Filtonvoice September 2023

threat to free parking

by BBC LDRS team and Filtonvoice

A row has broken out over a threat to free parking in South Gloucestershire – which could affect three locations in Filton.

Opposition Conservatives have discovered that Labour – one-half of the new coalition administration with the Lib Dems – discussed introducing charges at council-run car parks at a recent group meeting of its members.

In Filton, South Glos runs the car parks at Church Road; Filton Abbeywood Station; and Station Road.

But the coalition has fired back, saying the Tories disguised a line in the annual budget last February, when they still ran the local authority, that promised £5million of extra money for council coffers but kept it a secret that this would be from new parking fees.

The Lib Dems and Labour say they would have opposed it had they known and that they are now left to implement the charges that have been effectively introduced by the Conservatives, unless they can somehow find the money from other services.

That seems increasingly unlikely

Turn to Page 4

Pages

CHURCH ROAD

Charity hosts bike marking event, P5

Contacts

Richard Coulter

Editor and publisher

0777 555 0607 | richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

Shane Gibson

Editorial and Advertising sales

0770 674 1200 | shane@filtonvoice.co.uk

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MP and opponent in war of words as General Election date looms

With a General Election less than 18 months away, a war of words has broken out between Filton's long-serving MP Jack Lopresti and his Labour challenger Claire Hazelgrove.

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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Mr Lopresti has claimed Labour activists have been telling voters on the doorstep that he does not live in the Filton and Bradley Stoke constituency.

He says he has lived in the constituency since 2006, in Filton, Frenchay, Almondsbury, Bradley Stoke and he currently lives near Almondsbury.

Ms Hazelgrove said activists were briefed to ask people about local and national issues that matter to them on the doorstep, talk about Labour’s five missions to tackle the issues facing communities and the country, and find out if they know how they’ll be voting next time.

Mr Lopresti told Filtonvoice: "In recent weeks, I have been contacted by and spoken with a number of my constituents who have told me that my political opponents (the Labour Party) have been telling people that I don’t live in my constituency.

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"I would be very disappointed if my Labour opponent has been doing this herself.

"The Labour Party did this throughout the 2019 General Election campaign, but I honestly thought they would’ve learnt a lesson from that result.

"I have lived here in this constituency since 2006. I have lived in Filton, Frenchay, Almondsbury, Bradley Stoke and I currently live near Almondsbury. I was born in Southmead Hospital, and I have lived and worked in the Bristol and South Gloucestershire area all my life. These are the facts.

Jack Lopresti

Claire Hazelgrove

"So could I ask all the candidates who are standing in the forthcoming General Election that we treat each other with respect and courtesy, especially when we are talking to the people we are seeking the great honour of representing."

Ms Hazelgrove said: "If the current Conservative MP has renewed his interest in our area then this is something we can all celebrate, even if this happens to coincide with a General Election approaching.

"In the local Labour Party, we’re out listening to people every week, all year round. While nobody is encouraged to raise the issue of how he splits his time between his families in Yorkshire and here, alongside time in London, understandably this is a fair question local people have.

"Indeed, people here tell us time and again how fed up they are with having an invisible, low impact MP who prioritises voting for things like dumping sewage in our waterways, cutting free school meals in a pandemic, and

keeping parents here in the dark about crumbling local school buildings.

"With bills up, crime up and waiting lists up - and an MP who didn’t even show up when decency in parliament was being voted on - it’s no surprise that local people wonder how he is spending his time.

"After 13 long years of his tired and failed party in government, crashing the economy on a whim - hiking mortgages for hard working people and taking hard-earned dreams away - I’ll never shy away from tackling the big issues, asking the tough questions and putting local people first."

Mr Lopresti has been the MP for Filton and Bradley Stoke since 2010 and won in 2019 with a majority of 5,646 over Labour.

Ms Hazelgrove, a Stoke Gifford-based community and political engagement director for a ‘social good’ company, was confirmed as the Labour candidate in November last year.

Filton free parking could be hit by budget deficit

From Page 1

after council leader Cllr Claire Young (Lib Dem, Frampton Cotterell) kicked off the next budget-setting cycle at last month’s cabinet by warning that the organisation needed to find £40million of cuts over the next four years to balance its books.

She said the new administration had concerns about the lack of detail in some of the proposed savings in the 2023/24 budget, agreed at full council in February with support from Labour while most Lib Dems abstained.

Cllr Young told the July meeting that the council had “already cut services to the bone, meaning there is little remaining wriggle room to work with”.

Now the coalition says it was only after the new leaders took office following May’s local elections that they were told by officers that a vague-looking

“review of income generating opportunities” line in the budget that would reap £1million in 2024/25 and £2million over each of the next two years was a review of whether to introduce parking charges.

The Tories, however, insist retaining free parking was a key pledge not only in their manifesto but that of the other two parties and they fear Labour and the Lib Dems are now ditching their promise to voters.

Conservatives say alarm bells were raised by comments at a recent council meeting by cabinet member Cllr Leigh Ingham (Labour, Kingswood) who, when asked to publicly renew her group’s commitment to free parking, “refused to commit to the policy”.

They say that Cllr Ingham instead said “addressing the challenge of climate change” would shape the administration’s decision.

Tory group leader Cllr Sam Bromiley (Parkwall & Warmley) told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “It’s extremely troubling to learn that the coalition, and the Labour group in particular, may be thinking about introducing car parking charges in South Gloucestershire.

