The Week In - Issue 785 - 14th June 2023

THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset

14th June 2023

Issue 785

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Hundreds say no to Redrow Residents turned out for a public meeting to show their anger and concern over plans to build 149 homes on the Green Belt at Hanham.

More than 400 objections to the plans for The Batch by Redrow Homes and Ashfield Land have so far been submitted to South Gloucestershire Council in advance of the deadline this Friday (16th June).

At last Tuesday’s meeting of the Hanham Abbots Assembly of Electors it was highlighted that detailed talks between representatives for the landowner/developer and the council have actually been going on since 2016, including advice from the council

Kingswood boy murdered An investigation was under way this week into the murder of a 16-year-old boy from Kingswood.

Mikey Roynon died at a property in Eastfield Avenue in Bath on Saturday night. A post-mortem examination confirmed he died from a single stab wound.

Three boys – a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old from Wiltshire and a 15-year-old from Dorset – remained in police custody on Monday and were being questioned by detectives. Eight teenagers arrested on a bus within half an hour of the incident have since been released from custody and no further action will be taken against them.

Police appeal for anyone with images, footage or information to get in touch.

Also in this week’s issue

that creating an access via Hencliffe Way would be appropriate in principle.

A resident who lives next to the house (No 64) that would be knocked down to create the access told the meeting that a planning application was made in January 2020 to demolish it to create an access for a proposed development of approximately 149 homes.

Neither she nor any other neighbours were notified at the time but had only found out from documents submitted as part of the planning application now being considered.

There is mounting concern that even if the council refuses the scheme, it could be won on appeal. A recent case was cited in which Redrow were granted planning permission to build 970 homes on a 146-acre Green Belt site in York following a successful appeal.

As well as the loss of the Green Belt land, residents also raised concerns about the problems the development would cause in the Hanham area, which Hanham Abbots Parish Council has taken on board in drawing up its list of objections to the plans.

At Tuesday’s meeting criticism was also levelled at South Gloucestershire Council for "dithering" over updating its Local Plan which it is felt is giving the developer an advantage.

Kingswood MP Chris Skidmore submitted a 329-name petition against The Batch development to the council

Torment of business owner as Keynsham café closes . . . page 3

Kingswood shopkeeper stripped of alcohol licence . . . page 5

The petition being presented

last Thursday. He said he shared the concerns and objections of the many residents who have contacted him. He said the application “clearly compromises the purpose of the Green Belt and the openness of the countryside in this location, which the community currently enjoys access to”.

The MP added: “The application fails to set out any exceptional reasons to justify development here and is purely speculative. The development of this site would undermine the local environment including loss of wildlife, ecology and biodiversity in the midst of a nature and climate emergency.”

He added that the development would worsen the pressure on GP surgeries, schools and roads “given the minimal financial contributions being proposed”.

And he said the supposed efforts to consult the community “have been merely window dressing”.

Will Michael Gove save Brislington Meadows? . . . page 10

Continued on page 2

Big improvements at Emersons Green children’s home . . . page 11

Hundreds say no to Redrow Continued from page 1 He concluded: “I would urge South Gloucestershire Council to refuse this application and re-state its long-standing commitment to protecting the Green Belt in this area.”

This week a spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council told us that preapplication discussions are “actively encouraged by the Government to identify any issues before any full planning application is submitted and in

2

no way pre-judge the decision of the local planning authority if an application is received”.

They added that the pre-application had been for a proposed development of 185 homes whereas the current proposal is for 149. Regarding the demolition of 64 Hencliffe Way, the spokesperson said there had been a pre-application enquiry: “There is no requirement for notification to be provided for a pre-application. A decision letter was issued on 22nd

January 2020 for this pre-application enquiry stating that the council was not in a position to provide commentary on the proposal and more information was required.”

The spokesperson continued: “Following the demise of the West of England Combined Authority’s Spatial Development Strategy we are now driving forward with our new Local Plan which will be subject to further public consultation in the autumn.

“Everyone will be able to comment on how to address the employment, housing, environmental and other needs of our area and it is important this is done at the right pace to ensure it is robust and defendable once agreed. The council cannot prevent landowners or developers from submitting applications outside of that process and must consider the application in accordance with the legal and national guidance.”

See Letters, page 8

Arise, Sir Jacob

‘Put employment units on the land too’

North East Somerset MP and former

A South Gloucestershire Council officer

“that this site should provide some job

Cabinet minister Jacob Rees-Mogg has

is suggesting that employment units could

opportunities possibly in the form of a few

been given a knighthood in former MP

be included on The Batch.

small-scale affordable employment units”.

