The Week In - Issue 788 - 5th July 2023

THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset

5th July 2023

Issue 788

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Council sets up extra drop-off sites as South Glos bin strike escalates With the strike by 150 South Gloucestershire Suez bin workers now scheduled to run until 3rd September, the council has this week set up additional facilities to help residents deal with the impact on kerbside collections.

The Unite union says the decision to step up industrial action was taken after both the waste contractor and council ignored repeated requests to engage in talks to

Bristol refuse workers to strike More than 200 refuse workers employed by city councilowned Bristol Waste have voted to strike in a row over pay.

They have rejected a 17-month pay offer of 7%. The workers, who are members of Unite, will strike for seven days from Monday (10th July) and then for a further fortnight from 24th July. As well as stopping bin collections, street cleaning services during and after events such as the Bristol Harbour Festival face disruption.

Also in this week’s issue

resolve the dispute.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Despite Suez’s claims about generous pay offers, its workers are on very low wages even though the work they do is heavy, difficult and dirty. It is a highly profitable company making tens of millions.”

Suez said: ‘We have offered our teams working on our South Gloucestershire Council contract an 8% pay increase for 2023 which, when combined with the similar pay increase agreed in 2022, delivers pay increases of 15 to 16.75% over two years. This was rejected by Unite, who are seeking a 15% increase for 2023 alone, which would deliver pay increases in excess of 22% over two years.”

The company added: “Our door is still open and we welcome further discussions with Unite.”

With more than half the workforce on strike, the council says staff available are concentrating on black bins so waste like nappies and dog waste is collected.

“We are aware of residents’ concerns around recycling and food waste not currently being collected and have made special arrangements for extra deposit points at a number of locations in addition to the Sort It centres in

Concerns raised about Warmley roundabout . . . page 2

MP to raise Keynsham yellow lines concern in Parliament . . . page 3

Council leader Claire Young & co-leader Ian Boulton at the additional deposit point in Staple Hill

Yate, Mangotsfield and Thornbury.”

Recycling and food waste can be taken to four additional locations every weekday between 8am and 2pm. They are Lyde Green Park & Ride in Willowherb Road; Page Road short-stay car park in Staple Hill; Stoke Gifford Park & Ride; and the council site at North Way in Filton. There will be further bins for cardboard, paper, glass, cans and plastic, accessible 24/7, at locations being confirmed this week.

Council leader Claire Young said that until the dispute between Suez and Unite is resolved, the council would carry on doing all it could to help keep people informed and urged both parties to reach a “swift agreement”.

CCTV goes up in Kingswood’s Southey Park over knife fears . . . page 5

Pictures from Keynsham Music Festival . . . page 7

Driving instructors reiterate concerns about faded markings at roundabout Concerns about safety at the Deanery Road Roundabout in Warmley remain high as the promised repainting of faded road markings has still not been done.

In January (Issue 766) we ran a story about the worn-out markings at the roundabout where the A4174/A420 meet. At the time South Gloucestershire Council said that following feedback from road users that the current markings have started to wear, repainting work would be done in the spring “when the weather improves”.

But this week local driving instructor Richard Sweeting told us: “Since July 2022, I have been reporting an issue to South Gloucestershire Council regarding faded road markings on the Deanery Road Roundabout on the A4174 Ring Road.

“This roundabout is one used on driving test routes and

Songs of praise There will be a songs of praise service in the garden of the White Hart pub in Bitton on Sunday 9th July from 4.30pm to 6pm.

There will be music from St Mary’s Minstrels and Oldland Brass.

Everyone is invited. A barbecue will be available from 4pm.

2

recently, one of my students failed their test, the reason being stated as ‘incorrect positioning’ on this roundabout. This was due to these faded, and almost non-existence road markings.

“I regularly email StreetCare at South Gloucestershire Council for updates but seldom get any reply.”

Another driver instructor has warned of his fears that there could be a fatality at the junction. Commenting on Facebook, Matthew Stroud said: “When are the white line markings being repainted on Deanery roundabout? We were told April, it’s now July and no sign of it being done.

“One day someone will be killed on this roundabout. If it was my family member, I’d be asking, why did that happen?"

He added: “They will start rushing when there’s a fatality involving a bike as a result of drivers not knowing what lane they need. Some lines on Deanery are invisible in the wet, it’s as simple as that.”

He went on: “We are supposed to teach people to drive, i.e., follow signs and road markings, but it all falls apart when you can’t see the road markings. We (instructors) then have to revert to getting students to memorise the roundabouts which isn’t teaching people to drive, it’s turning them into robots.”

A spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council told The Week In: “We are currently carrying out a significant programme of work to refresh the lane markings along large sections of the A4174 which include those at Deanery Road

Roundabout.

“We have already begun refreshing the centre and edge of carriageway lines between Hicks Gate Roundabout and the M32.

“Separate work to refresh arrows, letters and numerals will also be carried out and we are looking to coordinate this with other work taking place along the Ring Road in the coming months to minimise disruption and achieve the best possible value for money. We thank people for their patience while the work takes place.”

