The Week In - Issue 771 - 8th March 2023

THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset

8th March 2023

Issue 771

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Loss of long-stay parking ‘causing problems’ in town centre Problems caused by the introduction of four hours’ free parking at Kings Chase Shopping Centre in Kingswood have been highlighted at a public meeting.

The free parking was introduced last May as part of South Gloucestershire Council’s town centre regeneration plans following its purchase of the shopping centre in 2021. This brought it in line with the council’s policy of free parking across the district.

When privately owned, there had been charges to use the Kings Chase car park, including being able to stay all day for £5.

The council’s free parking announcement last May preceded its consultation about the stay and return times. The results of that consultation, which closed last July, have yet to be published.

Kings Chase car park

Also in this week’s issue

At the recent local community engagement forum, Joanne Doyle, of Regent Street business Beauty Within, said she had raised concerns during the consultation about four hours not being long enough for some visitors, such as those to her salon, but had received "zero feedback".

In her response she had asked why there was no option to pay for longer parking which would create an income to help maintain the car park and invest in Kingswood, adding: “You have a real opportunity right now to take Kingswood back to its best, making it a popular busy destination to visit. The car park is big enough that it won’t ever be completely full so why limit the time people can spend there?”

The Rev Beverley Charles, vicar at Holy Trinity, told the meeting said that since the introduction of the four-hour parking limit at Kings Chase, the church car park is now full by early morning with long-stay vehicles.

She said: “We have to have 80-year-old people out on the gate for two hours in 7 degree temperatures to stop people coming in from 7.30am, just so when we have a funeral at 2pm there are places for the mourners to park.”

The vicar said that the Tuesday toddler group starts at 10am and when she goes out at 8am to open the church, the car park is already full which means parents, some of whom are disabled, have to go to Cecil Road car park and then walk back. Rev Charles said she was also sure that local residents are finding that on-street parking has increased.

Oldland Common crash highlights road safety concerns . . . page 3

Cadbury Heath community centre partially reopens for youth services . . . page 5

The church car park is private

The forum heard that stallholders at the Christmas market held in Regent Street last December as a taster of how it would be when the section between Moravian Road and High Street is closed to cars had been told they would have to find somewhere other than Kings Chase to park.

A £75 annual permit scheme was mentioned in the council consultation but is limited to shopping centre employees.

We took the concerns to the council and a spokesperson told us: “We don’t charge for car parking at council-owned car parks and we are providing four hours’ free parking at Kings Chase Shopping Centre to encourage people to visit and increase footfall, which will benefit traders. There is a longstay car park at Boultons Road which is close to the shopping centre and available for anyone who requires more than the four hours allocated.

“Charging for longer stays was considered and discussed following feedback in the consultation but we wanted to continue to offer free parking for the benefit of everyone in the community.”

See page 2

New arts and community space opens in Keynsham . . . page 7

Litter blitz in Saltford . . . page 9

Hanham High Street to benefit from £395k investment Hanham High Street is to get £395,000 of investment after a successful bid for funding from the ‘Love Our High Streets’ programme.

The plans include refurbishing the public toilet block on the corner of Laburnum Road, installing new planters and benches, and improving the bus stops and street signs. New murals and public artworks will also be installed to help revitalise the High Street.

The cash has been obtained by South Gloucestershire Council through the West of England Combined Authority’s (WECA) Love Our High Streets Fund. The council says the package of upgrades was developed in partnership with traders and the local community. Detailed designs will be put together over the summer and work is expected to start early next year.

The proposed programme of work has been welcomed by local Conservative councillors and the Hanham Business &

Community Partnership, whose chair Bernard Jackson says he is pleased in particular that the toilets are to be upgraded as a lot of public conveniences around the country are being closed.

While the council-owned Laburnum Road car park offers free parking, he said the partnership are still pushing for shoppers’ parking to be made available at the old Kleeneze site as part of its planned redevelopment for housing.

See also Letters, page 8

Traffic order consultation expected this summer A formal traffic order consultation is due to be launched early this summer as plans to pedestrianise part of Regent Street in Kingswood - where air quality has been a cause for concern for years - move a step closer.

There have already been several consultations on the town centre regeneration plans and South Gloucestershire Council says that although there has been good public support for a car-free section of Regent Street between Moravian Road and High Street, there have been concerns about the impact of diverted traffic.

The council’s preferred option is a northbound diversion up Downend Road and turning right into Kimberley Road before following Gilbert Road and Park Road back to the High Street. The council says this would allow for some dispersal of traffic along Downend Road and then New Cheltenham Road to the north and is considered a favourable route to the A4174 Ring Road for traffic

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Hanham councillors June Bamford, Matt Pitts & Brenda Langley, pictured in the High Street, have welcomed the investment

Regent Street

heading north.