Boris Johnson’s resignation honours list.

As part of the consultation into the plans

His report says that over the years, there

Earlier this year Jacob Rees-Mogg was

for

council

has been evidence that the east fringe of

accepted as the Conservative candidate to

departments are invited to respond and

Bristol has an imbalance of jobs to homes.

fight the new Parliamentary seat of North

although overall the urban design officer’s

Hr also feels that 149 homes should be

East Somerset and Hanham at the next

report says he is not happy with aspects of

considered “a minimum to ensure efficient

General Election.

the proposed development, he suggests

use of the land”.

149

homes,

various

The Week in • Wednesday 14th June 2023

Business owner shares her torment over loss of café Popular Mexican café-bar Dalia Cocina in

time I was setting up a payment plan for my

Keynsham has closed after the business

rent arrears, but it was made so unrealistic

was evicted from its High Street premises

and I couldn’t do it. Then the next hammer -

last week.

cost of living crisis, wage increases, food

Kirsty Davenport took to Facebook to share

costs. I just couldn’t keep up.”

her “devastating” news but said that despite

She said that when Mokka café opened

being homeless, she was looking for a

nearby she feared things were over but in fact

kitchen space to continue operating.

she got busier with bookings for parties,

Kirsty said: “The past five years have been

events and festivals. However, it was not in

truly, truly horrific and I have been fighting

time. She said: “I’m truly, truly heartbroken.

with firstly something very new on the High

I’m happy, sad, scared, excited, proud,

Street, then as it starts to fly, then I get

ashamed, I’m up, I’m down, I feel physically

scammed of £6k, then we get hit with Covid

sick, but then free, my emotions are

(to which we were never given the rent

absolutely all over the place.

reprieve the Government talked about); we

“These times have been tough for the whole

and we will also be doing pop-ups.”

lovely place …. from what you say in your

battled through, we got rent arrears, we

of the hospitality industry. I would never

She said that anyone with vouchers could still

post I can see that you are a very positive

fought on and you beautiful people supported

have left there of my own free will, so my

use them at pop-ups and festivals including

person (you don’t blame anyone). It saddens

us and things were getting better. Then we are

hand has been dealt.”

Keynsham Music Festival.

me that Keynsham High Street has lost yet

open, then closed, then takeaways - you get

She added: “We are homeless for now, but we

Her Facebook post received many messages

another local business…”

the drift! My staff were amazing, you were

will be back. We have lots of festivals booked

of support. One person said: “This is so sad.

A notice on the window from Able

all amazing, the support was just incredible

and I need to find a kitchen to continue to

You are my favourite place to eat on the High

Investigations

from you all.

create fabulous food for you all, so in the

Street. Good luck on your future venture.”

that contents must be removed by 15th

“But then the next hit in the face, my power

meantime, if anyone knows of kitchen space

Another commented: “How devastating for

June or will be sold at auction to recover

went from £800 to £3,900 a month. At this

I can use, I can then continue to do deliveries

you: we have enjoyed a few meals at your

costs.

and

Enforcements

says

New convenience store A new convenience store is due to open on Keynsham High Street – as you may have seen from the neon flashing sign that’s been erected outside.

In March a bright orange roller shutter was installed outside the old Wright Butcher’s shop and now there is a sign declaring the imminent opening of Keynsham Minimarket.

The orange shutter was reported to Bath & North East Somerset Council’s planning enforcement team as it is in the town’s conservation area where more muted colours are deemed appropriate.

‘Put bins out as usual’ With strike action by bin workers taking

were unknown.

place in South Gloucestershire this week,

The council has advised: “If any items are

the council is asking residents to put out

not collected by 6pm, please bring them

black bins, recycling, food and green

back in and present again on your next

waste as normal on their usual collection

scheduled collection day.”

day.

Normal collections will resume next week

Waste contractor Suez has informed the

(starting 19th June) but a second phase of

council of industrial action due to a pay

strike action is planned from Monday 26th

dispute but the council said staffing levels

June to Sunday 9th July.

The Week in • Wednesday 14th June 2023

3

Cancer charity shop closes with more to follow The Young Lives vs Cancer shop in Downend closed its doors for the last time at the weekend, one of the first of the charity’s chain of stores that will be shutting over the next 18 months.

The charity has 13 shops in the South West – including in Keynsham, Staple Hill and Fishponds. The closures affect up to 39 jobs and 300 volunteer posts.

The charity’s 2021-22 annual report stated that the shops made a net loss of £1.4m in the year to March 2022. This was down to £1m being put aside to cover the future cost of repairs and maintenance and Covid.