The Week in • Wednesday 5th July 2023

Row over yellow lines ‘laid without consultation’ to be raised in Parliament Residents who say they were not consulted

Week In that the yellow lines both sides of

restrictions to determine whether

by Bath & North East Somerset Council

Pixash Lane have removed parking for her

any changes could be made and

about the new double yellow lines in

and her neighbours, their family and friends,

would also look at the possibility

Pixash Lane in Keynsham are now left

and for delivery and emergency response

of

with no choice but to park instead on the

vehicles.

restriction on Pixash Lane and an

busy main A4 Bath Road, which is causing

She gets shouted at by motorists for parking

HGV restriction.

traffic hold-ups.

on the main road and has had abusive notes

Those ideas, along with Bath

The Bath Road residents, who used to park

left on her car. There have also been posts on

Road residents’ requests for

in Pixash Lane, have referred the matter to

social media which led to threats.

dropped kerbs to allow them to

the Local Government Ombudsman who is

Laura, who has a disabled son, said: “I’m not

park in their front gardens, will

currently deciding what action to take.

actually breaking any law. I had a visit from

be

This week local MP Jacob Rees-Mogg said

the police because someone had complained,

meeting at the Masonic Hall at

he would make representations to the council

but they agreed my car is parked perfectly

6pm to which residents of nearby Ellsbridge

for another vehicle at the back of his

and the Government and would be tabling a

legally and understand why I’ve got to do it.

Close, Fairfield Way and Harding Place have

property.”

Parliamentary Question about how the

The council will not give us dropped kerbs

also been invited.

As well as the disruption caused by the

change to parking has affected residents in

so we can park on the front of our properties

Laura acknowledges that there is a private

massive new waste and recycling centre, she

“such a detrimental manner”.

on our land.”

lane at the rear of the properties, but her old

also highlighted the “monstrosity” of the care

And local councillor Hal MacFie has

She said that none of the residents had been

garage is not wide enough for her vehicle and

home which has been built on the corner of

arranged a local residents’ meeting for

directly notified by the council about the

says that most of the other garages along

Bath Road and Pixash Lane and recently

Monday (10th July) to discuss the parking

proposed yellow lines and that no site notice

there are just “muddy pits”.

opened.

issues brought about by the new £39m waste

had been displayed. A council officer has

She said: “A resident recently had to call for

She said local residents’ objections about that

and recycling centre in Pixash Lane coming

reportedly acknowledged that he did not

an ambulance; rapid response paramedics

were ignored by the council. “We have

into operation.

contact residents about the proposed Traffic

attended first, only to have nowhere to park

dozens of windows overlooking our gardens

Bath Road resident Laura Murray told The

Regulation Order (TRO).

because they are not allowed to park on

now, I have windows looking into my son’s

double yellow lines and there was no room

bedroom and my kitchen.”

However, a council director has since

introducing

discussed

a

at

one-way

Monday’s

Yellow lines have been laid on both sides of Pixash Lane

maintained that processes were followed correctly, including putting up site notices, and that there is no legal requirement to send letters to residents about yellow lines. He acknowledges in a letter that the new parking restrictions are causing difficulties “but I am afraid the council is not responsible for providing residents with parking”.

Some residents and their visitors now have to park on the A4

He did say however that the council would undertake a review of the parking

Keynsham tourist’s shame A man who lives in Keynsham has been at the centre of international outrage after being caught on video carving his and his girlfriend’s names into the ancient Colosseum in Rome.

The footage, taken by an American tourist, emerged last week of Ivan Dimitrov, a fitness instructor originally from Bulgaria, and his girlfriend Hayley.

Mr Dimitrov, who works at a gym in Longwell Green, has reportedly been in

Picture credit: YouTube/@rytz5873

touch with Italian police to express contrition. They have been quoted as

up to 15,000 euros.

saying that Mr Dimitrov faces a jail

The clip has been viewed on YouTube

sentence of up to five years and a fine of

more than 200,000 times.

The Week in • Wednesday 5th July 2023

3

‘Sexual predator’ is jailed

THE WEEK IN Barrs Court, Bitton, Brislington, Cadbury Heath, Compton Dando, Corston, Downend, Emersons Green, Fishponds, Hanham, Hillfields, Keynsham, Kingswood, Longwell Green, Mangotsfield, Marksbury, North Common, Oldland Common, Pucklechurch, Saltford, Staple Hill, Stockwood, St George, Warmley, Whitchurch, Wick, Willsbridge.

A 41-year-old man who committed a series of offences including flashing in a female toilet block in Keynsham has been jailed.

Jody Hawkins, of HMP Bristol, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court last Thursday after pleading guilty to seven offences. They were inciting a child to engage in sexual activity; sexual activity in the presence of a child; causing a child to watch a sexual act; two counts of indecent exposure, and two counts of intentional causing fear/harassment/alarm/distress.

He came to police attention in another part of the country in May 2022 when a teenage girl was contacted directly by Hawkins. In late October, he then committed a number of offences against four other victims. On one evening he was found in a female toilet block in Keynsham exposing himself to a woman. He then showed another woman an inappropriate private photograph of himself a few minutes later and again exposed himself.

That same evening two 16-year-olds reported that Hawkins had tried to engage in a sexual conversation with them and showed them the same photograph.

He was sentenced to two years and four months for five of the seven offences.

He was due to be sentenced for the harassment charges at Bristol Magistrates’ Court today (Wednesday). He was

Jody Hawkins

also made the subject of a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and given a restraining order to prevent any contact with his victims.

The officer in the case, Detective Constable Heather McGowan, said: “Jody Hawkins has been shown to be a sexual predator that deliberately targets vulnerable victims and I welcome the prison sentence he has received.

