristol. Listeners towards the city edge of your paper’s distribution area might be familiar with BCFM on 93.2 FM from Easton, with its lively jingles voiced by the lovely Sherrie Eugene-Hart, who used to read the news on HTV West all those years ago. Ujima Radio is on 98.0 FM and has a specific remit to serve the African-Caribbean communities.

broadcasts programmes by and for the lesbian,

So, Keynsham prepare for more snarl-ups and

stick around to find out.

gay, bisexual and transgender communities.

chaos through the town centre. Please support

What a shame that the NHS is gradually

One World Radio plays trance and house

the shops down Temple Street. Five months of

becoming privatised and the Conservative

music. And coming soon will be dance music

disruption is the last thing we needed. It really

Party actively encouraged it to happen. I'm sure

specialists Decadance Radio and South Bristol-

isn't good enough to announce this with

paying private dental fees was never an issue

based station Base Radio from the heart of

virtually no notice.

for the likes of Jacob Rees-Mogg and Margaret

Knowle West.

Chris Oliver, Keynsham Hardware

Thatcher! So much for ‘cradle to the grave’.

There is so much cynicism in the way national

DJ Hug

conduct discourse. Community radio is a

‘Hypocritical’ council ignores people’s views

Kindness in Keynsham

chance for ordinary people to speak for

Dear Editor

Dear Editor

themselves and share ideas, history, viewpoints

Despite 216 objections (I was one of those)

While sitting on my ‘wheelie’ for a short break

and music. Compared to Australia, where

South Gloucestershire planning have ignored

at the top of the steep Fox and Hounds Lane in

they’ve had it since the 1970s, or much of

the

are

Keynsham, I was surprised when a young lady

continental Europe, Britain has only enjoyed

recommending permission be granted for

stopped her car, got out and came to enquire if

legal community radio for about 20 years. But

another betting office (Issue 762).

I was okay. I assured her that I was just taking

there are now around 450 stations across the

I note that this building was not put on the open

a break and thanked her for her concern, which

land, and you can travel from the Scilly Isles to

market, thereby enabling no chance for another

was much appreciated.

Shetland listening to community stations all the

trade to bid.

There have been other occasions when

way. So, if you haven’t tried them yet, go on,

South Gloucestershire Council appealed in

pedestrians have also enquired if I needed any

give the west’s many community radio stations

December to people to use the high street to do

help and I find it heart-warming that there is so

a listen. Run by volunteers for the love of their

their shopping - how hypocritical!

much care around. The news in the media

neighbourhoods. I think you might find a new

People who use a betting shop are highly

generally is rather negative but I, as a 94-year-

sound in the air.

unlikely to use the butchers or greengrocers or

old, believe that there is much goodness and we

Terry Starr, Radio Enthusiast

convenience shops which are on this rank.

in Keynsham are especially fortunate.

South Bristol

It’s about time South Gloucestershire Council

Morris Powe

newspapers and mass audience channels

people

of

Staple

Hill

and

listened to its local people and not some big

Further afield, there is Bradley Stoke Radio on

business. Give Staple Hill the shops we want,

In December, a new digital radio transmitter

Lack of notice over parking removal in Temple Street

was switched on for Bristol. This is part of a

Dear Editor

J White, Soundwell

scheme called ‘Small Scale DAB’ and is

I had a visit on Thursday 5th January from the

103.4 FM and youth station SWU on 103.7.

then the high street will survive.

Look to Gloucester Road for inspiration Dear Becky Is it possible to resuscitate the rusting retail

designed to allow more independent, small-

project manager for the Temple Street Heritage

scale and not-for-profit radio stations to

Action Zone scheme. She handed me a three-

So much for ‘cradle to the grave’ healthcare

transmit to digital radios. Already, listeners can

page update on the project and explained a little

Dear The Week in

‘Big T’ (Tesco) monster? Recent businesses

enjoy a lively selection of programming

more about the parking changes.

On visiting the dental practice at Keynsham

gobbled up include a long-standing family-

through this facility. For example, there is

After she departed, I sat down to read the

Medical

last

owned newsagent, butcher and greengrocer.

