South Bristol Voice August 2020

southbristolvoice

August 2020 No. 56

www.southbristolvoice.co.uk

We Sell and Let Property Like Yours

WIDEST CIRCULATION IN SOUTH BRISTOL – 15,000 copies of this edition

FREE MONTHLY IN Bedminster, Southville, Knowle, Totterdown, Ashton, Ashton Vale and Windmill Hill

IN

£150k funding for arts venue - Page 5 Residents' 'no' to ad screens - Page 7 Recycle centre for South Bristol - Page 8 Butcher critical of BID spending - Page 11

Deadline looms in bid to save The Windmill - Turn to Pages 2 and 3

Our new local history feature - Pages 18-19

We Sell and Let Property Like Yours Tel: 01179634373

Email: Southville@cjhole.co.uk

Web: cjhole.co.uk

August 2020

southbristolvoice

2

News

Race against time to save Windmill From Windmill Crowdfunding page The community has shown fantastic support for the Share Offer which we launched earlier this month on Crowdfunder, and there have been some great comments left on the campaign page which show that the community really wants The Windmill to remain a pub, and its importance to the Windmill Hill community. We still have a long way to go to reach our target before the campaign closes on Wednesday 19th August.

How it will work:

Windmill and to run it as a community-owned pub. If successful, The Windmill will become a Community Benefit Society and by buying shares, people can become members, and therefore a co-owner of The Windmill.

Through this scheme, the community will be involved in the decision-making, and the pub will become a place that adapts to the needs of the community.

If I invest and you don't reach your target do I get my money back?

Yes you would get your money back if we fail to reach the

The plan is to purchase The

southbristolvoice

Contacts

Editorial team: Charley Rogers, Marcus Stone,

Becky Day Editorial director news@southbristolvoice.co.uk (Currently on maternity leave) Ruth Drury Sales director 07590 527664 sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk Rich Coulter Editorial director 07775 550607 news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

Independent Community News Network member

Next month’s deadline for editorial and advertising is August 15.

Follow us on social media:

on Facebook facebook.com/southbristolvoice on Twitter @sbristolvoice and on Instagram @southbristolvoice

minimum of £300,000.

Crowdfunder will not release the money to us unless the target is reached and they would refund you if we don't.

What are the benefits for the shareholder?

Keeping the pub open, as a pub, and ensuring an important asset remains for the community as well as being able to influence and input into how the pub is run.

The current aim is to pay 3% share interest at the end of Year 3.

With interest rates currently at 0.25% this is a vastly better offer than most high street banks' savings accounts.

Financials & Dates: To achieve our goal, we are aiming to raise £550,000 overall for the purchase, refurbishment and initial operating funding. This will be raised through this community share offer, grants, loans and potentially a mortgage against the property (dependent on how much is raised through the community share issue).

Through the share offer we need to raise around £300,000, to secure The Windmill.

Shares start at £50 for under 25 year olds, and £100 for over 25 year olds. In order to meet our target, we recommend individuals invest at least £300, with the maximum investment being £25,000.

Closing Date: 19th August, 2020

HOW DO I GET IN TOUCH WITH ...

My MP? Karin Smyth MP By email: karin.smyth.mp@ parliament.uk By post: Karin Smyth MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA By phone: 0117 953 3575 In person: Call the above number for an appointment My councillor?

Post: (all councillors) City Hall, College Green, Bristol BS1 5TR. Celia Phipps Labour, Bedminster By phone: 07469 413312 By email: Cllr.celia.phipps@bristol.gov.uk Mark Bradshaw Labour, Bedminster. By email: Cllr.mark. bradshaw@bristol.gov.uk By phone: 0117 353 3160 USEFUL NUMBERS Bristol City Council www.bristol.gov.uk 0117 922 2000 Waste, roads 0117 922 2100 Pests, dog wardens 0117 922 2500 Council tax 0117 922 2900

Stephen Clarke Green, Southville By email: Cllr.stephen.clarke@ bristol.gov.uk Charlie Bolton Green, Southville By phone: 07884 736111 By email: Cllr.charlie.bolton@bristol.gov.uk Christopher Davies Lib Dem, Knowle Email: Cllr.Christopher.

Davies@bristol.gov.uk Phone: 07826917714 Gary Hopkins Lib Dem, Knowle (Lib Dem deputy leader) Email: Cllr.Gary.Hopkins@bristol.gov.uk Phone: 07977 512159 Lucy Whittle Labour, Windmill Hill Phone: 07392 108805 Email: cllr.lucy.whittle@bristol.gov.uk Jon Wellington Labour, Windmill Hill Phone: 07392 108804 Email: Cllr.Jon.Wellington@bristol.gov.uk

Housing benefit 0117 922 2300 Social services 0117 922 2900 Police Inquiries 101 Emergency 999

COMPLAINTS Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in the South Bristol Voice, contact the Editor using the details below. We aspire to follow the the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), nuj.org.uk/about/nuj-code.

Further details of the complaints process can be found on our website (below) or can be obtained by contacting the Editor by email: news@southbristolvoice.co.uk or by post: 111 Broadfield Rd, Knowle, Bristol BS4 2UX or by phone: 0777 555 0607.

southbristolvoice.co.uk/complaints-procedure

All stories and pictures are ©South Bristol Voice (unless otherwise stated) and may not be reproduced without permission.

South Bristol Media Ltd | Co. no. 11948223 | VAT no. 322 3640 38

To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664

August 2020

southbristolvoice

3

News

Residents give financial backing to save the Windmill pub but crucial deadline is looming

Organisers' vision

by Marcus Stone The campaign to save the Windmill pub is reaching a vital stage and supporters and residents are pushing to create as much interest in their crowdfunding offer as possible.

The campaign closes on Wednesday, August 19, so there is a real sense of urgency.

Despite the difficulties created

by Covid-19 restrictions meaning no supporter meetings, the ‘save the Windmill’ campaign has already raised nearly a third of the target minimum of £300,000, with an aim to push for a total of £550,000 to allow for both the purchase and improvement.

The Windmill, on Windmill Hill, closed back in March this year and the owners submitted a planning application to turn the pub into five flats. Although the application was refused, it has now been re-submitted, meaning it is more important than ever for the crowdfunding to succeed in order that the Windmill stays as a pub, backers say.

Diane James, member of the save the Windmill steering group, explains: “In these

"Let’s reverse this trend by saving The Windmill as a much loved and used local.”

A number of local people have objected to the plans for flats on the city council planning website, saying the Windmill should remains as a community asset.

To learn more: l www.crowdfunder.co.uk/ windmillcommunitypub l savethewindy@gmail.com l www.savethewindmill.org

uncertain times people are realising the importance of community assets, such as the Windmill pub. We’re now asking everyone, both local residents and even those further afield to help fund our campaign, with all those funding receiving shares in the proposed new venture.”

Shares start at £50 for under 25-year olds, and £100 for over 25-year olds, with the maximum investment being £25,000.

The campaign has created a huge groundswell of support with around 200 investors so far raising around £90,000 as we went to press. The plan is to purchase The Windmill and to run it as a community-owned pub. If successful, The Windmill will become a Community Benefit Society and by buying shares, people can become members, and therefore a co-owner of The Windmill. Through this scheme, the community will be involved in the decision-making, and the pub will become a place that adapts to the community.

Many investors and supporters have left comments on the Crowdfunding page: Hannah Pawson: “We're

about to move to the area and were so sad to hear about the Windmill! We were looking forward to getting to know neighbours and friends there and hope this will be possible.”

“The Hill needs a decent pub so let’s hope people who live on it help save it,” said Martyn Baker.

Roddy Jenkins commented:” Too many pubs are closing and being converted into non-public uses.

