The Week In - Issue 779 - 3rd May 2023

THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset

3rd May 2023

Issue 779

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Communities unite to celebrate the Coronation Many community-led celebrations are taking place to

Keynsham Town Council is organising a Picnic in the Park

mark the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen

on Sunday from noon to 5pm. This will be a free family

Camilla.

afternoon of music and entertainment. At Keynsham

We have a round-up of what’s happening locally, including

MakeSpace at River Terrace there will be a pop-up art gallery

Coronation Big Lunch celebrations and street parties, as well

in celebration of the Coronation. It will open on Saturday

as events on Bank Holiday Monday as part of The Big Help

from 11am to 6pm and on Sunday from 11am to 4pm.

Out in which people are encouraged to lend a hand in their

In Emersons Green, the Bristol and Bath Science Park will

neighbourhood.

have a live screening of the Coronation on Saturday. On

In Keynsham this weekend, St John’s Church will have floral

Sunday, the big screen will show the Coronation Concert and

displays and the churchyard will be full of knitted blooms.

attendees can take part in The Big Lunch. To get tickets,

Everyone is invited to a special service on Sunday at

which are free, visit https://tinyurl.com/66j2a2y4

10.30am. On Monday from 2pm to 4pm there will be music,

There will also be a free family fun day on Saturday at

stalls, refreshments and a peal of bells.

Emersons Green Park and Village Hall from 11am to 4pm.

The flags are out, including in Downend

St John’s in Keynsham

At Page Park in Staple Hill there will be a Big Lunch on

11am and 4pm. Volunteers will be helping to tidy the grounds

Sunday from 11am to 5pm with food stalls and music on the

of Holy Trinity Church and tend the food garden. Lunch and

bandstand.

refreshments

In Warmley people are invited to the community centre from

https://wearebs15.co.uk/the-big-help-out-kingswood/

10.30am on Saturday to watch the televised live events. There

In Hanham on Saturday the pay-as-you-can Beacon Café at

is no charge but the centre would appreciate an idea of

Hanham Methodist Church has a Right Royal Afternoon Tea.

numbers in advance. On Monday there is a Community

The café is part of We Are BS15 and places must be booked.

Garden Party at Warmley Signal Box from 11am to 4pm.

On Monday the church and the café will plant a memorial

Activities include Coronation souvenir photographs and a

tree and bury a time capsule. They will also be freshening up

royal fancy dress competition. There will be vintage bus rides

the garden spaces and welcome more volunteers. The event

between Warmley and Avon Valley Railway at Bitton.

runs from 10am to 2pm and lunch and refreshments will be

In Kingswood the Friends of Kingswood Park are staging a

provided. Register at https://wearebs15.co.uk/the-big-help-

Big Lunch event on Sunday from noon to 3pm. People can

out-hanham/

bring a picnic and the free event will include live music and

In Bitton on Saturday morning, as part of ‘Ring for the King’,

fairground games. On Monday community organisation We

the bellringers at St Mary’s will be ringing a quarter peal of

Are BS15 invites people to join in The Big Help Out between

plain bob. On Sunday there will be a Coronation thanksgiving

will

be

provided.

Register

at

Continued on page 2

Also in this week’s issue

End of an era as Keynsham barbers retire . . . page 3

Arson attack at old Mangotsfield Station . . . page 4

Suspected cannabis found in sweet bags at Kingswood shop . . . page 5

22 weeks of roadworks get under way in Oldland Common . . . page 7

Communities unite to celebrate the Coronation Continued from page 1

Coronation on Saturday from noon to 4pm at Cadbury Heath

entertainment at Saltford Hall on

service at the church from 10.30am and residents are invited

Hall in an event supported by Oldland Parish Council. There

Monday from 2.30pm to 5pm.

to gather for a village photograph at 11.40am. Then there will

will be fun activities and a free barbecue and food boxes.

The event is free to residents. In

be a Big Lunch event in the Pound Ground in the village from

Then on Sunday from noon there will be a Big Lunch in the

Compton Dando there will be

noon to 5pm with music from local bands. The event is free

hall hosted by Bristol Revival Fellowship. It is open to all

an exhibition about Coronations

and residents can bring a picnic. On Monday volunteers will

who would like to join in a sit-down meal and get to know

in St Mary’s Church on Saturday

continue their work to clear brambles in the churchyard as

the local community better.

from 2.30pm to 5pm and on

part of The Big Help Out.

St James’ Church in Mangotsfield is open on Saturday from

Monday from 2.30pm to 5pm.

People in Cadbury Heath are invited to celebrate the

10am to 2pm for everyone who wants to watch the

Teas will be available. On Sunday afternoon villagers are

Coronation. On Sunday there will be cream teas from 2pm to

invited to picnic on Millennium Green.

4pm.

In Wick there will be a party in Brockwell Park on Sunday

At the community centre in Lyde Green on Saturday from

from 1pm. And in Stockwood families are invited to join in

1.30pm to 5pm there will be food and free inflatables and

with games and crafts and enjoy a barbecue at Cottle Road

people are invited to bring a picnic.

