Filtonvoice September 2020

FREE EVERY MONTH for people and businesses in Filton

filtonvoice September 2020 Issue 107

... including Cheswick Village

www.filtonvoice.co.uk

ADVERT, page 7

Locals urged to comment on road island - Page 8

Not enough charge points for vehicles

CONGRATULATIONS!

- Pages 10-11

l Filton students celebrate fantastic GCSE and A Level results, Pages 3-4 l Trust boss speaks out on grading fiasco, Page 5

Public still silenced at planning - Page 14

DEAD END

Thanks to BAWA for Covid access

Anger as residents say rat run proposal will make things worse

- Pages 16-17

- Pages 6-7

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Contacts Richard Coulter Editor and publisher

0777 555 0607 | richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

Ruth Drury Advertising sales

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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.

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September, 2020

News £1m boost for college in Filton South Gloucestershire and Stroud College in Filton will receive more than £1m in government funding for repairs and refurbishment.

The college, with two sites in Filton, has been allocated £1,134,567.

As part of the same scheme, City of Bristol College will receive £1,187,311.

A government spokesman said: "More than 180 colleges across the country will receive a share of £200 million to begin immediate work from this September to repair and refurbish buildings and campuses.

"The funding marks the latest step in the government’s drive to overhaul further education

and deliver the skilled workforce employers and the economy need, and that will help level up skills and opportunities for more people across the country.

"The cash boost forms part of a major £1.5bn investment that will transform colleges over the next 5 years. This initial investment is being fast-tracked so colleges can kick-start work this year and so students and staff will benefit a least a year earlier than originally planned."

David Hughes of The Association of Colleges said: "Colleges will be pleased to see their individual allocations as they prepare to provide training, skills and education to more than two million young people and adults next year."

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Turn to Page 4

Exam results 2020

Abbeywood GCSE students rise to the challenge

Celebrating their results: Clockwise from far left, Kushi Ashwin, Mac Elmorssy, Jennifer Crossley and Emily Hathaway Abbeywood Community School have been celebrating their excellent GCSE results for 2020 despite initial confusion over the results process.

The school said the 'superb' results are a reflection of the incredible hard work and dedication shown by staff and students, along with support from our parents and carers.

The 2020 GCSE outcomes have been awarded based on school assessment which were calculated using a rigorous standardisation process and they show our school continues on its upward trajectory of improvement.

There were many notable stand-out high-achieving performers including: Dylan Parrish, Kush Awasti, Robyn Wright, Anais Elezi, Reba Khalid, Mac Elmorssy, Cameron Thompson, Jennifer Crossley, Aishu Putravu, Kushi Ashwin, Harvey Wong, Emily Hathaway, Charlie Chamberlain and Jamelia Meredith.

Amy Barber, Hameedah Bello, Kai Laity, Eloise Smith- Ferrier, Esha James and Tom McDermott are also worthy of individual mention in making particularly strong progress in their time at Abbeywood.

Headteacher Dave Howe said: “With lockdown and so much uncertainty surrounding

the results process this has been a really challenging year for us all and particularly so for those students receiving GCSE results this summer.

"Despite these challenges these outstanding results are testament to our students’ resilience and dedication, our strong school ethos and the commitment of all our staff. I am deeply proud of all our students and these superb GCSE results are a reflection of five years of us learning and growing together in our happy, hard-working school.

"I am particularly pleased so many of our Year 11 students will be staying with us in Post 16 for their next exciting part of their journey and we will continue to help each student realise their ambitious dreams. I would like to pay tribute to all our parents and carers, who have supported us so well throughout this challenging year, as this very strong set of GCSE results would not have been possible without them.”

Key Stage 4 Leader Richard Bendry added: “I am really proud to have been your head of year as I have been so impressed with the way you have supported each other and your families throughout the challenges this year has presented us.

"Your resilience, kindness and dedication have brought you all to this point of success.”

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September, 2020

Exam results 2020 Orchard School Bristol students have 'demonstrated great resilience in an unprecedented year'.

Students from the school on Filton Road have been celebrating their GCSE results, with the vast majority now able to select their first choice of post-16 studies and apprenticeships.

Head teacher Julia Hinchliffe said: "Students’ results reflect their hard work over five years at secondary school, and I am delighted to celebrate with staff and students a strong set of outcomes for Orchard. Our young people have demonstrated great resilience in the face of what has been an unprecedented year with school closures, cancelled examinations and controversial grade decisions which were U-turned just a few days ago.

"The results are in line with the school’s direction of travel, which has seen the school move from strength to strength."

Orchard students Mya and Rachel (with teacher Miss Hampton!) celebrating their amazing results. Mya and Rachel are off to Colston's and Redmaids sixth forms to study A Levels in the sciences in September.

