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March, 2022 Issue 83

SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

New Council budget to support the next generation and improve communities SOUTH Gloucestershire Council looks to support the most vulnerable whilst continuing to successfully balance the books, with its recently agreed 2022 -2023 budget. At a time of rising living costs, the council is supporting residents by tackling inequality and giving children the best start in life. It is also investing more in improving the district’s much-loved communities including major enhancements to the road network. This will be delivered through a balanced budget for the next four years and with a lower council tax rise for the coming year - 2.99 per cent – which is less than inflation and well below previous increases.

Best start in life The top priority for the council is giving children and young people the best start in life. The budget plans include: • Continuing record investment in new schools and school maintenance • Increasing funding for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities by £5million • A new initiative to help improve children’s literacy and access to libraries, with a library card for every school age child and a programme of free activities to encourage families to connect with their local library • Investing a further £300,000 on the successful Youth Employment Hub, allowing it to continue over the coming year– the hub has helped the district’s young people into work over the past year • Extending support for a further three years for the Holiday Activity and Food Fund that provides free activities and meals for eligible children during Christmas, Easter, and summer holidays - a

lifeline for some families • Extra £15million investment in children’s social care to protect the most vulnerable by improving the way it works and recruiting additional qualified staff.

Continued support for those impacted by Covid-19 The council is also extending its Community Resilience Fund which provides support to those who continue to be impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, including people not eligible for previous Government support (for details of how to apply see page 2). In addition, there is investment in improving wellbeing with a £1million Prevention Fund to support residents’ mental and physical health.

Improving roads and streets More than £12million will be spent on maintenance and improvements to roads, including funding to tackle potholes which will benefit drivers and cyclists alike. The council is also investing an additional £639,000 in street cleaning to expand the successful team, ensuring our communities are clean and attractive places in which to live and work.

Tackling the climate emergency There is additional funding to expand the council’s work in this critical area by continuing to lead on the local response to the climate emergency and become carbon neutral by 2030. The council will progress initiatives

View from the Leader of the Council, Cllr Toby Savage

Cllr Toby Savage next to solar panels in Yate WELCOME - We’re very pleased to partner again with The Voice, a great local business, for this special edition focusing on our new budget for 2022 to 2023. This budget has supporting the most vulnerable at its core, while improving our communities for everyone. We are supporting those who feel the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, through our Community Resilience Fund. We are helping people to live healthier lives through our £1million Prevention Fund. We’re investing in the future too - spending on roads, infrastructure and schools, and taking direct action to respond to the climate and nature emergencies. I’m proud to say that we have achieved all of this while limiting the annual council tax rise to well below inflation through prudent financial management.

such as delivering low carbon schools, continuing to convert its fleet to electric powered vehicles and installing new electric vehicle charging points across the district. In addition, there are plans to improve biodiversity and better connect important habitats for

nature and plant over 6,000 new trees. This will include 67 green spaces across the district and the project also seeks to raise awareness and encourage use by residents to bring health and wellbeing benefits. Continued on next page

4 SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

Town and parish council proposals update Charlton Hayes, Kingswood, Staple Hill & Mangotsfield, and Stoke Park & Cheswick have taken a further step towards getting their own new parish and town councils, following responses from the public and approval from the council’s regulatory committee. The council will consult with people again on further details in the coming months. The new parishes will give the areas more of a voice and provide a structure for taking action on local needs.

Digital Champions here to help get online The council’s digital champions can help if you, or someone you know, needs help to get online or would like to learn more. The digital champions run free one-to-one support sessions to help you feel more confident using the internet and online services. Based in seven South Gloucestershire libraries Downend, Emersons Green, Hanham, Staple Hill, Thornbury, Winterbourne and Yate - digital champions can help you complete specific tasks such as applying for a blue badge, setting up an email account or learning how to make video calls. You can book a session and bring your own device along (such as a laptop, tablet or smartphone), or use one of the library computers on the day. To book your session, visit the library during staffed hours and speak to library staff or phone 01454 865022 (lines open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm and Saturday 9.30am to 12pm). With 12 libraries, a mobile library and many community libraries open throughout the week, the council is here to help. Find your nearest library at www.southglos.gov.uk/libraries

Once the town and parish councils are set up, the Special Expenses will be reviewed and reduced if the new parish councils take over the running of services. To receive the latest news from South Gloucestershire Council direct to your inbox, including when the town and parish council consultations start, sign up at www.southglos.gov.uk/newsletter

Keep in touch Sign up for our weekly enewsletter at  www.southglos.gov.uk/newsletter If you are not online and would like a printed copy, please call us on  01454 868009 Follow our social media channels at  southglos.gov.uk/twitter  southglos.gov.uk/facebook To find details of how to contact us visit  southglos.gov.uk/contactus or call  01454 868009 www.southglos.gov.uk

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yate&sodburyvoice www.yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

March, 2022 Issue 83

FREE EVERY MONTH IN YATE, CHIPPING SODBURY & SURROUNDING VILLAGES Convoy tribute to trucker Andy

THE partner of a lorry driver from Yate who died in an accident says she still cannot believe he won't walk through the door again. PAGE 5

Max signs for Man City

Cycle lanes to stay CYCLE lanes on Station Road in Yate will be kept permanently, South Gloucestershire Council has announced. PAGE 17

A TEENAGE footballer who grew up in Coalpit Heath and played for the village's Under-8 side has signed for the Premier League champions in a £1.5 million deal.

Nursery turnaround

Full story: Page 8

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THE owner of a children's day nursery in Yate has thanked her staff for their "tireless efforts" and parents for their trust after Ofsted praised it just months after declaring it was failing. PAGE 13

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n NEWS

Police want sports car driver who 'spooked' horse POLICE want to trace the driver of a sports car after a road rage incident in which a horse was 'spooked' and its rider verbally abused. Officers say they have received a complaint that the driver of an Audi TT car reversed out of a parking bay in Chipping Sodbury High Street, "apparently unaware" of two horses being ridden past. A police spokesperson said: "The woman driving the silver Audi TT reportedly verbally abused the riders and drove on close to the horses, causing one to spook." Spooking is when a horse panics as as result of being frightened. The Avon and Somerset force is calling on anyone who was in the High Street and saw the incident, which happened near the Spar shop at about 9.30am on Sunday January 23, to contact them. They are appealing for CCTV or dashcam video footage taken around the time of the incident and have also called on the driver of the Audi car to contact them. Anyone with information should call 101 and give the collision reference number 2022/381.

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Letters for publication can be sent to us via email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk We reserve the right to edit your letter.

Local information South Gloucestershire Council www.southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Anti social behaviour team asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582 Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc streetcare@southglos.gov.uk Environment/trading standards 01454 868001

March, 2022

Police

www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 NHS Health Call 111 Well Aware health & social care information www.wellaware.org.uk Tel: (freephone) 0808 808 5252

COMPLAINTS Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in Yate & Sodbury Voice, contact the publisher using the details below. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour. Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Voice website here, or can be obtained by contacting the Publisher.

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Yate & Sodbury Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Yate & Sodbury Voice is distributed each month to local residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please get in touch or collect one from local pick-up points. Feedback is welcomed, contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

A member of the

Van driver threatened A DRIVER was threatened and his van damaged by another man in a car park at Yate Shopping Centre. Police are trying to trace witnesses to the incident, which happened on January 6 at around 3.45pm. A spokesperson said: "A man was threatened by another man, before the wing mirror of his vehicle – a VW caddy van – was damaged. "We’d like to speak to anyone who saw any part of this incident. "A 29-year-old man has been voluntarily interviewed about these offences and enquiries are ongoing." Anyone with information about the incident should call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5222 004 308.

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Arson attack on car A FIRE which wrecked one car and damaged another was started deliberately. Firefighters from Yate and Kingswood were called to Mead Road in Chipping Sodbury at about 8.30pm on February 11 and found one vehicle ablaze and another affected by the spreading flames. Firefighters had to force open the boots of the cars to fight the flames and also needed breathing apparatus. Conveniently situated within Yate Leisure Centre, all Therapists are fully qualified and experienced. We offer a wide range of Treatments in a professional, relaxing environment.

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March, 2022

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n NEWS

Lorry convoy tribute to much-loved trucker Andy THE partner of a lorry driver from Yate who died in an accident says she still cannot believe he won't walk through the door again. A huge convoy of lorries drove from Yate to Westerleigh Crematorium in February to honour Andy Palmer. On December 20 Andy, an experienced 38-year-old driver, died in Holland on his way home to spend Christmas with friends and family. Partner Louise Wherlock said: "We were childhood sweethearts and he's always been in my life.

"It is just awful. I never expected him not to be here." In an emotional display of support, dozens of lorries from Andy's company, Opex Logistics, and other hauliers for whom he had worked over 15 years as a trucker, took part in the funeral convoy, escorting his coffin on the day of his funeral on February 5. Louise, who lives in Hanham, said: "First it was going to be seven lorries, then it was almost 50. "The funeral at Westerleigh was held on a Saturday so the Opex guys could be there, then

Andy with his partner Louise Wherlock.

other companies said they wanted to take part too. "I was in the lorry carrying Andy's coffin, along with Steve Dill, his best friend. "When we turned into Armstrong Way, Yate, and saw all the lorries lined up, we were in tears." She praised the staff at Co-op Funeral Services who had organised the funeral and has started a fundraiser for Globetruckers UK, a charity which supports truckers and their families. In a statement after the funeral, Andy's family said: "We are incredibly grateful and completely overwhelmed. "Every single person made it such a special day and the best send off for our beautiful Andy. "The convoy was such a perfect tribute. The crematorium was packed to the rafters. We were really touched that people came in their hundreds. "Andy was a larger-than-life character and very passionate about everything he tried to do in life. "He was a huge family man and all he ever wanted to do was drive trucks and work on cars." Peter Scrivin, owner of Hambrook-based of Opex, said: "Andy spent over ten years with OPEX and always gave

Andy Palmer

Lorries line up in Yate everything to ensure he achieved a successful end result – that was the mark of the man. "Andy will be sadly missed at Opex – but his presence and contribution will always be felt." The fund set up in Andy's memory has already raised £1,500. Anyone who wants to make a donation can do so online at gofundme.com/f/andy-palmer.

