The Week In - Issue 782 - 24th May 2023

THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset

24th May 2023

Issue 782

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Lib Dem-Labour pact to run South Glos Council There is new political leadership at the helm of South Gloucestershire Council with the Liberal Democrat and Labour groups agreeing to work in partnership.

Cllr Claire Young, the leader of the Lib Dem councillors, becomes leader of the council, with Labour leader Ian Boulton becoming co-leader.

The first meeting of the new council was due to take place this evening (Wednesday) at 7pm at Kingswood Civic Centre. Once formally elected at tonight’s meeting, the new leader will appoint members to a new Cabinet.

After the local elections on 4th May the Lib Dems returned 20 councillors, gaining three, while Labour returned 17, gaining six. Together, the two groups have 37 of the 61 councillors elected, more than the 31 needed for a majority and much more than the 23-strong Conservative group.

The Conservatives lost 10 councillors while an Independent was also elected.

Aspects of the administration will include: • A shared focus on the climate emergency and helping residents with the cost of living crisis.

• A review of how the council forms and passes policy, including local area decision-making and greater public

Also in this week’s issue

involvement.

• Sharing the South Gloucestershire seat at the West of England Combined Authority, working to improve local buses and the travel network.

After signing the written agreement to form an administration, Claire Young said on Friday: “Local people voted for change in May, following eight years of Conservative rule.

“In discussions with the Labour group it was apparent we had many shared goals to improve the lives of local people. We Cllr Ian Boulton & Cllr Claire Young want to take the council in a different direction, working with local people to make Perry said that while the leadership talks had been taking place, the role of officers had been to ensure that South Gloucestershire a better place for everyone.”

Ian Boulton added: “This is a brilliant opportunity to the council continued to operate as it should, while put forward a new vision for South Gloucestershire. supporting councillors in their conversations and We’re aware of the budgetary challenges at the moment, providing legal and constitutional advice as required. with the Conservative Government failing to fund local He said: “Council officers are ready to brief a new administration once it is agreed by members at the authorities properly. meeting on 24th May and when a new Cabinet takes up “That can change at next year’s General Election.”

South Gloucestershire Council chief executive Dave their roles.”

Tories’ warning over new coalition, page 4

Plans to build 149 homes on Hanham Green Belt are formally submitted . . . page 3

20-minute train frequency begins at Keynsham . . . page 5

Campaigners lose last-ditch fight against Bristol Airport expansion . . . page 6

Taxi driver stabbed in Brislington . . . page 12

2

The Week in • Wednesday 24th May 2023

Plans lodged with council for up to 149 homes on the Green Belt After months of anticipation, plans to

traffic on local roads is also highlighted.

routes is proposed within the

build up to 149 homes on 20 acres of Green

The developers have reiterated what they said

masterplan to connect with the

Belt land known as The Batch in Hanham

in their pre-application consultation with the

Avon Valley recreation network

have

local community – that “the site does not

and the amenities the site will

Gloucestershire Council.

particularly contribute to the purposes of the

offer.”

Up to 60 of the homes would be “affordable”

Green Belt and the land selected within it.

Close to nine acres would be given

and up to 15 units would be self-

Combined with this is the critical need for

over to open space, to include a

build/custom-build homes.

housing in this location and the LPA’s (Local

picnic

Access to the proposed new estate would be

Planning Authority’s) failure to bring forward

attenuation

via Hencliffe Way, where No 64 would be

a Local Plan that adequately addresses this

features, new woodland, walking

This area would become a “strategic

knocked down to create an entrance. We have

issue. As such, it is our view that this land

routes, a community orchard and a children’s

landscape and ecological corridor”.

previously reported that the developers

should be brought forward now to deliver the

play area.

The applicants say that existing on-site

bought the house for £1.3m.

homes desperately needed.”

The development would be set back from the

woodland and trees would be retained where

There would be an emergency vehicle access

The design and access statement submitted

edge of Hencliff Wood by at least 15 metres.

possible and new tree planting considered

from Castle Farm Road which would also be

as part of the planning application says that

where appropriate.

a pedestrian access.

the development would provide 40% of

They

Opposition to the idea of building on the four

homes as affordable - above the 35%

Biodiversity Net Gain could be

fields has been mounting since Grass Roots

requirement set out within the council’s

achieved in terms of both habitat and

Planning wrote to local residents earlier this

Local Plan. A mix of detached, semi-

hedgerows, which is in line with

year outlining the intention of landowner

detached, terraced and apartment buildings,

forthcoming

Ashfield Land, in partnership with Redrow

ranging from one-bedroom to four-bed

requirements. The planning reference is

Homes, to build up to 149 homes.

properties, is proposed.