“The victims in this case have all shown tremendous strength and courage throughout this investigation and court process.

Hawkins will no doubt have a continued negative impact on their lives, but I hope his jail sentence will give them the peace of mind they deserve.”

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

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

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4

The Week in • Wednesday 5th July 2023

CCTV installed in park over knife fears CCTV has been installed in Southey Park

He added: “What it says to us is that the

in Kingswood over concerns about young

community tensions around Southey Park are

people carrying knives.

genuine and we are concerned about that and

It follows the murder of Kingswood boy

we are doing everything we can to try to

Mikey Roynon who died from a single knife

mitigate that. Despite the tragic event in Bath

wound while attending a house party in Bath.

it does appear that some young people still

Dan Forster, Chief Inspector of policing in

choose to carry weapons and police and the

South Gloucestershire, and Philippa Isbell,

local authority are really concerned which is

the council’s anti-social behaviour and

why we have such a comprehensive plan in

community safety team leader, attended a

place.”

public meeting last week to talk about the

He said that he, Philippa Isbell and others at

impact of the 16-year-old’s death on the

South Gloucestershire Council discussed

Kingswood community and to explain what

measures they could put in place other than

is being done.

just more patrols.

Chief Insp Forster told Tuesday’s Kingswood

“We know Southey Park is being used by

Community Engagement Forum that the

young people as a place of mourning and we

killing of Mikey on 10th June was not the

respect that. We also know there’s criminal

result of any tensions between groups but a

damage, littering and anti-social behaviour

“very, very unfortunate incident”.

taking place.”

He said that some young people who had

He said that with a young person carrying a

witnessed it were very severely traumatised

knife at that location they have “a duty of

and that a multi-agency effort to help them

care to the kids”.

through their grieving process has been put

“We think it’s reached a threshold where the

in place.

right thing to do is put a camera in place. It is not there to spy on people, that’s not what it’s about at all; it’s that if we have a tragic incident play out at Southey Park, it’s our

Bath and there had also been some in South

police investigate Mikey’s murder is

Gloucestershire, mainly around Southey

encouraged

Park.

https://mipp.police.uk/operation/5223C92-

He urged people who pick up information on

PO1

social media or from their children or

A 15-year-old boy from Dorset and a 16-

neighbours that there is going to be a

year-old boy from Wiltshire have been

confrontation to share that with the police.

charged with murder of and possession of an

Anyone with information that could help the

offensive weapon. They are in youth custody.

to

submit

it

online

at

best chance of getting some evidence in order to investigate that matter.

“Hopefully it will also act as a deterrent if people are considering going up there and engaging in criminal conduct. Hopefully, it might give the local residents just a little bit of extra reassurance.”

Philippa Isbell said one of the council’s mobile CCTV cameras had gone up at the park earlier that day and residents in the immediate vicinity had been informed.

Mikey Roynon

She said specialist youth workers are going in to work with young people and litter

Southey Park has become a focal point for

pickers have been going in every morning to

young people as the skatepark was a place

clear up. The meeting also heard that targeted

where Mikey would go with his friends.

information has gone into local schools and

There have been reports of anti-social

a toolkit is being developed for parents.

behaviour and criminal damage there but

Weekly meetings of professionals are taking

Chief Insp Forster said that he was not

place to monitor the situation.

suggesting that the young people mourning

Chief Insp Forster said: “In the week to 10

the loss of their friend are responsible for

days after the homicide we had various

that. “One of the theories is that it’s older

strands of information coming to both the

groups of kids that are coming along later on

local authority and the police which

and there has been some damage to property

suggested that groups of young kids may be

up there.”

meeting up to kind of settle a score or to have

Police have been patrolling regularly:

some sort of confrontation. We had that from

“During one of the patrols there was a young

lots of different sources. Thankfully none

person who ran from the police and was

came to pass but what we did do is we

eventually detained and we think discarded

responded.”

quite a large knife.”

He said one was in Royal Victoria Park in

The Week in • Wednesday 5th July 2023

5

Glastonbury leftovers collected for Ukraine Eleven volunteers from the charity Hope for Ukraine, which is now Keynsham based, ventured on to the Glastonbury Festival site after it finished last week, loading up five vehicles with camping equipment that had been left behind, including tents, beds, mats, sleeping bags, water carriers and more.

Everything will be cleaned, sorted and packed on to the next lorry shipment due to leave McGill’s Keynsham warehouse on Sunday 16th July.

Find out more about the work of the charity and how you can The volunteers at Glastonbury

help at https://hopeforukraine.org.uk/

Advertising feature

Volunteer Garry Abson, from Keynsham, sporting a pink cowboy hat that he salvaged

Mobile clinic travels from ear to ear A Downend-based audiologist has started a mobile business in response to the long waiting times for NHS services.

Lynne Sheppard, who worked for the NHS for 25 years, started Hearoic less than a year ago. She says: “After years in a senior position in my employment role, I decided that I wanted to get back to doing more of the work I like best; helping people directly with face-to-face appointments. I am concerned at the increasing challenges people are now having accessing services to get assessment and treatment for hearing problems; with longer waiting times for NHS services and sometimes difficulties getting to see a GP or practice nurse to have an ear wax check and onward referral.

“Many GP practices have also had to withdraw the provision of irrigation for ear wax management and are instead advising people to try home treatments or look for services on the high street.”

Lynne offers a range of

services.

