THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset
15th February 2023
Issue 768
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B&NES Council urged to sort out Saltford’s unsafe and dirty river A montage put together by the parish council of boats in Saltford
Bath & North East Somerset Council is being urged to clean up its act over the unsafe and dirty state of the River Avon in Saltford where abandoned boats are left to sink. After being lobbied by concerned residents, Saltford Parish Council has formally asked B&NES to take responsibility for making the river safer and cleaner. It says that B&NES is the riparian owner of the riverbank so litter and the pollution caused by sunken boats attached to its land is for B&NES to deal with. The parish council also says that as the unitary authority, B&NES has responsibilities for environmental health, planning and transport, and has published commitments to protect the natural environment and habitats and provide safe access to recreational green spaces. Through its Water Space Project, B&NES is being urged to carry out an investigation into how other local authorities use physical deterrents and byelaws to deal effectively with similar problems, and to work with the Environment Agency, Canal and River Trust, Wessex Water and, if necessary, the police. The parish council says it has become increasingly concerned at the “abuse and misuse” of the river and riverbank by a variety of visitors and users to the detriment of wildlife, local residents, the majority of the liveaboard boating community, the sailing and rowing clubs, and visitors who respect the
Also in this week’s issue
Countryside Code. “The river has become an unregulated, unsafe area where abandoned boats are left attached to B&NES’ land/trees for extended periods and eventually sink. These often become dilapidated or subject to damage; in many cases this is akin to excessive fly-tipping or abandoned vehicles on the highway.” The parish council is asking on health and safety grounds that B&NES Council keeps to its commitment to end moorings in Mead Lane under its ‘Better Moorings Project’ before the spring season starts. It highlights an instance of an unoccupied narrow boat that was left poorly moored in Mead Lane well beyond the 14day mooring limit and sank when the river was in spate due to the unsuitability of the moorings because of the design of the 2005 riverbank stabilisation scheme. The sunken boat’s cabin was washed downstream and fuel leaked out. The council adds: “An old motorboat has been left unattended in The Shallows all winter and finally sank. Another larger boat has been moored in The Shallows for over two years and is slowly breaking up with bits falling off and into the river. B&NES Council has been informed of this on several occasions by residents who asked the owners, who visited the boat during the recent floods, to move it but
Battle lines drawn over Hanham Green Belt threat . . . page 3
Fire closes Staple Hill charity shop . . . page 4
pointedly refused to do so.” Also highlighted are problems of longer-term storage of boats by commercial companies on the 14-day moorings, hazards from motorised rubber boats or speed boats arriving and entering the river from B&NES Council land or from unauthorised use of privately-owned or managed banks and slipways, and unsafe large boats using the waterway without safety checks. Also of concern is raw sewage entering the river from storm drain overflows, and sewage and other waste being flytipped. The parish council says that on a river where there have been tragedies, dangerous activities by young people, such as jumping from the B&NES Council-owned LMS Bridge, nearly resulted in a fatality last autumn when a passing resident dived into the river and found a young person unconscious at the bottom. This week Duncan Hounsell, who represents Saltford on Continued on page 3
Shock as Keynsham pub landlord dies . . . page 6
Fresh appeal to find woman last seen in Kingswood in August . . . page 7
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The Week in • Wednesday 15th February 2023
Battle lines drawn over threat to Green Belt Concerned Hanham residents packed into a council meeting after learning of speculative plans to build on the Green Belt at Hanham. As we reported last week, Ashfield Land, which owns The Batch, has partnered with Redrow Homes and is proposing that 149 homes could be built on the fields. Their consultants Grass Roots Planning claim the site doesn’t particularly contribute to the purposes of the Green Belt and that South Gloucestershire Council won’t have a new Local Plan in place for many years to allocate sites to meet the “desperate need” for housing in the wider Bristol area. A Facebook page has been started called ‘Hanham Say No To Redrow’ and local people are being encouraged to display signs in their windows.
Speaking to concerned residents at Hanham Abbots Parish Council’s meeting last Tuesday, the chair Steve Hicks advised people to respond to the marketing exercise by simply stating that the site is Green Belt. No planning application has yet been submitted to South Gloucestershire Council. Parish councillor Heather Goddard said there had been previous failed attempts since the landowner bought the site in 1990, including for housing and a golf course. While the golf course had been deemed acceptable, the proposed pavilion on it had not.