Top grades galore for Abbeywood 6th Formers

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Year 13 students at Abbeywood Community School are celebrating an excellent set of A level results, with over half of students receiving grades A*-B and over 20% receiving a top grade.

The overall pass rate was 99%. The average A Level grade achieved this year was a grade B and the average vocational course grade was a Distinction. The overall school results are above the national average for progress made at A Level, reflected in our highest ever number of students being awarded places at the top Russell Group universities this year.

Gemma Shafto, Director of Post 16 said, “We are delighted that the hard work of our students and staff has been recognised in these very positive results. “We are delighted that the hard work of our students and staff has been recognised in these very positive results.

So many of our students have achieved the excellent grades they deserve, and they now embark on a wide range of exciting undergraduate courses, apprenticeships, employment or a gap year. We are extremely proud of the achievements of our Year 13 students and we wish them all the very best for their future.”

Top performers included: • Amy Bamford (A*, A*, B) – Business and Economics at Cardiff University • George Beaven (A*, Distinction*, A) Film at Bournemouth University • Sophie Harris (A*, A, A) – Politics at Bournemouth University • Rhian Marsden (A, B, Distinction) – Film and TV at Reading University • Aksha Pathmaseen (A*, B, B) Biological Science at Leicester University • Denisa Racaceanu (A*, A, Distinction*) – Law and Business at UWE • Aaron Thyer-Burr (A*, A, B) – Medical Genetics at Swansea University • Shazera Begum (Distinction, Distinction, A) – TBC Headteacher, Dave Howe added: “We are so proud of our students who thoroughly deserve this superb set of Post 16 results. These excellent outcomes are a tribute to the dedication and hard work of both staff and students and now provide the springboard to exciting futures. On behalf of the whole school community I wish all our students a successful future and look forward to hearing about their many wonderful future achievements.”

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September, 2020

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Comment: DAVE BAKER, CEO of Olympus Academy Trust

Uncertainty detracted from remarkable results

W

hen up to 40% of A level grades were changed from the Centre Assessed Grades (CAGs) awarded by their teachers earlier in August, we felt a sense of injustice for some students who had already had so much taken from them in their final year in school because of Covid-19.

In the context of The Olympus Academy Trust, with four secondary settings and a partnership Post-16 provision where some courses are shared between schools, this sense of injustice was heightened when we saw grades changed in different ways in different schools within the Trust, sometimes for students in the same shared classes.

In the most extreme case, every student in one subject in one of our schools saw their grades lowered by two grades from the grades assigned by their teachers.

It was a relief, therefore, to see common sense prevail when it was announced that students would be awarded their CAGs after all.

We ran a thorough and consistent process of scrutiny and challenge to award grades at both GCSE and A level with moderation at teacher, subject, school and Trust level

to ensure that the right grades had been assigned to all students at Abbeywood, Bradley Stoke, Patchway and Winterbourne.

We are, therefore, confident in the validity of the grades that have been awarded.

It is unfortunate that the uncertainty and last-minute changes of policy at national level have taken the attention away from the remarkable achievements of our students, many of whom achieved what they needed to in their Post 16 studies so that they could progress to the next phase of their education

or training and, for some, gain employment.

Last week, our attention turned to GCSEs, where we thought we had greater certainty after the CAG announcement earlier in the week, but a last minute change of plan by Pearson, who decided to withdraw BTEC and other vocational grades, has once again left students facing uncertainty when they should be celebrating strong outcomes.

We are pleased that, across The Olympus Academy Trust, there are some remarkable student achievements in the grades they have been awarded and we offer them our congratulations and best wishes as they plan and confirm their next steps. Details can be found on each school’s website. All our schools were on GCSE improvement trajectories and this year’s outcomes show that this trend is continuing in a positive way across the Trust.

I offer my thanks to our headteachers and their staff for the remarkable progress that has been made in the last few months despite the challenges and restrictions imposed.

We are all looking forward to September when we hope to welcome all learners back to school, some for the first time since 20th March.

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September, 2020

News

Rat run proposal will cause more problems - residents No vehicles into Dunkeld

No vehicles into Rannoch

Cycles only in this allowed past junction

The longstanding issue of the Dunkeld Avenue rat run could be resolved - but the proposals have attracted anger from residents.

Government rules following the Covid pandemic mean local authorities can fast-track road changes to benefit cyclists.

Now Filton's South Glos councillors - Chris Wood and Adam Monk - are suggesting a ban on traffic in the Bristol direction of Dunkeld Avenue which would end the daily rat run which sees cars often driving at high speed the length of the avenue. To achieve this, there would be no access for motor vehicles to Dunkeld Avenue from Charborough Road and to Rannoch Road from Southmead Road.

