Filtonvoice October 2020

FREE EVERY MONTH for people and businesses in Filton

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... including Cheswick Village

October 2020 Issue 108

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ADVERT, page 23

How Elm Park tennis courts could be transformed ... consultation to begin. P12 31m

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Finally! George junction opened up southbound For many years, it has been one of the main traffic talking points in Filton.

Now the 'George' junction - at the intersection of the A4174 Ring Road and Filton Avenue - will be opened up southbound outside peak hours following a campaign

by Filton councillor Chris Wood.

Work is set to begin in October.

As a focal meeting point between the M32 and the A38, close to UWE, the MOD, Airbus and many other major employers, the junction of Station Road and Filton Avenue is used by thousands of residents, Arena commuters and students every day.

But the existing layout of the junction, in effect, divides the community in two, with motorists unable to travel from the north end of Filton Avenue to the south end without having to drive to the MOD roundabout or the Air Balloon roundabout, adding considerable time to journeys and increasing pollution. ® Features & Benefits

Practice basketball areas FULLY FLAT INSIDE Post and panel assembly designed for a fully flat inside offering a better and safer play experience

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Contacts Richard Coulter Editor and publisher

0777 555 0607 | richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

Ruth Drury Advertising sales

filtonvoice

You can find Filtonvoice on Facebook www.facebook. com/filtonvoice and on Twitter @filtonvoice

07590 527664 | ruth@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.

News

Ratepayers could be replaced by cafe as report says there is 'real interest' in outside operator for Filton leisure centre A consultant working with Filton Town Council says there is ‘real’ outside sector interest in bidding to run the Elm Park leisure centre and pool.

The leisure centre has been struggling financially, with pre-

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With income failing to meet this sum and high staffing costs, the council was forced into a 35% increase in the town council precept earlier this year.

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Case study -

Enderly Leisure Centre, Leicestershire

l 15

Councillors decided to engage a consultant to investigate alternative ways of running the leisure centre, sports facilities, soft play and also the Ratepayers bar. An initial presentation to councillors revealed that a significant revamping of the leisure centre building was needed.

He cited several issues: l An unattractive arrival experience for visitors l Multiple entrances l A lack of aconnected walkway through the centre l Reception only serving the pool area l Soft play not linked to cafe l The hall is underused l Concerns over the need for the bar l The council offices occupy too prime a location He reported that in his opinion the bar was not an ‘income driver’ and possible other options could include a café/ bar, linked to the soft play and swimming pool. A new operator would be attracted by the substantial playing fields and with new development on Filton Airfield, potentially increased demand.

Other services which could be offered include climbing walls, a spa and tenpin bowling.

He said the options for change ranged from small conversions up to a complete rebuild.

The rebuild option, he said, was unlikely to deliver a return financially but a partial rebuild could bring an improvement in revenue of around £400,000+.

This would mean a much more attractive ‘front of house’ and the possible loss of the Ratepayers bar.

The likely operator would be an NPDO (Not for Profit Distributing Organisation), set up specifically to run the leisure centre.

Although Covid has slowed the process, the council finance meeting in September was told there was ‘real interest’ from potential operators.

It is understood there would be no likelihood of the pool closing before a new operator took over as existing clientele would need to be retained and not lost to other facilities.

Some of the companies approached already run pools and other facilities in the Bristol area.

Above, possible plans for part rebuild; below, the current entrance; right, a similar project in the Midlands

year Contract l Refurbishment of 30 yr old but structurally sound l £5 million investment l Delivered improvement of £450k per annum l Spa, Soft Play, Studio – Health & Wellbeing

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News

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October, 2020

Opening George junction southbound could From Page 1 The bus lane on the junction - despite no buses currently using this route - has previously hampered moves to open the north-south direction to cars.

A previous study in 2016 concluded opening the junction could lead to problems of extra traffic in Conygre ward as cars turn off the A38 on to Filton Avenue at South Glos and Stroud College.

Cllr Wood, pictured, campaigned for the junction to be opened out prior to his election last May, and secured ÂŁ100,000 to explore potential solutions. He today welcomed the announcement that work will take place during the October half term to open the Filton Avenue junction to vehicles heading southbound during offpeak hours.

It is understood the feasibility study and work to be carried out

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Little Stoke Community Hall Wednesday PM & Thursday AM Tel: Sharron 07947 064711 Please get in touch with the consultant as booking is essential

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October, 2020

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become permanent will cost less than £60,000.

The changes will initially take place as a trial under an experimental traffic order (ETO), which will allow for a public consultation to run alongside.

Should the scheme be deemed a success, it would proceed to becoming a permanent fixture.

Cllr Wood said: “I am delighted that my campaign to open the junction has proven successful and that not only we will be able to get the work done as early as next month, but it has come in very much under budget.

“Opening the junction during off-peak hours achieves the best of both worlds, allowing more freedom of movement locally around the community without impacting on commuters in and out of Filton. A big thank you goes to the members of the public who have backed my calls for making this change and signed my petition last year.”

Cllr Steve Reade, Cabinet Member for Planning, Transport and Strategic Environment, said: “It is great to see a locally led campaign to improve the local road network coming to fruition and I am pleased Chris, with the support of local residents, has been able to deliver on his pledge to the community.

“This work to make changes to the Filton Avenue and Station Road junction will start on Friday, October 23 and I await with interest on the outcomes of the trial and the feedback from the public consultation.”

"Opening the junction during off-peak hours achieves the best of both worlds."

- Cllr Chris Wood

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News

Glass act!

Let's all brighten up Filton for Wonderful Windows autumn arts trail NEED AN ELECTRICIAN? CALL 0117 9145400 Electrical Test & Inspections / PAT testing Full and partial electrical rewires Consumer unit upgrade to 17th edition New or replacement switches / sockets / lights Shower installation Smoke / heat / carbon monoxide detector installation & servicing Garden, garage, shed power / security lighting Electric vehicle charging points Free quotations and advice

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Residents in Filton are being invited to join together for a celebration of creativity and hope this autumn!