Why did no ambulance come for Michael? From page 3 Mr Hewer, a retired builder, said he thought his son might still be alive if an ambulance had been dispatched to their home on September 29 last year, when Michael collapsed on the bathroom floor at around 3am, complaining of severe back pain. Unable to get him up, his mother rang 999, to be told that an ambulance would not be dispatched. Instead, said Mr Hewer, the couple were advised either to take Michael to A&E themselves, call NHS 111 or help him to bed and see how he was in the morning. Mr Hewer said: "We couldn’t

take him to A&E as we weren't able to get him up. However, by the time we got off the phone to the emergency services, he had managed to drag himself to bed, so we left him there." Michael's father got up again at 5.30am to take his dog for a walk and saw his son's light was on, which he says "wasn't unusual". His wife then went into her son's bedroom at 8am to find him "stone dead." This time, Mr Hewer said that after the couple called 999, "he house was packed with police and there were ambulances everywhere".

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He added: "There must have been eight or nine ambulance people at the house, even a fire engine. "I'm not happy at all. I think my son could still be alive if just half those people had come when we called earlier." Avon Coroner's office said an inquest could not take place yet because officers were still waiting for evidence, and until that had been reviewed by the coroner they were not in a position to list the case for a hearing. Mr and Mrs Hewer do not know what evidence remains outstanding, although they believe it could be from South

Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. A spokesperson for the trust said: "It is for Michael Hewer the Coroner’s Office to decide on scheduling matters, and we are complying with the request." She said she could not discuss the Hewers' complaint about the service's actions on the night Michael died, as the matter was "sub judice" and for the inquest to consider.

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n NEWS COUNCIL tax bills across the Yate and Sodbury area will rise by around 3% from April. The total amount paid by each taxpayer varies by the tax band their home is in and the parish they live in. For an average Band D tax payer the total bill, including charges for police, fire and other services, will vary from £1,985.93 for people living in Little Sodbury to £2,195.54 for people living in the parish of Yate. But householders in council tax bands A-D – around 80% of taxpayers, will receive a one-off £150 rebate from the government this year as part of a package to mitigate the cost of living crisis. South Gloucestershire Council has raised its share of the bill by 2.99%, one per cent of which is reserved to pay for adult social care. The local authority’s element of the bill to a Band D property will be £1,668.64, up by £48.45 on the current year, or 93p extra a week. Added to all bills are charges for policing and fire services,

March, 2022

Council tax on the rise – but rebate will soften the blow which are set independently by the region's police and crime panel and fire authority respectively. This year the policing bill for a Band D taxpayer will rise by £10 – 4.1% per cent – to a total of £251.20. It is the maximum increase the government told police and crime commissioners they could ask for. The fire authority's charge of £77.95 is £1.52 more than last year, an increase of 1.99 per cent. In Yate the cheapest bill is £1,463.69 in Band A, rising to £4,391.08 for the most expensive Band H homes. The total Band D charge of £2,195.54 – up £67.20 or 3.16% on last year – includes a £191.28 charge for services provided by Yate Town Council and £27.45 to cover 'special expenses' for local services provided by South Gloucestershire rather than

£150 rebate is a one-off HOUSEHOLDERS whose homes are in council tax bands A to D will receive a one-off £150 rebate in April. The move was announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak at the same time as a £200 energy bill "upfront discount" aimed to cushion the expected £700 rise in the cost of average gas and electricity bills this year. But while the £200 energy bill 'discount' will have to be paid back, at a rate of £40 a year over five years from 2023, the council tax rebate will not. The Treasury said: "This one-off payment will benefit around 80 per cent of all homes in England and is £1 billion more generous and more targeted towards lower-income families than a VAT cut on energy bills."

Band D council tax bills 2022/23 Parish area Cromhall: Dodington: Frampton Cotterell: Iron Acton: Little Sodbury: Rangeworthy: Sodbury: Westerleigh Wickwar: Yate:

Parish budget £22,330 £299,245 £354,700 £57,758 £520 £13,000 £282,414 £92,438 £54,960 £1,539,994

Parish special precept expenses £69.56 £1.04 £126.05 £50.64 £135.80 £12.26 £94.22 £1.38 £9.12 n/a £40.50 £4.11 £132.53 £21.39 £58.47 £4.45 £59.48 £13.50 £191.28 £27.45

*total council tax £2,047.41 £2,153.50 £2,124.87 £2,072.41 £1,985.93 £2,021.42 £2,130.73 £2,039.73 £2,049.79 £2,195.54

*Total bill is parish and special expenses charge, plus South Gloucestershire, police and fire charges. Figures from South Gloucestershire Council the town council, which can range from open spaces and community halls to cemeteries. The town council's charge has risen by £8.91 per Band D household on last year, a 4.9% increase. Special expenses have fallen by £1.38, to £27.45. Some parts of Yate are covered by Dodington Parish Council, whose Band D charge of £126.05 is up by £7.96 on last year - a rise of 6.7%. Special expenses charges rise by £1.45 to £50.64. Sodbury Town Council's Band D charge is rising by £4.31 from £128.22 to £132.53, around 3.4%. Special expenses are up by 82p to £21.39. The Band D precept for Westerleigh Parish Council,

which includes Coalpit Heath, has risen by just 1p to £58.47, while special expenses are down by 2p to £4.45. The parish council's precept budget has increased by 5.9%, from £87,296 to £92,438, but the building of new homes in the area has increased the number of households sharing the tax burden, bringing the individual charge per household down. In Iron Acton, the parish council's Band D charge is down by 20p per year despite a 2.6% budget increase, while in Rangeworthy it is up by 60p after a 4% budget rise. Figures from South Gloucestershire Council

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March, 2022

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n NEWS

Budget 'will protect frontline services'

Toby Savage, Pat Rooney and Claire Young at the budget meeting SOUTH Gloucestershire Council's budget was approved unanimously at a tax-setting meeting. The budget includes more money for street cleaning, school buildings, roads and potholes, and children’s services. Opposition groups secured extra funding to help retrofit homes and reduce waiting times for therapy for sex attack victims from up to 42 months down to three. The Conservative administration’s budget keeps parking free at council-run car parks in the district. But while frontline services are protected, the budget also includes £9.5 million of cutbacks in 2022/23 and £23.6m over the next four years, including staff redundancies, higher pest control fees and the end of subsidies for the HandyVan repairs service for older and disabled residents. Almost £260m will be spent on South Gloucestershire Council day-to-day services, plus £140.5m on capital projects, over the next 12 months. Street cleaning teams will receive an additional £639,000, more than £12m will go on road repairs, and there will be £15.3m extra for children’s services amid ongoing criticism from Ofsted that vulnerable youngsters are at risk. Schools will share an additional £7.3million from increased government funding, up by 6.6 per cent from 2021/22 to £191m for the coming year, with spending on pupils with special educational needs and disabilities rising by £5m. Another £21m was approved towards major transport projects over the next three years, including a park and ride for the

M32 – although a location has still not been determined – and improvements on the A432 Badminton Road, which links Yate to the Avon Ring Road via Coalpit Heath. Council leader Toby Savage said: "This balanced four-year budget is one for everyone in South Gloucestershire. "We are protecting the vital frontline services that so many people rely on and we are investing to create an even cleaner and greener South Gloucestershire." The 2.99% rise is the maximum permitted by the government this year without the need for a local referendum. Both opposition groups tabled budget amendments which were approved unanimously following negotiations, and some changes, before a meeting at Kingswood civic centre on February 16. Labour secured £7,300 from reserves for 10 more climate change workshops in schools and £75,000 from the newly created £1m prevention fund to ensure 50 victims of rape and sexual assault will receive therapy within three months rather than up to three-and-a-half years. Group leader Pat Rooney said the money "will have an immediate impact for some of our most vulnerable victims of sexual assault and rape". The Liberal Democrats secured an extra £110,000 to help residents reduce their carbon footprints and energy bills. Group leader Claire Young told the meeting: “It appears that our repeated calls for more funding for climate action are finally hitting home." By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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n NEWS

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March, 2022

Teen footballer Max signs for Manchester City IT'S a long way from the ranks of Coalpit Heath juniors to the Etihad stadium but teenage footballer Max Alleyne has made the journey after signing for Premier League champions Manchester City. Max, 16, whose parents still live in the village, said it was a "proud moment" when he transferred from Southampton for a fee of £1.5 million. "I’ll work as hard as I possibly can and I feel that City is the perfect place for me to continue my development and progress as a player," said the central defender. "I can't wait to get started." Max, who made his under18s debut for Saints last season, was offered a scholarship deal at St Mary's but turned it down as several clubs near the top of the table showed an interest. His dad Mark is well-known to Gloucestershire County Cricket Club fans as a former cup-winning captain. Mark said: "Max is now

fully-based at the Etihad, which was one of the main reasons for choosing City. "They are the only club that can host sports scholars on-site. It's a hothouse where they have full-time house parents looking after them and there's football on tap, as well as the academic stuff. "He's a bright boy and is doing a scholarship, with a commitment to becoming a pro at the end." Mark expects Max to be in Manchester for the next four to five years at least, as he pursues the golden chance to play his way into one of world football's most talented squads. Aside from being a proud dad, Mark coaches cricket scholars at Marlborough College, in Wiltshire. He also recently toured the West Indies with England's Twenty20 cricket squad. Mark praised Southampton for having guided Max's football development since he was plucked from Coalpit

