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filtonvoice March 2022 Issue 125
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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
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BUDGET CONTINUED
A new jubilee park A brand-new park in Cadbury Heath will mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and provide a green space for everyone to enjoy. The council is spending £500,000 on this unique project to enhance an existing open space in the community. As well as new landscaping, paths and planting, the new park will focus on wildlife and biodiversity to enable residents to reconnect with nature.
Bringing Tour of Britain to South Gloucestershire The council will invest in bringing the Tour of Britain, the country’s national cycling tour, through the area in September, to support the growth of tourism and boost the local economy.
Looking after our environment Tackling the climate and nature emergency Climate Emergency UK recently ranked South Gloucestershire Council in the top 10 councils in the UK for taking action on the climate emergency. Since declaring the emergency in 2019, the council has been taking steps to address the climate and nature emergencies. With your help, it can make even more difference.
self-sufficient for its own energy. This will see the installation of a solar farm on an area of unused, poor quality agricultural land within The Wave site, a Solar Smartflower which uses sun tracking technology, and other energy harnessing measures. This installation will produce more energy than the surfing lake and its surrounding facilities use every year making the business net zero carbon in terms of its operational energy. Find out more about The Wave and their sustainability ethos at www.thewave.com
Join in the spring clean
Supporting The Wave’s plans to go off-grid The Wave, a unique inland surfing experience based at Easter Compton, has ambitious plans to generate their own power and ultimately go off-grid. Since The Wave opened in South Gloucestershire in 2019, they have always had sustainability at their core, for example they use 100% renewable energy, have planted thousands more trees on the site, avoid singleuse plastic, and the products in their shop are based on a reduce, reuse, recycle approach. The council welcomed this major tourist and sporting destination to the district, especially given their approach to the environment. More recently, South Gloucestershire Council has supported The Wave’s plans to go a step further with their climate ambitions, providing a loan to help The Wave become
Street cleansing team with Cllr Rachael Hunt The council’s annual spring clean is happening from 25 March to 10 April. If you would like to get involved and organise a litter pick in your area, contact the waste and recycling team. They will lend you free litter picking equipment and can arrange to collect the rubbish. Visit southglos.gov.uk/springclean
Meet our new street enforcement team The council’s new street enforcement team is helping to combat issues such as littering, dog
Street enforcement officers with Cheryl from Cadbury Heath fouling and graffiti to keep our spaces greener and cleaner for everyone. The team is reminding people to take litter home or bin it and will fine those who continue to act irresponsibly. Cadbury Heath resident Cheryl, who runs courses at the Juice Community Project, told us: “The litter and dog poo left on the green space near our centre is a real problem. Before the children’s stay and play sessions on a Monday, we have to go out and try and pick mess up so the children can play. These officers will help with this problem and get the message across to stop it happening.” The team is part of the council’s plans to improve South Gloucestershire and help keep our streets tidier with £639,000 investment in its street cleaning service over the next four years. If you have concerns about where you live, you can go along to one of the community engagement forums where you can request support from the street enforcement and cleansing team, along with other council services. Find out more at www.southglos.gov.uk/CEF
Financial help for you Many people have struggled financially during Covid-19. With the increase in energy prices and rising inflation, more households are under pressure. If you need financial help, there are several grants currently open. Find out more and apply online at www.southglos.gov.uk/financialsupport or speak to the council’s customer services, in confidence, on 01454 868009 or by visiting your nearest One Stop Shop.
FREE MONTHLY for people and businesses in Filton
filtonvoice March 2022 Issue 125
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Councillors say new powers will help stem tide of HMOs
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O M H D E S U F E R
Councillors have welcomed the first success of new powers to challenge the increasing numbers of HMOs in Filton. Following the submission of an HMO application at 12 Fifth Avenue, pictured, South Gloucestershire Council decided that it exceeded the acceptable threshold within the area under new guidance introduced last year. This would mean it would adversely impact the community and so was recommended refusal. Recent years have seen an increase in HMOs, properties rented out to at least three people who are not from one household, across Filton, with the concentration of cases in some areas having raised concerns around anti-social behaviour, parking pressures, waste and recycling management and noise complaints. Working to stem the tide, South Gloucestershire Turn to Page 11
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Youth club in member appeal Page 19
Transport hub could come to Filton People in Filton are being asked to help shape new mobility hubs that aim to make it easier for people to access different types of transport when travelling in the region. Mobility hubs bring together different types of transport such as buses, e-scooters and e-bikes. The West of England Combined Authority, working with South Gloucestershire Council and Bristol City Council, will be trialling the hubs in clusters including one called 'Abbeywood' which includes UWE, New Road/Abbeywood Retail Park, Church Road, Filton. Filton Avenue/ Conygre Road and Cheswick. More information and a survey can be found at www. westofengland-ca.gov.uk/mobilityhubs. The closing date is March 6.
MORE on HMOs
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HMOs in Filton
Living the HMO life HMOs come in varied sizes, assorted styles and in some cases with confusing rules, writes Shane Gibson. What all have in common is a that they are frequented by strangers living together yet apart. What is it like to live in an HMO and be in the middle of Filton’s most divisive argument? Over the next few months Filtonvoice will tell the stories of just a few of your neighbours, living the HMO life.
Below, Shane with fellow tenant Andrew. Right, the condition in the bathroom
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o begin with, here is my story. In the summer 2017, I was introduced to the idea of living in an HMO through someone I had only just met. I had previously been renting a private apartment, but the landlord had to make an urgent sale, and the new owner did not want to rent the property. At the same time, I had found myself single after the sudden end of my marriage. The accommodation was provided by an agency. A £60 deposit was all that was required, and I moved in the following Sunday. It was a nice house in Bradley Stoke and it actually was a lovely room with en-suite facilities. The kitchen was modern and well kept, as was the living room. A live-in Portuguese housekeeper called Sergio was surprisingly strict, and made sure no one entered a room whilst wearing outdoor shoes. After meeting the other guests, I was surprised to discover that they all had either become estranged from their partners and they too had found themselves homeless like I had, or they had left their families at home whilst they tried
to secure a new home in, (or around) Bristol. The stay was for one week. Really Lovely Rooms were only renting the property and were due to give it back to the owners the following week. When it was time to move on, I attempted to secure another en-suite room closer to central Bristol, where I worked at the time. My efforts must have paid off, as I was offered a large en-suite room in a 12-bedroom house in St. Andrew's. As I had no alternative, I gratefully accepted. The rooms were less lovely than the previous house, but I appreciated the architecture, and I adored the area. The other guests were varied, some long-term guests, and others were new and less willing to take part in conversations. HMOs are surprisingly quiet. Over the years I have come to find that weeks will go by with no one person striking up a conversation with any other guest, other than to greet one another when colliding in the hallway. At other times, kitchens can be filled with noise and chatter from noon until midnight.
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Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Richard on 0777 555 0607 or email richard@filtonvoice.co.uk
Contacts Richard Coulter Editor and publisher
0777 555 0607 | richard@filtonvoice.co.uk
You can find Filtonvoice on Facebook www.facebook. com/filtonvoice and on Twitter @filtonvoice
Shane Gibson Editorial and Advertising sales
0770 674 1200 | shane@filtonvoice.co.uk
COMPLAINTS If you have a complaint about anything in the Filtonvoice, contact the Editor using the details below. We take complaints seriously and 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 www.localvoicenetwork.co.uk, or can be obtained by contacting the publisher, above. EDITOR’S NOTE: Filtonvoice 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 although we have used some of the services. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Filtonvoice is distributed each month to all Filton residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please get in touch or collect one from Filton Library. Feedback is welcomed, call editor Richard Coulter on 0777 555 0607 or richard@filtonvoice.co.uk.
