THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset
8th February 2023
Issue 767
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Redrow unveil plans for up to 149 homes on Green Belt land in Hanham A public consultation has been launched over plans to build up to 149 homes on Green Belt land at Hanham. Ashfield Land, which owns the three-field site known locally as The Batch, has partnered with Redrow Homes to unveil plans for a mix of housing, from one-bedroom apartments up
The land is known locally as The Batch
Also in this week’s issue
to four-bedroom houses, to include shared ownership properties and some for social rent. The site lies to the south of Hencliffe Way and west of Castle Farm Road, on the edge of Hanham. A public right of way crosses the middle of the site from north to south and a circular one runs around the northern boundary. Hencliff Wood is to the south and west and to the north are homes in Hencliffe Way. Local residents received letters from consultants Grass Roots Planning at the end of last week when the plans were also unveiled on a dedicated website. Earlier in the week the fields, where sweetcorn has been grown for many years, were ploughed up and people were seen on the site in hi-vis jackets. The proposals are outlined on the consultation website which says that the land provides an “excellent opportunity to deliver much-needed market and affordable homes for the area in a sustainable location”. Along with the new homes a new woodland, picnic/recreation area is planned with a pedestrian/cycle link from the existing public car park, and other areas of public open space. Consultants Grass Roots Planning say that agreement has been sought with one of the properties in Hencliffe Way and this would be the primary access. They say a road safety audit shows the access is safe and that the road network is capable of serving an additional 149 homes without causing adverse effects. There would also be a pedestrian, cycle and emergency access from
Better news than feared for No. 17 bus route . . . page 3
Reaction after judge rules Bristol Airport expansion can go ahead . . . pages 4 & 5
The site in Hanham. Image: Grass Roots Planning
Castle Farm Road. The consultants acknowledge that change can be “concerning, and particularly where a site is in the Green Belt – but most people know someone that is struggling to get on the housing ladder and desperately in need of a home of their own”. They say: “Having reviewed land south of Hencliffe Way, we consider that this site, given its urban edge location and its visual self-containment, does not particularly contribute to the purposes of the Green Belt.” Some local residents are already voicing concern about the impact on local services of 149 more homes, including GPs, dentists and schools, and local roads, especially as there are up to 200 new homes already lined up for Hanham on the old Kleeneze factory site off the High Street. Those plans are currently being considered by South Gloucestershire Council. Continued on page 2
Spotlight on local dentistry crisis . . . page 6
Bridge linking Keynsham & Hanham moves a step closer . . . page 7
Redrow unveil plans for up to 149 homes on Green Belt land in Hanham Continued from page 1 In March 2018 we reported Hanham District Green Belt Conservation Society’s warning of a “very serious and direct threat” to many of the area’s green spaces – including The Batch – where the landowner had at the time suggested to South Gloucestershire Council under the ‘Call for Sites’ process that up to 182 homes could be built. Explaining the reasoning for the housing plans being brought forward now, even though the site is designated as Green Belt, which helps stop urban sprawl, Grass Roots Planning explain: “South Gloucestershire Council’s last Local Plan that allocated sites for growth was adopted in 2013 – 10 years ago now. “There have been two failed attempts at strategic planning in the area since this time – firstly the Joint Spatial Plan (a joint working approach between Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol City, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset) which was found unsound by the independent Planning Inspectorate in
2
2018, and then the Spatial Development Strategy which was abandoned in 2022, largely due to a lack of agreement about how Bristol’s unmet housing need would be dealt with by the neighbouring authorities. “There is therefore a lack of a clear plan for growth in this area and what is becoming clear is that South Gloucestershire Council will not have a new Local Plan in place for many years to come which will allocate sites to meet the desperate need for both market and affordable housing in the wider Bristol area. “Based on the council’s current timetable, a new plan will not be in place until at earliest 2025 – and this plan doesn’t intend to allocate smaller sites, but instead will simply propose ‘areas’ of growth. As such, we consider that action is required now to address this critical issue, which is why this site is being brought forward.” The consultation runs until 26th February. Visit https://hencliffewayconsultation.co.uk/
Life sentence for double murderer A man from Dundee was convicted on Monday of the murders of a South Gloucestershire mother and daughter. Andrew Innes, 52, had admitted killing 25-year-old Bennylyn Burke and two-yearold Jellica but denied murdering them, claiming diminished responsibility. However, the judge at the High Court in Edinburgh instructed the jury to find Innes guilty of the double murder and he was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 36 years. Bennylyn, who had lived in Staple Hill before moving to Kingswood in 2020, was lured to Dundee by Innes after he targeted her through a dating website. The two bodies were found buried under the kitchen floor of his Troon Avenue house on 18th March 2021. On Monday Det Chief Insp Graham Smith, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, said it had been a “harrowing investigation” and their thoughts were very much with the victims' family and friends, including relatives who travelled from the
Bennylyn & Jellica
Philippines for the trial. And Det Insp Will Thorpe, of Avon & Somerset Police, said: “Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of Bennylyn and Jellica Burke upon today’s verdict. “Avon & Somerset Police launched a missing persons enquiry upon their disappearance being reported to us in March 2021 and it was through diligent analysis from detectives and our Intelligence Department that we managed to link Andrew Innes to the investigation. Once his vehicle movements were traced from South Gloucestershire back north, we asked Police Scotland colleagues to assist and attend Innes’ address in Dundee and hoped to find Bennylyn and Jellica safe and well. Sadly, that was not to be case.”