Angel Radio, run by and for people in later life,

update, only to discover that it notifies me that

appointment cancelled by them at the

We have an endless increase in hairdressers,

with a gentle mix of classical, jazz, big band,

“there will be no parking on either side of the

beginning of Covid, I was told all NHS patients

coffee shops and charity shops.

swing and rock and roll music. Believe it or

road from 30 to 52 Temple Street for the

who hadn't been in contact by December 2020

Could the council make a new year’s

not, they started broadcasting back in the 1990s

duration of the works” and that “traffic will be

(at the height of the pandemic) were struck off,

resolution to change the outlook for the High

when there was no legal community radio and

able to pass through in both directions along

but could now join privately with BUPA.

Street which serves a growing population?

for their first years were a land-based pirate

Temple Street with one carriageway lane open

What a disgrace! I was already paying

It can be done! There are many communities

station. Noods Radio showcases new young

and temporary traffic lights in place to filter

approximately £180 an hour for the NHS

in the Bristol area which are self-sustaining,

people’s talent from a studio in a St Paul’s

traffic through”.

subsidised service so I dread to think how

such as the Gloucester Road.

hostelry, whilst the wittily titled Gaydio

This starts this week! Thanks for the warning!

much BUPA are charging on top of that. I didn't

Winifred Rickard, Keynsham

8

Centre,

having

had

my

relic of Keynsham’s High Street. Or are we going to yield to the insatiable appetite of the

The Week in • Wednesday 11th January 2023

Campaign launched to preserve Saltford’s unspoilt landscape Efforts have begun to secure special protection for Saltford’s green landscape to preserve it for future generations.

At its meeting last week, the parish council agreed that now is the ideal time to seek designation for ‘Saltford South’ as Bath & North East Somerset Council is starting to consult on its new Local Plan which will guide change in the B&NES area up to the year 2042.

The parish council is looking at getting the area shaded in blue on the map designated as an Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV) or Local Green Space (LGS).

Outlining its case the council says: “An AGLV (the preferred choice of Saltford Parish Council) or LGS designation would create a greater awareness to planners and developers of this landscape’s high quality and value to the community at large and provide reassurance to the community of Saltford and neighbouring parishes that the local planning authority, i.e.

B&NES Council, values this landscape as much as the

The view from fields by Longwood Lane. Credit: Phil Harding

Near Montague Road. Credit: Phil Harding

The blue shaded area defines Saltford South

community it seeks to represent and will protect it from development that would otherwise reduce or destroy the openness, unspoilt rural character and wildlife habitat and ecological assets.”

It adds: “In addition to the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty located to the north and north east of Saltford, the principal area outside the housing boundary that contributes to the historic value of the landscape setting of Saltford comprises the two long-standing areas of woodland,

Sudoku 1-Easy

namely Folly Wood, to the east of Saltford golf course and designated by Natural England as an Ancient Woodland and classified as a Site of Nature Conservation Interest; Saltford golf course itself; and Longwood, the long-established woodland to the west of the golf course alongside Longwood Lane.”

Saltford Environment Group say they fully support the parish council’s approach. More information is available on the parish council’s website.

SUNDAY CHEMISTS Sunday 15th January

2 -Hard

Boots, Gallagher Retail Park, Longwell Green (10.30am-4pm) Asda, Longwell Green (10am-4pm) 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 11th January 2023

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Sound out events celebrating town’s history and heritage Events to mark the third birthday of KTCRfm next weekend are on their way to being a complete sell-out.

The Keynsham-based community radio station launched in early 2020, just before lockdown. So while next weekend will mark the third anniversary, it is also being treated as the official launch of the station as there hasn’t been an opportunity until now.

Events planned at the Space in Keynsham on Thursday 19th, Friday 20th and Saturday 21st January all reflect on the history and heritage of the town and there are also links between them.

As we reported in Issue 760, Friday evening sees ‘An

Come and meet the team Saturday 21st January The Space, Keynsham 10am-noon Find out how community radio works.

