The Week In - Issue 781 - 17th May 2023

THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset

17th May 2023

Issue 781

FREE

Read by more than 40,000 people each week

Keynsham to remain global centre of vet group despite loss of around 400 jobs Around 400 jobs are expected to be lost over the next six

concentrate on frontline care. Globally it supports 2,600

to 12 months at the Keynsham-based headquarters of

practices, clinics and hospitals in 20 countries.

international vet group IVC Evidensia - but the company

In a statement to The Week In, the company said: “‘IVC

says that the town will remain its global centre.

Evidensia is committed to delivering outstanding care to animals and outstanding service to our customers. We continually review our back-office services to ensure they are supporting the business in the most effective and efficient way.

“We’re considering outsourcing finance services to a specialist business, to help improve support levels and enable our veterinary teams to better focus on animal care and

redundancy process will be a lengthy one.

There are currently around 1,100 people employed by the

customer service.

Cadbury’s Somerdale factory closed in 2011 when production

company which is based at The Chocolate Factory at

“Following this proposed change, The Chocolate Factory in

was outsourced to Poland, and hundreds of local jobs were

Somerdale.

Keynsham will continue to serve as IVC Evidensia’s global

lost. Block C was later converted into office accommodation

IVC Evidensia supports vet care practices to free them to

centre for multiple corporate functions.”

when St Monica Trust bought the site. Its Chocolate Quarter

The company has not confirmed speculation that the jobs will

development in the other two blocks includes retirement

be outsourced to India. It is understood that retention bonuses

apartments, a care home, a GP surgery, and facilities open to

are being offered to keep staff as long as possible as the

the wider community including eateries, salons, and a pool and gym.

Meanwhile the legal agreements between St Monica Trust and Bath & North East Somerset Council were finally signed off last week for a new Block D, a five-storey building which will house 44 ‘extra care’ properties on land between Block C and the Somerdale Pavilion. The site historically contained

Where the new Block D will go

Cadbury’s Block D which was demolished.

Members of the council’s planning committee voted back in Continued on page 2

Also in this week’s issue

New group in takeover bid of troubled community centre in Cadbury Heath . . . pages 7

South Glos Council Tories appoint new leader . . . page 3

Traffic flow concerns at Mangotsfield Sort It Centre . . . page 4

Whitchurch Village’s Coronation tribute stolen and vandalised . . . page 7

New ‘Coronation Community Centre’ group bids to resurrect closed building A new group has been formed to put in a bid to run The Batch Community Centre in Cadbury Heath which closed last autumn.

The Coronation Community Centre CIC (Community Interest Company) will soon be presenting a business plan to South Gloucestershire Council which owns the building.

The previous operator, the Banjo Island Community and Sports Association (BICSA), handed back the keys last October, with the closure being blamed on the cost-of-living crisis and operational difficulties.

Since then, the council has undertaken repair work to the building, which opened in 2015 at a cost of £2m and has been working to find someone to take over the facilities. Creative

Youth Network, which runs the youth wing of The Batch, was allowed back in earlier this year so that youth services could be restored.

The new CIC group, headed up by Dennis Stinchcombe MBE, Edna Stinchcombe MBE, Cllr Martin Farmer and newlyappointed Cllr Jason Ball, has the full backing of Oldland Parish Council.

Steve Skidmore, who is the parish development officer, said: “The aspiration of the new group is to put young people at the heart of the centre and create a thriving space for children, families and older people to

Keynsham to remain global centre of vet group despite loss of around 400 jobs

2

Continued from page 1

retailers had been approached to open a retail unit there but

October 2021 to delegate authority to the planning officer

no offers had come forward.

to permit the plans for the extra care apartments which

Meanwhile Taylor Wimpey have built hundreds of homes

replaced a previously agreed scheme for a four-storey 24-

in the grounds of the old factory and last week the house-

apartment block with retail on the ground floor.

builder announced that there was just one property

The planning committee heard that 11 national convenience

remaining to be sold.

maximise the potential of a modern, welcoming and inclusive youth and community facility.

“This will include enhancing access to sports and the arts, social, educational, intergenerational work in addition to adult learning and training.

“The new centre will look to create stimulating spaces for people in need of mutual support, mental wellness, support for people with disabilities, families with autistic children and young and adult carers. We want to ensure it truly reflects the needs of the local community and is accessible to everyone.

“To help support the bid please let us know the type of provision / kind of activities you would support and like to access.”

Comments can be sent to steve.skidmore@oldlandparishcouncil.gov.uk

The Week in • Wednesday 17th May 2023

South Glos Conservatives announce new leadership team South Gloucestershire Conservatives have

for the past eight years, was the cabinet

elected a new leader following the local

member responsible for Children and Young

elections in which they lost overall control

People during the previous administration.

of the council.

He said: “I would like to thank my fellow

Parkwall & Warmley councillor Sam

councillors for putting their faith in me and

Bromiley has been named leader of the

selecting me as their group leader. I will

Conservative group. Frenchay & Downend

commit my best efforts to ensuring the

councillor Liz Brennan has been appointed

Conservative group continues to offer the

deputy leader.

very

The Tories had enjoyed an outright majority

Gloucestershire.

since 2015. On 4th May they lost 10

“We can be extremely proud of everything

councillors, ending up with 23 of the 61

we have achieved over the past four years,

seats. The Lib Dems now have 20

with the retention of free parking in all

Pic credit: Clive Dellard

best

to

the

people

of

South

councillors, Labour have 17 and there is one

council car parks, hitting record recycling

Independent.

rates, raising attainment in schools through

With no one party in overall control, talks

record investment levels and so much more.

have been under way to try to work out a way

Under my leadership, I will work hard to

forward. An announcement was expected this

ensure these achievements continue.

week.