P23/01330/O. People have until 16th

There was shock and anger in March when

The applicants say there is a “good variety”

June to comment.

the developers’ planning consultants were

of facilities and services available to residents

told by the council that an environmental

within the local area and that a Road Safety

impact assessment would not be necessary.

Audit has been undertaken which confirms

The outline plans by Ashfield Land and

there are no safety concerns with the

Redrow Homes for the site were uploaded on

proposed access. Assessment has estimated

to the council’s planning portal last week and

the development could generate up to 69

already people have been lodging their

vehicular trips at peak periods – equivalent

objections. They include that Green Belt land

to a little more than one new vehicle per

should be protected, concerns about the

minute on average at the busiest times –

threat to the ecology and wildlife of the area,

which would not have an adverse effect on

that local services - especially medical and

local roads.

schools - are already stretched and that

The application also says that the footpaths

Homes England have a large development

that cross the site would be retained, with one

planned for the old Kleeneze factory site just

diverted “to create a more attractive route”

over a mile away. The impact of the extra

and that “A network of additional pedestrian

been

lodged

with

South

The Week in • Wednesday 24th May 2023

area,

surface and

water

An illustrative sketch of what the proposals could look like. Picture credit UDB

biodiversity

claim

that

over

a

Environment

10%

Act

3

Warning of ‘unstable coalition’ Following the announcement of the new political alliance

“And with their failure to commit to managing public

running South Gloucestershire Council, the Conservative

finances in a responsible way, the Conservatives fear the

group warned it is “an unstable coalition”.

Labour-Lib Dem coalition will see residents left with ever-

They said in a statement: “A backroom deal has been struck

increasing costs while council finances and vital public

between Labour and the Lib Dems to run South

services will be mismanaged.”

Gloucestershire Council following May’s local elections.

Cllr Sam Bromiley, the new leader of the Conservative group,

This is despite the South Gloucestershire Conservative group

who represents Parkwall & Warmley, said they were

emerging from the elections as the largest party on the

disappointed that Labour and the Lib Dems had chosen to

council.

exclude the largest party from all discussions on how to run

“While the results of the elections were announced during

the council.

the night on Thursday 4th May, it has taken two full weeks

He said: “This agreement represents the worst of all worlds

for Labour and the Lib Dems to agree to work together, which

for South Glos.

has further fuelled fears that the coalition administration is

“It is an unstable coalition between two parties, neither of

set to be a disaster for South Glos.

which has the best interests of residents in mind and both of which have a track record of

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

poor decision-making.”

New Kingswood Town Council meets, see page 10

Sam Bromiley

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.

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4

The Week in • Wednesday 24th May 2023

Good news for rail and bus users Two announcements last week provided a

Abbey Wood, Bristol Parkway and Yate.

England Mayoral Combined Authority which

England Net-Zero-by-2030 target."

boost for rail and bus passengers in the

The service upgrade follows an injection of

means residents in Yate, Keynsham, Oldfield

There is good news too for bus passengers in

area.

more than £7m from the regional authority

Park and other brilliant West of England

the area. Last week the Government also

The first is a 20-minute train frequency at

and rail infrastructure improvements carried

communities will benefit from more frequent

confirmed its commitment to extending the

Keynsham Station following investment

out by Network Rail around Bristol Temple

rail journeys.

£2 cap on single fares. The scheme, which

from the West of England Combined

Meads which have been completed recently.

“Delivering for local people is what this is all

was introduced to help bus companies

Authority.

Further improvements to the network are

about – improving public transport is so, so

recover passenger numbers to pre-Covid

The new GWR timetable, which came into

planned with new stations at Portbury, North

important to help people get from A to B in

levels, was due to end next month. It has

effect on Monday, includes up to three trains

Filton, Ashley Down in Henbury, as well as

the West of England, and to better connect

been carried forward until the end of October

an hour running between Bristol Temple

the reopening of the Portishead line.

our amazing region. And it's vitally important

when it will rise to £2.50 for a further 12

Meads and Westbury as well as a half-hourly

Metro Mayor Dan Norris said “I’m proud of

if we're going to meet our ambitious West of

months.

service to Gloucester, stopping at Filton

this sizeable investment from my West of

Opening of QE II Peace Garden Over the last year church members and community volunteers have been creating a special garden on the field next to Church of the Ascension in Hanham.

Hanham Parish Council awarded £1,000 towards the cost of materials and plants for the Queen Elizabeth II Peace Garden which is on the corner with Greenbank Road.