The Filton Wonderful Windows arts trail will see homes and businesses who wish to take part decorating a window and lighting up their homes for 3 nights, Friday October 23 - Sunday October 25, 5.30 8.30pm.

There will be an online map of properties which are included in the trail which will be available at www.facecharity. org.uk/events Filton people can find out more by joining the “Filton Wonderful Windows arts trail 2020” Facebook group and to register a property to sign up their window, there is a very simple Google form to complete: https://forms.gle/ wfM4Uwwp6ePQxiKv6 During 23rd – 25th October any member of the community may wander around Filton to see the wonderful art work on display across the town, no need to register!

The Wonderful Windows arts trail is being coordinated by a small group of residents and supported by local youth and community charity FACE. One of the organisers, Nicola Chandler, said: " I have lived

here for almost 10 years and you can tell that Filton has a wonderful community feel, however it seems to be hidden under, traffic and parking issues, student housing and HMOs. "I just wanted to do something to show to the outside world, what a wonderful community Filton has, and by decorating our windows for the first weekend of the autumn half term I thought we could do this beautifully. All you really need is an idea some card and tissue paper, if you need any help myself or Debbie at FACE are on hand.

FACE Charity Director, Debbie Teml, said: “The arts trail will be a great opportunity to bring the community together at this difficult time of being socially distant. The trail will offer a chance to celebrate creativity and hope for all. We really hope that people in Filton will get involved – this could be families, businesses, and individual people. Anyone can get involved and be part of the trail, it is fully inclusive.”

“Even if you are not able to decorate your window, we hope that you will take some time during the trail weekend to wander around during the times of 5.30-8.30pm, seeing the beautiful windows on display

THANK YOU from

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and feel part of the community, joining together in this way.”

FACE are offering arts workshops on 10th and 17th October for those who would like help to design and make their window displays – kindly funded through a “Members Awards Funding” grant from Councillor Adam Monk.

FACE is a fast-developing Youth & Community charity working with all members of the community, including the most vulnerable and disadvantaged.

Debbie added: "Although at the moment FACE’s work is limited due to Covid-19, ordinarily the charity runs a range of social and educational activities for children aged 7+ and adults and provides services to improve the lives of the local community."

Their involvement in the Arts Trail is just part of the community support that they have been providing during this year’s pandemic.

More on FACE, pages 24-25

Please call us before arriving for our COVID-19 safety measures

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October, 2020

Legal advice from the team at Lysander Law

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News

Vigil for Filton GP arrested for criminal damage after climate change paint protest The vigil at Eastwood Park. Picture: Simon Holliday. Left, Dr Warner.

Around 30 NHS workers, friends and family held a candlelight vigil for a Filton doctor and former council candidate outside the prison in Bristol, where she is being held on remand.

Dr Diana Warner has been incarcerated since September 2 in Eastwood Park Prison in Gloucestershire Dr Warner, 61, was arrested incorporating for conspiracy to commit criminal damage with the “Beyond Politics Party” on • We can examine your eyes safely as our August 24 and is currently being optometrists have full PPE and the room is held on remand. thoroughly cleaned after every patient In a statement made prior to arrest she said: “I am a retired with anti-war and climate • We have breath shields and social distancing in GP and a mother of two. Just activism. She was arrested place to make dispensing spectacles and contact before I retired I was examining a protesting the Trident nuclear lenses completely safe six-week-old baby and I realized submarine programme in 2007, NEW: TIMER INCLUDED device with UVC rays 253.7 nm with timer• We have a that I have to help her to have a Germicidal UVC frame cleaner that cleans every and again at the headquarters good and fulfilled life, a happy frame after it’s been handled of BAE Systems in 2019, the Ref. 05040 KIT COMPLETE MAXIMUM OF 8 frames This machine has a special germicidal lamp powered life. withworld’s 253.7 nm UVC rays that quickly remove every single third largest weapons With all these measures in place micro-organism.

"And if I’m willing to do that manufacturer. She stood twice you can be confident that it’s I have to set about changing the for election as a Green Party safe to book an appointment Frames and tools once disinfected can be kept for a long 160 systems of our world which are candidate and time, enabling them toin be 2015 stored and ready 2017, for use. and mm for an eye examination or to destroying itself. Love is the basis Thein treatment doesshe not generate heatthe Beyond 2020 joined come in and try on our of my life, there is nothing like it Politics Party. amazing frame ranges. at all. And this is just what I have "She is one of over 1,000 Ideal for the treatment of frames, test lenses and flippers 200 to do.” mm doctors to sign a letter from 370 mm - Peso 4.6 kg The 30 NHS workers stood called “The cancer The2019 inside shelf keeps the items away from theof reflective amongst Dr Warner's friends TECHNICAL FEATURES surface in order that the rays uniformly coat the products, climate change”, which states: so as to optImize germicidal action. For a better result we Energy consumption: 10W Smaller dimensions, ideal and family, in solemn vigil in suggest you do not place items on top of eachtheir other 'Governments abrogate Power consumption: 8W for a practice with limited front of Eastwood Park prison, space.

Power Supply: 230V/50 Hz responsibility when they pursue in solidarity with their colleague Thegrossly security of the operator is guaranteed by a microinadequate policies that Time for bacteriological load reduction from 60 to 90 seconds switch that switches off the lamp whenever the door is Complete germicidal action: 5 minutes whilst maintaining strict social open. risk environmental collapse.

We suggest you do not leave the frames for longer than suggedistance in accordance with sted, and insert them with open temples Non Violent Direct Action then COVID regulations. Each held a Solidly built, the external metal parts have a coated becomes the reasonable choice surface whilst the inside is shiny stainless steel with the KIT INCLUDES single candle. viewing fitted to protect from the UVC rays. fordoor responsible individuals.'”

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A spokesperson for Dr ant ibacterial As we went to press, Dr And we’re very excited that we suggest you disinfect any frames chosen by your 3 microfibre gloves Warner told Filtonvoice: " Diana We Warner due to have another customer prior to was fitting/wearing. now stock beautiful frames by has long married her NHS work bail hearing on September 22.