The Week in • Wednesday 8th February 2023
‘Only small number of No. 17 bus journeys will be lost’ The managing director of First West of England has reassured people that only a few journeys on the 17 bus route between Kingswood and Southmead Hospital are to be lost from April. There has been concern about the impact of many bus services being slashed following the latest round of funding cuts. But now First’s boss Doug Claringbold has clarified that the 17 will continue to run, apart from some late-night evening journeys, which had been subsidised by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA). He said: “The 17 service is largely a commercially operated
service between Southmead and Kingswood and WECA provided the funding for a small number of late-evening journeys which had very low patronage. “It is these late evening journeys which WECA has decided not to support which will therefore be removed in April. We will continue to operate the rest of Service 17 on a commercial basis.” The specific journeys Monday to Friday which will no longer operate are the 21.20 departure from Bristol Bus Station (21.40 from Southmead) and the 23.00 from Southmead.
On Saturdays the 20.00 from Bristol (20.20 from Southmead) and 21.50 from Southmead will no longer run and the 20.30 and 21.30 from Keynsham will also be withdrawn.
Six houses with access from council car park are approved SPlans to build six houses that will be accessed via a public car park in Mangotsfield have been approved. Acton Homes Ltd submitted plans to South Gloucestershire Council for land at 29A and 29B St James Place. The pair of semidetached houses and garages will be demolished and four three-bed houses and two four-bed houses built. The scheme includes parking for 13 cars and
21 cycles. Local councillor Michael Bell flagged up concerns about the access to a building site through a public car park, saying the councilowned short-stay car park at St James Street is relatively small and to have construction traffic mixing with vehicles and pedestrians at the same time needs to be very tightly controlled. He also raised concern about the increase in
The Week in • Wednesday 8th February 2023
parking due to builders bringing their own vehicles into a probably already full car park as there is very limited parking in surrounding streets. But council planners said the car park access and circulatory route through it will be able to accommodate the traffic associated with the proposal and an agreed construction environmental management plan is one of the conditions of the planning permission.
St James Street car park
3
Judge rules Bristol Airport expansion can go ahead, but campaigners fight on A judge has ruled that the expansion of
to cover the costs.
Bristol Airport can go ahead following a
Lord Justice Lane announced his decision at
High Court challenge by opponents.
Bristol Civil Justice Centre last Tuesday,
But Bristol Airport Action Network (BAAN)
saying that expanding the airport would
say their legal team feel strongly that there
impact the environment but that the decision
are grounds to be contested at the Court of
is for central government, not local.
Appeal and they have started crowdfunding
Bristol Airport, which is owned by the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan, applied in
Bristol Airport
December 2018 to expand by two million passengers a year. This would mean more than 20,000 extra flights producing an additional million tonnes of carbon a year, an extra 10,000 car movements a day, many more night flights and a new multi-storey car park on Green Belt land. The airport has also published plans to ultimately double in size to 20 million passengers a year. After a local campaign involving 11,000
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. 16,000 copies are distributed through retail outlets, libraries, pubs, community centres each week. Verified pick-up rate of 97%.
people making written comments (77%
airport emissions. This must change. We are
against the plans), the expansion plans were
all seeing the devastating effects of climate
turned down by North Somerset Council in
change with floods in Keynsham a few
2020.
weeks ago and record-breaking temperatures
The airport then appealed and after a public
this summer. So many plants and animals are
inquiry, the planning inspectors gave the
under threat of being lost for ever.”
airport the go-ahead to expand. BAAN then
Cllr Sarah Warren, Bath & North East
brought a High Court challenge against the
Somerset Council’s cabinet member for
Planning Inspectorate’s decision, which they
Climate & Sustainable Travel, said: “This
claimed was unlawful, but that challenge was
decision flies in the face of overwhelming
rejected by the judge last week.
public opposition to further unwarranted and
Dave Lees, chief executive of Bristol Airport,
polluting development at Bristol Airport and
welcomed the judge’s decision to uphold the
completely
planning permission to increase Bristol
emergency and democratic decision-making.