Cllr June Bamford, who represents Hanham on South Gloucestershire Council with Cllr Brenda Langley, reassured residents that they would fight any plans to build on the site. South Gloucestershire Council’s leader Toby Savage was at Tuesday’s meeting and said it was clear that the developer “won’t give up”, having owned the land since 1990 and obviously sinking a lot of money into it. But he stressed that South Gloucestershire’s existing Local Plan protects the Green Belt and would continue to be council policy. He said the new Local Plan, which will be available in the summer, will provide “clarity” and there will be a focus around urban brownfield regeneration for housing. Cllr Savage was asked by residents about the implications for the Hanham site from a recent appeal involving Grass Roots Planning in which a Government planning inspector granted permission for 35 homes at Badminton Road at Old Sodbury. After the appeal, Grass Roots Planning said: “During cross-examination, South Gloucestershire Council officers conceded that settlement boundaries were indeed outof-date; a new plan would not be in place for some time and it would likely have to consider overspill housing need from Bristol;
The Batch
this would not be ratified until a new Local Plan is in place which addresses objectively assessed need”. At Tuesday’s meeting Cllr Savage said he would ask the council’s planning team what
lessons could be learned from the Badminton Road case. See Letters, page 8 Fight goes on in Whitchurch to protect the Green Belt, page 10
B&NES Council urged to sort out Saltford’s unsafe and dirty river Continued from page 1 B&NES Council, said he was pleased to see the passion of Saltford Parish Council about river cleanliness, but a Google search makes clear that clean rivers are the responsibility of the Environment Agency. “Like many public services, the Environment Agency is short of staff and funding. Much of the detritus on the
riverbank at Saltford has not originated in Saltford but is a consequence of the recent flooding and river surges. B&NES Council's waste and recycling team is excellent and will endeavour to clear rubbish when safe to do so.” The Week In has asked B&NES Council to respond to the concerns raised. See Letters, page 8
and that the site complied with their sustainable transport policy. “In light of this significant change of position, it was agreed at the end of the inquiry that South Gloucestershire Council would withdraw their evidence from the appeal and that the site should be granted planning permission. We have therefore been waiting in anticipation since the close of the inquiry and are extremely pleased to see the inspector’s decision in writing.” Grass Roots Planning said the inspector had agreed that the significant benefits of Redcliffe Homes’ scheme outweighed harmful effects, that four policies of the South Gloucestershire Local Plan were outof-date, regardless of the five-year housing land supply position, and “most importantly,
Earthquake appeal People can donate items at two Keynsham collection points - Zub’s Café and nearby KITco on the Brookleaze Trading Estate - as part of the huge relief effort following the devastating earthquakes that hit Syria and Turkey last week. Items needed include coats, jackets, hats, scarfs, gloves, shoes, boots, socks, blankets, quilts, sleeping bags, disposable nappies, baby milk formula and bottles, and personal hygiene products. Financial donations can be made to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Appeal at https://donation.dec.org.uk/turkey-syria-earthquake-appeal The Week in • Wednesday 15th February 2023
3
Arson attack on charity shop Staff and volunteers at the Young Lives vs Cancer charity shop in Staple Hill say they are devastated after having to close the store following
an arson
attack. On the morning of Monday 6th February someone set fire to clothing collection bags outside the High Street shop. Police are linking the attack to a deliberate car fire in nearby Kendall Road. The charity shop team say lots of the stock was left smoke damaged and that money is being spent on repairs, rather than on supporting young people with cancer. They were hoping to reopen this week and are looking for new donations to restock the shop. To donate visit https://tinyurl.com/54n3buh7
Witness appeal after collision Police are appealing for a key witness after a collision
was found he had several broken bones. He has since been
involving a taxi and a pedestrian in Downend.
discharged.
On Thursday 13th October last year, emergency services
Police are looking for a witness who was reportedly in the
were called to Cleeve Hill at around 9.40am following a
area at the time driving a 4x4 vehicle. If you were in the area
collision between a taxi and a man in his 80s. The man was
and have any recollection of the incident, call 101 and quote
taken to hospital where it
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.
reference 5222246437.
Would-be burglar flees There was an attempted burglary at Witney Close in Saltford on Thursday between 1.25pm and 1.35pm. The resident came home
from the shops to find someone pushing at the inner front door in the porch. They made off towards Claverton Road.
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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
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The Week in • Wednesday 15th February 2023
Tributes to Keynsham pub landlord Tributes have been pouring in for the landlord of The Old
A GoFundMe page has been started to help pay for Simon’s
from friends he used to work with at Lloyds and the Co-op.
Bank pub in Keynsham who died suddenly on Monday
funeral - https://tinyurl.com/bdvwpta7 - and has so far raised
Comments include: “One of the kindest people you could
6th February.
more than £2,000. And there will be a fundraising football
ever meet.” Another said: “Simon, you were so loved by
On their Facebook page The Old Bank said: “We are deeply
match at Keynsham Town Football Club’s ground on
everyone… Keynsham will never be the same.”
saddened to inform you all of the passing of our landlord, our
Saturday 25th February with a 6pm kick-off, followed by a
friend, our legend - Simon Sherwell.
party at the pub. Simon sponsored and supported Keynsham
“The most caring person you could wish to meet, who would
Town Football Club who said: “Simon’s passing is a huge
go to all lengths to help anyone and everyone. A joyful,
loss to the community and the town. Our thoughts are with
humorous character that will be sorely missed. Simon without
Simon’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
doubt was truly one-of-a-kind.”