Have your say on air.

Learn about volunteering opportunities.

Wish us a happy 3rd birthday.

Evening with Horace Batchelor’ a reprise of Keynsham-born playwright Kevin Cattell’s one man show from 2013 and featuring a return of actor Roland Oliver. Perhaps not surprisingly, the free tickets for the performance were snapped up within days. The radio station is currently weighing up demand for a further performance later in the year.

On Saturday night, a musical link with the town is rekindled with a tribute to the Bonzo Dog Band, the wacky 1960s band who named one of their albums ‘Keynsham’ in tribute to Horace Batchelor. For Nick Pallett, one of the KTCRfm team, this will be his third incarnation at The Space, having previously been involved with The Beatles Abbey Road album revival and David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars concert during last year’s Keynsham Music Festival. As we went to press, tickets for the Bonzo Dog concert on Saturday 21st were almost all sold. You can

Crossword ACROSS

DOWN

1. Prods (5)

1. Money bag (5)

4. Type of plover (7)

2. Credit, renown (5)

8. Set right (7)

3. Enchantment (5)

9. Grow less (5) 10. Painting frame (5) 13. Perpetually young (7) 17. Sardonic (3) 18. Wax light (6) 19. Clergyman (6) 20. Female pronoun (3) 22. Notched (7) 25. Animal group (5) 28. Florida city (5) 29. Antiquated (7) 30. Praise (7) 31. Destitute (5)

4. Oriental sailor (6) 5. Serenity (5) 6. Picture (5) 7. Estimate (5) 11. Knowing (5) 12. Sea duck (5) 14. Change course (4) 15. Intense light (5) 16. Incline (5) 17. Compass point (4) 21. Harbinger (6) 22. Shrub (5) 23. Kingdom (5) 24. Existing (5) 25. Cut of pork (5) 26. Rub out (5) 27. Decompose (5)

10

Roland Oliver playing Horace Batchelor in 2013 (Picture credit Zuleika Henry)

check at www.eventbrite.co.uk And details of the third event on Thursday 19th January have just been released. The Stories and Mysteries of Keynsham Abbey promises to be an evening of sound and visual imagery to bring to life one of Keynsham’s oldest heritage features. While all that remains today of the 12th century abbey ruins lie tucked away in a corner of the Memorial Park, this evening presented by the Keynsham Abbey working group from the Bristol History and Archaeology Society will demonstrate just what a significant structure it was. Tickets are free and available online at www.hikeynsham.co.uk The reason that two of the three events are free is thanks to the Keynsham local cultural programme funded through Historic England and the Government’s Future High Street Fund.

Ofsted praises ‘happy’ school Ofsted has rated Broomhill Infant and Nursery School in Fermaine Avenue in Brislington as Good following a recent inspection.

It had been rated at its previous inspection in 2019 as being in need of improvement.

In the latest report, inspectors said the school, which caters for children aged three to seven, is a “friendly, happy and inclusive place for pupils to learn” and that leaders and staff aspire for all pupils to succeed.

Pupils are said to be caring, polite and respectful, with pastoral provision “exceptionally effective”.

The school, which has 186 pupils on the roll, has a specially resourced provision for pupils with a range of special educational needs and/or disabilities who attend mainstream classes for part of every day.

The Week in • Wednesday 11th January 2023

Unpopular plans for phone masts are refused Bristol City Council planners have refused three bids by CK Hutchison Networks for 5G phone masts in Whitchurch, Stockwood and Fishponds.

The telecoms giant was seeking prior approval for an 18metre high mast with six antennas and cabinets on the corner of Davids Road and Hazelbury Road in Whitchurch where there is a small public green area used as a play area.

The council received 36 objections and a 55-signature petition. Concerns raised included visual harm and the impact on the green space.

The council acknowledged that the mast would deliver economic and social benefits but said that even taking this into account, it would not outweigh the “significant harm” that would be caused to the area. It said that the siting of an

Stockwood Road

The Week in • Wednesday 11th January 2023

18-metre mast in a residential area would be “incongruous and overbearing” and would deter use of the open space.