The whole garden has been designed to be wildlife friendly and is made from 100% reclaimed or recycled materials.

The grand opening is tomorrow (Thursday) when youngsters from

nearby

Beacon

Rise

Primary School will be planting a tree in the afternoon.

The Week in • Wednesday 24th May 2023

Dan Norris at Keynsham Station

5

Campaigners lose last-ditch fight against airport expansion Campaigners have lost their last-ditch

then brought a High Court challenge against

“The decision means our immediate legal

clear that the Government and aviation

fight against the major expansion of

the Planning Inspectorate’s decision, which

opposition has come to an end. Of course we

industry is ignoring the climate crisis.

Bristol Airport.

they claimed was unlawful, but that

are hugely disappointed but after over four

Promising to achieve Net Zero by 2050 with

The High Court had ruled in January that the

challenge was rejected by Lord Justice Lane

years of campaigning we take comfort by

costly and unproven tech, as well as

plans could go ahead following a lengthy

in January when he said that although

many positives including the delay we have

increasing passenger numbers by 70%, is

legal battle, but Bristol Airport Action

expanding the airport would impact the

caused to millions of tonnes of CO2 and non-

plain crazy.

Network (BAAN) appealed against the

environment, the decision was for central

CO2 emissions.

“We know Bristol Airport has insane plans

decision.

government, not local.

“We have exposed the fact that the legal and

for further expansion to cater for up to 20

Now a Court of Appeal judge has ruled that

At the inquiry BAAN’s legal team and

planning process is simply not fit for purpose

million passengers a year. We will be vigilant

none of the grounds of appeal had “a real

experts had made the argument about the

- providing a springboard for a national

for their next planning application with a

prospect of success”.

need to look at all the airports with expansion

campaign. By not updating the planning

view to be ready to resist their ambitions to

Bristol Airport has welcomed the decision.

plans together and for that cumulative carbon

system concerning airport expansion it is

expand further.”

Its plans to expand its maximum capacity

emission assessment to be published.

from 10 million to 12 million passengers a

Last week BAAN said that the Court of

year had initially been refused planning

Appeal decision now gives Bristol Airport

permission by North Somerset Council in

the opportunity to go ahead with its

January 2020. The airport appealed and after

expansion plans, “thus ignoring the views of

a public inquiry, the planning inspectors gave

local

the airport the go-ahead to expand. BAAN

institutions”.

communities

and

democratic

Primary school rated as Outstanding Saltford

Church

of

England

Primary School has been judged by Ofsted to be Outstanding in all areas of its provision.

In a report published last week, inspectors said that pupils and staff were rightly proud of their inclusive school, where all children are encouraged to be the best versions of themselves.

They said headteacher Dawn Sage and her team pursued excellence at all times and constructed a curriculum that was exceptional.

“Staff share this continuous drive for improvement across all aspects

6

of the school. Together, they are

be high, with leaders, including governors,

aspirational for what pupils can achieve,”

placing importance on wellbeing.

the report said.

The support provided by Futura Learning

A team of three inspectors visited the 438-

Partnership, the multi-academy trust of

pupil school in early spring. They

which Saltford C of E Primary School is

described the pupils as welcoming,

part, was also highlighted in the report.

extremely

to

Mrs Sage said that the inspection outcome

participate in all aspects of school life and

well-behaved,

was thanks to the efforts of the whole

passionate about their learning.

school community: “We are so proud of

Parents were said to be overwhelmingly

our school, where children are challenged

positive about the education and care their

in their learning and are nurtured to

children receive.

develop personally and academically.

The school was rated Outstanding for

Saltford C of E Primary is a place where

quality of education, behaviour and

children value their strong friendships and

attitudes,

personal

eager

development,

feel safe and happy in school. We all strive

leadership and management and early

every day to make sure the school is a

years provision. Staff morale was said to

place where everyone can thrive.”

The Week in • Wednesday 24th May 2023

Planters and parklets coming next month The planned planters and parklets are due

programme of the new pavement on the

to be installed on the east side of Temple

other side which finished ahead of

Street in Keynsham (the town council

schedule.

office side) next month.

The parking suspension and temporary

This will conclude the public realm works

lights for traffic management were

for the Keynsham High Street Heritage

removed at the end of April. The project

Action Zone.

team says that there are “a few small

Residents, businesses and landowners

remaining tasks” to complete including re-

have been thanked for their patience and

oiling the recycled benches outside

support

Simply Carpets and the completion of the

during

the

construction

Will new bridge be open in time for music festival?

