The Week In - Issue 804 - 25th October 2023

THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset Issue 804

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25th October 2023

Read by more than 40,000 people each week

Fight for urgent treatment centre for East Bristol area gathers pace The campaign for an urgent treatment centre to serve the

injuries treatment service in GPs surgery had been ditched at

East Bristol area, in which Week In readers have played

the end of a two-year trial because it had failed to reduce

a key part, is gathering pace.

attendances at A&E departments, and that funding had

A cross-party group of councillors on South Gloucestershire

instead been put into Yate MIU. However, people heading

Council has now published its report after reviewing urgent

there may find it shut as it closes early at times of significant

care - including minor injuries provision - within the district.

demand.

One of their findings is that the views of the 5,000 people

Nationally, there is now a move away from minor injury

who signed the petition calling for the opening of the long-

units, walk-in centres and urgent care centres to urgent

promised minor injury unit (MIU) at Cossham Hospital in

treatment centres (UTCs) instead. These are GP-led, open at

Kingswood were not properly taken into account by health

least 12 hours every day, offer appointments that can be

chiefs.

booked through 111 or through a GP referral, and are

More than 2,000 of those who signed were our readers who

equipped to diagnose and deal with many of the ailments that

got behind the campaign that was started by local nurse Josh

people attend A&E for.

Ditte. But the governing body of the local Clinical

Last Tuesday, it was agreed to send the report to Shane

Commissioning

Group

Devlin, chief executive of the NHS Bristol, North Somerset

(CCG) rejected the request

& South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB). The

in April of last year without

board replaced the CCG as part of a health management

debate, saying it wasn’t part

shake-up last year.

of their urgent care strategy.

Cllr Ian Scott, who chairs the council’s Health Scrutiny

The

South

Committee, told the meeting: “If you are a resident in South

“But if you are in East Bristol or Greater Kingswood, you

Gloucestershire councillors

Bristol, you can access the South Bristol Hospital and the

then have to go much further to access either Yate Minor

was

the

urgent treatment centre over there. If you are a resident in

Injury Unit or Southmead or the BRI.

rejection of that petition

West Bristol, you can access the Bristol Royal Infirmary. If

“Residents over the last 15 years, since the closure of Frenchay Hospital, feel that they are not getting the same

report

by

prompted

by

which had flagged up how

you are a resident in North Bristol, you can access Southmead

Cllr Ian Scott

an

Hospital.

Also in this week’s issue

Two men taken to hospital after gang attack in Keynsham . . . page 3

alternative

minor

Continued on page 2

Kingswood residents say trees are damaging their homes . . . page 5

Halloween trails in Hanham & Staple Hill . . . page 7

Councils criticised over clashing roadworks . . . page 10

Fight for urgent treatment centre for East Bristol area gathers pace Continued from page 1

of where this urgent treatment centre ends up

relevant stakeholders.

In particular the councillors want to know:

level of service. In fact they feel they are

in the future - if we are to get one - it might

It found a lack of data in the evidence that

• Current population needs and the people not

getting a second-class service. And I also

not necessarily be at Cossham. It could be at

was given by the ICB, including that the

able to access urgent care.

think

Frenchay or there might be another site that

views of the 5,000 people who signed the

• Inequalities in access to, and use of,

improvements at Yate, it’s not as good as

can

petition were not properly taken into account.

services, as well as outcomes.

South Bristol.”

Gloucestershire.”

Cllr Scott said that back in 2008, Frenchay

Cossham is already a base for Severnside

Recommendations

was recognised as needing an MIU as well as

Integrated Urgent Care which combines NHS

The report also highlights a history of not

needed for a UTC.

Cossham. He recognised that things had

111 and the out-of-hours GP service.

delivering on earlier plans and that no

• The budget and workforce available for

moved on, saying: “My understanding is that

The report was produced by a sub-committee

detailed consideration had been given to

urgent care provision.

great things are going on at Cossham. There

following evidence taken earlier this year

assessing whether the distance patients may

Another recommendation is that work carried

is further expansion at Cossham so in terms

from the ICB, members of the public and

have to travel to access healthcare - and the

out by the independent Healthwatch group is

associated costs - was a barrier leading to

actively considered and assessed by the ICB.

greater health inequality.

It was highlighted in the report that

that

while

there

have

been

serve

East

Bristol

and

South

• The criteria for determining urgent care

Health inequalities

2

Although

sub-committee

services, including the size of population

members

Healthwatch was delivering valuable work,

understood that remote assessment would

but a “lack of action” followed.

benefit some patients, they voiced concern

Mr Devlin, who was at Tuesday’s meeting,

higher than the South Gloucestershire

about the impact on older and more

said he would respond fully toGarry the report and Stroud

rates of death from preventable diseases are

average.

vulnerable people and those who may be

recommendations within 28 days and gave a

higher than average.