While residents on social media seem fairly agreed on the speed issue, there are concerns that such measures would affect access to Charborough, Dunkeld

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and Rannoch. Others say it will simply create even more gridlock on the already busy Southmead Road at rush hour.

Councillors say the rat run has been a cause for concern for many years and the new rules are a good opportunity to try an alternative, which would be safer than Southmead Road for cyclists.

They say that if the scheme does not work, it can be easily withdrawn.

Earlier this summer, under the same scheme, a temporary cycle lane was installed on the Ring Road near the Abbeywood Shopping Centre.

Although it won praise from some cyclists, the resulting congestion led to Cllr Wood having it withdrawn within a few days.

He told the Filton News and Views Facebook group: "I have proposed that two No Entry Except for Cyclists sections be installed along the road. One at the junction of Dunkeld Avenue and Charborough Road and the

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other at the junction of Dunkeld Avenue and Rannoch Road.

"Vehicles will still be able to drive North East through these sections but not South West.

"This will, if implemented correctly, prevent the current 'rat run' without significantly impeding local residents' access to their properties.

"Letters will be sent to residents outlining the proposals over the next couple of weeks with the intention of installing the scheme in early September.

"The scheme is part of a wider effort to increase cycling and improve road safety."

Cllr Monk said: "This is something that I requested along with support from Chris Wood.

It is impossible with traffic measures to identify something that will please everyone. The purpose of this exercise is to resolve Dunkeld being used as a rat run. As a councillor this is one of the most common complaints we receive."

One resident said: "I live right on that junction and think it will

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be awful. It will just cause far more problems on Southmead Road and the whole surrounding area will come to even more of a standstill.

"As much as people speed round there, gridlock traffic on Southmead Road will be a whole lot worse. If you really need to mess with it, try speed bumps. The traffic chaos with no entry at school drop off and pick up would be terrible. We would never get in or out of our houses. No entry is not a suitable solution."

Another resident said: "This rat run only lasts for relatively short time Monday to Friday but you are proposing a poor solution that will impact local residents 24/7. It would not be policed so not effective."

And a third resident said: "I appreciate that solutions need to be found but this way means big restrictions for local residents.

You are asking nearby residents to contribute to the build up of traffic on the two main road. I'ts not improving the issue. Instead

it is creating more problems for local residents.

Former councillor Ian Scott said: "When I was a South Gloucestershire Councillor for Filton we were always told by officers that we could only have a scheme in Dunkeld Avenue if there was 70% residents' support which was impossible to achieve.

"Now it appears that under COVID 19 funding, residents’ objections can be ignored."

It is understood part of the problem has been large numbers of cyclists using the pavements on Southmead Road and this would partly solve this issue.

"

We would never get in or out of our houses.

No entry is not a suitable solution."

- Filton resident

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September, 2020

News

Residents urged to comment on road island scheme Filton residents and local workers are being called on by local Conservatives to have their say on plans to improve road safety in one of the area’s well used roads.

The proposals, which look to install a pedestrian island on Filton Avenue, follow a long running campaign from Cllr Chris Wood (Cons), who represents Filton on South Gloucestershire Council.

The scheme would look to provide a safe crossing between the junctions of Nutfield Grove and Stanley Avenue – a stretch crossed by many residents, parents and children every day as well as commuters to the MOD and railway station.

A public consultation has now been launched by South Gloucestershire Council, following public support from Cllr Wood’s campaign, with residents and parents being

encouraged to have their voices heard.

Cllr Wood, right, said: “Having campaigned persistently for measures to make crossing Filton Avenue safer for more than a year, I am delighted that South Gloucestershire Council is considering installing this island and want to thank them for bringing these plans to the public for consultation.

“With the road regularly used every day, it is important that we are doing what we can to protect pedestrians and all other road users, and I hope residents will show a unified voice to support road safety in our community.”

The public consultation concludes on Monday, September 7.

To view the consultation and to take part, visit: www. consultations.southglos.gov. uk/consult.ti/filton_ave_ped_ refuge

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September, 2020

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September, 2020

News

'Not enough vehicle charging points' - claim South Gloucestershire has the lowest number of electric vehicle charging points (EVCPs) in the region, according to the latest official figures.

In Filton there are only two locations - at Asda and Sainsbury's - while there are also points nearby at Southmead Hospital.

South Glos Council has admitted they 'have a long way to go'.

A list of new locations, to be installed by March 2021, does not include Filton although they are 'investigating' new sites in the town for the future.