“I would also like to pay tribute to our

Previous Conservative group leader Toby

previous leader, Toby Savage, who did such

Savage, who had represented Longwell

a brilliant job of leading the group and the

Green, announced last month that he would

council during his tenure.”

not be seeking re-election.

The Conservative group says that if it forms

Cllr Bromiley who has been on the council

the next administration, Cllr Erica Williams

From left, Cllr Liz Brennan, Cllr Erica Williams & Cllr Sam Bromiley

would be the deputy leader of the council.

has served as a councillor for the past 12

She was the cabinet member responsible for

years, representing Bitton & Oldland

schools in the previous administration and

Common. See also page 6

Keynsham Town Council remains under Lib Dem control Keynsham Town Council’s election results were published after we had gone to print last week.

The council remains under Lib Dem control, there are no Tory councillors and the Green Party is represented for the first time.

Brian Simmons lost his Keynsham North seat for the Conservatives on Bath & North East Somerset Council as well as

that ward on the town council. Tory Allan Sinclair lost his Keynsham South seat.

Independent Deb Cooper also failed to get re-elected in Keynsham North.

There are now 11 Lib Dems, three Labour councillors and one Green on the town council.

• See Keynsham Town Council’s community page on the back cover for the list of elected councillors.

Keynsham East result The result of the election for the Keynsham East ward of Bath & North East Somerset Council was inadvertently left out of our round-up last week for

which we apologise.

Lib Dems Andy Wait and Hal MacFie were re-elected to the ward.

See Letters, page 8

New councils meet The inaugural meeting of Kingswood Town Council takes place tomorrow (Thursday) as does the first ever meeting of Staple Hill & Mangotsfield Parish Council.

The town council meeting is at 7pm at Kingswood Civic Centre. The parish council’s meeting is also at 7pm at Page Community Association in Staple Hill.

The Week in • Wednesday 17th May 2023

3

Traffic flow concerns at Sort It Centre The Week In has been told that since the

public highway, especially during busy

introduction of the new layout at the

times, such as the Easter bank holiday

Mangotsfield Sort It Centre, waste and

weekend.

recycling lorries have at times had to sit in

“The slip road is used by both residential

queues with residents’ vehicles for as long

traffic and waste collection vehicles during

as two hours to unload, which has been

the week and we have been monitoring

impacting on collections.

traffic flow into the site since it opened.

Our source also told us that the cameras that

“We have been working closely with our

register the number plates of people arriving

waste contractor Suez to ensure they are

at the centre have not been working since the

managing their operations so the slip road

new slip lane was installed.

runs smoothly, and the collection vehicles are

We raised these concerns with South

finishing their routes on time.”

Gloucestershire Council and this week a

The council added that the Automatic

spokesperson told us: “The slip road into

Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras

Mangotsfield Sort It Centre opened in March

are operational, and that residents of South

and has improved the traffic flow on nearby

Gloucestershire are required to register their

roads by removing queuing vehicles from the

vehicle to use the centre.

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

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%.

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

Van catches fire after collision Firefighters were called out to deal with a

8pm on Friday 5th May.

blazing van following a crash on the

They used high pressure hose reels to

A4174 Avon Ring Road southbound

tackle the blaze and two firefighters wore

between

breathing apparatus for safety.

Emersons

Green

and

Mangotsfield. Police and crews from

There were no injuries. Avon Fire &

Kingswood and Temple attended the scene

Rescue say the cause of the fire is thought

of the two-vehicle collision shortly after

to be accidental ignition.

Firefighters cut man out of car after crash Two people were taken to hospital after a

A spokesperson for the South Western

crash in Downend last Tuesday.

Ambulance NHS Foundation Trust said:

Police and crews from Kingswood and

“We were called at 15.26 on May 9th to an

Temple fire stations were called just before

incident in the Downend area.

3.30pm to reports a two-vehicle collision

“We sent two double-crewed land

at Cleeve Hill.

ambulances, hazardous area response

One vehicle was on its roof. One of the

team and a rapid response vehicle.

people inside had got out but a second

Two individuals were conveyed by

person was trapped and crews used cutters

two land ambulances to Southmead Hospital.”

Publisher Editor Contributors

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

and spreaders to safely rescue him.

Advertising

Tracy Broderick 0117 986 0381 sales.theweekin@gmail.com

Post Office branch set to reopen

@theweekineditor the_week_in_news No material in this publication, nor its associated website (www.theweekin.co.uk) may be reproduced without the written permission of The Week In. All rights reserved.

The Week In is regulated by IMPRESS: The Independent Monitor for the Press CIC. As such, we adhere to the IMPRESS complaints procedure. A copy of this procedure can be found on our website or can be sent upon written request to the address above.

4

Beech Hill Post Office in Fishponds,

The Post Office branch will be open daily

which has been shut since January when

from 7am to 10pm. Similar services will

the McColl’s store it was in closed, is due

continue to be available, excluding vehicle

to reopen on 20th June under new

tax.

management.