Play Area on Monday from 4pm to 6pm (or in Stockwood

In Saltford there will be a Coronation afternoon tea with

Free Church if wet).

Road closures for street parties Saturday Marden Road in Keynsham; Baden Road in Kingswood; Burley Crest in Mangotsfield; Chesterfield Road and Cleeve Park Road in Downend; Roseville Avenue in Longwell Green; Parkers Avenue in Wick.

Sunday Uplands Road in Saltford; The Ride and Deerhurst in Kingswood; Larksleaze Road and Pearsall Road in Longwell Green; Woodside Road, Oakdale Road, Fouracre Crescent, Cleeve Lodge Road, Heath Road, and Christchurch Lane/Christchurch Avenue in Downend.

Monday Manor Road in Keynsham; Victoria Road in Saltford; Hampton Street in Kingswood.

2

Royal theme to library events There are events with a Coronation theme taking place at local libraries this week.

At Staple Hill Library tomorrow (Thursday) there will be a royal tea party from 3pm to 4pm.

At Downend Library on Friday there will be a Coronation coffee morning from 10am to 11.30am and a royal quiz. In the afternoon at Kingswood Library there will be Coronation crafts from 3.30pm to 5pm.

At Keynsham Library on Saturday there’s the chance to decorate a crown and royal badge, join in with a nature trail

around the library and get creative by making a community garden out of recycled objects. The drop-in activities run from 1pm to 4pm.

There will be Coronation crafts and refreshments at Emersons Green Library on Saturday. The library is open until 4pm.

At Cadbury Heath Library on Saturday from 10am to 11am there will be a special royal themed Lego and Duplo club event. And at Hillfields Library there will be a Coronation ‘Crafternoon’ on Saturday from 2pm to 4pm.

The Week in • Wednesday 3rd May 2023

Barbering brothers hang up their scissors as business closes after six decades A well-known barber shop in Keynsham

over what had been a greengrocer’s shop.

Diane’s Ladies Hairstylists

closed on Friday as twins Martin and

The brothers, who are both deaf, went to

closed about a year ago and

Steve Hall retired from the business that

Fosse Way School in Midsomer Norton and

now

was in their family for more than 60 years.

then went to work for a time at Bristol Boats

following suit. As well as

The brothers, who turn 60 soon, are selling

in Saltford before taking up the scissors.

selling up they will be selling

the Albert Road premises which includes

Martin has worked in the shop for 44 years

off their impressive collection

Martin and Steven’s Barber Shop, the next-

and Steve for 37 – he initially spent four

of more than 260 shaving

door hairdressing salon run by their late mum

years at his mum’s salon after doing his

mugs which decorate the

Diane and their sister Wendy, and the family

apprenticeship at his uncle’s hairdressing

shop.

home where they grew up.

shop in Bath.

Martin and Steve say they

Their late father David started the business

For a time barber Nigel Hammond worked

will miss working alongside

from a shop on Bristol Road in Keynsham

alongside them in the shop but the twins have

each other but will still spend

before moving to Albert Road and taking

been working as a duo for the last 21 years.

time together as they have a

the

brothers

are

Martin, left & Steve pictured on their last day at the shop with long-standing customer Dave

shared hobby of fishing.

‘UK’s worst cycle lane’

Steve, who has been living on the premises, is currently

Both say they will miss their customers,

The national tabloids have featured the 59 falls in Keynsham High Street that we revealed on our front page last week.

The Mail Online’s website ran a story under the headline ‘UK’S WORST CYCLE LANE’. Other publications which have covered it include The Sun, Express and Daily Telegraph.

We revealed that Bath & North East Somerset Council had admitted, via our Freedom of Information request, that 59 people have reported falling and hurting themselves in the past year since the new stepped cycle lane was introduced.

These falls have resulted in 21 personal injury compensation claims to the council and of those, none have been settled and seven have been rejected. The council has said the remaining claims are still open and under investigation.

A Stage 4 Road Safety Audit is being conducted but no date for its publication

looking for a new home in Keynsham and

some who they have known for many years.

says he will enjoy spending more time with

A note in the window says: “We are sad to

his daughter Stacey and continuing his hobby

announce the shop will close on Friday 28th

of short mat bowls for which he has won

April, after over 60 years of business. We

many trophies.

thank all our customers for their support.”

Martin will continue living in the town. His

Martin and Steve say they are looking

wife Linda is also retiring and the couple are

forward to seeing who will take over the

looking forward to a holiday and to some

shops and hope that it will become a family

trips on his motorbike.

home again.

The Week in • Wednesday 3rd May 2023

has been announced as yet.

Since our story last week, there has been another fall. On Facebook, an onlooker revealed that a man “seriously fell” last Wednesday which resulted in two ambulances attending “but would you believe that the ambulance man treating the injured man turned round and tripped as well, nearly went flying”.

Someone else posted on Facebook: “After reading the article in The Week today, Signs were put up please can I add shortly my name to the the changes list. I fell after over outside Greggs last October but did not report it due to a number of people stating the council will take no responsibility. I still have the photos I took and am still having back problems due to the hefty fall.”