Liberal Democrat councillor Adrian Rush cited the figures at a recent meeting of South Gloucestershire Council, soon after the Tory-led council boasted of its plans to install 14 new EVCPs by March 2021.

The district has 59 public charging points able to charge

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However, only 20 of these were funded by the council, according to a spokesperson for

the local authority. The rest were paid for privately.

Cllr Rush, who represents Chipping Sodbury and Cotswold Edge, said: “The problem is that even with the 14 new points, we’re lagging way behind in the provision of electric vehicle

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charging points. Our figure is 21 charging points per 100,000 people.

“Now, even sleepy Cornwall’s got 36.

“Some of the other local authorities are well into the 200s.

“When are we going to catch up with better local authorities?”

The Department for Transport figures, sourced from the electric vehicle charging website Zap-map.com, show that South Gloucestershire’s 21 public charging points per 100,000 people compares with 24 in Bristol, 29 in Bath and North East Somerset, 36 in Cornwall and 38 in North Somerset.

With 24 of South Gloucestershire’s charging points having at least one connector of 43kW or above, its rate of “rapid” charging points is 8.5 per 100,000 people, compared with 1.6 in Bath and North East

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News Somerset, 4.1 in Bristol, 4.8 in Cornwall and 9.3 in North Somerset.

Cllr Rush demanded answers about the situation at this month’s full council meeting on July 15 and again at a meeting of the scrutiny commission on July 22.

He said: “I don’t understand how we got into this state to be quite honest with you. But it isn’t actually just the council that’s not supplying them.

“It’s basically the big companies that supply electrical charging points.

“We’ve got only, I think, four or five company-based electrical charging points in South Gloucestershire from the big boys.”

Cabinet member for transport Steve Reade acknowledged that South Gloucestershire had a “long way to go” in terms of EVCPs and said he always raised the matter with developers.

He said: “I do recognise the need that we have to have more charging points, and that is well and truly on my agenda to promote more charging points.

“When I have conversations with developers, it is something on my agenda to discuss with them that they do have due consideration for electricity charging points as part of the development.”

Three-year gap in new council-funded EVCPs It’s been just over three years since the council installed any new EVCPs in South Gloucestershire, and it will be another three or four months before the first of a new batch of 14 “rapid” (43kW+) or “fast” (722kW) chargers is in place and ready to use.

Figures provided by the council show it funded the installation of 20 charging points, with one or two bays each, across 14 locations between 2012 and 2017.

These were installed for “public and business use”, with some located at business sites such as Hewlett Packard and Friends Life/Aviva, according to a council spokesperson.

The first five of the 37 new charging bays that went in across the five-year period were installed at the Bristol and Bath Science Park and were a mixture of standard and rapid-charging points.

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Vehicle charging points in and near Filton. Polar Network at Asda and Pod Point at Sainsbury's are the only ones, with others nearby at Southmead Hospital and UWE

The rest, which included charging points at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway and Longwell Green Leisure Centre, were fast or rapid-charging.

First of 14 new charging points should be ready in November The council announced earlier this month it would be rolling out 14 extra charging points across seven locations by March 2021, bringing the total number of council-funded chargers to 34.

The first new points – at Emersons Green, Kingswood, Patchway and Thornbury – should be ready by November, a council spokesperson said.

The rest – at Hanham, Staple Hill, and Yate – are due to follow in January, February and March 2021, respectively. The exact sites and number of charging points planned for each location are: • Emersons Green – the Bristol and Bath Science Park (6) • Kingswood – Cecil Road car park (2) • Patchway – The Parade, Epney Close (1) • Thornbury – Mary Street car park (1) • Hanham – Laburnum Road car park (1) • Staple Hill – Haynes Lane (1) • Yate – Yate Shopping Centre West car park, Station Road entrance (2).

The council has said it has plans for six more charging points at the Bristol and Bath Science Park in the future, and is investigating putting in more at

Staple Hill, Mangotsfield, Cribbs Causeway, Filton, Frampton Cotterell and Marshfield.

It hopes to install a “significant” number of charging points over the next few years

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September, 2020

Filton Town Council 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.

New Opening Hours For 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.

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 September 8th, Finance Committee, 7pm l September 29th, Full Council, 7pm

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

September, 2020

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filtonvoice

www.filtonvoice.co.uk

13

Filton Town Council Lessons to resume

Swimming lessons at Filton Sports and Leisure Centre will resume on September 7 but with around 50% reduced capacity as Covid restrictions continue.

At time of printing, lessons are available for existing customers and parents wishing to book for their child are urged to call the leisure centre to secure a place, with 'first come, first served' in operation.

Precise arrangements for lessons are still being worked out. Existing customers will be given priority on available lessons, with credits rolled over, and any newcomers will need to join the waiting list. It is unlikely any new customers will be taken on in the initial period.