Airport’s capacity from 10 million to 12
It exposes local communities to continued
million passengers per annum. He said: “The
and accelerating degradation of their quality
decision is excellent news for our region’s
of life and wellbeing, and trumpets the power
economy, allowing us to create up to 5,000
of international investors, working through
new jobs, deliver more international
their lawyers, to work with impunity against
destinations for the South West and South
the vital interests of the very communities
Wales, and invest hundreds of millions of
where they take root.”
pounds improving the customer experience.
The Green Party’s co-leader Carla Denyer,
ignores
both
the
climate
We will do this while working towards our
who is a Bristol city councillor, said: “This is
The Week In Community Ltd, 8 Temple Court, Keynsham. BS31 1HA
ambitious target of net zero carbon
a devastating outcome. Bristol Airport’s
0117 986 0381. www.theweekin.co.uk ISSN: 2052-9767
operations by 2030.”
unnecessary expansion will mean thousands
He said expanded capacity would allow the
of extra flights which will produce one
airport to explore new direct links to Europe
million tonnes of CO2 equivalents every
and further afield. “As well as providing
year, right at the point we most need to be
economic links for our region, new routes
reducing our emissions. Not to mention more
Publisher Editor Contributors
Stephen Rodgers admin@theweekin.co.uk Becky Feather 07403 273967 Christine Rogers
Advertising
Tracy Broderick 0117 986 0381 sales.theweekin@gmail.com
will remove some of the millions of car
traffic, noise and air pollution for local
journeys made from the South West and
people, and it will risk harming endangered
South Wales to London airports each year.”
local species. All this in face of clear local
@theweekineditor
Following Tuesday’s ruling the West of
opposition.
England Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “The
“To make matters worse, we know up to 20
deep concerns of local people and the
other regional airports have their own plans
the_week_in_news
decisions of local politicians have come into
to expand and will have been watching this
No material in this publication, nor its associated website (www.theweekin.co.uk) may be reproduced without the written permission of The Week In. All rights reserved.
head-on collision with national government
case very closely to see if the Government
policy that is not fit for purpose.
will enforce its own climate policy. As the
The Week In is regulated by IMPRESS: The Independent Monitor for the Press CIC. As such, we adhere to the IMPRESS complaints procedure. A copy of this procedure can be found on our website or can be sent upon written request to the address above.
“Lord Justice Lane confirmed that the
Government’s own committee on climate
expansion will impact the environment but as
change has pointed out, airport expansion is
we know, Government policy gives no
completely
consideration to the combined impact of
commitments on climate change.”
4
incompatible
with
our
The Week in • Wednesday 8th February 2023
Keynsham campaigners at rally Campaigners held a No Airport Expansion rally at College Green in Bristol on Saturday at which Keynsham Extinction Rebellion (KXR) were well represented. Member Rich Prior told The Week In: “KXR, as well as so many others were devasted by the appalling news on Tuesday. I was there in person to hear the news being delivered, which was so hard to understand. It is undemocratic with so much local opposition. It is shocking news for us as locals but catastrophic for the planet. “The impact of flying has such significant impact on our planet and the climate catastrophe we are already experiencing, with millions already affected; the recent College Green rally
flooding in Keynsham is a relatively insignificant example of one of the impacts we will be increasingly facing. The
wish to double the number of annual flights
(nearly 2,500) work at the airport now than
any say over the airport's wish to increase
expansion is estimated to result in a million
from not just to 12 but to 20 million flights a
worked there in 2005 when there were nearly
their profits at the cost to the planet. It is left
extra tonnes of CO2 per annum.
year. That is twice as many as the 10 million
2,600.
to the voluntary work of those of us that are
“Furthermore, it is really concerning to hear
cap that was in place before this rise to 12
Mr Prior also said that far more people fly out
trying to protect the planet, including the
that the airport have announced that they
million: the fact is that in the last year they
of the airport than fly in and spend millions
work of the awesome Bristol Airport Action
flew 7.6 million and even at their
of pounds abroad, rather than supporting the
Network.”
peak pre-Covid they hadn’t
local economy and tourism.