Finances improved last year, with the shops generating a net income of approximately £450,000. However, the charity says this is a lower return on the investment it can achieve through other income-generating activity.

It says it is “incredibly grateful” for the dedication of shop staff and volunteers.

The charity expects the shops to stay open until individual

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.

leases end. The Downend Road shop closed on Saturday. The one at Straits Parade in Fishponds is due to close on 2nd March. The shop on Bath Hill in Keynsham is scheduled to close on 30th March and the one in Staple Hill High Street on 7th December 2024.

Store closes as lease ends The Sue Ryder charity shop in Emersons Green also closed on Saturday as the lease was coming to an end.

The remaining stock is being transferred to other Sue Ryder shops in the Bristol area. They include Regent Street in Kingswood and Channons Hill Retail Park in Fishponds.

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4

The Week in • Wednesday 14th June 2023

Shopkeeper stripped of alcohol licence after drugs raid A Kingswood shopkeeper has been stripped of his alcohol

disguised as sweets to children and under-18s and requested

licence after a police raid found suspected cannabis

that consideration be given to revocation of the premises

disguised as sweets at his premises.

licence.

Michael Hutton, of Malt Off Licence at New Cheltenham

The sub-committee heard from police officers that the shop,

Road, appeared in person at the licensing hearing held at

which is also known as Fosters, is on a busy street used as a

Kingswood Civic Centre last Thursday.

walking route by families to the nearby park.

Avon & Somerset Police were asking South Gloucestershire

The police highlighted that violence and disorder are often

Council’s licensing sub-committee to revoke the premises

associated with the sale of drugs.

licence in order to protect children from harm, prevent further

They said that Mr Hutton’s shop is poorly maintained and

crime and disorder, and protect public safety.

that the removal of the premises licence would not harm the

The application was submitted by Insp Daniel Ashfield. The

local community which is well served by other off licences

hearing heard that the premises licence was held by Meak

and supermarkets.

Trading Ltd and the designated premises supervisor (DPS)

The sub-committee also heard representations from Trading

in the back of the van. I don’t know what was taken from the

was Michael Hutton. Meak Trading Ltd had held the premises

Standards and the public health authority. The premises

premises.”

licence since November 2005.

were not considered to be fit and proper to hold a premises

He was asked about the impact of closing the licence:

The members of the sub-committee heard that on 30th March

license and Mr Hutton was not considered to be a fit and

“Obviously I would lose my business, I would lose my house,

of this year, police acting upon information executed a

proper person and should have the DPS removed. The shop

there is nothing more I can say about that.”

warrant to search the premises. They found plastic bags and

is said to be within a deprived area with vulnerable people

After considering all the evidence the sub-committee

paper sweet wrappers containing suspected cannabis in the

and the drug action team have witnessed an increase in

members said they were concerned by the findings of the

stock room as well as large quantities and associated

cannabis use and a shift away from alcohol during the last

police and felt there was no option but to revoke the premises

paraphernalia within Mr Hutton’s flat.

quarter.

licence and remove Michael Hutton as the DPS.

They were concerned that the use of paper sweet wrappers

Mr Hutton was present at the hearing. He told the members:

Mr Hutton has the right to appeal within 21 days to the

indicated that there could be an intention to sell cannabis

“I was handcuffed and put in the back of the van and locked

magistrates’ court.

The Week in • Wednesday 14th June 2023

5

Spotlight on Keynsham Community Fridge Keynsham Community Fridge will have a stall at

Keynsham Community Fridge was set up following a

which is the equivalent of 5.1 tonnes (5,100 kg) of CO2.

Keynsham Music Festival on Saturday 1st July.

community conversation organised by Chewton Keynsham

Keynsham Community Fridge purchased a storage

People are invited to go along and collect surplus food and

Eco-Church to examine the problem of waste or surplus food

refrigerator and separate storage rack, thanks to the

there will also be a ‘Tin Amnesty’. Bring along items that

and the contribution this makes to greenhouse gases and

generosity of Keynsham Rotary Club early in 2020. This has

have been lurking at the back of your cupboards, unwanted

environmental degradation.

been installed downstairs in Temple Street Canteen. The

and unused. Undamaged tins and unopened packets will be

Community fridges are a way in which local communities

canteen is open from 8.30am to 3pm Monday to Friday, and

gratefully received, even those that are past their ‘best before’

can organise themselves to reduce food waste by collecting

from 10am to 3pm on Saturday.

date.

surplus food from local businesses and storing it in a public

More regular donations are sought. If you are part of an

location where the food can be made available to anyone who

organisation that has access to surplus food, get in touch via

needs it. The aim is to reduce the amount of surplus food that

Keynsham Community Fridge’s Facebook page. Fruit,

would otherwise be sent to landfill and the food is available

vegetables, bread and bakery items can be accepted along

to anyone who wants it – there is no eligibility criteria.

with dairy and washed vegetables within their ‘use by’ dates.