It is hoped that as restrictions ease, more spaces will be made available for the popular lessons.

The pool reopened for general swimming last month but with numbers limited due to social distancing.)

All sessions MUST be pre-booked in order to ensure there is safe and adequate space for you to participate in your activity. We ask all users to follow our new COVID19 guidance please when on site. The small pool is not open.

To book your space or to find out more about lessons, please email reception@ filtontowncouncil.gov.uk, or call 01454 866686 between 10am and 11am.

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September, 2020

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News

Public to remain silent at planning visits, despite pleas Pucklechurch Parish Council said: “On the face of it the system appears to have been to deliberately set up to deny ordinary people the opportunity to speak and this is to be deplored.”

South Gloucestershire councillors agreed to make six changes to planning processes based on the review, but changing the arrangements for site visits was not one of them.

Stoke Gifford parish councillor Andrew Shore, pictured, who represents Cheswick, said the new changes were a step in the right direction but continued to “favour the interests of developers”.

Residents’ contributions at site meetings can be “invaluable”, the Conservative member told district council members at a virtual meeting on July 15.

Opposition members of the council argued it was “crucial” to allow members of the public to speak at site visits as it was one of the only ways for people without computers to get involved in the planning process.

But council leader Toby Savage said site visits were a “phony opportunity” as it came too late and earlier opportunities, such as at town council meetings, were a more “meaningful” way for the public to participate.

A report to the meeting noted no other local authorities in the region allow the public to speak at site inspections and the Local Government Association said site visits “should not be used as a lobbying opportunity”.

Cabinet member for planning Steve Read said the review showed the changes made in 2018 had been a “success”.

Under the current system, decisions made by the development management and strategic sites delivery committees that go against

Forums in North Bristol

ousing lH

G

Invoet lved Sep

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Local Housing Forums for Bristol council tenants

officer recommendations are automatically referred to a higher committee, the spatial planning committee, for fresh deliberation.

From next month, decisions on applications for minor developments – those with nine or fewer homes – will no longer be reconsidered by the higher committee if they conflict with officers’ advice.

The council has also resolved to make more use of “modern technology”, such as videos, to provide details of proposed development sites. It has also promised to provide more advice for residents on its website about how to engage earlier in the planning process.

Parish and town councillors will also have their own fiveminute speaking slot at planning meetings so members of the public have more time to speak.

Finally, a single councillor will be able to ask for an application to be decided by a planning committee, instead of three councillors being required.

Loc a

by BBC LDRS reporters for Filtonvoice Members of the public are still prevented from speaking at council inspections of sites where new developments are proposed, despite pleas from a Cheswick parish councillor.

Site inspections allow members of South Gloucestershire Council planning committees to become better informed before deciding on a planning application. Until 2018, residents and developers were able to have a say at these visits.

But they were excluded under a raft of changes to the planning system introduced by the Conservative-led council in September of that year.

Now the council has ignored pleas of parish councillors to revoke the ban following a review of the current arrangements.

The review found developers broadly supported the system but parish and town councils felt it limited residents’ opportunity to influence planning.

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Brand new online forum meeting.

Brand new online forum meeting.

Your opinions help us make decisions! Discuss your local housing services with the council.

• Find out more about our Moving Forward Together programme, give us your views and help us design housing services based around what matters most to you.

• If you’re a council tenant, you can have your say on how the housing service is run and can make suggestions about improvements to shared council areas. Housing Officers will also be there to help you with your enquiries.

• Places must be booked, you can do this online at: www.bristol.gov.uk/LocalHousingForums or for more information contact: Tenant Participation (0117) 352 1444 or email tpu@bristol.gov.uk.

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

September, 2020

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Filton planning applications and decisions - August Applications 5 Elm Park Erection of building within existing residential amenity space to form dental laboratory (class use sui generis).

903 Filton Avenue Creation of new vehicular access.

25 Charlton Avenue Erection of single storey rear extension which would extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by 5.3 metres for which the maximum height would be 4 metres and for which the height of the eaves would be 2.5 metres 668 Southmead Road Erection of first floor rear extension to form additional living accommodation.

39 Conygre Grove Erection of a two storey side extension to faciliate change of use from dwelling (Class C3) to 7 bedroom HMO (Sui Generis) as defined in the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended).

Decisions 62 Station Road Erection of single storey rear extension to form additional living accommodation.

Approved with Conditions 38 Braemar Crescent Non Material Amendment to P19/2600/F to substitute plans with numbers 004C, 005D and 006B to reduce 2 front dormers and enlarge remaining dormers.