Scott

It will be based at the previous location in

Provision Lead, said: “We are delighted to

Frome Valley Road in a new convenience

soon be restoring Post Office services to

store run by the Latestop operator, which

the Beech Hill area of Fishponds as we

runs some Spar and Costcutter stores in the

know how important a Post Office is to a

West Country.

community.”

Lacey,

Post

Office

Network

The Week in • Wednesday 17th May 2023

Ambulance service is ordered to improve An ambulance company based near Keynsham has been

2022.

told it needs to improve after inspectors highlighted

Leaders told the inspectors that the vehicles should all be

concerns including that its fleet of patient transport

deep cleaned every six weeks and whilst accepting this

vehicles hadn’t been deep cleaned for eight months.

wasn’t currently happening due to a recent loss of contact

However, the recently published Care Quality Commission

with the cleaning company, they were not aware it had been

new identification badges issued to new staff were said to be

(CQC) report into Secure Care UK Ltd, also found much to

eight months since any of the fleet vehicles had been deep

“not fit for purpose”.

praise, including the kindness and compassion of staff and

cleaned. The management team could not find the company’s

This week a spokesperson for the company said: “Secure

the support they give new members of the team.

infection prevention and control policy to see what guidance

Care acknowledges the findings of the CQC and we are

The inspectors also found “outstanding practice” in terms of

was available to staff.

confident that the issues identified during the inspection were

restraint reduction standards. At the time of the inspection,

Other reasons for the rating were because management

isolated and did not impact patient or staff safety.

the company was the only secure mental health transport

systems did not alert leaders when there were risks to patient

“We have already made strong progress with an action plan

provider to become accredited in its own right.

safety, such as infection prevention control risks, and when

to rectify the issues raised. We are delighted the CQC

This was the first time that the CQC had inspected the service

staff had not been given required training. Staff were not

recognised that our staff are compassionate and kind as they

which is based at Burnett Business Park. Secure Care UK

aware of learning from incidents, complaint, or feedback, and

go about their duties.”

took over the contract from Tascor Services Ltd in February 2021.

Secure Care UK Ltd collects patients from their homes,

Event to support Ukraine guests and hosts

hospitals, and custodial settings. Patients are transported to

An event about housing-related issues for Bath & North

can be provided to Homes for Ukraine guests, along with

hospitals or other facilities to receive treatment for their

East Somerset residents taking part in the Homes for

useful information and advice on the costs of running a

mental health conditions and in the past 12 months, the

Ukraine sponsorship scheme will be held in Bath next

tenancy, how to source furniture, welfare and accessing

service had undertaken 2,791 patient journeys. There were

Tuesday (23rd May).

benefits. Anyone considering hosting is also welcome to

52 members of staff employed at the time of the inspection.

The event, being organised by B&NES Council, is an

drop in and find out more about the sponsorship scheme.

An overall rating of ‘requires improvement’ was given.

opportunity for guests and hosts to find out more

The event takes place from 5pm to 7.30pm at the

Although the inspectors found that staff followed infection

information on topics including re-matching to a new host,

Guildhall. It is a drop-in event with no booking required.

control principles, including the use of personal protective

social housing and private renting.

Find out more about the Homes for Ukraine scheme at

equipment (PPE), record checks found that no vehicles in the

There will be information on the financial package that

https://tinyurl.com/y63bpp6v

site’s fleet of eight vehicles had been deep cleaned since May

The Week in • Wednesday 17th May 2023

5

Time to replace lopsided voting system?

As the dust settles on this month’s local elections, results across the country have led to renewed calls for a different voting system.

The Electoral Reform Society last week renewed its call for an end to the ‘first past the post’ system in favour of one which better reflects the wishes of local people. And to highlight the problem, one of the councils singled out after an analysis of all the local council results, was Bath & North East Somerset.

As we reported last week, the Liberal Democrats became the first party to win two consecutive terms of leading the council by winning 41 wards out of the 59 available. That represents almost 72% of the seats but as the table below shows, they won 42% of the votes cast. The Conservatives, who won almost 24% of the votes, have three councillors.

Bath & North East Somerset Council Party

% vote

Seats

Liberal Democrat

42.3

41

Labour

14.1

5

Independent

6.5

5

it will mean that 36% of voters in South Gloucestershire are

which has been used in Scotland and Northern Ireland for a

Green

13.5

3

disenfranchised.

number of years. In 2020, the Welsh National Assembly

Conservative

23.6

3

passed legislation to allow councils to adopt STV at the next elections.

South Gloucestershire Council

Instead of placing one or two crosses against the preferred

But the Electoral Reform Society has highlighted even

Party

% vote

Seats

greater disparities elsewhere in the country. At Broxbourne

Conservative

36

23

choices. These are then allocated according to the proportion

Liberal Democrat

34

20

of votes cast and the number of councilor seats being

the Labour Party won with a similar imbalance. In both those

Labour

24

17

cases, minority parties which accounted for almost 20% of

Green

4

0

the votes cast have no councilors at all.

Others

2

1

Council in Hertfordshire, the Conservatives won 50% of the votes and 90% of the seats while in Tameside (Manchester)

opposite demonstrates. But, if as expected, the Liberal Democrats and Labour reach an agreement to run the council,

Voter ID Figures released by Bath & North East Somerset Council show that 56 people did not vote in this month’s local elections because they did not have the correct identification.

The elections were the first to take place after the rule changes which required people voting at polling stations to have a form of photo identification. According to the

contested.