Her

mobile clinic regularly visits

locations

including Lincombe Barn in Downend, The Centre in Longwell Green,

Hanham

Community

Centre,

Saltford Keynsham

Hall

and

Cricket

Club.

Lynne Sheppard

6

The Week in • Wednesday 5th July 2023

Keynsham Music Festival in pictures A week of fantastic music, entertainment and activities to suit every taste drew to a close in Keynsham on Sunday.

The annual Keynsham Music Festival saw events held all around the town and on stages in Memorial Park.

Our thanks to John Aldridge for the great photos which capture some of the many performances which thousands enjoyed over the week.

Chameleonz at Grounded Garden Stage on Monday evening

Roving Crows entertained on Saturday night

Gavin Osborn was on stage on Thursday

Seize The Day were among those on the bill on Friday night

Gecko on Friday night

The U3A Swing Band performing at Victoria Methodist Church on Tuesday

Opera in a Box performed Don Giovanni on Thursday

Meg Curl performing on Sunday

Jess Silk at Keynsham Courtyard on Tuesday evening

Thursday’s Memory Cafe event, a special afternoon for those living with dementia and their carers to enjoy the festival atmosphere

Bake Off star Giuseppe Dell’Anno cutting the ribbon on the Top Stage on Friday

Batala Bristol entertaining festival-goers on Sunday

Bath Gilbert & Sullivan Society performing Three Little Maids from The Mikado on Saturday

Connie from St Opia performing on Sunday

The Week in • Wednesday 5th July 2023

7

LETTERS Help shape youth services in Willsbridge

Time for a ‘Retail Revolution’ in Keynsham

Dear Editor

Dear Becky

Oldland Parish Council have launched a survey

Following on from my letter in May about

to engage with young people living in

retail transfusions of Keynsham High Street,

Willsbridge. The survey will help us better

here are my suggestions for the types of

understand the need for regular youth service

businesses we could attract: leather goods;

activities and build evidence to support future

children’s

provision in Willsbridge and the wider area.

(independent); pottery (plus workshops?);

Being

glass products; newsagent; book shop; local art

on

the

rural

fringe

of

South

wear;

menswear;

perfumes

your time will empower us to call our council

We probably waited until we had the cash

to account if we don’t see these changes.

available to fund the purchase of something we

A reduced rental/rates for the first three months

wanted instead of waving plastic in the air.

for example could be a sweetener. We would

Yes, things have changed in the name of

need to have the High Street pedestrianised

progress but I guess that folk of me era - late

again.

70s - would question whether it is progress.

Residents, invest in our town with all your

Mike Barrow, Keynsham

disposable incomes, however large or small that may be. Remember that a little spark can

Food for thought

start a mighty fire.

Dear Editor

Winifred Rickard

So, during the current Suez strike, South Glos

Gloucestershire the area of Willsbridge is often

gallery and sales; local cheese, breads, chutney

left isolated. Poor transport links and lack of

and jams; British woodcrafts (plus workshops);

resources make it difficult for young people to

world crafts and fabrics (e.g. from Kenya and

Is this progress?

access activities in other areas. We want young

Nigeria); British fabrics and trimmings (there

Dear Editor

people to tell us what activities they would like

was one in the old clocktower area);

There has been much publicity of late on the

in Willsbridge.

ironmongers; musical instruments; and gold

rise of the base rate to 5% and the impact that

We are interested in gaining a holistic view to

and silversmiths (especially personalised

it is having on those with a mortgage.

get a good idea of what regular activities will

items).

Borrowers have of course been lulled into a

work well and ways in which we can invite

I have spoken to some independent local shops.

false sense of security with the base rate at

young people to get more involved in their

They all say that my ideas are good but THEY

0.5% from March 2009, where it then

community.

(the council) never take any notice. The

fluctuated between 0.1% and 0.75% until

Coronation celebrations were impressive; we

March 2022, when it started to rise.

need to capture that enthusiasm for our Retail

I spent most of my working life in the

Revolution.

employment of a national building society and

So it’s down to you and me! If nobody does

when I took up my first branch manager's

anything, nothing will happen and Keynsham

appointment in the late 1970s I was approving

High Street will stay the same. Already I have

mortgages against a base rate of 16.75%.

spoken to people who travel out from Bristol

Obviously other factors came into play as my

to our park and people who travel in from Bath

starting salary as a manager was £3,114 and we

for ladies’ underwear, toys, bridalwear, picture

were able to purchase a three-bedroom dormer

framing and dog needs and leads. Imagine

bungalow in Exeter at £15,950.

having musical instruments, for example -

However, the lifestyle that we experienced was

people will travel distances for that. When we

vastly different. Breakfast was something that

To help shape youth services in Willsbridge

have attracted new businesses, the coffee

you had at home with your family, a coffee

please encourage young people to take part in

shops, charity shops and hairdressers will blend

break you took at home inviting friends round

the survey using the QR Code above. Young

in.

to join you, if when you were out you needed

people’s voices really can, make a difference.