There was anger when the Cossham petition

‘digitally excluded’.

commitment to work with the council to

In Kingswood 19.9% of people are disabled,

was rejected by the Clinical Commissioning

The report’s recommendations, which have

“really understand” what need looks like

higher than the South Gloucestershire average

Group’s governing body last April without

been sent to Shane Devlin, include that an

now.

of 15.6%.

debate and without the competition of a health

assessment of current service provision in

The chief executive said the report refers to

Kingswood has the second highest proportion

inequalities

South Gloucestershire is undertaken and

urgent care and population need, “which is

of people in South Gloucestershire who state

equalities impact assessment.

compared to forecast need, with data to

obviously very important”, but added. “We

their ‘day-to-day activities are limited a lot’

The group said such assessments weren’t

identify both the type and location of future

should look at the population need in the

(10.2%). A significant percentage of the

required when receiving a petition.

healthcare provision.

totality for health and social care.”

The Kingswood area has a lower life

Kingswood population is aged over 65 - and

expectancy

South

the percentage aged over 75 is significantly

Gloucestershire and England averages, and

than

both

the

impact

assessment

or

an

The Week in • Wednesday 25th October 2023

Two men taken to hospital after attack by gang of youths Two men were taken to hospital after being physically assaulted by a group of masked youths in Keynsham town centre on Friday.

Avon & Somerset Police released a statement about the incident the following day, saying enquiries were taking place following an incident of “disorder”.

“Officers were called the High Street area at just after 5.30pm and found two men who had sustained injuries after being physically assaulted by a number of youths.

“Some of the offenders are said to have arrived on foot, others on an e-scooter and a bike. They were said to be wearing face coverings, including helmets or balaclavas.

“Both victims went to hospital with injuries

that are not considered to be life-threatening.

“CCTV enquiries are being carried out and we'd ask any witnesses, or motorists with dashcam, who have not yet come forward to please call 101 and quote reference number 5223256991.”

According to reports on social media the attack happened outside The Card Factory.

We have carried several reports of anti-social behaviour in the town centre in recent months and the efforts to get to grips with the issue.

Keynsham Town Council announced at the end of September that it was working in close partnership with local community organisations and individuals to try to resolve the issue and the police have pledged more foot patrols.

Council goes down compulsory purchase route to finish path Compulsory purchase proceedings have begun to ensure that the missing link of the new Pucklechurch walking and cycling path can be completed.

Once finished, the shared use path will provide a direct route linking Pucklechurch with Emersons Green and beyond.

Negotiation between South Gloucestershire Council and different landowners was required to deliver the path along the B4465 Shortwood Road. The council has said that talks have progressed at different rates, so it was decided to begin construction where agreement had already been reached with the relevant landowners.

But with one section still to be done because of a legal hold-up, work has been halted since mid-summer.

In response to a written question from ward councillor Ben Stokes at last week’s council meeting about when the path will be finished, the Cabinet member responsible for planning, regeneration and infrastructure, Chris Willmore, said

Keynsham High Street

Spate of bin arsons The Longwell Green neighbourhood police

lot of resources and urge people to report such

team have had reports that a number of youths

incidents as well as other incidents of anti-

are setting fire to bins in the area.

social behaviour on either 999 if an

The police say this type of nuisance causes a

emergency or 101.

The path has a missing link

that officers have reached a point where they are unable to complete the final part until negotiations with the landowner are completed, or a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) process is undertaken.

She added: “CPO procedures have been commenced. The final phase continues to depend on resolving those land negotiations. It would not be appropriate to comment on those negotiations in public.”

A landmark oak tree, believed to be 300 years old, was felled earlier this year as it was in the way of the new path.

The Week in • Wednesday 25th October 2023

3

Town council backs pump track plan for Keynsham The town council has given its backing to the idea of a pump track for Keynsham.

Pump tracks offer a safe space for all ages and abilities to enjoy activities including BMX bikes, scooters, skateboards and rollerblades.

Last week Matthew Jones, from the group Pump Track for Keynsham, put their outline proposals to the town council to be considered as part of planned improvements to Keynsham Park which includes the areas known as Keynsham Memorial Park, Abbey Park and Chew Park. The group say they are open to looking at any site available in Keynsham but that as a starter the space next to the skatepark in Memorial Park would be an obvious first choice to investigate.

The town council agreed to support in principle the idea of a pump track for the town, with various sites to be considered.

Councillors will also arrange a visit to the

Temple Cloud Pump Track.

There was some debate on social media last week about the proposals, with support being voiced for a pump track for Keynsham but not necessarily in the park.

One person commented: “Already enough green space has been lost in and around Keynsham and I feel that with the added loss of space for the new transport hub in the park, to then take more for a pump track when we already have a skatepark would just be too much.”

Another commented: “I think a pump track would be brilliant for the kids to have something to do, as can be seen by the existing skatepark which is in constant use.”

Matthew Jones said: “We presented at the town council and received unanimous support to take our project forward to understand viability and options and find a potential site in Keynsham.

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.

The current skatepark

“This is great news and we will now make a project plan and work alongside the

councillors who kindly volunteered to work with us.”

Shoplifting crackdown Recent action days by the Kingswood neighbourhood police team saw them catch a number of “prolific” shoplifters.