According to Darren Hughes, Chief Executive of the

In South Gloucestershire, the three major parties finished with a more balanced share of votes to councillors as the table

candidates, voters are asked to rank their top five

Electoral Reform Society, voter choice has more than doubled and uncontested seats have become a thing of the past.

What the Electoral Reform Society is advocating is the

You can find out more and sign the Electoral Reform Society

introduction of the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system

petition at www.electoral-reform.org.uk

New date for Paulton election The election for Paulton ward, which was rearranged

Any new candidates wishing to stand at the re-scheduled

following the death of the Green Party candidate Tim

election can email elections@bathnes.gov.uk to request a

Morgan, will take place on Thursday 22nd June.

nomination pack.

New poll cards will be sent to voters, including

All other previous candidates remain validly nominated

information about how to arrange a postal or proxy vote

and will be included on the ballot paper. Candidate

if they cannot make it to the polling station on the new

nominations must be delivered to the Returning Officer no

date.

later than 4pm on Thursday 25th May.

council, 141 people were originally turned away from of the accepted forms of ID. Of those, 85 returned later

Emergency repairs cause disruption

with the correct ID and were able to vote.

Two sets of emergency A4 Bath Road roadworks have been

West Utilities near Grange Road to trace and repair a gas

Across Bath and North East Somerset 112,492 people

causing delays through Saltford this week.

leak.

were eligible to vote in person at the polling stations and

Wessex Water has been dealing with a burst pipe near The

Meanwhile there was a planned overnight closure this week

34,841 votes were cast.

Glen. On Monday Bath & North East Somerset Council said

at The Shallows in Saltford. It was anticipated that the closure

This represented a turnout of 38.95%, down slightly on

that two-way temporary signals would be in place while

for railway bridge repairs would be required for four nights

the 2019 figure of 40.76%.

repairs are carried out.

between 10pm and 6am, with a diversion via the High Street,

There have also been ongoing emergency works by Wales &

Norman Road and A4.

polling stations because they either had no ID or not one

6

The Week in • Wednesday 17th May 2023

Knitters’ dismay as postbox topper is stolen and vandalised A knitting group has been left dismayed at the theft and

The group had made eight figures – a King, a Queen, three

vandalism of the figures they created as part of a

Guardsmen and three Beefeaters – that were all attached to a

Coronation tribute in Whitchurch Village.

metal frame and on a knitted base.

The Knit and Natter group, which meets at Whitchurch

Mary Leader from the group said: “We put it up at 10am on

United Reformed Church, worked hard to produce the knitted

Saturday 29th April to be there all week to celebrate the

Coronation themed topper for the postbox at the crossroads

Coronation on Saturday 6th May. Unfortunately by 6pm on

by the Maes Knoll Toby Carvery on the Wells Road.

Bank Holiday Monday 1st May it had been stolen and vandalised,” She said that a CCTV camera in the area had captured it being removed just before 6pm. Two of the Beefeaters still attached to the metal frame were found at the bus stop opposite the post box.

The incident has been reported to the police.

Mary added: “We had many very complimentary comments on Facebook about how much enjoyment the topper had given to people during the 55 hours it was up.”

The group’s members produce many knitted items, usually for charity, and their three other postbox toppers – last spring, last Christmas and at Easter – were admired and left intact.

“We will not be deterred and will be working on another themed topper which will be put up once we have completed

The knitted display was removed

it, this time more securely fixed, but that should not be One of the Beefeaters was damaged

The Week in • Wednesday 17th May 2023

necessary,” said Mary.

and third Thursdays each month in the church hall at the back

The group meets between 2.30pm and 4.30pm on the first

of the church and anyone interested is very welcome to join.

7

LETTERS Thank you for voting Lib Dem Dear Editor May I take this opportunity to thank all those people who voted Liberal Democrat in either election on Thursday 4th May. We achieved our best results ever. 41 out of 59 seats in Bath & North East Somerset and 11 out of 15 on Keynsham Town Council. We

Safety audit ‘will explore whether more cycle lane improvements are needed’

will try our best to support everybody in the town.

Andy Wait, Keynsham

Bath & North East Somerset Council has responded with a two-line statement to questions

New paving dug up

raised on our Letters page about the latest safety

Paving laid outside Victoria Methodist Church as part of

Since the redesigned High Street reopened to traffic

the Keynsham High Street improvement scheme was dug

in March 2022, there have been at least 59 reports

up last week. Signs said that work was being carried out

to Bath & North East Somerset Council of people

by Kier Construction and National Grid.

sustaining injuries including broken bones, sprains,

There were still barriers cordoning off an area at the start

cuts and bruises.

of this week.

Reader Michael Lowe was one of the first people

audit of the cycle lane in Keynsham High Street.

to injure himself shortly after the lane opened. At the time he said his fall was caused by the unexpected second drop-down kerb from the cycle lane.

Last week he asked how independent the awaited Stage 4 Road Safety Audit is, who is carrying it out, what involvement they have had with the council in the project to date, and whether they would have any vested interest in justifying the status quo. He also queried if anyone representing the Keynsham community is involved in the audit.