The layout of our parallel car park, High Street

to call someone, you ventured into a telephone

We are also keen to hear the views of parents /

and park are second to none, far superior to

box spending four pennies instead of using the

carers and people who live in Willsbridge

Bath and Wells for example, plus our car park

appliance in your pocket costing you £30 per

about the need for regular youth service

charges are cheap.

month; and ladies actually filed and varnished

Neighbours can share a green bin

activities. If you have a comment or

So what’s to be done for our Retail Revolution?

their own nails at home without the need of

Dear Editor

suggestion, please drop me a line at

We need a website and emailing far and wide.

visiting a nail bar. What quaint customs we

Regarding South Gloucestershire Council’s

steve.skidmore@oldlandparishcouncil.gov.uk

Residents, you and me, need to bombard the

had, but we survived and we were always able

proposal to increase the charge for a green bin

or call: 0117 9673941.

council with support of the Retail Revolution

to fall back on savings to see us through any

from £30 to £75, residents could consider

Steve Skidmore

and ideas of changes. Just a few moments of

financial crisis that arose.

doing what I have been doing for years and

8

Council are only collecting black bin waste due to the bins containing "unpleasant waste such as sanitary products, pet waste, medical waste and nappy sacks”. I wonder how many black bins contain these items compared with how many food bins contain unpleasant waste such as decaying/rotting/smelling food?

Furthermore, the suggestion of plastic/doublewrapping food waste (seemingly for months due to the extension of the strike) beggars belief and with a storage problem will lead to it being deposited in black bins, adding to the amount going to landfill.

Sorry, South Glos, time to think again.

Finally, I agree with J White in last week's Letters - I will not be paying a ‘garden tax’/green bin charge of £75 which amounts to a 150% increase for a fortnightly collection during approximately six months of the year when my grass needs cutting/weeds need removing. How can this be justified during the present cost of living crisis – “matching” the over-charging by nearby authorities is no justification - and will lead to even more going to waste/landfill.

Name and address supplied

The Week in • Wednesday 5th July 2023

LETTERS simply bin share.

service but due to the desire for profit or lack

no sign of improvement and arguably a decline

essential service is unavoidable. Therefore can

There is nearly always space in my green bin

of funding, this is no longer the case. First Bus

in the quality of service provided.

those responsible stop bickering and get on

so at my invitation, two of my neighbours use

used to run the 178 through the Chandag Estate

I have written to Mr Norris expressing my

with dealing with the issue. One option worth

it as well so they don’t have to pay for one (or

but rerouted it directly down the Wellsway to

views and offering help from a user point of

considering would be to reinstate the old 178

garden waste bags) themselves.

improve efficiency and reduce costs. Then

view. There has been no response other than a

service but I question whether First Bus would

Name & address supplied

there was CT Coaches who provided a

simple acknowledgement. It’s about time that

consider that profitable.

subsidised

less

taxpayers realise that whilst most buses are run

Cynthia Withyman

Bus connection

frequently, but that was replaced by Stagecoach

by private profit-led companies, subsidising an

Dear Editor

who struggled with reliability and eventually

I have been informed by the contractors that

the service was cut due to inadequate subsidy.

Memorial Road in Hanham will be open again

During this period CT Coaches ran a reliable

on 10th July and Travelwest have confirmed

but limited service on certain days of the week

that Services 17 and 44 will be operating on

and that has been cut as well. We are now left

their usual routes from that date.

with the “new” First Bus 522 service that has

The bus stops still have notices that the buses

experienced occasional cancellations plus the

are suspended until 23th July. So hopefully us

“innovative” WESTlink option. The latter was

people in Hanham Abbots will soon have the

supposedly not introduced to replace the cut

bus service restored.

services and since its introduction has

A resident in Hanham Abbots

experienced numerous problems - lack of

reliable

service,

albeit

public awareness/availability and an online

Stop bickering!

booking system that beggars belief to name a

Dear Becky

couple. We are now told that only a proportion

I read with total dismay the recent article that

of requests are being serviced and there is a

reported the row between B&NES Council and

shortage of drivers. This has resulted in many

the West of England Mayor who have accused

residents (in particular the elderly and disabled)

each either of not telling the truth regarding bus

resorting to having to walk longer distances or

subsidies.

not bothering to go out at all.

Do they not realise that they are appointed to

Those who use cars are unlikely to be tempted

act on behalf of the residents who gain nothing

to switch to public transport so we are doing

from theses pathetic disputes so shame on them

nothing to reduce traffic congestion and reduce

both.

pollution, which is important going forward.

With regard to local buses the TRUTH is that

The B&NES councillor stated that WESTlink

the residents of Keynsham East have been dealt

is not fit for purpose and as it currently stands,

a very bad deal and there is no evidence that

I am inclined to agree with her. Mayor Dan

this is likely to change any time soon especially

Norris said that there are still a number of

as those responsible can’t agree on the matter.

teething problems but it’s now been three

Once upon a time there was an adequate bus

months since WESTlink was introduced with

See also page 13

Have your say on Somer Valley sustainable transport project The first in-person Keynsham Area Forum meeting since February 2020 will be held tomorrow (Thursday) at The Space in Keynsham at 6pm.

Among the items on the agenda will be the newly-launched consultation on the Somer Valley Links project which aims to give people more options to travel sustainably, whether by bus, walking or cycling, between Midsomer Norton, Westfield and Radstock and Bath/Bristol along the A37, A362, A367.

The plans have been developed by the West of England Combined Authority in partnership with Bath & North East Somerset Council and incorporating feedback given

during the first stage of the project in 2021.

The forum will hear more about it from Nik Bowyer, strategic transport projects manager at B&NES Council. He will also highlight the Bath to Bristol Corridor consultation that will be coming later.

There is also an online webinar tomorrow from 6.30pm to 7.30pm where people can find out more about the proposals.