Project manager Antonia Clarke told the recent community engagement forum meeting that an air quality assessment has been commissioned for the areas affected and the council would then be able to take decisions and make recommendations or look at “mitigation measures”.

The toilet block will be refurbished

The Week in • Wednesday 8th March 2023

Crash on bridge highlights road safety concerns Bitton parish councils are working together on a joint initiative to tackle excessive speeding on the approach to St Anne’s Bridge, which is on the parish boundary.”

The councils will be submitting a highways investigation scheme request for traffic calming measures to South Gloucestershire Council, with support from ward councillors and backed up by evidence including traffic speed data, crash statistics, community observations and concerns, and photos and video evidence.

The parish councils are also planning preliminary discussions with South

A car has overturned on St Anne’s Bridge in Oldland Common, demolishing part of the wall and highlighting the ongoing concerns about road safety at this location.

The bridge is approached downhill from Court Road in one direction and California Road in the other. A 20mph limit starts just before the bridge on the California Road side and extends up Court Road.

The crash, understood to have involved a silver BMW, happened close to midnight on Sunday 26th February.

This week Cllr Jon Parker, from Oldland Parish Council, told us: ‘Both Oldland and

Covid test was couriered to MP’s home during shortage North East Somerset MP Jacob Rees-Mogg has confirmed that a Covid-19 test for one of his children was couriered to his home during a national shortage.

It came to light last week as part of the leak of more than 100,000 WhatsApp messages linked to Matt Hancock’s time as Health Secretary during the pandemic.

The messages revealed that when the child's initial test had been lost in September 2020, Mr Hancock’s political special adviser helped arrange for one to be personally delivered to the family home, with the courier then taking the test straight to a lab.

Mr Rees-Mogg was Leader of the Commons at the time. Speaking on his GB News chat show last Wednesday, he said: "So if I received special treatment, it wasn't because I had requested it, but actually it allowed a Government minister to get back to work with a child who didn't have Covid in the first place.”

The crash on the bridge demolished part of the wall

Gloucestershire Council to explore whether any quick measures can be taken to calm the traffic, such as additional signs or road markings.

On social media people have suggested the

need for traffic lights or road calming chicanes from the top of each hill and have highlighted that it is a dangerous location as there is a blind spot on the bend going up Court Road from the bridge.

Jacob Rees-Mogg

As we reported last week, Mr Rees-Mogg has been accepted as the Conservatives’ candidate to contest the new North East Somerset and Hanham seat at the next General Election.

Break-in foiled by dogs The residents of a home on Augustus Avenue in Keynsham were woken by their dogs barking at 2.45am on Thursday 16th February.

When they went to investigate they disturbed two people trying to force the rear patio doors, who then ran off. The door

handles had been damaged and the garage door handle removed, although no entry was made and nothing was stolen.

If you have any information that could help the police, especially CCTV images, call 101, giving reference number 5223037619, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The Week in • Wednesday 8th March 2023

3

Top Ofsted rating for infant school Bromley Heath Infant School in Downend has received Ofsted’s top rating following a recent inspection.

The report, published last week, says that the 180-pupil school in Quakers Road is ‘Outstanding’ in all five categories – for quality of education, pupils’ behaviour and attitudes, their personal development, the school’s leadership and management, and its early years provision.

The inspectors said that Bromley Heath’s motto - ‘Be the best you can be’ - is visible in every aspect of school life and the curriculum is designed to give all pupils the knowledge, values and life skills they need to be successful in the future.

The report says: “Pupils learn exceptionally well from the moment they

start school and consistently rise to the high expectations that adults have of them.”

Leaders at all levels, including governors, are said to be “inspirational”. “Their full focus is on making sure that every pupil gets the very best education possible. Staff are proud to work at this school, where they feel encouraged and supported.”

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%.

Youngsters dress up for World Book Day Everyone at Christchurch Pre-School in Hanham celebrated World Book Day by dressing up as their favourite book characters.

The children enjoyed books and stories and a visit from the local police who let the youngsters explore their van.

Road resurfacing programme in B&NES Work on 25 resurfacing schemes to improve roads across Bath & North East Somerset gets under way this month.

B&NES Council has set out its annual highway resurfacing programme for 202324. The programme details the planned schemes between March and September, alongside a district-wide surface dressing programme.

Roads to be resurfaced this month include Dene Road and The Witheys in Whitchurch Village. Charlton Park and St Ladoc Road in Keynsham are also on the list at a time to be confirmed.

The council says it is investing almost £8m on highways over 2023-24, with £3.7m on the annual resurfacing programme. The remaining investment will fund improvements to highway structures, footways, street lighting, drainage and planned patching works. The council says it will work to minimise disruption at each scheme, and keep residents informed throughout and will work with its contractor VolkerHighways to safely deliver the schemes to a high standard.