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October, 2020

Letters to the editor Dunkeld plan will cause chaos but not help cyclists I wish to respond to South Glos councillors Chris Wood's & Adam Monk’s suggestion to impose no entry (vehicle access) signs for Dunkeld Avenue/Rannoch Road under the Covid pandemic local authorities fast track scheme to benefit cyclists (article “Rat run proposal will cause more problems – residents, FV, Sept 2020).

Firstly I am opposed to the proposal and agree with local residents as in my opinion it would create traffic chaos for local residents, commuters and has no benefit to cyclists.

Cllr Wood states “it would be a good opportunity to try an alternative to Southmead Road for cyclists”.

I personally have seen no consideration or impact statement for mitigating traffic to or from Charborough School

Quarry Court

and Southmead Hospital. Using Google Maps I counted circa 400 houses between Charborough Road and Braemar Ave plus 4 blocks of flats & a school.

Most households have at least one car and the average length of a car is 4.5 metres. If you add a metre to its length (distance between vehicles in queuing traffic) that’s 5.5 metres, mutiply that by the conservative figure of 400 cars that’s a 1.5 mile queue of traffic, couple that with rush

hour and you have just created misery for all road users.

The reason for Cllr Wood introducing the proposal was for “cyclists to try an alternative to Southmead Road”. I do not believe a cyclist will deviate from Southmead Road onto Charborough Road then turn into Dunkeld Avenue and back onto Southmead Road as there is no advantage to do so. The cyclist would still use Southmead Road.

Cllr Monk stated the ‘Dunkeld

Adelaide Place, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 2FX

rat run’ is one of the most common complaints we receive.

I would ask Adam to quantify this statement. How many complaints over what period and from whom (local residents?).

As of yet no one I have spoken to has a positive word to say about the proposal.

I have been walking the Braemar, Kenmore, Dunkeld, Charborough block for the last 15 years between 4pm – 6:30pm and yes there is a steady flow of traffic in rush hour and on occasions a speeding vehicle, however less so than Southmead Road and Gloucester Road North.

We are both blessed and blighted with our road network in Filton. We should be maximising our traffic systems to aid the flow and reduce queuing traffic and harmful emissions, not creating misery for local residents.

Filton town councillor Andy Robinson

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News

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Friendly welcome and safe in new look Ratepayers My wife and myself visited the Ratepayers three times recently.

Debbie and the rest of her team have done a great job of turning the basketball court into a very spacious public bar area. There is a nice friendly atmosphere with music in the back ground.

Entry is by the big door in the sports room (with Debbie on the door asking for your telephone number, with a nice friendly smile). There is a one-way system to the bar.

At the moment bottled beer "Golden Hair, Guiness & Tribute" is for sale, there are soft seats at either end of the room and when people left their seats to go, Charmaine was there to disinfect the table. There is plenty of room around the furniture, The disabled toilet facility, for one at a time, is very clean.

Maybe this is the right time,

after many years of the bar staff and customers complaining to the council about the toilets in the main building, they could be

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Praise for local charity which supports families A charity which supports families in Filton has been praised by the Foundation for Social Improvement.

Home-Start Bristol ‘helps families overcome obstacles and build happier lives,’ a new reports says.

Andrea Priest, manager of Home-Start Bristol, said: “We aim to help parents in disadvantaged families to give their children the best possible start in life, providing them with support from trained parent volunteers and expert staff during the crucial early years of children’s lives.”

Home-Start Bristol (HSB) is a registered charity that supports struggling families with at least one child under five living in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. HSB supports families through carefully matched weekly visits from trained volunteers and/or family support staff. www.homestartbristol.org.uk

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Filton Town Council

Arena® Features & Benefits

Filton Town Council | Bespoke Arena Sports System *Please note that this is an artist impression only. Final equipment specifications and positions to be confirmed with order.

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Filton Town Council Revealed: how the tennis courts at Elm Park could be transformed into a Multi Use Games Area Filton Town Council is delighted to reveal the three possible designs for the Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) which will replace the tennis courts at Elm Park.

A MUGA is a popular design which allows for several sport, including football, tennis, netball and basketball.

The town council was given 106 developer money from the Charlton Hayes development to allow the project to take place.

They have now sought designs from three companies and their visions are printed here.

A consultation will now take place across Filton to get views of residents and potential users of the MUGA. It will be advertised on the council website, in Filtonvoice, online and in print, as well as on Facebook and in public places across Filton 31m

31m

Filton Community MUGAs 2 X MUGAs both 16m wide and 31m long 2 X Football pitches

16m

4 X 5 a side football pitches

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2 X Basketball courts 4 X mini-basketball courts 2 X Practice Basketball areas Hot Dipped Galvanised Steel

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October, 2020

Filton Town Council Make a splash at Filton Sports and Leisure Centre AQUAFIT is back!

Our Aquafit classes offer you something different to a traditional gym workout and you’ll really see a difference in your overall health and fitness. Typical Aqua Aerobics classes will involve all the exercises you would expect in a ‘dry’ class but with added bonuses you can only get from exercising in water. Water supports the body, putting less stress on your joints and muscles.

• This support is great if you’re older, have suffered an injury or are recovering from illness • Water pressure helps the heart move blood around the body, putting less strain on it • The impact of gravity is less in the water, allowing a greater range of motion • Working out in water can also prevent overheating, helping you exercise for longer.

• And... it's fun! It is not often you can say that about a workout! *Tuesdays from 9.00 – 9.45am *Thursdays from 9.00 -9.45am *£5.00 per person on a first come first served basis. *Pre booking is essential please as spaces are limited.*

Lane swimming

We now have all 5 of our main pool lanes open for lane swimming only (limited spaces). All swimmers must be over the age of 16 years please. All swimming must be pre booked.