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HMOs in Filton
Lack of upkeep makes HMO life a struggle From Page 5 I would have liked to have spent more time living in St. Andrew's, but the rent was over £180 per week, laundry facilities cost extra, and my wages barely allowed me to afford food afterwards. I looked for cheaper accommodation and within the month I was living in Avonmouth, sharing a flat above a dentist’s surgery, with a cross dressing truck driver. My outgoings halved. Unfortunately, history repeated itself. The property owner wanted to sell the flat and my flatmate panicked and handed in their notice. Not wanting to be homeless again I contacted an agent and, on December 3rd, 2017, I moved into Northville Road. To my surprise I was greeted by a familiar face. Sergio was now the housekeeper for Northville Road. I went out for the evening feeling restless, I returned emotionally exhausted. I had moved four times in as many months and now I just wanted to stop. Altogether there were seven of us, either escaping broken relationships, working to send money to a home country or in one case looking for a new home having been run out of an African country by the local government! I had ended up in a house with misfits,
international outcasts, and even a member of British Indie band, The Wallflowers. The house itself was… ok. There are seven bedrooms, three shower rooms, a communal kitchen, and a living room. All were clean, modestly, and inoffensively decorated, the exception being the living room which seemed to have been painted by the Trotter Brothers. Each room included a flat screen TV and DVD player, Wifi was accessible through most of the house and laundry facilities were available at a cost. At that time, the rent was not what I would consider cheap, but “value for money” was not in question. The communal rooms were giving a light clean daily with a deep clean made every Sunday. Any faults or breakdowns were dealt with; assessed and repaired within 24 hours of discovery. Soap, 2-in-1 washing tabs, olive oil, tea, coffee, spices, and condiments were always available. Over the years the extras have been taken away, the communal shelves offer nothing but dust, the washing tabs have been replaced by economy washing powder and softener has been made the responsibility of the tenant. These trivial things we can assume to be cost cutting measures which might not be
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HMOs in Filton too bad if they stopped there. The kitchen dishwasher has not been fully functional since February 2021, currently there is no tumble dryer, the showers are mouldy, one of the bathroom sinks has had a substantial crack since August 2020, irons leak and the vacuum barely picks anything up. It should also be said that each of the bedrooms has had issues with severe mould throughout my stay here. All of this has come at the cost of increased rent to the tenants. The cost of a double room in the Northville Road property is £175 per week. And while there are no extra costs bar the use of laundry facilities (£1 per wash plus £1 per hour use of the tumble dryer when working), the lack of enthusiasm to fix basic necessities such as faulty kitchen equipment, broken sinks, and proper removal of mould, is disheartening. If we compare this house to the advertised house on the website, you would be forgiven for thinking that you
The tumble dryer is out of order
were looking at a completely different property. The agents have set companywide rules that affect tenants. The most controversial is the ban on tenants having overnight guests. The official reason for the ban is to reduce the cost of / pressure on, the use of facilities. By that logic, they would be happy to allow guests, or rent rooms to couples if the tenant were willing to pay double. Of
course, what actually happens is that some people sneak guests into the house. If you are young this might feel a little novel. As a man in my forties, it does nothing but cause a build-up of anxiety and tension. The agents have recently emailed tenants stating that if they are discovered to be breaking this rule, they will be evicted. Since then, I have lived with some absolutely
fantastic men and women, we have had good times and with some, deep bonds have been formed. However, four years have passed, and it is time that I moved on. The problem is it seems impossible to do so. I am not in the financial position to obtain a mortgage, (nor do I currently want one). The availability of private rents in and around Filton is miniscule when compared to the number of HMOs. And to top it off, the majority of HMOs are only available for students and so to move into a property with a group of friends is also not possible. My only option, if I want to stay living in this area is to stay where I am. I am not against companies / property owners using their properties to provide good homes and make money in the process. However, the overpriced rooms, the poor facilities and building management, and draconian rules can make living in an HMO like mine a struggle.
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Anger at rules as 8-bed HMO decision deferred by BBC LDRS staff for Filtonvoice New rules that were supposed to protect neighbourhoods from being swamped by bedsits are failing, frustrated councillors say. South Gloucestershire Council introduced a policy in September limiting how many family homes could be turned into houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in the same area. But a loophole in the new supplementary planning document (SPD) means only licensed HMOs can be taken into account when deciding applications and that both unauthorised conversions and shared properties with fewer than five people, which do not require a licence, are excluded. The issue came to light at a meeting of the development management committee where members ended up deadlocked over plans for an eight-bedroom HMO in Filton, with objections
from 39 residents, both the Labour and Conservative ward councillors and the town council. Filton ward South Gloucestershire Labour Cllr Adam Monk told the meeting that the “utterly abhorrent”
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proposed change of use of 15 Braemar Crescent would create noise and disturbance, exacerbate parking problems, was out of keeping with the area and had windows overlooking neighbours.
He said the maximum threshold in the SPD for concentration of bedsits in a locality was 10 per cent of households but that this part of Filton had 11.2 per cent. Ward Cllr Chris Wood (Conservative) said more than 40 per cent of South Gloucestershire’s HMOs were in Filton. “The application provides just four car parking spaces for an eight-bedroom HMO on an already congested road, without a bus link, where vehicles often park dangerously on the pavement due to a lack of onstreet parking,” he said. “For these four parking spaces to be achieved, two existing offstreet parking spaces have to be removed, garden walls knocked down and existing gardens concreted over. “The application is clearly overdevelopment of the property
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To advertise, contact shane@filtonvoice.co.uk and on 0770 674 1200 or Richard on 0777 555 0607
INICALLY CL
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News on a road which is substantially made up of family dwellings.” A letter from residents read out at the committee on Thursday, February 3, said: “The street has real community spirit. This is a street where children play outside. “The increase in traffic is a huge safety concern and the noise pollution which is common in HMO properties will have a profound effect on the community. “Like many residents in Filton, we feel like we are fighting a losing battle. We already have more HMOs on average but yet more are approved.” But planning officers recommended giving the goahead and said the application complied with policies, including the SPD. Councillors were told licensed HMOs represented only 1.3 per cent of households in the locality and there was only one within a 100m radius. The officer said it was also not possible to refuse on grounds of neighbours’ loss of privacy because that issue had already been considered in the autumn when consent was granted under separate applications for a side and rear extension and loft conversion. Members heard the council required a minimum of 0.5 car parking spaces per bedroom for an HMO and that four were being provided on site. A transport officer said it was unusual for an HMO application to fully comply with parking standards and that because he could not support refusal on
those grounds, the authority was at risk of having costs awarded against it at appeal. Cllr Ernie Brown said: “I’m finding it difficult to get my head around the officer’s recommendation for approval. “We spent a year talking about an SPD. It has obviously been ignored in this case. “The SPD was supposed to help with guidance on this and it just hasn’t done anything.” He said the proposals breached planning policy because
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they would change the character of the area. Cllr Katie Cooper said HMO applications that came to committee were “depressing” because they usually involved properties in Filton and came with plenty of local opposition – but that if members did what residents were asking and refused consent, that was often overturned on appeal. “I really can’t see how we can possibly vote against this even though I would love to,” she said.
Cllr Brian Hopkinson said: “It’s a nightmare because we turn these things down, they go to appeal and they get granted. “I’m not happy about what we’ve managed to achieve over the last 15 years when we’ve tried to get this changed. We’ve just allowed the dynamic to change there. It’s awful.” Committee chairman Cllr Keith Burchell said: “This application doesn’t give us any refusal reasons in the SPD. It complies.” The meeting was told that planning officers were using the SPD to refuse HMO applications on the basis of overconcentration, as well as recommending others for approval. A motion to refuse permission fell because it was tied at three in favour, three against and three abstentions and no one would second Cllr Burchell’s proposal to approve the plans, so they decided to send it up to the spatial planning committee for a decision.
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News
Filton Band D council tax to rise by £7 per month by BBC LDRS staff and Filtonvoice Council tax bills in South Gloucestershire will rise by nearly three per cent from April. The increase, comprising 1.99 per cent for general services and one per cent for adult social care, means the local authority’s element for a Band D property will be £1,668.64, up by £48.45 on the current year, or 93p extra a week. However there will be no rise in the Filton Town Council precept, as reported in Filtonvoice last month. Band D property owners will again pay £318.20 per year for Filton Town Council services. The final bill will also include a £10 annual increase for Avon & Somerset Police and £1.52 more for Avon Fire & Service.
This means the monthly bill for a Band D property,
paid over 10 months, will be around £230 ... up from approx £222 this year.
It was approved unanimously at a full council meeting on Wednesday evening (February 16) along with the annual budget, which includes more money for street cleaning, school buildings, roads and potholes, and children’s services. £4.5million from the capital programmes will be allocated to extend Abbeywood Community School. 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, with
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a review of charges at Kings Chase shopping centre, which the authority bought last year, while a new park will be created in Cadbury Heath to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. But while frontline services are protected, it also includes £9.5million of cutbacks in 2022/23 and £23.6million 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 £260million will be spent on South Gloucestershire Council day-to-day services, plus £140.5million on capital projects, over the next 12 months. Street cleaning teams will receive an additional £639,000, more than £12million will go on road repairs, £15.3million extra for children’s services amid ongoing criticism from Ofsted that vulnerable youngsters are at risk, and there will be a £1million prevention fund to help people stay healthier for longer. Schools will share an additional £7.3million from increased government funding, up by 6.6 per cent from 2021/22 to £191million for the coming year, with spending on pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) rising by £5million. The council is also ploughing £47million from its capital programme into the school estate, including nearly £5million on a new sixth form, maths and science block at Castle School in Thornbury, £3.7million for improvements at Marlwood School, Alveston, and £4.5million to extend Abbeywood Community School. Council leader Conservative Cllr Toby Savage said: “We want to secure our area’s future prosperity through investment in transport and infrastructure, schools and continued action to play our part in responding to the climate and environmental emergencies. “Support for people in financial difficulties through our community resilience fund and our £1million commitment to preventing health issues by helping people to help themselves live healthier lives are
just some of the features of this budget. “I am really pleased that we have been able to achieve all of this while limiting the annual council tax rise to well below inflation in a demonstration of our commitment to delivering value for money as well as excellent services to our residents.” The 2.99 per cent council tax rise is the maximum permitted by the Government this year without the need for a local referendum, and was originally proposed in the autumn to be 3.99 per cent for South Gloucestershire householders before Whitehall imposed the limit. Both opposition groups tabled budget amendments which were approved unanimously following negotiations, and some changes, before the meeting at Kingswood civic centre. Labour secured £7,300 from reserves for 10 more climate change workshops in schools and £75,000 from the newly created £1million prevention fund to ensure 50 victims of rape and sexual assault will receive therapy within three months rather than up to three-and-ahalf years. Group leader Cllr Pat Rooney said: “Our budget proposals will have an immediate impact for some of our most vulnerable victims of sexual assault and rape, and in the medium to longer term the workshops we have agreed will give potentially lifesaving advice on how to cope with the real threat of catastrophic climate change.” The Lib Dems secured an extra £110,000 to help residents reduce their carbon footprints and energy bills. They scaled back their original amendment to cut £45,000 a year from the council’s PR budget – what group leader Cllr Claire Young called “replacing Conservative spin with action” – to employ a permanent extra domestic retrofit officer. Cllr Young told the meeting: “Our repeated calls for more funding for climate action are finally hitting home. We hope the leader is now grasping that it is a genuine emergency requiring urgent action.”