Meanwhile local MP Jacob Rees-Mogg entered the debate on social media, saying: “It should go back to being a two-way street. This experiment has failed.”

See also Letters page 8

3

Arson attack on folly A folly built as part of an arts project at the old Mangotsfield Station, next to the Bristol & Bath Railway Path, has been destroyed in an arson attack.

Avon Fire & Rescue Service said that they were called to the site just before 1am on Saturday 22nd April and found the structure and a motorbike alight.

They extinguished the flames and said that the cause of the incident was deliberate.

Sustrans is the charity which looks after the Railway Path. A spokesperson told The Week In: “We were saddened to hear about the fire at Mangotsfield Folly, and that the temporary structure has been damaged as a result.

The folly as it was

“The year-long arts project that brought the

The fire-damaged folly

folly to the station platform has recently come

about what can be put in its place as a lasting legacy of the

to an end. It encouraged many people to visit this historic

project.

space, celebrating the surrounding area, greenery and wildlife

“We hope to share more about the positive impact this project

that has settled in since the railway line was developed into

has had in the coming months.”

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.

a popular and well-loved

The project was funded by Arts Council England and

active travel route.

Emersons Green Town Council.

“The

structure

will

be

The station was once a stop on the Midland Railway route

removed shortly, and we're

between Bristol and Birmingham. It closed in 1966 when

in discussions with the

services to Bath ended, and the railway line through it closed

architects and arts curator

in 1969.

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

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

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4

The Week in • Wednesday 3rd May 2023

Police swoop finds ‘suspected cannabis in sweet bags’ Avon & Somerset Police have begun proceedings to

stock room found suspected cannabis in plastic

remove a Kingswood shop’s premises licence after acting

carrier bags. Two plastic boxes were also found and

on tip-offs that cannabis was being sold in sweet bags.

one contained numerous small self-sealing plastic

Malt Off Licence – also known as Fosters – is an off licence

bags which contained suspected cannabis. The

and convenience store at 168 New Cheltenham Road.

other had numerous small paper sweet bags

The premises licence was issued by South Gloucestershire

containing suspected cannabis. Cash was also

Council in 2005. Details of the licence review requested by

located other than in the till.

the police have been posted under the Consultations section

The report says that the owner, whose name is

of the council’s website.

redacted, told police that they lived in the flat above

The report says that the premises licence holder is Meak

the premises but denied them access. However, due

Trading Ltd and that on 30th March, police officers attended

to the items already seized, the owner was arrested

following information received from several different sources

on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a

that cannabis was being sold from there. They had a Misuse

controlled drug.

the phones.

of Drugs Act warrant that had been issued at Bristol

Officers then searched the flat “and located a further

They are asking the council’s licensing sub-committee to

Magistrates’ Court.

considerable amount of suspected cannabis along with plastic

consider revoking the premises licence in order to protect

The report says that officers carried out a search and in the

and paper bags consistent with those that had been found in

children from harm, prevent further crime and disorder, and

the stock room in the shop”. They also located cash along

protect public safety.

with several mobile phones, financial documents and

If the sub-committee feels that revocation is not suitable, the

weighing scales.

police suggest that the designated premises supervisor (DPS)

The police report continues: “The items in the small

is removed and a raft of conditions are added to the licence,

resealable bags and paper sweet bags seized from the store

including that CCTV images are retained for 31 days, that

room support the information provided that when purchased

staff are trained to reproduce and download CCTV images,

it was collected from the store room and indicate the

and that the CCTV system covers the outside of the shop.

preparation and the intention to sell the cannabis from the

A till prompt system reminding staff to challenge for ID when

shop potentially to children and under-18s by using paper

a sale is made is another suggested condition, along with

sweet bags as a disguise.”

keeping spirits behind the counter, and displaying all other

The police say that the owner has been released under police

alcoholic drinks so that they are in constant view of staff.

investigation and analysis of the suspected cannabis and

The consultation runs until Thursday 11th May.

Cat rescue Avon Fire & Rescue crews from Kingswood were called to reports of a small animal trapped under a shed in Redfield Hill in Oldland Common last Wednesday afternoon.

They found it was a cat and using thermal imaging cameras to pinpoint its location, they used hydraulic spreaders to reach it.

The cat was rescued safe and well and left in the hands of its owners.

The Week in • Wednesday 3rd May 2023

The shop on New Cheltenham Road

5

Hundreds of striking teachers march through town Hundreds of members of the National Education Union (NEU) in the South West gathered in Keynsham on Thursday for a rally and march.

Teachers were striking that day as part of their ongoing fight for better pay and funding.

The NEU said the demonstration in the “constituency heartland” of Jacob ReesMogg was part of the national strategy to target constituencies of prominent MPs. Those gathered at the bandstand in Memorial

Park warmly greeted the union’s samba band as they marched down through the park followed by more members.

After the rally, at which speakers included the NEU’s Joint General Secretary Kevin Courtney, the band led a march which brought town centre traffic to a standstill.