Register at https://www.haveyoursaywest.co.uk/index.p hp?contentid=69 where there are also details of the proposals and other drop-in events. The consultation close on Sunday 6th August.

Intruders ransack room A resident of Stokes Croft in Barrs Court disturbed a group of youths in their bedroom at approximately 8.35pm on Friday 23rd June.

The culprits had caused a lot of damage to the room and ran off along Stephens Drive in the direction of the primary school when they

were disturbed.

If you have any information, especially CCTV images, contact the police on 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5223148973.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Sudoku

SUNDAY CHEMISTS

1-Easy

Boots, Gallagher Retail Park, Longwell Green

Sunday 9th July

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 5th July 2023

9

Discover this summer’s mythical trail A unicorn themed art trail is waiting to be discovered across the West of England this summer.

Sixty unicorns decorated by local artists create a colourful trail, with locations including Clifton Suspension Bridge, Cheddar Gorge and Ashton Gate Stadium. There is also one in Downend and one in Staple Hill.

Gracie is Downend’s unicorn, sponsored by Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council. Created by artist Kim Reed, she is a rainbow coloured unicorn and is on the corner of Badminton Road and Cleeve Road, outside the old Lloyds Bank. Her horn is the stripe and colours of the famous cricket cap of Downend-born WG Grace and there are local landmarks painted on her body.

Bee Magical Brizzle is a collaborative creation by artist Amy Magee and the children of Sefton Park Infant and Junior

schools in Ashley Down This unicorn is inspired by its sponsor, The Forge & Fern in Broad Street, Staple Hill. The café-bar and restaurant promotes a greener Bristol by championing local producers and utilising its giant exterior living walls which have their own eco-system including bees, from which the pub harvests its own honey.

The two month-long fundraising event, which began on Saturday, is raising money for Leukaemia Care. It is part of Bristol’s 650th celebrations, marking over six centuries since Bristol was granted a royal charter, making it a county in its own right.

Find out more including how to make a donation to Leukaemia Care at https://theunicornfest.co.uk/ The unicorns will be auctioned off for the charity at Propyard in Bristol on 5th October.

Staple Hill’s unicorn

Crackdown on pavement parking Drivers who park on the pavement on the new Hygge Park estate in Keynsham risk a £100 fine.

Signs have gone up in Fairfield Way advising motorists that anyone causing an obstruction to any area, vehicle or pedestrian will received a fixed penalty notice.

The parking is managed by Premier Park Ltd. Downend’s unicorn

Crossword

ACROSS

DOWN

1. Hard to understand (8)

2. Link (4)

6. Wharf (4)

4. Joined (6)

8. Garland (3)

5. Flair (4)

9. Candied cake decoration (8)

6. Frogmen (6)

10. Weathercock (4) 12. Lopsided (5) 14. Swiss currency (5) 17. Sea eagle (4) 18. Catastrophe (8) 20. Tolerable (8) 24. Equivalent (4) 25. Frequently (5) 26. Takes in (5) 29. Church service (4) 30. Antipathy (8) 31. Be unwell (3) 32. Developed (4)

3. African fly (6)

7. Relating to dogs (6) 11. Speed (mus.) (5) 12. Anxiety (5) 13. Exert (5) 14. Obese (3) 15. Book of maps (5) 16. Belief (5) 19. Managed (3) 21. Romantic intrigue (6) 22. Playground item (6) 23. Cry of discovery (6) 24. Putrefaction (6) 27. Stop (4) 28. Frolic (4)

33. Part of church (8)

10

The Week in • Wednesday 5th July 2023

Land protection order comes into force Powers are now in place to deal with any breaches of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) that has been introduced in Mangotsfield.

The PSPO is in response to complaints from residents about anti-social behaviour on South Gloucestershire Councilowned land at the rear of Northcote Road, Rodway Road and Long Road which is an informal parking area bordered by gardens.

A total of 24 houses have rear access from the land.

Problems that led to the council consulting local people on a PSPO included the burning of materials; the breaking and storing of vehicles and vehicle parts; maintenance, modification, servicing and engine tuning; unroadworthy vehicles being driven in an anti-social manner; amplified music; and anti-social behaviour which was intimidating, harassing and threatening to others.

A majority of those who took part in the consultation strongly agreed with the proposed order.

A council spokesperson said: “The Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) at Northcote Road was approved by Cabinet on 17th April and came into effect on 27th April.

“A letter drop was completed on 5th June to confirm the introduction of the PSPO and inform residents that enforcement would begin from 1st July.

“Temporary signs were installed at the location on 5th June pending the installation of permanent signs.

“We are committed to supporting residents and communities who are adversely affected by anti-social behaviour and

where appropriate, we will use the available powers to make our communities saferThe while challenging thosetowho may be land is now subject a PSPO engaged in anti-social acts.”

To date the council has not received reports of any breaches but says its street enforcement officers would be patrolling the area regularly to support residents and to also report and deal with any matters that arise.

Advertising feature

Hanham High Street’s summer fair Hanham High Street will be traffic-free this Saturday afternoon for the annual summer fair.

There will be all kinds of market stalls including food vendors, and a fun fair.

The event is organised by the Hanham Business & Community Partnership.

As well as a chance to visit the great range of independent shops and businesses, people can find out about plans to improve the character and overall feel of the High Street with £395,000 from the Love Our High Streets Fund.