For swim times please visit our website www. filtonleisurecentre.co.uk (Our learner pool is still closed for now)

9am. You can call the centre on 01454 866686 and our reception team/swim team will be able to assist you and answer any further questions you may have.

Other changes as follows

Swimming lessons

We have been reintroducing our lessons since 7th September. We are offering a very limited service and spaces are limited for the first term back.

Unfortunately, due to government guidelines we are unable to run any Preschool, Stage one, Stage 8, Stage 9, Challenge classes or 1:1 lessons for the first half term. Stages Two – Seven will be running until Friday 23rd October.

Lessons will be Monday – Friday only (no weekend classes) and with a maximum of 6 children per class.

Parents and Carers have been asked to pay for the full 7 week course as once these children are booked in we will not be able to resell their space due to the classes forming a “bubble”.

The cost of this course will be £45.50 and any credit that is on the system already can be used against this amount.

Booking for these new temporary classes has been available from Tuesday, 1st September at

New hours for Ratepayers The Ratepayers pub at Elm Park is open and offering a friendly welcome for all.

The staff are operating with safety in mind but, with the badminton court being used, there is plenty of space to enjoy a relaxing drink.

Payments are by card only.

Opening Hours for the Ratepayers are: Monday – Friday, 2pm – 8pm and Saturday-Sunday 12pm – 4pm (in Badminton hall) Note: These are temporary hours only as we are providing an interim service during these times. The hours are flexible and will be adjusted as required to suit customer needs.

There will be no parents allowed on poolside.

Parents will be able to help children change for their class and to assist them to poolside, however, we then ask that you return to your car or wait outside until the lesson has finished.

Children have 5 minutes to change before and after each class – however, we ask that parents try to bring them “beach ready” and where possible take them home to shower etc.

Cleaning: We know there were a lot of questions regarding cleaning and we can assure you the centre is currently being deep cleaned and disinfected at least three times per day.

When lessons return there will be space for the staff to clean the changing rooms in between each block off lessons.

Dinky dolphins

We have been running Dinky Dolphins sessions on Mondays 9.30-10.30am, Wednesdays 9.30 – 10.30am and Fridays 9.30 – 10.30am..

These sessions have a maximum of eight adults and eight children and will need to be pre-booked as spaces are limited. Please note that sessions will be different to usual with no singing activities. £5 per adult and under 3s go FREE! You can book these now, by calling reception on 01454 866686.

Council offices Filton Town Council office is now staffed 9am until 1pm Monday to Friday, but due to the current pandemic there is still NO public access. Access can only be by telephone appointment.

Please contact us at office@ filtontowncouncil.gov.uk or by phone 01454866698 to arrange an appointment if necessary.

Staff are working from home out of the above hours If you have an enquiry or wish to report a problem please email office@ filtontowncouncil.gov.uk. l Physical council meetings are unable to take place so meetings are being held online via the Zoom platform with details at www.filtontowncouncil.gov.uk l October 13th, Finance Committee, 7pm l October 27th, Full Council, 7pm

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Update from Filton MP Jack Lopresti

Showing gratitude to the NHS

T

his year’s unprecedented pandemic has proven our NHS’s mettle more than ever. Coronavirus has given the word ‘frontline’ a very different meaning; our nurses, doctors, and care staff have very much been fighting a war on our behalf.

For the avoidance of any doubt, despite sensational claims to the contrary, the NHS is not on the table so far as international trade negotiations are concerned. We all want to see a great trade deal struck with the United States that would enable us both to trade more freely, and prosper together. But the NHS will not be part of any future trade agreement with any country.

What we are doing with the NHS is giving it a cash boost of £34bn by 2023/24. This is the largest, longest funding settlement in the history of the NHS. This landmark settlement investment to help secure the long term future of our NHS is extremely welcome, and I hope you agree it demonstrates the Government’s commitment to properly funding our NHS and public services. The NHS Funding Act, has enshrined in law our fully funded, longterm NHS plan.

There has been much talk about the

impact that the lockdown due to coronavirus has had on our daily lives and, most importantly, our mental health. I am pleased to hear the conversation being had and to see that the stigma around discussing mental health is beginning to erode after being a taboo subject for years.

Mental health is central to the NHS long term plan, which is why the Government is making sure mental health services receive an increase in funding of £2.3bn, with a particular focus on children’s and young people’s mental health, giving 345,000 more

children mental health support and giving more adults access to talking therapies.

It is also vital that we recognise and reward that hard work and skill of those working in the NHS for their efforts and sacrifices. NHS staff are playing an integral part of the national effort to combat coronavirus - and we owe them a great deal of gratitude for all that they do. I know the Government is committed to supporting all staff now and in the future. Its unwavering support for frontline staff predates this unprecedented challenge. In addition to the 6.5 per cent pay rise over the three years, the starting salary for newly-qualified nurses has also increased by more than 12 per cent and the Government has introduced a nurses' bursary which provides at least £5,000 of additional support to nursing students. Those on the lowest salaries in the NHS are seeing of the largest proportionate pay rises: the lowest NHS starting salary has increased year on year from £15,404 to £18,005 in 2020/2021. Many nurses and healthcare assistants are enjoying pay increases of at least 2.5 per cent.

The fight against coronavirus is a continuing national effort; a huge thank you to the NHS for their fantastic service.

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October, 2020

News

Spreading the Word - in comic books

Shane Gibson meets a local man whose faith and artistic skills have combined to create an innovative series of cartoon publications based on Bible stories Alex Morgan is the creator of The Word for Word Bible Comic.

Every word, historically accurate and unchanged, is the promise made for each of the graphic novels in an ongoing series that Alex draws in his home near Filton Golf Course.

Becoming a Christian in his twenties, Alex was inspired by the stories found in the Bible itself.

He said: “There’s just so much in the Bible that I don’t think people realise is actually there.

From politics to tales of people whose lives are made up of real struggles, but these things are not present in other adaptations, particularly comics. I felt God was telling me that I should create one that did.”