There have been scores of tributes on social media including
Witnesses sought after tent is set on fire with man inside Police are appealing for witnesses after a tent pitched at Willsbridge Mill Nature Reserve was set on fire as a man slept inside. Thankfully, the man was woken by the smell of smoke and was able to get out before the fire took hold. The incident, which is being treated as arson with intent to endanger life, happened at around 6.30pm on Saturday 4th February. Investigating officer PC Joel Williams said: “The victim is extremely lucky to have escaped this incident without
The Week in • Wednesday 15th February 2023
injury as tents are highly flammable. If you were in the nature reserve that Saturday evening and saw anything suspicious, please get in touch. “This is a serious offence and while we’re investigating who’s responsible, we’ve also provided advice and support to the victim to help him keep himself safe.” If you witnessed the incident, or saw anything suspicious, phone 101 and provide the call handler with the reference 5223028078. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Simon Sherwell
Bike stolen A garden shed in Abbots Avenue, Hanham, was broken into overnight on Thursday 2nd February. The offenders gained access to the rear garden by prising open a metal gate and smashed two security lights. They then unscrewed the shed door from the hinges to get in. A black Saracen bicycle was stolen. Anyone with information that could help the police is asked to call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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Apology issued over councillors’ behaviour Hanham Abbots Parish Council has apologised for the
councillors of the district, town and parish councils in the
behaviour of three of its councillors.
area.
It follows a complaint made following a meeting of the
She carried out an investigation and her findings were read
council on 22nd September last year.
out at the parish council meeting last Tuesday.
The complaint was made by Creative Youth Network (CYN),
The statement said: “A Standards Complaint against three
• A letter of apology to be sent by Hanham Abbots Parish
which runs Hanham Youth Club. CYN had representatives at
councillors was received by the South Gloucestershire
Council.
the meeting at which the council was considering whether to
Council Monitoring Officer, following the full council
• All councillors should undertake training (to be carried out
continue funding the club’s Friday night project.
meeting on September 22. After an initial assessment of the
after elections).”
The complaint was received by South Gloucestershire
complaint, it was the view that behaviour of councillors that
The names of the councillors were not revealed. The parish
Council’s Monitoring Officer, who is responsible for
night fell short of what is expected of a councillor.
clerk has confirmed that a letter of apology has already been
promoting and maintaining high standards of conduct by
Recommendations are:
sent. Local elections will be held throughout South Gloucestershire in May.
Council apologises for IT black-out South Gloucestershire Council’s cabinet meeting to discuss the coming year’s budget could not be broadcast on Friday because of a technical hitch. The meeting was delayed by more than 45 minutes before it went ahead without people who weren’t in the council chamber in Kingswood being able to watch or take part virtually. A council spokesperson said: “We are committed to webcasting our public meetings as we know this is good for democratic engagement and accessibility and apologise that we were not able to do so on this occasion due to technical issues.
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“We took the decision to go ahead with the cabinet meeting as scheduled as several members of the public had made arrangements to attend, and cabinet and presenting officers were also in attendance. “There was one member of the public who was planning to speak, and they had already written a statement and were able to communicate with another resident who was able to speak on their behalf. All written statements were covered, and members nominated others from their party to speak for them.” The budget plans were due to be ratified by the full council tonight (Wednesday) and we will report on this next week.
Shed destroyed A shed at Stanley Gardens in Oldland Common was burnt down on Tuesday 1st February. The fire destroyed everything that was inside. If you have any information about this incident, especially CCTV images, call the police on 101. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Keep in touch, let us know what you think, send us your news www.facebook.com/theweekin
The Week in • Wednesday 15th February 2023
Police continue the hunt for missing Denise Detectives investigating the disappearance of Denise Jarvis, who’s been missing from Kingswood for over six months, have issued a fresh appeal for help in finding her. Denise, 44, was last seen on the evening of Wednesday 3rd August in the area of Southey Park. Since then, officers have spoken to around 70 of her contacts and there have been extensive searches of the area where she was last seen. Other intelligence and searches have been led by Police Search
Advisors (POLSA), some of which have involved police divers, and CCTV has been reviewed. Det Insp Ben Lavender, the senior investigating officer, said: “We remain extremely concerned about the welfare of Denise. She has not been in contact with family or friends since 3rd August, and there is currently no evidence of her using a phone or accessing her bank account since this date. “While unfortunately we have not located any footage of her
Permission granted for nine homes on dilapidated site Sampson Homes have been granted outline planning permission by Bristol City Council to build nine homes and a commercial unit on a dilapidated site at Two Mile Hill Road in Kingswood. The site at the junction with Kennard Road is boarded and has been vacant for almost a decade following the demolition of the listed buildings there in 2014 due to their poor condition and public safety concerns. The outline plans involve demolishing the small outbuildings still on the site and redeveloping it to provide two buildings of nine homes with a self-contained commercial space fronting Two Mile Hill Road. Five shared car parking spaces are planned with access via
Kennard Road and provision for electric vehicle charging. A car club will be offered via a building management company once the homes are occupied and 22 secure bike spaces will be provided. Pedestrian access will be off Kennard Road.