The plans include new planters, more seating, making it more

attractive to walk and cycle with new paving and bike stands, new signs to make it easier to find places of interest, refurbishing the public toilets in Laburnum Road and working with the local community to create public art on some properties.

Last year’s event

The Week in • Wednesday 5th July 2023

11

Give me a chance, says Ciaran Ciaran Armstrong is 19 and grew up and

understanding. Although he currently has a job

As part of his rehabilitation following the

lives in Keynsham. Aged 12, an operation to

he can fit around his studies, he still has bad

operation in 2016, Ciaran learnt to play Uno.

remove a brain tumour left him in a

memories

He continues to love the card game and now

vegetative state for almost six months. He

opportunity.

trial

runs a weekly Uno club at Bath College. He

had to learn to walk and talk again. Today,

placement, the employer told him he would

has also recently joined KeynshamNow, the

he is studying at Bath College and working

not be hired as “they don’t see many people

town’s youth council. There, in the more

part-time in a restaurant but the trauma he

like me”.

relaxed surroundings with his peer group, he

suffered has left its mark.

Ciaran is able and hard-working but wishes

feels he is treated as an equal and is listened

Ciaran stands out from the mainstream. That

people could be a little more patient to be able

to.

he suffered discrimination during his school

to appreciate the real him. “People don’t listen

“It’s OK once people get to know me,” says

years is sad, but perhaps inevitable. But as an

to me,” he says. “There must be something we

Ciaran. “People like me often don’t get a say,

adult, he just wants people to be a little more

can do to get the message across.”

so please just give us a chance.”

of

an

After

earlier

employment

completing

a

Ciaran Armstrong

Good report for pre-school

Girlguiding appeal

St Augustine of Canterbury Pre-School in

ambitious and highly inclusive curriculum

The Saltford district is searching for new

support and guidance is provided by local,

Boscombe Crescent, Downend, has

for all children, particularly those with

leaders to support Rainbow, Brownie and

experienced leaders. Girlguiding is a

retained its Good rating after a recent visit

special

Guide units.

welcoming and fun organisation, where

from Ofsted.

disabilities (SEND).

Help is particularly needed on Thursday

you build lifelong friendships and really

The inspector said that children flourish in

The pre-school has been established since

nights for Rainbows and for Tuesday and

make a different to girls’ lives. If you

the “warm and nurturing” pre-school and

1978 and there are currently 21 children

Thursday Brownies. Units meet for an

would be interested in finding out more,

that the manager and staff organise an

on the roll.

average of 1.5 hours per week and full

email saltforddistrictguides@gmail.com

educational

needs

and/or

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

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and number of copies printed will continue

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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

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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.

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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 5th July 2023

New operator and a colour change for e-scooters From the autumn the West of England region’s e-scooters

There will also be WESTcargo - 20 e-cargo bikes which are

are changing provider and colour - from coral to green -

large bikes designed to carry goods, which will particularly

and will be branded WESTscoot.

appeal to local businesses.

E-scooters have become a familiar sight on our streets with

Swedish firm Voi will continue to run the current e-scooter

more than 10 million journeys made since 2020 under

until the autumn when the new TIER service takes over.

existing operator Voi.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “WESTscoot must build on

The West of England Combined Authority (WECA) has now

the successes of e-scooters in our West of England region

announced that in light of the success of e-scooters it has a

which has been one of the most successful trials anywhere in

new contract with a different provider - TIER - that will take

Europe. But it must also address the legitimate concerns

over the running of the scooters. The contract is expected to

residents often voice over poor and irresponsible e-scooter

bring in £10m to WECA over four years.

parking.

The money raised will be ring-fenced to be reinvested in

"Given our very ambitious West of England net-zero 2030

future West of England transport improvements. WECA says

target, it is vital that these bright green electric WESTscoot,

that other benefits for residents include clauses in the contract

WESTbike and WESTcargo e-vehicles become a common

to address parking concerns, and 100 brand-new e-scooter

and welcome sight across our region for they are an important

parking racks to help keep the fleet tidy.

means to allow residents to reduce car use or give it up

TIER run operations in more than 560 towns and cities across

Alongside 4,000 WESTscoot e-scooters, there will, for the

completely if they should so choose.”

30 countries. It has run shared e-scooter and e-bike services

first time, be WESTbike - 1,500 new pedal-only e-bikes.

The new-look green scooter

in the UK since 2020 with a focus on safety and providing a more sustainable alternative to driving for shorter journeys.

Users will be able to access WESTscoots and WESTbikes by

Big Bristol Travel Challenge

downloading the TIER app.

People are being encouraged to take part in the Big Bristol Travel Challenge this month.

The challenge is a fun, free tool to help you boost your

public transport for more of your everyday journeys.

WESTlink still 20 drivers short

You can set targets and goals, then track your progress

WESTlink is having a positive effect in the Chew

on your personal dashboard. There will be prizes and

Valley but can only satisfy 62% of passengers’ needs at

tips every week. You can also see how much CO2 has

present.

been saved, as well as money saved by not using the

That is the view of the Area Forum Sustainable

car, and how many calories you’ve burnt.

Transport Group which has been gathering evidence on

health and wellbeing by leaving your car at home and walking, riding, running, skating, scooting or taking

Visit https://bristol.getmeactive.org.uk/

The current Voi scooters

the demand responsive transport system since it started in April. The group set up a monitoring system with early adopters of WESTlink who were prepared to

Free bus travel scheme starts next month

record their experiences and it has provided its initial

The scheme to provide one month’s free bus travel in the

existing bus services but for innovative schemes to

(WECA) and Bath & North East Somerset Council.