Alex, although confident in his drawing ability, was not a trained artist, nor was he a historian. He learnt how comics were designed, researched the history, and quite importantly made sure that the words of the Bible could be literally placed into comic book panels. Once he had done all that, Alex had to sell the comic.

“I have a background in direct sales. I started off selling milk door to door and that experience transferred quite well into selling comics,” he said.

Alex attempted to resource funding through a Kickstarter campaign in 2014. The campaign was successful enough that Alex was able to transition into working fulltime on the comic.

“The challenge was money.

Since the beginning it has been the challenge of taking the seed funding, producing the book and then selling it whilst covering the cost of living,” he said.

Alex and his family lived by faith through times of uncertainty.

He said: “We had been approaching the time to launch a Kickstarter for a new book, but January is not a good time to launch a Kickstarter. It had to wait until March. We were running out of money, however we were provided for by God.

We had money in the post and anonymous donations. People who had never heard of the comic were suddenly hearing about it and sending gifts through PayPal. But it is always going to be a challenge to get by.”

Alex is not working alone.

He has support from across the world with two colourists living in Japan and Mexico, and two historical consultants who are based in the Middle East. “Support as well as public reception has been very positive.”

Alex said. “The other day I had an email from someone in Canada who said that they were an atheist, who had tried to read the Bible but found it very difficult to follow due to terms, places and unfamiliar names.

This person had come across the comic and found the story so much easier to follow as they could see characters' faces and follow the included map.”

“That’s what we wanted the comic to allow people to do!”

Alex added.

The Word for Word Bible Comic has received endorsements from academic scholars and the comics industry.

Alex spoke of a surprising one from British comics legend John Wagner, the creator of Judge Dredd.

He said: “I asked him if he was a Christian, he looked at me and said, ‘No I am anti-religious.’

Oh, umm I said, could you look at this anyway?”

John Wagner did look at Alex’s comic, gave his endorsement and has remained in contact to this day.

Choosing to make the comic a word for word translation, Alex had to decide which translation to use.

“I wanted to use the NIV (New International Version) as it is the most well-known and understood today, and I thought I had obtained the rights to use it” Alex recalled.

Unbeknown to Alex, the NIV was owned by several companies across the world and rights had to be obtained from each one.

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News

Instead Alex chose the Public Domain translation of the World English Bible. That was until his most recent issue, The Gospel of Matthew.

“It took a lot of effort and contacts, but we managed to track down all of the companies involved and eventually I got everything that was needed to use the NIV,” he said.

To use the King James Version, Alex said he would first have had to obtain permission from Her Majesty, The Queen.

The first issue of the comic was an adaptation of Judges.

The blurb describes a tale of temptation, greed, lust, betrayal, and tragedy but is perhaps most known for the story of Samson and Delilah.

Alex explained that “Samson’s story is a story that people think they know but they don’t. I wanted to give people the real story, even in churches people never talk about the more adult and difficult themes.”

Despite the difficulties of running an independent business at this time, Alex and his family continue to move forward in their faith with more comics to come.

Looking forward, Alex has an idea of how he is going to adapt the rest of the Bible.

He said: “We have now given readers and fans the option of helping to choose which books to adapt next. They will play a part in what happens as we move further into the future.”

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Housing in Filton

www.filtonvoice.co.uk

October, 2020

Visualisation of the Crescent at Brabazon

Airfield homes set to go on sale by Christmas YTL Developments have ‘topped out’ the first new homes at Brabazon on the former Filton Airfield, meaning the first roofs have been completed.

The progress on the project means the first homes will go on sale before the end of this year.

The leader of South Gloucestershire Council Toby Savage returned to mark the moment when new homes at Brabazon reached their full height.

He said: “Brabazon is set to transform the local area

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"The most exciting thing is that this will be a really thriving new neighbourhood, not just another housing project. There will be public parks, schools, community facilities and new transport links.

“At the heart of it will be the incredible new YTL Arena Complex. For so many it’s going to be the most exciting place to be in the South West.”

The first phase of new homes will include a range of one and two bedroom apartments and two, three and four bedroom homes. With construction well

underway, YTL Developments expect the first new homes to go on sale before the end of the year, with the first residents moving in at the start of 2021.

Rob Benson, Construction Director at YTL Developments said: “I’m the third generation of my family to have worked here at the former Filton Airfield. To see this historic local landmark being brought back to life feels really personal to me. Seeing the quality of the new homes as they come out the ground is fantastic.”

Jon McDiarmid, Director at YTL Developments, said: “With the good progress currently being made, we expect to be able to offer our first homes for sale before the end of 2020.”

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Housing in Filton

New affordable homes in Filton ready for tenants A multi-million pound regeneration project to increase the number of affordable homes in Filton has been completed.

Housing association Bromford has completed the construction of 17 new homes in Rodney Crescent, replacing eight former properties. The former properties on the site, which backs onto SGS College, had been built in the period immediately after the Second World War but their condition had deteriorated in recent years.

The new homes are a mix of one bedroom flats and two and three bedroom homes, all of which have been advertised for rent on South Gloucestershire Council’s choice based lettings system.

Alice Phillips, Project Manager at Bromford, said: “We’re delighted with these amazing new homes which have been completed on time, despite having to shut down the site at the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Our construction partners United Living have worked tirelessly to ensure these homes are ready on time.

“Regenerating properties in an existing street can be disruptive and we’d like to thank all of the neighbours in the street for their patience over the last year while work has taken place.

“Now we can’t wait for our new customers to move in.

"The coronavirus lockdown has shown the importance of having a warm, safe affordable place to live and we’re committed to continuing to invest in building more homes to tackle the housing crisis.”

Jo Jamieson, Managing Director at United Living North, said: “We are proud to have boosted the number of affordable homes in Filton through this fantastic project in partnership with Bromford.

"This development has resulted in more than double the number of homes than before on the same land, completed to an exceptionally high build standard, and will further enhance an already wonderful community.”

Earlier in the year, United Living’s site manager Jason Ivens was recognised by the National House-Building Council. He was one of 450 finalists chosen out of more than 11,000 applicants nationwide for the Pride in the Job Awards 2020.