In the last quarter of 2022, Keynsham Community Fridge

Tinned and dried food can be accepted but not fresh meat,

saved 2.7 tonnes (2,700 kg) of food from going to landfill,

fish or other perishable items.

Volunteer notches up 30 years of supporting hospital

New sensory space Keynsham Library has a new, free sensory space for children and young adults with sensory needs. In this room there is sensory lighting and toys, books and a comfy rug and cushion area, plus a black-out tent. There are similar sensory spaces at Bath & North East Somerset Council’s libraries in Midsomer Norton and Bath.

To

book

a

slot

at

any

of

them

go

to

A 95-year-old woman has been volunteering at Cossham Hospital in Kingswood since 1992 - and has no intention of stopping!

Eileen Savage started volunteering for the League of Friends after the death of her husband, initially serving teas and coffees in the café. But when someone showed her a tapestry tissue box holder in the shape of a cottage, she embarked on a new way of raising funds for the hospital.

She has made 700 of the cottages in various designs and her tissue box holders have made their way all over the world as she has made them for people she’s met on cruises.

Eileen even adapted the design to make an ambulance for a paramedic who helped her at home when she was unwell earlier this year, which she dropped off at the ambulance station as a thank you. While Eileen no longer helps in the café, she continues to support Cossham through her

tapestry and by helping stitch together knitted squares for blankets and completing them with a crochet border. She also helps price up items for sale to raise funds for the League Eileen Savage of Friends. Eileen said: “The tapestry keeps my fingers active and my brain ticking over and it’s great to be helping out. I’m going to keep going.”

Kat Tudor, volunteer services manager at North Bristol NHS Trust, said: “We are so thrilled that Eileen continues to support us.”

https://tinyurl.com/4skyz469

6

The Week in • Wednesday 14th June 2023

Keynsham Music Festival Week 26th June – 2nd July Over the last 20 or more years the

Futura Academy students will again be

Keynsham Music Festival has grown from

showing what musical talent we have in

an afternoon in the Memorial Park to a

Keynsham. This takes place in the cosy

week-long

surroundings of Temple Court (7pm).

festival

of

music

and

performance taking place across the whole

Thursday 29th June (7pm) sees the first

town.

event at the Top Stage in the Park. The ever-

This year promises a wide range of events in

popular Opera in a Box will this year be

a variety of venues that will appeal to all

performing

tastes.

Regulars will be aware that Opera in a Box

In the lead-up to the Big Weekend in the Park

bust all the preconceptions about opera and

there is a series of events which promises

their Don Giovanni brings together a hugely

something for everyone. Some of the

talented ensemble of musicians, artists, and

concerts are free while other ticketed events

a first-rate production team. With its

can be booked on the festival website.

compelling story, memorable music, and

Here is a selection of what you can expect to

larger-than-life characters, Don Giovanni

enjoy during festival week:

continues to be a favorite among opera lovers

On Tuesday 27th June the U3A Swing

and newcomers alike.

Band make a welcome return to perform a

Thursday also sees the return of Comedy in

variety of favourites at Victoria Methodist

the Park. A whole host of local comedians

Church (1pm). Entrance is free.

take to the stage with the ‘pocket rocket’ that

the Newbury Bypass. Since then the

In the evening (7pm) the Bristol String

is Dani Johns hosting for the evening. There

line-up has expanded and gone through

Quartet will be playing a selection of

is also a guest appearance from the inimitable

many incarnations while playing at a

Handel’s musical delights on the Riverside

Gavin Osborn. The action starts at 9pm.

number

Plaza. A real treat is in store with this outdoor

If that’s not enough, there will be an evening

Glastonbury. The party gets under way

concert.

of acoustic performances taking place at

at 7.30pm.

Keynsham Music Festival, in association

Keynsham Courtyard from 7pm courtesy of

To book tickets and find out about

with Historic England, the Keynsham High

Jelli Records.

the many other events taking place

Street Action Zone, Keynsham Leisure

The highlight of Friday 30th June is the

during the week visit the festival website

Centre and Keynsham Art Space at

Party in the Park. Brought to you in

www.keynshammusicfestival.co.uk

MakeSpace present this special concert to

partnership with the Keynsham & Saltford

celebrate Handel's connection with the town.