The procession left the park and headed for Station Road before marching past St John’s Church, along the High Street and then down Bath Hill to return to Memorial Park.

Inquiries into ‘altercation’ which left three people injured Police have said that inquires are

and given his account and we will, in due

continuing into an “altercation” between a

course, also be speaking to those who

number of young men and another man at

sustained injuries along with anyone else

Stockwood Pump Track on Sunday 23rd

we identify as being involved.

April.

“In the meantime, neighbourhood officers

Three people, a 16-year-old boy and two

are conducting regular patrols through the

men aged 20 and 61, received hospital

park and in the surrounding area to provide

treatment for injuries sustained in the

reassurance to the community. Should

incident.

was

anyone have any concerns relating to the

subsequently arrested and later released on

incident, I encourage them to speak to one

bail.

of my officers or contact us on the non-

Officers are appealing for any witnesses or

emergency 101 number.”

anyone who has information which could

Anyone who was at Stockwood Pump

help them establish what took place that

Track at around 9pm on Sunday 23rd April

evening.

and saw anything which could be relevant

Neighbourhood Inspector Chris Starr said:

to the police investigation is asked to get in

“We are keeping an open mind about what

touch. Call 101 and give the call handler

took place at the bike track on Sunday

the reference number 5223094229 or

evening as we look to piece together what

complete an online appeals form. You can

happened.

also contact Crimestoppers anonymously

“One man has already been interviewed

on 0800 555 111 or anonymously online.

The

61-year-old

ASB investigation Avon & Somerset Police say they received a report of anti-social behaviour involving two teenage boys in the Barrs Court area at around 6.45pm on Tuesday 25th April.

Inquiries are ongoing.

6

The Week in • Wednesday 3rd May 2023

Advance warning of 22 weeks of roadworks with traffic lights in Oldland Common roadworks

As we reported in Issue 773, a full planning

controlled by temporary traffic lights were

application is expected to be lodged with

starting this week outside the Chief

South Gloucestershire Council soon by

Trading Post site in Oldland Common.

Alliance

Montel Civil Engineering Ltd has been

Partnerships who plan to build 25 homes for

appointed by Oldland LLP as the main

rent and 25 as shared ownership. An

contractor to carry out improvement works to

amended scheme for a farm shop and café

the site prior to redevelopment.

involving a cheaper pre-fabricated wooden

The scheme includes a new junction at the

building is also pending, as we revealed in

entrance; realigning kerbs and installing a

Issue 775.

new tactile paved crossing at the junction of

Phase 1 of Montel’s project, which was

Oakleigh Gardens; co-ordinating utilities into

getting under way this week, consists of

the site, including high and low voltage

connecting foul and surface water manholes

electric,

fibre;

on Barry Road into the site, with three-way

constructing a new sub-station within the

temporary traffic lights at the junction of

site; and building a new bus stop and shelter

Barry Road and Oakleigh Gardens.

on Barry Road (southbound).

Montel anticipates that all four phases of the

At the end of 2022 full planning permission

work will have been completed by mid-

was granted to site owner Oldland Common

October. The team will be working between

LLP for a replacement Chief Trading Post

7.30am and 5pm Monday to Friday and there

farm shop and café, as well as other retail

may be occasions when they need to work

units, and for six supported living homes on

beyond those hours to complete specific

the site.

activities. There are currently no weekend or

And outline planning permission was granted

night works planned but this may be required

for 50 homes (35% of them “affordable”) and

towards the end of the project when surfacing

a community/health surgery building as a

works are completed.

replacement for Hanham Health’s branch

Regular noise monitoring will be undertaken

surgery in Oldland, although there is

throughout the day and acoustic barriers will

currently no funding available for that.

also be used where necessary.

Twenty-two

weeks

water,

and

of

BT

and

Homes

and

Countryside

Bridge repairs Work was possibly beginning this week on repairs to the old bridge at the bottom of Court Road in Oldland Common where a chunk of wall was partly demolished by a car earlier this year.

Signs erected in Court Road last week said that the road would be closed for two weeks from 2nd May but the one.network website of roadworks says the closure runs from 22nd May to 2nd June.

The Week in • Wednesday 3rd May 2023

7

LETTERS What’s actually improved in Temple Street?

Dear Editor Normal service resumes! Temple Street has had its parking reopened. After three months of

rented out at a negotiated rate is better than no

having tripped.

St Monica Trust had made the decision to close

rent at all because they want an increase. If a

When will the council admit they have got it all

the once popular and well-used golf course at

landlord insists on an increased rent, then there

wrong and rectify the layout immediately.

Somerdale. They said it was due to costings but

is only one likely outcome - another rates-

Betty Fuge

this section had at one time 140 club members.

relieved charity shop.

This was very popular with older people who

Chris Oliver

‘Callous indifference’

were happier on a flat and not undulating

Keynsham Hardware

Dear Editor

surface to walk on in a beautiful setting.