Keynsham Memorial Park’s new footbridge looks set to open in July.

The replacement bridge will be installed in June

But whether that will be in time for the music festival events being held in the park during the first weekend of July remains to be seen.

The new bridge will reinstate an important link that has been closed since October 2019. The old structure was declared unsafe because its timber beams had decayed. It was removed at the end of March.

weir began last week.

The estimated installation time for the

The council says that the opening of the

new bridge was in mid-May but Bath &

new polymer bridge is July is dependent

North East Somerset Council said last

on favourable weather conditions.

week that the new bridge is now due to be

The children’s play park at Bath Hill and

lifted into place in mid-June. Preparatory

the entrance at Avon Mill Lane is closed

works ahead of the installation over the

during the works.

Temple Street

Eyesore repair is ‘temporary’ Concerns about the Tarmac that has been used to patch up the new paving outside Victoria Methodist Church in Keynsham High Street following recent National Grid works have been allayed by a spray-painted ‘TEMP’ sign.

Watch this space!

Summer fete at Hanham Hall The Hanham Hall Summer Fete is taking

hosting will feature market stalls from

place on Saturday 10th June.

talented Bristol-based makers, family-

It follows a very successful Christmas market

friendly games, and refreshments including

hosted at Hanham Hall last December by

an ice cream van and micro-brewery.

locals Holly and Sarah who brought together

The fete runs from 11am to 5pm and will be

Bristol-based independent businesses for the

held on the beautiful formal lawns in front of

event. Holly and Sarah say they are

the Grade II* listed building which is now

enthusiastic about making connections

part of the vibrant eco-village - the perfect

within the community and bringing value to

venue for an eco-friendly event.

the local area. The summer fete they are

No booking or tickets are required.

The Week in • Wednesday 24th May 2023

7

LETTERS We need a fairer, proportional system Dear Stephen Your article ‘Time to replace lopsided voting system?’ in last week’s edition set out clearly the problem of a first-past-the-post voting system

proportional, outcome while still retaining local

Finally, the designation of the zones is strange.

UK.

connections to known candidates.

For example, as a resident of Keynsham, I can

Volunteers Week (1st – 7th June) is a fantastic

A change would lead to parties finding common

travel to Clevedon but I can’t get a ride to the

opportunity to celebrate the amazing impact our

ground, working together post-elections, and a

Gallagher Retail Park at Longwell Green. I

volunteers have. Last year, they gave more than

better future for all of us.

appreciate that any zoning system has to be a

7,740 hours of their time to support people in their

Duncan Hounsell, B&NES ward councillor

compromise but the current arrangement should

communities with practical information and

(Lib Dem, Saltford ward)

in my view be reviewed if the intention of

support with hearing aids. This year, we need you

reducing car use is the primary objective.

to help us reach our goals and ensure that

A copy of this has been sent to West of England

everyone in the UK can benefit from support.

Mayor Dan Norris so I look forward to his

Volunteering for RNID could involve providing

response.

information to local organisations and community

Cynthia Withyman

groups, helping people get the most out of their

when there are multiple parties and independents contesting for election.

Alliance received almost eight million votes, 25%

Mixed review of new WESTlink service

of the votes cast, but only 11 seats in Parliament

Dear Editor

whereas Labour received only a few more votes,

It has been some weeks since the introduction of

28% of the votes cast, and 209 seats.

the WESTlink service and I have waited until now

This led to an all-party “campaign for fair votes”

before making some observations thus allowing

i.e. proportional representation. Leaders of that

In the 1983 General Election the Liberal/SDP

hearing aids, or giving a friendly welcome to everyone who passes through the door at one of

for “teething problems” to be addressed.

Have Brits forgotten how to walk?

campaign included national politicians such as

I have used the service a number of times. The

Dear Editor

themselves or in their family, and volunteering

Roy Jenkins (Alliance) and Ian Gilmour

initial problem was a total absence of information

I have just returned from a holiday to Italy where

with us is a great way to meet new people, gain

(Conservative). I took the petition signatures for

about the system, meaning many potential users

the pavements and infrastructure is a far cry

new skills and experience, try something new and

the Wansdyke area to a reception in London and

did not use it or understand how it works.

compared to the UK. There are broken

help people in your community. For more

met Roy Jenkins. The petition was signed by two

The online or app system for booking rides is

pavements, holes in the walkways and cycle lanes

information, visit www.rnid.org.uk/volunteering

million people nationwide but had no effect. Our

poorly designed with no user prompts to help

with kerbs of varying heights everywhere. Yet

or contact us at 0808 808 0123. You can also text

voting system has not changed.

people book their ride. For example. the system

there weren’t people falling over all over the

us at 07360 268 988.