For full details visit https://tinyurl.com/yphyyj5k

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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THE WEEK IN adverts call 0117 986 0381 The Week in • Wednesday 8th March 2023

Youth service reopens at community centre The Batch Community Centre in Cadbury Heath partially reopened for youth services last week while a new long-term operator is identified.

The centre, which is owned by South Gloucestershire Council, was forced to close after the previous operator, the Banjo Island Community and Sports Association (BICSA), handed back the keys last October.

Since then, the council has undertaken repair work to the building, which opened in 2015 at a cost of £2m, and has held discussions with select partner organisations who had indicated an interest in taking over the facilities.

So far none of those approached have been able to take on the whole operation but Creative Youth Network, which previously ran open access youth work at the youth wing of The Batch, has been allowed back in so that these services

Youth work manager Jack Fitzsimmons & lead youth worker at The Batch Gill Johnson alongside young people attending the newly reopened club

can be restored.

Jack Fitzsimmons, youth work manager for Creative Youth

“I am really pleased that, having done the much-needed work

right operators to help deliver these facilities.”

Network, said: “We are really pleased to be able to restore

to restore and improve The Batch, we are now able to get

A formal Expression of Interest process is currently under

essential services for young people and keen to continue them

Creative Youth Network back in to deliver activities for

way to secure a new long-term operator for the venue. The

as an important part of our work with the community when a

young people. We know how much they are valued by young

opportunity to manage The Batch has been advertised to

new operator is found.

people in the area.

charities, community organisations and other suitable groups

“During the temporary closure, we maintained some youth

“The next step is to find the right operator for the future,

who could take on the management role.

work in the community and offered some one-to-one support,

which will be able to offer stable management and put The

The council will scrutinise potential operators’ business

but young people really missed their safe space at The Batch

Batch back at the heart of the community. This building is so

plans to ensure they can provide stable management for

youth club.”

much more than a café; it is a place to meet and a hub for

he benefit of the local community. It is expected that a

South Gloucestershire Cabinet Member with responsibility

many local sports teams and other groups. We are running a

decision will be taken in the coming months to appoint a new

for Children and Young People, Cllr Samuel Bromiley, said:

formal and transparent process to make sure we secure the

operator.

Echo Bridge

The Week in • Wednesday 8th March 2023

5

‘An accident waiting to happen’ Bristol City Council is being urged to take action to deal with the problem of pavement parking on Sandy Park Road in Brislington.

Local Lib Dem councillor Andrew Varney has launched a petition on the change.org website. He says: “Drivers regularly block the narrow pavements on this busy, shopping street, sometimes forcing pedestrians onto the road to get past. It’s an accident waiting

Sandy Park Road

to happen.

“Drivers often reverse over the zebra crossing to access the local shops, rather than using the local car park and walking a few metres.

“Drivers regularly park on the zigzag lines of the zebra crossing, reducing visibility for people crossing the road. We have repeatedly asked Bristol City Council to do something about it but to no avail.

“We are now demanding the council step up enforcement and find a long-term solution,

such as railings and/or bollards.”

The petition is at https://tinyurl.com/4jvk4ffe

Clampdown on parking problems near primary school More waiting restrictions are being proposed near Barley Close Community Primary School in Mangotsfield following concerns raised about dangerous and inconsiderate parking on surrounding streets, including parking on the pavement.

South Gloucestershire Council says that residential roads and pavements in this area are narrow, and parking reduces the width of the road even further, making pedestrians feel vulnerable.

The scheme drawn up by the council aims to address some of the concerns and supplement the existing restrictions in Barley Close itself. It will also make it more appealing to walk to school.

More double yellow lines are planned in Royal Road, Stockwell Avenue and Stockwell Drive. There will also be no stopping on entrance markings (yellow zigzags) restriction between 8am and

Stockwell Drive

9.30am and 3pm to 4.30pm Monday to Friday on Stockwell Drive to prevent drivers parking close to the pedestrian access into the school.

The closing date for comments is Monday 20th March. People can have their say on the council’s website – search under ‘Consultations’. If you do not have internet access and want to take part call 01454 868000.

Consultation on waiting restrictions affecting 50+ roads South Gloucestershire Council is consulting on waiting restriction plans that affect more than 50 roads in the Parkwall ward.

The council says that following meetings and site visits with local councillors, it is planning to modify existing waiting restrictions and introduce new waiting ones on roads in Cadbury Heath, Barrs Court, North Common and Oldland Common.

Double yellow lines are planned to cover junctions and accesses and areas where parking can reduce visibility and impact safety, and where access to refuse lorries is currently hampered by “indiscriminate” parking.

The proposals include the conversion of

existing advisory white ‘Keep Clear’ markings to no waiting at any time restrictions.

The council says the scheme aims to keep adequate provision for residents and visitors to local shops and businesses.

The order includes single yellow lines to prohibit vehicles waiting between 8am and 6.30pm on Monday to Saturday along lengths of Tower Road South, as well as limited waiting bays in Victoria Road between 8am and 8pm.