The more reports I read regarding Keynsham’s

The Pavilion inherited all the equipment that the

infamous cycle lane, the more convinced I’ve

golf section had purchased i.e. flag posts, tee

Dear Editor

become that within the ranks of Bath & North

markers, waste bins and distant yardage boards,

The long-running saga of the footbridge in

East Somerset Council’s leadership exists a

etc. so apart from cutting the grass, it cost them

Keynsham Memorial Park continues.

callous indifference concerning the welfare of

absolutely nothing to keep the section viable.

After much trumpeting last autumn that after an

their fellow citizens (The Week In, Issue 778).

Since the very well-run and well-attended Fry

already three-year-long wait, a new footbridge

Over the last year, since the “improvements” to

Club closed, very little has been done for the

would be erected, sadly progress is terribly slow.

Keynsham’s High Street were completed,

community and surrounding districts, unlike Fry

A large crane and other heavy plant arrived in

numerous pedestrians have become victims of

Club which was always looking to hire out the

March and there was much activity for about a

the wretched trip hazard built into the main

grounds and the clubhouse which would have

month just to remove the old footbridge. Then

cycle lane – with several people suffering

helped club sections to pay less fees. However,

the contractors and all their equipment

serious injuries.

most of the sections, because of being out-

disappeared and I cannot get any answer about

Meanwhile, whilst being aware of the rising toll

priced, have left the Pavilion and gone

what is happening re the new footbridge.

of casualties, month after month, the authorities

elsewhere, resulting in 12 or more sporting

Surely this should have been erected while the

responsible for this debacle have continued to

sections going.

large crane was here but perhaps this is too

distance themselves from liability by quoting

Fry Club was definitely the hub of the

simple for a council contract! Is it too much to

the experts’ predominant explanation that the

community where it supported not only the

hope that we get the new bridge in place for the

design met all the relevant planning and design

town but surrounding districts with many

summer and especially for Keynsham Music

requirements. This is not good enough! Most

successful and enjoyable events and occasions.

Festival?

Keynsham residents concurred months ago that

As an ex-Fry/Cadbury employee and club

On a brighter note, after three months of chaos,

the stepped kerb between the cycle lane and the

member, there was always something taking

the pavement on the west side of Temple Street

road was a serious hazard which needed to be

place in Fry Club to be enjoyed by us all.

is finished and personally I think it is much

remedied urgently before there was a fatality.

Decisions have been made by the trust that

better than the paving on the High Street! Now

Neglectful senior B&NES councillors and

should never have been made without

we await the improvement of the rest of the

principle planning highways officers need to

involvement from the community for whom the

street.

display leadership and empathy over this issue.

Pavilion was originally intended.

Hazel Powe

They have the power to prevent further

Name & address supplied

Editor’s note: The most recent update from

accidents. For heaven’s sake, get this perilous

B&NES Council (in February) said the

kerb removed and the surface levelled, and

estimated installation would start in April and

make crossing Keynsham High Street a safe

take for six weeks, with the main bridge being

move once again.

put in place in mid-May.

Philip Gannaway

ends are full but those in the middle are not.

Time to rectify layout of Keynsham High Street

Fry Club was the hub of the community

As we lose more shops, this implies that

Dear Editor

Dear Editor

Thirteen years of underfunding has caused the

perceived prime locations are becoming too

I have just come through Keynsham High Street

In response to Issue 762 (4th January) regarding

problems that it now faces - just fund it as the

expensive for businesses to rent and suggests

this morning (26th April) & surprise! Another

the closure of the Somerdale Golf Course in

people of this country expect it to be done.

that landlords should consider that having a unit

person flat out face downwards, obviously

Keynsham, how disappointed I was to see that

Nye Bevan, who helped set up this wonderful

mayhem, what has actually improved? The pavement apparently. Will this encourage people to visit Temple Street? Getting the parking back will certainly help us get back to where we were before this scheme started. Other than that, what has been achieved that will attract people here?

No doubt we will be told how wonderful it looks and that it was carried out to schedule. Local politicians will queue up to have their smiling faces in the paper and congratulate the project.

However, some of the proposed scheme appears to be missing. Where are the new zebra crossing and the green parklets? By their own admission, this project does not have the funding for these yet! More to the point, where is the heritage theme which ‘the public realm does not respect’? A lick of paint, a few windows and new signage for a very small number of businesses is hardly anything to get excited about! It seems to be more of a token gesture to justify the spending of the heritage grant received. I really do hope that the businesses and residents can now resume their normal activities. Meanwhile, I think we all know that more than 59 people have fallen in the High Street but clearly some haven't reported it. As I write this a customer has just confirmed that they fell and did not report it but has since discovered a fracture in their leg. However, I do have a level of agreement with the person who wrote that if we use the crossings, this wouldn't be happening.

As for the shopping street as a whole, from St John’s Church to Temple Street, someone pointed out to me that the shop units at both

Bridging the gap

‘Heartache’ at the state of our NHS Dear Editor I watch and read with heartache the way our wonderful NHS is being treated and all the nurses, doctors and other staff who work so hard for us. It been the envy of many countries.