The police say that in the lead-up to Christmas there will be more days like this to crack down on shop theft.

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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

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4

The Week in • Wednesday 25th October 2023

‘Trees are damaging our homes and we live in darkness’ A 160-name petition to South Gloucestershire Council highlights the damage that neglected trees are causing to homes in the Woodstock area of Kingswood.

Cllr Alison Evans handed in the petition - signed by residents from Bredon Close, Courtney Road, Brake Close, Langford Way and Somerton Way – to last week’s full council meeting and two residents spoke on behalf of those affected.

The petition says: “We wish to inform the council of the poor state of maintenance of the trees in the Woodstock area. We would be grateful if a member of the maintenance team could meet with some of the residents so we can walk the area and understand the reasons why the trees have become so large and in places touching houses and covering street lights.

“We would also like to know if the council’s insurance would be valid if properties were damaged by the trees.”

One of the residents, Jan, said: “Some of us have lived on this estate since it was first built. It was lovely with the trees round. They were well looked after and pruned back when they had grown too big for the places they were planted. Now it’s like we live in the middle of a forest. The trees have been

Landfill site plant approved

left to grow over years of neglect. Some of us live in darkness, no sunlight in our homes, and needing light and heating on a lot of the time.

“The damage some of these trees have done and are continuing to do is immense, breaking up patios and paths, blocking drains and causing subsidence. Telling us to go to our insurance companies is not right or fair. We didn’t plant these trees. We didn’t neglect these trees, so why should we be responsible for them.”

Another resident, Vijay, told the meeting he had lived in his home for 25 years and had watched a very beautiful tree become a “nightmare”.

He said that when he had contacted the council and mentioned cracking in his property and foundation damage, he was told to contact his insurance company.

He said the tree is only 6ft away from his property: “The branches hit our roof sometimes. I’ve cut away a few myself but I’m getting to the age where I can’t risk getting up a ladder.”

He said he was finding it hard to come home from work every day and for safety reasons having to clear the garden of leaves.

The petition was referred to the council’s executive member responsible for communities and local place, Cllr Leigh Ingham.

Our pictures show some of the trees that are close to or

touching properties in the streets affected.

A council spokesperson said: “The petition has been processed and will be passed on to the appropriate council teams.”

South Gloucestershire Council has approved a treatment tank at the Shortwood Quarry landfill site at Cattybrook Road to manage leachate.

The site, run by Enovert, stopped taking waste in July 2021 and the capping of the site is now at an advanced stage. However, the production of leachate through the natural degradation of waste is expected to continue for many years.

Until now it has been managed by recirculation within the landfill, with excess discharged to the foul sewer under consent by Wessex Water.

However, due to constraints on the sewer network and having reviewed what is being, it is considered that the most effective and sustainable way to manage it is via a dedicated management plant.

The Week in • Wednesday 25th October 2023

5

Taking the budget debate into communities South Gloucestershire councillors and staff will be going out into the community to hear people’s views on its budget proposals.

‘Community Conversations’ is a new approach to public consultation. In addition to an improved online presentation of budget information, the council says it is committed to providing in-person opportunities for residents to speak to officers and elected

members who will be visiting different types of venue as part of the consultation process, including shopping centre, libraries, and even pubs and cafés.

The council says it is facing the prospect of making “incredibly difficult decisions” that will affect the services it can deliver and, in some cases, will need to increase or introduce charges for some things.

The outline budget is based on raising

council tax by 4.99%, which equates to a £1.82 per week increase for a Band D property.

This is the highest increase possible under current Government rules, but below inflation and it will not by itself allow the council to keep up with rising costs.

Co-leaders Cllr Claire Young and Cllr Ian Boulton say any increase in costs passed on to residents is regrettable during the cost-of-

living crisis. They have written to the Secretary of State for Local Government and the Chancellor to demand more support for local services in this year’s Autumn Statement.

The consultation runs until 8th December.

Feedback will be considered before a budget is finalised in February. To find out more visit www.southglos.gov.uk/south-glos-budget2024

Cuts in library service to save £473k a year A consultation has been launched asking people for their views on the best way to minimise the impact of cuts to the library service in South Gloucestershire.

Savings agreed as part of last year’s budget include reductions in spending on the service to make an annual saving of £473,000.

The proposals would reduce staffed library opening hours from 351 to 285, a reduction of 19%, with more hours covered by Open Access, which allows users over the age of 16 and those who are younger and accompanied by an adult to use their local library when there are no staff on duty.

It is also proposed to remove staffed access over lunch time in eight of the 12 libraries Cadbury Heath, Downend, Hanham, Kingswood, Staple Hill, Winterbourne, Filton and Patchway. Staffed hours would end in all libraries at 5pm. There would be a further one day reduction in staffed access at Cadbury Heath, Patchway and Winterbourne libraries.

To minimise the impact of reduced staffed hours, they would be prioritised to cover the locations and times when libraries are most well used.

Savings are also being proposed by reducing

back-office and management costs of the service and stopping some of the least-used community collection services.