Heath's Under-8s to join the Premier League club's youth development centre in Keynsham. "Southampton are a really good club and gave Max a great grounding in football," said Mark. He said it had been "important to get the balance right" between football, education and being a child. Mark said: "You can't throw everything into sport and forget everything else. I was able to encourage him, along with my wife, to keep it sensible and enjoy the Max Alleyne in his early days at sport for what it is. Southampton's academy. "He travels well – and there's a lot of travel young age when he was playing involved – he's easy to get with Coalpit Heath." on with and makes new friends Mr Aris, whose own son easily. And he respects the game played alongside Max at Coalpit for what it is." Heath, said: "It acts as a great Coalpit Heath FC chair inspiration to current players Stuart Aris said: "The club has and the coaches to know that watched Max’s progress and there might be another ‘Max’ are so pleased he’s fulfilling the amongst the club." potential he showed at such a

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March, 2022

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n NEWS

Park and ride makes 'modest' start YATE'S new £4.5 million park and ride is now open for business – but its operators face a wait to see if it will take off with travellers. The "transport hub" off Badminton Road, opposite South Gloucestershire Council's offices, opened on February 7 after almost a year of building work and many more years of planning. South Gloucestershire Council will be monitoring the site over the next year to see how much it is used. When the Voice visited to take pictures – on a weekday afternoon at 4pm, the week after the park and ride opened – there were just 11 cars on the site, including a learner driver practising parking. One car was using the new electric charging stations installed on the site. Bus company First, which has rerouted its Y1, Y2, Y4 and Y6 services to serve the new stops, described use in the first two weeks as "modest" but said it

expected more people to use it as spring arrived. The car park has been built using funding from the West of England Combined Authority, which along with the council is trying to get more people out of cars and onto public transport. It includes 198 car parking spaces and cycle parking for 46 bikes. A spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council said: "We will be monitoring the site over the next 12 months as it becomes fully operational with people settling into new travel habits, and we continue to recover from the pandemic. "We are providing people with credible travel options that will enable them to make the shift out of a car onto public transport, or to more sustainable travel options. "The Park and Ride is part of a package of measures we are delivering to improve sustainable transport in and around Yate, including the new cycle lanes along Station Road and Badminton Road, plans to link Yate to the Bristol Bath Railway Path via Westerleigh, and improvements along the A432." The spokesperson said that, while buses were already providing services every 30 minutes from the park and ride into both Yate and Bristol, "we will Facilities include double-decker bike racks

The Yate Park and Ride be continuing discussions with service providers to ensure more buses will be making use of this facility". First West of England operations director Chris Hanson said: "Numbers to date are modest, which is to be expected at the early stages of a new

facility such as this. "We are planning some more marketing activities at Easter, when we traditionally see an uplift in people using the bus to get out during the school holidays but want to avoid the hassle and cost of parking if they go into the city."

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n NEWS THREE storms in the space of the week caused widespread damage to trees, buildings and power lines in South Gloucestershire. Storm Eunice, which hit the UK on February 18, is believed to have been one of the most damaging storms to hit the UK in decades – and was sandwiched between two other named storms, Dudley and Franklin. South Gloucestershire Council's StreetCare department had 12 tree teams with chainsaws out dealing with 46 trees that had fallen or lost branches on February 18. Among the areas where trees were blown down were Bennett's Court in Yate and Wickwar. The council and police were also alerted after what was described as a "large shed" ended up being blown into the B4058 Yate Road in Iron Acton that morning. Responding to a post reporting the incident, a resident said it was actually part of a stable block belonging to them and had eventually been cleared from the road by a tractor driven

Storms tear through South Gloucestershire Council chainsaw teams clear fallen trees in Bennett's Court, Yate. Picture: Rich McD Photography by a local farmer, guided by a team of neighbours, friends and family. Storm Eunice also ripped off roof tiles on several buildings in Thornbury, while the Environment Agency said it took early action to protect thousands of homes and businesses along the Severn Estuary from

flooding. Many schools switched to remote learning or simply closed after the council issued safety advice about the storm the night before it hit. Bin and recycling collections were cancelled, and the council extended Sort It centre opening hours in the week following the

storm, to allow residents whose collections had been missed to dispose of extra waste and recycling, as well as stormdamaged items like fence panels. The Met Office issued a rare red warning of "danger to life" for the region and, while no deaths were reported in the West, four people were killed elsewhere in the UK. Electricity provider Western Power Distribution (WPD) said the day the storm hit saw the most power cuts the South West had ever experienced, with 28,000 homes in South West England without power. Two days later, Thornbury Leisure Centre was left without power when wind brought down a tree, breaking a high-voltage electricity cable, during Storm Franklin.

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March, 2022

yate&sodburyvoice

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

BTEA joins the Olympus Academy Trust BRISTOL Technology and Engineering Academy (BTEA) joined the Olympus Academy Trust in September 2021. We plan to merge BTEA with Abbeywood Community School and retain the specialist Engineering/STEM curriculum pathway for Years 10-13. Our purpose is to develop young people with the skills, qualities and qualifications necessary to progress successfully within the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths field in the local, regional and national employment market. Our Key stage 4 and Post 16 curriculum enables students to study specialist Engineering courses alongside GCSEs and A-levels. BTEA works closely with a range of local employers to develop Employer-Led Projects (ELPs) that enable our students to work alongside industry professionals and develop soughtafter employability skills and sector-specific work experience.

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n NEWS

Yate nursery wins new rating after reinspection THE owner of a children's day nursery in Yate has thanked her staff for their "tireless efforts" and parents for "entrusting their children to our care" after Ofsted praised it - just months after declaring it was failing. Last summer the Moringa day nursery was rated "inadequate" by the education watchdog after a child escaped through a gap in the fence. In a new report, published last month, Ofsted confirmed the nursery in Stanshawes Court Drive, beside Kingsgate Park, was "good" in all aspects. Inspector Anita McKelvey said: "Children come into the nursery eager to see their friends and the staff." The report continued: "Staff warmly welcome parents and children. Even those children who are new to the nursery quickly settle in and start exploring the toys and resources." The inspector said staff provided "stimulating and engaging learning environments" for the children aged from one to four on the nursery's roll. On the issue of safeguarding, which prompted the nursery's previous "inadequate" rating, the report said: "Since the last inspection, the manager and owner have made changes to the play spaces outdoors to ensure they are secure and safe." The inspector added: "Staff carry out thorough checks before children use the different play spaces. They make sure that they remove any hazards." The report continued: "Staff build strong relationships with other professionals, parents and children. When children first start, staff talk with parents to find out what children already know and can do. They use this information to help them plan for what children need to learn next." Owner Cindy-Leigh Fassler, who established Moringa in 2019, said: "We are really thrilled that we have received a 'good' rating. "I want publicly to thank our 13 staff, who worked tirelessly to get us to this situation, and our parents, for their support." She said no parents had withdrawn any of the 67 children following the previous inspection. "Our parents have been really supportive," said Ms Fassler. "It was a huge relief to hear them say they thought we didn't really deserve the 'inadequate' ruling in the first place. "The provision of learning here has always been good and we worked very closely with South Gloucestershire Council between the inspections. "We re-opened on January 4 and the inspectors arrived on the 5th. They were due here in December but covid restrictions prevented them." The inspection report concluded that there were two areas where the nursery could still improve. These were first, improving ways in which staff adapt activities to help children maintain their attention and, second, building on children's understanding of how to keep themselves safe. Ms Fassler said: "We are always adapting activities for the children - it means changing activities to meet all their needs as well as keeping them safe - all of which is our top priority."

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

n NEWS WORK to build a new £3 million community centre for Yate's Ladden Garden Village estate is set to start next year. The new centre will serve the residents of the North Yate estate, providing somewhere to bring the new community together, with facilities including a community hall, activity rooms and a café. Proposals to allocate funding were approved by South Gloucestershire Council's cabinet in early February. The total cost of £2.93m comes mainly from the developers who have been building the estate, which is expected to consist of up to 2,450 homes when it is finished and include two primary schools, a nursery, a shop, new play areas and sports pitches. A further £140,000 is being invested by the council to "enhance the environmental credentials of the centre" to ensure it is a low-carbon, energy efficient building. Council leader Toby Savage said: "I am keen to see this

yate&sodburyvoice

March, 2022

Community centre coming for Ladden Garden Village community centre become a cornerstone in the new Ladden Garden Village which will provide a range of services and opportunities for local people and look forward to seeing doors open in the coming years.” Thornbury and Yate MP Luke Hall added: “Families in Ladden Village deserve to have the best facilities on their doorstep, and I am thrilled we are delivering this exciting new community centre. This will be a great addition to the vibrant Ladden Village neighbourhood.” The centre will need planning permission before building work can begin. Hundreds of homes in the development have already been occupied. But the provision of facilities has been controversial, with residents and town councillors complaining that a pub, hotel

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and most of the shops originally planned for the estate's neighbourhood centre had vanished from plans. Barratt Homes’ centre Council leader Toby for the “new Savage and MP Luke neighbourhood” Hall at the Ladden was expected to Gardens estate. include seven shops plus a Concerns were also raised pub and 50-bed budget hotel, about the design of roads in according to a master plan given Ladden Garden Village after outline permission in 2015. a young boy was injured in a But the final version approved collision with a car in June last by South Gloucestershire year. Council's strategic sites planning Councillors were told some committee in 2020 included just roads had "nowhere that splits one shop, 48 flats, parking, a cars from people walking", with green space for residents and a front doors effectively opening paved area with seating and cycle straight onto streets. parking.