Eco Festival, this will be a great opportunity

Mozart’s

Don

Giovanni.

Tickets are free.

to have a laugh with Gecko and really

Also that evening, Jess Silk will be

let your hair down with the amazing

performing at the Keynsham Courtyard

Seize The Day. They are an English

(7.30pm). Jess is a guitarist, singer and

acoustic band in the radical folk tradition but

songwriter from the Black Country. Her

drawing on global musical roots. Their songs

shouty but melodic brand of folk/punk music

celebrate, inspire and support the liberation

often has her being likened to a female Billy

of life.

Bragg.

Seize The Day came out of Britain’s road

On Wednesday 28th June following on

protest movement in 1996, when Theo and

from a hugely popular evening last year,

Shannon began playing together at the site of

The Week in • Wednesday 14th June 2023

Bristol String Quartet

Jess Silk

of

festivals

including

Seize The Day

7

LETTERS We need to preserve this beautiful area Dear Editor Watching the BBC’s Springwatch makes me think what a beautiful area I live in. Walking the dog over the last month I have seen rabbits, foxes,

kingfishers and buzzards. I have even seen a

bollards everywhere? Maybe it was a buy one, get

quoting an assumption that Elizabeth White had

10 free offer? Money, money, money wasted by

made in her book about the history of St John's

B&NES and other public supporting bodies.

and which keeps being perpetuated.

Name & address supplied

Dear Editor

I have lived in the Hanham area for over 30 years

Well, after nearly four years, progress is being

and walked here as a child. It therefore makes me very sad to think of proposed new houses to be

to show just how much the pavement has been

built by Redrow at The Batch. (Saw diggers there

narrowed and include a photo to illustrate the

last week!) This will surely dislodge all this

problem.

wonderful wildlife? Surely we need to preserve

I and others have raised this issue on FixMyStreet

this wonderful, local wildlife corridor?

on multiple occasions but nothing gets done.

Kate Adams

B&NES has aimed to increase safety by reducing the speed limit on other roads leading into

Keynsham High Street is not the only place which

The mistake in the article probably arose from

Wasted money

snake but not this month.

While it may be responsible for the most injuries,

the level change? And why are there so many

St John's bellringers

have seen deer and their fawns as well as

Dear Editor

it have to be at a different level? What benefit is

Appleton.

George Colbourne

herons - both fishing and in their heronry. Also I

Hazard for pedestrians

correspondence I have had with Whites of

Keynsham, so I can only assume that people walking into or out of Keynsham from the Bristol direction are not considered important enough.

Edmund Cannon

made to install the new footbridge on the Chew in Keynsham’s Memorial Park. What a performance. Scaffolding goes up, comes down, goes up! Let’s hope it will be worth it!

One can’t help thinking that it would have made more sense to realign the bridge with the opposite end of the mill wheel, rather than simply put it in the old place. The bridge would then have been level with the rest of the bottom of Memorial Park rather than have that ugly old ramp up to it, so allowing for better access.

To actually make something better needs a bit of

is hazardous for pedestrians. Anyone walking in

mental effort, something it seems is lacking at

Local democracy in practice?

Dear Editor So Bath & North East Somerset Council has finally ordered a design review of the Keynsham High Street cycle lane (The Week In, 7th June).

It is ironic that the Lib Dem-controlled council, which was subject to such criticism over the implementation of the High Street arrangements, was returned to power in May with a much increased majority, and with more Lib Dem councillors in Keynsham. Sadly, Alan Hale, who has done such a fine job in ensuring that safety concerns are recognised, is now the only Conservative councillor in Keynsham.

Of course, the same Lib Dem council which implemented the High Street arrangements is also

endure a narrow pavement alongside a road which

Handel’s links with Keynsham

has a blind bend and is just after the brow of a hill.

Dear Editor

performs over the next few years. Quite how

The speed limit is 40mph but many cars exceed

In last week's issue the article about Handel's

putting a simple footbridge up costs £700,000 is

this and it is very unpleasant to have cars passing

links with Keynsham stated that in 1987 the bells

beyond me, I can't imagine that the bridge near

so close at 45-50mph. People often step into the

at St John's Church were recast.

the railway line or the one leading into Bath Hill

road to pass each other and there must be a risk

That was not so. What happened was this: the

East Car Park (both of which are, it has to be said,

of a serious accident.

bellhanging company Whites of Appleton took

utilitarian) cost a fraction of that.