Ellen Copeland, Development Manager at Bromford, said: “Jason is an excellent site manager and is exemplary in the way that he works, in his

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approach towards his site and his subcontractors.”

Caroline Lewis, New Business Manager at United Living, said: “We are delighted that Jason has achieved the prestigious Pride in the Job Award on this project.”

Bromford is on course to build more than 1,000 new homes this year as part of its ongoing development programme which aims to build 12,000 new homes by 2028 across the Midlands and West of England.

Pictured, Robert Nettleton, chief executive Dave Llewellyn contracts manager and Alice Phillips, project manager, all of Bromford, Andrew Tutton, general foreman, Jason Ivens site manager and Caroline Lewis, new business manager, all of United Living

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Our purpose is leading improvement in policing, victim support and criminal justice services on behalf of local people.

ABOUT POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONERS Police and Crime Commissioners (PCC) are elected to be the voice of local people in policing and to hold the Chief Constable to account PCCs ensure the delivery of an effective and efficient police service while enabling the Chief Constable and police to operate independently The PCC works in partnership with a range of local and national agencies to ensure there is a unified approach to prevent crime, support victims and reduce reoffending

YOUR PCC Until the 2021 elections, PCC Sue Mountstevens will continue to focus on the following key priorities: - Protect the most vulnerable from harm - Strengthen and improve local communities - Ensure the police service has the right people, right culture, right capabilities - Work together effectively with other police forces and key partners to deliver better services to local people

As a result of the coronavirus, there are particular areas under those priorities that the PCC wants to focus on, including: - Overseeing the work of the Violence Reduction Units (VRUs) to tackle serious violence - Oversight of the efficiency of the criminal justice system to ensure victims and witnesses are supported - Supporting local victim services with a particular focus on domestic abuse and sexual violence victims - Engaging with local communities to ensure they are supported during the ongoing health emergency

I want communities to know it’s their police service. It does not belong to any political party; it belongs to local people and they deserve to have a voice.

My role is about being independent, open and compassionate.�

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THE PCC WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU Your voice counts in policing and you can influence how your police service works

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You can speak to the PCC by: avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk pcc@avonandsomerset.police.uk

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Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner, Police Headquarters, Valley Road, Portishead, BS20 8JJ

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October, 2020

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Neighbourhood comes together for garden sale

by Shane Gibson Last month, the community of Park Road (off Northville Road) hosted their first neighbourhood garden sale. I went along and spoke with two of the organisers Jeanne Clements and Jason Davison about the event.

I asked Jeanne where the idea for the event originated.

She said: “We have a lovely community here. We all share an allotment that runs along the back of the houses, and we just wanted to open ourselves up and see if we could get people out and involved.”

Jason revealed Jeanne was the brains behind the organising.

“It took about 3-4 weeks to from coming up from the initial idea over a few glasses of wine.”

Jeanne recalled.

There were around a dozen stalls selling items from the allotment such as jams, plants, and dried herbs as well as well loved items such as clothes, books, DVDs, framed pictures, garden furnishings and other bric-a-brac and of course, cakes.

One of the first customers was Steve Smith.

“I brought a self-inflating camping mattress and a big boy

chair which, to be fair, has been pretty well preloved. For £4 it was a bargain," he said.

As the morning turned to afternoon it was evident that the event had been a great success.

The cakes, jams and herbs had all sold out.

The street had at times been filled with neighbours and shoppers all who were responsibly following the clearly visible social distance guidance notices that were present.

As the event came to an end and I ate my third slice of cake, I asked Jason about his thoughts on how the day turned out.

“We wanted to put on a street do, so we could meet the people we probably only just waved and smiled at. We thought: Let’s get everyone together, learn our neighbours' names and sell some stuff, and that is what we’ve done!”

The Park Road Garden Sale was a success. After the event Jeanne contacted me and confirmed that they had raised just under £570.

The organisers are hoping that this year’s success will create more interest, leading to a bigger and better event next year.

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News

Update from your Filton Library team Filton Library users will be able to use Patchway Library for an extra day each week while the Shield Centre site is clsosed for roof repairs.

Library visitors can expect a slightly different experience due to Covid but the whole experience will be safe.

Self-service borrowing so you can choose your own items In 11 libraries across South Glos, between 10am and 4pm on usual open days and Saturday mornings from 9:30am, users are welcome once again to come and choose from the shelves.

A spokeswoman said: "All you need to do is bring your library card with you to use the self-service machines, and a face covering, as you now need to wear one in the library unless you are exempt.

"Unfortunately, Filton Library

is temporarily closed due to essential building work. We apologise for the inconvenience this will cause. Whilst Filton Library remains closed we will open Patchway Library an additional day each week, on Mondays."

Users can order ahead using Click and Collect and staff will choose for you.

One user said: "We tried click and collect this week and I'm really happy with what they've chosen for us.”

Users can order up to six

items to collect at a pre-booked time of your choice. Simply complete a Click and Collect webform for the library you will collect from online anytime at sglibraries.eventbrite.com or call 01454 865022 Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm; Saturday 9:30am – 12pm and speak to a member of library staff.

Using computers, scan and print You can use the computers or Wi-Fi when you use the library if there is space or to guarantee use of a computer or hotspot you can book one in advance by phoning 01454 865022 Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm; Saturday 9:30am – 12pm.

You will need to wear a face covering unless you are exempt.

Photocopying is also available in most libraries.

Find more information on our website, www.southglos.gov.uk/ librarychanges.

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FACE youth groups all set to reopen after Covid The FACE youth and community charity building in Elm Park has been closed to the public since mid-March, but they are now set to re-open for youth work on October 5th.

Youth groups and activities in “Covid-secure venues” and following National Youth Agency guidance are exempt from the new legislation brought in to restrict gatherings to only six people.