THE TILE AND BATHROOM WAREHOUSE
since she went missing, we have retrieved some from the days and weeks before. A CCTV image we’re releasing of Denise from 26th July shows the coat she was wearing when she was seen in Southey Park – a grey, thigh-length, sleeveless Denise Jarvis coat.” Police continue to review phone and communications data, as well as past financial transactions, and are speaking with all known relatives, friends and associates. They did have a report of A CCTV image of Denise a recent sighting of Denise Jarvis from 26th July in Kingswood, which they are following up, and encourage anyone with information to come forward. If you know where Denise is, call 999, quoting reference 5222186376, or 101 with any other information. Police have also launched an online portal which allows people to send information direct to officers working on this investigation. Visit https://mipp.police.uk/operation/5222C16-PO1
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LETTERS Group oppose any development of Green Belt
Grass Roots Planning).
volunteers that families in South Gloucestershire
Hanham District Green Belt Conservation
need and value so much, and any reduction in
Society
groups will put unmanageable strain on those
Dear Editor The Hanham District Green Belt Conservation
remaining, reducing one-to-one support time and limit social support from other parents within
land known as The Batch.
Hands off the Green Belt in Hanham!
This land is scheduled Green Belt and the
Dear Becky
construction of a housing development is outside
In response to your front page article in The Week
the schedule of permissible developments within
In dated 8th February, ‘Redrow Plans for 149
One thing Covid taught us was just how much
and North Somerset who both have a thriving
Green Belt areas.
homes on Green Belt land in Hanham’ and the
people cherish and value their local open space,
volunteer-led breastfeeding peer support service
The previous Minister for Planning & Housing,
propaganda
Grass
vital for wellbeing. It’s the simple open space,
- continuing to recognise that this is the most
Lucy Fraser, recently confirmed to our MP Chris
Roots/Ashfield Land/Redrow on their website
ploughed or otherwise (i.e. Green Belt) which
effective and evidence-based model of supporting
Skidmore the Government’s commitment in its
www.hencliffeway-consultation.co.uk
gives the area its character and charm that makes
families and in reducing health inequalities.
manifesto to protect Green Belt. The value of
Redrow present their case as if they are doing the
Hanham Abbots such a pleasant place to live. A
It is disappointing that there has been no
green spaces has been highlighted as beneficial to
community a favour when in fact it’s the exact
proposed picnic spot is meagre compensation.
transparent re-commissioning process which
wellbeing by the Government and this area is a
opposite. The proposal has just so many
If Grass Roots/Ashfield Land/Redrow really want
asked for the views of service users as would
well-used recreational area. The document sent
contentious issues and features, not to mention
to do something beneficial for Hanham, just leave
happen with a large contract. The council have
out to households in Hencliffe Way by Grass
putting
already
The Batch as it is - Green Belt. Better still,
cleverly worded their statement to say that the
Roots and Redrow is not a consultation, it is an
overstretched public services and facilities. Above
designate it a town green – it’s been enjoyed as
workforce
informal pre-application consultation targeted at
all it is fundamentally flawed since The Batch is
one for years in all but name. ‘Say No to Redrow’.
responsibility of the new provider – a brilliant
local residents.
Green Belt land. As such, the proposal deserves
A & G Pirie
attempt at absolving themselves of any blame
It lacks detail, programme and firm layout of their
to be unambiguously and emphatically thrown
Hanham
with the resulting service. The council also have
proposals. Hanham Abbots Parish Council’s
out.
recommendation at their meeting on Tuesday 7th
The website narrative seeks to denigrate the value
February was not to reply or to simply reply ‘this
of local Green Belt with distorted claims and
land is Green Belt’. A formal public consultation
assertions; for instance, implying the area has an
will be required once a planning application is
Society strongly opposes any development on the
their own community. Any reduction of service or of volunteer peer support
One of the fields being ploughed
being
extra
put
pressure
out
on
by
our
will
yet
again
make
South
Gloucestershire the ‘poor little sister’ to Bristol
and
volunteers
will
be
the
a moral responsibility to demonstrate that their award of the service is going to match, if not
urban feel. Areas around Castle Farm Road with
Council’s ‘moral responsibility’ over breastfeeding service
lodged with South Gloucestershire Council
sheep in the field and views of the surrounding
Dear Editor
gap in service. With no provider currently
(SGC).
hills are undeniably rural.