For details of all the road affected visit the ‘Consultations’ section on South Gloucestershire Council’s website. The consultation closes on Saturday 18th March.

Rapid chargers planned in car park Plans to install four rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in the car park at Hanham Community Centre have been submitted to South Gloucestershire Council.

The planning reference is P23/00698/F.

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The Week in • Wednesday 8th March 2023

New arts and community space opens in town Community groups and local businesses in Keynsham are being offered the use of an affordable and flexible space to hold events, thanks to the transformation of a vacant property near the leisure centre.

Keynsham MakeSpace at 2 Riverside Terrace has been fully refurbished as an accessible space for activities including pop-up shops, studio art sessions, community events and workshops.

The space, which is managed by Bath & North East Somerset Council, aims to encourage people to use the southern end of the high street and has been funded by an £180,000 grant from the West of England Combined Authority, led by Metro Mayor Dan Norris.

The project complements the Keynsham High Street Heritage

Action Zone Temple Street Improvement Project currently being carried out by B&NES Council.

Working with Keynsham Town Council and Keynsham Local Cultural Consortium, the council has also re-opened the Keynsham Cultural Programme small grants scheme to fund community-led heritage related pop-up events for 2023/24.

Proposals for new activities that reflect the vibrant culture, history, traditions, places and people of Keynsham are invited and all projects need to make use of Keynsham MakeSpace.

The deadline for applications is Monday 20th March.

Organisations interested in hiring the venue are invited to fill in an Expression of Interest to let the council know more about their idea.

B&NES Council worked with local architects DKA, YOU &

Football club’s latest donation Keynsham Walking Football have presented a cheque to Alison Smith of Butterflies Haven for £1,000.

Butterflies Haven, based in Keynsham, is a volunteer-led charity that supports

families affected by autism.

Mike Slucutt, chairman of the club, said the donation brings the amount raised by the club for good causes since its formation to more than £31,000.

ME Architects and local sign writer Tozer to refurbish Keynsham MakeSpace. The shopfront improvement was funded by Historic England.

Vacancies for new members Keynsham and Saltford Probus Club has a few vacancies for new members.

A spokesperson said: “We are a club of retired people from all walks of life with a wide range of interests. By coming together on a regular basis we make new friends and enjoy group activities.

“We are based at Saltford Golf Club where we hold our social gatherings - coffee mornings and lunches - with speakers. Additionally we run a varied programme of visits to places of interest and theatre trips. We also welcome members' partners on these trips, plus several lunches each year.”

Contact membership secretary Owen Cole for more information on 0117 9864312.

Tree planting survey Bristol City Council is keen to hear people’s thoughts on where more trees can be planted across the city. The One City Plan aims to double Bristol’s tree canopy by 2046 – the equivalent of 1,700 acres. The council is running a short survey and as a thank you will give all participants the opportunity to be entered into a prize draw to win a fruit tree.

Take part at https://orlo.uk/IugJl

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

The Week in • Wednesday 8th March 2023

7

LETTERS are so kind and understanding as they know I'm

cordoned off and barriers run the whole length of

reasonable, one would hope, as it is in everyone's

disabled and whenever I go there it's always busy

this section.

interest that the criminals removing converters are

and a long queue.

The signs saying businesses are open as normal

stopped.

Certain things people can do online banking for,

are so far away and so badly placed that they are

The police response was: “The report will be filed

but I'm not confident using a computer so my

best viewed from a car stopped in the waiting

with no further action.”

husband does it all. But certain things have to be

traffic at each end of the one-lane traffic system.

No CCTV check? Why were the cameras ever

done in person.

The

and

installed? I understand that catalytic converter

I wish they would think about disabled and

communication within this scheme is thoughtless,

theft is becoming more common. The greatest

elderly customers and how they would struggle to

uncaring and unsympathetic to businesses and

deterrent to the thieves is probably the risk of

get to a bank further away before they close local

local residents alike.

being caught.

branches. I know lots of closures are down to

Chris Oliver

Please do not publish my name and address. I

costs of running a business, etc. and all prices are

Keynsham Hardware

don't want my new converter stolen!

rising everywhere but it’s still upsetting.

Editor’s note: The Week In has invited B&NES

A Keynsham resident

Name & address supplied

Council to respond to the concerns raised

Why bother with CCTV cameras?