Have your say at www.southglos.gov.uk/librarysavingsconsultation

Staple Hill is one of the libraries where reduced staffed hours are proposed

Plans to dim all street lights There are plans to dim street lights across South Gloucestershire to 25% capacity and people are being told to visit trial areas after midnight for a “realistic view” of what it would be like.

The council has been trialling dimmed lights since January in some parts of Thornbury and is now proposing to push the change out across all street lights in the district.

The council says: “Such a measure would support our green commitments and help us address the financial challenges we face - we estimate that once fully implemented, each year, this proposal would reduce our carbon emissions by a further 15% and reduce our spend on energy by £200,000 per year.”

Street lights have been programmed to dim to 25% late at night throughout the 12week consultation period at trial sites

6

include the High Street and around Page Park in Staple Hill; High Street, Blackhorse Road, Cecil Road and South Road in Kingswood; and some roads in Filton, Winterbourne and Patchway.

The council says there is no evidence suggesting a direct link between dimming lights and crime: “However, we recognise that some people, especially women and people from some minority groups who have historically been at greater risk of being targeted by anti-social behaviour, will have concerns. With partner organisations, we will continue to assess location-based evidence and work together to reinforce messaging which reduces fear of crime.”

The lights would be updated over a twoyear period, starting from next April.

Have your say at https://streetlight.commonplace.is/

The Week in • Wednesday 25th October 2023

Bikes stolen from shed Three youths were seen on CCTV breaking into a garden shed in Rock Road in Keynsham between 3.45am and 4.20am on Tuesday 17th October.

After cutting the padlock from the door, the offenders stole two bikes - a grey Cube Nature electric bike, which has blue writing, and a black Giant Revolt manual pushbike with green writing.

If you have any information about this incident call 101, giving reference number 5223253279. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Halloween trail ‘bigger and better’ The Halloween Trail is one of the annual highlights on

which Nicola Bartlett has turned into a haunted mansion.

Hanham High Street, bringing the community together

The event is sponsored by Tollgate Hire and Jemima’s Beauty

with visitors discovering new businesses.

who cover the printing costs of the trail maps, certificates and

It began on Monday and runs until Tuesday 31st October. It’s

small prizes.

free for families to take part and they need to collect a map from Eclectic Gift Shop between 10am and 4pm Monday to Saturday and enjoy a circular route of the High Street looking

Vans targeted

for the Halloween displays.

Someone stole a white Ford Transit from Lays Drive in Keynsham between 4.30pm on Wednesday 11th October and 7.30am the next day.

The vehicle has since been found but all the tools inside had been stolen. The crime reference number is 5223249054.

And a van window was smashed while it was parked on St Ladoc Road in Keynsham at approximately 11.15am on Saturday 14th October. Nothing was stolen so it is possible that the offender was disturbed. The reference number for this crime is 5223251263.

If you have any information regarding these incidents, especially CCTV images, call 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

with some of the community involved in making some of the

The Week in • Wednesday 25th October 2023

The organisers say the trail is “bigger and better than ever”, Halloween displays or donating items such as a dolls’ house

Spooky half-term fun There is a Halloween trail along High Street and Broad Street in Staple Hill over the half term break with families invited to search for spooky items and collect sweets along the way.

The trail runs until 31st October and is free to enter.

Entry sheets can be collected from Platinum Petcare, Nom Wholefoods and Sweet Treats.

Participants can enter into a prize draw to win a hamper of treats donated by local businesses.

Nicola Bartlett with the haunted mansion

7

LETTERS New administration must reject parking charges

numerous times before.

available for the fourth Monday of the month

the past year lost someone close to them.

Cllr Sam Bromiley, Leader of the Conservative

primarily, between 2pm and 4pm, and may be

Successful candidates will be able to attend a

Group on South Gloucestershire Council

asked to help on the first Wednesday of the month

training course with the other current volunteers

between 5.30pm and 7pm.

at Saltford Golf Club on 9th November. Anyone

Applicants will need to be mature and have a

interested should send a brief but pertinent CV to

good level of interpersonal skills and life

bereavementkeynsham@gmail.com

Dear Editor During May’s local election campaign, both keep car parking free in all council-owned car

More praise for uplifting brass band Dear Editor

experience, as well as being a good listener.

Anyone interested in discussing the role before

parks in South Gloucestershire. The pledge was

applying can contact 07776 493221.

contained in both parties’ manifestos, which can

I'd like to add to Ann Lovell's letter, published last

Someone who has a caring background and face-

week, about her delight at listening to the

to-face contact with the public would be a positive

Alan Hale

still be read online.

Coordinator, Bereavement Support

It’s therefore extremely disappointing to learn that

Salvation

advantage. We do not provide a counselling role

contribution to the community in Kingswood.

and advise against a person applying who has in

Keynsham

the Lib Dem-Labour coalition that now runs the council will next year introduce car parking

I too went through exactly the same experience

charges at car parks right across the district.

on an impromptu hearing of them in Staple Hill

It’s even more disappointing to hear that the

where they performed an indoor concert entitled

coalition is blaming the previous Conservative

‘Come as you are’. I went along in my relaxed

administration for introducing these charges.

mode of dress and was so enlightened by their

Let me take this opportunity to set the record

expertise, accompanied by songsters and with a

straight once and for all: this claim is completely

touch of light, un-opposing, calming religion.

and utterly untrue. The Conservative Group has

This remarkable group also perform on the

never attempted, nor even desired, to introduce

stadium in Page Park now and again.

parking charges.