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8

The Week in • Wednesday 3rd May 2023

New mast near park & ride site

LETTERS institution from cradle to grave, must be turning

A planning application to put an 18-metre high phone mast at

in his grave.

Willowherb Road in Lyde Green has been approved by South

J White

Gloucestershire Council.

The location for the mast is a wide verge near the park and ride site

Homes shortage ‘not just due to immigration’ Dear Editor I’m glad that Mr Woodruff is pro-immigration

and is instead of a previously approved site north of Emerson Way, on the other side of the A4174 Ring Road.

That 20-metre mast was approved in 2021 but Cignal Infrastructure UK Ltd, formerly known as CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd,

(Issue 778). It’s a pity that his letter (Issue 775),

explained that “due to unforeseen circumstances, a new location is

rather than making a useful point clearly,

required to deliver the essential 5G coverage”.

appears only to be common racist rhetoric.

The council received three letters of objection to the new location

The housing shortage does indeed seem to be a

with concerns about the mast being an eyesore in the middle of a

problem. But it is not entirely caused by

residential area, that the industrial area half a mile away would be a

immigration as Mr Woodruff (accidentally)

better location and about the impact on health.

implies. Nor will it be satisfactorily resolved

The council’s planning officer noted that the nearest homes are about 47

without clear thinking and planning and

metres away and although the mast will be higher than other street furniture

agreement with local communities and the

in the immediate area, there is a large electricity pylon opposite which is

containment of vested interests.

significantly higher.

Paul Sims

In terms of health and safety, the officer said that the proposal “would not create any impacts which are severe or unacceptable” and that the applicant

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Anonymity

The verge in Willowherb Road where the new mast will go

possible

under

certain

circumstances.

15-metre mast refused South Gloucestershire Council has refused Cignal Infrastructure UK Ltd’s application to install a 15-metre high phone mast on a grass verge in Downend.

There had been three letters of objection from local residents, as well as from a local councillor to the request to erect the monopole to the east of 105 Bromley Heath Road.

The council’s planning officer said that the siting, height, bulk and design would harm the look of the residential area and could impact on nearby

Copy can be sent by post or, preferably, e-mail and should arrive at our offices no later than 9.00am on the Monday of each week. E-mail to:admin@theweekin.co.uk

trees.

Another reason for refusal was that the applicant had not submitted enough information to prove that no alternative site was available locally.

SUNDAY CHEMISTS

Sudoku 1-Easy

Sunday 7th May

2 -Hard

Boots, Gallagher Retail Park, Longwell Green (10.30am-4pm) Asda, Longwell Green (10am-4pm) Boots, Emersons Green Retail Park (10.30am-4.30pm) Sainsbury’s, Emersons Green Retail Park (9.30am-4.30pm) Stockwood Pharmacy, 78 Hollway Road, BS14 8PG (9am-7pm) 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 3rd May 2023

9

Volunteer puts charity in the spotlight by running half-marathon A volunteer at the Hive Avon will be taking part in the Bristol Half-Marathon on Sunday 14th May to raise money for The Hive Avon.

The charity, based at Two Mile Hill Road in Kingswood, works with adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults and their families and carers in the Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath & North East Somerset area.

It provide social activities, training, advocacy, and support groups, all of which help people to build confidence, develop life skills, and become more independent and live happier, more fulfilled lives.

Liz Pitkeathly, who has volunteered at The Hive Avon since 2019, has already received sponsorship of more than £700 for her run.

She said “As a volunteer, I provide support at the social drop-in. This provides a safe

space for members to socialise and engage with various activities. I help by encouraging independence and social skills, and facilitating things like crafts, bingo, quizzes and games. It's a joy to volunteer here and to see how much The Hive impacts people's lives in such a positive way.

“But, like most charities The Hive Avon has suffered financially during the pandemic, and being a small local charity, really does need funding to continually run all of its services.”

Service users are also very supportive of Liz’s run and, along with other volunteers and staff, are contributing to her sponsorship.

Service user Heather said: “The Hive is a wonderful, happy place. It’s where I meet my friends. It’s welcoming and makes me happy.

It’s really good that Liz’s doing this run to raise money for us.”

Crossword

Liz pictured back right with the Wednesday evening group at The Hive Avon

You can find out more about Liz’s run, what the money will be used for and how to sponsor her by visiting https://tinyurl.com/4sywpmh4 As a self-funding organisation, The Hive Avon runs a full programme of fundraising events and is always looking for new ways to raise much-needed funds. Chef executive officer Liz Cooke said: “We are delighted that Liz has chosen us as her charity to fundraise for. This money will be used to help supply our drop-in centre in Kingswood

ACROSS

DOWN

2. Disentangle (7)

1. Tramp (4)

7. Dappled horse (4)

2. Single entity (4)

8. Carbamide (4)

3. Bacon slice (6)

9. Abuses (7) 10. Price (4) 12. Horse's gait (4) 15. Blood ingredient (5) 17. Church officer (6) 18. Distant (6) 19. Harvested (6) 21. Cutting tool (6) 22. Mass meeting (5)

with equipment to support the amazing and fun activities we do.

