THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset 5th April 2023
Issue 775
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Ancient tree being felled to make way for new path A tree believed to be 300 years old is being chopped down as it is in the way of the new shared use path being created at Shortwood Road on the outskirts of Pucklechurch. As of this week, the B4465 Shortwood Road is closed from 8am to 4pm for a fortnight with a signed diversion in place. This is to allow for preparation work before construction of the new path begins. It will link Pucklechurch to the existing cycle track on Shortwood Hill and make it safe for people to walk, cycle and ride horses in and out of the village. The closed-off section is between Siston Lane and Becket Court. The diversion goes via the A4174 Avon Ring Road, along the A420 from Warmley to Wick, then up Naishcombe Hill and along Abson Road to Pucklechurch, and vice versa. Construction work is expected to begin in mid-April when two-way traffic lights will be in place. The path is likely to take up to six months to complete.
Also in this week’s issue
The new path will be along the southern side of the B4465 on land currently used as highway verge, a field boundary, horse grazing field, and as arable crop farming. A section of public footpath which crosses an adjoining field between the B4465 and Siston Lane will be diverted along the new shared route. A worried local resident contacted us to say that as well as some hedgerow being removed to make way for the new path, he feared that a 300-year-old landmark oak tree – in which there are nesting crows - would be lost. The council this week confirmed that is the case. A spokesperson told us: “Once complete the
The oak tree on the left will be chopped down to make way for the new path
Pucklechurch Shared Path will provide access to the countryside, along with a direct off-road route linking
More parking removed as Temple Street works in Keynsham continue . . . page 3
South Glos Council leader to stand down . . . page 4
Pucklechurch and other villages to schools and all the amenities available around Emersons Green and beyond, offering a much-needed healthy alternative to car travel. “A sympathetic landscape design has been developed to provide as much mitigation for the work as possible. Wherever possible, the existing hedge and trees have been retained, although an established ash tree and an oak need to be felled. The change in levels between the existing ground/tree and the road/path are such that the oak tree would become unstable if left in place. “A more varied mix of tree planting is proposed along with additional lengths of hedging. The hedge will be restored in as short a time as possible, with larger trees being planted. We have also been planting nearby within Pucklechurch to further increase local tree cover.”
Two Staple Hill childminders quit after shock reports . . . page 14
Halifax in Emersons Green to close . . . page 13