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

March, 2022

n NEWS

Children's love of books buys more for their school WHEN a Yate primary school bought some new books, the pupils couldn't get enough of them. So the children at Woodlands Primary School, in Sundridge Park, set about helping to raise money to buy more. The school's reading lead Santa Formoso set up an event in collaboration with book supplier Usborne's rep, Allison Bennet, called Ready, Steady, Read, in which the children were sponsored to read as much as they could during a one-week period. The children raised £1,000 towards the total, and Usborne then donated books worth a further £600. Head teacher Rachel Dean said: "Children at Woodlands Primary love reading and have been developing their knowledge of authors and poets over the past year. "In December each class received a big box of new books, which caused huge excitement. "In fact, children were so enthused they couldn't wait to begin fundraising for even more new books. "The children raised over £1,000 to spend on books and Usborne will be donating an additional £600 worth of books because we raised so much."

Two Key Stage 1 pupils from Woodlands Primary School with some of the new books.

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n NEWS

Station Road cycle lanes are here to stay CYCLE lanes on Station Road in Yate are set to stay permanently. The lanes between the Stover Road junction and the B&Q roundabout were installed in August 2020 by South Gloucestershire Council with the aim of creating "a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists, to encourage active travel and to make it easier for people to maintain social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic". But the lanes were immediately controversial, with residents and traders complaining at the loss of parking spaces caused by their installation. An 18-month Experimental Traffic Order governing the temporary lanes, which included six months of public consultations, has now expired and the council says they will be made permanent. A statement from the council's Director of Environment and Community Services Nigel Riglar confirming the scheme was being made permanent was published in February. The decision notice said: "Whilst it is recognised that the scheme has received objections, thanks to the Active Travel Fund from the Department of Transport, and assistance from the West of England Combined Authority, the Council has been able to improve the cycle provision on Station Road which under normal circumstances would not have been possible. "There is significant benefit for active travel from this

The cycle lanes were brought in as covid distancing restrictions were tried out in 2020. scheme, providing a safer and more attractive environment along Station Road for new and existing cyclists on a main route to and from Yate town centre. "Feedback from the Experimental Traffic Order will be used, alongside the responses to the masterplan and the delivery of the Active Travel scheme, to inform the next stage of community co-design for Station Road to develop specific proposals. "Whilst an extension or further experimental traffic order is not appropriate, any permanent order may be revoked in future if required. It is recommended that the scheme is implemented as advertised." A council spokesperson said: "The Council is committed to tackling Climate Change and this scheme supports the Council’s goals to improve air quality, reduce carbon emissions and provide sustainable travel options as an alternative to using the car. "The Council is committed to continue its work with the community to minimise impact and to this end officers are exploring mitigations to help support the traders and

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community whilst delivering this key sustainable transport route." The council is currently working on cycle lanes along the A432 between Yate and Coalpit Heath and the intention is to eventually provide a cycling corridor from the centre of Yate to the Avon Ring Road. The recently-approved Yate Town Masterplan also included a vision of a fully segregated cycle route between the new Yate Park and Ride, Yate Rail Station and the town centre. Town councillor Chris Willmore broke the news of the

decision via a Facebook post. She told followers: "At this stage they are not promising any changes to ease the problems for residents and traders or improve the safety for cyclists, but have said in their email announcing the decision that they will be 'revisiting the layout of Station Road over the next two year'. "They expressly promise in their email that 'the council is committed to working with the community to get the right mix and design'. "Right back at the start, as local councillors we asked them to do exactly that and work with everyone before they did anything. "Sadly South Glos rushed ahead. We hope that they will now listen to everyone and provide for everyone's needs going forward: residents, traders and those who walk, cycle, drive or travel through by bus. We have to have a future that works for everyone."

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yate&sodburyvoice

n NEWS

March, 2022

New wardens aim to keep streets clean

A NEW team of wardens is helping to keep the streets of South Gloucestershire clean. Two street enforcement officers (SEOs) have been employed by the council as part of a £130,000 pilot scheme to target litterbugs and people who leave their dogs' mess on the pavement, encouraging people to either use bins or take their rubbish home. The SEOs are covering the whole district, and South Gloucestershire Council says it has introduced the role following overwhelming support in a public survey, which found 94 per cent of people backed a "proactive approach" to preventing littering and dog fouling. The pilot scheme was funded from the council’s 2020-21 budget and the authority says it is building on the success of the council’s Envirocrime team, which works to protect the environment by preventing and deterring littering.

The new street enforcement officers on patrol in Yate. The council’s 2022-23 budget includes an extra £639,000 in the street cleaning teams who work to ensure communities are clean and attractive places to live and work. The SEOs have powers under the Environmental Protection Act to issue warning notices, and fines as a last resort. But a council spokesperson said: "Their emphasis is more on reminding people to be responsible rather than issuing

fines. "They will work closely with local police and council’s Streetcare teams as part of their role, preventing and reporting fly-posting and any abandoned vehicles they see while on patrol." Council cabinet member for communities and local place Rachael Hunt said: “Our Street Enforcement Officers are already out and about in our towns and in rural areas, with patrols

covering parks, open spaces and some residential streets. "Their role is very much about education and encouraging a change into positive habits. "This is already having an impact, with High Street traders telling us town centres are already looking better, with less litter and cigarette ends being dropped. "Some traders have also been putting out bins and taking litter from customers who are now more conscious about littering since the introduction of the Street Enforcement Officers, so we’re already seeing local communities benefiting from their introduction." The SEOs wear black and green uniforms and have badges and cards to identify them – they also wear video cameras like those used by police officers. They first went on patrol in December and the council says it will evaluate their effectiveness over time.

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The Heathers Nursing Home Our aim is to give a high standard of nursing and personal care in a traditional, homely and friendly environment. The Heathers is a home of great character and charm. The interior architecture, with many of its original features, gives a perfect setting for the home comforts we aim to provide. The Heathers Nursing Home is a privately owned, Grade 2 Listed Georgian manor house, situated within walking distance of the town centres of Chipping Sodbury, and Yate.

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yate&sodburyvoice

n NEWS

Joel and Hannah back awareness month THORNBURY charity Brain Tumour Support is calling on people to help provide more professional workers to support patients and families coming to terms with a devastating diagnosis. The charity's Brain Tumour Awareness Month takes place in March, and this year the theme is ‘Sponsor a Support Professional’. The Thornbury-based charity provides specialist, individualised support to patients and families who have been affected by any type of brain tumour. Helping to raise awareness of the campaign are Rockhamptonborn comedian and TV presenter Joel Dommett and his wife, model Hannah Cooper, who are official ambassadors for Brain Tumour Support. Former Castle School pupil Joel and Hannah decided to become ambassadors after Hannah's mum was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2020, and Brain Tumour Support's trained

Joel Dommett and Hannah Cooper are ambassadors for Brain Tumour Support staff helped them through "some very difficult days". Joel and Hannah said: “We want everyone to get behind Brain Tumour Support during Brain Tumour Awareness month and to help raise vital funds through the charity’s ‘Sponsor a Support Professional’ initiative. "The services that charity Brain Tumour Support provides are needed more than ever to help patients and families deal with the complex challenges that

can follow any brain tumour diagnosis. There are over 120 different types of brain tumour, and the more often quoted statistics around high grade tumours clearly show what a devastating diagnosis this is to receive. However, the lower grade tumours, despite often being called 'benign', can also be life-limiting and life-changing." Around 45 people each day will find out they have a brain tumour and Brain

Tumour Support, can provide help at any stage following a diagnosis, to patients as well as families, carers and loved ones dealing day to day with the impact of a brain tumour. They provide one-to-one and group support, as well as online and telephone support and specialist counselling. Charity chief executive Tina Mitchell Skinner, who founded Brain Tumour Support in 2003, said: "This year we want to increase the support we currently provide and grow the number of Support Professionals we have, and to do this we need to raise £20,000 for each additional full time support professional." The charity is encouraging people to hold fundraising 'Cake and a Cuppa' events throughout the month. For more details on Brain Tumour Awareness Month, Sponsor a Support Professional and Cake and a Cuppa events visit braintumoursupport.co.uk/ btam2022 or call 01454 414355.

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yate&sodburyvoice

March, 2022

n NEWS

Brothers jailed for conning the vulnerable TWO brothers have been jailed for conning elderly and vulnerable people out of thousands of pounds through their rogue roofing company. Michael Coffey, aged 29, and his 25-year-old brother Richard, ran MRC Roofing and Building from an address at Northwood Park in Winterbourne. After a series of complaints linking the company to doorstep crime the National Trading Standards South West Regional Investigation Team looked into the business. It found a total of 19 victims from the South West and as far as London lost a total of more than £45,000 to the brothers for shoddy work and overinflated prices. National Trading Standards said between July 2018 and May 2020, the brothers cold-called victims and agreed to work, only to inflate the price once they had started. A spokesperson said: "If challenged, they became threatening and intimidating. "The brothers would typically start a small job and then suggest that other work was required, escalating costs. "On one occasion the brothers quoted £170 to clean the driveway of a man in his 80’s, then £50 to clean the gutters. "On cleaning the gutters, they claimed the roof timbers were rotten and charged a further £7,000 to carry out the repairs." The case was the first in the country by trading standards to involve an extradition. The spokesperson said Michael had left the country

when investigators tried to question him and was eventually traced to Cork prison in his native Ireland, where he was serving time for an unrelated offence. He was extradited to the UK and held on remand in Bristol Prison until he was sentenced. Richard Coffey, Michael Coffey was Richard Coffey was who had remained in jailed for 26 months jailed for 18 months Winterbourne, was interviewed and made no action." comment on the allegations. The national team is hosted At Bristol Crown Court in by Bristol City Council, whose February Michael Coffey was cabinet member of trading sentenced to two years and two standards, Nicola Beech, months in jail, while Richard said: "These offenders do Coffey received an 18-month not recognise local authority sentence after they each boundaries and this case further pleaded guilty to one count of demonstrates the value of Bristol participating in a fraudulent City Council hosting the National roofing and building business. Trading Standards Regional The brothers were also issued Investigation Team. with criminal behaviour orders “This case also demonstrates banning them from obtaining roofing and building work, directly or indirectly, for seven years, and banned from being Only £895 for company directors for seven a fully fitted years. electric door. National Trading Standards director Wendy Martin said: Gotta get a Garolla. "The use of aggressive and deceitful practices to mislead elderly and vulnerable people in their homes will not be tolerated. "This investigation underlines our commitment to take action against fraudulent traders to protect consumers from harm. "I congratulate the National Trading Standards South West Regional Investigation Team for their ongoing work to identify NOW ONLY suspects and bring enforcement

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Some shoddy roofing work carried out by the brothers. the remarkable skill of the team, who not only successfully worked cross-boundary to secure justice for their victims, but also secured the extradition of a defendant to ensure he did not evade prosecution." Anyone who has fallen victim to a similar fraud should report it to the Citizens Advice consumer service helpline on 0808 223 1133.