The situation arises because although the

the bells to their workshop where they overhauled

It's a shame that the council can’t find some

pavement should be about five feet (or 1.5 metres)

the headstocks and clappers.

money to repair the broken walls along the river

wide, its width is effectively halved by the

Then the bells went to the Whitechapel bell

walkway and put some decent planting in place.

vegetation growing alongside the retaining wall.

foundry in London for retuning, after which they

As for the money spent on ploughing up the grass

So far as I can see, most of the wall and pavement

were returned to St John's and rehung with new

and seeding it with ‘wildflower mixture’, that

would be in reasonable condition if only B&NES

wheels and ropes.

seems to have been a total waste of money, since

Council would clean this up: if left much longer,

So the bells that you hear ringing today are the

there doesn't seem to be one additional wildflower

plants such as ash, field maple and sycamore that

original bells dating back to the 1600s and 1700s.

in those areas!! Perhaps a claim should be made

are growing on the pavement could do significant

Five date between 1602 and 1664. Two bells were

to the seed merchants?

damage to the Tarmac and then the cost of repair

cast in 1731. One bell is from 1791, (the

As for the Temple Street ‘refurbishment’, do we

Speed calming should be welcomed

would probably be much higher.

'newest!). Handel's lifespan was 1685 to 1759.

all agree it was a waste of money? It hardly looks

Dear Editor

Early on the morning of Sunday 4th June when

The facts of the matter are borne out by evidence

any different!

I must respond to Mr & Mrs Walker about the

there was very little traffic, I cleared a few inches

we have in the church tower and by

Then we have the High Street cycleway - why did

proposed speed calming measures on Barry Road

or out of Keynsham along Durley Hill has to

8

Bath & North East Somerset Council! As for this ‘polymer’ footbridge, we’ll see how it looks and

the one which has placed high speed cycle lanes between pavements and bus stops in Bath so that passengers alighting from and boarding buses are placed at risk: apparently so well received by the populace that the Lib Dems were given a massive majority in the elections. One wonders what motivates electors in local elections.

Returning to Keynsham High Street, if the design meets

all

regulatory

requirements,

but,

nevertheless, expensive modifications are made to it, then surely those councillors who approved the original scheme should be surcharged, so that council tax payers don’t pick up another bill.

Richard Pannett Keynsham

The Week in • Wednesday 14th June 2023

LETTERS in Oldland Common and rat running (Issue 784).

Kerb concerns

by the angle of the tyres and cannot always be replaced because the

The speed vehicles do along Barry Road especially early mornings

Dear Editor

clips are broken. I have reported this twice and on the second

between 6am and 7am is way over the 30mph limit so I for one

Referring to Alan Hale's comment in Issue 784 about a “robust

occasion a lady tripped in close proximity within half an hour. This

welcome the plans. I really can't see drivers diverting around side

kerb” on Temple Street, he is quite correct. I gather that one vehicle

happened a third time recently.

roads to avoid a few speed tables – won’t they only get delayed

burst a tyre hitting the angled part.

There is also an issue with vehicles parking half on the zig-zags and

trying to rejoin the road again?

However, if you look at the top surface of the kerb there are tyre

half on the pavement near the zebra crossing. I have documented

Nick Gould

marks all over it. People ram up on the kerb on a daily basis. One

this several times in just a few weeks since the pavement was

Oldland Common

consequence of this is that the drainage grilles are being dislodged

finished. It seems that lazy drivers using certain shops cannot be bothered to walk a few extra metres.

Issues over WESTlink

Chris Oliver

Dear Stephen

Keynsham Hardware

I refer to your article about WESTlink in Issue 784 entitled ‘Heading in the right direction’. Whilst I agree about many of the comments regarding lack of publicity and possible driver shortages, I still think the quality of service has declined, as mentioned in my earlier letter (e.g. cancellations, unresolved system problems).

Your comments about booking a return or for the next day are incorrect; both are possible if you are able to navigate the online system. I would suggest. like you, many potential users are not using the online system for this very reason. Returns are available with the default being returning from where you were dropped off but there are time constraints. This may be logical but won’t apply in some circumstances e.g. in my case a drop-off in Ashton Way and a return pick-up in Keynsham High Street.

The only alternative is to book a completely separate return journey starting at your preferred pick-up point. To book for the following day you need to click on schedule once you have entered all your ride details. This opens up a new screen with tomorrow’s date and options as to the required pick-up time but as previously stated this is not obvious and there is no online help. I haven’t used the telephone booking option but am told the wait can be quite long.

The major issue is the lack of publicity, with many of my contacts being totally unaware of what is on offer. However, until the “gremlins” are sorted out that may be just as well in the short term.