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Filton Town Council Town council will 'fly the flag' Filton Town Council will be 'flying the flag' for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee and in the future after councillors agreed to install a flagpole at Elm Park. The proposal by Cllr Chris Wood was narrowly accepted after chairman Darryl Collins gave his casting vote to the proposal, which was accepted by six votes to five. The flapgpole will fly the Union Flag and councillors committed to maintaining the flag at an 'appropriately high standard'. Councillors also voted to seek quotes for access points to Millennium Green, pictured. The January full council meeting heard there were concerns about motorcyles accessing the park. Councillors agreed that any gates should deter motorcycles, be secure enough to stop dogs running in the road and also be accessible for pushchairs. Residents also spoke of their concerns about Millennium Green and called for action on bramble bushes which were up to 10 ft high. The council agreed to investigate. Filton Town Council: Pages 20-21
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New HMO rules 'stemming tide' From Page 3 Council approved a new Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) in September 2021, which requires new HMO applications to meet planning policy requirements. This was further supported by plans announced at the end of last year to introduce an Article 4 Direction, a means by which the Council can require developments such as HMO applications which don’t normally requiring planning permission to have to apply and be considered against planning policy and the impact it would have on the local community. Cllr Chris Wood, who represents Filton, said: “I am absolutely delighted that we have seen our first success in our attempts to stem the tide of HMO applications in Filton which, if left unchecked, will have an irreversible negative impact on our community. I will continue to oppose unnecessary applications that
are of no benefit to Filton and look forward to seeing future successes come through.” Cllr Steve Reade, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Environment and Strategic Infrastructure, said: “We will take whatever measures are necessary to properly support and maintain growth without compromising what makes them great places to live.” In response to councillors' concerns surrounding an application in Braemar Crescent, see pages 8 and 9, a South Gloucestershire Council spokesperson said: “The Council needs to treat each application independently and consider it by its own individual merits. While some HMO applications will not fall under the restrictions of the SPD, many others will. For the SPD restrictions to have demonstrated their effectiveness for the first time so soon after their introduction is a positive step.”
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Focus on apprenticeships
MoD in Filton nurturing staff of the future Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) at Abbeywood will be expanding what it offers potential apprentices as it continues to train, develop and retain a talented workforce for the future. Last autumn, DE&S welcomed the first cohort of Digital Technology Degree Apprentices, combining cyber security and software engineering. Later this year, it aims to launch its new IMIT Apprenticeships, including specialisms focusing on cyber, data analysis and software development. All of these opportunities are in addition to the existing Engineering, Finance and Accounting, Project Professional and Corporate Services Group schemes which see men and women from all backgrounds work towards qualifications up to degree level while earning a wage and gaining invaluable on-thejob experience.
DE&S is the procurement arm of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and has its headquarters at Abbey Wood, Bristol. Across its UK sites it currently employs more than 300 apprentices who are learning and developing their skills. Its sister agency, the Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA), employees more than 60
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apprentices. Talking during National Apprenticeship Week (Feb 7th-13th), DE&S CEO Sir Simon Bollom said: “We welcome talented and enthusiastic people from all backgrounds to embark on an exciting and rewarding career with us. “At DE&S, we’re constantly expanding our range of
tailored training and what we offer through our varied apprenticeship schemes. We make sure we help you grow both professionally and personally as we develop tomorrow’s talent today by providing a great foundation and career progression. As part of our offering, our apprentices will learn for the nation, learn to change, learn their own way and lead by inclusion.” This is the 15th annual staging of National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) and events will be taking place across England, highlighting the benefits to employers of all sizes in taking on an apprentice. This year’s theme is “Build the Future”. There are currently four DE&S apprenticeship schemes open to apply for. To find out more, please visit https://des. mod.uk/careers/graduateschemes-and-apprenticeships/.
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Focus on apprenticeships Case study Freya Hewlett-Walker, Project Professional Apprentice Freya Hewlett-Walker from Filton enjoyed an action-packed and varied Project Professional Apprenticeship before recently becoming a Level 1 risk manager in DE&S’ Naval Ships Support. The 21-year-old former student of SGS College in Filton said: “I knew I didn’t want to go to university and I found the apprenticeship on gov.uk. It’s probably the best thing I ever did. “What I most enjoyed about my apprenticeship was being able to experience different areas. "I’ve got training in scheduling and risk management now, as well as having my Level 4 qualification in project management. “I would recommend DE&S as an employer because you
gain so much from them. I’ve been able to explore so many experiences. “DE&S is always encouraging extracurricular activities and at the beginning of my apprenticeship I was also able to go and see the HMS Queen
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Elizabeth aircraft carrier, which was amazing.” Freya has also enjoyed the benefits of working for DE&S, including the flexible working system. She added: “Flexible working hours works great with my life
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because I’m an aunty and I like to help out with my niece and nephew.” The highlight of her two-year apprenticeship was meeting the Prime Minister during a visit to Rolls Royce in Patchway. “That was probably my proudest moment,” she said. “I also got to meet education ministers and it was really enjoyable to explain what we do. I think during day-to-day life and working you forget how important your job is. “At DE&S I can keep growing from this point forward. Just the opportunities and benefits they give you are great. “I’m looking forward to progressing as much as I can. Now is my time to push myself as far as I possibly can to keep working my way up the ranks.”
Filton NEW CONSULTANT St Andrews Methodist Church Tuesday 9.30am Tel: Kerry 07738 572188
Little Stoke
Little Stoke Community Hall Wednesday 5.30pm & 7.00pm Thursday 9.30am & 11.00am Tel: Sharron 07947 064711
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News
Vision for rapid transport link via Filton will never Bristol will never have a London Underground-style system, West of England mayor Dan Norris says. The metro mayor, who is in charge of the region’s strategic transport, says such a network is “not viable” here and that he will not write any “blank cheques”. The Bristol public transport network vision includes rapid stop 'underground or overground' links from Cribbs through Filton to the city centre via Gloucester Road His comments come just days after the West of England Combined Authority (Weca) committee, which he chairs, agreed “tunnels may well be needed” beneath places like Temple Meads and Gloucester Road for the proposed mass transit system. Unveiling the latest vision for local public transport last
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be London-style underground, says metro mayor year, Bristol mayor Marvin Rees said it would not necessarily mirror the London tube and could use technology such as driverless pods or trams, while his 2021 election manifesto pledged it would be “in the form of an underground and overground”. Asked by podcast host Neil Maggs on Thursday, February 3, if an underground was unrealistic, Mr Norris, pictured, said: “It depends what people mean by ‘underground’. “What I think people are talking about is like an underground that they have in London, and I don’t think that’s viable for us at all. “I don’t think we will have a London Underground system for the West of England. “It’s really hard to achieve because of the huge amounts of money it requires. “It’s much more likely we’ll have a transport system like they
have in other parts of our country based on trams and other forms of transport including cycling and walking and buses. “If it turns out, as we look at each stage of the plan for public transport, that we can have something that is along those lines then make the case and I could be persuaded. “But what I’m not going to do is promise something I haven’t had the facts on. ”
The Labour metro mayor, speaking on The Cable’s Bristol Unpacked podcast, said that while he was proud to have secured £540million in the autumn from the Government for public transport over the next five years, to be spent primarily on buses, it was a fraction of what was required. “It sounds like a lot but for what you need it isn’t,” he said. “If you want a public transport system worthy of the name, you would need at least 20 times that because it takes time.” He said the region’s bus services had improved greatly over the last decade but were still a long way short of where they should be. “That’s why the bulk of this £540million is to go on buses because that will have the maximum impact over the five-year period the funding is available,” Mr Norris said. “And then I’m hoping we’re
levering in lots more money for other things, which might mean some tunnels, it might mean trams, it might mean a whole range of things." Weca committee – comprising Mr Norris, Mr Rees and the leaders of Bath & North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire councils – agreed to bring a report pinning down costs, dates and key milestones for the ambitious mass transit system at their next meeting in April. They also approved a lastminute amendment which said: “The committee recognises the need for new public transport across the region and will build on the previous work carried out on mass transit recognising that tunnels may well be needed in places where there are pinchpoints due to the historic nature of development including for example around Temple Meads and Gloucester Road.”