I refer to your article in The Week In Issue 767,
confirmed and with just a few weeks for the
There are considerably more footpaths crossing
I was mystified when ploughing of The Batch was
page 12, in which South Gloucestershire Council,
current contract to end, I wonder how they can
the area than suggested in the proposals. There is
completed on a dark frosty January morning
in response to a petition which was signed by over
promise it will be possible to transfer or start an
incorrect reference to the area being ‘urban’,
under the headlights of the tractor. It soon became
1,100 concerned people in less than 24 hours,
entire service in such a short timeframe when that
whereas it is obviously a rural location. Hencliffe
clear - a cynical developer’s ploy to downgrade
have assured residents that “open access and free
requires so much work including recruitment or
Holly Hill Road Woods are a local nature reserve and part of Water the amenity of the area in order to promote their
support for breastfeeding” will continue in the
TUPE, safeguarding checks including DBSs,
Lane Field is a Site of Nature Conservation
own agenda before their website went live. Yes,
county.
training, ID cards, etc.
Interest.
it’s been ploughed but still lying fallow, nothing
Whilst I recognise their commitment to the above,
I put it to the council that they are unable to
Despite being cultivated for a ‘cash crop’ of maize
has been planted – Green Belt vandalism.
they have given no assurance at all that a
unequivocally confirm that there will be no gap
over a number of years, the area remains rich in
An essential part of the fragile ecology of the area,
‘community-based peer support service’ as there
in service and that any recommissioning outside
wildlife which, as soon as cultivating this
The Batch provides an open buffer between
is currently will continue, or that there will be no
of the current provider will only cause a reduction
wildlife-unfriendly crop is ceased, would readily
woodland areas and people, cars, and lights.
reduction in services.
in available support, social value and ultimately,
re-inhabit the area.
Claiming that nature is confined to the periphery
The current service provides five volunteer-led
health inequality across the county. I call on the
As stated by the leader of SGC Toby Savage at
is only because the ground has been ploughed.
community groups in Cadbury Heath, Staple Hill,
council to do the right thing and only commission
Tuesday’s Hanham Parish Council meeting, SGC
Left alone, it would rewild itself and natural
Thornbury, Patchway and Hanham, which are an
this service to a provider who CAN maintain
could meet housing demand without needing to
biodiversity soon return. Development that
absolute lifeline for hundreds of families. These
services and therefore CAN keep volunteers. The
build on Green Belt land, and they are
squeezes these wooded areas will drive away
give wide coverage across the county, allowing
council must be held to account for their actions.
formulating their Local Plan for publication this
wildlife, such as the timid deer, and fatally
families to find support in or near to them.
They choose the new provider, no one else.
summer, not 2025 as stated in The Week In (by
damage the area’s precious ecosystem.
It is the ongoing sustained, weekly support from
Stacey
8
increase, social value, yet with an uncertain future for volunteers, it seems that this is being ignored. Finally, I note that they state that there will be no
The Week in • Wednesday 15th February 2023
LETTERS We need to get people out of their cars Dear Editor
Keynsham predominantly and claim to be in favour of environmental issues, yet they are prepared to see a cut in funding public transport, thus forcing people into other means, namely cars.
With an ever increasing number of vehicles pouring out carbon monoxide emissions daily, the recent shock announcement that more than 40 regional bus services face being axed in April is a worrying blow to those concerned about the climate emergency (The Week In, Issue 765).
It seems strange that there has been no mention of this in Liberal Democrat flyers, which seem to concentrate on extolling only the ‘good to hear’
gullies are cleared regularly by the council but
Buses are not just for elections
even so they were cleared once again overnight at known flooding trouble spots.
Dear Editor
Full information and contact details for the key
I see Bath and North East Somerset Council are
agencies were placed on the B&NES website and
paying £270 000 for the 179, 672, 82 and 172
communicated to the public and village
buses until later this year. But then that’s it.
representatives.