It makes such a change to talk of the good things

The budget approved by the council in February

in life instead of all the stuff being put forward

did not seek to introduce car parking charges in

about the uneasy High Street complications in our

South Gloucestershire. Instead, what it did was

beloved old Keynsham.

ask officers to look at some potential options for

Honor Bane

raising revenue. Naturally, these options were not

Downend resident

known at the time because the feasibility work

Formerly of Rivermead House, Keynsham

Labour and the Liberal Democrats promised to

had not yet been undertaken.

Army

Brass

Band's

uplifting

by officers, the introduction of parking charges

Could you volunteer for bereavement support?

was presented as a possibility. But members of the

Dear Editor

current administration are entirely free to accept

Bereavement Support Keynsham (BSK), which

or reject this proposal. All budget proposals that

was established in early 2022, has proved to be a

are taken forward are done so at the consent of the

much-needed

administration, and its current members may act

bereavement. A result has been that BSK is now

as they see fit.

looking to recruit a few more volunteers.

When in previous years the introduction of

The nature of the role is to provide an empathetic

parking charges has been presented as a potential

ear to those (whom BSK is pleased to call guests)

revenue raising scheme, the Conservative Group

are suffering bereavement and to engage them in

has always rejected it. The coalition should reject

conversation or be supportive in whatever way

it this year too.

necessary.

We believe, and have always believed, that car

BSK volunteers have to exercise confidentiality,

parking charges are bad for residents, bad for

be non-judgemental and understand that BSK is

businesses and bad for our high streets.

an inclusive group which welcomes diversity.

Car parking charges do not need to be introduced

Though ‘drop-in’ sessions are held in the Baptist

in South Gloucestershire, and we urge the

Church Hall on High Street, there is no religious

coalition to reject them as we have done

affiliation. The volunteers will need to be

In August, following a study of potential schemes

8

service

for

those

Staff’s cycle challenge raises over £4,200 for charity Staff at Keystone Bathrooms in Warmley took on the challenge of cycling the equivalent of Land’s End to John O’Groats on four static bikes to raise funds for their adopted charity Warmley Wheelers.

The bike project, which is located next to the Bristol & Bath Railway Path at Warmley, provides cycling opportunities for people with heath conditions, supported needs and physical disabilities.

A total of 18 staff took part and achieved the distance in 23.30 hours. They far exceeded their £2,500 target with the final total being £4,235. Keystone manager Dale Gregor said:

“All the staff were keen to take on this challenge as we have been associated with Warmley Wheelers for over three years and totally support the great work they do. It has been a great team builder.”

The photo shows Keystone staff outside their Crown Way premises along with Andy Underdown, the programme coordinator of Warmley Wheelers (pictured on the far left), who said: “We have been truly humbled by this great effort by the staff of Keystone Bathrooms and this reflects the amazing support we have from our local business community.”

suffering

The Week in • Wednesday 25th October 2023

Fight to make Keynsham High Street safer continues Despite a setback which caused them to withdraw a

alternative styles of kerb are concerned, as well as from the

regarding the continuing casualties.”

motion at the last meeting of Bath & North East Somerset

Royal National Institute of Blind People and Sustrans (the

The councillors were this week still awaiting the sight of the

Council regarding casualties on Keynsham High Street,

charity which works to improve everyday journeys for

road safety audit that it was promised would be available

a cross-party group of district councillors are continuing

everyone).”

mid-September.

their fight to make changes.

Cllr David Biddleston (Labour) said: “The strength of feeling

They encourage anyone who has suffered a fall on the High

The design of the High Street cycle lane, which opened in

and concern within the local community has been

Street to ensure that they report it on the ‘Fix My Street’ page

March 2022, has resulted in a list approaching 100 casualties,

demonstrated by some 500 members of the public who have

of the B&NES Council’s website.

with more than 60 officially recorded with the council.

so far signed the petition asking for a resolution to the

The six councillors have been holding meetings to compile a

ongoing number of casualties.”

report to go to the Lib Dem-controlled authority, seeking a

Conservative councillor Alan Hale said: “It was only after

change to the layout to make it safer for pedestrians and as a

much consideration that we agreed to withdraw the motion

precursor to a motion for a future council meeting.

at the last council meeting. It was done because an

Lib Dem councillor Hal MacFie said: “As a group

amendment was being suggested by the Cabinet which would

representing the town we cannot stand idly by whilst

have quashed our motion and closed down any further action

members of our community continue to suffer serious

for six months. We are hopeful that working cross-party will

injuries. We are taking advice from professionals as far as

demonstrate the strength of feeling and concern in Keynsham

Seeking a resolution: from left, George Leach, Hal MacFie, Alan Hale, David Biddleston, Alex Beaumont & Andy Wait

Sudoku 1-Easy

SUNDAY CHEMISTS Sunday 29th October

2 -Hard

Boots, Gallagher Retail Park, Longwell Green (10.30am-4pm) Asda, Longwell Green (10am-4pm) 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 25th October 2023

9

Formal complaint about consultation Saltford Parish Council has made a formal complaint to the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) about the recent A4 Bath to Bristol consultation.