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Update from Community Garden Chair Helen Johnson
Help us keep Community Garden looking beautiful
With the plants budding, daffodils blooming and the colour of spring on its way, we are looking forward to another year in Filton Community Garden, our special place in Filton which provides a haven of peace and safety. You may have read here before that we are having to change the way we work as we are missing many of our core gardening volunteers who have either moved away or have health issues. This year to keep the garden looking,beautiful and to reduce the workload of the remaining handful of volunteer gardeners, we will be holding regular ’Gardening Get-togethers’. These will be held on weekends in the hope that all you people who enjoy the garden so much will be able to drop in and help out for an hour or two. Not to worry if you lack gardening skills as we will be on
hand to show you what to do and have a selection of tools to use. However we do ask you to bring your own gloves and wear suitable clothing. If you do have gardening knowledge, we also welcome you to come along and give us
your tips! In fact, working in the garden is a nice social activity and sometimes we share cake as well!!! Our next Gardening Get-togethers will be on: • Sunday 27 February at 2pm • Saturday 12 March at 2pm • Sunday 27 March at 2pm
Look out on our ‘Filton Community Garden’ Facebook page for our gardening sessions, activities and updates. Helen Johnson, Chair, Filton Community Garden Picture from Filton Community Garden Facebook page
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News
Filton youth club needs members to secure future
Pyramid chairman Rick Bradford says Covid has hit them hard and is appealing to local families to give low-cost club a try This is to inform everyone in our local communities of our present situation and what the future may or may not hold. Many of you will know of the immense dedication that our leader Miss Margaret Morris has given to the young people of our area since she started the club in 1970. Sadly just prior to the Covid 19 lockdown Margaret was taken ill and whilst still very independent, she is no longer able to continue as leader. Our membership prior to Covid 19 and lockdown had been declining, resulting in what was three age groups changing to one and to make that group viable we had to amalgamate the upper junior school age group with the lower secondary age range ie 10 plus to 13 plus years meeting on a Monday and Friday from 6.30pm to 8.00pm. This compared to being open four nights per week from 6.00pm to 10.00pm previously, catering for three age groups during these times and much higher numbers of young people attending, with a wide range of activities both in and away from the club premises. Activities for those attending have had to be in-house due to staffing, (both paid and voluntary) and funding, which has resulted in dispensing with our minibus as it was too much of a drain on our finances. We believe that the gradual decline in numbers is in part due to the fact that what were traditional family homes, especially on the Filton side of our area, have become buy-to-lets and converted into HMOs, coupled with young people preferring to stay in spending time on devices for gaming and social media. There are of course many other activities now available for young people at a variety of venues such as sports centres and school premises albeit at a much higher cost than those at the youth club and for low-income families with several children together with the current cost of living increases these costs are prohibitive for many. We
therefore believe that there is still a need for clubs such as ours but we need members and volunteers to increase from our current position. During the pandemic, when we might have been able to reopen, we were restricted for a number of reasons. Our group comprised of children from different schools, different age groups and different "bubbles". Activities such as cooking and a tuck shop were not allowed. The logistics of sanitizing equipment snooker and pool cues, various surfaces, and door handles made it unsafe for us to be able to operate and so we have remained closed. More recently we were planning to reopen but Omicron meant we remained closed. We are now two years on from the start of Covid 19 and do not know how many of our members are likely to return. Some will have other interests. At the time of writing, we are now able to reopen our youth provision for the age group lO plus to 13 plus on a Monday and Friday between 6.30 pm and 8.00 pm. The following dates have been scheduled: MONDAY 11 APRIL 2022 For interested parents and young people who will be welcome to come and look around and register to join. The cost per night is £1 plus tuck shop money. MONDAY 25 APRIL 2022 Fully reopened. We can also be contacted via email at: pyramidyouthdub@hotmail.co.uk The next twelve months will no doubt determine if there is still a need for us to continue. WE NEED YOUNG PEOPLE THROUGH THE DOOR. We are located at 470 Filton Avenue. Rick Bradford
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FILTON TOWN COUNCIL WHAT WE DO FEDERAL
Filton Town Council has an overall responsibility for the wellbeing of the community and improving quality of life for all. Here are just some of the responsibilities of the council ...
DELIVERY OF SERVICES • ALLOTMENTS • COMMUNITY GARDEN • LEISURE FACILITIES • BUS SHELTERS • LITTER BINS • CAR PARKS • LOCAL ILLUMINATIONS • COMMUNITY CENTRES • PARKS AND OPEN SPACES • STREET LIGHTING • FESTIVALS/ CELEBRATIONS
IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE • NEIGHBOURHOOD PLANS • PROMOTING DEMENTIA FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES • TACKLING LONELINESS • ACTING AS COMMUNITY HUBS • FUNDING COMMUNITY PROJECTS AND SERVICES THAT HAVE BEEN CUT
LOCAL COMMUNITY VOICE GIVE COMMUNITIES A VOICE THROUGH REPRESENTATION: • TO THE LOCAL POLICE AND HEALTH SERVICES • ON PLANNING MATTERS WITH PRINCIPAL AUTHORITIES AND DEVELOPERS • TO PARLIAMENTARIANS AND GOVERNMENT
Filton Town Council SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL RESPONSIBILITIES
South Gloucestershire Council covers a large area andOFprovides the DELIVERY SERVICES INCLUDING: majority of public services. Councils like South Glos are responsible for:
EDUCATION HIGHWAYS TRANSPORT PLANNING, PASSENGER TRANSPORT, SOCIAL CARE, LIBRARIES, WASTE DISPOSAL AND STRATEGIC PLANNING.
Filton Town Council meetings Council meetings are again 'in-person' meetings at the town council halls at Elm Park. Details at www.filtontowncouncil.gov.uk
Council office change
The council offices have moved temporarily to the snooker hall while refurbishment takes place at the Elm Park site. The council is unable to have visitors to the office at the moment but appointments can be made or enquiries made at the Leisure Centre reception – which is now situated at the rear of the building. Please contact us at office@ filtontowncouncil.gov.uk or by phone 01454866698/01454 803918 to arrange an appointment if necessary. If you have an enquiry or wish to report a problem email office@filtontowncouncil.gov.uk.
HOW THE COUNCIL WORKS IN FILTON
The Town Council has 13 town councillors elected for a term of four years. The last town council elections were held in May, 2019. The councillors are split into three wards: Charborough (three councillors), Northville (five councillors) and Conygre (five councillors). There are also two elected councillors to South Gloucestershire Council who represent Filton’s interests at this level. The civic year runs from May to April with the election of the Chair/Mayor and the Deputy taking place at the Annual Statutory Meeting in May. These roles are filled by councillors who have been nominated and voted for by their councillor colleagues. The town councillors are unpaid, and do not receive any attendance allowance or payments for their duties, in which they run to undertake on a voluntary basis. Each year a sum of money called a ‘precept’ is collected through your council tax. This money is invested back into your local neighbourhood by your local council to improve facilities and services for you and your neighbours.
Sports & Leisure Centre A warm welcome to Filton Sports & Leisure Centre. We have swimming lessons available, public swimming, Aquafit, dinky dolphins, softplay and softplay parties. We also offer parties on our pool inflatable. -------Since 1st November there have been changes to the way the centre operates. Access to the pools and softplay are through our temporary reception area, located round the back of the Leisure Centre. We look forward to seeing you soon.