Someone should tell them just as dogs are not just
achievements. Of note, one recent one mentioned their support for a bus stop to be installed on Keynsham
Places of safety where residents could go in an
for Christmas, buses are not just for elections.
emergency were placed on standby. Flood gates
Louise James
were opened and the flood plains did their job. There was no loss of life and minimal damage to
bypass! Whilst this may help those living close
With local councils facing huge financial constraints to provide essential services, I quite understand their reluctance to further increase subsidies to support bus services. Regional Mayor Dan Norris’s petition to the Government for permission to impose a tax levy specifically for the task of saving the threatened bus services is one solution. However, in the current cost of living crisis, this resolution could prove contentious. I wish Mayor Norris success in his attempt to resolve the dispute between him and other members of the West of England Combined Authority. Vehicle exhaust pollution is a major cause of global warming, Any move that prompts the public to use cars less and on to public transport deserves serious consideration. Philip Gannaway
residential property.
live over two miles away on the Chandag estate,
Magnificent response from council
the only bus that goes that way is about to be cut.
Dear Editor
every village and the general public.
An alternative would be to re-route some of the
The recent heavy downpours brought alarm to
Cllr Duncan Hounsell
X39 buses through Keynsham, perhaps one per
residents living close to the rivers in our area.
(B&NES Saltford ward)
hour. However, I guess First Bus will say this is
Bath & North East Somerset Council’s emergency
Alison Streatfeild-James (Prospective Lib
unprofitable, but they may actually generate more
planners responded magnificently. Gutters and
Dem local candidate)
by, it will be of little benefit to the wider Keynsham population. For example, those that
B&NES staff, other agencies, the volunteers in
income. It is important to remember that the whilst unreliable, does provide an essential
Lost a ring?
lifeline for many residents, in particular the
A reader who found a ring outside Turkish Style Barbers in Temple Street in Keynsham at
elderly.
the end of December is keen to reunite it with its owner.
The proposal by Mayor Dan Norris to introduce
Contact The Week In if you think it may be yours.
current Chandag service operated by Stagecoach,
Demand Responsive Transport may go some way to alleviate this, but we have yet to see how this new system will work in practice, and in the absence of detail, a number or questions arise. For
Questions over Demand Responsive Transport
Our thanks to the B&NES emergency team,
example, where are the proposed zones, how many minibuses are in use, how responsive is the system to a request, how do you get a return
Dear Editor
journey, where do you get on and off the bus, will
Having read the articles in the local press
the new buses accommodate disabled people or
regarding the future of bus services in Keynsham,
those carrying luggage, to name a few.
New staging of Mark’s Gospel Churches Together in Keynsham and Saltford
emailing rmdurrantenroute@gmail.com
(CTKS)
acclaimed
Doors open at 7pm and soft drinks will be
performance of 'I Am Mark' by actor and
available. There will also be a short interval.
storyteller Stefan Smart at The Space in
Stefan will encourage and respond to
Keynsham on Friday 24th February. This
questions afterwards. Free copies of Mark's Gospel will be
are
hosting
the
it would appear that there is conflict between what
For those that are likely to be affected it is of great
new staging of Mark’s Gospel is touring the
the West of England Combined Authority
concern and a major subject of conversation, so
country. Tickets for the performance, which
available at the event and CTKS will also be
(WECA) need and the local councils are prepared
the sooner more detail is provided, the better.
starts at 7.30pm, are £5 and are available
promoting the Churches Together Lent series
Cynthia Withyman
online at https://tinyurl.com/mvpcfczz or by
which will feature passages from Mark's
A regular user of the current bus service
contacting Ros Durrant on 0758 0479452 or
Gospel.
to provide. Liberal
Democrat
councillors
represent
Sudoku 1-Easy
SUNDAY CHEMISTS Sunday 19th 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 15th February 2023
9
Minister’s concern over discovery of supersize ‘laughing gas’ canisters The minister of Hanham Baptist Church has highlighted his concerns that there is a growing problem of substance abuse locally. The Rev Peter Cook has written to local councillors and the police following a recent litter pick carried out by church members found a number of supersize cylinders of ‘Fastgas’. He also says that more drug paraphernalia is being found around the church. Nitrous oxide, also known as ‘laughing gas’ is one of most widely used recreational drugs amongst young people. Such cannisters are legally sold to the catering industry for whipped cream. They
are said to provide a short burst of euphoria but can cause paralysis and even death if inhaled excessively. Rev Cook said: “There have regularly been numbers of the small silver nitrous oxide
suggest harder drugs are also being consumed. “This problem around the church is not new but seems to be a growing problem. In the past there was an issue with dealing taking
capsules for many years, but this takes this substance abuse to a whole new level. These cylinders are quite expensive, suggesting this is not an individual casual use, but someone deliberately ordering them. “We have also regularly found drug paraphernalia around the church, including the small cylinders and cannabis bags but recently there has been an increase of such finds, and most concerningly burnt silver foil,
place, drawing in other young people, and I fear this is now happening again.” Speaking at Hanham Abbots Parish Council meeting last week PC Lee Humphries said it is not currently an offence to possess nitrous oxide for recreational use but it is illegal to supply it for such use. He urged people to continue to report any incidents of concern to the police who can do ‘test purchases’ if there is enough intelligence.