We put his questions to the council and received a statement from Sophie Broadfield, Director of

Try your hand at bowls

Sustainable Communities. She said: “The Stage 4

Keynsham Bowling Club, based in Keynsham Memorial

with the requirements set out in the design manual

Park, is affiliated to Bowls England and each year it

for Roads and Bridges, to explore whether further

Street as a whole, and changes were proposed by the design

participates in the Big Bowls Weekend by staging open

improvements to the cycle lane are needed.

team to the cycle lane which included installing red Tarmac;

days. So if you have never rolled a wood and would like

“This would be in addition to work we have already

reducing the width of the solid white line marking the edge

to give it a try, sign up for one of the hourly sessions on

completed, which has reduced the number of reported

of the cycle lane, in line with Department for Transport

either Saturday 27th or Monday 29th May.

incidents.”

standards; and increasing the number of cycle symbol

Slots are available at 10am and 11am and 2pm and 3pm

The council did not confirm whether engineering consultancy

markings. The cycle lane changes were introduced last

each day and you can reserve a place by contacting club

and professional services firm Jacobs would be carrying out

August.

secretary David at kbc57info@gmail.com or calling

the audit. Jacobs did the Stage 3 audit last May on behalf of

However, people have continued to trip and fall. Local

07787 968874.

the council and stated at the time that no member of the audit

councillor Alan Hale told us that there was another incident

All equipment is provided and you just need to wear a

team had been involved with the scheme’s design.

last Wednesday which resulted in the person having to go to

pair of flat shoes. Qualified club coaches will be on hand.

Last year’s audit made several recommendations for the High

hospital.

Road Safety Audit will shortly be carried out in line

Did you know?

15% of our readers say they have made a significant purchase

(car,

kitchen,

double glazing etc.) from an advertiser in The Week In. Call 0117 9860386 or email: sales.theweekin@gmail.com

8

The Week in • Wednesday 17th May 2023

Garden revamp and time capsule mark church’s commemoration of the Coronation Hanham Methodist Church decided to commemorate the

The church membership were asked to donate plants or

Coronation of King Charles III by revamping their

money with which to purchase them.

garden.

On the day more than 20 volunteers braved the weather. A

With the pay-as-you-can Beacon Café, which is based at the

tree was planted with a plaque to mark the occasion and the

church, they applied for and received a Big Help Out grant

time capsule was buried with a plaque asking that it should

with which they were able to purchase compost, bark and

be opened in May 2073.

provide refreshments for volunteers on the day.

After the work was done an excellent picnic lunch was

Prior to the bank holiday, much hard work was done in

prepared by the Beacon Café, which is part of the community

clearing the borders and preparing the ground.

organisation We Are BS15.

A time capsule was also purchased which was filled with

A memory book is being made with photos of the day and

local newspapers of that weekend, national papers with

dedications to anyone for whom a plant or shrub was

photos of the King and Queen, details of activities in the

purchased.

New planting in the garden

church, the history of the church and Hanham Mount, a photo of the membership and a stamp with the King’s head, plus several coins.

Look out for the scarecrows

Campaign for pedestrian crossings

The Friends of Christ Church School in Hanham have

Residents in Brislington are campaigning for pedestrian

Every year the Friends get local children and families to

Community litter pick

crossings at the junctions of Hampstead Road with both

design and make a scarecrow. These are then placed in

Hanham Baptist Church and members of the local

Talbot Road and Kensington Park Road.

shops and venues up and down Hanham High Street.

community came together on Monday 8th May - the day

They are trying to raise support for a bid for funding to

Each year there is a different theme for the trail which is

of The Big Help Out - for a litter pick.

create safer routes to local schools and community

given when people collect their entry sheet. They cost £4

The team of 18 pickers covered quite an area on foot,

facilities.

and can be collected from Hanham Community Centre

from the High Street to Hanham Common, Memorial

They say at present these junctions are busy and difficult

between 11am and 3pm each day.

Road up to Greenbank Road and over to Aspects Leisure

to cross on foot or by bicycle.

The job is to follow the trail and against each number

Park.

If they manage to secure funding, a detailed proposal

identify who or what the scarecrow is.

A big thank you goes to everyone who took part and to

would be designed alongside Bristol City Council and

There are prizes for taking part. You can submit your

members of the community who thanked the volunteers

subject to consultation at that stage.

sheet with your name and contact number at the end of

en route and gave them encouragement.

Brislington ward councillors say they are fully supportive

the trail back at the community centre, or return it to the

These community litter picks are held in Hanham on a

of the campaign and encourage people to register their

school office by Tuesday 23rd May. Winners will be

monthly basis, the next one being Saturday 3rd June at

interest at https://tinyurl.com/yc7wv7bw

drawn on Wednesday 24th May.

10.30am. The venue has yet to be confirmed.

The time capsule

their annual scarecrow trail this weekend (20th and 21st May).

Sudoku

SUNDAY CHEMISTS

1-Easy

Boots, Gallagher Retail Park, Longwell Green

Sunday 14th May

2 -Hard

(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) 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 17th May 2023

9

Public meeting to discuss new community garden Behind the Methodist Church in Queens Road in Keynsham there is a sizeable piece of land owned by the church which has been unused for a number of years.

The church is now proposing that it could become a community garden.

Mike Barrow, on behalf of Keynsham Methodist Church, said: “The church does not have the human resources to develop this project and then manage it and is proposing that it be a joint project with the community.

“To try and move this idea forward, a public meeting has been arranged to take place at

the church on 31st May at 7pm to which any interested party or person in the community is invited.

“It is envisaged incorporating raised allotment beds, a sensory tranquillity area with wildflower beds and seating – an ecological project that enhances biodiversity and pollination.

“The town council is totally supportive of this project and it is hoped that councillors who will have been recently elected to serve on the town council and Bath & North East Somerset Council will also be able to attend.”