Dear Editor

down, or toilets are only for staff, etc. or the toilets

Ongoing concerns about Temple Street works

that are usable are in a really poor condition such

Dear Editor

Dear Editor

litter. Do they realise what the impacts of their

as no soap, no toilet roll or dirty floors like the

On Wednesday 1st March I arrived at my shop in

Recently my wife parked our car in the

actions are? That moment’s thoughtlessness? It

toilets by Kingswood Park when I last went to use

Temple Street in Keynsham to the noise and

Brislington Park & Ride car park at about

not only costs us £50,000 of our ratepayers’

them. The public toilet in Hanham too was not

shudder of a pneumatic drill with generator

10.30am. She returned to the car park about three

money to clean this up on the Ring Road in South

very clean and had no toilet roll in the disabled

burrowing into the road about 10 metres away

hours later. She phoned me to say that the car

Gloucestershire, but also causes major pollution

toilet.

from the shop.

engine was extremely noisy.

from the hundreds of vehicles having to remain

Accessible toilets need to be more available. Like

By noon when they stopped, my ears were ringing

I suggested she should drive straight home. In

stationary or slow moving due to lane closures on

April, I have one of the ‘Can't wait’ cards and I

and I was developing a headache. They then

fact, she decided to go directly to Kwik Fit in

the Ring Road, plus the inconvenience to drivers

have a disabled toilets key too. But sadly, like on

started the stone cutter about four metres away

Ashton Way, who immediately recognised that the

and passengers who may have to get to

the buses, I get that judging look from people at

from my front door. They were cutting through

catalytic converter had been stolen.

emergency appointments.

times as I ‘don't look disabled’. We went to Bath

the kerb or something other than pavers. The

I completed an online incident report on the Avon

This litter is also destroying our local

for the day a few months ago but found that the

high- pitched whine and fumes continued for over

& Somerset Police website. My wife had noted

environment resulting in harm to our wildlife and

disabled toilet which used to be free is now one

an hour with occasional breaks. By this time I

exactly where she had parked. The car park is

it looks extremely ugly.

you have to pay 20p to use, which was upsetting

could not cope with this any longer and had to

monitored by CCTV. The car was not parked for

All this plastic will, and indeed does, end up

as we didn't have any money, plus when you are

leave the shop.

long. Some police follow-up would have been

inside us in one form or another, it will never

incontinent and you are frantically trying to find

When I returned they started excavating the

break down completely and ends up in our

money it is really distressing.

rubble outside my shop with their digger. I gather

streams and rivers leading out to the sea and

I also used to be a support worker when I was well

that I was not the only shop that closed because

ending up as nurdles or larger pieces and being

enough to work, so any outings had to be planned

the noise was literally too unpleasant to work

consumed by fish, birds and other creatures, and

around where the nearest toilet was, and being a

through. I am convinced that my ears and body

then ourselves.

mum-of-two I also had to plan around where the

suffered as a result of this. This scheme is a health

This £50,000 could be used to pay the wages of

nearest toilet was.

and safety hazard.

several people whose jobs may be cut or reduced,

I wish toilets were more accessible or more

The contractors wore neither goggles or masks

thus having a knock-on effect on their family. If

companies/businesses would let customers use

and passers-by were subjected to the noise, fumes

there are going to be three litter picks this year,

toilets where possible and display their ‘Can’t

and dust created. You may say, why did people

the cost will be £150,000!

wait’ badges in a more visible way so people who

not walk on the other side of the road? Well,

One moment of thoughtlessness is having a huge

need to use a toilet can see them.

unless you planned your route in advance there

impact. Please find a bin or take it home. Thank

Also as I bank with Nationwide in Kingswood I

was no safe crossing point from Carpenters Lane

you.

saw the story you printed last week about it

to the pedestrian crossing outside Sainsbury’s.

Anne Thomson

closing. It's so sad as the staff are amazing. They

The zebra crossing outside The Canteen was

Longwell Green

Thoughts on toilet access and bank closures Dear Becky I could relate to April Begley’s letter about public toilets in Kingswood, printed above my letter in last week’s issue.

Ever since my eldest was born, the traumatic birth affected my ability to wait long enough to get to a toilet in time, along with my epilepsy sometimes making me incontinent. Also one of the 17 tablets/medication a day I take for my multiple health conditions can make me incontinent so everywhere I go I plan where the nearest toilet will be.

Over the years different toilets/pubs and other locations where there were toilets have closed

8

supervision,

management

Impact of litter I would like to thank all those people who drop

The Week in • Wednesday 8th March 2023

Community pulls together to clean up Saltford Saltford Parish Council has thanked everyone involved for their efforts in helping to clean up the village.

During Saltford’s recent second Clean and Green Week Saltford’s Cub Scouts, their leaders and some parents went out in the evenings litter picking by torchlight.

In advance of Clean and Green Week, both the parish council and those who represent the village on Bath & North East Somerset Council put forward a list of requests for improvements. One action included overhanging vegetation near the pavement on the A4 Bath Road and also by a parking bay by the river which was obscuring signs and making vehicles park further into the road. These have now been cut back.

The Saltford Wombles, who were also out litter picking, share the parish council’s concerns about the state of riverside areas, especially following January’s floods.

As we reported in Issue 768, the parish council has asked B&NES Council to take responsibility for a safer, cleaner river in Saltford, including the river bank area where it is the riparian owner.