No objection

37 - 51 (Odds Only) Rodney Crescent Discharge of Condition 8 (Biodiversity Enhancement ) attached to planning permission PT18/3038/F Demolition of 8no. dwellings and erection of 17no. affordable housing units with new access, parking, landscaping and associated works.

Discharge of Conditions Decided 8 Brabazon Road Change of Use from residential dwelling (Class C3) to HMO for 7 people (Sui Generis) as defined in the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended).

Approved with Conditions 5 Elgin Avenue Erection of single storey side extension to form garage and additional living accommodation.

Approved with Conditions 23 Seventh Avenue Erection of single storey rear extension which would extend beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse by 3.825m for which the maximum height would be 3.7 metres and for which the height of the eaves would be 2.5 metres.

Prior Approval Not Required 25 Broncksea Road Demolition of existing lean-to and erection of single storey rear extension to facilitate change of use from dwelling (Class C3) to a 10 no. bedroom HMO (Sui Generis) as defined in the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended). Erection of cycle shed.

Withdrawn

23 Fourth Avenue Erection of a single storey rear extension to form additional living accommodation.

Approved with Conditions New Filton House, 20 Business Park Off Golf Course Lane Installation of new roof to include handrails, photo-voltaic panels and re-instatement of rooftop plant.

Approved with Conditions 25 Wades Road Erection of outbuilding to form garage and storage area.

Approved with Conditions 54 Warren Road Erection of single storey rear extension to form additional living accommodation with the installation of rear decking.

Approved with Conditions

38 Gayner Road Erection of two storey side and single storey rear extension, and a hip to gable alteration to provide additional living accommodation (amendment to previously approved scheme P20/00792/F).

Approved with Conditions 21 Broncksea Road Erection of single storey side and rear extension to form additional living accommodation.

Installation of rear raised decking.

(Amendment to previously approved scheme P19/2309/F).

Approved with Conditions 6 Mortimer Road Installation of rear dormer to facilitate loft conversion.

Approved with Conditions

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

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September, 2020

BAWA - we thank you

Shane Gibson discovers that Filton people have had a lot of reasons to thank BAWA Leisure after they were able to use the fields for exercise during lockdown When the lockdown was announced in March, many sports grounds shut their gates.

BAWA Leisure decided to go in the opposite direction and open their field to local residents.

Locals used the field for their one-hour exercise, and then meeting up when covid restrictions were lifted.

Finance manager Andy Eustace spoke about the early days of opening the field.

“When we first opened up to the public it was just me here. I had brought my children with their bikes as there was nowhere else for them to go. KFC had just reopened, and we had a meal delivered to my daughter which we ate sitting on the field.”

As restrictions eased, the BAWA field was used by more

members of the community.

Children playing with balls, family picnics, dog walkers and even someone bringing their personal trainer. The field was allowing people to get out whilst keeping to government guidelines.

On August 3, the field had been made available to the public for twenty weeks. BAWA put up a post on their Facebook page informing readers that they were now having to close the field to prepare the grounds for competitive sports. Locals

flocked to Facebook to thank BAWA for their kindness during such a difficult time.

The following comments were just a few that were left, with many other sharing the same sentiment.

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News

allowing us the use of the field, it was a kind thing to do and kept us sane during lockdown x” “Thanks for letting us use your lovely field. We love you BAWA for everything you do in the club too.”

“It was a godsend to me during lockdown, felt so safe thank you xx” Andy said that BAWA wanted to do what they could for the community, but now they must prepare for upcoming events.

“In September we have 120 school children participating in football tournaments on Saturday mornings, then in the afternoon adult football teams will be using the field, there will be a lot of football pitches out there,” he said.

Now BAWA are asking the

public to help them by allowing the private grounds to be maintained for use by affiliated clubs.

“We do have some problems with dog walkers not picking up after their dogs and of course there is a right of way leading to Southmead Road, but until we are fully open we will not have the staff to police the field,” Andy said.

Looking back, BAWA opened their field with the hope that the community could relax on a lovely spring day.

Now as summer ends BAWA are pressing forward with not only the preparation for the return of sports but also an extensive refurbishment inside the building, they are working hard to get back on top form.

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Filton Golf Course was a popular route for Filton walkers during lockdown until it was reopened May in line with Boris Johnson's new rules on exercise and recreation.

Club officials then warned that with the return of play there were serious health issues for walkers and children.

The course is situated behind the BAWA fields.

A club spokesman told Filtonvoice: "A topic that needs a light shining on it is the rights of access. Their seems to be a misunderstanding in the community that the land the golf course sits on is public land. This is not true. The golf course is private property, and owned by the golf club. There are public rights of way across, but venturing off these paths puts the public at a much increased risk of being struck by a stray golf ball, and is a form of trespassing."