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n RECIPE OF THE MONTH

yate&sodburyvoice

March, 2022

Ann Murray founded the Cooking4 Cookery School based in Chipping Sodbury. She’s teamed up with Yate & Sodbury Voice to pass on her wealth of experience in the kitchen.

A Platinum Jubilee treat PEOPLE are already beginning to start thinking about what the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations are going to be like. Hopefully it should be a fun weekend, with an extra day off courtesy of Her Majesty. Just in case you are planning a special meal, I’ve got a sparkling

suggestion for a Platinum Dessert, which comes in two parts. This month you get the recipe for brandy snaps, a forgotten favourite of mine. They are light, crisp and utterly delicious as an accompaniment to a creamy, rich pudding. Alternatively, you can serve them with

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coffee, for a taste sensation! It is true you can buy good versions in the shops but to me, nothing says care and thought like a home-made, lacy little biscuit. They are a little bit fiddly, but once you’ve made a couple of batches, you’ll see they are well worth the effort. In the lead up to the Jubilee weekend I’ll be sharing some delectable desserts to go with your brandy snaps, so don’t forget to save this recipe to go with them. Now all we need is the sunshine for a truly happy and glorious time!

Brandy Snaps

Makes 12 Ingredients: Butter – 50g (2oz) Caster sugar- 50g (2oz) Golden syrup- 2 tbsps Self raising flour- 50g (2oz) Ground ginger – ½ tsp, or two pinches of ground star anise spice ½ tsp lemon juice Brandy- 1 tbsp (optional) Can be served with whipped cream or crème fraiche. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F, Gas Mark 4 Here’s what you do: Line 2 large baking trays with nonstick baking parchment. Grease the handles of 4 wooden spoons. Mix the ginger/star anise with the flour. In a small saucepan melt the butter, sugar and golden syrup on a low heat on the hob. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Then sift in the flour and the ginger/star anise. Add the lemon juice and brandy if using. Mix thoroughly. Mould the dough into a ball. Wrap in cling film and chill in the fridge for 20 mins.

Roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment until 1-2mm thick. Using a cutter of 2-3 inches, cut out 4 rounds of the dough and place on a lined baking sheet – 4 inches apart, because they will spread! Bake for 10-15 minutes. When cooked they should be thin and well spread out. They should be golden brown all over and lacy in appearance. Remove the 2 trays from the oven and leave on the parchment for about 4 mins to firm up. Remove from the parchment by sliding a non-stick palate knife under the edge of the snap. If it lifts easily and isn’t floppy then it’s done. If not, leave for a couple of minutes more until done. Turn over each one and carefully roll around the greased handle of the wooden spoon. Leave to harden on a cooling rack before removing the spoons. (Should take about 7-8 mins) Whilst hardening prepare another 2 trays. Repeat until all the mixture has been used. When cold, store in an airtight tin. They will remain crisp for at least a week. Cook’s tips: Only bake a few at a time (6 max) as they will spread out amazingly and you will only be able to do a couple at a time around the handles. If the biscuits become too stiff to handle, pop them back into the oven for a minute to soften again. The cylinders can be filled with a mix of whipped cream and crème fraiche Shards to decorate a prepped dessert can be made from a square of the mix, baked and smashed with a rolling pin.

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

March, 2022

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n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

Cost of living crisis needs urgent action

HE weekly shop, petrol and energy bills are all going through the roof. It’s clear there is a cost of living crisis. It’s affecting everyone and it’s the talk of the town – from a woman I met at a cafe in Kingswood who told me her electric bill had doubled to the terrible stories I heard at a rural foodbank of working families, including an NHS nurse, who can’t afford the basic necessities. April’s rise in national insurance will hit hard. People across the West of England are being bashed by both higher prices and taxes in a way not seen before. Unfortunately that still isn’t the whole story. The cap on energy bills is being raised by almost £700 – a rise of 54%. So the average energy bill will now almost be £2,000 and they are set to rise yet again later in the year too. For many, including the Bristol and Keynsham families I met recently, the grim choice is between heating or eating – with the number

of people in this awful predicament set to rise throughout 2022. So, what is the government’s response to this cost of living crisis? Well, the Chancellor decided to loan billions of pounds to energy companies. His ‘buy now, pay later’ wheeze on energy bills will load up debt for the future, not sort the problem. As Metro Mayor I have levers of power for the long term and have begun a big programme of retrofitting to make homes warmer and bills cheaper through my £50 million green recovery fund. We’ve got so many beautiful Victorian and Georgian houses and cottages but they weren’t built with energy efficiency in mind. I’ve also launched £1m in grants to help local places, like a great (dog friendly) coffee shop Angel my cocker spaniel and I visited in Bath, that are using a West of England Combined Authority grant to go greener and so cut their bills.

Metro Mayor

Dan Norris

writes for the Voice

What is urgently needed now, however, is to get cash to hard-pressed households. Let’s fund that by a one-off tax on oil and gas producer’s booming profits. The government need to face up to some alarming inflation and tax rise truths and provide real solutions to this cost of living crisis; not piling up more things to pay tomorrow for hard working people, families and pensioners.

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March, 2022

n LOCAL MP

Supporting those who have served their country IN January the Government unveiled its new Veterans Strategy, setting how we will support our amazing armed forces men and women, who have given so much to our country. Both at home and overseas, whether in supporting our world-leading vaccine rollout, or showing the amazing courage and dedication in bringing British people home from Afghanistan, we owe them enormously. They are some of our nation’s true heroes. Whilst many former Armed Forces personnel are able to transition back into civilian life, in too many cases this isn’t always easy. So, we have a duty to do even more to support

those who veterans who need it most. The Government has announced a £70 million action plan to help former armed services personnel to apply their military skills to public service roles, and to provide mental health support to those in need. A “step into health” scheme has been introduced, which will see work done to encourage veterans to apply for healthcare roles across the Home Office, the Department for Work and Pensions and NHS England. We will also see the Great Place to Work for Veterans scheme put into force, which will guarantee that any veteran applying to any Civil Service

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

role will be guaranteed an interview. As we know, for so many people, getting into work is the best way of finding a place in society. However, for many veterans it is not that easy. Returning to civilian life presents its own challenges for people suffering with fragile mental health, and it is right that the Government does more. The Veterans Strategy will see NHS England bring three separate mental health services together within the ‘Op Courage’ mental health service for veterans, which was launched by NHS England last year. This will be vital in helping those in need to support to access it.

Luke Hall MP writes for Yate & Sodbury Voice

The UK Armed Forces' men and women who bravely serve our country are amongst the best and most courageous anywhere in the world. It is only right that we return that commitment, by making Britain the greatest place in the world to be a veteran.

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

March, 2022

n NEWS A NEW chief fire officer for Avon Fire & Rescue Service has been appointed. The service's current assistant chief fire officer, Simon Shilton, has been appointed by Avon Fire Authority to take over the top job from Mick Crennell, who will retire at the end of March. Simon's nomination was approved unanimously by the authority on February 11 and he said it was "truly an honour" to take charge. He said: "Having spent most of my career with Avon Fire & Rescue Service, I’m looking forward to all that the role has in store. "I will of course be building on the outstanding contribution made by Mick and personally, and on behalf of the service, I wish him all the very best on his next adventure. "I am committed to working hard to ensure the highest levels of safety for all who live and work in our communities and, working side-by-side with our dedicated and hard-working staff, we will continue to make our communities safer and make

yate&sodburyvoice

New brigade chief takes over

Simon Shilton is set to become the new chief fire officer for Avon Fire & Rescue Service our service stronger." Having been part of the fire and rescue service for 28 years, Simon has been a station manager, incident command trainer and training manager. He spent the first 15 years of his career at Avon Fire & Rescue Service as an operational firefighter at Avonmouth, Bath, Temple and Southmead fire stations, before moving to

n PHARMACY NEWS

Is the COVID-19 jab safe for children? CHILDREN have lost learning, endured lockdown and isolation at home during the pandemic. While few children and young people develop severe illnesses after a COVID-19 infection, the adverse educational impacts of school closures or days off school have been noted, with a particularly disproportionate effect on students from more deprived areas. For some international trips, evidence of COVID-19 vaccination is now required. The UK Independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has confirmed COVID-19 vaccination is safe and very effective for children, and continues to be closely monitored. Vaccination can protect children in at-risk groups and also help stop the spread of COVID-19 to other people, including vulnerable and frail adults. You cannot catch COVID-19 from the vaccine. It does not change or alter any genetic material. After the vaccination, if your child has allergies, they will be observed for 15 minutes. Research has found it is rare to have a serious allergic reaction – if it does happen, it usually happens within minutes. Like all medicines, the COVID-19 vaccines can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them. Most are mild, such as a sore arm, tiredness, aches or flu-like symptoms including shivering. Children should rest, and you can give them paracetamol to help make them feel better. There have been extremely rare reports of inflammation of the heart (myocarditis) after COVID-19 vaccination. Most people who had this recovered following rest and simple treatments. If your child has chest pain, shortness of breath, a fast-beating, fluttering or pounding heart within a few days of being vaccinated, go to A&E or call 999. Walk-in first doses and second doses, if it has been 12 weeks since the first, are now available for children. You can also book and get more information by calling 0117 932 2293 or using the national online booking system.