The land behind the church

Ofsted praise for ‘welcoming and inclusive’ school Ofsted has praised “welcoming and

quality, enjoyable learning experiences.

inclusive” Chester Park Junior School in

They work closely with staff, parents and

Fishponds, saying it continues to be a

outside agencies to identify and meet the

Good school.

needs of pupils with special educational

Pupils at the school in Abingdon Road are

needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

happy, polite and friendly and have

And they “relentlessly follow up on

positive attitudes toward learning, the

absence and support families to improve

inspector found. Pastoral support is said to

pupils’ attendance but despite their efforts,

be strong and parents speak in “glowing

some pupils do not attend regularly. Ofsted

terms” about the school.

says that the school must continue to

The inspector said that leaders and staff

improve attendance so that pupils do not

have a shared ambition to provide high-

fall behind in their learning.

Crossword

Pre-school keeps its Outstanding rating Sunshine Pre-School in Whitchurch has

progress in their learning.

kept its Outstanding Ofsted rating.

Those with special educational needs

The pre-school in East Dundry Road

and/or disabilities (SEND) are supported

opened 20 years ago and there are 35

exceptionally well.

children on the roll.

Leaders also support staff's well-being

The inspector who visited recently said

very well, which enables them to

that the youngsters are excited to start their

understand and support the well-being of

day, and are greeted enthusiastically by the

children.

warm, friendly staff. Children behave

complimentary about the provision and the

exceptionally well and make excellent

excellent progress their children make.

ACROSS

DOWN

1. Disapproval (9)

2. Destroyed (6)

9. Cherry red (6)

3. Emotional shock (6)

10. Passport endorsement (4)

4. Box for dead body (6)

11. Apartment (4)

6. Measured (7)

12. Fall back (6)

7. Freshwater fish (4)

13. Mythical sea

8. Below (9)

creature (7)

13. Miniature universe (9)

16. Notion (4)

14. Measure of paper

17. Lump (4)

quantity (4)

18. Forbid (3)

15. Rolling hills (5)

20. Edge (3)

18. Ballpoint pen (4)

21. Crosspiece (4)

19. Frozen food store (7)

23. Woody plant (4)

22. Summerhouse (6)

25. Rescuer (7)

23. Drink regularly (6)

26. Gossamer (6)

24. Continent (6)

29. District (4)

27. Stream (4)

30. Front of vessel (4)

28. Foreshadow (4)

Parents

are

highly

5. Wound mark (4)

31. Holy (6) 32. Recuperated (9)

10

The Week in • Wednesday 17th May 2023

Explore villages’ rich history at your own pace Thanks to Bitton Parish History Group, visitors and locals alike can now enjoy free detailed tour maps that take them on a journey through local villages' most significant historical landmarks.

The walks are self-guided, allowing people to take their time and explore the area at their own pace. There are separate maps for Bitton, Oldland Common and Willsbridge.

Each walk comes with an easy-to-read illustrated map that guides visitors through the historic sights. The maps also include step-by-step directions, photos, and background information, making it easy for visitors to navigate the walks and learn more about the history of the villages. Accessibility details are clearly indicated on each map.

Visit Bitton Parish History Group’s website to download the self-guided walk maps at https://www.bittonhistory.org.uk/walks/ Alternatively collect any of the maps (free)

from any of the following locations: • Bitton Station (10am – 4.30pm on Avon Valley Railway’s normal operating days).

• Cadbury Heath Library (on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 10am to 5pm, or Saturday from 9.30am to 12.30pm).

• Kingswood Heritage Museum, Tower Lane, Warmley (Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday, 2pm to 5pm).

• St Mary’s Church, Bitton (open daily April to early October from about 9am to 6pm).

• Willsbridge Mill Community Refresh (open Monday, Thursday and Friday,10.30am to 2.30pm, and on Saturday and Sunday from 10.30am to 3.30pm).

Printing costs of the leaflets were shared between Bitton Parish Council, ALHA (Avon Local History & Archaeology) and Bitton Parish History Group. Graphic design was provided by Rainbow Press, Kingswood.

Trust hits station restoration project target Avon Valley Railway Heritage Trust has

In the years following the line’s closure,

hit its target of raising £2,500 to create one

Avon Valley Railway Heritage Trust,

of the first heritage railway stations in the

based at Bitton Station, worked hard to

UK dedicated to the closure period.

rebuild a portion of the line, reaching

As we reported in Issue 769 (22 February)

Oldland Common Station and building a

a project is planned to restore Oldland

new platform in 1997 to again connect the

Common Station to how it would have

village with steam trains.

looked in the 1960s, with replica signage

But

and restoration of the lamp posts.

crowdfunding appeal was launched with

The station and line were closed to

the plan being to capture the heritage

passengers in March 1966 with the

atmosphere of the station, telling its story

platforms and all other infrastructure

and of the line and allowing visitors to

swept away as part of the Beeching cuts.

enjoy it properly once again.

with

refurbishment

needed,

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

a

As it was, looking south towards North Street bridge from the Up side in the mid-1960s. © C Maggs

The Week in • Wednesday 17th May 2023

11

Climate action is fine, as long as it doesn’t inconvenience us Earlier this month (Issue 779) I wrote an article about how local council plans to reduce pollution are coming up against a seeming reluctance to give up our cars. Reduced speed limits and pedestrian first ‘liveable neighbourhoods’ are either proactive measures to decarbonise and impact on the estimated 30,000 extra deaths a year from vehicle emissions, or they are simply ‘anti-car’.