"

Our vision for The Windmill centres on strengthening its role as a traditional community hub and reaffirming its place as a ‘country pub in the city’. We will create a welcoming, inclusive space for families and people of all generations to meet, eat, drink, work, play and learn.

"As a Community Pub through and through, the values and aims of The Windmill will reflect those of its community. There will be clear community involvement in the direction that the pub takes, through consultation with community shareholders who will have a say in all major decisions.

"The Windmill will become a place where busy people can find time to relax and connect with each other."

TO LET

OFFICE/ STUDIO SPACE A self contained 2nd floor modern office, 840 sqft. in a creative environment on Wilder Street. Just up from Brunswick Square, and a short distance from Stokes Croft.

Brochure, price and terms available on request.

email: chris.walkling@icloud.com

mob: 07808 729204

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Rich on 0777 555 0607 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

August 2020

southbristolvoice

4

News

Restrictions on opening new pubs are lifted

by Amanda Cameron, BBC LDRS reporter for South Bristol Voice A legal hurdle restricting the number of new pubs, bars and clubs which can open up in Bedminster and Southville disappears this month, sparking fears residents’ lives will be made a “misery”.

The city currently has five “cumulative impact areas” (CIAs) which are considered to be heavily saturated with licensed premises – Bedminster and Southville (primarily North Street and West Street), the city centre, Clifton, Gloucester Road and Whiteladies Road.

Bristol City Council’s CIA policy makes it very tough for any new establishment to gain a premises licence or club premises certificate in any of these areas.

But the policy lapses at the end of this month and, following a change in the law governing CIAs and the evidence required to justify them, the council has been forced to drop four of them.

Officers determined there was no longer enough evidence to support CIAs in Clifton, Gloucester Road, Whiteladies Road, and Bedminster and Southville, council papers show.

This was despite public consultation feedback supporting them and extensive data about crime and antisocial behaviour from Avon and Somerset Police.

There was enough evidence to support keeping a CIA in the city centre, but police recommended the borders be redrawn to exclude Broadmead because of a

Legend Cumulative Impact Area

lack of evidence in that particular area.

So the council has resolved to consult on its revised CIA for the city centre before introducing a new policy to govern licensing in the area for the next five years.

This will take several months or more so no CIAs will be in place in Bristol from August 1.

A report to full council on July 7 said: “The [city centre] area continues to have a significant concentration of alcohol-led late night venues and the evidence presented by Avon and Somerset Constabulary shows the area continues to witness a high number of police-related incidents and other related crime and disorder including public nuisance and risk to public safety.”

Police told the council they “advocate a thriving night time economy and would support 0

55

110

220

Meters

taken some communities decades to get under control.”

Lib Dem councillor Harriet Clough said that getting CIAs was an “arduous” process and that “without them, residents’ lives can be made a misery”.

But Labour member Nicola Beech said: “The idea that a community loses its protections is a nonsense.

“The current CIAs are both outdated and a hindrance to a vibrant night-time economy.

“Right now we have a night time economy on its knees being indefinitely shaped by the Covid pandemic putting thousands of jobs at risk and an economy worth millions under threat.”

Green group leader Eleanor Combley pointed out the CIAs’ disappearance was not at the “whim” of council officers but was the result of changes in government regulations which raised the bar for the evidence required to keep them.

She said: “The lack of a CIA doesn’t mean a guaranteed green light for new venues.

“Licensing [committee] members can still take cumulative impact into account and police and residents can raise it as an issue.”

The council’s current CIA policy dates from 2015.

If it is approved by the licensing committee, a new CIA policy for the city centre would be in place until 2025.

The draft policy will be brought to the committee for their consideration after a public consultation lasting two months.

122611 m² or 12.26 ha

Bedminster and Southville Cumulative Impact Areas

growth in Broadmead but would not want nightclubs or premises opening past midnight here”.

Members accepted the loss of the city’s other CIAs but fought over the need to formalise a commitment to support residents to collect fresh evidence and submit new applications to get them back as quickly as possible.

An amendment to that effect proposed by the Liberal Democrat group fell by 31 votes to 34.

The amendment expressed “dismay” at the disappearance of the CIAs “that have – for many years – provided the opportunity to protect the well-being of our local residents from public nuisance”.

“Members are very concerned that this loss will allow proliferation of noisy and unwelcome venues and the return of behaviours that it has

© Crown Copyright. All rights reserved.

Bristol City Council. 100023406. 2013.

Created by ELW 06/06/2013.

Born out of Lockdown.

Top quality plants, compost and gardening sundries delivered direct to your door.

www.ghettovikings.co.uk www.facebook.com/BlossomBatch

To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664

August 2020

southbristolvoice

5

News

Tobacco Factory lands £150k emergency funding

by Charley Rogers Since closing its doors on March 17, the Tobacco Factory cancelled or postponed all upcoming shows for the foreseeable future.

Reducing to a ‘skeleton staff’ has allowed the charity to be eligible for the government’s Job Retention Scheme, but it has still faced the possibility of imminent closure. This funding, along with continued community support, has ensured the safety of the venue for the next few months.

A statement on the Tobacco Factory website says: ‘This money, combined with the generous support of our audiences and friends, will ensure that Tobacco Factory Theatres can stay afloat until October.’

The money is part of round three of Arts Council England’s Emergency Response Fund, in

which over £33m has been provided for 196 National Portfolio Organisations across England. £2.5m of this overall pot has gone to NPOs in the South West, including the Tobacco Factory and Knowle West Media Centre in South Bristol.

The West of England Economic Recovery Taskforce and the West of England Mayor have both publicly welcomed the funding.

Dick Penny, taskforce member and Chair of West of England Cultural Strategy Group said: “This national package of funding for arts and heritage organisations is a great relief for the creative sector and it is good to know that regional voices are being heard.

“The last few months have been extremely worrying for the

huge number of people that work in our region’s innovative creative ecology. Although there are still tough times ahead for the cultural sector this new funding is extremely welcome.

"Our focus now is on how we get the West of England open – stimulating inclusive cultural activity to animate neighbourhoods as we seek to rebuild public confidence and get our eco-system of freelance creatives and cultural organisations back to work.”

However, the Tobacco Factory isn’t out of the water yet.

With the Job Retention Scheme closing at the end of October, staffing costs will have to be reduced by up to 70 per cent. The venue has entered into ‘heartbreaking redundancy consultations with staff’ to address the issue.

Becky Cresswell, head of marketing at Tobacco Factory Theatres, said: “We are a public facing organisation and up to 80% of our income comes from audiences. With our main source of income completely lost, we have been fighting to keep afloat.

“With no fixed date for a reopening, it has been an enormous challenge to see the charity through this period. We have received heart-warming support from our audiences who have joined as members, made one off donations and waived ticket refunds, which along with the grant from Arts Council England has helped give our charity a chance of making it through this crisis.”

More information about the Tobacco Factory, including how to donate, is available at https:// tobaccofactorytheatres.com/

now doing

click + collect home delivery * includes refills *

order online bloopbristol.com bloop.bristol

123 OXFORD ST, TOTTERDOWN

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Rich on 0777 555 0607 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

southbristolvoice

6

News

August 2020

Trouble in Paradise

The Windmill Hill and Malago Community Planning Group (WHaM) still have concerns about the proposed Dandara tower block development in Bedminster

by Charley Rogers In last month’s issue we ran a story about the proposed development of tower block flats between Little Paradise and Stafford Street in Bedminster.

Housing developer Dandara has put forward plans for the site, and has been met with many objections from the local community.

WHaM, a community planning group for Windmill Hill and Malago, is particularly outspoken on the subject.