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West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service in 2008 and rising to the rank of area commander. He rejoined the Avon service in 2017 as assistant chief fire officer for service delivery support. Avon Fire Authority chair Brenda Massey said: “On behalf of the fire authority, we are delighted to unanimously approve Simon’s appointment as the new chief fire officer for Avon

Fire & Rescue Service. “The process for appointing the service’s next chief fire officer was incredibly rigorous, and both candidates involved in the process were of high calibre. "Simon’s passion and wealth of operational and strategic experience gave us full confidence he is the right person to lead the organisation. “The fire authority would also like to thank Mick for the dedication and leadership he has shown in the role of chief fire officer, particularly in leading the organisation through a difficult time following the Baker Review and throughout the ongoing pandemic. We wish him well in the future. "We are assured that, under Simon’s leadership, the service will continue to thrive on its continual improvement journey in being the best fire and rescue service for the communities we serve."

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n YATE HERITAGE CENTRE

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March, 2022

Platinum Jubilee: a look at Yate in 1952

OVER the next few months, we will be charting the development of the area around the time Queen Elizabeth II acceded to the throne in 1952, culminating in an exhibition at St Mary’s Church for the Platinum Jubilee. Although Yate is often regarded as a new town creation of the 1960s, the 1950s were also a time of great change in the area. In my last article we focussed on 1939. Much of the community of 1952 still bore the physical and mental scars of the Second World War – the loss of family members and the horrors of bombing. Rationing was still in force for some foodstuffs. Indeed, much of early 1950s Yate and Sodbury still reflected the pre-war period. The parish, as it was then, still only had 2,351 inhabitants in 1951, compared to over 23,000 today, and certainly no more than in the late 1930s. Much of Sodbury was still contained within its medieval core. The local landscape was dotted with centuries old farmsteads

such as Stanshawes, Rectory and Raysfield Farms. Major Victorian buildings, such as Stanshawes Court and Ridge House, stood out like sentinels in the landscape. There was only one secondary (grammar) school and three small elementary schools. Pubs, churches and chapels dominated social life and only small, local shops existed on Sodbury High Street and Station Road in Yate. And yet, Yate had changed, and a new community was emerging. Much of the Ridge Estate was now built, with plans for a new school in the offing. Plans for a new estate on the old Yate airfield had been unveiled and the Aerodrome (Cranleigh Court) estate would be opened in 1954. Recent wartime factories were prominent features in the new landscape. The Sea Stores occupied an immense area to the south-east of the parish centre, now occupied by the Elswick Park housing complex. Cooper’s factory on Westerleigh Road was another such employer,

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A Coronation celebration in Lawns Road, Yate, in 1953. producing agricultural products for the regional market. The surge of modern industry would enjoy a further boost. The Newman Industries factory on Station Road was about to expand its production, with exported motors to the US in 1953. The newly-christened Parnall (Yate) factory was expanding its workforce to cater for demand for its Thor washing machines and

other domestic appliances. As the workforce grew, so did the social life of the area, with Newman Industries already leading the way with unrivalled sports and social facilities for local families. The Yate and Sodbury of 1952 was looking forward to a seemingly bright, new future perhaps reflecting the hopes and dreams of a new Elizabethan age. David Hardill

Diary dates Until March 27: Swinging Sixties in Yate – the history of this dramatic time in the history of the area and the people who shaped the town and parish. March 16: Yate Archaeological Group. Pub Archaeology – Excavations at the Lord Nelson public house in Cleeve, with Scott Williams of Solstice Archaeology, 7.30pm, Poole Court. £3 admission. Booking essential. March 29: Yate Lecture Series – The Glosters at Waterloo, with Andy Mellor, 7.30pm, Poole Court. £2 admission or free for Friends of YHC. Booking essential. March 29 – April 26: Yate Art Open 2022. The best fine art produced in the area by those living and working around Yate.

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March, 2022

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n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

Tax increase is a positive step for policing LAST month, I announced that I would be increasing the policing part of the council tax – known as the precept – by 4.1% for local residents, equivalent to 83p more per month for the average band D household. I would like to thank the Police and Crime Panel and local people for their support. This increase will help deliver my ambitious Police and Crime Plan, which aims to provide you with an efficient, effective and legitimate police service. I know that any increase in household bills is felt by local people but, without it, it is likely cuts would have had to be made that would impact frontline services. This is why I was determined to hear from as many residents as possible and, through my consultation, I heard from 6,335 residents, of which the majority were in support of an

increase to support policing. This increase is a really positive step for policing. It allows the force and my office to work towards our vision of more visible policing, better community engagement, preventing crime, strengthening partnership work, and improving outcomes and support for victims of crime. The increase will also allow us to give pay rises to the policing family, ensuring we are recognising the hard work of officers and staff that go above and beyond for our communities. If you want an outstanding police service you have to fund it and, as your PCC, I will ensure Avon and Somerset Police deliver. I’m also delighted to announce that my team and I have been successful in securing over £100,000 in additional funding for sexual violence and domestic abuse services in Avon

and Somerset; an additional £30,797 from the Ministry of Justice’s Critical Support Fund and £70,000 from NHSEI Health and Justice South West. As PCC, my team and I will continue to work with other commissioners – including health and local authorities – to ensure there are effective and efficient services across Avon and Somerset that can be accessed by everyone, which supports victims and survivors to cope and recover. Preventing and fighting crime is a priority in my recentlypublished Police and Crime Plan and this includes tackling male violence against women and girls, specifically domestic abuse, sexual offences, stalking and harassment. As well as ensuring there are good provisions for victims and survivors, we must address the attitudes and behaviours of the

With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford perpetrator and ensure police investigations are evidence-led and focus on the actions of the offender rather than the victim. Finally, for anyone who is a victim or survivor of sexual violence or domestic abuse, remember help is available whether you report to the police or not, and no matter how long ago the crime took place. You can find you more about local services at www.survivorpathway.org.uk

Yate Outdoor Sports Complex Anniversary FEBRUARY saw Yate Town Council hand over the keys to the new MultiActivity Building (MAB) at Yate Outdoor Sports Complex (YOSC) to the Trustees of YOSC Limited for them to manage, along with the rest of the facilities at the YOSC complex. November 2021 also saw the sixth anniversary of Yate Town Council taking control of YOSC from South Gloucestershire Council, who announced they were no longer in a position to continue to fund the site from 2015 onwards. At that time, Yate Town Council began talks with a local group of volunteers who then became YOSC Limited - the organisation that now operate and manage the site. Since then, the site has gone from strength to strength. If you would like to hire the MAB, or would like any information about the YOSC site, please contact yosc.info@gmail.com

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

n LETTERS Care home inspection was unfair IT'S with a very heavy heart that I write with regards to the recent article on the Oaktee care home (Voice, February). I understand that you published the article on the Care Quality Commission's finding, which incidentally was unfair as it was carried out during a major covid pandemic, when staffing was difficult in this industry. Despite this, Oaktree still administered exceptional care. My father was a resident receiving end-of-life care, and we were visiting every day. Nothing was too much trouble; Dad was always well-fed and hydrated, cleanly shaven and

dressed, even though he was bedbound. The staff on the dementia nursing ward, Primrose, are led by Tracy O'Neil who, along with Christian and an amazing team of carers, made each day for Dad more bearable. It’s a great pity when these reviews are published, by someone who has just a small snapshot of what is actually happening day to day. I’m quite sure if residents' families were asked you would get a very different story. Susan Coleman • Editor's note: The article was indeed based on the Care Quality Commission's findings following an inspection. It included an extensive response from the home's operator, which paid tribute to the "amazing care", hard work and commitment of its staff.