At almost the same time, a pan-European poll was being carried out by the YouGov-Cambridge Centre for Public Opinion Research on environmental attitudes – and the good news is that we are not alone. The poll, carried out in seven European countries including the UK, basically confirmed that almost everyone supports action on climate change, but not if it means personal inconvenience, and particularly to giving up their cars.

Starting with the good news, most of us are worried about climate change (65% in the UK, rising to 81% in Italy).

What’s more, less than 20% across Europe believe it is not man made, and this includes the 5% who do not even believe

climate change is real.

There is broad support for planting more trees (45%-72%) and even more for Government subsidies to improve home energy efficiency (67%-86%). Even a ban on single use plastics wins approval across Europe (40% to 56%) while around one third would happily swap to an electric vehicle.

But when it comes to lifestyle changes, concerns over climate action begin to dissipate. Perhaps surprisingly, the country where people would be most happy to limit meat and dairy consumption is Italy (48%), twice the figure in the UK. As for giving up the car in favour of public transport or active travel, it is only Spain (44%), Italy (40%) and France (35%) where the figures are above a median of one in five. Raising fuel duty produced similar response levels, as did a ban on the sale of petrol and diesel cars.

So it does appear that if we think we are doing our bit by sorting the recycling every week but then jump in our car for a journey of less than two miles (50% of us do apparently), we are not being selfish. Our European neighbours tend to think the same way.

Stephen Rodgers

How you can support The Week In For the last 15 years The Week In has been

genuinely local publication.

The Week In will always be free but the size

readers and members of the community.

the voice of the community. Whether

Much has changed over the last 15 years.

and number of copies printed will continue

Other initiatives will be unveiled during the

informing, celebrating or holding decision

Technology has changed the way people get

to be dictated by its advertisers. The world

course of this year aimed at making The

makers to account, the newspaper is still

their news and The Week In has also

is changing and The Week In has to change

Week In a relevant asset to the community

eagerly anticipated each Wednesday by

adapted its output for a digital audience.

with it. You will already be aware of some

for the coming 15 years and more.

many in the community. What’s more, The

Retail business has also undergone a

of those changes. The most significant has

Independent local journalism is vital to a

Week In is free, thanks to the support of

significant change in the time since the first

been the conversion from a private

local community’s wellbeing and there are

businesses which also see the benefit of a

edition of The Week In appeared.

company to a cooperative, owned jointly by

now two ways in which you can help.

Become a member shareholder of the society The Week In Community Ltd. This costs £36 a year and as a member you have a say in the way the newspaper is run.

Visit www.theweekin.co.uk or complete this form

12

Become a supporter A lot of people tell us they support and are grateful for what we do at The Week In but they do not want to become member shareholders of the society.

They do however want to contribute to our aims and this is possible through a simple donation. If you have a smart phone, you scan the QR code and simply pay what you like online.

Alternatively, you can send a cheque to The Week In Community at 8 Temple Court, Keynsham, BS31 1HA. We would like to express our sincere thanks to those readers who have already done so.

The Week in • Wednesday 17th May 2023

Tackling tenancy fraud in Bristol Bristol City Council says

During 2022/23 the council’s

cases of fraud have been

that work to tackle tenancy

fraud

stopped.

fraud saved more than

prevented

of

Cllr Tom Renhard, cabinet

£2.5m last year, while also

tenancy fraud and abuse

member for housing delivery

freeing up homes for those

across the city. This included

and homes, said: “Bristol

in need.

stopping fraudulent housing

adopts

Bristol currently faces a

and

approach to tenancy fraud,

housing crisis with more than

applications,

a

and will work with and

19,000 households on the

prosecution for someone

support other agencies and

waiting

subletting their property to

social housing providers to

housing, along with more

someone else.

stop tenancy fraud, and make

than 1,200 households in

Since 2010, when the team

the

temporary accommodation.

was launched, more than 350

housing.”

list

for

social

investigation 36

cases

team

right-to-buy and

a

most

zero-tolerance

of

its

social

Situations Vacant

Vacancy to fill?

Advertising in The Week In is an effective and low cost option.

Call Tracy on 0117 986 0381

The Week in • Wednesday 17th May 2023

13

Crossword Solution

Sudoku Solutions 1-Easy

2-Hard

Service Directory Aerials

Appliances

Blinds

Car Spares

Electrical

Garden Services

Computers / IT

Architectural Services

Footcare Home Maintenance

Driveways

14

Electrical

An advert like this costs

An advert like this costs

£22.50

£22.50

+ VAT

+ VAT

per insert

per insert

Discounts are available for multiple bookings starting at 2 weeks

Discounts are available for multiple bookings starting at 2 weeks

DEADLINE FOR PLACING DIRECTORY ADVERTS IS FRIDAY 4.30PM

The Week in • Wednesday 17th May 2023

Service Directory Book a series of adverts and save even more

Home Maintenance

Plumbing

Roofing

Venue Hire

Book a series of adverts and save even more

Our Directory is the perfect place to find a local tradesperson.

Our Directory is the perfect place to find a local tradesperson.