Objecting to the installation of high-rise blocks in Bedminster, only seven per cent of which are designated for affordable rent, WHaM has made clear its concerns about the project.

Nick Townsend, WHaM’s chair, says that although Dandara has responded to some community complaints, not

enough changes have been made to the plans, and that the developers seem to be trying to “ram [the project] through”.

Nick told the South Bristol Voice: “Only seven per cent of the proposed flats will be designated as ‘affordable’, and Dandara isn’t even guaranteeing that. The council expects 30 per cent [to be affordable], so seven per cent is just embarrassing.”

The adjustments made to the original plan are “paltry”, says Nick, and the lack of affordable housing “shows absolute contempt for the local community and should lead to automatic refusal by the planning committee”.

The issue is a complicated one, adds Nick, saying that the conversations have been going on for some time. Back in 2018, Dandara did hold community

Upvc Windows & Doors

meetings about the project, but Nick says that not enough has been done to address the concerns raised. “We [WHaM] gave a planning brief to Mayor Martin Rees, but had no response,” he says. “The original plans proposed buildings reaching 18 storeys above ground, and the new plans propose 16 storeys. They’ve taken the bare minimum off.”

We are a The project is part of a wider successful, plan to regenerate the area surrounding East Street, well cleverleybuildersltd.co.uk something that WHaM is in established favour of. However, says Nick, “building tower blocks is not the company answer”. This plan also includes offering a development of other tower blocks in Bedminster, which Nick wide array of describes as “a disaster, a professional catastrophe for the area”. property Another main concern is that existing houses on Stafford Street maintenance would be overshadowed by the services to tower blocks. WHaM is thoroughly unimpressed with private and what it claims is an

commercial clients alike.

“extraordinary” response to this objection: “Dandara has claimed that tower blocks in this area are ‘inevitable’, essentially criticising earlier developers of Stafford Street houses,” Nick says.

A better proposal would be to use the land for low-rise, affordable housing, says Nick. He adds: “On the one hand we have the council, some shop owners and Dandara, who want the worthy but short-term goals of housing targets, increasing footfall.

"On the other hand, we have local people who want a good environment for themselves and future generations.”

Bristol City Council declined to comment.

To view the planning application, view existing community comments and add new comments, visit www. planningonline.bristol.gov.uk/ online-applications/ simpleSearchResults.

Reference: 18/06722/F

Help with ...

cleverleybuildersltd.co.uk cleverleybuildersltd.co.uk cleverleybuildersltd.co.uk

Doors rs

w Stress & Anxiety Management w Coping with Phobias & Fears w Depression & Low Mood Clinical Solution-Focused w Smoking Cessation Hypnotherapy w Weight Management w Improved Performance Call: 07749 034646 W: www.hypnotherapybytrina.co.uk ... also on Instagram E: info@ hypnotherapybytrina.co.uk

To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664

August 2020

southbristolvoice

7

News

Bill-bored - residents say no to giant advert screens

by Marcus Stone Totterdown residents stuck up a giant yellow ‘post-it note’ to protest against new digital billboards being erected on Bath Road, Totterdown.

A Bristol City Council planning committee had refused permission for one screen and imposed restrictions on the other, however, global advertising giant JCDecaux have now appealed this decision.

South Bristol resident Nicola Round, member of Adblock Bristol who partnered with residents in the campaign, submitted the group’s response to the Planning Inspector. As she explains, “67 people including local residents and councillors objected to the huge new digital advertising screens, raising concerns about local amenity, road safety, wildlife and climate impacts. 152 new homes are also currently being built directly opposite the site and we know these people will be seriously impacted by the screens.

“Yet JCDecaux want both screens approved and the conditions dropped. In their statement to the Planning Inspector they make no mention of the local opposition to their plans.”

Barney Smith from nearby Windmill Hill said: “We do not think that JCDecaux should be able to impose their billboards on Bristol.

“The energy-intensive digital ad screens which push new cars, fast fashion and junk food are bad for our local environment, our mental health and the climate. They are ugly intrusions into the local landscape and are even more dominating than the old ones.

“Residents shouldn’t have to fire-fight these applications for digital advertising screens on a case-by-case basis.

"Bristol City Council has acknowledged public opposition to large digital advertising screens and successfully opposes the majority of new applications.

"We thank them for this, but so much time is spent fighting each one.

"The council should deal with this issue at a policy level.”

The giant screens are capable of displaying six ads per minute with a changing image that is

aimed at drawing the eye of motorists.

Speaking to South Bristol Voice, Carla Denyer, Policy and Communications Coordinator, Adfree Cities, said: “Bristol is probably somewhere in the middle when it comes to the number of billboards with cities like Birmingham and London having more, however some cities such as Grenoble in France have shown it is possible to be completely free of these intrusive advertisements. It is very much up to the planning authorities and they should reflect residents’ wishes and concerns.”

For more information on Adblock Bristol, see www. adblockbristol.org.uk In a letter to the planning Inspectorate on behalf of the landowner, JCDecaux UK say: "It remains the appellants' view that the use of the site for the display of roadside advertising remains acceptable in this location and that the rationalisation of the advertising extent, together with the change in technology and installation of a better designs structure, will not detract from the amenity of the area nor endanger the public.

"The Inspector is respectfully requested to uphold this appeal and grant advertisement consent."

Photo courtesy of Tommy Chavannes and Carla Denyer

Tube

Part of

CLEVERLEY BUILDERS @cleverleybuildersltd

Need a scaffolding company that won’t let you down?

cleverleybuildersltd.co.uk cleverleybuildersltd.co.uk Email: info@cleverleybuilders.co.uk

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Rich on 0777 555 0607 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

August 2020

southbristolvoice

8

News

Long-awaited recycling centre to be built this year

by Amanda Cameron, BBC LDRS reporter for South Bristol Voice Work to build a recycling centre for South Bristol is finally expected to start later this year.

The long-awaited facility at Hartcliffe Way has been promised by nearly every political party in the city over the years, but its journey has been marred by delays and controversy.

Bristol's other recycling centres are in Avonmouth and St Phillips.

Plans for the new reuse and recycling centre were finally approved in March, despite concerns that it would worsen air pollution for residents living near the site.

Now city mayor Marvin Rees has announced the timeline for the likely construction of the centre in south Bristol.

Mr Rees told members of Bristol City Council that building work was expected to start in

Autumn and would continue until summer 2022.

“Bristol Waste is in the process of awarding a contract for enabling works which will commence within the next six weeks,” he said in a written reply to a question from an opposition councillor.

“The procurement of the main

0300 323 0700 info@wecr.org.uk www.wecr.org.uk Previously known as We Care & Repair, we have over 30 years of experience

We specialise in:

Call us on 0300 323 0700

Accessible bathroom & kitchen installations Home adaptations, conversions, extensions & repairs Handyperson service Occupational Therapy

Our aim is to improve the homes of older people and those with disabilities - enabling them to live independently in the surroundings they love for as long as they choose Appointed provider for:

building contractor will be undertaken in parallel with the enabling works, with the construction phase then expected to commence in autumn of this year and run through to summer 2022.”

The recycling centre was expected to open in 2021.

The existing street cleansing

depot at the site must be relocated, and there will be a new traffic light junction in Hartcliffe Way. Back in December it was revealed that the price of building the new recycling centre had rocketed from £4million to £7million, and that an extra £1million to £4million on top of that was needed to relocate the highways depot.

Bristol Waste, which will lease and operate the site, will provide £1million towards the extra cost of the centre.

The council put £2million aside for the Hartcliffe Way site in 2012 and the scheme was also part of the city’s European Green Capital bid.