The council says the consultation website was difficult for users to navigate and that relevant information for Saltford was hard to find or not correctly linked. It adds that wording in the online survey “pushed responses in a specific and deliberate direction to generate a desired result in favour of WECA proposals”.

The complaint also highlights that WECA added new and more detailed information almost four weeks after the consultation opened on 21st August, and after the council and others had already submitted their responses.

The council is also concerned that WECA discouraged responses to be submitted by email or in writing, and that not having an adequate number of staff at the dropin event in Saltford (despite awareness that high numbers were expected) prevented some residents from raising objections about the proposals.

The council also says there was a data breach of Saltford residents’ personal information at the drop-in event.

The council urged WECA to conduct the follow-up consultation next year in a “fair and appropriate manner”, and to set out clearly from the start all the information.

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

Councils criticised over roadworks scheduling Both South Gloucestershire Council and Bath & North East Somerset Council have come in for criticism for their scheduling of roadworks this week.

In South Gloucestershire, where a major route is already closed, emergency work to repair a fault on the Hambrook lights on the A4174 Ring Road began on Monday and was set to last four days. With the lights switched off, there has been no right turn out of Bristol Road. As part of the diversion all traffic is having to turn left and go around the Bromley Heath roundabout.

The council has apologised for any delays, saying the work has been scheduled to coincide with half term when there is less traffic but has nonetheless been criticised on social media as Beckspool Road at Frenchay has also been closed since Monday for work to extend traffic calming measures. Next week further works will be carried out but the road will not need to be closed.

Down Road at Winterbourne is also closed for five days this week at Damsons Bridge for work to improve access for people in wheelchairs to get across the bridge. The council says the improvements have been brought forward following concerns from local mobility-impaired residents and to coincide with

including on Bristol Road, Chandag Road, Charlton Road, High

quieter roads during half term.

Street and the Keynsham bypass.

The A432 Badminton Road remains closed because of the

Cllr Hale said: “This level of intrusion to the free running of

defects that were discovered over the summer on the M4

traffic in and around the town is absolutely ridiculous. A town

overbridge. A free shuttle bus is operating to help fill the

that already has an inadequate infrastructure for the level of

transport gap there.

housing we have with no promise of any improvement, but no

Meanwhile in B&NES, a Keynsham councillor has flagged up

doubt there will be the threat of further development to ensure

concerns about the planning of roadworks around the town. Cllr

that the town becomes gridlocked more frequently.”

Alan Hale contacted the council’s street works team last week,

In response, the department’s principal engineer said it is a

asking whether the authority has any control over the schedule.

“challenging task” to coordinate roadworks but care is taken to

Prompting his concern was a spate of projects over recent days

anticipate potential disruptions and prevent major overlaps.

Crossword ACROSS

DOWN

1. Small skewer (9)

2. Hair curler (6)

9. Infuse (6)

3. Biscuit (6)

10. As well (4)

4. Mass flight (6)

11. Ended (4)

5. Bound (4)

12. Give (6)

6. On the way (2,5)

13. Grave (7)

7. Sicilian volcano (4)

16. Faithful (4)

8. Ship's flag (4,5)

17. Close (4)

13. Metallic element (9)

18. Bishop's diocese (3)

14. Govern (4)

20. Mineral (3)

18. Legal action (4)

21. Bard (4)

19. Splash (7)

23. Morass (4)

22. Dozen (6)

25. Jumper (7)

23. Feeding trough (6)

26. Pantihose (6)

24. Take away (6)

29. Labour (4)

27. Blast of wind (4)

30. Virtuous (4)

28. Painful (4)

15. Footwear (5)

31. Irish province (6) 32. Practised (9)

10

The Week in • Wednesday 25th October 2023

A visit to lovely Ludlow We spent a couple of days in Ludlow last

Arthur died in 1502 at Ludlow Castle at the

month. This small Shropshire town on the

age of 15 years and seven months. In 1492

border of Wales and England is in an area

he had become Prince of Wales and heir to

of picturesque and pastoral beauty.

the throne.

We arrived at our accommodation mid-

In 1501 the young Arthur married Catherine

afternoon and were struck by its proximity to

of Aragon in Spain. They travelled to Ludlow

the centre of Ludlow. Our balcony jutted out

Castle the following January and on 2nd

from the old stone-built hotel abutting the

April he died of “sweating sickness”. His

River Teme. To our right, the 15th century

heart was buried at St Laurence Church and

Ludford Bridge forded the mossy and

three weeks later his body was taken to

shallow river, home to mallards, kingfishers

Worcester Cathedral and entombed there. In

and egrets, and a calming balm on a hot,

1509 Henry VIII became King and six weeks

sticky day.

later married his brother’s widow.