My last letter was copied to Dan Norris so hopefully, unlike the last time, he may see fit to respond or simply acknowledge receipt.

Cynthia Withyman

Sudoku

SUNDAY CHEMISTS

1-Easy

Boots, Gallagher Retail Park, Longwell Green

Sunday 18th June

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 14th June 2023

9

Will Michael Gove save Brislington Meadows from development?

Secretary of State Michael Gove has promised to “look closely” at the plans to build up to 260 homes on Brislington Meadows.

Homes England won its appeal to build on the site in April but the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has the power to intervene and stop the development.

The site was allocated for housing in Bristol City Council’s 2014 Local Plan to help address the city’s housing shortage.

Homes England, which in 2020 spent £15m buying the Meadows, pushed ahead with plans to build on the site even though the Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees announced in April

Crossword

2021 that the land would be kept as a local green space as part of the council’s plan to tackle the ecological emergency.

The appeal to the Planning Inspectorate was made against the failure of the council to decide on the planning application. Following an inquiry held earlier this year the inspector upheld the appeal, concluding that the benefits of the scheme “significantly outweigh the harms” – namely the loss of trees and hedgerows, ecology, and open space and recreation. He said the city council could not demonstrate a five-year supply of housing land and the land was still officially listed by the council as a place to build new homes.

Local councillors and campaigners have since written to Mr Gove urging him to reconsider the position of the Meadows.

Speaking in the House of Commons chamber last week, Bristol East MP Kerry McCarthy said: “Homes England’s new strategic plan contains commitments to work with local leaders to deliver ‘a brownfield first approach’ and to ‘support biodiversity’ by working with partners ‘to protect, enhance or create new environmental assets’, yet there are plans to put 260 housing units on Brislington Meadows, a beautiful nature-rich site in my constituency, going against the wishes of the council, local residents, the Mayor and me.

“Does the Secretary of State really think the plan is worth the paper it is written on if Homes England does not put its

ACROSS

DOWN

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Brislington Meadows

principles into practice?”

Mr Gove responded: “I have a lot of sympathy with the Hon. Lady’s position, and I will look closely at that proposal.”

The Save Brislington Meadows campaign group Michael Gove welcomed the latest development in the saga saying, taking to Twitter to urge Mr Gove to “please, please do the right thing and save our meadows”.

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The Week in • Wednesday 14th June 2023

Good report for council-run children’s home care and wellbeing. Inspectors said that children had been subjected to unlawful use of physical restraint, techniques that had caused them pain, and unjustified use of single separation.

Following another visit last August Ofsted’s overall judgement was that the council-run home still required improvement. But now Vinney Green, which can accommodate up

The South Gloucestershire children’s home branded as Inadequate by Ofsted in April 2022 is now rated as Good following a recent inspection.

The education watchdog had highlighted “repeated failures in leadership” over a number of years at Vinney Green Secure Children’s Home at Emersons Green, which had impacted on vulnerable children’s rights,

Gas leak closes A431 The A431 through Bitton was closed for a time on the evening of Monday 5th June after a gas leak at The Meadows Primary School.

Many vehicles diverted through the Golden Valley, causing major congestion in the lanes.

Wales & West Utilities said that after being called to reports of a gas leak they had immediately sent an engineer to

Bath Road. Our engineers worked to stop

investigate.

the leak and made the area safe. The road

“On arrival we found that a third party had

was fully reopened soon after.”

damaged part of our network, causing a

The company said there were no safety

small

concerns and no impact on local gas

leak. As

a

precaution,

the

emergency services had closed part of

supplies.

The Week in • Wednesday 14th June 2023

to 24 children aged between 10 and 18, has been praised following a recent visit by a team of six inspectors.

There were just 10 children living at the home at the time of that inspection due to a decrease in the number of referrals.

The report says that an inclusive culture which promotes equality and diversity enables children to explore their developing sense of identity. The children appreciate the support they receive from staff and recognise that they have made good progress.

They are supported to learn valuable life skills to prepare them to live more independently in the future. When leaving the home, their move is planned thoughtfully and well.

The children are encouraged to maintain regular telephone and face-to-face contact with their families. In most subjects they study, children make substantial and sustained progress and work diligently.

Staff are passionate about encouraging the youngsters to believe in themselves as successful learners which has a considerable positive impact on their self-confidence.

Managers and staff are said to prioritise the safety and well-being of children and have a

good awareness of each child’s strengths and vulnerabilities.