West of England will commence on 1st August and the

increase travel by bus.

The journey experience has been largely favourable

website for the public to apply for their pass is now live.

Although North Somerset Council is not part of WECA

with positive feedback on using the booking system and

The so-called ‘birthday bus’ pass, which is available to any

and a local transport authority in its own right, it will be

the friendliness of drivers. The most noticeable impact

resident during the month of their birthday, was announced

included in the free travel area.

was that 43% of journeys taken with WESTlink were

by Regional Mayor Dan Norris in May and was due to

The birthday bus scheme has been developed against the

not previously available using public transport. But the

launch in July. But as we featured in last week’s edition,

background of financial cuts to supported bus services

major negative was that WESTlink was only able to

final approval from the Department for Transport (DfT) to

over the last 12 months. Campaigners in South

provide 62% of journeys the passengers wanted.

fund the project from the Government’s Bus Service

Gloucestershire, the Chew Valley and South Bristol have

The group reached two conclusions: the first that

Improvement Plan (BSIP) had not yet been granted.

been critical of the fact that BSIP money can be spent on

WESTlink still needs more drivers. Current figures

Whether by coincidence or not, it came to pass that just a

new initiatives but not on keeping lifeline bus routes going.

suggest the network is around 20 drivers short of the

day after The Week In made its own enquiries to the DfT,

While the Government was initially very clear that this

anticipated requirement. The other is that the 672 bus

the West of England Combined Authority (WECA)

was not for use on existing services, it has come under

service should be retained beyond the end of the month.

received sign-off on the project.

pressure from MPs from areas where supported bus

Originally one of the subsidised services due to be

The website www.birthdaybus.co.uk is now live for people

services were being cut. There are unconfirmed reports of

withdrawn in April through lack of funding, it was

to apply. The scheme will last for 12 months and if take-

a change of heart within the DfT and last week we reported

temporarily reprieved by B&NES Council.

up meets forecast passenger numbers, it will cost £8m.

that it has made a further £515,000 available to WECA

Now the Chew Valley Area Forum Sustainable

Last year, WECA, along with North Somerset Council,

specifically for the funding of subsidised routes. An

Transport Group is calling on WECA to use money

received £105m from the BSIP fund with a condition at

announcement on how that money will be allocated is

recently granted under the Local Transport Fund to

that time that the money could not be used to prop up

expected shortly.

retain the 672 until WESTlink is fully bedded in.

The Week in • Wednesday 5th July 2023

report to the West of England Combined Authority

13

Crossword Solution

Sudoku Solutions 1-Easy

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The Community Page

DOWNEND & BROMLEY HEATH PARISH COUNCIL

General Project Consultation and Precept Survey New Pavilion Project at King George V & Badminton Road Playing Fields Proposal

landscaping, electric charging points, tree planting and

actively engaging in the consultation about this proposed

A new pavilion is proposed to be located at King George

storage facilities will be/have been provided. The new car

new community Pavilion, which clearly showed support

V Park and Badminton Road Playing Fields (to replace the

parking area provides ample space for visitors to park their

for the Parish Council going ahead with the project.

existing aged facility). The facilities will include a building

vehicles, reducing the amount of traffic on the surrounding

Widespread support for the design was received and some

that provides changing rooms for sports (including cricket

roads and improving safety for pedestrians. The

very constructive ideas about how the facilities could be

and football), community/meeting rooms, office space

landscaping has been carefully planned to enhance the

improved.

(potential for the Parish Clerk to relocate and other

beauty of the park, creating attractive outdoor spaces for

There have also been numerous informal consultations

community-based partners such as the Police) and a

visitors to enjoy.

since this project was started over 6 years ago and public support has always been strong. The Project is supported

kitchen facility (possibility of hosting a regular drinks and snack provider for the park or a more informal nature on

Previous Consultations

by a sound business plan to ensure that the Pavilion will

match days). Full details are available via our website:

In 2021, the Parish Council thanked local people for

be sustainable and self-funding in the long term.

www.dbhparishcouncil.uk The new pavilion will provide a modern and environmentally sensitive replacement for the existing facility. The current pavilion is not fit for purpose and has many structural issues that present a health and safety risk for users. The outside aesthetics do not promote the wider park, which is well managed and used by the community.

If the current plans are not approved, then funding will still be required to replace the existing changing facilities, but the Parish Council is likely to lose out on significant funding support from the Football Foundation and wider community benefits.

To further improve the wider park, new car parking,

Loan Consultation All the necessary planning permissions are now in place.

In order to proceed with the project, and on the basis of receipt of an award from the Football Foundation of circa £250,000, we wish to consult with our residents to enquire if you are in FAVOUR or AGAINST the Parish Council going ahead with the project by seeking the approval of the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities to apply for a loan from the Public Works Loan Board of a maximum of £400,000 over the borrowing term of 20 years. Please note that this WILL NOT mean a council tax precept increase for the purpose of the loan repayments. As stated, the final amount of any award from the Football Foundation is still to be determined. Other costs will be met by: ● Parish Council reserves totalling £538,865 ● Section 106 funding from South Gloucestershire Council of £112,143 The loan will enable construction to proceed later in the year and for lower construction costs to be ‘locked in’.

16

The Week in • Wednesday 5th July 2023