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September, 2020

No child will be left behind due to pandemic

by BBC LDRS reporters for Filtonvoice Schools in the Olympus Trust, including Abbeywood Community School as well as Filton Hill and Charborough Road Primaries, will be part of a programme to ensure vulnerable children going back to school in South Gloucestershire after lockdown are not left behind.

South Glos Council is the

first local authority in the country to spearhead a “recovery curriculum”, which involves about 100 schools and experts in health, inclusion, early years and community learning.

It has drawn on examples around the world where academics have managed the return of pupils after a crisis, including the 2011 Christchurch earthquake in New Zealand.

ALL GARDENS

The recovery curriculum, developed in the UK by mental health expert Professor Barry Carpenter and college principal Matthew Carpenter, focuses on youngsters’ loss of routine, structure, friendships, opportunities and freedom during the Covid-19 pandemic.

South Gloucestershire Council is working with Prof Carpenter and Pride of Britain teacher of the year Sharon Gray OBE who have implemented the curriculum at academy trusts in London and Derbyshire.

Teams of experts have been set up to connect with disadvantaged pupils who do not have adequate support at home, to support headteachers and staff and to gather information on the impact the coronavirus has had on the most vulnerable.

There are also teams focusing on the transition years, such as early reading and phonics, and how classes need to be adapted to meet the needs of pupils.

All maintained schools in the

district and the Olympus and CLF academy trusts have signed up.

Council papers outlining the initiative say: “The recovery curriculum recognises the change globally because of the pandemic and within it the losses that a child or young person will experience. Any pandemic will create anxiety and this is not conducive to effective learning.

“If the losses and the impact of the losses are not recognised then this will lead to a detrimental impact of both educational standards and wellbeing. South Gloucestershire Council has been praised for being the first local authority that has worked strategically with the recovery curriculum model.

“The model has already been recognised by the Children’s Commissioner, DfE, RSC and the Welsh Government.”

A council spokesperson said the “cutting-edge” project had would continue for at least the autumn term.

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19

News

300 worshippers at drive-in church in Filton supermarket A special drive-in service for worshippers was held at Sainsbury’s car park in Filton.

St Michael’s Church, Stoke Gifford, teamed up with Sainsbury’s East Filton, to put on the drive-in church service.

More than 100 cars were in attendance, with an estimated total of around 300 people.

Since lockdown began, faith leaders across the country have been looking at inventive ways to continue patterns of worship, when meeting together hasn’t been possible.

Although restrictions have now eased slightly, singing is still not permitted indoors. With that in mind, and spurred on

by Newquay’s recent Drive in Church, St Michael’s decided to make corporate worship possible, from a car park.

Revd Tom Benyon, one of the clergy team at St Michael’s, said: "Like so many churches across the country we’ve been producing stacks of online services over lockdown, but we’ve really missed meeting and worshipping together as a church family. So we were delighted to be able to hold a drive-in service. It was a really vibrant, joyful event - full of laughter and hope. We got together safely, sang some songs, heard about the good news of Jesus and had fun along the way - and all from the comfort of our cars!"

Sainsbury’s at East Filton, which falls within the Stoke Gifford (Cheswick) parish boundaries, has a large car park and the team at St Michael's thought it seemed like a fantastic place to put on their service. The store were very helpful and made the team feel really welcome.

Many who attended commented on how enjoyable the event was and how moving it was to worship alongside others after so long apart.

St Michael’s hopes that this won’t be the last Drive-in church experience that they put on.

Pictured, right, stewards meeting and prayer before the service; above and above left, worshippers arrive; and top right, Rev Tom Benyon

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

Calling all superstars!

Let’s get back to school safely It’s nearly time for school!

Whether your children are aspiring vets, scientists, athletes, or musicians, are you ready to help them reignite that dream and get back into the classroom?

It’s perfectly normal to feel a bit worried about returning to school.

Some things will feel the same but there will be some changes.

School staff across Bristol are doing everything they can to keep your kids safe.

Here’s some homework for children, parents and carers, ahead of going back to school. Please make sure to:

3

1

Contact your school Make sure you’re up-todate with your school’s latest information about reopening and what to expect.

2

Travel safely

Can your children walk or cycle to school? Kickstart a healthy habit and get moving if possible.

If you need to take public Encourage transport, make sure you all adhere to the children to government wash their hands latest guidelines.

regularly

The risk of spread of COVID-19 is lower if we follow hygiene measures.