Former mayor George Ferguson shelved the scheme during his time in office, saying the council could not afford the running costs, but Mr Rees put the recycling centre back on the agenda in 2016.

Finance options available!

BUY NOW, PAY OVER 12, 24 OR 36 MONTHS .. contact us

Specialising in .... n Resin driveways n Stone paving n Resin bonded n Tarmac

Showhomes wanted 5 and 10-year guarantees No job too big or small

n Block paving n Landscaping n General building

Get in touch for free estimates and quotes ...

www.stonewaypaving.co.uk | 01179 595894 E: info@stonewaypaving.co.uk To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664

August 2020

southbristolvoice

www.facebook.com/crystalclearbristol

Aluminium, Timber, PVCu Windows & Doors

9

www.pinterest.co.uk/crystalclearbristol

Visit our showroom 24 Emery Road, Brislington, Bristol BS4 5PF

To find out more, call 01179 717 880 or visit www.crystalclearbristol.co.uk

Bristol’s Biggest Showroom

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Rich on 0777 555 0607 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664

August 2020

southbristolvoice

11

News

'BID needs to rethink spending to benefit district'

by Charley Rogers A North Street businessman has criticised the way the Bedminster Business Improvement District (BID) allocates its funds.

Chris Cierpik, owner of Rare Butchers, speaking exclusively with the South Bristol Voice, has shared his growing concerns with the Bedminster BID. Although the organisation has “come up with some good ideas,” says Chris, Bedminster generally has “nothing to show for all this money we’ve spent”.

BID organisers say their finances are publicly available and that their budget is aimed at improving the future of Bedminster "as a retail and hospitality destination."

The Bedminster BID is an organisation set up to improve business within the district of Bedminster. The BID is funded by a levy paid from the businesses within the district – this is a percentage of their rateable value on top of business rates.

The BID goes through five-year cycles, and at the end of those five years there is a vote amongst all the businesses within the BID district. If that vote passes with a majority of more than 50 percent, then the BID levy is implemented across all of them.

Budgets are traditionally broken down into things such as built environment, crime prevention, marketing and promotion.

In lots of cases BID reps lobby for better business services such as waste removal, accessibility etc, but varies on a BID-by-BID basis.

Chris is critical of the general spending decisions of Bedminster BID, questioning decisions to “paint bollards on East Street like a child would do” instead of installing neat stainless steel bins, or removing disused phone boxes.

Chris also requested improvements to the gates of St Francis Church, discussions around which he says continued for around two years, with little progress. He says he ended up addressing the issue himself, using £3k of the £10k government grant given to businesses in light of the COVID-19 pandemic to restore the original gates.

“This is a fantastic area,” says Chris, “and it’s sad how much could be done, but isn’t”. The BID needs to justify its spending says Chris, and is urging the organisation to make its finances more transparent.

Simon Dicken, chairman of the Bedminster BID commented: “The Bedminster BID represents businesses on East St, West St, North St, Cannon St and Bedminster Parade and operates with all traders and consumers in the area in mind.

“The volunteer board of directors is made up of local business owners, each with their own professional stake in the future wellbeing of Bedminster as a retail and hospitality destination.

“The BID’s operating budget is directed to improving the area for the business owners and consumers who use the space as well as plan and manage improvements for the future. All of our financials are available

publicly and copies can be obtained by emailing business@ bedminster.org.uk.

“Bedminster is a diverse and vibrant area of Bristol and made up of businesses who truly want to see the community thrive. The BID’s number one priority is to support its members and encourage consumers to visit the area.”

Recent spending by the BID has included the Bedminster Christmas Gift Guide, refurbishment of the Ebenezer Gate pocket park, the Bedminster Lantern Parade, Upfest, and management of www. bedminster.org.uk and www. wearebs3.co.uk, the latter of which has been set up to help Bedminster’s businesses sell online through lockdown.

More information on the Bedminster BID is available at www.bedminster.org.uk

Chris outside Rare Butchers on North Street and below, the improved gates at St Francis Church

Four Seasons Gardening Services Give your garden some TLC and call us today! No job too small!

Call 07905 364353 for a free quote

Butchers of Southville We’d like to thank everyone for their huge support during lockdown

KEEP NORTH ST SPECIAL BS3 SHOP LOCAL

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Rich on 0777 555 0607 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

From ÂŁ57 a day

The Hive:

A year-round, nursery pre-school provision for rising 3’s, 8.00am-6.00pm, 3 meals included

For enquiries into all year groups, contact us today: admissions@cliionhigh.co.uk I 0117 933 9087 www.cliionhigh.co.uk To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664

August 2020

southbristolvoice

News

13

A walk on the wide side

Pavements on North Street have been temporarily widened to encourage social distancing.

by Charley Rogers As South Bristol adapts to the slow release of lockdown measures, and businesses start opening back up and getting back to normal, there have been various changes to the local area.

One such change is the temporary widening of the pavements on North Street, with plastic barriers being placed at various points along the street, marking out part of the road for pedestrian access.

Although the efforts of the Bedminster BID to address solutions for social distancing on North Street are appreciated, some have raised concerns with this particular attempt.

Hugo’s greengrocer is one of the businesses that has barriers directly outside of its property.

This has caused problems with deliveries and access, says Hugo: “Although I agree with the premise [of widening the pavements],” says Hugo, “this is somewhat of a rudimentary fix, and the execution could have been better. It’s made loading difficult.”

The Bedminster BID did send out letters “around a week before” the barriers appeared, said Hugo, but businesses were not really consulted in the decision process.

North Street resident Anna Harris also takes issue with the barriers. “They’re a pain,” she says, “and are getting in

the way of residents’ parking.

We can’t park on side streets either, because they’re filled up with cars of people who would normally park on North Street.” Again, Anna agrees that social distancing measures are important, but has noticed that the widened pavements “aren’t being used properly anyway”.

Advance Pest Control HAVE YOU GOT RATS OR MICE? WE’LL SORT THEM OUT ALSO•Pigeons •Moles •Squirrels •Gulls •Bed-bugs •Ants •Fleas •Flies •Moths •Wasps

07771 503107

www.advancepestcontrolbristol.com BEST IN BRISTOL says threebestrated.co.uk

Simon Dicken, chairman of Bedminster BID and general manager of East Street Wilko said: “We understand the issues that some of the traders and shoppers are experiencing with the new traffic systems put in place, and we are working with them and the council to adjust their placement.

“During this time it's important that we bring shoppers back to the area safely while ensuring that traders are able to operate at full capacity when they do so. The council has been very receptive to our discussions and we anticipate these issues to be solved quickly and we’ve already made strides to resolve them.”

SnugSash.co.uk

Sash window specialist

• Renovation • Draughtproofing • Double glazing • Repairs • Painting We can fit double glazing to your sash windows! www.snugsash.co.uk

Call 07736 229727

SnugSash

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Rich on 0777 555 0607 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

August 2020

southbristolvoice

14

ADVICE FROM A PHARMACIST

with Ade Williams

How to save Summer 2020 from Covid-19

W

e are living through a time, never imagined, and the Summer of 2020 will be a defining one. We may not yet fully appreciate the full impact of all these changes, as we cope with overcoming the pandemic. Here are some tips on how to regroup, recharge and prepare for what comes next.

Get out more! – Go outdoors in a socially distanced and responsible way. The easing of the lockdown rules is not a licence to revel. It is an opportunity to reconnect – with family, friends and community – add nature too! Being outdoors will help to replenish our vitamin D from sunlight due to our staying indoors extensively.

You cannot overdose on vitamin D through exposure to sunlight. Always remember to cover up or protect your skin if you're out in the sun for long periods to reduce the risk of skin damage and skin cancer.