MP should be here LUKE Hall has a regular article in your paper. I've recently been on Twitter

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and he posted the fact, along with a picture, that he was in Southend helping with the Tories' by-election campaign. A month or so ago he was in North Shropshire, I believe for several days. The guy earns £82,000 a year to help his constituents, who in effect pay his wages. He's advertising the fact that he's elsewhere on Twitter. I believe this is a severe dereliction of duty and your readers absolutely need to be aware. Dean Masters

Mayor's words are insulting METRO Mayor Dan Norris, in a recent piece for your paper (Voice, January), stated that he had delivered on his election pledge for a £50 million Green Recovery Fund. His election pledge was actually for £20m and the remainder was achieved through the collaboration of the three WECA local authorities – the

'hokey-cokey' three in his insulting words- which Dan Norris seems incapable of acknowledging. Christopher Lamb

Appeal from a miner I WAS a miner in the Yorkshire pits for over 30 years and am now retired. By way of a hobby I started collecting colliery checks or tokens – these are normally brass or alloy discs embossed with the colliery name and stamped with the individual miner's number. They were used as a safety measure to accurately record the number of men underground at any one time, some were also used as pay checks. I am appealing to any fellow ex miners or anyone with mining connections in helping me obtain examples I don't have from the now-closed collieries of the Bristol area. You can contact me at 5 Edinburgh Avenue, Bolton on Dearne, Rotherham South Yorkshire S63 8DS. W Bennett

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March, 2022

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Yate and Sodbury District u3a Art Group WITH a short interruption for Omicron, the group has successfully started meeting again at Yate Bowling Club. We have just over 20 members and average 15-16 at our weekly meetings. All abilities are welcome – it is a relaxed atmosphere in which we make art and chat with each other about our work. We were pleased that Mike Hayward, our group leader, was one of fifty ‘wild card’ entries to a heat of Sky Arts' Landscape Painter of the Year. It was hosted by Dame Joan Bakewell and Stephen Mangan at Compton Verney in Warwickshire. The ‘wild cards’ are all people who did not make it to be one of the main eight artists in each heat but who were judged good enough to take part. Mike said: "It was great to be with so many artists working in many different styles. "Working outside – en plein air - is not easy but it helped that it was a warm, sunny day!” If you are interested in the art group, visit www.u3asites.org. uk/yate-sodbury/page/12013 for more information. Jean Crispin

Above: Mike Hayward taking part in the Landscape Painter of the Year contest. Left: Mike's finished painting

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March, 2022

n PETER'S VISION

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I WAS reflecting this month that we’ve had our second practice for over 5 years. Has it always been a smooth road? Well honestly, no. But I’ve learnt a lot, enjoyed meeting many new patients and been humbled by the significant number of patients who have chosen to return to see us too! So as an Optician, what do we offer? Our primary offering is advanced eye care. How does this look? Well it starts with our ethos. We aim to make you, our patient, feel relaxed, informed and reassured following a visit to us for your eye care. How do we do this? We start by allowing enough time to listen to any vision concerns you may have and we carry out a good number of checks of your eyes and visual system. The latest addition to our clinical practice is a new, super sophisticated, instrument (it’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of the latest tech!) which lets us look into both the front and back of your eyes with more detail and clarity than ever before! Why are we so focussed on eye care? Simply it’s our passion, and the reason why we invest so much in our Optometry practices - for the benefits of our patients. Almost all of us rely on our eyes and vision for so, so many of the day to day aspects of our lives, it’s easy to take our sight for granted. We also firmly believe in preventative steps wherever needed, and regularly advise our patients on the best way to care for their eye health and vision to keep them seeing clearly far into the future too! There’s another reason to come and see us at Turner's Opticians this month. We’ve an amazing new range of frames to show you! I’ll say from the outset that this is probably the fastest I’ve ever stocked a new range of frames, such is my excitement at having viewed them. I will also say that I’m the proud owner of a set of Walter & Herbert frames myself! As you can see from the picture, I’ve changed from my chunky Ray-Bans to a new look for this year. Walter & Herbert have been designing and making glasses in the UK since the 1940’s. They bring an innovative and creative outlook, through which the family have honed and perfected not only the frame style & design, but also the exquisite quality of the finished frames. I’m super chuffed with the look and feel of mine too. I appreciate that how glasses feel may be an interesting thing for an Optometrist to say, but yes, the details matter, well to me anyway! When it comes to your eyes, we’d love to see you and for you to experience the advanced eye care we firmly believe you deserve. A visit to Turners Opticians gives you so much more than just a sight test. Don’t forget, whether it’s for reassuringly thorough eye care, or for glasses that both look and feel great too, we’re here when you need us, six days per week. Just get in touch and we’ll be happy to see how we can help you. We continue to offer COVID safe ways to choose your new glasses too! To help us keep you all safe, we’re still asking you all to telephone first to book a time to come in. Please call our Henleaze practice on 0117 962 2474 or our Fishponds practice on 0117 965 4434.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Peter

Peter Turner is a Senior Optometrist at Turners Opticians in Bristol, and also works part time as a Senior Optometrist at the Bristol Eye Hospital.

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

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March, 2022

n WHAT'S ON March 19 n CRAFT, CRAFT SUPPLIES AND GIFT FAYRE Chipping Sodbury Town Hall 10 am to 4 pm Local Crafts, Paper Craft Supplies, Gifts and Collectables, Cakes and refreshments, & more. Voluntary entrance fee to be donated to The Friends of Horton School For more details contact Amanda and Gem at bythewoodsfayres@hotmail.com March 2 n DOWNEND FLOWER ARRANGING CLUB, Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, Downend, 7.30pm. Demonstration with Jenny York. Visitors welcome: £8 at the door. March 8 n SODBURY & DISTRICT FLOWER ARRANGEMENT SOCIETY AGM, the Old Grammar School Rooms, Chipping Sodbury, 7.30pm. For further details call Rosemary Cummins on 0117 937 3836. March 8 n PIANO CONCERT by BBC Young Musician keyboard finalist Helen Reid, performing Visions of the Night. Chipping Sodbury Town Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £15 available

on the door: school-aged children free. March 16 n SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE OVER-50S FORUM, 2-4pm, Lyde Green Community Centre, Thistle Close. Speaker, South Glos Council leader Toby Savage. Stalls from various organisations including police, public health, community transport providers. Open to anyone over the age of 50. For more information contact Janice on 07426 862121. March 22 n SODBURY & DISTRICT FLOWER ARRANGEMENT SOCIETY, demonstration: Stepping into Spring with Sally Taylor. Visitors £5. The Old Grammar School Rooms, Chipping Sodbury, at 7.30pm. Friendly club open to all abilities and ages, with meetings every second and fourth Tuesday. For more details call Rosemary Cummins on 0117 937 3836.

REGULAR EVENTS:

Monday n PUCKLECHURCH SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUB meets every Monday and Wednesday, 7.30pm10pm and Sunday 2.30pm-5pm at the Village Hall. All levels welcome. More information from Kath on 07517 129774. Tuesday n YATE POETRY GROUP meets

every Tuesday morning. Small, informal and friendly group to share and enjoy poems. For details and to learn more about the venue, contact Tony on 0770 4140682 or email yatepoetrygroup@gmail.com. Wednesday n CRAFT MORNING, St Mary's Church, Yate, 10am-midday. Bring a project, get help learning something new or just come to sit and chat, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit. Small donation requested to support church heating Wednesday n LINE DANCE CLASSES AT RIDGEWOOD COMMUNITY CENTRE, Wednesdays 9.30am to 12. Cost £5 No partner needed. A fun way to keep fit, reduce stress, improve memory and make new life long friends. Open access (unstaffed) is from Contact Gill 07837 784816, or 8am-7.30pm every day. FB gill.butler.90 n YATE AND DISTRICT TOWNSWOMEN’S GUILD meet in Chipping Sodbury Town Hall every second Wednesday morning, 9.45am-noon. New members welcome to chat and drink coffee,

speakers and groups, including knit and natter, gardening, art, walking. More details from Rhona Cowie, 01454 881532. Thursday n BRISTOL MALE VOICE CHOIR weekly rehearsals from 7-9.15 pm at St Andrew's Methodist Church, Elm Park, Filton. New and returning singers welcome. for more details visit the website www.bristolmvc.org.uk or call the secretary on 07941 040472.

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WHAT IT IS WHERE IT IS WHEN IT IS in no more than 40 words. Send by email, with 'what's on' as the subject, to contact@ yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

March at Yate Library YATE Library presents a family theatre show, The Great Big Story Mix Up, on Saturday March 19. An improvised play for children aged 3-plus and their families, performances take place at 10.30am and 1.30pm. Tickets cost £5. To book, pop into the library or visit www.southglos. gov.uk/familytheatre. A new club, Digilocal@yate, helps children learn about coding and develop problem-solving skills. Taking place every Wednesday from 6-7pm, sessions are hosted by at least two volunteer ambassadors. Children have to register for a place before attending - online forms are at digilocal.org.uk/eoi. Lego club takes place on Saturday March 19 from 10.30-11.30am: listen to stories and poems, then create a model to display at the library. Sessions suitable for primary-age children, who must be accompanied by an adult. Booking required. Regular events include Wriggle & Rhyme: rhymes and songs for parents and babies/toddlers to enjoy together on Thursday and Friday mornings, 9.30-10am. A free-family friendly story time, with a simple craft for preschool children, takes place on Tuesday mornings from 9.30-10am. Computer support with digital champion volunteers is on Saturday mornings from 10am to midday, and on Friday afternoons from 2pm to 4pm. The craft group meets on Saturday March 12 from 10am until midday – new members always welcome. Share tips and ideas for your knitting, sewing or crochet projects. Vision West of England holds information, advice and support dropin sessions on the second Thursday of the month from 10am to midday. To book in for one of the above sessions call 01454 868006, speak to a member of library staff or email yate.library@southglos.gov.uk. The library is open Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 10am-5.30pm and Saturday from 9.30am-2.30pm.

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01454 32 26 66 Lasting Powers of Attorney only £75 + VAT each A Single or Joint Will only £75 + VAT Probate Services from only £250 + VAT Single Will and Power of Attorney package only £125 + VAT Protect your Home against Nursing Home and Care Fees from only £250 + VAT • Over 55’s only • Home and Office appointments with Disabled Access Call now, quoting “Yate & Sodbury Voice” Lindsey House, Oaklands Business Park Armstrong Way, Yate, Bristol BS37 5NA

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March, 2022

WILL & PROBATE ADVICE

Sort your Will and support Bristol Children's Hospital We are so lucky to have Bristol Children’s Hospital on our doorstep. It provides an unrivalled level of service when our youngsters are most in need. However, there are many extra things that the NHS cannot cover that the Grand Appeal finances, that make life a bit more bearable for sick children and their families. Our local Will experts – Simpson Solicitors – have teamed up with Wallace and Gromit’s Grand Appeal - the Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity. Many families who have benefited want to make a donation to support the Children’s Hospital but perhaps do not have the spare money - especially if they have taken time off work to look after their sick child. This scheme provides you with a way to leave

a gift in your Will, so you do not have to pay now but you will know you that in your Will you have left a gift to help sick children. Even giving a small percentage of what you leave behind could make a tremendous difference to help future generations of local children. Under the scheme, Simpson Solicitors will prepare a Will for you (or two mirror Wills for a couple), absolutely free to you. And you will still receive their full award-winning service. They hope is that you will then leave a generous legacy in your Will for the Grand Appeal. Amy Yates says “I am so proud that Simpson Solicitors has been selected . I am hoping that many people will take advantage of the scheme. I also hope that many who participate will leave a generous gift in their Will to the Grand Appeal.