5

4

Do not attend with symptoms

to all of A big thank you school staf f d our teachers annued hard for your conti ment. it work and commciate We all appre your help in welcoming students back . ber safely in Septem

Children with COVID-19 symptoms must stay at home and get tested. If your Be kind child feels ill at school, It’s a challenging time s/he must tell a for all of us, but remember – teacher. you’re not alone. Don’t forget to support each other and look after See the latest COVID-19 government guidelines, your own mental health and resources to help prepare for going back to school wellbeing. It’s a class and health advice at www.bristol.gov.uk effort.

September, 2020

E: richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

News in brief

filtonvoice

Asda cash for wood

£5,000 reward

Splatts Abbey Wood Conservation Group have received £500 in funding from the Filton ASDA store.

The group say they are absolutely delighted with the ASDA store's generosity, and the money will be put to good use.

David Thomas, the Community Champion at Asda in Filton, said: "We were absolutely delighted to be able to support this very worthwhile project through our Green Token Giving Scheme and hope that awareness of the project in our community has been raised."

David Bell, the Splatts Abbey Wood group's chairman, said: "We are very grateful to all at ASDA for their generous donation of £500. The support of the local community is important for the survival of the woodland."

The Splatts Abbey Wood is sited opposite the MoD, and near Cheswick Village. The Splatts Abbey Wood group can be contacted at its email splattsabw@gmail.com

Independent charity Crimestoppers is now offering a £5,000 reward for information given to them which leads to a conviction over a raciallyaggravated attack on an NHS worker near Filton in July.

The 21-year-old man was left with serious injuries after being knocked down by a dark blue Honda Accord car on Monks Park Avenue, near Southmead Hospital at 4.30pm on Wednesday 22 July.

Officers have since arrested four men on suspicion of attempted murder. They remain released under investigation as enquiries continue.

The NHS worker, who was knocked down and racially abused, continues to receive medical treatment for serious facial injuries and a broken leg.

Now the charity is offering the reward of up to £5,000 for information given directly to Crimestoppers which leads to the conviction of those responsible.

A Crimestoppers

www.filtonvoice.co.uk

spokesperson said: “You can speak to us anonymously by calling our UK Contact Centre, which is open 24/7 on 0800 555 111, or you can use our simple and secure anonymous online form.”

'Real' wage bid fails An attempt to get South Gloucestershire Council to adopt the “real living wage” for its staff has failed after an emotional debate.

The Labour group tabled a motion seeking the change that would have seen a pay rise for the council’s lowest paid workers.

Instead, the Conservativeled council voted through an amended motion promising to consider the Real Living Wage as part of the process for setting next year’s budget.

The Real Living Wage is calculated by the Living Wage Foundation based on the cost of living and is currently £9.30 per hour. It is higher than the National Living Wage introduced by the government in 2016 which

21

takes affordability by employers into account.

The National Living Wage is currently £8.72/hour for people aged 24 and over and £8.20/ hour for those aged 21 to 24.

Introducing the Labour group motion at a full council meeting on July 15, Councillor Ian Boulton said adopting the real living wage would mean a pay rise for 161 council and school staff and would cost about £63,000.

Labour member Alison Evans said she “felt like crying” during the emotional debate which followed.

She said the “so-called” National Living Wage was not enough to live on and those who received it “are the people that are going to food banks”.

But members of the Conservative group said the Labour motion was not costed properly.

It would be “irresponsible” to commit the council to an annual staff pay rise it had no control over, they added.

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

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September, 2020

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PUZZLES for all

The FIEND

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For younger readers

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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

Call Rob 07438495584 LOCKSMITH

ROOFING

NIGHT & DAY

LOCKSMITHS  

  

24HRS Contact Dave Staynings

0117 925 6828 Mobile:

07765 208690 PAINTING AND DECORATING

SJM DECORATING Professional Decorating Local Qualified tradesmen Internal & External Decorating Fast, reliable & friendly service Fully insured

Free Quotations

Call Scott 07515 523 623 0117 3824411

www.sjmdecorating.freeindex.co.uk

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

Childcare from 3 months to 5 years of age at Banana Moon Day Nursery Bristol.

Providing a safe, caring environment for children from three months to five years of age.

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Open 7.30am - 6.30pm, 51 weeks of the year

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Home-cooked food

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Secure environment with extensive CCTV and biometric fingerprint entry system

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Outdoor learning environment

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Friendly and highly experienced staff.

To find out more or to book a visit, call 0117 969 1662 or email info@bananamoon-bristol.co.uk

CCTV

Fingerprint biometric access

operates throughout our nurseries

Fully equipped outdoor play area

Home-cooked food

Banana Moon Day Nursery Bristol Pinnacle House, 166a Gloucester Road North, Patchway, Bristol BS34 5BG Call us on 0117 969 1662 or visit bananamoon-bristol.co.uk