Exercise - walk, run and keep riding – reports of people taking up more exercise during the lockdown has been one of the positives from this period that and record

Let’s get you Summer ready with our lowest cost travel jabs and Meningitis B vaccination today Has your child had their Meningitis B vaccine?

Was your child born Before the year 2015?

Speak with us!!

and sense of isolation from promised resources. We must all continue in the same spirit. Tidying up the community, giving up time to support each other. We have become so much more connected due to our shared vulnerability. Our strength is how, together, we build a better future. Join in!

Ade Williams of Bedminster Pharmacy discusses how pharmacies can help people with a variety of health conditions, and ease pressure on the NHS numbers giving up smoking. Please don't park your bike. Many have now discovered it is not only going to the gym that helps. Go for walks, at your own comfortable pace.

Value Community Kindness - Our South Bristol community has been our lifeline during this period. You have all supported the Bedminster Pharmacy team, part of your local NHS to find strength and hope, during our exhaustion

Get ready for School and Winter – The best way to get prepared for the next academic year is to have a fun-filled summer.

We all deserve this, especially the children.

Travelling may have challenges but remember in South Bristol you have a South West leading Travel Health and Vaccination services provider in Bedminster pharmacy.

The summer is also an excellent time to sort out vaccinations like chickenpox and Meningitis B. If your travel plans have been delayed, this is the best time to get all the jabs you need.

Our price-match promise offers you peace of mind. We are already planning for the autumn and winter months, as some services may scale back to cope, so please act now. So summer is here. Hay fever, insect bites and all. Our pharmacy team is here to look after your health. Whether that is close to home, a foreign holiday or gap year. Our lowest cost guarantee is a cost saver. Travel or Vaccination queries? Call free 0800 7723575. l Ade one of the faces of the NHS: Page 28

Find us at Bedminster Pharmacy, 4-6 Cannon Street, Bedminster, BS3 1BN 01179 853 388

HAVE YOU HAD THE CORONAVIRUS? JUST NOT SURE? BOOK YOUR COVID-19 ANTIBODY TEST HERE TODAY! AFFORDABLE AND ACCURATE 10-MINUTE FINGER PRICK TEST

0800 772 3575 To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth WWW.COVIDTESTBRISTOL.COM on 07590 527664 INFO@BRISTOLTRAVELCLINIC.CO.UK

August 2020

T

southbristolvoice

15

In witch we get back to normal-ish

here are a few downsides of returning to 'normal-ish'. More people are discovering our local parks. People I have never seen before. This is simply not acceptable for us regular doggy walkers: these parks are ours. We gather in our socially distanced circles and have a rant about the newbies daring to sunbath and picnic on our grassy hillocks.

The reason for this hostility is that dogs are inquisitive. They see these strange people in their park then go to investigate.

This usually involves jumping on a sleeping person’s head and licking/cocking a leg on, said head or sneaking up to a smouldering barbeque and pinching a string of sausages.

If this happens the owner will invariably deny ownership and probably pretend to only speak Russian whilst backing off and disappearing sharpish with the dog chasing happily behind.

I too am guilty of gatecrashing other parks and country

walks. I met up steep bank and THE WICKED with one of my down to the water.

WITCH OF doggy friends (Mrs I scrambled down, KNOWLE Warm) at Eastwood reached over, Farm. Oh my. It and hooked her is beautiful and out where she just up the road in showed her thanks Brislington. by shaking river We were strolling water all over me. along chattering, Mrs Warm cried admiring the warmly: “Oh I wish gorgeousness of this I could give you a hidden spot of tranquillity, when hug”, and I actually wished she I suddenly realised that Scrappy could too. was not following us. I called A good thing about her. Nothing. This was strange. normal-ish is that the tip is We turned and slowly retraced open again. Before lockdown, our steps. getting rid of rubbish down at St There was a slight opening Philips was a journey that filled which led down to the fastwith dread. But I am liking the flowing River Avon. I called new odds and evens registration again, eyes scanning the bushes. number system.

Still nothing. Then I heard a You have to check what day plop, plop, plop sound. Peering your car is allowed in then off over the edge of the riverbank you tootle to sit in a queue for I saw her. Doggy paddling in a couple of hours (I am the that deep river. Desperate eyes. queen of queuing) before calmly Ears flattened. Chin straining parking up and emptying your upwards. I sprang into action. stuff.

There was a handy tree whose The reason why I like it is roots provided a step over the because they are only letting six

cars in at a time. There is no rage.

I normally get tip rage because I am in a rush and people don’t move up. They want to park next to their required skip without the effort of walking further than they have to. The new system is perfect, loads of room and no stress. But make sure you know your odds from your evens.

I was sitting in this queue the other day when Mr High Viz ran up to my car. I lowered my window smiling asking if he wanted me to move up. He grimaced and said: “No, I need you to turn around and go home.”

What? “You are evens Madam. It’s odds today.”

“Nooooo” I cried, batting some flies away from my face, “how could I be so stupid?”

He raised an eyebrow. “Do not answer that,” I warned while doing the three point turn of shame and, with a car full of festering guinea pig poop, I trundled back home.

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Rich on 0777 555 0607 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

Important local COVID-19 update People in Bristol are testing positive for COVID-19

There is no vaccine and no cure

We must act now to prevent a local lockdown Please make sure you:

Limit contact with people you don’t live with

Continue to work from home if you can

Stay 2m apart from others when out and about

Wear face coverings in shops and on public transport

Get tested and stay home if you, or someone in your household or bubble has symptoms

Wash your hands regularly

More at bristol.gov.uk

Have your say on improving bus, walking and cycling journeys across Bristol The Number 2 bus route, from Stockwood to Cribbs Causeway via the city centre, is the first to be assessed as Bristol City Council and the West of England Combined Authority look to improve travel through key areas over the next decade.

Be part of the conversation In July we held a series of online Focus Groups to find out what Bristol citizens want our post-COVID-19 future to look like.

These sessions helped us to understand what is important to you and shape our Citizens Recovery Survey.

Launching in August, this survey is the next part of our engagement with Bristol communities to help us design a fairer, healthier and more sustainable future for our city. Find out more here: bristol.gov.uk/bristolrecovery

Give your views before Friday 11 September, visit Travelwest.info/A37A4018 If you would like a paper copy please write to: Transport Engagement Team, PO Box 3399, Bristol BS1 9NE

Together, we’ve got this.

Bristol’s favourite places to shop, eat, drink and meet have reopened safely, ready to enjoy again. With your help, we can keep them safe.

Plan your visit today at visitbristol.co.uk/bristol-together

20221-08 The Voice.aw.indd 1

20/07/2020 17:07

August 2020

southbristolvoice

18

Local History

'By Friday, the money had run out'

This month we begin our serialisation of Memories of a Bristol Boyhood

by Knowle resident John Fletcher. His evocative stories cover the pre and post war years and are sure to strike a chord with many of our readers. John's book was originally written for his great-niece who lives in Australia and sales of the book have raised money for Children's Hospice South West. We begin in the early 1930s when John was born - and things initially did not go well!

“

John's pre-NHS appointment card, when he was still a baby.

Opposite top, John's hastily arranged Baptism certificate and opposite bottom, Middle Terrace, Castle Green

You must have been one of the ugliest babies ever”.

Hardly the words you would expect from a fond mother, but I expect she was not far wrong.

For when I was born on 3rd September 1932 there was a strong possibility that I might not survive and my baptism was quickly arranged only 15 days later.

Among other imperfections, I was born with a large purple birth mark under my chin which

was about the size of a duck’s egg. This required medical treatment at the Bristol Royal Infirmary where my mother took me each week for many months.