“This would completely contradict both parties’ manifesto pledges and would have severe consequences for our high streets and local businesses.

“While the council is not immune to the challenges that all local authorities across the country are facing, there is no financial need whatsoever to start charging people to park their cars in South Gloucestershire.”

In response, Labour and the Lib Dems said: “The Conservatives are not telling the whole truth.

“When they were in

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power, before we took office, they put a ‘review of income generating opportunities’ into their budget.

“There was no mention of parking charges in this budget line.

“It is only after the Conservatives lost power and we took office in partnership that we were told by council officers that this ‘review’ the Conservatives put in the budget was whether to introduce parking charges.

“If we’d known, we would’ve strongly opposed it.

“The Conservatives have effectively introduced parking charges in South Gloucestershire, leaving the current administration to implement it.

“If we can find this income without introducing parking charges, we absolutely will.

“However, all options must remain open.

“But let it be known this was a Conservative idea.”

FACE hosts police bike registering event

by Shane Gibson

Filton charity FACE, led by Kate Lemon, held a PCSO (Police Community Support Officer) bike registering event in early August.

Kate and her team of young people hosted the event where cyclists could have their bicycles safety and maintenance checked by Dr Bike and then security marked and registered with Bike Register: The National Cycle Data Base. Registrations were taken by local PCSOs while waiting refreshments were available inside and served by FACE’s young members.

The aim of the event was to raise awareness of bike safety and to encourage cyclists to register.

Kate said: “I am a keen cyclist, and I am aware that we have had quite a few bike thefts in Filton recently and I wanted to give people the opportunity to get their bikes registered here. It’s also a great chance for people to come and see what the youth do here on Saturday mornings.”

Advertising feature

Tutoring volunteers needed

Children from lower-income families are less likely to achieve academically than their better-off peers.

National education charity, Action Tutoring, works to level the playing field by offering free maths and English tutoring to disadvantaged pupils in Bristol and the surrounding areas.

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Return of Filton Festival affected by rain

The much-anticipated return of Filton Festival was badly affected by some of the worst weather of the year.

The event, in Millennium Green for the first time, had lots of fun activities and food and drink for local people but heavy rain from early morning on July 22 meant visitor numbers were much lower than hoped.

Those who braved the elements enjoyed the graffiti wall and met member of the emergency services.

The town council, who outsourced organisation of the festival this year, will review the event in September.

TRIMBY

A young visitor and council chair Tom Mewies are prepared for the rain. Opposite, bands and some of the stalls including emergency services and the local Labour Party

Filton MP Jack Lopresti

App could help drivers discover cheapest petrol prices

In early August, I visited the RAC in Bradley Stoke and saw their recently launched Mobile Mechanic service. Customers are now able to have their cars serviced at home or at work making maintaining their car more convenient. I also got to hear about the work RAC do on customer engagement. This allows them to understand drivers’ concerns better and advocate to government agencies to improve driver experience and safety on the roads.

In addition to this RAC have worked hard with the Competition and Markets Authority to try to drive down costs for drivers.

This is combined with Fuel Watch on the MyRAC app, helping drivers find cheaper fuel, which could save them 6p a litre, which is encouraging to see.

It was great to be invited to attend the official opening of defence tech firm Elbit Systems

UK’s new facility. It is their most significant investment in the UK to date at over £30 million in Patchway and is a tangible demonstration of Elbit's commitment to the UK and their growing operations with 200 new jobs created at the facility.

I met the Israeli Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely and the British

Ambassador to Israel, Neil Wigan at this event, supporting this fantastic company and investment in the UK.

Additionally, I got the opportunity to represent the interest of our local aerospace industry at the Royal International Air Tattoo in July. I had the opportunity to meet

with many of our major local employers, such as Airbus and Rolls Royce. I also caught up with Maria Laine, President of Boeing UK, where we discussed Boeing’s ongoing commitment to the UK’s armed forces.

I also visited several local events including school fairs at Bailey’s Court Primary School and Charborough Road School. I was also invited to the Platinum Party at Norman Scott Park in Patchway, pictured left, and visited Severnside Festival, both were great community events with lots of support where I got to discuss the Pilning and Severn Beach Neighbourhood Plan with local residents.

As always, should you need my help with anything, my office is open from Monday to Friday between 9am and 6pm. Please telephone me on 01454 617783 or email me at: jack.lopresti. mp@parliament.uk if I can be of assistance or to book a surgery.

Family and local history fair in Filton

Anyone interested in either family or local history can attend a free event at the British Aerospace Welfare Association (BAWA) Leisure Centre on Southmead Road, Filton on September 23rd, from 10am-4pm.

It is being organised and hosted by the Bristol & Avon Family History Society (BAFHS) and is the first local event of its type since the Covid pandemic interrupted such activities three years ago.

It takes place on September 23, from 10am-4pm.

The exhibitors will include a number of regional family history societies who will be able to offer you advice and guidance on research into your ancestors, with tips on how to crack those brick walls to unlock the stories behind those old family rumours and mysteries. Also in attendance will be local Record Offices (Archives) and national organisations.

A number of local history groups will be attending to give tips on how to research and record the history of your own areas. For more information and details please see the website www.bafhs.org.uk, Facebook page facebook.com/bristolandavonfhs or email fhfair@onmicrosoft.com

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Students graduate from Airbus tech programme

A group of 20 Year 9 students have graduated from the Filton-based Airbus Foundation Discovery Space Youth Programme - a 17 week course aimed to encourage students to continue their education and inspire them into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) careers.