“We are always looking for volunteers to help us in a number of ways, whether that’s at our social drop-in, as fundraisers, as a handyperson or also as volunteers to help us provide our training and support. I would encourage anyone interested in supporting us in any capacity to contact us on 0117 9614372. Volunteering at The Hive Avon is an amazing opportunity and is a great, fun thing to do.”

4. Bravery (6) 5. Craving (4) 6. Blocking vote (4) 10. Conceal (5,2) 11. Exceed (7) 13. Cockerel (7) 14. By that means (7) 15. Cut off (5) 16. Clemency (5) 20. Tuberous plant (6) 21. Floodgate (6)

23. Mail (4)

24. Wild party (4)

26. Military force (4)

25. Small branch (4)

28. ------- Wilberforce, anti-slavery pioneer (7)

26. In the middle of (4) 27. Humble (4)

29. Citrus fruit (4) 30. Mountain goat (4) 31. Enterprising (2-5)

10

The Week in • Wednesday 3rd May 2023

Great community support at charity coffee morning A charity coffee morning held at Keynsham Cricket Club to support a former junior player who was recently diagnosed with incurable bowel cancer has raised more than £2,100.

With the help of family and friends, 24-yearold Daniel Money is supporting Cancer Research UK. So far more than £18,500 has been raised.

Daniel’s mum Sarah organised the recent coffee morning at the club. There was a fantastic turnout by more than 100 family, friends and members of the community.

A team of volunteers helped serve tea, coffee and homemade cakes with everyone donating generously. Raffle prizes were willingly donated by individuals and local businesses to help boost the fundraising. The club hosted the event free of charge.

On his fundraising page Daniel, who trained

to be a doctor in Birmingham, tells how he was diagnosed with bowel cancer last November after having symptoms for just two weeks, and how the diagnosis and prognosis have been a complete shock to him, his family and friends.

He says: “I have chosen Cancer Research UK as the charity I would like to raise money for because the research they fund is crucial in the search for new treatment options, early diagnosis and hopefully cures for all cancers.”

Currently four friends - Leo, Hamish, Adil and Ben – are on a two-week cycle ride from Land's End to John O'Groats to support Daniel. To sponsor them go to https://tinyurl.com/v5hsbdyj Find out the other ways that well-wishers are supporting Daniel at https://tinyurl.com/54bs4nkr

Helpers pictured at the cricket club coffee morning are, from the left, Rachel Murch, Sharon Williams, Pete Tweedie, Julie Tweedie, Helen Stone, Sarah Stone and Teresa Parker. The other helpers were Lou Riddoch, Denise Kay and Jack Tweedie.

£3,000 donation Charity Butterflies Haven, which supports families of children with autism, has thanked Masons from Abbey Lodge in Keynsham for their recent donation of £3,000.

Manager Alison Smith said: “With the wonderful support from this donation we can provide the children and their families opportunities for days out during the summer holidays and for activities during the sessions.” Butterflies Haven is based at St Francis Church. Monday sessions run from 7pm to 8.30pm for those aged 12 to 18 while on Fridays there are sessions for three to 11-year-olds from 5.45pm to 6.45pm and 7pm to 8pm. Email info@butterflies-haven.com

Cubs get the chance to tackle hockey Keynsham Hockey Club invited one of the town’s Cub packs to try out an evening of hockey at Wellsway School’s all-weather pitch last week.

Thirty Cubs from Cotswold Pack attended Wednesday’s session run by six coaches and supported by young assistant coaches from Keynsham’s Hockey Academy.

During the 90-minute session, Cubs tried various different skills, including dribbling, passing, tackling and shooting, before finishing off by playing a couple of half-pitch games.

Richard May, who chairs Keynsham Hockey Academy, said: “It was wonderful to see two of Keynsham’s community organisations coming together for the first time. We are always looking for opportunities to introduce people, young and old, to the sport of hockey. Hopefully this is a session we can run again in the future.”

The Week in • Wednesday 3rd May 2023

Cub pack leader Robert Duerr said: “The Cubs really enjoyed the session.”

Keynsham Hockey Club welcomes new members at any time of the year. The main hockey season starts in September when training sessions resume on Wednesday and Friday evenings at Wellsway School. For more information visit www.keynshamhockey.club 11

‘Anti-car’ or just a change in mindset?

As candidates try to persuade local residents that they would be most deserving of their vote at the upcoming council elections in Bath & North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire, two items may well have formed part of discussions on the doorstep.

One is the 20mph speed limit on residential roads, the other, particularly in Bath, is ‘liveable neighbourhoods’. Both feature in the party manifestos and depending on whoever is running the councils on 5th May, they face differing futures.

20mph speed limits were first introduced on residential streets around a decade ago. The move was controversial then and evidently still is today. Conflicting reports have been published during that time on the precise impact reduced speed has had on road traffic accidents and pedestrian safety. Regardless of statistics, the only unarguable fact is that a collision at 20mph is less damaging than one at 30mph – especially if you are a pedestrian. The other urban myth about using more fuel or causing more pollution by driving in a lower gear has also been largely debunked. The faster you drive, the more fuel you consume.