Each week a section about the size of a small finger nail was burnt out with acid. One week too much acid was applied and the resulting scar is still visible under my chin over 80 years later.

MY PARENTS My parents came from very

Bristol Osteopaths WELLS ROAD

QUEEN CHARLOTTE STREET

SNEYD PARK

At Bristol Osteopaths we are dedicated to relieving you of pain and getting you back to the activities you love doing.

Our professional team is full of qualified and experienced practitoners, providing healthcare at its best. Our clinics offer osteopathy and a range of other therapies designed to get you back to health.

• Osteopathy • Acupuncture • Massage • Chiropody, Foot Health & Podiatry • Reflexology • Naturopathy & Allergy Testing • Hypnotherapy • Ergonomic Workstation Assessment • Counselling

NOW OPEN. Appointments available 6 days a week and evenings Wells Road

Queen Charlotte Street

Sneyd Park

253 Wells Road, Knowle, Bristol BS4 2PH

57 Queen Charlotte Street, Bristol BS1 4HQ

4 Rockleaze Road, Sneyd Park, Bristol BS9 1NF

wellsroad@bristolosteopaths.com

queencharlottestreet@bristolosteopaths.com

sneydpark@bristolosteopaths.com

Tel: 0117 971 0221

Tel: 0117 922 7788

Tel: 0117 968 5107

Getting you back to health since 1993 www.bristolosteopaths.com facebook.com/bristolosteos

To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664

August 2020

southbristolvoice

different backgrounds. My father’s family was small as he had only one brother. The family were very much Bristolians and they lived at 2 Middle Terrace, Castle Green, Bristol 1.

This address was within the walls of the Medieval Bristol Castle in the centre of the city.

Both my father (Frederick Alexander Henry Fletcher) and his father are shown on certificates as being ‘Wood Turners’ which I presume meant that they worked in a carpenters shop making furniture or similar items.

My mother (Edith Windsor) was one of seven children, although one boy died in infancy. They lived in a small village called Finmere which is situated near where the county boundaries of Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire meet.

My mother was the youngest of the surviving six children, five girls and one boy, and they grew up in a very rural setting.

My grandfather (William Theodore Windsor) was a farm labourer.

LIVING CONDITIONS IN 1930S Our house in Kingshill Road was quite modern by the standard at that time but compared to today’s standards was very basic.

We did have electric lights but did not have any power circuit.

We also had a radio set, in those days called a wireless.

It was quite an antique, took up half the sideboard and had a great big trumpet projecting from the top, reminiscent of the HMV record label which shows a dog listening to ‘His Masters Voice’.

Power was supplied by a large battery accumulator which needed recharging from time to time. This required the battery to be taken to a local garage and the recharge took 24 hours.

The battery was so heavy it could not be lifted by a child so a pushchair or pram was borrowed to help with the transportation.

Cooking was done by gas, as was the clothes washing, which was boiled in a big zinc cauldron with a gas ring beneath it.

The washing was picked out with wooden tongs into a tin bath to be fed into the wringer, which

was worked by turning a handle which activated two wooden rollers, the pressure being adjusted by tightening large screws, depending on the thickness of the material passed

through. The surplus water ran back into the tin bath and the clothes, blankets or whatever were ready to be hung on the clothes line in the garden to dry.

Mondays were wash days; the

19 kitchen was filled with steam.

The mangle was a very heavy piece of equipment and folded down to make a kitchen table where we ate most of our meals.

On Tuesdays the washing of the previous day was ironed and this took place on the mangle table covered with a cloth. The iron was a heavy metal slab with a handle and usually used in pairs, one being heated on the gas cooker ring whilst the other was in use.

The irons were exchanged as the first one lost its heat while the second was being heated. The house had a large garden and Mother, having been raised in the country, was quite adept in growing vegetables for the table.

Although at times it must have been almost impossible to make ends meet financially, I can never remember being without food. We probably existed on the cheaper cuts of meat supplemented by home grown vegetables.

By today’s standards we ate quite an unhealthy diet with a lot of suet puddings, dripping toast and other fatty foods to fill up on.

Usually by Friday, money had all but run out and we often had chip-shop chips, without fish, because of the cost, but we could ask for some ‘scrumps’ – the batter that had fallen to the bottom of the fryer.

NEXT MONTH: HARD TIMES IN THE MID 19030s

These wonderful recollections and stories are sure to jog the memories of many of our readers and we would love to hear similar tales and see photos from the period. Please email to news@southbristolvoice.co.uk or post to South Bristol Voice, 111 Broadfield Rd Knowle Bristol B42UX. All items will be safely returned Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Rich on 0777 555 0607 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

Why go anywhere else?

BEDMINSTER@HUNTERS.COM / 0117 953 5375 KNOWLE.BRISTOL@HUNTERS.COM / 0117 972 3948 SALES/ LETTINGS/ MANAGEMENT/ HUNTERS.COM

®

HUNTERS

HERE TO GET

you THERE

*Data source: RealCube 0 I Jan - 31 Dec 2018; total new customers 0 I April 2018 - 31 March 2019; 96% source:cuscomer surveys Jan-Sept 2018; full details at hunters.corn/ terms-and-conditions. Full details at hunters.corn/terms-and-conditions. If you are under contract with another agent you may still be liable to also pay their fee.

,..,i.

_.... •-■ To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664

August 2020

southbristolvoice

21

KARIN SMYTH MP for Bristol South

Culture sector vital - and needs support

N

ationally, the arts and culture sector – including music, theatre, dance, comedy and art - contributes around £10.8bn to the UK economy, more than the country’s agriculture sector.

Britain is world-renowned for its music, literature, theatre and art and this city plays a significant role in this. Indeed, Bristol South is home to a lot of innovative culture and arts - from Upfest to the SouthBank and the Knowle West Media Centre.

Not only is it an important part of the economy – creating jobs and encouraging local spend – but it has a significant role in the community, important for well-being and supporting young people.

Last month, after calls from those who work in and benefit from the arts and culture sector, myself and Labour colleagues, the Government announced a £1.57bn emergency support package.

The announcement also reveals what the Government’s understanding of arts and culture is as Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden was talking of saving the ‘crown jewels’, places such as The Royal Albert Hall, The Old Vic and Shakespeare’s Globe. This does not reflect the arts and culture that people

see them through until October. They now believe they can find a way to safeguard the future of this important cultural asset, despite not expecting to run any live performances with an audience until social distancing measures are lifted completely - with no indication of when that might be. And, like many charities, there will be job losses – the detail of which they’re currently working through.

A lot of people in the arts and culture sector remain in a vulnerable position – many are self-employed freelancers in lowpaid, project-funded roles.

They have largely been forgotten by the Government.

We’ve had to fight for them every step of the way - I’ve been pushing for a sectorbased approach from the Government with support for those who need it most, and it’s clear that creative freelancers are among those. I spoke in Parliament last month and asked the Treasury to revisit the support and will continue to pursue this on behalf of my constituents.

in Bristol South both create and enjoy. I recently visited Tobacco Factory Theatres on North Street – for my first socially distant constituency visit since lockdown began.

Myself and my Labour colleague Shadow Culture Secretary Jo Stevens met with the theatres’ Executive Director David Dewhurst and Artistic Director Mike Tweddle, who explained how the Coronavirus crisis has impacted them.