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Filton MP Jack Lopresti
A
Three-part plan to help with rising energy bills
number of constituents have recently contacted me regarding the muchreported rise in energy bills expected from April this year and it’s clear that the rising cost of living is a serious concern for many households across our area. I have seen many unsubstantiated claims by commentators and across social media which attempt to pin the blame for these rises on inaction by Government as well as the Government’s active commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The truth however is that a record increase in global gas prices has led to wholesale energy prices reaching record levels this winter across Europe. In short, many smaller suppliers committed to selling gas to their customers at a lower cost than it is now costing them to buy. Despite many suppliers having purchased energy in
advance to shield themselves from any cost increases, multiple suppliers were faced with no option but to liquidate their business, resulting in many consumers being transferred onto variable and more expensive rates with new suppliers. This will cause an unwelcome increase in household energy bills and the cost of living at a time when the need to heat homes and workplaces is peaking over the colder months. For the last two very difficult years, the government has led the country through the pandemic, whilst committing unprecedented financial support to protect employees, jobs and businesses. In addition to these significant financial support measures and in response to the global energy price rise, the Government has now
committed a further £9.1 billion to further support consumers via the Energy Bills Rebate; a threepart plan - recently announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak. The three-part plan includes a package of £350 worth of support per household ; consisting of a non-repayable Council Tax discount of £150 to 80% of households in April, a £200 repayable discount for domestic electricity customers in October and a discretionary fund of £144 million to enable local authorities to help lower-income
households who are not eligible for the Council Tax rebate. The £200 energy price discount will be automatically recovered from people’s bills in equal £40 instalments over the next five years; beginning in 2023, when global wholesale gas prices are expected to come down. Prior to the Government’s Energy Bills Rebate announcement, I recently met with the Minister for Industry, Lee Rowley, pictured, to raise my constituents’ concerns of the energy price increases and I am pleased that this Government subsequently responded with this three-part plan to ensure that all households will be properly heated this winter. If you have concerns about your ability to properly heat your home this winter or you would like to contact me about any other matter, please contact me via my constituency office via: jack.lopresti.mp@parliament.uk or Tel: 01454 617783.
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FREE Events at filtonvoice Filton Library in March
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Every week:
This month:
Story & Rhyme Time
Wednesdays 10.30 – 11am Rhymes & stories for pre-school children with musical instruments! Advanced booking essential To book your place and for more details email: filton.library@southglos.gov.uk with your name and contact phone number. Did you know that you can reserve and renew books online? You can also download eBooks, eAudiobooks and digital magazines & eComics. Find out all that’s on offer at www.librarieswest.org.uk
Lego Club
Saturday 12th 10am – 10:45am OR 11am – 11:45am Join us for theme-based creative building fun for primary school aged children. All children must be accompanied by a grown-up. This is a popular activity, so we are running two sessions to fit everyone in: book early to avoid disappointment. Advanced booking essential To book your place and for more details email: filton.library@southglos.gov.uk with your name and contact phone number
Open (Staffed) Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10:00 - 17:30 Saturday: 09:30 - 13:00 Tuesday, Friday, Sunday: CLOSED
South Gloucestershire Libraries: the space where people, communities and ideas grow www.southglos.gov.uk/libraries You can use the library 7 days a week at times when it is unstaffed By registering for Open Access* Find out more and how to book your one-off Open Access induction at www.southglos.gov.uk/openaccess Or ask us during Staffed Hours on Mon/Weds/Thurs 105.30 & Sat 9.30-1.00pm. All *T&Cs apply, min. age 16 yrs.
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★ Senior Citizens Special ★ Garden Clearance — Regular or one-off ★ Patios ★ Fencing ★ Tree Work ★ Turfing ★ Hedgecutting ★ Planting (Shrubs etc) ★ Organic manure delivered — Also applied ★ Professional and guarnteed work ★ Brick & Blocklaying
CALL JOE FOR A FREE QUOTE
Tel: 0117 959 2143 Mob: 07891 253 122
www.alpine-landscaping.co.uk
F
Salon & Barber Shop Our friendly team is looking forward to meeting YOU
Selected prices
Ladies
Dry cut Blow dry Shampoo & set Put ups & plaits
OAP
£12 £14
£11 £13
£14
£13
from £23
Tinting from
£25.50
£23.50
Perms from
£42.50
£40.50
Gentlemen Dry cut Wet cut Wash, cut & blow dry Clippers
£10 £12 £18 £6+
Extras Conditioners, mousse, setting lotion, gel/wax Complimentary
SENIOR CITIZENS’ PRICES: MONDAYS, TUESDAYS, WEDNESDAYS ONLY 702 Filton Avenue, Filton, Bristol BS34 7JX
Tel: 0117 969 2701
Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Richard on 0777 555 0607 or email richard@filtonvoice.co.uk
new tickets. more choice. Our new range of amazing value, flexible tickets are designed to fit into your life seamlessly and help ensure you only ever pay for the travel you need.
what's new?
what's changed?
Day ticket bundles
Single fares are reduced
For more flexible travel, we’ve introduced a range of Day Ticket Bundles on our app to save you money.
Great news - we've reduced all our single fares in Bristol!
2-Trip ticket 70% of customers who buy a Day ticket only catch two buses. To save you money, we’ve introduced a 2-Trip ticket.
You won’t pay more on the bus You now pay the same price whether buying your ticket on the bus, through the First Bus app or our other ‘buy before you board’ options.
3 Day & 5 Day tickets
Tap & Cap in Bristol
Don’t have the First Bus app but want to save money when you travel on consecutive days? Buy a new First3Day or First5Day ticket from your driver.
The weekly cap now runs from Monday to Sunday and we’ll also cap the cost of two trips at our new, great value 2-Trip fare.
However you travel, we’ve now got the perfect ticket for you.
newbustickets.co.uk
March, 2022
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Filton planning applications in February
HM
watch
Visit: beta.southglos.gov.uk/search-planning-applications Applications 95 Conygre Road Loft conversion with hip to gable roof and 1 rear dormer to form additional living accommodation. 676 Southmead Road Installation of rear dormer and two rooflights to front roof slope to facilitate loft conversion. 31 Branksome Drive Erection of a single storey side and rear extension to form additional living accommodation with raised rear decking. 18 Eleventh Avenue Erection of single and two storey rear extension and front porch to form additional living accommodation 65 Kenmore Crescent Erection of single storey rear extension, alteration to roofline to form hip to gable roof, installation of rear dormer to form loft conversion. 682 Southmead Road Erection of a first floor side and rear extension to form additional living accommodation. 39 Kenmore Crescent The erection of a single storey rear extension which would extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by 4.3 metres, for which the maximum height would be 3.9 metres, and for which the height of the eaves would be 3.0 metres.
54 Fourth Avenue Demolition of existing garage and lean-to rear extension. Erection of two storey side and single storey rear extension to form additional living accommodation. (Resubmission P21/02612/F) 48 Dunkeld Avenue Non material amendments to planning permission P19/12758/F to alter the side and rear windows and internal layout. 20 Charborough Road Erection of a two and first floor side extension to form additional living accommodation. 42 Mayville Avenue Erection of single storey side and rear extensions and installation of rear dormer to facilitate loft conversion including vehicle parking, bin storage and cycle parking to accommodate Change of Use from C4 HMO to ten bedroom large house in multiple occupation (Sui Generis) for up to ten people . 1 Roycroft Road Erection of single rear extension to provide additional living accommodation. 23 Mackie Grove Installation of rear dormer to facilitate loft conversion.
Decisions 16 Hunters Way The erection of a single storey rear extension that will extend beyond the rear wall of the original dwelling house by 6 metres, with a maximum heights of 3 metres, and for which the height of the eaves will be 3 metres. Prior Approval Granted 41 Kenmore Crescent Installation of hip to gable roof extension, 1 rear dormer and 1 front rooflight. Approve Certificate of Lawfulness 32 Canberra Grove The erection of a single storey rear extension that will extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by 5.99m, for which the maximum height will be 3.5m and for which the height of the eaves will be 3m. Prior Approval Not Required 39 Kenmore Crescent The erection of a single storey rear extension which would extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by 4.3 metres, for which the maximum height would be 3.9 metres, and for which the height of the eaves would be 3.0 metres. Prior Approval Objection (PNH) 95 Conygre Road Demolition of existing garage. Erection of a two storey side extension and single storey front extension to form porch and additional living accommodation. Construction of a hip to gable roof
extension and rear dormer to facilitate loft conversion. Withdrawn 33 Braemar Avenue Erection of a single storey side and rear extension to form additional living accommodation. Erection of front porch. Creation of vehicular access. (Resubmission of P21/06410/F). Approve with Conditions 50 Braemar Avenue Demolition of existing garage. Erection of two and single storey rear extension to provide additional living accommodation. Erection of detached garage. Approve with Conditions 12 Fifth Avenue Demolition of existing outbuilding. Erection of detached two story building with other associated works to facilitate a change of use from a class C4 (up to 6 person) house of multiple occupation to a 9 person house of multiple occupation (class sui generis) as defined by the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended). Refusal 86 Northville Road Part demolition of existing property. Erection of 1 semi detached dwelling and associated works Refusal
Advertising feature North Bristol Advice Centre
Get help to appeal disability benefits decisions
Free and independent advice and support For North Bristol and South Gloucestershire Welfare Benefits Universal Credit Debt Advice Appeals and representation Help to Get Online
Enquire using our Advice Tool at www.northbristoladvice.org.uk Or call 0117 951 5751 Registered Charity number: 1066921
Have you had your PIP or ESA benefit claim turned down? If so, you’re not alone. Many people who apply for Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and Employment Support Allowance (ESA) benefits are having their claims unjustly refused. This, despite suffering from serious health problems. If this has happened to you, North Bristol Advice Centre can help. Our experienced advisers can provide one-toone support to help you challenge the decision and appeal. This includes gathering evidence and preparing the paperwork for your case. They can even be there with you at the tribunal hearing, making it less stressful. North Bristol Advice Centre’s overall success rate at appeal is around 90%. If you or anyone you know is struggling to challenge an unfair decision regarding a PIP or ESA claim, please contact North Bristol Advice Centre. Tel: 0117 951 5751 or visit: www.northbristoladvice.org.uk to arrange an appointment by phone, or face-to-face in Kingswood and Patchway each week.