Last Thursday the parish council said it was great to see that Wessex Water contractors had been out clearing waste from the river and river bank. The parish council was also pleased to report that at least two abandoned boats that were causing environmental concerns had been removed.

The Wombles will be taking part in the Great British Spring Clean on Saturday 18th March. At the same time, the Great Avon River Clean will be taking place on the river, following on from volunteers in boats who have been removing litter from river bank vegetation in recent weeks.

The Wombles urge people thinking of picking by the river in the interim to take great care as the banks could be very slippery.

Meanwhile the parish council says it has also been contacted by a local paddleboarding group whose members will be going onto the River Avon in April to help clear litter too.

The council has also thanked the individual residents who litter pick around the village and those young people doing it as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Situations Vacant

Grants for Coronation events South Gloucestershire Council has launched its King’s Coronation Award, offering grant funding of up to £1,000 to support Coronation celebrations, events and activities in local communities.

Town and parish councils, registered community groups and voluntary organisations are invited to apply.

Applications close on Friday 24th March. Visit https://beta.southglos.gov.uk/the-kings-coronation-award If you wish to close a road for your celebrations, fees will be waived for Coronation events, but closure applications to the council need to be made by this Friday (10th March).

Contractors cleaning the river bank

Sudoku 1-Easy

Volunteer parent helper Mark out litter picking with Cub Scouts Matthew & Edmund

SUNDAY CHEMISTS Sunday 12th March

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 March 2023

9

Plans to improve tennis facilities in South Glos There are plans to spend £133,000 on improving seven council-owned tennis courts in South Gloucestershire.

The council has been approached by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) which is interested in supporting work to get more local people active by providing funds to restore and update the courts in Page Park in Staple Hill, in Kingswood Park and at Bromley Heath Playing Fields.

They would be resurfaced and fencing installed with lockable gate technology.

A condition of the funding is that courts must

be pre-booked and an introduction of a fee is proposed to ensure the courts can be maintained and sustained into the future.

It is proposed that users would be able to access the courts via an annual membership of £36 offering households unlimited use (subject to a fair usage policy) and a ‘pay as you play’ option of £6 per hour.

Concessionary rates would be available.

All revenue would be re-invested back in the courts and used to fund free tennis and coaching courses for families.

Back garden development plans Plans to build five houses in a garden behind 63A Abbots Road in Hanham have been submitted to South Gloucestershire Council. The outline plans show a new access would be created off Crossleaze Road to serve the new development of two three-bed houses and three four-bed properties. Parking for 10 cars is proposed. The planning reference is P23/00420/O.

Tennis facilities at Page Park are among those that would be improved

The council is running a consultation to gauge local views.

It runs until 28th April. Share your thoughts at https://tinyurl.com/ywfsbhnm

Multi-academy trusts merge Two successful groups of schools have joined forces.

Futura Learning Partnership and Clevedon Learning Trust (CLT) formally merged on 1st March, creating a multiacademy trust of 28 schools. The expanded trust covers an area from Bath to Bridgwater. It includes six secondary, 21 primary and one special school, serving nearly 12,000 children and employing about 1,500 staff.

The amalgamation was approved by the Department for

Education, which recognised that the two trusts had made a strong case for coming together to ensure financial stability and increased capacity to improve schools.

The two trusts chose to gather under the Futura Learning Partnership banner, as it was felt important that the name did not link to any individual school. Futura originated in Keynsham, centred on Wellsway School in Keynsham, while CLT grew out of Clevedon School.

Nursery keeps Good rating Tiddlers Day Nursery on Bath Road in Saltford has retained its Good rating following a recent Ofsted inspection. The report highlighted a strong focus on promoting children's communication and language, social and emotional skills,

and their physical development. Children are said to make good progress and staff are praised for being positive role models. There are 50 children on the roll at the nursery which has been going for more than 25 years.

Crossword ACROSS

DOWN

1. Caustic language (7) 1. Execution platform (8) 2. Beat back (5) 8. Expand (7) 9. Select for a position (7)

3. Legal defence (5)

10. Nevertheless (7)

5. Unhurried (4)

11. Misrepresent (7)

6. Trifling (7)

14. Kind (3)

7. Low dam (4)

16. Dramatis personae (4)

4. Chemical substance (6)

12. River mud (4) 13. Locate (4)

18. Scottish valley (4)

15. Leg joint (4)

19. Void (4)

16. Bird's foot (4)

20. Composition for two (4)

17. Beer mugs (8) 18. Earth science (7)

21. Expire (3)

22. Lay out for profit (6)

23. Web (7)

24. Special outing (5)

26. Israeli city (3,4) 28. Voter (7) 29. Observes (7)

25. Frequently (5) 26. Novice (4) 27. Change (4)

30. Lockjaw (7)

10

The Week in • Wednesday 8th March 2023

Two operators to run region’s new minibuses The operators of WESTlink, the region’s new on-demand minibus service, have been announced.