Settling into our temporary home, separating

A little further along the narrow alleyway

the ancient village of Ludford from Ludlow,

where St Laurence Church is situated is a

we looked across the bridge and up towards

small but atmospheric garden. It is called the

the town. We had come to see Ludlow Castle,

Jubilee Garden and had been for a long time

originally built after the Norman Invasion of

an isolated piece of waste land. However,

England in the 11th century.

adjacent to it is the Medieval Reader’s

Our first evening’s stroll was up Broad

House, a listed building whose timber beams

Street. We passed Tudor beamed buildings

and Tudor architecture provide a striking

and old stone cottages with floral displays in

backdrop for the much newer Jubilee

pots enhancing the small gardens fronting the

Garden.

steep, wide hill. Ludlow town is set out in an

In 2016 developers applied for planning

ancient grid system with narrow alleyways

permission to build five executive houses on

leading outwards. These are filled with little

this plot of land.

shops and businesses and a plethora of old

horrified and opposed the plan which was

coaching inns, now serving tourists as hotels

eventually rejected. This crisis led to an idea

and pubs.

by Ludlow Civic Society to benefit local

On one of these little streets is 11th century

residents

St Laurence Church. Its tower dominates the

contemplation and solitude. The garden is in

and

Local residents were

produce

an

area

of

town and can be seen for miles around. It has

the shadow of St Laurence's tower and has

the distinction that it is where the funeral

seating strategically placed around it. When

service for Arthur Tudor, Henry VII’s eldest

we were there trailing roses, hollyhocks and

son took place. Arthur was Henry VIII's older

peonies made an uplifting display of late

brother and was destined to become King

summer colour.

upon the death of his father. Unfortunately,

On the final day we headed for Stokesay

Tudor buildings in Broad Street, Ludlow

Castle, about eight miles north of Ludlow

about the castle’s time during the English

and run by English Heritage. Although the

Civil War and its extensive history since then.

castle is more of a ruin, there is much of

However, it just so happened that the day we

interest to fire the imagination and remind us

visited, the castle was preparing for the

of medieval knights, the poverty of peasants

annual food festival that was to run later in

and comfort of kings.

the week. Nevertheless, as luck would have

The great hall is mostly intact. Its soaring

it, just as a delivery lorry left the castle, I

curved roof beams denote its importance as

managed to take a snapshot before the

a centre of social and political power. It was

mighty castle gates closed. I almost felt as if

built by Laurence of Ludlow, a very

I’d stormed the place myself!

important wool merchant and royal adviser,

The Shropshire countryside with its Welsh

around 1294. The gate house is also striking.

Marches and intriguing tales, is a place I will

It is painted bright yellow with Tudor beams

visit again and next time check the opening

and opens onto a green space that faces the

times for its most famous attraction!.

great hall. The top of the castle tower can be

Christine Rogers

negotiated by a series of ancient stone steps; however, I appreciated its beauty from

Stokesay Castle

a distance!

Having experienced a world that existed many years ago we were quite happy to wend our way to the Stokesay Castle

coffee

shop

and

delight in the tea and cakes on offer.

We then intended to visit Ludlow Castle, the most important border fortification along the Welsh Marches. It was here between 1473 and 1483 that Prince Edward (one of the Princes in the Tower) spent some of his childhood years. I was also keen to hear The Week in • Wednesday 25th October 2023

Ludlow Castle

11

Council issues statement on conflict in Israel and Palestine A statement has been issued by the leaders of the three political parties on South Gloucestershire Council about the conflict in Israel and Palestine.

Lib Dem leader Cllr Claire Young, Labour leader Cllr Ian Boulton and Conservative group leader Sam Bromiley said: “Our hearts go out to all who are suffering in Israel and Palestine, and we grieve for the loss of innocent life.

“We stand in solidarity with everyone in South Gloucestershire who has been affected by events in Israel and Palestine. Our thoughts are with all those who fear for the safety of their loved ones or grieve for those lost.

“We condemn unequivocally Hamas’ terrorist attack. Their

actions have set back the cause of peace and resulted in terrible suffering for innocent civilians. We echo demands for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

“We recognise that both Israelis and Palestinians are suffering as a result of Hamas’ actions. Hamas terrorists are not the same as the Palestinian people. It is vital that while terrorists are targeted, civilians are protected, and that vital supplies are able to enter Gaza, in line with international law.

“We must not allow these tragic events to divide our communities here in South Gloucestershire.

“We are deeply saddened to see the increase in antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents in this country following this awful violence. While we are pleased that there have not been any reported incidents of this nature in South Gloucestershire, we must of course remain vigilant. Lasting peace can only be achieved by bringing people together and rejecting division.

“We call on the UK government to do all that it can to support our citizens who are affected by this violence and to help bring about peace in the region.”