Things were looking bleak until they raised £60,000 from supporters and secured emergency Arts Council funding, which will

Alpine LANDSCAPING Established family firm with 25 years experience

Twitter: @karinsmyth Facebook: KarinSmythMP Website: www.karinsmyth.com

MATTHEW KING STONEMASON CALL 07979 895569

BEFORE

AFTER

25% OF

WITH T F H ADVERTIS

★ Senior Citizens Special ★ Garden Clearance — Regular or one-off ★ Patios ★ Fencing ★ Tree Work ★ Turfing ★ Hedgecutting ★ Planting (Shrubs etc) ★ Organic manure delivered — Also applied ★ Professional and guarnteed work ★ Brick & Blocklaying

CALL JOE FOR A FREE QUOTE

Tel: 0117 959 2143 Mob: 07891 253 122

www.alpine-landscaping.co.uk

Providing unwavering standards and traditional values for 36 years • Newly worked stone • Carving • Restoration • Rebuilding • Pennant walling • Repointing • Paint removal • Buyer’s survey

www.mkingstone.com

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Rich on 0777 555 0607 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

August 2020

southbristolvoice

22

Schools roundup Bedminster Down delivers on PPE The Design Technology (DT) team at Bedminster Down School delivered 360 personal protective visors to boost local supplies in recent weeks.

Using their laser cutter the six-strong team made the visors until demand subsided and the raw materials needed became difficult to source.

They were delivered to a mix of GP surgeries, care homes and

community nurses serving Withywood, Hartcliffe and Whitchurch as well as South Bristol Community Hospital.

According to national figures 384,928 visors were made by DT teachers in the UK, who also donated 13746 goggles.

Head of Design at Bedminster Down School Fiona England, pictured, commented: “This situation has highlighted the importance of the practical skills and manufacturing capabilities that we teach in Design Technology. It has been fantastic to see schools up and down the country respond rapidly to the urgent call for PPE and we are proud to have been able to contribute to our local community during this time.” l Meanwhile, hearing familiar voices across online learning platforms has helped pupils at Bedminster Down engage in education during lockdown.

While the education sector responded rapidly with lots of resources when most learning moved online, Bedminster Down School found that students responded more readily if their usual teachers narrated online PowerPoint lessons.

In practice this meant that more than 50 teachers produced individual online narrated lessons that enabled them to interact with their students.

Headteacher at Bedminster Down School Debbie Gibbs said: “While online teaching resources have been invaluable, they can be rather anonymous.

"At Bedminster Down we realised early on that our students needed to hear and see as much of their teachers as possible.”

Year 10 student Olivia Avery is studying art, photography and French alongside her core subjects of English, maths and science.

She commented: “Having our own teachers narrate each subject has been reassuring and makes the experience feel more like a real class."

Primary seeking local governors Luckwell Primary School is recruiting members of the local community to serve as governors on the school’s Local Governing Body. This is an exciting opportunity to work in collaboration with others to secure great learning and teaching, and to improve outcomes for the children at Luckwell Primary School.

The role involves attendance at one meeting per school term; these meetings are currently held via Zoom. Training is provided and we welcome candidates with no previous governor experience.

The school is committed to safeguarding and an enhanced DBS check is required.

If this sounds like an Wthat interests you, opportunity please visit website www. luckwell.bristol.sch.uk/ our-school/governors/.

Applications by email to the Clerk to Governors: bridgethedges@luckwell.bristol. sch.uk

Life changing Contact us to discover all that we can offer your child Call Hollie Matthews on 0117 933 9885 The only co-educational school in Bristol to offer A levels and the IB Diploma in the Sixth Form

To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664

August 2020

southbristolvoice

23

News

Flat pack homes - let's sort out narrow cycle path

by Amanda Cameron, BBC LDRS reporter for South Bristol Voice Plans for 173 flat-pack homes in south Bristol by a company co-owned by Ikea have been approved.

But Environment Agency objections over flood risk, and councillors’ concerns they could be voting to “kill someone” on a proposed narrow footpath/cycle lane must first be overcome.

Bristol City Council development control committee members agreed unanimously to grant the application by BoKlok, which is jointly owned by the Swedish retailer and construction firm Skanska, at a long sliver of land north of Airport Road in Knowle West.

They ordered officers to work with the developers to widen the shared footpath from 3.5 metres to five metres.

Cabinet member for housing Cllr Paul Smith told the meeting that 30 per cent of the homes would be council housing.

Last October the local

authority entered into a partnership with BoKlok to build new homes in the city over the next five years as part of Bristol Housing Festival, with the council disposing of the Airport Road site to the company for the first estate.

Eight residents objected to the plans on grounds including road safety, loss of privacy and the design, while the council’s highways team objected to the narrow width of the shared path.

A planning officer told

members meeting remotely on Zoom: “There is two metres for pedestrians and 1.5 metres for cyclists, so it does not give much room for two cyclists to pass at the same time.”

Head of development Gary Collins said: “The site is thin and it is very difficult to develop in a viable way, there’s a brook in the middle of it and the busy Airport Road is one boundary.

“I would like to deliver everything but as planning officers we have decided that the 1.5 metres is defensible space for residents to have as a front garden or an area of amenity to minimise the impact of the road on them, rather than having a wider cycleway and footway in front of them. While we would like to deliver a 5m-wide route,

the 1.5m is best as a frontage to the properties.”

He said he was confident the Environment Agency objections would be resolved.

But councillors, who granted planning permission unanimously, disagreed with Mr Collins over the path and told officers to work with BoKlok to expand it. There will be 77 twostorey houses and 96 flats in four blocks of four storeys, along with 205 parking spaces and storage for 368 bicycles.

Green Cllr Clive Stevens said: “I love it, but I really worry about the cycling. If I voted for this, I would be scared I would be killing someone.”

Green Cllr Fi Hance told officers: "I’m not overly worried but could you go back to the developers rather than reject the whole thing? I wouldn’t turn the whole thing down on that basis.”

Labour Cllr Jo Sergeant said: “The cycle path is not a deal breaker but it makes me nervous.”

BS3 Wildlife News and My Wild South Bristol Tree Champions If you are curious as to what a Tree Champion can do or is, firstly go to the Bristol Tree Forum website. They also have a Facebook site. Here's a message from one in South Bristol: "I am the Tree Champion for the Filwood area, (BS4). Jim Smith is my name.

There are other Tree Champions across the city, but what do they do? All you need is a love of trees and enthusiasm. The least you can do is observe trees in your ‘patch’. If you are concerned for their welfare, contact the BTF in the first place, for advice. Also, contact BTF and me if you are interested in being a Tree Champion in your area and want to do more. That’s all there is to it! We will support you, and you can do as much, or as little as you have time for.’

Jim Smith, Tree Champion Coordinator: jimsmith012@yahoo.co.uk Community Gardens and Orchards We are still working on our audit of community gardens, street greening and other ways to intervene to make our neighbourhood better for both wildlife and people walking around. We already have quite a lot of data and more is coming in, but we are sure that we don’t have everything. We also need some pictures to illustrate the audit. Again, thanks for the ones you’ve already sent in, but more are welcome.

What Hoverflies Live in BS3?

Unlike dragonflies and butterflies, hoverflies are real flies or diptera. Hannak K recently posted a picture of a Hornet Hoverfly (Volucella zonaria) on the BS3 Facebook page. This is the biggest of the, roughly, 270 UK hoverfly species and is a fairly recent immigrant, ie arriving from Europe around 1940. As the name suggests, it looks a bit like a hornet which is useful if you want to avoid predators like birds. In reality it has no sting and is a pollinator and hunter of aphids, so a good ally for gardeners and allotment holders.

BS3 Wildlife Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/437023800042314

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Rich on 0777 555 0607 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

southbristolvoice

24

August 2020

Views from your local councillors Stephen Clarke Green Southville COVID-19 Its been great to see activity returning to the local shops and it made us realise that perhaps we had been taking our wonderful local High Streets for granted to a certain extent. We certainly now appreciate the independents who have taken the risks involved in staying open to let us buy what we need during lockdown and they will continue to get much of my spending.