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March, 2022
News
Ladies' group raises £2,500 for cancer charity
St. Peter's Ladies Group have been raising funds for Bristolbased charity BUST (Breast Cancer Unit Support Trust) over the last two years. Earlier this year the group welcomed Jenny Wookey and Simon Cawthorn, who are both trustees of the charity. They gave them a cheque for £1,000 representing money raised in 2020 and 2021. BUST is based in Southmead Hospital and they will put the money towards a new MRI scanner. Also one of the St. Peter's ladies, Mary Naylor, volunteered to have her head shaved to raise further funds for them. This was performed at the meeting by hairdresser Carolyn and £1,540 has been pledged. BUST was formed in 1991 by Frenchay Hospital patients Pamela Corrigan, Carol Thomas and Margaret Twiggs, when they learned from Consultant Surgeon, Mr Simon Cawthorn that his team needed a £20,000
ultra-sound scanner. The trio raised the money within two years and their impressive achievement led to the creation of the hospital’s specialist Breast Care Centre with its One Stop Clinic. The Southmead Breast Care Centre is now widely recognised
regionally and nationally as an excellent centre for Breast Care Services because of the dedication and caring attitude of its doctors, nurses and administrative staff and the work of BUST. BUST has raised more than £1,900,000 and every penny
has been spent supporting patient care. As well as providing equipment BUST is also contributing towards pioneering surgery. Pictured, above left, the cheque presentation and above, Mary Naylor after her hair was shaved off.
Rediscover St Nick’s Market St Nicholas Markets, also known as “St Nick’s” is a hidden gem in the heart of the Old City. Home to the largest collection of independent retailers in Bristol, the historic indoor and outdoor markets house over 60 stalls, selling a range of unique gifts, quality crafts, clothing and fashion, accessories, books, records and food. Eat in or take away, it is a food lover’s paradise, with food and flavours from across the world. From shoe repairs to key cutting and knife sharpening, you’re sure to find a trader to fix anything that’s broken. Open Monday to Saturday, enjoy a unique shopping experience in the heart of the Old City.
stnicholasmarkets.co.uk Corn Street, Bristol BS1 1JQ Reopening High Streets Safely / Welcome Back Fund delivered with funding from:
To advertise, contact shane@filtonvoice.co.uk and on 0770 674 1200 or Richard on 0777 555 0607
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A Horfield-based kickboxing club has returned from the British championships with a clutch of medals. Twelve athletes aged 8-17 from Team Bristol, based at GB Fit in Merton Road, competed in Nottingham in the Wako British Championships. Gold medallists and British Champions were, Liam Holden, Cristiano Firth, Tom Brown and Jack Sowersby. Silvers were won by Marco Casali, Millie Cussen, Jaden Mcleary, Magnus Hyne and Spike Wherlock. Bronze medalists were Alex Fellender -Evans and Philippa Hutchins. Find out more at www. iamgbfit.com/ or call Sharon on 07738752273
The medal winners with coaches Oliver Mcleary and Sharon Gill BEM
Generation Care – Is it time for a change? Careers in care are diverse and rewarding With the recent challenges in the care sector behind us, now is the time to start building the next generation of care workers – our Generation Care. Working at St Monica Trust is about so much more than care. It’s having the opportunity to build your career and develop your skills, whilst delivering the best experience of aging to our wonderful residents. We’ll provide award-winning training and all the mentoring you’ll need to build a fulfilling and successful career.
For more information about the fantastic opportunities in care please email recruitment@stmonicatrust.org.uk or call 0117 949 4091. www.stmonicatrust.org.uk/jobs
With dignity at the heart of all we do, you’ll be improving the lives of our residents by helping with day-to-day practical things like bathing, dressing, meal times and activities. In fact, you’ll be such an important part of their lives you’ll get to know them, their families and friends. And who knows what direction this could take you, nursing, management or towards head office support functions? Become Generation Care and start your amazing journey
Registered charity no: 202151
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March, 2022
Sport Canadian Football League’s international try-out back at SGS
National American football programme touches down at SGS College
SGS College in Filton and their Academy of Sport have announced a new partnership with the National American Football Programme, the Great Britain Lions. The Under-19 and Under-17 National Programmes will have access to use the excellent facilities at the SGS WISE campus and provide the programme with a base to work from in order to prepare and compete in the European Championships later in 2022. The facilities have been used in the past by championship football team Bristol City, Premiership Rugby side Bristol Bears, the Kenyan Olympic Team, plus the Canada and Georgia National Rugby Squads. Highly regarded in the American football community for their trailblazing Academy, the PRIDE has been setting the standard for junior American football in the UK and Europe for the past 15 years, with players moving forward to all levels including the NCAA, XFL, CFL and the NFL. “Many of our most successful
student-athletes over the years have also stared for the Great Britain Lions junior team, including former NFL defensive lineman Alex Jenkins” said SGS College coach Ben Herod.
He said: “We are delighted to able to assist in the programs preparation for their European qualifier later this year”.
BAFA (British American Football Association) are delighted to announce the CFL (Canadian Football League) try-outs will again be held at SGS College. This invitational only event will be taking place on Saturday, 5th March. This year over 20 athletes will be showcasing themselves to hopefully catch the eyes of scouts and teams around the CFL and gain an invite to the CFL Combine in Toronto at the end of March. There will be two SGS Degree student athletes taking part in the event as well, defensive Lineman, Joe Marton and lnebacker, Joe Christian. Previous UK players drafted include David Izinyon and Tigie Sankoh. Sankoh, an SGS College & Pride graduate, was first signed in the NFL with the Browns before taking number 3 overall in the CFL International Draft. “It is exciting to have the CFL combine back at SGS College and to have two of our own students taking part is tremendous for our programme, ” said Herod. The PRIDE is now recruiting for their Sept 2022 Academic season for both their sixth form and university programs. You can find out more by visiting their Instagram (@filtonpride) or their website www.sgscol.ac.uk/ american-football/
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March, 2022
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News
Southmead stroke centre will save 12 lives every year by BBC LDRS reporters for Filtonvoice A dozen lives will be saved every year and many more will be prevented from becoming disabled or needing long-term care in a major shakeup of stroke services in Bristol. Anyone across Bristol, North Somerset or South Gloucestershire with a suspected stroke will be taken to a new centre of excellence at Southmead Hospital, where specialist staff and treatments will be available 24-seven. As well as offering hyperacute care, the hospital will be the region’s single acute stroke unit. The £3.5million plans also include two rehab units – one at Weston General Hospital and the other at South Bristol Community Hospital – for people who have recovered but are not quite well enough to go home,
and an integrated community stroke service offering better support at home. Consultant stroke neurologist Dr Phil Clatworthy told the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group’s governing body: “We’re expecting that these changes should save 12 lives a year every year in BNSSG, that up to 60 people will be able to live independently at home in the region that wouldn’t have been able to otherwise, and that a similar number of people will be able to avoid having to be discharged from hospital into a permanent care home placement – quite significant benefits. “Everybody with a suspected stroke will be brought to and treated at Southmead Hospital at a centralised comprehensive stroke centre with a hyper acute stroke unit. “Bringing everybody into the
same place provides the benefit of people being looked after by a specialist workforce who look after a lot of people with stroke every year.” Stroke affects more than 1,500 people in the region each year. It is the fourth biggest killer in the UK and a leading cause of disability. Better immediate care limits the extent of brain damage and early intensive rehabilitation reduces disability and preserves post-stroke independence. Concerns had been raised that increased travel times would lead to worse outcomes. But Dr Clatworthy said: “Everybody within BNSSG can arrive at Southmead in 45 minutes. A very small group at the bottom of North Somerset would go to Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton." Next door will be the acute stroke unit, significantly reducing transfers and improving patient
experience. A specialist stroke workforce will be retained at the Bristol Royal Infirmary. Claire Angel, who had a stroke eight years ago and is a patient representative, said the changes “can’t come quickly enough”. She told the meeting: “From the patient’s perspective, the vision for the stroke programme has always been to ensure that patients are diagnosed quickly and that they’re able to access the right treatment, care and rehab, both in hospital and at home, as and when they need it.” The CCG approved the recommendations. Dr Chris Burton, the clinical lead, said change will not happen overnight, with new services expected to be fully in place from November. If you suspect that you or someone else is having a stroke, phone 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance.
Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Richard on 0777 555 0607 or email richard@filtonvoice.co.uk
ST ANDREW’S METHODIST CHURCH, ELM PARK, FILTON
SATURDAY 12th MAR 2022 3.30 – 5.15pm Crafts, fun and food for all the family Come and join us. Entry is FREE!
** Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times **
Calling all care professionals Have you taken a break from working in the health or care sector? Are you missing the feeling you get from helping someone have a great day? Do you miss seeing their smile of appreciation and knowing that you’ve made a difference? Then why not join our team of care professionals? Our unrushed, relationship-focused support gives the opportunity to really get to know your clients and spend quality time together. A rewarding and meaningful role that offers: ● ● ● ● ●
Minimum visit time of one hour Matched to clients in your own area (transport required) Thorough training with ongoing progression A range of hours available, part-time, mornings and evenings, daytime, weekends and overnight Top rates of pay & guaranteed hours contracts available
Interested? Call us today on 0117 435 0063 or visit www.homeinstead.co.uk/bristolnorth Home Instead Bristol North - 33 Southmead Road, Westbury-on-Trym BS10 & 77B North Street, Downend BS16
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March, 2022
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n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR
Cost of living crisis needs urgent action
T
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
• Trusted reputation • Huge choice of doors, worktops appliances, sinks & taps
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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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
A WARM WELCOME AWAITS AT FIELD HOUSE NURSING HOME Providing top quality, best value, holistic care Field House in Horfield offers safe and nurturing care
We also ensure: • Strict Infection Control measures approved by Public Health England are fully implemented
We are now enabling close • Care staff wear PPE at all contact visits in the home, times and we have ensured a every resident is able to have an high volume of supply essential care giver, and there is no isolation required for new • Skilled nurses are on residents from the community. site 24/7 and respiratory We still have a varied activity equipment is at hand schedule which keeps life • Safe face-to-face visits interesting and happy. where possible
BEST BEST IN CLASS BEST IN CLASS FOR
IN CLASS FOR
VITIES IFOR ACT I IES TIIV VIT TIES AC ACT
BEST BEST IN CLASS BEST IN CLASS FOR
IN CLASS FOR RING E FOR CAT ATER CA RING C TE ING
BEST BEST IN CLASS BEST IN CLASS FOR
IN CLASS FOR PLAN REFOR CA RE PLANSS CA RE PLAN S CA
BEST BEST IN CLASS BEST IN CLASS IN CLASS FOR
RING E FOR CAT R CATERING CATE ING FOR
BEST BEST IN CLASS BEST IN CLASS IN CLASS FOR
FOR PLAN REFOR CA RE PLA SS CARE PLAN NS CA
We’d love to hear from you and we’d be very happy to give you a virtual tour of the home...
Give us a call on 0117 969 0990 or visit our website at bristolcarehomes.co.uk To advertise, contact shane@filtonvoice.co.uk and on 0770 674 1200 or Richard on 0777 555 0607
filtonvoice
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March, 2022
The FIEND
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PUZZLES for all Each row, column and square (9 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-9, without repeating any numbers within the row, column or square.
For younger readers
8 3 6 5 3 7
1
4 8 2 1 6
9 4 9 1 8 2
5 7
Theme: Capital cities 1
2
3
5
6
8
7
4
Easier sudoku Solution
Use the phone keypad to decode the clues. For example: 2 could be A, B or C ... and 5678 could be LOST
Across 1 2376 (4) 5 582632 (6) 7 5462 (4) 8 54566493 (8)
Each row, column and square (4 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-4, without repeating any numbers within the row, column or square.
Down 1 27877357 (8) 2 6885 (4) 3 72684246 (8) 4 6222263 (7) 6 6756 (4)
1 3 3 1 2
Txtpert
Cross Sum answers Top row: 5,1,8 Middle row: 6,3,7 Bottom row: 2,4,9
Txtpert
B E R N S M U A B R L U A N D A U K T B S O L I M A S S A N E L I L O N G W E O O S
7 5 8 6
Graham Cook Gardener and handyman
Grass cutting, hedge and shrub trimming, weeding, planting, felling small trees, winter preparation, clearing, small painting jobs and other maintenance work. Please call for a no-obligation chat
Call 0117 377 0644 or 07415 658 205 Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Richard on 0777 555 0607 or email richard@filtonvoice.co.uk
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March, 2022
What's on in Filton St. Peter’s Church Services:
Ash Wednesday, 2nd March, Morning Prayer in church at 8am and a sung Eucharist in church at noon, with imposition of ashes, to mark the beginning of Lent Sunday 6th March 10am Eucharist Sunday 13th March 8.30am Eucharist and 10am Eucharist Sunday 20th March 8.30am Eucharist and 10am Family service - children especially welcome (this is always on the 3rd Sunday of the month at 10am and we also offer baptisms (by appointment only) during this service.) Contact me for further details about baptisms. faith. stpeterschurchfilton@gmail.com Sunday 27th March 8.30am Eucharist and 10am Eucharist. We also have a Youth of God group at 5pm on Sunday 6th March - this is held at the Rectory and all KS3 & KS4 are welcome.
Lent Course:
Our Lent course will start on Tuesday 8th March, 7 - 8.30pm via Zoom (full details on our website www.stpeterschurchfilton.com) and run on every Tuesday throughout Lent.
Coffee Shop
***Exciting news!*** Our Coffee Shop has now reopened, and is open for homemade cakes and hot drinks from 10am - 1.30pm (last orders 1.10pm) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. £1.50 donation per item. You are welcome to bring your own lunch should you wish.
Social and Church Groups
Our Ladies' Group meets at 2pm on Monday 14th March and Monday 28th March in the church hall. Full programme and contact details available on our website. Our Mothers' Union are meeting on Thursday 10th March at 2pm in the Coffee Shop. Again, full details on the website. Brabazon Belles (a social group for women) are meeting on Monday 7th March at 7pm in the church hall. Our Open House group meets every Tuesday in the church hall from 9.30 - 11am for tea, toast and companionship.
Our friendly choir meets for rehearsals every Friday at 7pm in the church. You can find more information about all of this, and read our weekly news sheet, by going to www.stpeterschurchfilton. com and if you have any queries, please contact the Rector, or the administrator, who will be only too happy to help. rector@ stpeterschurchfilton.com and faith. stpeterschurchfilton@gmail.com
men aged over 50, operates from the Scout hut in Nuffield Grove, providing a space to socialise, build, share skills and drink tea. Men in Sheds Filton is part of a national movement, initiated by Age Concern Cheshire in 2009 and sustained by the UK Men’s Sheds Association. There are now over 200 “sheds” across the country, with many more being developed. The group runs every Wednesday, from 9.30am-12.30pm. Call John Cahill 07986053005
FACE
SHE7
Mondays: 7-9pm The Hangout youth club for young people aged 13-25, with social or learning disabilities, £2 entry Tuesdays: 10am-12pm Coffee Club (tea & coffee morning for older folk), donations welcomed 5.30-6.30pm Rise youth club for School Years 3 & 4, £2 entry 7-8.30pm Shine youth club for School Years 5 & 6, £2 entry Wednesdays: 7-9pm Outbreak youth club for School Years 7-13, £2 entry Thursdays: *10am-12pm Silver Surfers computer drop-in – not currently running, hopefully back in April – needing volunteers* 1.30-2.30pm Low Impact Fitness session, £4 entry 7-9pm Illuminators social club for adults aged 20+ with social or learning disabilities, £2 entry Fridays: 10-12pm Coffee & Chat group for anyone who wishes to come, soon to be expanded to include optional crafts, donations welcomed
1st Filton Scouts Beavers age 6-8, Wednesday 5:45 – 6:45pm Cubs age 8-10, Monday and Thursday 6:30 – 8pm Scouts age 10 ½ -14, Tues 6:45 – 8:45pm The group is based in Scout HQ, Nutfield Grove, Filton, BS34 7LH. All sections are open to boys and girls. Contact secretary@1stfiltonscouts. co.uk or phone John Cahill 0798 605 3005 Website:1stfiltonscouts.co.uk
Men In Sheds Filton The DIY group, which aims to tackle loneliness and isolation among
Tuesday Bingo 7.30pm - 9.00pm Wednesday Over 50's lunch, Cooked lunch, pudding and tea/ coffee for just £3.50. Please ring 0117 969 5130 to book and arrive by 12.15pm.