The charity activities will look and feel very different to before though as they have had to completely restructure their session times, staffing plans, and procedures to ensure reopening is possible. There are new sanitiser stations and face coverings/ masks will be worn by all staff, and all members of secondary school age and above, unless medically exempt. There are new session times to try to accommodate all members, more cleaning times between groups,

Google and numbers are very limited to meet new risk assessments and guidance. Some activities will be more limited at the moment, but it is hoped that many youth club activities will still be possible, with social distancing and heightened cleaning procedures.

All sessions will be limited to only 12 members, and new members are not being taken on at the moment, except for Year 3s. All members will be expected to book their sessions.

FACE members will be written

to / emailed to tell them how to book.

FACE Charity Director, Debbie Teml, said: “We are so much looking forward to opening our doors to the wider public again. We will be opening other activities gradually if legislation allows, but at the moment we are keen to concentrate on our youth clubs.

"We know that young people’s mental health has been severely affected by lockdown and we have lost contact with many of our members during the past 6 months. We look forward to welcoming them back to youth club soon to start rebuilding relationships and focusing on positive activities.”

“There are lots of changes we have had to work out to make

sure we can run safely. Before lockdown we had over 40 young people and 5+ staff at some of our sessions, but that will not be possible now.”

As well as a range of schools work, community work, community learning courses and social groups for adults with disabilities, FACE runs 15 youth club provisions across towns and villages in South Gloucestershire: Filton, Little Stoke, Kingswood, and Frampton Cotterell, and is also starting two new youth groups in Bedminster in October (delayed opening from April).

FACE’s youth work is funded by a range of sources including Filton Town Council, Frampton Cotterell Parish Council, and youth contracts funded by South Gloucestershire Council’s Youth Activities Offer.

To find out more about FACE, please contact info@facecharity. org.uk or at 0117 9691938 or visit www.facecharity.org.uk

ISOLATED at HOME and LOVE a good old fashioned

Singalong?

Join Rachel and Cheryl every Tuesday and Thursday with

Goldies FUN singalongs FREE on YouTube. All your favourite songs with on-screen words - watch sessions at any time.

If you have an elderly relative or neighbour PLEASE tell them about our FUN sofa-singing!

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Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Richard on 0777 555 0607 or email richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

26 T: 0777 555 0607 www.filtonvoice.co.uk filtonvoice n ADVERTISING FEATURE Advertising feature

October, 2020

Have your Will written for free and support your local NHS WE are living through unprecedented times which will shape the way we live and work for a long time to come.

The Coronavirus pandemic will also shape the medical landscape and how our NHS can continue to care for our communities.

Sarah Harrison, director of Southmead Hospital Charity, said: “Every day I am amazed by my NHS colleagues who save lives and care for patients and their families.

“This has been a challenging time for us all and we need to do all we can to ensure future generations won’t face the uncertainties we have.”

Leaving the gift of a donation in your Will is a special way to leave your legacy for the future.

Your gift could play a vital role in helping your NHS in Bristol plan for the future; transforming lives for generations to come by providing state-of-the-art medical equipment or funding pioneering research.

Your gift will ensure patients of the future receive the very best treatment and care.

Bill Long decided to leave a gift in his Will as a thank you to the NHS for saving his life He said: “Eight years ago I was treated for prostate cancer at Southmead Hospital and the surgeons saved my life.

“Without them I wouldn’t be here today so

I want to give something back to our precious NHS. “The process of leaving a gift in my Will was simple. I owe my life to the NHS and I’m proud that my legacy could save other lives in the future.”

Write your Will for free Southmead Hospital Charity has partnered with

local solicitors to offer you the opportunity to have your Will written for free.

Write or update your Will, at no cost to you, during September and in return we ask you to kindly consider leaving a gift to your local NHS through Southmead Hospital Charity.

To discuss leaving a gift in your Will, request an information pack, or to register your interest in a free Will visit southmeadhospitalcharity.org. uk or contact Cate on 07514 941393.

To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448. Email: sales@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk

INDEPENDENT CO-EDUCATION SIXTH FORM

JOIN US AT OUR SIXTH FORM INFORMATION EVENT THIS AUTUMN To find out more, visit: www.colstons.org/welcome-to-sixth-form

To advertise, contact ruth@filtonvoice.co.uk or Richard on 0777 555 0607 or Ruth on 07590 527664

October, 2020

E: richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

filtonvoice

27

www.filtonvoice.co.uk

Advice by By Pauline Sandell, Age UK South Gloucestershire

Free TV Licence for over 75s on Pension Credit Did you know that over 1.2 million people of State Pension age in the UK are not claiming Pension Credit they could be receiving? They’re missing out on extra income as well as valuable additional benefits.

Could you be one of them?

Here’s just a few of the things on which YOU could be missing out: • A top up to your pension • Help with your Council Tax • Help with your housing costs • Free NHS Dental treatment • Help with the cost of glasses • Help with the cost of transport to hospital • ‘Cold weather payments’ of £25 if the temperature falls below 0°C for seven days in a row • Reductions to your water/ sewerage bill • Extra income if you have caring responsibilities or are disabled

• And if you’re over 75, a FREE TV licence!

Pension Credit is a payment made by the Pension Service to top up the income of people who receive State Pension (or couples who both receive State Pension) if their income falls below a certain level. That level is different for each person dependent on a number of factors, so it’s worth getting an independent and free benefits check to see whether you should make a claim -- even if you’ve

tried before and had your claim rejected.

Age UK South Gloucestershire is a member of the South Gloucestershire Advice Service (SGAS), which offers a FREE Pension Credit check to anyone in South Gloucestershire who has reached State Pension age.

They can be contacted on 01454 411707 (select option 1).

Details of how to contact the other advice providers can be found here: southglos.gov.uk// documents/South-Glos-Adviceflyer.pdf

Advertising feature Get help to appeal disability benefits decisions

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. Many find that their conditions are misunderstood and they are told that they are not entitled to any benefits despite suffering from serious health problems.

If this has happened to you, North Bristol Advice Centre can help.