The students, from Bristol Metropolitan Academy, spent three hours a week at Airbus’ AIRTeC facility learning about the theory of flight and designing and building their own drones. The programme was a mixture of fun, learning and uniquely hands-on practical engineering tasks and throughout the challenge, students were mentored by and work alongside Airbus employees.

Next academic year, the students will be from Filton's Abbeywood Community School.

Graduates from the

programmes take away:

• A certificate from the Airbus Foundation - for completion of the programme

• Industrial cadet gold award

• Basic skills award from Bristol City Council

• A better understanding of the aerospace industry.

An Airbus spokesperson said: "Interestingly, from the first programme we ran in 2016, one of the students (Anisha Matharu)

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from Bristol Metropolitan Academy, is now an apprentice with Airbus and is one of the coleaders running the programme.

Anisha, who is now in her second year as a Customer Services Engineering Apprentice at Filton, said: "As a student I knew how amazing it would be to be a part of the programme and to gain some experience being in a real working environment.

"For me, being a part of the

programme contributes hugely to where I am today and I am so glad that I was fortunate enough to take part. It showed me so many different areas of the business and helped me with my application for my apprenticeship at Airbus.

"It's been great to be able to witness the development of the students who have participated, not just in their knowledge of engineering activities but also their personal development. The programme is great at not just giving all of the students experience in engineering environments but also helps to open their eyes to opportunities they may not have considered before."

This was the last cohort from Bristol Metropolitan Academy, with the next groups of students being from Abbeywood Community School, starting in September.

Council admits: potholes getting worse each year

News by BBC LDRS team for Filtonvoice

Potholes in South Gloucestershire are getting “a little bit worse each year” according to council chiefs, due to a lack of funding. The problems get worse through the winter when extra staff are hired to meet the rising demand from bad weather.

South Gloucestershire Council would resurface roads “in an ideal world”, but one new cabinet member said that the government does not pay councils enough money to keep all the roads across the district in good condition.

The problems are particularly affecting unclassified roads, councillors heard during a meeting of the scrutiny commission at South Gloucestershire Council.

Mark King, head of transport and waste services at the council,

said: “We struggle like a lot of other local authorities in the country to maintain our network to a reasonable level. Because we have a declining network, and mainly on our unclassified network, we do suffer with potholes and defects.

“Over the winter is bad

obviously, from October through to February that’s when we have our peak period. We have to supplement the gangs and we have additional gangs on site to keep the network safe, and that’s what we aim to do. In an ideal world, we would resurface those roads and they would be more robust and resilient, but unfortunately we’re not in that situation and it’s a bit of a firefighting exercise.”

Until May this year

the council was run by a Conservative administration. But after local elections, a new cabinet has taken power with a

coalition of Liberal Democrats and Labour councillors.

Labour Councillor Leigh Ingham, cabinet member for communities and local place, said: “The pothole situation is a symptom of decades of underinvestment by governments across the local road network, which has become particularly acute in the last 13 years. We only spend about a third of what we should be spending to maintain at a standstill the quality of roads we have at the moment.

“But things are getting a little bit worse each year. We do the best we can with what we have available, but to make sure that we’re ready in terms of the climate emergency, development, economic growth and air quality, we need long-term national investment plans to make this work for all areas around the UK, not just South Gloucestershire.”

Planners consider nine-storey student block

by BBC LDRS team for Filtonvoice

Planners are set to rule on a nine-storey block of student flats in the Filton Retail Park.

The apartments would be designed to feel “on campus” but would be built north of the ring road near the University of the West of England.

Investors from Canada Life Asset Management have applied to South Gloucestershire Council for planning permission for the apartments. They would include 330 beds in a building ranging from five storeys to nine storeys, where the B&Q garden centre used to be.

But the local parish council has said the building would be too tall and new UWE accommodation should be kept on campus. Councillors were due to decide whether to grant planning permission as Filtonvoice went to press.

In planning documents,

architects said: “The scheme is being designed in partnership with University of the West of England, who will manage and operate the development postcompletion. The university is expanding its intake of students year on year, generating a need for increase in student accommodation capacity.

"The close proximity to UWE’s Frenchay campus means the site is ideally located to help fulfil this need.”

The apartments would be built on the southern end of the building home to Lidl and the Range, also using a vacant empty plot where the garden centre was before B&Q shut down in 2016. The site is about half a mile away from the Frenchay campus, but Stoke Gifford Parish Council raised concerns that residents would park their cars on nearby streets.

Writing to South Gloucestershire Council, John Rendall, from the parish council, said: “We remain very concerned about the high-rise and stand-out landmark design of the development, as well

as the car parking issues and adverse impact on the local infrastructure. The building is simply far too high.

“Introducing campusstyle student accommodation spreading outside of the UWE campus to the north of the A4174 will have a detrimental impact upon the look, feel and character of the community and environment, and to the local infrastructure. Lack of parking provision, coupled with UWE’s policy of no cars on site, will lead to increased parking issues in the neighbouring streets.”

Students will be subject to the parking policy of UWE as part of their terms of residency, which prohibits parking cars on or near the Frenchay Campus. This applies to all residential roads, pavements, driveways, courtyards and private parking spaces within a two-mile radius of Frenchay campus.