Our MP, Jacob Rees-Mogg, argues that first-past-

defaults to the current day and it is not obvious

place!

Jackie White, Director at RNID

the-post system leads to a clear outcome and

how to navigate and book a ride for the next day.

The kind of infrastructure that has been installed

stability. The weakness of that argument has been

For those using the telephone booking option, the

in Keynsham is the norm all over the world and

shown by the volatility of the Government in

wait for a reply can be very long.

in particular Europe and runs harmoniously

recent years which has often resembled chaos

Once I mastered the online system, after trial and

alongside one another, including electric scooters.

Help foodbanks get items most needed

with factions and groups in-fighting within the

error, I have been able to book many rides and in

After continuous, national damning media, such

Dear Editor

Conservative governing party.

the main they have been punctual and the drivers

as ‘Is this the worst cycle lane ever?', it made me

With food prices rising and foodbanks struggling

The first-past-the-post system can be devastating

are helpful. However, of late, the standard of

contemplate: if this was a small kerb onto the road

to meet demand, I wanted to share an app that

for parties whose support is spread out and not

service has declined with booked rides being

as opposed to a cycle lane, would it have had the

could make a difference. BanktheFood connects

enough to win in particular wards and

unavailable, cancelled and pick-up points

bad press that has been published?

you with your local foodbank. Whenever the

constituencies. This has happened to the

changed at relatively short notice. Also I have

After all, falling into a road doesn’t quite have the

foodbank runs low on essentials, the app sends

Conservative Party in Bath and North East

heard that some drivers have resigned and it’s

same media appeal in the UK as a cycle lane, does

you a list of their most-needed items.

Somerset which now has a paltry three seats out

possible that demand has also increased, thus

it? Maybe if people got out of their cars more we

But that's not all - the app also sends you an

of 59 on Bath and North East Somerset Council.

putting the system under more pressure.

would all remember how to walk again!

urgent list of needed items when you arrive at the

This should trouble Jacob Rees-Mogg because,

If this service is to stand any chance of getting

Daniel Cotter

local supermarket, so you can easily pick up a few

with tactical voting, the Conservatives could be

support in the long term, these problems need to

Hanham

extra items to donate before you even reach the

wiped out at the next General Election with our

be addressed; make the online system more user-

current voting system. Although I wanted to focus

friendly, more publicity in the press about what is

on local issues in my recent local election

on offer (telephone users don’t see the zone maps

campaign, the most common parting comment to

so don’t know the extent of the service), address

Could you be a volunteer for RNID?

me on doorsteps was “How do we get Jacob Rees-

the recent reliability/availability problems and

Dear Editor

difference, please consider giving BanktheFood a

Mogg out?”

publish simple-to-understand information on how

RNID, the charity supporting people who are

try. It's a great way to help your community.

I hope that a consensus can build for a change to

to book a ride (the leaflets available on the

deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus, is looking for

Emma

our voting system that achieves a fairer,

vehicles fall short in this regard).

volunteers to support our vital work across the

https://www.bankthefood.org/

8

our support sessions.

Many of our volunteers have hearing loss

checkout. Over 34,000 people are already using BanktheFood,

helping

350

foodbanks

in

communities across the UK. If you're looking for an easy way to make a

The Week in • Wednesday 24th May 2023

Consultation launched on improvements to community woodland People are being invited to have their say on a range of

woodland, so the council plans to fund improvements to

possible improvements for a valuable green space in

ensure the space benefits the community and protects resident

Keynsham.

wildlife for the future.

Manor Road Community Woodland to the east of the town,

The improvement works will be funded by Section 106

near Saltford, is a popular and well-used haven between the

payments which councils receive from developers to improve

two communities and is designated as a local nature reserve

local amenities for new and existing residents. The proposals

on Green Belt land.

include:

Bath & North East Somerset Council manages the woodland

• Improvements to gates and entrances and resurfaced

with support from the Friends of Manor Road Community

pathways to improve safety and increase accessibility.

Woodland to conserve its woodland, meadow and water

• Footpath signage and boundary marking to make

environments, which are home to diverse wildlife and plant

wayfinding easier.

species.

• New seating to provide more places to rest and relax in the

New housing developments in and around Keynsham are

woodland.

likely to increase the number of people who use the

• A small car park for visitors with mobility needs and to encourage visitors from further away.

• New natural play facilities such as wobble beams, denbuilding and rope swings.

• A new pond and improvements to the existing pond, with features to encourage wildlife such as log piles, bug hotels and bird and bat nesting boxes.