An advert like this costs

An advert like this costs

£22.50

£22.50

+ VAT

Scaffolding

Waste Disposal

+ VAT

per insert

per insert

Discounts are available for multiple bookings starting at 2 weeks

Discounts are available for multiple bookings starting at 2 weeks

Adverts cost £4.50 per centimetre (min 5cm)

DEADLINE FOR PLACING DIRECTORY ADVERTS IS FRIDAY 4.30PM

Adverts cost £4.50 per centimetre (min 5cm)

The more weeks you book the cheaper each insertion

The more weeks you

Painting & Decorating

book the cheaper each insertion

becomes

becomes

1 week - £22.50

Tree Services

1 week - £22.50

2 weeks - £20.50

2 weeks - £20.50

4 wk - £19.12

4 wk - £19.12

6 wk - £18.00

6 wk - £18.00

8 wk - £116.88

8 wk - £116.88

12 wk - £15.75

12 wk - £15.75

26 wk - £14.62 52 wk - £13.50

26 wk - £14.62 Plumbing

52 wk - £13.50

All prices per week exc VAT You don't have to book successive weeks.

You can choose fortnightly, monthly or specific insertion dates as long as the total number of insertions booked corresponds to the discount rate.

Similar percentage discounts apply equally to larger sized adverts.

Call us now on

0117 986 0381 The Week in • Wednesday 17th May 2023

All prices per week exc VAT

Wigs

An advert like this costs

£22.50 + VAT per insert Discounts are available for multiple bookings starting at 2 weeks

DEADLINE FOR PLACING DIRECTORY ADVERTS IS FRIDAY 4.30PM

THE WEEK IN adverts call 0117 986 0381

You don't have to book successive weeks.

You can choose fortnightly, monthly or specific insertion dates as long as the total number of insertions booked corresponds to the discount rate.

Similar percentage discounts apply equally to larger sized adverts.

DEADLINE FOR PLACING DIRECTORY ADVERTS IS FRIDAY 4.30PM

Call us now on

0117 986 0381 15

The Community Page

News from Keynsham Town Council A MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAIRMAN With the local elections now behind us, I am pleased to introduce the new group of Councillors who will be representing Keynsham for the next four years. Please see further information below about who the newly elected Councillors are and the areas they represent. I look forward to working closely with all Councillors as newly appointed Chair of the Council. Finally, I wanted to express my gratitude to those Councillors who chose not to re-stand for elections or were not successful in re-election. Being a Councillor for Keynsham Town Councillor is a volunteer position and their contributions to the town, particularly during the ‘covid years’, should not go unnoticed. Many thanks for all that you have done to support Keynsham.

Alongside the elections, I wanted to congratulate the Town Council staff on holding a fantastic Coronation Picnic in the Park on Sunday 7th May. It was a lovely day out with entertainment and activities that the entire community could enjoy - it was truly Keynsham at its finest. I am now looking forward to the Keynsham Music Festival even more. Not the least because this year’s Music Festival will include the new Nova Youth Arts Festival, created by Keynsham’s young people with support from the Town Council’s Youth Service Staff. It’s sure to bring the best of Keynsham out again to socialise in Memorial Park. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for sunshine this year!

Hal MacFie, Chair, Keynsham Town Council

Keynsham Comes out to Celebrate the Coronation On Sunday 7th May Keynsham Town Council hosted the Picnic in the Park to commemorate the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. And what a day it

Results of Keynsham Town Council Elections

was! The sun was shining, and the residents of Keynsham

Keynsham North Souzan Alenshasy, Liberal Democrats Alex Beaumont, Liberal Democrats David Brassington, Liberal Democrats Edmund Cannon, Green Party Martin Woodward, Liberal Democrats

of the highlights included the children’s races, a full line-

Keynsham South Dave Biddleston, Labour Party Martin Burton, Labour Party Chris Davis, Labour Party Alan Greenfield, Liberal Democrats Andy Halliday, Liberal Democrats

Keynsham East Caitlin Brennan, Liberal Democrats Clive Fricker, Liberal Democrat (Vice Chair) Caroline Leonard, Liberal Democrats Hal McFie, Liberal Democrats (Chair) Andy Wait, Liberal Democrats

and surrounding areas came to celebrate in style. Some up of bandstand performances, and all the family-friendly performers keeping the crowds entertained. A special thanks go to KTCRfm who compered the bandstand and kept the crowds up-beat in-between sets.

If you need to contact your local Councillor, please contact Keynsham Town Council by phone 01179868683 or visit the office at 15 – 17 Temple Street.

To find out more about the Keynsham Music Festival, running June 26th – July 2nd, and the Nova Youth Arts Festival, running June 26th - July 2nd, please visit: keynshammusicfestival.co.uk

Photo credit: many thanks to Mike May and John

Facebook: Keynsham Music Festival Instagram: @keyshamfest or @novaartsfestival

Aldridge for capturing the day in pictures.

Keynsham Good Citizens Award Winners At the Town Council’s Annual Town Meeting on 20th April, Keynsham Town Council were pleased to award the following residents Good Citizen Awards. Now in its 14th year, the Good Citizen Award aims to recognise individuals who devote their time and effort to enhance the Keynsham community.

Under 25s Matty Jackson, KeynshamNow Over 25s Geoff Davis, Somerdale Shed Mark Tanner, Keynsham Table Tennis Club Russell Pocock, Keynsham Mencap Tracie-Jane Bath, for her support of Keynsham Music Fest Trevor Cruse, Keynsham Life Saving Club All the winners have devoted their time and effort to their various Clubs and Associations - thank you for all that you do and congratulations to all our winners!

16

The Week in • Wednesday 17th May 2023