WESTlink will be run by a partnership of Via and WeDRT. Via is a global public transport, logistics and tech company that operates in more than 20 countries. WeDRT is a UKbased company with experience of working with Transport for West Midlands.

WESTlink will see a fleet of green minibuses rolled out from this spring as part of a £3m+ investment per year from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and North Somerset Council.

Long-awaited Greggs store opens Bakery chain Greggs, which was granted planning permission almost a year ago to move into a vacant unit at the Gallagher Retail Park in Longwell Green, finally opened its new store last week.

South Gloucestershire Council agreed to the lifting of a condition which banned any food sales and granted permission for outdoor seating. The unit had been empty for some time after the Carphone Warehouse shop closed.

Meanwhile the retail park’s former fashion store Outfit, which officially closed in 2021 after the Arcadia Group went into administration in late 2020, remains empty. Ropemaker Properties Ltd were granted planning permission last year to

divide the premises into three units with separate shopfronts and have a current planning application for “minor” changes to those proposals “to ensure the units are suitable for tenant occupation”.

Those amendments include adjusting the internal area split of the units.

They will not be constrained by a traditional timetable but will use algorithms to connect people and places.

Passengers will be able get on or off at over 1,800 existing bus stops as well as at a number of virtual bus stops.

They are designed to link people to key routes where they can pick up another bus or train. Residents will book their ride through an app, visiting a website or phoning.

Safety checks South Gloucestershire Council says that more than half of the child car seats it has checked at safety events have not been fitted correctly. The next free safety check event will be held at Yate Shopping Centre on Wednesday 15th March from 9.30am to 3pm.If you are unable to attend, advice can be found at https://www.carseatsmarter.co.uk/

The Week in • Wednesday 8th March 2023

Get ready for spring at annual event Seedy Saturday returns this Saturday (11th March) at Timsbury’s Conygre Hall between 10am and 2pm.

Now in its 13th year, this community event has stalls selling seeds and potatoes alongside spring bulbs, fruit bushes and trees, cottage perennials, herbs, plus homemade produce, local crafts, plant-based products and gifts.

There will also be expert talks and advice about bees, herbs, local wildlife, seed saving and composting, demonstrations and children’s craft activities, and the kitchen café will be open.

Event organiser Sam Ross said: “Between 300 and 500 people attend every year, not just from the local area but many parts of the UK as well as Europe. This event marks

the start of the growing season for seed swappers, amateur gardeners, allotmentholders, horticulturalists, and anyone passionate about nature and the environment.

“The friendly, local and sustainable ethos encourages everyone to have fun growing plants, alongside saving and sharing seeds and stories with friends and neighbours.”

Entry is £1, with children under 16 free. Find out more at www.seedysaturday.org.uk

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Crackdown on people who use mobile phones while driving Avon & Somerset Police are taking part in a national crackdown on people who use mobile phones at the wheel.

Since the beginning of 2021, there have been more than 4,500 fatal or injury collisions on Avon and Somerset roads. A quarter of these had distraction, mobile phone use or driver failed to look properly listed as a contributing factor. Drivers who use a mobile phone, whether handheld or hands free, are at four times greater risk of crashing. Avon & Somerset Police class this as one of the ‘fatal five’ behaviours that they are dedicated to tackling all year round.

In a campaign running until Sunday (12th March), officers are carrying out high profile intelligence and data-led enforcement across the region to reassure the public and help to

influence driver decisions around using a mobile behind the wheel.

They are using the operation to highlight changes to the laws around mobile phones, raising awareness that it is now illegal to hold

using a device that’s offline or in flight mode.

Penalties range from six points and a £200 fine to being disqualified from driving and facing court, where a fine of £1,000 can be imposed (£2,500 if driving a lorry or bus).

thru restaurant); and if you’re using the device to park your vehicle remotely.

Police encourage people to share video evidence (dash cam, cycle cam, helmet cam and others) of drivers using their phone at

and use a mobile phone, sat nav, tablet or any device that can send or receive data, while driving a vehicle or riding a motorcycle. This includes unlocking the screen, checking the time, texting, making or rejecting calls, taking photos or videos, browsing the web, and drafting or reading text messages, all of which are easily proven.

The law still applies if you are stopped at traffic lights; queuing in traffic; supervising a learner driver; driving a car fitted with stop/start technology that switches the engine off when you come to a stop; and holding and

The situations in which a device can be used are to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop; you’re safely parked; making a contactless payment in a vehicle that’s not moving (e.g., at a drive-

www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/roads. In the last 12 months, they have received 713 videos of drivers using their mobile phones from drivers with dash cams and have taken action in 607 of those cases.