Residents are asked to have their say in the consultation to help determine how the funding will be spent. Feedback received will also help inform a new management plan for the woodland. The consultation opened this week and runs until Friday 14th July.

John Aldridge, from the Friends of Manor Road Community

Missed collections

Woodland, said: “The Friends are delighted that money has

Thousands of homes across Bristol have been affected

its prime purpose will be to maintain and enhance the nature

by missed refuse and recycling collections in the last two

reserve and are aware of the problem of muddy footpaths

weeks.

particularly during the winter. Thoughts and ideas from other

Bristol Waste Company has been playing catch-up and

users of the woodland will be very useful in taking this

has blamed staff shortages and higher than usual volumes

project forward.”

of recycling following the Coronation for collections

More than 19,000 trees and shrubs have been planted at the

happening later than scheduled in many areas.

21-hectare site since 1993, with grant aid from the Forestry

On Friday they said: “Crews will be working hard over

Commission. A wildflower meadow was planted in 2005 and

the weekend to help catch up with collections.”

a pond provides feeding and breeding sites for local wildlife.

become available to spend on the woodland. We expect that

Sudoku

SUNDAY CHEMISTS

1-Easy

Boots, Gallagher Retail Park, Longwell Green

Sunday 28th 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 24th May 2023

9

Biggest town council in South Glos meets for the first time Kingswood Town Council, which met for the first time last Thursday evening, is still three members short.

The Conservatives who previously ran South Gloucestershire Council had pushed for the creation of the new town council, saying it was “part and parcel” of the regeneration of Kingswood, even though consultations with local residents failed to give a clear mandate

for it.

There was surprise when the Conservatives did not field any candidates for the new town council. The election was uncontested, with fewer than the number of places available being filled by Labour, a Lib Dem and Independent candidates.

At the inaugural meeting held at Kingswood Civic Centre, the new councillors met interim

99.9% of South Glos voters had acceptable ID Data collected at polling stations during

Initially, 216 electors were unable to vote

the

South

as they did not have the required ID,

Gloucestershire Council and to town and

however 158 of these returned with it and

parish councils in the district showed that

were able to cast their ballot.

99.9% of electors brought photo ID that

Overall, turnout in the elections to South

met the newly introduced legislation.

Gloucestershire Council was 33.57%, up

At the end of polling day only 58 electors

from 32% in the 2019 elections.

who attended a polling station were not

Last week we reported that figures

given a ballot paper because they did not

released by Bath & North East Somerset

meet the new voter ID requirements, with

Council showed 56 people did not vote in

43,798 electors placing their papers in a

this month’s local elections because they

ballot box.

did not have the correct identification.

recent

elections

to

town clerk Donna Ford, who has been brought in to help the council get up and running. She outlined the potential of the new authority which is now the biggest town council in South Gloucestershire. Previously it was Yate.

She said that as the new council gets established and councillors are appointed to committees, members may choose to take over the running of assets from South Gloucestershire Council.

Yate Town Council provides a range of sporting facilities and owns several properties including a youth venue, the heritage centre and parish hall. It is also actively involved with Yate’s twin town in Germany and arranges annual events including a music festival.

Cllr Alison Evans agreed to be interim chair of Kingswood Town Council which will be looking to appoint a permanent clerk as soon as possible and as yet has no bank account, website or even an email address.

The town council’s precept for 2023/24 is £125,100 and the annual cost for the standard measure Band D property is £1.25 a month.

The precept is on top of the other components of the council tax bill. Next year

Cllr Alison Evans

the town council will run its own budgetsetting processes and submit these to South Gloucestershire for billing.

With three spaces on the town council still available, anyone wishing to be co-opted on has until the end of today (Wednesday) to put their name forward.

Email electoral.services@southglos.gov.uk or call 01454 863030.

Town councillors meet again next Wednesday (31st May) at 7pm at Kingswood Civic Centre.

Crossword ACROSS

DOWN

1. Mollusc (7)

1. Disorder (8)

8. Mythical creature (7) 2. Change (5) 9. Performer (7)

3. Lariat (5)

10. Refuse to deal with (7)

4. Mexican village (6)

11. Nocturnal bird (4,3)

6. Temporary stay (7)

14. Decompose (3)

7. Biting insect (4)

16. Worry (4)

12. Naked (4)

18. Limit (4)

13. Small bird (4)

19. Augury (4)

15. Urban area (4)

20. Certain (4)

16. Hill (4)

21. Unused (3)

17. Loft access (8)

23. Release (7)

18. Hermit (7)

26. Gourd plant (7)

22. Castrated male (6)

28. Experience (7)

24. Apple drink (5)

29. Fiendish (7)

25. Of the ear (5)

30. Athlete (7)

26. Nosegay (4)

5. Cunning (4)

27. Monarch (4)

10

The Week in • Wednesday 24th May 2023

B&NES Council ‘fairly powerless’ to deal with hen party concerns The use of a house in a Saltford for weekend hen parties has sparked complaints from people living nearby.