BAWA BRITISH LEGENDS TRIBUTE NIGHT - ELTON JOHN AND ROD STEWART SATURDAY 19th FEBRUARY Paul Bacon as Elton John - close your eyes and you won’t believe your ears, open your eyes and you won’t believe them either! You simply won’t find a closer tribute to Sir Elton John PLUS Pete McCall as Rod Stewart - Europe’s Leading Rod Stewart Tribute. The show has everything you would expect from superb showmanship, audience participation and superb songs belted out in exactly the same style as Rod Stewart - in fact, it’s exactly what a Rod Stewart act should be. TICKETS £12 LEISURE MEMBERS £7 THE BEST 80s TRIBUTE PARTY EVER - MADNESS AND MADONNA SATURDAY 19th MARCH Tributes to Two of the Biggest Names in Music of the 1980’s. The UK’s Premier and longest surviving MADNESS tribute band ONE STEP BEHIND and TASHA LEAPER as MADONNA. Tasha has thrilled audiences all over the UK with her uncanny resemblance and vocals to the global superstar. PLUS Non-Stop 80’s Disco featuring all the massive hits from the 80’s - 80’s DRESS WELCOME! TICKETS £12.50 LEISURE MEMBERS £9 PRINCES OF MOTOWN & PRINCES OF POP SATURDAY 23rd APRIL With awesome vocals, amazing harmonies and slick choreographed dance routines to nonstop Motown and Pop classics,
you’ll be dancing the night away! This is a Tribute show, dedicated to all the smash hit selling Motown Groups and the biggest Pop Artists. Split into two spots, both include a mix of classic Motown and Pop classics in one spectacular show! CHARITY CURRY QUIZ NIGHTS INCLUDES A CURRY AND A PINT FRI 27TH MAY • FRI 16TH SEPT & FRI 25TH NOV Teams of up to 8 people, Bar opens 7pm, starts 8pm. All proceeds go to local charities with prizes awarded to round winners, 6 rounds of 20 questions £10 PER PERSON - ALL WELCOME
International Plastic Modellers Society Avon Meetings are held on the 3rd Wednesday in the month from 7:30pm for 8.00pm at: BAWA Healthcare & Leisure, 589 Southmead Rd, Filton, Bristol BS34 7RG.
Ukulele Filton We are a friendly and enthusiastic group who meet every Monday evening at Filton Community Centre 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm Contact Sue on 07504561831
Upper Horfield Community Trust Pilates: Every Monday there are two evening Pilates sessions in the Community Room. For session times and availability, please contact Helen at prime-pilates@ hotmail.com or on 07966 217313. Pregnancy Yoga: There is a Pregnancy Yoga session in the Main Hall every Monday evening. For further details, please contact Kate at hello@bloomyogabristol.co.uk. Art Classes: Two Watercolour Art Classes with renowned artist Anthony Pace take place in the Community Room every Tuesday. The first is at 10am and the second is at 1pm. Places are limited, so for availability please contact the Trust Administrator at info@uhct.co.uk or on 0117 9738411. Confidence with Computers: Free sessions take place every Tuesday at 11am in the Milburn Room.
To advertise, contact shane@filtonvoice.co.uk and on 0770 674 1200 or Richard on 0777 555 0607
March, 2022
E: richard@filtonvoice.co.uk
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What's on in Filton Hapkido: Sessions in this Korean martial art take place every Tuesday evening in the Main Hall. For more information, please contact luke.gumbrill@live.co.uk. Creative Writing: Free sessions take place every Wednesday at 11am in the Milburn Room. Scrabble Club: Bristol Scrabble Club meets every Wednesday at 7.15pm in the Community Room. For further details, please contact Sheila Hinett on 0117 9570792. Craft and Chat: Free sessions take place every Friday at 1pm in the Milburn Room.
Horfield Townswomens Guild We will be meeting at St Andrew's Church Hall on the 2nd Wednesday afternoon of each month (except August) at 2pm to 4pm from January 2022. We welcome new members. For more information, please contact Edna on 9495413.
BRISTOL MALE VOICE CHOIR We are rehearsing for our 2022 concerts and warmly invite you to join us; the ability to read music is helpful but not essential as we regularly rehearse our wide-ranging repertoire, from classical to pop, traditional male voice favourites to musicals and gospel songs in various languages. We meet every Thursday at 7.00pm in St Andrew's Methodist Church, Elm Park, Filton, BS34 7PS. For further information see our website, www.bristolmvc.org.uk, or Facebook, or phone 07587 143 220. Our next concert is on March 19, 2022, in Christ the King Church, Bradley Stoke, BS32 8EE
Filton Chest & Heart Committee
EASTER FAIR Monday, 11 April 10.00 am – 12.00 noon St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Filton
£1 entry fee
Refreshments, Win an Easter Egg Competitions, Gifts & Stalls
FAMILIES WELCOME
For details phone the above number.
“We love to play and learn. Our teachers are really kind and nice.” Discover more at our next Scan to meet Theo & Elena
Working Open Morning Friday 29th April 2022 Register at colstons.org
Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Richard on 0777 555 0607 or email richard@filtonvoice.co.uk
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Photo posed by model
March, 2022
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Aerials Blame game among councillors H&P Digital, Freeview and with children 'at risk of harm' Freesat Specialists by BBC LDRS reporters for Filtonvoice Councillors have blamed each other after watchdogs found South Gloucestershire social services are leaving some children at risk of “significant harm”. Opposition groups took aim at the council’s Conservative administration for the “awful” failings highlighted by Ofsted in how the local authority deals with concerns from the public about youngsters’ safety. But the ruling Tories hit back, saying all elected members should bear responsibility of being a “corporate parent”, with council leader Cllr Toby Savage accusing the Lib Dems and Labour of giving higher priority to “gender pronouns on email signatures” than to vulnerable kids. Ofsted’s findings, revealed in a letter in December following a two-day visit the previous month that focused on the socalled “front door” to South Gloucestershire Council’s children’s services, came two-anda-half years after the service as a whole was judged as “requires improvement”. It said: “Delays in children being seen, in the completion of assessments of their needs, and in carrying out child-protection enquiries mean that some children are left in situations of unassessed risk. “For a few children, this has meant that they have been left in situations where they are known to be at risk of significant harm but are not receiving the help and support they need.” Ofsted inspector Tracey Scott’s letter said the pace of improvement since 2019 had been “too slow” and in some areas the quality of work had “deteriorated”. The council accepted the findings and promised to “significantly and swiftly” improve the “front door” access and response team, which handles and assesses calls from residents about child safety concerns. A cabinet meeting heard that an
international recruitment drive had since been launched for 15 qualified social workers, a restructure of the service was under way to ensure staff had manageable caseloads and “significant” extra council money had been allocated. Conservative cabinet member for children and young people Cllr Sam Bromiley said he was “disappointed and angry” that opposition groups had shown a “complete lack of interest”, during an earlier item on the meeting’s agenda, in the “significant” new investment the administration was making into children’s services. “We are all corporate parents for our looked-after children,” he said. “I urge all opposition councillors to stop grandstanding, be councillors, step up and play your role.” Lib Dem group leader Cllr Claire Young said: “He has the temerity to complain the opposition are not taking the role seriously despite knowing this was later on the agenda and we would be hearing how often in seven years of Conservative majority rule the performance of this council’s children’s services has deteriorated. “The report makes clear that some children will be at risk of harm due to delays and ineffectiveness of dealing with their cases.” After opposition councillors pressed Cllr Bromiley on when he could be confident children’s services were “no longer putting children at risk of harm”, he replied: “As soon as possible.” Cllr Savage said: “At scrutiny committee last week the administration received more questions about gender pronouns on email signatures than we did about the budget supporting our children’s services.” “I would urge opposition members, for the sake of the most vulnerable children in South Gloucestershire, to please get a proper sense of priorities.”
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HAVE YOUR SAY
Consultation on proposed controls on HMO Conversions in Filton, Stoke Park and Cheswick wards.
Have your say – Share your views on our proposal to bring new HMOs (houses in multiple occupation) into the planning system in Stoke Park & Cheswick ward and to the east of Southmead Road and Gloucestershire Road North in Filton. Our proposed Article 4 direction means that conversion of homes to HMOs in these areas would require planning permission, which for smaller conversions, under national planning law, they currently do not.
CONSULTATION PERIOD The consultation on the proposals runs for six weeks from 7 February until 21 March 2022.
LEARN MORE AND COMMENT Visit the South Gloucestershire Council website to see details of the proposals, the supporting material and, to make comments. https://beta.southglos.gov.uk/ planning-policy-guidance
SUBMITTING COMMENTS All comments must be received no later than 21 March 2022. All representations will be publicly available. Where possible, South Gloucestershire Council encourages people to comment online. If you have questions during the consultation period, contact the Policy.consultation@southglos.gov.uk
AFTER THE CONSULTATION All the comments received will be reviewed, and a recommendation will be put forward whether to proceed with the decision to make the Article 4 Directions. Further details and the timetable will be published on the South Gloucestershire Council website.
www.southglos.gov.uk
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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
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
WE'VE BEEN BOOSTED LET'S GET JOIN US PROTECTED 3016 Keep In Touch.indd 1
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Over time, two doses do not give enough protection against Covid-19. Find your nearest vaccine clinic at bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk/COVID
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