Filton Town Council

Update on Brabazon development

Simon Fitton, the Technical Director of Planning at YTL, which is redeveloping Filton Airfield into the new community of Brabazon, addressed the town council in July.

He gave an update to councillors on progress with the development and answered a series of questions put to him by councillors.

Quizzed about the road infrastructure, he said the A38 junction has started and is nearly complete but there will be some disruption and there have been delays due to BT fibre being situated where it wasn’t mean to be.

Next year, YTL will be building the main Runway Avenue Metrobus route through the development.

For housing, the scheme is now planned to have accommodation for 6,500 people. In addition to the standard housing and flats there will be:

• 1500 bed student rooms, to be built by September 2026. This will not be affiliated to one university or college and plans are in pllace to mitigate any parking issues for nearby residents.

• A build to rent scheme run by a pension fund, to be affordable.

• 1,700 affordable homes in a new planning application … up to 26% from 17% in current permission

• A retirement living section.

Cllr Darryl Collins asked about the employment plans and said the development seemed to be moving away from the original aim as an 'aerospace park' with 10,000 jobs.

Mr Fitton said he believed the current plans meant around 30,000 jobs would be created.

In addition there will be three new schools, a health centre, community facilities and over 35

hectares of new public green spaces, including the largest new urban park in the south west for 50 years.

In 2020, the company also received consent to re-imagine the iconic Brabazon Hangars –where every UK Concorde was built – into a supersonic 17,000 capacity arena for Bristol.

Filton Town Council

Brabazon can only grow if and when new transport infrastructure and connections come forward.

Council meetings

Full Council (Finance)

Tuesday, 12th September, 7pm

Full Council

Tuesday, 26th September, 7pm

Both at SHE 7, Braemar Avenue

Annual report

Filton Town Council would like to apologise for a misprint in the annual report. It stated that Twinning’s Association had received two sums of £800.00. This was a printing error. Twinning’s Association have only received one grant of £800 in the 2022-23 period.

CONTACT FILTON TOWN COUNCIL

Office Opening Hours

The council offices are open to the public Monday to Friday 9.00 am-1.00pm and appointment only 1.00pm – 5.00pm

The Council Offices are located at Elm Park, Filton, South Gloucestershire, BS34 7PS.

Call The Town Council Office 01454 803918

Email the Town Council Office Council Enquiries – office@filtontowncouncil.gov.uk

Waste and recycling collections have resumed.

Members of Unite in South Gloucestershire have accepted an increased pay offer from their employer Suez and ended their strike action. Suez is responsible for waste and recycling services in the district on behalf of the local authority.

Please put out your bins and recycling containers on your next scheduled collection date, including garden waste bins for those who are subscribed.

We are expecting there to be a higher volume of recycling which will take crews a bit longer to get round.

Now that kerbside collections for recycling and food waste have resumed all temporary recycling sites have been closed. Please do not leave waste or recycling at any of these sites. Any waste or recycling left at these sites will be considered fly-tipping and dealt with accordingly.

Thank you for your patience during the industrial action and for storing or dropping off your recycling. We are very grateful to those who helped family and neighbours.

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Members of the local police Beat Team attended Filton Town Council in July and reported the following:

• Crime stats: Currently 58 reported crimes for the month so far. Crime has reduced since February and March, where it peaked at around 135 crimes. Over the last three months the average number of crimes is around 100.

• Burglaries: To date there have been no reported burglaries. On average there is normally around five a month.

• Vehicle offences: There have been around eight vehicle offences reported in the last month, which is a slight increase on the six reported the previous month. But is around the average for the last 3-4 months.

• Thefts: There have been around 18 theft offences reported for the month. This is around the average which is normally around 20 a month.

• Anti-Social Behaviour: Continuing Anti-Social Behaviour patrols around Elm Park, Millennium green and the Golf course.

• Speeding: Following a query regarding speeding vehicles, speed enforcement have been spoken to and stated that the 20mph zone is still not enforceable. The local authority has been asked about when it will be adopted and still awaiting a reply. The speed enforcement unit stated that they have raised queries some time ago and had spoken to Pamela Williams. Regarding e-scooters/ e-bikes, we understand the concern regarding them but they are difficult to stop and police. E-scooters can be purchased but outside the current council trial they cannot be used on UK public road, cycle lane or pavement. Privately owned should only be used on private land with owners’ permission. Classified as Personal light electric vehicle, should be treated as Motor vehicles and same legal requirements.

Advertising feature Supporting care staff development in collaboration with UWE

Developing your career as a carer to becoming a nurse has always been a challenge to those who need to earn a living in supporting themselves and their families. Nurses require a degree in order to register for practice, however going to university to achieve this is not for everyone.

Fortunately, a local social care provider has implemented a pathway which supports employed care staff to develop into nursing professionals whilst maintaining their employment and earn while they learn.

Bristol Care Homes has four high quality care homes in north Bristol and South Gloucestershire. They pride themselves on the quality of care they provide, and the investment they put into the development of their staff team. Their latest investment has come in the form of a pathway to support care staff to attend the University of the West of England and qualify as a Nurse Associate.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council describes the Nurse Associate role as “a member of the nursing team in England that helps bridge the gap between health and care assistants and registered nurses.

Bristol Care Homes has four members of the team who have followed this pathway so far. Elena from Glebe House, Sarah from Quarry House and Shahira from Field House have all recently

successfully earned their Nurse Associate foundation degrees from the prestigious UWE University. Jemma from Beech House is currently still on the course and due to qualify in the next few months. Elena, Sarah and Shahira have all decided to progress with further support from their employer onto a top up course with UWE which will see them achieve their full Nursing Degrees and become Registered Nurses and

Jemma will do the same once she has completed her Nurse Associate studies.