Third aid mission planned The Brislington-based charity Hope for Ukraine is preparing to send another lorry load of humanitarian aid to the war-stricken country in the coming weeks.

Two loads have already been delivered to Chernivsti in Ukraine via Suceava in Romania with Keynsham haulage firm J McGill providing storage space for donations.

To find out more about the charity and how you can help visit https://hopeforukraine.org.uk/ or call 07933 712584.

New lease of life for medieval barn The historic Tithe Barn at Hanham Court is to be turned into a tea room and exhibition space.

South Gloucestershire Council has granted planning permission and listed building consent for the change of use of the barn so that drinks and light refreshments can be sold there along with produce from the gardens and works of art when the gardens are open to the public.

Work at the Grade II* listed barn, which it

is believed dates back to the 15th century, will include improvements to doors and windows to increase their thermal performance and the installation of timber flooring.

The barn will also provide facilities for educational talks and workshops related to garden and craft-based activities.

Hanham Court lies in the Bristol & Bath Green Belt and is in Hanham Abbots Conservation Area.

The Tithe Barn

Intruder flees empty-handed A home on Mount Hill Road in Hanham was burgled at approximately 2.25am on Wednesday 1st March. Someone forced the rear conservatory door and disturbed the resident when they opened a second door. The occupant came downstairs and scared off the intruder who left without stealing anything.

If you have any information about this incident, especially CCTV images, call 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Girlguiding recruitment The Keynsham and Saltford Girlguiding districts are searching for new leaders and girls.

This includes Rainbows (for girls aged five to seven), Brownies (aged seven to 10), Guides (aged 10 to 14) and Rangers (14+).

Find out more by emailing avonvalleysouthdiv@gmail.com or visit the Girlguiding website.

12

The Week in • Wednesday 8th March 2023

The Community Page

Spotlight on Kingswood Park The Friends of Kingswood Park are holding an Noise, litter, and other expressions of rebellious growing up open evening later this month. Here they outline continually prompt demands for removal of the shelter (happily resisted). why the park is such an asset to the town.

Kingswood Park plays many parts in the Kingswood life cycle.

Mums gently move toddlers to and fro on the swings and soon move them to the slide. Growing, they show their apprehensive mums how high they can swing.

Years pass, and the Green Shelter in Kingswood Park is perfect for meeting teenage friends away from the adult gaze.

Coat of arms

Where better place than Kingswood Park to amble with your sweetheart or sit together in the twilight? Internet chatrooms may be the hi-tech equivalent, but nothing comes near the real thing of wandering hand in hand and staring into each other’s eyes.

A loop closes as new parents bring their own little ones to play on the swings that they themselves once found so exciting. Meeting other families on their way home from school, friendships begin that go on for years. A double take as weary grandparents again discover the distraction offered to energetic youngsters by the play area.

Maturing couples discover the value of simply sauntering in the fresh air, perhaps reflecting on past park nostalgia, maybe appreciating for the first time the hard-working ground staff as they plant and care for so many beautiful flowers.

Meanwhile the tennis courts and bowling club offer competitive exercise for all. The Friends of Kingswood Park strive to keep this heritage going for future generations by working with South Gloucestershire Council to keep Kingswood Park relevant to its users.

The Friends are holding a snapshot open evening to showcase the work going on in Kingswood Park both to keep it going day-to-day and maintain it for the future.

Keen gardeners among you will meet our horticultural experts who will gladly share their knowledge and skills and perhaps learn a thing or two from you! Those with long memories will be especially welcome to join our discussions of the park’s history, remembering some of the many highlights of bygone years.

Our free open evening will begin at 6.30pm at the High Street Kingswood Park gates on Tuesday 28th March. Buses 43, 6, 35, 86 stop outside. We start with a tour of Kingswood Park, perhaps showing you parts for the first time. We will then move down the road to The Park Centre for an enjoyable evening of discussion, chat, and delicious refreshments.

We look forward to welcoming you to our open evening, whether you’re new to the area or if you are already taking the cycle of life in Kingswood Park. It’s going to be a fun evening.

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Mayor brews up support for Fairtrade The region’s Metro Mayor Dan Norris dropped in at Keynsham Methodist Church in Queens Road last Wednesday for cake and a cuppa at one of their Fairtrade Fortnight coffee mornings.

The annual Fairtrade Fortnight runs until Sunday (12th March) and as part of the awareness campaign the church has been inviting people in on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 10am and noon. There is no admission fee, but donations for Fairtrade are welcomed.

Mayor Norris said: “A warm cuppa and a slice of cake, and all for such a worthy cause. The basic principles of Fairtrade - better prices and decent working conditions for all - are all the more important today.

“Buying even a couple of Fairtrade products during locals’ weekly shop can make a big difference to the lives of those less fortunate worldwide.”

Metro Mayor Dan Norris with Keynsham Methodist Church’s Fairtrade rep Lyn Pells

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