“Positive behaviour is promoted through helping children develop self-control, resilience, and an ability to learn new coping strategies. When incidents occur, staff use effective de-escalation techniques. As a result, the need for physical restraint and single separation - where children are locked in an area when they meet the legal criteria of being a significant risk to themselves or others - has reduced.”

The report also highlighted that improvements to the environment are under way and living areas are more homely. A sensory garden is also being created.

11

There will be a fundraising event at St

collection of David Austin roses in the

James the Great Church at Abson on

churchyard which have been planted over

Saturday (17th June) from 1pm to 5pm.

the years by well-known local gardener

School celebrates 150th anniversary

Quilts ‘N Roses is a display of patchwork

George Always. There will also be teas

Marksbury C of E Primary School holds an

1920s, 1950s - 60s and 1980s - 90s and

quilts by the Wick Quilters and a

and plants. Admission is free.

annual themed spring fair and this year the

paraded through the village while the parents

theme was the celebration of its 150th

lined the street and cheered. The children then

anniversary.

sang on the playground. The school was

Children in Years 5 and 6 went through

presented with a commemorative plaque on

archival photographs and created a timeline

behalf of the Bishop of Bath and Wells.

which they presented to the parents, some of

Over time, additional rooms have been added

whom were able to recognise grandparents

but the original schoolhouse still stands and

and great-grandparents.

houses the library and group rooms. The

The children dressed up in costumes from

original hall is used for daily collective

different periods including Victorian, the

worship, lunch and PE.

Church fundraiser

New repair café This Saturday (17th June) sees the launch

through reduce, repair and reuse.

of the new Saltford Share & Repair Café.

The café is open from 11am to 1.30pm.

The monthly event at Saltford Hall is

As well as being able to get your broken

being run in conjunction with the charity

items looked at, the community café at the

Share & Repair which aims to help people

hall will open for refreshments.

in Bath & North East Somerset save

Find out more at

money as well as helping the planet

https://shareandrepair.org.uk/repairs/

Open gardens weekend Hanham Court Gardens will be open on the weekend of 24th and 25th June to raise money for National Garden Scheme charities. The gardens are open on both days between 11am and 4.30pm. Entry costs £10 for adults and £5 for concessions, with no charge for children visiting. No dogs are allowed except guide dogs.

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

genuinely local publication.

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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 14th June 2023

Thousands turn out for village festival Mangotsfield celebrated its 31st annual village festival in glorious sunshine on Saturday and thousands of people turned out to join in the fun.

This year the festival was taking place at Pomphrey Hill on the North Field instead of at Cleve Rugby Club and there was a parade to the new venue

The festival parade through Mangotsfield

from the village green, led by a samba

due to the heat the decision was taken the day before to cancel

band.

the dog show.

There were plenty of stalls, live music and other acts, an area

Entry to the festival was free but donations to help cover the

dedicated to children's activities, and food and drink. However

cost of putting on the event were welcomed.

Father’s Day at museum Kingswood Heritage Museum will be celebrating Father's

Day card. Tickets cost £4 for adults (children up to 12 are

Day on Sunday (18th June) from 2pm to 5pm. The

free) and include free entry to the museum.

Fantastical Father's Day event will involve a range of

The event includes an optional woodworking workshop. Pre-

activities, including making clocks from records, creating

book via Eventbrite.com by searching for ‘Kingswood

wooden gift plaques, brass rubbings and designing a Father's

Heritage Museum Fantastical Father’s Day Event’.

The Week in • Wednesday 14th June 2023

13

Appeal to build homes at former garden centre fails A planning appeal to develop the old Whitegate Nurseries

involved substantial re-construction of buildings “tantamount

visibility of oncoming

site at Stockwood Hill on the edge of Keynsham has been

to the construction of new houses within the open countryside”.

traffic, she said: “The

dismissed.

They also said that Stockwood Hill doesn’t provide a safe route

proposal

The garden centre closed in 2018. In 2021 an application to

for cyclists or pedestrians; there were also concerns about bat

provide genuine and

build up to nine homes on the Green Belt site was submitted to

protection, biodiversity and the harm to some important

realistic opportunities to

Bath & North East Somerset Council and later withdrawn.

trees.

travel by sustainable

A new proposal was lodged to turn five existing buildings into

The developer appealed to the Secretary of State but now a

modes

six homes and use the same access.

planning inspector has upheld the council’s decision. Speaking

given the risks one

But refusing the plans last year, council officers said they

about Stockwood Hill, which is steep, narrow and has limited

would need to take to access those services at Keynsham.”

of

not

transport

Crossword Solution

Sudoku Solutions 1-Easy

would

2-Hard

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