“Here at Bristol Care Homes, we care about our staff just as much as we care about our residents. This is the reason why, amongst many other benefits, we offer great career pathways to anyone who is looking to develop and grow professionally”, says Richard Crocker, CEO of Bristol Care Homes.

"We decided to fully support our Nurse Associates to attend university once a week for study, attend their required placements and achieve the required off the job hours within their overall contracted hours all whilst paying them their full salary. This support continues for them as they progress onto the Nursing degree.”

If you are keen to work for an employer who invests in staff support and development such as this please visit the website to see the latest opportunities. www.bristolcarehomes.co.uk

Ticket office closures 'could mean higher rail fares'

by BBC LDRS team for Filtonvoice

The West of England mayor has warned that closing ticket offices in railway stations such as Filton Abbeywood and Bristol Parkway could lead to passengers paying higher fares for trains. Train companies across the country are consulting the public on their plans to close hundreds of ticket offices in stations.

Great Western Railway is planning to move staff onto platforms and concourses and help passengers buy tickets and plan journeys on their phones or using self-service machines. But the plans have prompted objections from local politicians and campaigners.

Dan Norris, Labour metro mayor of the West of England, said he often pays more for a train ticket when using a selfservice machine compared to talking to a member of staff at a ticket desk. He added that many people can’t access technology, like smartphones, to buy digital tickets.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Mr Norris said: “I’m not happy about the proposals. It’s something like 600,000 paper tickets are sold across the counter every year in the West of England. That’s a lot of journeys and that needs to continue, because there are many citizens

who can’t for all sorts of reasons access the technology that the rest of us are able to use.

“Also, I think it’s something about that human contact as well, because whenever I’ve bought a ticket using a machine, I’ve ended up often finding that I bought a more expensive ticket than I needed to.

"Whereas when I can look at a person across a counter and say ‘right, what is the cheapest ticket from here to here’, I often get a better answer.”

Under the plans, ticket offices would be phased out over several years, including at stations like Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Parkway. GWR staff would instead be trained to give advice on buying tickets elsewhere at

the station, including on which ticket is cheapest.

A spokesperson for GWR said: “Digital tickets and mobile phones means our ticket office staff are helping around half the number of people they did in 2019. It makes sense to move staff where they can be more help to more customers, and

provide more training to help with a wider range of issues — like assisting those with reduced mobility through stations and onto our trains.

“This consultation is designed to allow the public to test and examine our proposals, and make sure our plans are compliant with the safeguards put in place at privatisation so that the needs of customers will still be met.”

But concerns remain that the changes could lead to higher costs for passengers. The public consultation was extended and now runs until September 1. People wishing to respond can do so on GWR’s website: www.gwr.com/haveyoursay

Mr Norris added: “I think there’s a bit of a vested interest in getting people to get more expensive tickets. I can’t help feeling that removing the most obvious way of getting less costly fares is not an accident, I suspect.”

NOTE After feedback from readers, we have made The Fiend SLIGHTLY easier!

FREE EVENTS AT FILTON LIBRARY IN SEPTEMBER

Monday 10-5.30

Tuesday OPEN ACCESS

Wednesday 10-5.30

Thursday 10-5.30

Friday OPEN ACCESS

Saturday 9.30-1

Sunday OPEN ACCESS

WANT TO ACCESS THE LIBRARY 7 DAYS A WEEK? FIND OUT MORE HERE: SOUTHGLOS.GOV.UK/OPENACCESS

LIBRARY OPENING TIMES Coffee Morning Monday 10:30-11:30

Advertising feature

Performers wanted for local Gilbert and Sullivan group

Local performing group, Bristol Gilbert & Sullivan Operatic Society, is looking for people to join their ranks.

The current membership includes people of all ages –from age 8 to 80 – who get together regularly to sing and act.

Chair Hannah Long, is passionate about the society: “It’s a really friendly group who aren’t just great performers, we are also great friends.” Along with a professional orchestra, BGSOS is looking forward to its next production of The Pirates of Penzance at The Redgrave Theatre in Clifton in March.

BGSOS rehearses at Saint Teresa’s on Gloucester Road in Filton on Tuesdays from September, and the evenings combine hard work with a cup of tea and a friendly chat!

BGSOS also offers The Wetherell Bursary to members, which is a contribution to the cost of singing or acting lessons for applicants.

BGSOS is looking for performing members, scenery builders, costume developers and technical volunteers. You can also support us as a society friend, if volunteering is not for you. For details about all our roles, please email secretary@bgsos.co.uk

More information on our society can be found on our website, www.bristolgsos.co.uk, or via our facebook page, @BristolGSOS.

THE SUMMER READING CHALLENGE ENDS SOON!

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE TAKEN PART

ITS NOT TOO LATE TO COME AND COLLECT YOUR STICKERS AND MEDALS! ACT FAST BEFORE TIME RUNS OUT!

Bristol Gilbert and Sullivan Operatic Society 21st – 23rd March 2024

What's on in Filton ... email shane@filtonvoice.co.uk

St Peter’s Church: Services

Sunday 3 September

10am Eucharist and 5pm Youth of God at the Rectory

Sunday 10 September

8.30am and 10am Eucharist. 6pm Taizé * in the Lady Chapel

Sunday 17 September

8.30am and 10am Family Eucharist with our Uniformed Organisations celebrating Harvest Festival. All are welcome to this family friendly service.