Chloe Knight

Amy Yates

01454 322 722 is the number to call the friendly team at Simpson Solicitors if you would like to make or update your Will under this scheme. Call now to book your meeting as there is limited availability. By leaving a donation in your Will, you can gift a sick child a brighter future.

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Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

March, 2022

n COMMUNITY NEWS Rotary Club of Chipping Sodbury A SIGNIFICANT number of club members and friends enjoyed a memorable Burns Night in the Town Hall at the end of January. Entertainment was provided by the brilliant and talented set of musicians known as Rock Pipes. Also in January, club members heard from two experts on the many benefits that bees provide. A number of club members joined the members of the Sodbury Wildlife and Nature Group and the Yate and Sodbury Cleanup Group for a morning of tree planting on the land adjacent to Kingrove Common. On the grants front, the club has recently made a financial donation to contribute to a major fundraising effort spearheaded by Bristol Rotary Club to raise money for an educational project in Lebanon. Also, on the international front we have made a financial donation to Shelterbox to assist with the major clean-up effort following the devastation caused by Typhoon Rai in the Philippines. Finally, plans are well underway for the club’s inaugural Health and Wellbeing Day in Chipping Sodbury Town Hall on Saturday April 23, from 10am to 3pm. The aim is to showcase a number of local and further afield organisations to illustrate services and hints/tips to foster a healthier lifestyle and promote the importance of health and wellbeing in the local community. This free of charge event will also feature live charity advisor demonstrations hosted in a private presentation space. Stuart Fraser

Chipping Sodbury Music Society

Pianist Helen Reid

Old Sodbury WI AS things begin to return to some sense of normality, it was good for our WI to be back in the newlyrefurbished Old Sodbury Village Hall, after holding several meetings in Old Sodbury church. We would like to thank Old Sodbury church for allowing us to use St John's for our meetings. Some of our members enjoyed a walk in Westonbirt Arboretum on a very cold but sunny day. All those that attended agreed it was a lovely to enjoy the outdoors. At our February meeting we welcomed Ed and Gabriella, who gave us a talk on the history of Swing Dance. Their talk included video footage, together with wonderful demonstrations, and then we were all given the opportunity to "have a go" with a tutorial. It really was a fun evening, and definitely enjoyed by our members. We have a trip to the Rococo Gardens to see the snowdrops – let's hope there are some left after

HELEN Reid, a hugely talented pianist, performs in Chipping Sodbury Town Hall on Tuesday March 8. A BBC Young Musician Keyboard finalist and international prize-winner, Helen performs all around England and abroad, to great acclaim. Recognition of her wonderful talent is having music composed specifically for her. This was done recently by composer David Matthews. It promises to be a wonderful night, and not to be missed. Tickets are available at the door, priced £15 for adults, with school-aged children free. Deb Willington all this stormy weather! We are also having a trip to Bath to listen to a talk about the Post Office Scandal, and then a visit to the Redgrave Theatre to watch 9 to 5. At our March meeting we will be welcoming Sandra Bateman, who will talk to us about The Minack Theatre. We have our first fundraising event for quite a while on April 2. This will be a murder mystery evening, incorporating a twocourse dinner, with the theme of the evening being a 1950's ballroom dance – fancy dress optional! Tickets are available from any of our committee members – please contact Sue Leah for details on 01454 315161. Elaine Snook

Chipping Sodbury WI 'ONCE upon a time' was the order of the day as we sat down to listen to three short stories created by

Mark Rutherford. The first one he wrote was one especially for the WI (a brave man) that was about a jam factory in his garden that appeared once a year and went again after the fruit season. As I said, a brave man, as we are not a jam-making WI. I have to say his funniest story was a true one, based on a boat trip to Lundy Island to see the puffins. All I am going to say is how descriptive he was about being ill on what should have been a calm sea but turned out not to be the case. The last one, spoken in an alien voice, was about love from an alien's point of view. He deserved the applause just for keeping up the voice! Our next meeting on March 3 is Running with the Olympic Torch, by Maggie Glastonbury at 7.30pm in the Town Hall. If you want to make new friends, come along and give us a try. Jeanette Oakley

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n SPORT

March, 2022

Weather frustrates Bluebells after beating leaders

FEBRUARY'S terrible weather frustrated Yate Town's progress further up the Southern League Premier Division table. The evening match against Truro City on February 15 was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. Then the following Saturday's trip to Walton Casuals was called off due to damage caused to the home side's stadium by Storm Eunice. It put a brake on the momentum the Bluebells, who sat seventh in the table as the Voice went to press, had gained by beating then-league leaders Farnborough Town 2-1 on February 12. Yate's players were left "buzzing" after the massive away win, which saw them come from behind to win with first-half goals from Max Williams and Matt Bower. The victory followed home draws against Weston-superMare and Hendon earlier in the

Luke Hopper celebrates his goal for Yate Town against Weston-superMare. Picture: B.East Photography month. The 1-1 draw with Weston, another side aiming for promotion, was a tight encounter, with Town going ahead in the 12th minute. A throw in on the right was helped into the box by Matt Bower and Luke Hopper, lurking on the near post, helped the ball

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SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT 3

Improving our places

South Gloucestershire communities will see yet more exciting improvements and a boost to our local economy thanks to the new budget’s spending plans.

Regenerating Kingswood In a major step towards the regeneration of Kingswood’s town centre, the council completed a £10million acquisition of the Kings Chase Shopping Centre and car park last year. Alongside the funding in place to pedestrianise Regent Street, and the restoration of the Whitfield Tabernacle, the acquisition will transform the town. Options for redevelopment of the Kings Chase centre include leisure, housing and community services to complement shopping. As part of these plans, the council is also looking at reviewing the parking charges. The acquisition, and other regeneration plans, are funded by the Government’s Future High Streets Fund. Following extensive public consultation last year, the council will be bringing a final masterplan for Kingswood before its Cabinet in March. Feedback from local people included the potential for new leisure centre facilities in the town centre. Others commented that the council should prioritise connecting the green and open spaces across the area.

Yate on the move Yate’s new £4.5million park and ride is now open. Located on Badminton Road, the facility is already helping to reduce traffic by providing attractive alternative travel options such as public transport, Cllr Steve Reade at the new park and ride cycling or car sharing. The park and ride is open seven days a week (excluding bank holidays) and includes 198 parking spaces, cycle parking for 46 bicycles, and improved bus stops. The car park will also be available for rail users at Yate Station. Looking ahead, a new masterplan, which sets out the aspirations for developing Yate, could see around £600million invested in the town over the next 15 to 20 years. Produced with partners including the town council, local business and residents’ groups, the Town Improvement Masterplan for Yate’s vision sets out how organisations can work together to help the town change. During public consultation last summer on the draft vision, local people fed back that they wanted to see more investment in Yate and a modernised town. Their responses shaped the final masterplan which you can view on the council’s website at www.southglos.gov.uk/yatemasterplan

Helping Thornbury Thrive The council has secured a further £4.577million to progress its plans for Thornbury’s historic high street to create a welcoming destination. The scheme is also set to boost the town’s economy. The investment will create dedicated blue-badge parking, loading and drop off bays, stopping through-traffic, widened footways, increased cycle parking and new seating, planting and wayfinding along the much-loved high street. The next steps are for the council to complete a detailed design, taking on board views expressed so far by the community, and prepare the full business case. It will then engage again with local people and stakeholder groups. In further good news for the town, the council has bought the former Thornbury Hospital site with a focus on developing a much needed new health centre and at least 70 extra care homes. Demolition of the hospital buildings will start later this year. The council is working closely with the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group to progress plans for the replacement health centre.

Cribbs Patchway Metrobus Extension on track Work on the Cribbs Patchway Metrobus Extension (CPME) is making great progress. The project will provide an alternative, fast and direct bus route between Parkway Station and The Mall at Cribbs Causeway. Work along Gipsy Patch Lane has included a new railway bridge, improved paths for pedestrians and cyclists and carriageway widening for new bus lanes. Gipsy Patch Lane is set to be fully open by September this year, with metrobus services then commencing on the CPME route in spring 2023. For further information visit www.southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus

New bridge in place at Gipsy Patch Lane

Have Your Say: Your Local Plan The council is consulting on Phase 2 of its new Local Plan preparation. You can help shape South Gloucestershire’s future by sharing your views on possible locations for new homes, business growth and change, new green networks, and areas for renewable energy. View the plans and respond online at www.southglos.gov.uk/newlocalplan or call 01454 868004.

4 SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

Keep in touch Sign up for our weekly enewsletter at  www.southglos.gov.uk/newsletter If you are not online and would like a printed copy, please call us on  01454 868009

Follow our social media channels at  southglos.gov.uk/twitter  southglos.gov.uk/facebook To find details of how to contact us visit  southglos.gov.uk/contactus or call  01454 868009 www.southglos.gov.uk

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Yate & Sodbury Voice March 2022