But early signals coming from across the Severn Estuary would suggest there are other benefits. From September, 20mph will be the default speed limit on restricted roads in Wales. A report published last month on the eight trial areas set up ahead of the national implementation contains some fascinating interim indicators. One is there is little benefit on journey times by driving at 30mph rather than 20mph – especially in residential areas that have a lot of junctions, traffic lights and roundabouts. Another is the increase in active travel journeys to schools with far more walking and cycling in 20mph areas.

The plan to reduce the default speed limit is not without its critics in Wales and the government there has just embarked on a national awareness campaign aimed at a behavioural change among drivers.

Closely linked to reduced vehicle speeds on residential streets is the relatively new phenomenon of liveable neighbourhoods – areas where walking and wheeling are given priority and where traffic restrictions are put in place to prevent streets being used as ratruns. Bristol and Bath are among a number of cities nationwide that have embarked on this policy (there is also one being trialled by

School welcomes Lord Lieutenant of Somerset The

Lord

Lieutenant

Somerset,

population of east Keynsham and moved

Mohammed Saddiq, has paid a visit to Two

into its new building on the Hygge Park

Rivers C of E Primary School in

estate last year. It will eventually have 420

Keynsham. He was given a tour of the

pupils, aged up to 11.

school’s environmentally-friendly building

Two Rivers’ headteacher Claire Graham

and visited classes, finding out what the

said: “We were delighted to show the Lord

pupils, aged four to seven, were learning.

Lieutenant our wonderful school. Our

The school was opened by Futura Learning

children treated our guest with respect and

Partnership

were fantastic ambassadors.”

to

serve

of

the

growing

B&NES Council in Queen Charlton) and needless to say, liveable neighbourhoods are proving controversial in places. Stories about schemes in Oxford and Epping Forest have made national news recently and the most common accusation from detractors is that they are ‘anti-car’.

It does seem that almost within a generation, the concept of children playing in the streets has disappeared. Excessive vehicle speed and rat-running may be part of the reason, the exponential rise in delivery vans another. And then there is the simple fact that most residential streets (and pavements for that matter) are used as car parks. Thanks to our National Planning Policy Framework, the minimum off-street parking provision per household is at least one below the number of vehicles actually owned by that household.

Those who believe they have the right to drive their car wherever they want, in spite

of all these ‘anti-car’ measures, also have a responsibility. But cars are the problem.

There are just too many of them for our road network. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, new car registrations grew by 26.6% in February – the seventh monthly increase in a row. And a traffic jam of electric cars is still a traffic jam.

The car has become the addiction of convenience and whichever local councils are elected this week won’t change that.

Reduced speed limits, clean air charging zones or neighbourhood schemes to prioritise pedestrians are not designed by Lycrawearing, latte-drinking hipsters to make car drivers’ lives difficult. The aim is to reduce car usage through a change of mindset and that doesn’t simply mean waiting until we have a fully functioning public transport system before considering it.

Stephen Rodgers, Publisher

The Lord Lieutenant of Somerset accompanied on his visit by Futura’s chairman Malcolm Broad, chief executive Andrea Arlidge, and chief operating officer Tim Howes

12

The Week in • Wednesday 3rd May 2023

Pushbikes stolen from garage A number of pushbikes and other items were

Police say that in a possibly related incident,

stolen after thieves broke into a garage on

someone tried to steal a motorbike from Hurn

Hurn Lane in Keynsham last Wednesday

Lane between 1am and 3am last Thursday.

night.

The padlock and chain were cut but the

One of the mountain bikes is a blue and pink

offender seems to have been scared off by the

Marin San Quentin and the other a light

alarm. The reference number is 5223097404.

brown Canyon Spectral. Both have black

If you have any information, especially

front forks. The crime reference number is

CCTV images, call 101 or Crimestoppers

5223097328.

anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Situations Vacant

Spotlight on opera group Keynsham

Light

Opera

Group

are

age of 18 who enjoy singing or dancing.

currently looking for new members for

They rehearse at Broadlands Academy

their next production. The show is called

most Mondays and Wednesdays, and start

Spotlight and is a celebration of the best of

back on Wednesday 10th May at 7.30pm.

musical theatre. It runs from 16th-18th

If anyone is interested contact Joanne

November at The Space in Keynsham.

Meredith on 07597 807517 or email

They are looking for local people over the

kloggies@hotmail.co.uk

Chocolate talk at museum At Kingswood Heritage Museum on

calling

Wednesday 10th May, Alan Freke will be

kingswoodmuseum@gmail.com

speaking about JS Fry & Sons – ‘The Story

Doors open at 7pm and the talk starts at

of the Famous Chocolate Business’.

7.30pm. Entry costs £4 which includes

Seats must be reserved, either by

tea/coffee.

The Week in • Wednesday 3rd May 2023

0117

9605664

or

emailing

13

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Sudoku Solutions 1-Easy

2-Hard

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