Our experienced advisers can provide one-to-one support through the appeals process. This includes gathering evidence and preparing the paperwork for your case. They can even be there with you at the tribunal hearing, which are currently being done by telephone, making it less stressful. North Bristol Advice Centre’s overall success rate at appeal is around 90%.

For some, challenging the decisions of the DWP and gaining the benefits which they are entitled to can be the difference between living in poverty and having enough to support themselves and their family. 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 at team@ northbristoladvice.org. uk, call 07731 842 763 or 07595 047 278 or visit www.northbristoladvice. org.uk

Money or benefits problems?

We are Debt and Welfare Benefits specialists Call 07731 842 763, 07595 047 278 or visit www.northbristoladvice.org.uk

FREE expert advice in North Bristol and South Gloucestershire

Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Richard on 0777 555 0607 or email richard@filtonvoice.co.uk NBAC SG services adaw.indd 1

18/09/2020 8:48 am

St PETER’S CHURCH

NOW OPEN FOR SERVICES

We are delighted to welcome you to our Eucharist Services at 10am on Sundays and Wednesdays.

As we are restricted on the number of people we can safely have in the church, numbers are limited, and booking is essential. Visit www.stpeterschurchĂžlton.com/book-online to secure your place or call 0117 931 2808.

We look forward to welcoming you back to church very soon.

Please note the Coffee Shop remains closed at this time.

October, 2020

E: richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

filtonvoice

www.filtonvoice.co.uk

Filton planning applications and decisions - August Applications 10 Mortimer Road Erection of two storey side extension to form additional living accommodation.

10 Holmdale Road Erection of summer house.

64 Northville Road Erection of a single storey rear extension and installation of 1 no. rear dormer to facilitate change of use from dwelling (Class C3) to 8 bedroom HMO (Sui generis) as defined in the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended).

Filton Golf Course, Golf Course Lane Discharge of conditions 2 (CTMP), 3 (Contamination), 4 (Import Materials) and 8 (Protect PROW) attached to planning permission P19/5380/F Construction of three hole Par 3 golf course and nine hole pitch and putt course with driving range, pitching area and putting green (course) and associated la...

28 Charborough Road Internal and external alterations to facilitate conversion to 7 bed HMO. 152 Gloucester Road North Change of use from Class A1 (Shop) to Class A4 (hot food takeaway) (retrospective).

99 Northville Road Erection of two storey side and single storey side/rear extension to provide additional living accommodation.

Decisions 16 Wallscourt Road Change of use from dwelling house (Class C3) to 4 bedroom Small house in Multiple Occupation (Class C4) following implementation of rear extension as approved under P20/10142/PNH. Approved with Conditions 73 Conygre Road Installation of hip-to-gable roof extension and 1 rear dormer.

Approved with Conditions Conygre Medical Centre 3 Conygre Road Proposed two storey extension to form additional medical facilities with associated works Approved with Conditions

To view all planning applications and find out how to make comments, visit website www.southglos.gov.uk/ environment-and-planning

29

Cycle lane for Southmead Road Government plans to make cycling more appealing will see changes on Southmead Road in Filton.

An experimental cycle lane between Braemar Avenue and Brandon House, along with double yellow lines, has been introduced in the northeastbound lane (towards the Air Balloon roundabout).

Residents can reply to the consultation on the scheme until February 14, 2021 at www. consultations.southglos.gov.uk/ consult.ti/SouthmeadRd_CV19/ consultationHome In May, the Secretary of State for Transport stated that the Government expects local authorities to make significant changes to their road layouts to give more space to cyclists and pedestrians, to demonstrate the positive effects of active travel.

A South Glos spokesperson said: " To help cyclists travelling into South Gloucestershire from Bristol direction, the council proposes to install a north east bound mandatory cycle lane that will encourage cycling."

Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Richard on 0777 555 0607 or email richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

30

filtonvoice

T: 0777 555 0607

October, 2020

www.filtonvoice.co.uk

PUZZLES for all

The FIEND

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

4 3 5 6 6 1 3

9 6 1 4 1 4

Use the phone keypad to decode the clues.

For example: 2 could be A, B or C ... and 5678 could be LOST

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www.filton-central.co.uk

To advertise, contact ruth@filtonvoice.co.uk or Richard on 0777 555 0607 or Ruth on 07590 527664

Trade ROOFING services

To advertise in our trade services section from as little as £15 per month contact Richard on 07775 550607 or Emma 0117 9082121.

Ruth on 07590 527664 GARDENING SERVICES PLUMBER

AERIAL SERVICES

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Taps, Washers Toilets, Cisterns Leaks, Blockages Tanks, Overflows Lead Pipes, Stopcocks….etc…

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957 5092 PLUMBER

Robin Home & Garden We offer full range of gardening service, build, restore and regular maintenance Hedges, Lawns, Trees for small to large gardens.

We are Horticulture qualified and have plenty of experience and also specialise in wildlife gardens, small gardens, office or indoor plants, and garden tutoring service.

We also cover household DIY/decorating etc

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DAVE TRIMBY ROOFING SERVICES l All Roofing Work Undertaken l Professional | Friendly | Local l Independent family business l Well established l Roof repairs and renewals l Fascia, soffit and guttering work

0117 904 3656 | 07899 921 338 www.davetrimbyroofing.co.uk RUBBISH CLEARANCE

RUBBISH CLEARED

Registered upper tier waste carrier licence no CBDU225074

We load and clear rubbish/junk from houses Flats, Sheds, Attics, Gardens etc etc No job too small - we even clear single items Cheaper than a skip and we load no VAT Contact Stuart or Sue

Freephone 0800 0234 995 Mobile 07770944727 anytime inc. weekends

McDonalds

l New Newtechnology Hygiene systems l including:approved and audited

by NSF means we are ready touch screen ordering, tablet technology to welcome youavailable back safely to your for customer use. local McDonald's l Table service for your l convenience Table Service for all Dine In customers l Bigger McDelivery through l dinningnow areaavailable with more Uber seating Eats available. Your local McDonald's restaurant at

Abbey Wood Retail Park, Filton