Keeping up the fight against Green Belt threat A public meeting will be held in Whitchurch Village on Thursday 23rd February to highlight the need to continue fighting to protect the Green Belt. It has been called by the Bath & North East Somerset councillor ward councillor Paul May, Whitchurch Village Action Group and campaigners from the South Bristol Wrong Road Group. The meeting is to keep the community informed about the risks associated with the village losing its identity by urban sprawl from neighbouring Bristol and the threat of a road
Crossword
that would carve through the countryside from Hicks Gate to Whitchurch. Cllr May said: “The village has taken more than its fair share of housing but by working together with Whitchurch Action Group, the South Bristol Wrong Road Group and the village council, we won the defence against previous attempts to place 2,500 homes on Green Belt outside the village.” The fields that have been under threat stretch from the A37 in Whitchurch Village in B&NES to the edge of the
ACROSS
DOWN
2. Topic (7)
1. Female horse (4)
7. Anger (4)
2. Chair (4)
8. US state (4)
3. Reserved (6)
9. Loving (7) 10. Religious order (4) 12. Hotpot (4) 15. German composer (5) 17. Bellowed (6) 18. Fodder (6) 19. Uproar (6) 21. Geometric line (6) 22. Fiend (5) 23. Belonging to a woman (4)
Windways estate in Whitchurch in Bristol. Cllr May said the community’s voice is essential now housing proposals are being started for the next 20 years as part of the B&NES Local Plan: “The council now listens and engages with us in a constructive way. Our priority is to keep the village as a thriving, caring village with the protection of essential Green Belt and keep the green corridor between the village and the city.” Next Thursday’s meeting is at the Whitchurch & Pensford Royal British Legion at 7.30pm for 8pm.
4. Wears away (6) 5. Fling (4) 6. Long (4) 10. Extend (7) 11. Sweet talker (7) 13. Hard work (7) 14. Garlands (7) 15. Open country (5) 16. Mature (5) 20. Great fear (6) 21. Soft metallic element (6) 24. Nervous (4)
26. Aid to the poor (4)
25. Ooze (4)
28. Sooner (7)
26. Waterless (4)
29. Fever (4)
27. Open to debate (4)
30. Graven image (4) 31. Egyptian monument (7)
10
The Week in • Wednesday 15th February 2023
Mangotsfield recycling centre slip road nears completion Mangotsfield Sort It recycling centre’s new slip road is set to be completed and open from early March. The slip road will provide a new entrance for residents to access the recycling centre via a dedicated lane to help reduce the impact of vehicles queuing on Carsons Road when the site is busy. Once completed, all residents using the recycling centre will use the new slip road entrance. New lanes linking to the slip road have been installed on the approach from the A4174 Ring Road and from Siston Hill and Goose Green. Residents approaching the site from Mangotsfield will need to travel around the roundabout on the A4174 Ring Road to access the slip road and new site entrance. Waste and recycling vehicles and trade waste vehicles will also use the slip road to enter the waste transfer station next to the public recycling centre. The project additionally includes a nature improvement plan with a target to improve biodiversity. Cllr Rachael Hunt, cabinet member responsible for waste
services at South Gloucestershire Council, said: “The slip road is just part of our plans to improve the area’s waste service infrastructure. These plans include expanding the Mangotsfield depot to accommodate collection vehicles and developing a new waste depot and recycling centre in the Filton area. “Moving forward and developing these sites will ensure we continue to deliver good value for money on waste services, have Cllr Rachael Hunt capacity for household waste from the growing population and allow for opportunities to recycle even more.” The council has previously said it hopes to move the
collection vehicle fleet from the Cowhorn Hill depot to land to the south of the recycling centre at Carsons Road subject to planning permission.
Ring Road litter ‘has never been this bad’ South Gloucestershire Council leader says that work is due to get under way in the coming weeks to tackle the huge amount of litter strewn along the Ring Road. Cllr Toby Savage was speaking at Hanham Abbots Parish Council meeting last Tuesday at which Cllr Heather Goddard said she had never seen it so bad. He said it is always bad at this time of year and that there will be a rolling programme of traffic management involving lane closures in off-peak hours while litter is being cleared, but it would still cause queues. “We could do it more often but that would mean more disruption more often,” he said.