In Stockwood a 15-metre mast was being proposed on a grass verge on the corner of The Coots and Stockwood Road, also with six antennas and cabinets.

The council received 29 objections and one of support.

Concerns related to it being an eyesore, the harm to the nearby Stockwood Open Space Nature Reserve, and the health effects.

In refusing the application, the council said a mast there would be “incongruous, unsympathetic, obtrusive and highly prominent street clutter” and would harm the area’s open and green character, in particular the nature reserve, adding that the applicant had failed to demonstrate that the harm was essential to deliver the benefits of a mast.

Meanwhile there were 23 objections to the proposed 17-metre mast, with six antennas and cabinets, outside the Vassall Centre in Gill Avenue, Fishponds. Objectors said it would be an eyesore and too close to homes and raised concern about polluting effects. Refusing approval, the council said the mast would harm the character and appearance of the Gill Avenue area and that the application failed to demonstrate that the harm was essential for the benefits.

In terms of the health concerns raised about all three proposed masts, all had an International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) Certificate to confirm they meet the guidelines for public exposure.

The developer has the right to appeal.

The corner of Davids Road & Hazelbury Road

Gill Avenue

11

Helping to turn the tide From a Week In Community members’ meeting to questions in the House, the campaign to get tidal power back on the nation’s energy agenda has come a long way in just a few short months.

Last summer, The Week In Community agreed to take on board the case for highlighting the potential of the Severn Estuary as part of the Government’s aim to become less dependent on foreign energy supplies. The subject may not be ‘local’ in the context of The Week In’s readership area but it is relevant to the West of England region that we are part of.

You may have noticed some articles and letters in response to them in subsequent editions of the newspaper. What followed was the Severn Estuary Energy Transformation (SEET) a loose grouping of interested parties including members of The Week In Community, engineers and academics who got together to pursue the matter and agree a strategy for the next steps. From the outset, it was agreed that this was not to be a party-political issue. If tidal power in the Severn Estuary is to become a reality, it must have cross-party support.

So, in November it was actually Bath Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse who submitted written questions to Graham Stuart MP, Minister of State for Energy and Climate. North East Somerset MP Jacob Rees-Mogg also took up the case with the minister.

But for the origins of this story you have to go back quite a few years. What prompted the call at The Week In Community members’ meeting last year was the Government’s Energy Security Strategy, published in April 2022 in the light Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It was widely criticised for a number of reasons yet nobody seemed surprised that tidal energy was covered in just a single sentence.

This is no doubt because, over a decade earlier, tidal power

The Severn Estuary

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Metro Mayor Dan Norris, right, wth First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford

from the Severn Estuary was dismissed on cost grounds by David Cameron’s Government, hell bent on a policy of austerity measures.

Prior to that, a two-year study that began in 2008 had identified five sites in the Bristol Channel for possible tidal barrage or lagoon projects. But the feasibility report published in 2010 concluded that the investment costs would be too high to attract private investors which would leave the public sector to pick up the cost.

One scheme for a tidal lagoon in Swansea Bay did go forward with private investment but was abandoned in 2018 when the Government refused to guarantee the price for the electricity produced, as it has done with EDF for power produced at Hinkley Point. But the SEET group argue that so much has changed since the 2010 report that it is now time to crunch the figures again.

One of the respondents to our articles in The Week In was

Rod Rainey, a visiting professor at Southampton University and acknowledged expert on hydrodynamics. He wrote a letter which was published in Issue 750 highlighting that steel was now preferable to the huge amounts of concrete required to build a barrage. New types of turbine were also available that were more efficient and less harmful to marine life. The 2010 Government report also made reference to other forms of tidal stream technology which were being developed but were not proven at that time. One which was being trialled at the time is now live and generating power in the Orkneys.

In response to recent Parliamentary questions, the Climate Minister said: “The Government is open to considering welldeveloped proposals for harnessing the tidal range energy in the bays and estuaries around our coastlines, including barrage schemes and other alternatives. Revised guidance in the energy National Policy Statement will be published shortly.”