Several local residents attended the parish council’s meeting last Tuesday night at which concerns were highlighted about the use of the property in Justice Avenue, which can sleep up to 14 people.

Those concerns include noise, commotion and disruption from guests and the traffic they generate since the house in the cul-desac started to be let out to large groups last year. It was stated by a resident that the detached house had been booked for 13 out of the previous 14 weekends.

The property has been marketed as the “FAB house”, in a good location between Bath and Bristol, with a gym and hot tub in the garden.

After hearing residents’ concerns, parish councillors agreed to report the use of the house to Bath & North East Somerset Council's planning enforcement team as a possible planning contravention.

One resident told the meeting: “It is clear that the intention of the owners is to run the property as a commercial short-term letting business, primarily for hen parties. We believe the use of Number 10 in this way is not appropriate for the close or the wider community. The constant cycle of hen parties has resulted in a pattern of use and behaviours that because of their persistence are anti-social, causing distress and harm to us and other residents.”

The resident said that guests are often dropped off and picked up by “party buses, stretch limousines, minibuses or multiple taxis that block the end of the close”. They added: “It has divided a once harmonious

street.”

Another resident told the meeting that Saltford shouldn’t turn away tourists but welcome them in locations according to their purpose for visit: “In our neighbourhoods, where our children play and we enjoy a quiet weekend after a long work week, we shouldn’t have party venues next door. Sense needs to prevail.”

Cllr Duncan Hounsell, who represents the Saltford ward on B&NES Council, said that short-term holiday accommodation is currently an unlicensed industry and a change in national legislation is needed.

He said that one of the few possible remedies would be to establish a change of use: “Records have to be kept of the disturbance and loss of amenity to neighbours, and B&NES, once convinced that there is a change of use, probably would invite the owner to apply for planning permission,” he explained.

But even if an application was to be turned down by B&NES Council, the applicant would have six months to appeal, he warned.

“So the point I am making is that we are fairly powerless as a B&NES Council to deal with this. There are a number of these situations in villages all around North East Somerset. It is deeply to be regretted.”

Cllr Hounsell said there may be a “suitable outcome” in this case but warned: “It is a long haul.”

He said there would be tighter policies in the new B&NES Local Plan “but they are useless if people ignore the planning system”. “There cannot be control until the Government gives B&NES and other local authorities the powers to control.”

The Government is currently consulting on a registration scheme for short-term lets in England and Saltford Parish Council also discussed that at Tuesday’s meeting.

Councillors would like to see a mandatory scheme. As part of their response they say: “A ‘three strikes and you’re out’ within a given period and/or other restrictions for noise/anti-social behaviour as a repercussion for short-term lets that have an adverse effect on the local community might be a registration/enforcement approach, as used overseas, that could work.”

Cllr Hounsell said that B&NES Council would be “lobbying hard” for a registration scheme too.

• We understand that the Justice Avenue property’s listings have recently been removed from the Airbnb and HiChee websites. We have invited the owner to respond to the concerns raised.

Previous ‘party house’ concerns The issues being reported by residents in Justice Avenue are similar to the ones previously raised about a short-term holiday let business on Bath Road in Saltford, said the parish council’s planning committee chair Cllr Phil Harding.

The Week In reported back in 2020 that people living near a house on Bath Road that slept at least 16 guests had lodged complaints about noise and anti-social behaviour from house parties.

The owners put in a retrospective planning application to Bath & North East Somerset Council for a mixed use of house and commercial holiday let, but it was refused on the grounds that it would create noise and disturbance to a level that would cause “significant harm” to people living nearby.

The owners appealed but a planning inspector upheld B&NES Council’s decision.

The Week in • Wednesday 24th May 2023

11

Suspected arson attack Avon Fire & Rescue Service were called out to deal with a blaze in an outhouse near California Road in Oldland Common shortly before 6pm on Monday 15th May. Crews from Bedminster and Kingswood attended and two firefighters in breathing apparatus with two hose reels extinguished the fire. A thermal imaging camera was also used. Firefighters found a cylinder in the property which was removed and cooled down.