For more information on the crowdfunding
reached anywhere near 10
He added: “No one seems to be able to have
appeal visit https://tinyurl.com/mr3mzyza
million, so the airport is big enough. “Also it gives the green light to about 20 other regional airports that also want to expand; some already have announced their plans since Tuesday’s ruling.” Of the airport’s claim that “up to 5,000 jobs” will be created, he said that last time the airport expanded in 2006 (from six to 10 million) the masterplan promised 1,200 new jobs by 2015 but by 2015 there were only an additional 165 jobs. Rich Prior
He added that fewer people
Green Party victory Patrick McAllister last week won the Hotwells & Harbourside by-election in Bristol in a historic result for the Green Party, making them the outright largest group on the city council. Mr McAllister took the seat left vacant by the resignation of the Lib Dem councillor to become the Green Party’s 25th councillor in Bristol and the largest group in City Hall for the first time ever.
It means 17 of the 20 councillors in the Parliamentary seat of Bristol West are Greens, which they say adds to the growing evidence that their candidate Carla Denyer can become Bristol’s first Green MP at the next General Election. Mr McAllister secured 26 votes more than the Lib Dem candidate Stephen Williams, who was Bristol West MP from 2005 until 2015.
The Week in • Wednesday 8th February 2023
5
DIY dentistry as NHS access crisis deepens People are resorting to DIY dentistry as they cannot
representatives at the meeting how desperate the situation is.
slightly lower than the
access NHS provision.
She said: “In terms of people performing their own treatment,
England rate as a whole
That’s how serious the crisis has become, Cllr Andrea Reid
we are way past that point. It’s not a future tense we are trying
(37.4%). The number of
told South Gloucestershire Council’s health scrutiny
to avoid, it’s already happening.”
children who had seen a
committee meeting at which there was cross-party concern
Cllr Reid said her son recently had a dental emergency but
dentist
that a growing number of people aren’t getting treatment as
because her family had skipped check-ups during the
Gloucestershire increased
they can’t afford to go private.
pandemic as advised, they had lost their registration. Their
from 29.7% in June 2021
The Labour councillor, who represents the Kingswood ward,
practice - Christchurch Dental Centre in Downend - has lost
to 42% in June 2022.
said that in the Bristol, North Somerset and South
three NHS dentists and gone private.
However, that access rate
Gloucestershire (BNSSG) health area of a million people,
Even though she sits on the scrutiny committee, she said she
is lower than England as
there are 121 dental practices but only one (understood to be
had not realised how bad things had become and was
a whole (46.9%).
in Hartcliffe) taking on NHS patients.
surprised to discover that dental help is available via the NHS
The South West dental
She said she was not hearing from NHS England South West
111 line. She ended up accessing treatment for her son at the
commissioning
dental hospital.
recently
How to get help
Fellow Labour councillor Sandie Davis, who represents the
initiative to increase the number of urgent care treatment slots
New Cheltenham ward, cited the case of a Ukraine family
by asking practices to provide additional urgent care sessions.
There is a dedicated dental helpline for the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire area. When someone calls 111, there is an interactive voice response that allows callers to choose ‘Dental’ from a menu. The service manages both in and out-of-hours appointments for the Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire area. The helpline assists patients in finding an NHS dentist for routine care and arranges urgent NHS treatment for those without a dentist.
staying in South Gloucestershire who had not been able to
However, to date no practices within South Gloucestershire
access a dentist so had gone back to their war-torn country
have signed up but the team say they are continuing to do all
for treatment.
they can to secure extra urgent care slots with the funding for
Frenchay & Downend Conservative councillor James
a further financial year.
Griffiths said he was concerned about health inequality and
Health chiefs at the meeting acknowledged the challenges
that the system was in a “death spiral” with an increasing
and said that the key issue affecting access to NHS dentistry
number of practices going private as dentists can earn much
across the country is workforce. They said efforts are being
more.
made to make it more attractive for dentists to stay in the
A report to the committee said the number of adults seeing
NHS in the South West and they are working to improve
an NHS dentist in South Gloucestershire fell from 42.6% of
the lot for new dentists, including ongoing training and
the population in June 2021 to 36.7% in June 2022. That is
support.