Wombles clear verges A group of Keynsham Wombles descended on Hicks Gate on Sunday 5th February to pick litter along the verges around the Durley Hill slip road and the fire station, a notorious spot for people leaving litter and for fly-tipping. During their morning’s work the Wombles largely cleared the verges of rubbish. The Wombles are all volunteers who are kindly provided with litter picking equipment by Keynsham Town Council. If you would like to join the Wombles, contact them via their Facebook page. The Week in • Wednesday 15th February 2023
Keep in touch, let us know what you think, send us your news Picture: Edmund Cannon
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11
Watchdogs see improvements at nursing home but shortfalls remain Care watchdogs have published their most recent report on the Keynsham nursing home which they rated as ‘Inadequate’ in November, saying there have been improvements but some shortfalls remain. The purpose of the unannounced inspection to Charlton House Resource Centre in Hawthorns Lane by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) was to check if the requirements of the warning notice it issued in November have been met. Shock findings by the CQC at November’s inspection included that residents did not have access to emergency medical support without delay, there was a failure to ensure people were protected from abuse, staff used mobile phones to record people covertly and to mock a person with dementia, and a resident had to sit in a chair of urine all night. Following the publication of the update report last week, Bath and North East Somerset Council, which runs the home, has acknowledged that more progress is needed. Cllr Alison Born, the council’s cabinet member for adult services and council house building, said: “We are working with the CQC to address the findings of the inspection in November. We want to bring this latest CQC report to people’s attention
because we promised to keep people updated and reassured about the work we are doing to improve the quality of care at Charlton House. “I am reassured that the unannounced inspection in January found improvements had been made since November, however there is no getting away from the fact further progress is needed. Shortfalls remain and the latest inspection highlights further improvements are needed to ensure people are consistently protected from the risk of avoidable harm. “I want to reassure residents, their families and staff, that improvements will continue to be made, that we will address the matters raised in the latest inspection and ensure residents are protected and receive the quality of care they should expect.” In its report the CQC said that people were no longer experiencing avoidable harm and delays when requiring emergency medical support and there was a systematic approach to determining required staffing levels in the service. “There was improved oversight of safeguarding in the service and all safeguarding concerns had been reported.” But they also said: “People at increased risk of malnutrition
Charlton House
and/or dehydration remained at risk of avoidable harm because their food and fluid intake was not consistently recorded and monitored. While the safety of medicines management had improved, additional improvements were needed to ensure medicines were consistently managed safely.” They added: “Improvements had been made to the efficacy of audits, monitoring and checks, however additional improvements were needed to ensure these checks were consistently effective.”
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The Week in • Wednesday 15th February 2023
New pavilion set-back Hanham Abbots Parish Council has been disappointed that tenders for a new pavilion at Hanham Common have come in way over their declared budget. The parish council has secured planning permission from South Gloucestershire Council for the new pavilion to replace the old one and tenders were invited. However, all the quotes have been way in excess of the £350,000 the council has for the project, with some close to £900,000. The council’s architects are now being asked to simplify the pavilion, including having a standard roof, rather than a sedum one, although keeping the dimensions the same. The council’s clerk said: “Hopefully, this will attract local
Situations Vacant
The old pavilion
and smaller building firms to tender for the work and also reduce the costs significantly.”
Seeking police volunteers Avon & Somerset Police are launching a new recruitment campaign asking people to begin a second career as a volunteer police officer, or Special Constable. The force are particularly interested in receiving applications from people from an ethnic minority background, and women. To find out more visit www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/specials
Firm’s extension A business based on Bridge Road Industrial Estate in Kingswood has won planning permission to extend Units 2 and 3. South Gloucestershire Council has approved the plans by healthcare product firm Toffeln which will create additional storage space.
The Week in • Wednesday 15th February 2023
13
Help create new woodland Avon Needs Trees and the Forest of Avon Trust have
There will be regular volunteering sessions at Great Avon
jointly purchased more than 100 acres of land near
Wood with community planting days starting on Thursday
Pensford.
23rd February. There is a taster session this Saturday (18th
Over the next three years, they will work with a growing
February) from 1pm to 3.30pm. Find out more at
community of volunteers to plant and nurture 40,000 trees to
https://avonneedstrees.org.uk/woodlands/great-avon-wood/
create Great Avon Wood which will be the largest woodland
Great Avon Wood can be reached by bus from the centre of
creation project on record in the West of England.
Bristol (numbers 376 and 379) and is only a short distance
Great Avon Wood will play a role in reducing flood risk in
from Whitchurch, where Sustrans’ National Cycle Network
the area and absorbing carbon.
3 is largely vehicle-free to central Bristol.
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
Great Avon Wood
Crossword Solution
2-Hard 5 8 9 2 1 7 3 6 4
3 2 4 6 8 9 5 7 1
9 5 8 1 7 4 2 3 6
6 4 3 5 2 8 1 9 7
7 1 2 3 9 6 8 4 5
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