Sunday 24 September

8.30am and 10am Eucharist

Taizé service

Based on the calm, contemplative practice of prayer from the Taizé community in France, this is a beautiful, quiet service of reflection on the 2nd Sunday of each month at 6pm. It is a great way to carve out an hour for yourself in the busyness of the week, spending time together in quiet, candlelit prayer.

Midweek Said Eucharists are on Wednesdays at 7pm and Thursdays at 11am.

Social and Church Groups

Our Ladies' Group meets at 2pm every other Monday in the church hall. Full programme and contact details available on our website.

Our Mothers' Union meet on Thursdays at 2pm in the Coffee Shop. Again, full details on the website.

Brabazon Belles (a social group for women) meet on the first Monday of the month at 7pm in the church hall. Our Open House group meets every Tuesday in the church hall from 9.3011am for tea, toast, and companionship. Our friendly choir meets for rehearsals every Friday at 7pm in the church.

Our Zumba group meet on Mondays at 10am and 11.15, and Fridays at 9.30am. Contact Jools for more information jooljdh@gmail.com or julie737@zumba. com

Community Coffee Shop

Our friendly, welcoming coffee shop is open from Monday to Friday, 10am1pm for hot and cold drinks, homemade cake and hot snacks and soup.

Suggested donation £1.50 per item. We have a wonderful hairdresser in the coffee shop who is happy to cut people's hair in return for a donation to the church. She is usually in the coffee shop on Wednesday mornings if you would like a quick trim. We also offer free soup and a roll to anyone in need of a hot meal. Thursdays from 10am. Why not join us on Toasty Tuesdays from 10am for a hot drink and some toast.

You can find more information about all of this, and read our weekly news sheet, by going to www.stpeterschurchfilton. com and if you have any queries, please

contact the Rector, or the administrator, who will be only too happy to help. rector@stpeterschurchfilton.com and faith.stpeterschurchfilton@gmail.com

St Andrew's Methodist Church

Regular

Services

Sundays Morning Service 10.30 am. Little Lights (for children whose parents are attending worship).

Tuesdays

Wesley Guild, alternate Tuesdays, 2.15 pm.

Friday (Term-time) St Andrews Baby and Toddler Group, 10.00 am – 11.45 am, £2 per family, includes refreshments. Play, crafts, chat and singing time.

Saturday Messy Church, 2nd Saturday of the month, starts back 9th September, 3.30pm - 5.15pm.

Outside groups also regularly hire our newly refurbished multi-use church. For bookings, Tel 07773636042. For all other enquiries, please Tel 0117 9872143.

FACE

Mondays: 12.30-1.30pm Tai Chi, £3 entry

7-9pm The Hangout youth club for young people aged 13-25, with social or learning disabilities, £2 entry

Tuesdays: 10am-12pm Coffee Club (tea & coffee morning for older folk), donations welcomed

5.30-6.30pm Rise youth club for School

Years 3 & 4, £2 entry

7-8.30pm Shine youth club for School Years 5 & 6, £2 entry

Wednesdays:

7-9pm Outbreak youth club for School

Years 7-13, £2 entry

Thursdays:

Silver Surfers (over 50s IT support drop-in) 10am-12pm, £3 including refreshments.

1.30-2.30pm Low Impact Fitness session, £3 entry

7-9pm Illuminators social club for adults aged 20+ with social or learning disabilities, £2 entry

Fridays: 10am-12pm “Coffee & Chat” coffee morning for anyone who would like to come for refreshments, conversations and join in crafts and games together. Donations welcomed.

Saturdays: 1.00–3.00pm: Environment/ wellbeing group for (young) adults with additional needs. 1-3 pm. Please get in touch with leader if you would like to join. kate@ facecharity.org.uk

Contact: FACE, Youth Centre, Elm Park, Filton, BS34 7PS. 0117 9691938 /

info@facecharity.org.uk

Girl Guiding

Rainbows – age 4 - 7 years - Tuesday

16:45-17:45 & Thursday 17:30 – 18:30

Brownies - age 7 - 10 years - Tuesday

17:45-19:15

Guides - age 10 - 14 years - Tuesday

19:30 – 21:00

Rangers - age 14 - 18 years - Tuesday

19:30 – 21:00

To register your daughter, go to Girlguiding UK website and follow the link 'Register my daughter'

1st Filton Scouts

Beavers age 6-8, Tuesday 5:30 – 6:30 & Wednesday 5:45 – 6:45

Cubs age 8-10, Monday and Thursday 6:30 – 8pm

Scouts age 10 -14, Tues 7 – 8:45pm

The group is based in Scout HQ, Nutfield Grove, Filton, BS34 7LJ. All sections are open to boys and girls. Email:joining@1stfiltonscouts.co.uk Website:1stfiltonscouts.co.uk

Men In Sheds Filton

The DIY group, which aims to tackle loneliness and isolation among men aged over 50, operates from the Scout hut in Nutfield Grove, providing a space to socialise, build, share skills and drink tea. Men in Sheds Filton is part of a national movement, initiated by Age Concern Cheshire in 2009 and sustained by the UK Men’s Sheds Association. The group runs every Wednesday, from 9.30am-12.30pm. Call John Cahill 07986053005

SHE7

Tuesday: Bingo 7.30pm - 9.00pm

Wednesday: Over 50s lunch, Cooked lunch, pudding and tea/coffee for just £3.50. Please ring 0117 969 5130 to book and arrive by 12.15pm.