As we have also reported in previous editions of The Week In, West of England Regional Mayor Dan Norris and Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford met last year to discuss common interests on either side of the Severn. Renewable energy generation is known to have been on the agenda.

The tide continues to come in and out twice a day and along the Bristol Channel it has one of the highest ranges in the world. Infrastructure projects to harness its power will be unavoidably long term.

So much has changed since 2010 – climate crisis, geo-politics and energy production costs – that it would be negligent for any government to ignore the one source of energy that is constantly renewable. And if, as has been suggested by some experts, tidal power could produce as much as 10% of our needs, then failing to investigate further would not just be negligent but criminally negligent.

In the wider scale of things, members of The Week In Community will ultimately have no impact on the final decisions made regarding tidal power. But, if less than six months from adopting this campaign, it is on the agenda of decision-makers at Westminster, then we have already made a difference.

Stephen Rodgers The Week in • Wednesday 11th January 2023

Takeaway plan in breach of school exclusion zone A bid to change part of a convenience store

health or the promotion of healthy lifestyles.

influence food choices given the site’s

the officers’ recommendations that applicant

in Broomhill to a hot food takeaway has

But the planning application was referred to

prominent presence on a key route to school

Mohammed Mahmood hadn’t provided

been rejected.

the council’s development control committee

and in a small shopping area which is likely

information to show there would not be an

Bristol City Council planning officers had

by

to be a place where young people gather.

unacceptable impact on road safety.

recommended refusal of the plans for The

Rippington, who supported it. There is one

Cllr Rippington had also felt that parking and

Councillors also agreed that there was a lack

Gilmore in Birchwood Road. The site is 150

school within a 400-metre radius - The

deliveries

undue

of information to show that the kitchen

metres away from a primary school and

Kingfisher School – and Cllr Rippington said

inconvenience but the committee agreed with

extraction system and flue were acceptable.

council policy states that takeaways within

that primary age children would not be

400 metres of schools and youth facilities

visiting the takeaway so it should not be an

will not be permitted where they would be

issue. However, the committee agreed it

likely to influence behaviour harmful to

likely that a hot food takeaway would

Brislington

East

councillor

Tim

would

not

cause

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Salvation Army’s thanks to donors Thanks largely to the generosity of local people, Staple Hill Salvation Army was able to help a record number of families over the Christmas period.

Working closely with South Gloucestershire Social Services, local schools and other agencies, the church was able to help more than 650 people with multiple Christmas gifts all customised to the recipient’s age and circumstances.

This was 150 more than were helped last year, recognising the significant need that exists, said Major Colin Hylton Jones, who runs the church with his wife Nicola.

The church was also able to entertain more than 60 people on Christmas Day to lunch and tea and each received a gift to take home, as well as a food hamper.

The church remains open as a warm and

welcoming space every Tuesday and Friday from noon until 6pm when refreshments are provided and will also continue with the regular Thursday lunch club.

The Week in • Wednesday 11th January 2023

13

Plans for HMO on Bath Road in Keynsham Plans to turn a detached property in Keynsham into an

The application says the proposed scheme makes more

eight-bedroom house of multiple occupation (HMO)

efficient use of the property, providing high quality

have been submitted to Bath & North East Somerset

accommodation within an established residential, sustainable

Council.

location.

Reliable Property Invest Ltd has applied to refurbish and alter

The applicant says there are currently three licenced HMOs

Goodfield House on Bath Road to comply with council

in the Keynsham East ward according to the public register,

standards for licensed houses in multiple occupation.

so this scheme would not tip the concentration to 10% or

HMOs meet a variety of needs for private rented housing,

more within a 100m radius in line with council policy.

such as young professional house-shares, as well as providing

The planning reference is 22/05183/FUL and anyone wishing

housing for people on lower incomes.

to comment on the scheme has until 21st January.

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Crossword Solution

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3 2 4 6 8 9 5 7 1

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