6
in
South
launched
team an
Andrea Reid
The Week in • Wednesday 8th February 2023
Bridge linking Keynsham and Hanham moves a step closer A long-awaited bridge across the River Avon between Keynsham and Hanham has taken a step forward following funding from the West of England Combined Authority (WECA). Construction of a pedestrian and cycle bridge was one of the conditions attached to the planning permission granted to Taylor Wimpey in 2013 to build more than 600 new homes on the site of the former Cadbury factory site at Somerdale. The legal (Section 106) agreement signed the following year between the developer, Bath & North East Somerset Council and Mondelēz (Cadbury’s) contained a provision for a £1.1m contribution towards the bridge (shown on the left of the map). While most of the other Section 106 conditions for the Somerdale site have since been discharged, very little had been heard about the progress of the bridge. In 2018, The Week In was told that scoping work was
being carried out by the council. But now it seems that work will be soon be under way with the initial contribution of £295,771 from WECA to develop a full business case for the project. The award is being matched by a £160,931 contribution from Bath & North East Somerset Council. The bridge will form part of the WaterSpace project, a partnership between WECA, Bristol, B&NES and South Gloucestershire councils, Wessex Water, the Canal & River Trust and the Environment Agency to improve the river corridor between Bath and Bristol. Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “In order to reach our ambitious net-zero targets locally, we need to make it as easy as possible for locals to choose to walk, wheel and cycle their way across our West of England Mayoral region, particularly for those shorter everyday journeys. I’m proud a £295,000 cash injection from my West of England
Authority means we can get on with progressing plans for WaterSpace, in particular the bridge between Keynsham and
Hanham which will be a great boost to getting people out of their cars and connecting our brilliant region.”
Where the bridge will go
House fire ‘accidental’ Crews from Kingswood and Hicks Gate fire stations were called to reports of a house blaze in Montrose Drive in Warmley at 9.30pm on Sunday 29th January. On arrival, crews found a fire on the first floor of a property. With four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus, crews used three high pressure
hose reels, a covering jet and safety jet to extinguish the flames. Crews isolated the utilities to the property and used fans to clear the smoke. Following a fire investigation, the cause of was determined to have been accidental. Police, ambulance and Red Cross crews were also in attendance.
The Week in • Wednesday 8th February 2023
7
LETTERS ‘Council to blame for flooding on Wellsway’ Dear Editor With reference to your article in Issue 765 re sewage flooding on the B3116 Wellsway in Keynsham, may I point out to your readers the ‘waste water’ photo you show is highway floodwater pouring into my home, complete with
changes to this very busy roundabout when they
them. I should love to see Hanham High Street
some ear conditions and emotional stress.
do eventually get out their pot of paint. Many
become a beacon for independents.
Sometimes, there’s no recognisable link at all.
drivers entering the junction from Kingswood
D Matthews
Many people get tinnitus for a short time – for
heading east on the A420 select the middle lane
Editor’s note: We look forward to hearing and
example, after being exposed to loud music, or
to turn right along the A4174 dual carriageway,
sharing details of the plan in due course. The
when they have congestion because of a cold. But
heading for Keynsham, which is incorrect. This
project officer has said a decision is expected
for some people, it doesn’t go away, and it can
lane is ahead only.
shortly and there will be further local consultation
have a significant impact on their daily life.
And the fact you can use the right-hand lane to CROSS the roundabout to continue towards
The good news is that RNID (Royal National Institute for Deaf People) is here to help. Our free
trying to turn right in front of you, is just an
Support for people suffering from tinnitus
accident waiting to happen. I do hope the council
Dear Editor
self-help options. It also includes information on
will consider my recommendations.
This week - 6th to 12th February - is Tinnitus
useful apps and technology, how to support a
Rich
Week and latest research suggests that one in
loved one with tinnitus, and what to do if tinnitus
seven adults have tinnitus.
is affecting your sleep.
Plan needs to tackle traffic and parking issues
Everyone’s tinnitus is different, but it’s usually
RNID is committed to funding research to silence
described as a ringing, hissing, buzzing, roaring
tinnitus, and our guide contains the latest
or humming sound. There may be one or more
information on our work to identify the causes of
Dear Editor
sounds and the noise may be there all the time or
tinnitus and develop strategies to treat it. You can
It’s good to read that South Gloucestershire
come and go.
find all this and more by downloading our free
This flooding has been a regular occurrence
Council’s regeneration team is seeking Love our
The causes of tinnitus can be linked to different
tinnitus guide at rnid.org.uk/tinnitus
during the last few years and is caused by Lib
High Street funding from the West of England
things, including hearing loss, exposure to loud
Crystal Rolfe
Dem Bath & North East Somerset Council’s
Combines Authority (Issue 766).
noise, certain medications, ear or head injuries,
Director of Health, RNID
negligence to maintain the highway drainage
It’s also good to read that Nicola Bartlett was able
system, plus highway alterations carried out by
to present suggestions to Toby Savage, leader of
that authority.