Wednesday: Bristol Taiko - Japanese Drumming 7.00pm - 8:30pm, £5 per session

International Plastic Modellers Society Avon

Meetings are held on the 3rd Wednesday in the month from 7:30pm for 8.00pm at:

BAWA Healthcare & Leisure, 589 Southmead Rd, Filton, Bristol BS34 7RG.

Ukulele Filton

We are an enthusiastic group of ukulele players, who meet to strum along and sing on Monday evenings, at 7.30 pm, at

Filton Community Centre. No previous experience needed. We have spare ukes for you to try, and plenty of help in getting you started. For further details, phone Sue on: 0750 4561 831.

Bristol Scrabble Club

Bristol Scrabble Club meets every Wednesday evening from 7pm until 10pm at the Filton Community Centre. Elm Park Filton BS347PS. New members are welcome and first visit is free so come along and give us a try. For more information ring Sheila Hinett 01179570792 or 07435316458. Alternatively email shinett@blueyonder. co.uk.

Bristol Sugarcraft Guild

We are a small friendly group who meet every third Saturday of the month 2pm to 4pm at St Andrews Church, Elm Park, Filton. If you would like to learn to make sugar flowers and models we hold demonstrations and also workshops with instruction. Beginners are very welcome.

Please call Jean Kington on 01454 314178 or Carole Hyams on 0117 956 8037 for more information.

Horfield Townswomen’s Guild

We will be meeting at St Andrew's Church Hall on the 2nd Wednesday afternoon of each month (except August) at 2pm to 4pm.

We welcome new members. For more information, please contact Edna on 9495413.

Community Garden

Saturday August 19th

Saturday September 2nd, 16th and 30th

All welcome from beginners to experts. Wear suitable clothing, bring your own gloves. Tools and guidance provided For updates and more info visit: facebook.com/filtoncommunitygarden or email: communitygarden@ filtontowncouncil.gov.uk

Filtones Choir

The choir is returning after a summer break on Wednesday afternoon, 6th September 1.45-3.45p.m at St Teresa’s Community Rooms, behind the church at 71 Gloucester Road North, Filton, Bristol BS34 7PL.

All voice ranges welcome from bass to soprano – no age limits – you will always feel young when you sing! Try us out for four weeks with no commitment, no auditions and no charge.

We look forward to meeting you. Contact Dot on 0117 9690654 or 07870 984760 or Janet on 0117 9241534 or email dorothy.bryant@btinternet.com We’ll be delighted to talk to you. Join our Choir, “The Filtones” and make new friends.

What's on in Filton ... email shane@filtonvoice.co.uk

Ebenezer Church

Thursdays

Foodbank outlet 1PM – 3PM

If you are at a crisis point and struggling with food, then please contact the foodbank about getting support - call 0117 472 5172.

Regular updates - www.ebe.org.uk/ welcomingspace or contact Ebenezer Church Office on 0117 9791399

Concord Wind Band

We are a friendly, mixed ability band, playing music for fun. We rehearse at the Beechwood Club, Beechwood Rd, Fishponds, Bristol. BS16 3T every Friday 7.30pm to 9.30pm, with a tea break. We welcome new members. Contact Jayne on 07880724948

Filton Bookworms

Are you interested in joining a reading group? Come along to the Bookworms monthly reading group at Filton Library! 1st Monday of each month 5:45pm -6:45pm If you are interested in Joining, please as inside the library. Phone: 01454 868006 or Email: Filton.library@ southglos.gov.uk

North Avon Speakers Club

We are a public speaking group associated with Toastmasters International. We usually meet every first and third Thursday of the month at BAWA Filton, 7:15pm to 9:30pm.

We have prepared speeches, but also Table Topics, which are a fun way to help members and guests practice impromptu speaking. Our speeches and table topics, usually get evaluated afterwards by members of the club, in the meeting itself, so that we can all improve at our public speaking skills! After our meetings some members and guests usually also go to the nearby lounge/bar at BAWA. Please email northavontm@gmail.com for more information.

Filton Garden Club

We meet at 7.30pm on the first Wednesday of every month, (except January). We are a very friendly club & welcome new members. If you enjoy interesting talks and slideshows on various aspects of gardens, plants etc., and day trips to gardens of interest,

Calling All Daredevils! Join The Brightwell’s thrilling charity abseil down the Filton skyline!

Are you ready to take your bravery to new heights?

Gear up and join The Brightwell for an exhilarating charity abseil down one of Filton’s most prominent buildings!

This is your chance to make a daring descent while raising funds for a local worthy cause that transforms lives.

The Brightwell, a dedicated support centre for local people affected by neurological conditions including Multiple Sclerosis, are organising their first ever abseil, 65 feet down the side of Village Hotel, Bristol.

Organiser Libby Jordan said: “This is your opportunity to do something amazing. Every penny raised will go towards providing life-changing therapy, enabling our members to minimise symptoms of their chronic conditions and to live a fulfilled, independent life for as long as possible.

“The individual sign-up fee is £45 with a target to raise £250 in sponsorship, but if you don’t fancy going it alone why not grab your colleagues, family or friends and form a team?

"The event takes place on Wednesday 13 September at Village Hotel, with slots available between 9am and 5pm. Limited spaces are available so early booking is advised."