Situations Vacant

From left, Conservative group leader Sam Bromiley, Lib Dem leader Cllr Claire Young & Labour leader Cllr Ian Boulton

12

The Week in • Wednesday 25th October 2023

The Community Page

Keynsham Town Council Festive fun for little ones After the success of last year’s Christmas tree trail, Keynsham Town Council will once again be bringing a festive trail to High Street, Temple Street and Market Walk. To coincide with the Winter Festival theme of ‘Let it Snow’ the trail will feature snowman in 12 local shop windows. Many thanks to Keynsham Mencap for decorating the snowmen so beautifully.

Collect all the letters on each of the snowmen and receive a stamp from each business to complete your trail. Bring the trail passports to our offices. The trail opens on Friday 17th November with final trails accepted on Friday 8th December at 5pm. Don’t forget to tag us in on our Instagram account @keynsham_town_council searching for the snowman.

Christmas jumper swap Keynsham Town Council is encouraging people to

“We thought the Christmas Jumper Swap might be

swap their pre-loved Christmas jumper. Simply

especially good for parents of young children who

bring in your pre-loved jumper to our offices (15-

grow out of their clothes so quickly,” said Katherine

17 Temple Street), or the drop-off point at

Sears, Deputy Town Clerk. “Instead of buying a

Keynsham Leisure Centre, or directly to one of our

brand new Christmas jumper each year, they can

upcoming Swap Days.

simply swap over for a bigger size.”

Kicking off the festive season Keynsham Town Council is excited to share

brand new location on Temple Street and for

details of the Winter Festival on Friday 24th

anyone looking to have photos printed on the

November. Keep an eye on our Facebook and

night Keynsham Photo Centre is open late for all

Instagram pages as well as in the free official

those who want to print out their festive

programme which will be in High Street shops

memories. Frozen Princess look-a-likes Elsa and

from early November.

Anna will be outside St John’s Church on the

Katherine Sears, Deputy Town Clerk and lead

night for photo opportunities.

festival organiser, says: “We know people want

A reminder that there will be street closures on

to revisit old favourites, but each year we also like

the afternoon and evening. From 3.30pm to

to add a little new Christmas magic into the

10pm, the road closure includes part of Charlton

festival.”

Road from the Tesco mini roundabout to the High

Celebrations officially start with a procession

Street, the whole of High Street and part of

leaving from Memorial Park gates at 6.15pm and

Temple Street from Iceland to Carpenters Lane.

heading along High Street to the Main Stage

Exit from the Tesco car park on to Charlton Road

opposite St John’s Church. People can enjoy late-

will be right-hand turn only during the road

night Christmas shopping with local businesses

closure. There will be a short closure of Bath

as well as a variety of market stalls along High

Hill/Temple Street to allow the procession from

Street, Temple Street, Market Walk, Keynsham

Keynsham Memorial Park gates up to the

Leisure Centre and in Fear Hall.

junction with High Street. Traffic will be

There will be street entertainers along the High

controlled by stop/go board operators between

Street and a pop-up performance space outside

Bath Hill Roundabout and the lights at the

the library for community groups and local

pedestrian crossing on Rock Road. If passing

choirs. The Space above the library will feature

through the town, please use the diversion routes

local schools and performers singing and dancing

that will be in operation. As part of the road

whilst downstairs there will be a Punch & Judy

closures, parking suspensions are also in effect in

puppet show. The fun fair will also returns to

these areas so cars must be removed by 3.30pm

Temple Street with a Ferris wheel, helter-skelter,

on 24th November.

thrill ride and other amusements.

Parking suspensions will also be in place from the

New for 2023. Keynsham Leisure Centre is going

day before in front of Southside Block, Temple

to host market stalls, a toy tombola and our free

Street, the side loading bay between the library

face painters. The soft play area will be open until

and the old fire station and the loading bay in

8pm. There will be an official Santa’s Grotto in a

front of Sainsbury’s.

Celebrating sustainable living The free Keynsham Re-loved community event took place last Sunday.

Brought together through a partnership between Keynsham Eco Festival Keynsham Town Council and Keynsham Cultural Programme, we hope it demonstrates the value in looking at fashion, homeware and lifestyle items in a different and more sustainable way.

“Sustainable fashion doesn’t have to be boring,” said Cllr Caitlin Brennan of Keynsham Town Council. “Sustainable living is about thinking in a creative way to take an item – clothing or furniture – and make it unique and totally suited to your own needs.”

Working with local charity shops, Keynsham Re-loved’s main event at the Fear Hall was a high street fashion show featuring runway themes including Winter Wear, Winter Warmers, Green and Party Wear. Bristol-based sustainable stylist extraordinaire Becky Barnes compèred the event and aimed to shed some light on how we can shop well whilst still considering the environmental impact of our fashion choices. There was also a market of local retailers focused on sustainable products and practices.

Thank you to all the models who volunteered their time, energy and enthusiasm.

The Week in • Wednesday 25th October 2023

13

Crossword Solution

Sudoku Solutions 1-Easy

2-Hard

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Electrical

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16

The Week in • Wednesday 25th October 2023