South Gloucestershire Council.
During stormy weather, the Wessex Water
However, I cannot believe that the West of
manhole cover up the road lifts and allows release
England Combined Authority would consider
of raw sewage and flood water which after many
funding anything without a viable plan being
years they are soon to address.
submitted to justify the bid. So, what is the plan?
So far the council have denied all responsibility
I certainly didn’t read anything about such a plan
for flooding my home, even with photo evidence,
in your piece in The Week In.
as it seems the customer is always wrong.
I applaud Nicola for her suggestions but unless
Mr Waymouth
the plan (assuming it exists!) addresses the
Trustees thank outgoing secretary
situation regarding through traffic and the lack of
The trustees of Bitton Recreation Ground bid
parking, I cannot foresee anything to tempt folk
a fond farewell to their outgoing secretary
into opening shops now closed and local people
and adviser Ken Gibson who is stepping
to use them.
down after 17 years in the post.
Dear Editor
Time and again I have suggested making the High
In a ceremony at the Rec’s clubhouse, friends
I was very pleased to read in Issue 766 that South
Street one-way (Bristol-bound traffic only),
and fellow trustees presented Ken with a
Gloucestershire Council have accepted the faded
widening the pavements which would allow the
token gift to say a heartfelt thank you for all
lanes and lines on the Deanery Road Roundabout
creation of parking bays but, so far as I can tell,
his support and advice given over the years.
need to be repainted.
this has been ignored or rejected for fear of
Anyone interested in becoming a trustee is
I am a driving instructor and for the last 12
upsetting residents who in the only other one-way
asked to contact the chairman Paul Cooney
months I have been reporting this problem to the
street – Lower Hanham Road; at least, that was
council. In November they deemed the road
what I was told by one councillor several years
markings as adequate and then, two weeks later,
ago. I’m not sure if they would object to the idea,
agreed they needed repainting.
especially if the pavements in that road could also
I have asked the council to consider making some
be widened and parking bays integrated into
added raw sewage.
Will council heed my advice about junction?
8
Chippenham, when you have drivers on your left
Tinnitus Guide contains information on ways to manage tinnitus, from professional support to
Future of the 17 bus Thank you to those readers who sent us letters of concern about the future of the 17 bus between Kingswood and Southmead Hospital. Please see page 3 for our story in which First’s managing director clarifies that only a few journeys on the 17 bus route between Kingswood and Southmead Hospital are to be lost from April.
to find out more on 07396 352986 or email
the left are treasurer Roger Blake, chairman
paulcooneyemail@aol.com
of the trustees Paul Cooney, the secretary of
Ken is seated on the left next to the cricket
Bitton Archers Scott Crump, and trustee
club’s trustee Dennis Willmott. Behind from
Clementine Smith.
The Week in • Wednesday 8th February 2023
Work starts on new £500,000 park Work was getting under way this week on Cadbury Heath’s new £500,000 Jubilee Park in Cadbury Heath at
A path was being laid on Monday
the former pitch and putt site. The first phase of works, lasting 12 weeks, will involve widening the shared path, improving street lighting and estate railings. During this time half of the park, near Brereton Way, will have restricted access to ensure public safety. A temporary accessible path will be built so people can still walk through the park. Public feedback was invited on the design before Christmas. The park will be a haven for wildlife and will include a community orchard, wildflower meadows, woodland garden of reflection and thousands of spring flowers, including the late Queen’s favourite Lily of the Valley.
The park marks the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and is also in memory of HRH Duke of Edinburgh and his interest in wildlife and nature. In a poll, locals chose the site as the best place, above Banjo Island and Tarzan Park.