The cause of the fire is thought to be deliberate.

Lunchtime opera treat Trio Paradis will perform well-known opera melodies including the Duet from The Pearl Fishers at their informal monthly lunchtime Café Concert at St John’s Church Hall in Keynsham on Friday (26th May).

Trio Paradis are pianist Jacquelyn Bevan, violinist Lisa Betteridge and cellist Linda Stocks. Everyone is welcome and there is parking in Station Road Car Park.

A café serving home-made cakes is available from 12.15pm and the music starts at 1pm. Entrance is by donation. See @trioparadisbath on Facebook or http://www.trioparadis.com for details.

Teenager arrested after taxi driver is stabbed One person was arrested following an incident in Brislington on Sunday night in which a taxi driver was wounded.

An Avon & Somerset Police spokesperson said: “The victim, who is in his 50s, dropped a number of youths off near Choke Walk.

“An altercation is then believed to have occurred at a residential property involving the group and a male, with a car and the building sustaining damage.

“Subsequently the male is reported to have pursued the group back towards the taxi while in possession of a bladed article. In the process of the incident, an injury was caused to the driver.

“Officers on patrol found the injured man at about 9.15pm and paramedics were called. The driver was taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life-

threatening.

“The youths involved left the scene, reportedly in possession of weapons, including baseball bats.

“A search of the surrounding area was conducted by officers, with support of the National Police Air Service helicopter.

“A 17-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent causing grievous bodily harm at about 11.50pm.”

He remained in custody on Monday.

Enquiries to identify all those involved have been taking place and a baseball bat was recovered by officers in the Callington Road area on Sunday night.

Anyone with information about the incident can call 101 and quote reference number 5223118527. Alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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

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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 24th May 2023

Annual celebration of vintage bikes The annual Douglas Cavalcade is a regular

open from 11am to 5pm this coming

feature at Kingswood Heritage Museum

Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

during the Spring Bank Holiday at the end

The rare surviving 18th century garden of the

of May.

industrialist William Champion is hidden

This year’s Cavalcade takes place on Sunday

behind his brass mill (now Kingswood

(28th May), when dozens of vintage

Heritage Museum).

motorcycles will move off at noon to ride the

The garden includes the giant statue of

old factory test route. The photo shows the

Neptune, the grotto, the ‘snail’ viewing

start of a previous Cavalcade.

mound and the Echo Pond.

Permanent exhibitions at the museum in

The grotto will be open this Sunday and

Warmley include a gallery dedicated to

Monday and again on Saturday 26th and

Douglas motorcycles. The museum will be

Sunday 27th August from 11am to 4pm.

Learn to ride an e-scooter Do you want to learn how to safely ride an

you can not only use your e-scooter for the

e-scooter on South Gloucestershire’s

training session, but also for the rest of the

roads? Provider Voi is hosting a free skills

day. Book your place in advance at

training course in Car Park 21 at the

https://orlo.uk/Voi_safety_course_1tgx7

University of the West of England on

You need to be at least 18 years old with a

Saturday (27th May) from 9.30am.

valid photocard driving or provisional

You’ll get a free helmet, plus a day pass so

licence.

Talks over anti-social behaviour Councillors in Stockwood have held a

an age range of 12 to 18 and some live

meeting at the BS14 Youth Club with local

locally but others are from further afield.

police officers and the charity Young

The neighbourhood police team have plans

Bristol to discuss recent issues around

to open a regular beat surgery at the youth

anti-social behaviour (ASB).

club.

The police have indicated that they do not

Meanwhile local councillors Graham

think the recent spike in ASB activity is

Morris and Jon Hucker urge residents to

the start of a trend or that incidents are

report all incidents to the police so that

linked. They say the groups involved have

they can build up information.

Situations Vacant

Tackling knife crime in South Glos Anyone illegally carrying a knife was

bin, South Gloucestershire Violence

urged to anonymously put it in a South

Reduction Unit (VRU) has been assisting

Gloucestershire amnesty bin during Knife

with community knife sweeps in parks and

Crime Awareness Week last week.

public places. For more information and

Knife amnesty bins are located at Broad

what to do if you are worried about a child

Street in Staple Hill, at the One Stop Shop

or

at Kingswood Civic Centre, and at

https://beta.southglos.gov.uk/violence-

Patchway Custody Centre on Gloucester

reduction-unit

Road. As well as encouraging anyone who

In an emergency or to report a crime call

carries a knife to place it in an amnesty

999.

need

support

visit

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

The Week in • Wednesday 24th May 2023

13

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The Week in • Wednesday 24th May 2023

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