For any questions or to enquire about Corporate team-building packages, please contact libby.jordan@thebrightwell.org.uk

please come along & join us. We meet at St. Andrew's Church, BS34 7PS

Dance Moves Keep Fit

Tuesday, 2-3pm at St Peter's Church Filton. Have fun whilst improving your general wellbeing. Suitable for all ages. For further information, contact Eileen Scott, Tel. 07969929733/ email scottyartois@hotmail.com

Short Mat Bowls

We are a friendly group that meets Thursdays 1:45pm to 4pm at the Filton Community centre, Elm Park Filton, BS34 7PS. New members are welcome, and the first visit is free, then each session £3. Contact Alan Riley on 07957295287 or email alanriley73@gmail.com

Keep Fit Class @ St

Teresa’s Social Centre

Want to stay active and improve your well-being? Why not try your local exercise class at St Teresa's Social Centre in Filton on Mondays 7.15pm to 8.15pm. Work at your own level. All abilities welcome. Class resumes on Monday, 11th September.

Bristol Male Voice Choir

Always been keen to sing?

Come along to our rehearsal nights, 7pm - 9.15pm on Thursdays in St Andrew's Church, Elm Park, Filton, BS34 7PS. No need to read music, no audition, just a voice test to establish whether you are tenor, baritone of bass. We cover many musical styles, enjoy singing in a great social vibe as we prepare for our regular concerts in local and national venues. From the Beatles to Mozart, from classical choruses to classic pop. www.bristolmvc.org.uk; Facebook; or contact Steve: secretary@bristolmvc.org. uk; or ring 07776447699; or 07587143220

Join our Choir, “The Filtones” and make new friends. If you’re in your “third age” and fearing your “dotage”, As winter is looming and loneliness brooding, There’s joy to be found in the making of sound. So banish the blues with a session of tunes Sung in harmony with others who will soon become “brothers”.

(and sisters!)

And make you feel young once again!

Singing in a choir is cheaper than therapy, healthier than drinking and more fun than working out!

The choir is returning after a summer break on Wednesday afternoon 6th September 1.45-3.45 p.m at St Teresa’s Community Rooms, behind the church at 71 Gloucester Road North, Filton, Bristol BS34 7PL

All voice ranges welcome from bass to soprano – no age limits – you will always feel young when you sing! Try us out for four weeks with no commitment, no auditions and no charge. We look forward to meeting you.

Horfield News

Bristol Rovers start building new stand at Memorial Stadium without planning permission

by BBC LDRS team for Filtonvoice

Bristol Rovers have started building a new stand at the Memorial Stadium without getting planning permission and sparking anger among neighbours. The club is replacing its South Stand at the Mem with thousands of new roof-covered seats.

But people living next to the stadium have complained that Rovers have begun the work before getting planning permission from Bristol City Council. The council has advised the club that no work should take place before permission is granted, which could take months.

The new South Stand will include 3,425 seats, and Rovers initially said it would be ready before the season starts. But with the first home game on August 12, work is likely to last much longer, raising questions for fans who have already bought tickets for the new seats. Rovers declined to comment.

Jade, who asked not to give her surname, lives on Alton Road next to the South Stand. She said construction work had been starting at 6.30am, although recently this has been pushed back later. She also criticised the “lack of consideration for residents” from the club or the builders.

She said: “They started work in June. The first residents heard of it was when construction work had started. We had a few attempts to contract the ground but they were barely responding at all. They haven’t had planning granted, but they have carried on with the works.

“They’ve removed trees and shrubs, and they haven’t spoken to any of the residents about what they’re doing or planning to do. When it rains, all of the mud and dirt has just been running down our street, which obviously shouldn’t be happening. It’s a nightmare. There’s no common courtesy, communication with residents or a notice put up about it.

“They did host a consultation but they gave less than 24 hours notice, and at 4pm so people were working or doing the school pickup. Nobody from the project was actually present. It’s going to be huge in comparison to what was there previously, blocking out light and overlooking gardens. They’re banking on the fact the council is unlikely to pull it down.”

Bristol City Council has advised the club that works should not be taking place without planning permission, but that does not appear to have made a difference. The

pending planning application is attracting a large number of public objections as well as some supporters.

Writing to the council’s planning department, one resident said: “There has not been sufficient consideration to the impact on the community and infrastructure from construction and the increased capacity. Beginning construction before even consulting neighbours is a clear indication that any concerns will be ignored regardless.”

Another resident added: “Due process has not been followed. The development was underway long before permission was sought. It has been a noisy process that has caused issues for neighbours. It would be a disappointment if due process were something that only has to be followed by individuals but not relevant to larger businesses.”

But several supporters also wrote to the council saying the works should be allowed to take place. They said the upgrades would help the ground get back up to its capacity before the pandemic, which would also provide a boost for local businesses.

One supporter said: “This will help the football club get back to the capacity they had pre-Covid. By doing this it will support the local businesses that the Bristol Rovers fans frequent when watching the game.

“It is not making it larger in the sense of footfall, rather than returning back to previous available headcount.”

The plans will most likely go to a development control committee at the council, where councillors will vote on whether to approve or refuse permission. If councillors refuse permission, and Rovers have carried on building the stand, the council could order the club to take it down.

A spokesperson for Bristol City Council said: “A planning application is under consideration. The planning enforcement team have advised that works should not take place without the required planning permission in place.”

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