Bereavement
An aerial view of the site
Sudoku 1-Easy
SUNDAY CHEMISTS Sunday 12th February
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 8th February 2023
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New Skills Hub helping to reinvigorate town centre Kings Chase Shopping Centre in Kingswood is now fully occupied, following the purchase of the centre by South Gloucestershire Council in 2021. The newest addition is a Skills Hub where people can get help to develop skills and qualifications to get into employment or progress their careers. The ultimate aim is to roll out such hubs to other high streets in the district following the pilot in Kingswood, which will run through 2023. The space in the Kings Chase Shopping Centre is designed to allow one-to-one and classroom sessions. Services will be provided by a range of providers. Classes have begun on site, with full opening to take place in March. As well as now having all units in the shopping centre occupied with a variety of businesses and services, other improvements have also been completed in recent months, including upgrades to the public toilets. Enhancements to the shopping centre, the renovation of the Whitfield Tabernacle in Park Road and the approval last year of the Kingswood Masterplan are all designed to restore and
reinvigorate the centre of Kingswood for locals and visitors alike. Council leader Toby Savage visited the new Skills Hub with the cabinet member responsible for education, Erica Williams, and the member responsible for council property, Ben Burton. Cllr Savage said: “Kingswood is thriving and Councillors with members of South Gloucestershire the plans we have produced Council’s Community Learning & Skills team alongside local people and businesses will ensure that it continues to do so into the revenue to support our council budgets, with all units now occupied.” future. “I am delighted that since we have taken ownership of the The Skills Hub is funded with a grant from the West of shopping centre, we have been able to use our position as the England Combined Authority’s Community Renewal Fund, landlord to promote the business and we are now using the as well as a grant from the Department of Work and Pensions space to help the whole community, as well as to generate and the council’s own resources.
Quiz night in aid of Ukraine families Chernobyl Children's Lifeline (now known as The Helping Hand for Ukraine), will be holding its annual quiz night at Christchurch Hall in Downend on Saturday 25th February, starting at 7.30pm. The evening aims to raise money for children and families in Ukraine being directly affected by the war. The charity has had to change dramatically since the war started in February 2022. It now provides aid and support on the ground in Ukraine to help refugee families, many of whom have special needs
Crossword
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 the country easily, if at all. People can bring drinks and food to the quiz night and the cost to enter is £6 for adults and £3 for any team member under 16. If you want to enter a team (maximum six quizzers), or know someone who would be interested, get in touch via the Facebook page @ccllbristol.
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1. Meeting schedule (6)
1. Help (6)
4. Moneylender (6)
3. Type of window (6)
8. District adjoining a town (6)
5. Calm (6)
10. Source (6)
7. Park warden (6)
11. Pale purple (5)
9. Wounding remark (4)
12. Separate (6)
10. Ended (4)
14. Course at dinner (6)
13. Move to music (5)
16. Attire (4)
18. Reliable (6)
17. Tall grass (4)
19. Abut (6)
19. Land measure (4)
20. Worship (6)
22. Metallic element (4)
21. Islamic ruler (4)
26. Buy back (6) 27. Breed of sheep (6) 28. Essential (5) 29. Light rainfall (6)
2. Receding (6)
6. Esteem (6)
15. Male voice (5)
22. Muslim prayer leader (4) 23. Charge weapon again (6) 24. Agile (6) 25. Breed of dog (6)
30. Unwholesome (6) 31. Over there (6) 32. Stick (6)
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The Week in • Wednesday 8th February 2023
CCTV footage of crimes ‘not being shared with the police’ Concerns have been raised that video evidence of crimes and anti-social behaviour at Aspects Leisure Park in Longwell Green is not being shared with the police. The recent Community Engagement Forum meeting heard that even though the CCTV there is being monitored 24 hours a day by an on-site security team, it is not compatible with the police online reporting system. The local beat team said the company that manages the site
Spring show Keynsham’s inaugural Spring Show will be held on Saturday 25th March at the Scout Hut in Ashton Way. The show, which is being organised by the town council, will have competitive classes in flowers, fruit and vegetables, cookery, art and handicrafts, plus a children’s craft and cookery section. There will also be a children’s colouring competition for pupils at local infant and junior schools. On the day there will be workshops, including flower arranging by Saltford & District Flower Club. The full show schedule and event programme and details of how to enter are on the town council’s website. To find out more call 01179 868683.
The Week in • Wednesday 8th February 2023
– Savills - has not been able to sort out the technology needed to send footage to the police. The police said it is too labour intensive for officers to go out and collect discs or memory sticks of evidence for lower priority crimes and that they are trying to “push back responsibility” to the company. They said a similar situation with system compatibility at the nearby Asda store has recently been rectified by the supermarket. The police did issue a reassurance that in the case of a serious crime, such as a robbery, they would attend. A local resident voiced concern about the situation, particularly as the police are not getting accurate statistics
about what is happening there. The Week In has invited Savills to respond to the concerns raised but we had not received a response as we went to print.
Problems with youths Police have been dealing with groups of young people gathering around the Newton Road shops in Cadbury Heath at weekends. The recent Community Engagement Forum meeting heard
that the local beat team have been doing a lot of work around that to try to identify the individuals. Just before Christmas they were trying to identify 51 youths who were hanging around and causing police issues.
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Council assurance over breastfeeding service’s future Open access and free support for breastfeeding will continue in South Gloucestershire, the council has pledged, in response to concerns raised about the future of the community-based service. The council said: “The contract with the current providers, Barnardo’s, is due to end in March and we’re in the process of recommissioning the service. “We are confident a provider will be appointed before the end of March. This means there will be no gap in service and open access and free support for breastfeeding will continue for South Gloucestershire residents.” The council says the workforce, paid and voluntary, of the new service will be the responsibility of the appointed provider “but we recognise and thank the current team for their good work and dedication in delivering the breastfeeding support service. We will work with the providers to ensure that all opportunities for existing staff and volunteers are considered.” The reassurance has been welcomed by Healthwatch South Gloucestershire.
Become a hedgehog hero People are being asked to become hedgehog heroes as part of South Gloucestershire Council’s efforts to help halt the severe decline in the species over the last 20 years. As part of the council’s nature recovery vision, it is working with town and parish councils in South Gloucestershire to encourage people to create a target of 3,000 ‘hedgehog holes’. Hedgehog holes are typically 13cm holes in garden fences, walls and gates to enable hedgehogs to safely access gardens. These From left, Hedgehog Rescue volunteer Tom Hampson, South Glos hedgehog holes or ‘highways’ will help form cabinet member responsible for the environment Steve Reade, & a garden network of places for them to find Yvonne Cox, founder of Hedgehog Rescue food, shelter and even other prickly pals. Under the scheme South Gloucestershire will become a climate and nature emergency. hedgehog-friendly zone, leading the way to improve this vital The project will actively run for one year and is expected to species’ recovery as part of the council’s long-term climate continue passively for several further years. Anyone who takes part and creates a hedgehog hole highway can log it on and nature emergency strategy. There are both urban and rural hedgehogs; those in built-up the big hedgehog map www.bighedgehogmap.org areas seem to be showing signs of stabilising and it is hoped South Gloucestershire Council is also working with this project will mean the more rural populations can recover. Hedgehog Rescue in Yate who help care for injured The council will be coordinating the project through its Local hedgehogs and have worked in the community for more than Nature Action Plans (LNAPs) which support town and parish 20 years, raising awareness of hedgehog welfare. For more councils to draw up their own action plans to help tackle the information visit http://hedgehogrescue.info/
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The Week in • Wednesday 8th February 2023
Duchy’s plans to restore fountain The Duchy of Cornwall has asked Bath & North East Somerset Council for permission to carry out restoration work on the village fountain in Newton St Loe. Listed building consent is being sought to stabilise the eroding historic stone fountain structure which was erected in 1897 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria.
Car-free housing plan approved South Gloucestershire Council has approved the change of use of a commercial building in Kingswood into five flats. Abode & Co Holdings sought prior approval for the redevelopment of Kingswood Joinery in Honey Hill Road. Two one-bedroom flats and three two-bedroom flats are proposed in the two-storey building. It will be a car-free development with space for cycle parking. The council acknowledged that it is in a highly sustainable location and there are frequent bus services.
The old joinery
Situations Vacant
The Week in • Wednesday 8th February 2023
13
Making South Glos safer for women and girls South Gloucestershire Council has launched an online
Gloucestershire is a safe place to live and work; however, not
February when there will be a presentation by Fiona
survey for people to share their views and experiences of
everyone feels safe and it wants to understand more about
Lewis, the council’s domestic violence and abuse service
violence against women and girls.
this before making changes and taking action.
officer, and Sgt Claire Leakey, from Avon & Somerset
The survey is open to everyone but the council is particularly
Take
keen to hear from women and girls about what makes them
https://orlo.uk/Womens_Safety_Survey_xDjEM
There is a choice of two sessions – the first from noon to 1pm
feel safe or unsafe, and incidents they have experienced or
The deadline for the survey is 24th February.
and the second from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. For details on how
witnessed.
There is also a chance for people to share views, opinions
to join email CommunityEngagement@southglos.gov.uk or
The council says that compared to the national average, South
and experiences at one of two online sessions on 23rd
call 01454 868113.
part
in
the
short
survey
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
at
Police.
Crossword Solution
2-Hard 5 8 9 2 1 7 3 6 4
3 2 4 6 8 9 5 7 1
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6 4 3 5 2 8 1 9 7
7 1 2 3 9 6 8 4 5
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