Lockdown has been very difficult for many people and we have huge sympathy for those who have been struggling for all kinds of reasons including physical and mental health issues. However, we have also been talking to many local people who have appreciated hearing the birds sing without traffic and aircraft noise, have really noticed breathing air which is cleaner and have talked about

neighbours come together. We wonder whether we can ‘build back better’ and try and keep the positive bits of lockdown as we move to the ‘new normal’.

Digital Advertising There is a real battle going on in the City between multi-national advertisers who want to put up numerous new digital advertising boards and small groups of citizens who are resisting this. A local group who have been very successful in this guerrilla resistance is Adblock Bristol and partly as a result of their efforts numerous planning applications for large digital boards have been turned down, including a recent one near the Fruit Market.

Clean Air The situation is confusing concerning progress towards the long overdue legally compliant air for the City. The planned road closures, both temporary and permanent, in the centre of town will help but will not solve the problem without further intervention from the council.

Thanks for reading.

Mark Bradshaw Labour Bedminster During the continuing Covid19 Pandemic, many people are working and balancing caring and other responsibilities in a different way to ensure we keep safe and help to control the spread of the Coronavirus.

Sadly, the massive economic impact of the emergency has led to job losses and business closures which is having a devastating impact on those directly affected and is a source of anxiety for those still in work.

As Councillors, we have been doing all we can to support the community we serve. Celia is working closely with the BS3 Covid19 team to ensure vulnerable people in the Bedminster area are supported. Her experience as a former senior nurse has proved invaluable.

Meanwhile, I have been working with other councillors in

a cross-party working group to help the Council to understand the options to providing safe and physically distanced space for people walking and cycling.

We produced recommendations making use of the statutory guidance provided by the government to help councils make the necessary changes.

We suspended regular monthly surgeries as lockdown took effect and as many people are reluctant to meet in person, we are bringing forward a programme of online surgeries and will share details soon.

Finally, we were sad to hear that Hon. Alderman Claire Warren died recently.

Claire, who was born in Bristol, worked as a nurse until 1986 and represented Bedminster as Councillor from 1986-2006 and was my immediate predecessor. I have been contacted by residents telling me how much Claire helped them. Claire was Lord Mayor in 1994/5 and was also a Deputy Leader of the Council. It was my honour to lead tributes to Claire’s work on behalf of Bedminster and the Council at a recent Full Council meeting.

To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664

August 2020

southbristolvoice

25

Views from your local councillors Chris Davies Lib Dem Knowle We are now hopefully on a steady path out of full lockdown. Central government have provided good funding for many businesses to ride out the worst of the storm but it is clear that for some there will be no or limited recovery.

Neither Bristol nor the Combined West of England authority have come up with new strategies to deal with the new situation that we now all face.

Over the next few months there will be many highly skilled people not needed doing their previous jobs and no level of government has yet switched any resource into encouraging the new opportunities. So, could some of the engineers that were designing and building aircraft wings now help to produce wind turbines needed offshore?

It has been clear for some while that opportunities for healthy exercise are now even

more important. There was little preparation from council departments and we faced delays with park’s playgrounds and even our tennis courts. Now the worry is Jubilee Pool. For all pools the actual risk in the water is minimal with warm water and lots of chlorine discouraging the virus, but changing facilities provide a planning challenge.

The council risked a Jubilee closure by initially refusing to work with the operators on covering the losses.

That crisis is past but we have been extremely concerned to find that officers have no compliance safety plan or even any clear plan for reopening Jubilee or other pools.

The usual excuses about shortage of money emerge but are totally unacceptable. Despite whinging about many tens of millions of Covid costs to the council, government grants have reduced the real cost to single figures, which is less than 20% of the cost of the mayor’s failed gamble on Bristol Energy.

We may need to be prepared for another fight for our pool.

m atthews estates.co.uk

Lucy Whittle Labour Windmill Hill It has been a long time since I wrote a column and the world has changed into a vastly different place in that time.

Thank you to everyone who has contacted me during lockdown, I will continue to support residents as much as I can during this time. I know that some people will have had the chance to take some space and reflect, while others have faced loss of income, housing issues, isolation and struggled with their mental health. Whatever you are going through there are sources of help available. I have been so deeply inspired by the community response and want to thank everyone who has helped others over the last few months.

I hope the following links are helpful: If anyone you know needs help getting food, medicine,

or other essential tasks, or are feeling isolated please phone the coronavirus hotline on 0800 694 0184.

If you want to offer your help, Can Do Bristol is a fantastic resource for supporting community action and volunteering, follow this link to see how you could get involved: candobristol.co.uk.

The Healthy Holidays programme includes advice on low cost foods, cooking tips, and easy healthy recipes. You can also find cooking videos from Bristol chefs and their children: feedingbristol.org/ thechildrenskitchen (printed booklets available from Children’s Centres).

The lockdown gave us all a vision of how different the city could be with lower car use, if this has inspired you to think about cleaner air and transport improvements, add your thoughts to the citywide conversation. Search for “Bristol covid-19 transport request form” or you can email transport. engagement@bristol.gov.uk.

Matthews Estates is a family run, local business, specialising in properties ranging from flats to houses in South Bristol and surrounding areas.

ARE YOU THINKING OF MOVING IN 2020?

Call for a FREE VALUATION or pop into our office and speak to our local, friendly staff.

m atthews estates.co.uk

298 Wells Road, Knowle Bristol BS4 2QG 0117 971 1417 www.matthewsestates.co.uk enquiries@matthewsestates.co.uk

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Rich on 0777 555 0607 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

southbristolvoice

26

August 2020

St. Bernadette Pre-School

Now Open BS14 9LP

Lunch club Breakfast club

Spaces available from 3 years old Visit our website to find out how to apply. www.st-bernadette-pri.bristol.sch.uk/ or call 0117 3772373 To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664

August 2020

southbristolvoice

27

Letters to the Editor

Email your letter to news@southbristolvoice.co.uk or post to 111 Broadfield Rd Knowle Bristol B42UX Please keep letters brief, no more than 250 words - we reserve the right to edit letters

Statue - a missed opportunity?

Sherif Uthman, pictured below, in the July 2020 issue of South Bristol Voice rightfully said that it was wrong for the statue of merchant Edward Colston to remain as it was (commemorating his philanthropy in Bristol and elsewhere) without a historically accurate plaque to detail his involvement in the slave trade.

However, a historically accurate plaque was cast (as a result of a Council-led project with significant public input, including mine) and was about to be added to the statue yet it was the Mayor who vetoed it at the last moment in March 2019. With the plaque, the statue could have been changed from commemoration to a vehicle for understanding and acknowledging this difficult part of Bristol's history, with a potential to start healing the divisions in the city over this.

Instead, we have had the unlawful toppling of the statue (after more than a year of the Mayor twiddling his thumbs on re-wording the plaque), the start of a national 'statues war' based

on a one-dimensional, dumbed down view of our shared past, and widening divisions over our history as a result.

How is this meant to help bring communities together to fight injustice and ensure equal opportunities for all (regardless of colour, creed and gender)?

Julian Hill, Knowle

Call for fairness I agree with Sherif Uthman that we need to have an 'uncomfortable conversation' based on the Black Lives Matter protest. I want us, white and people of colour, to be treated fairly in society.

As a child from a white family in the north of England I was read stories of Uncle Remus and Brer Rabbit set on an American slave plantation. So began my education in how ethnic difference can dictate unfair privilege in its many stark aspects.

I had the unusual luck of shaking hands with the black American activist Paul Robeson, in line with many other admirers, at the Liveroppol Philharmonic Hall. I saw him as a great role model for multi-cultural togetherness.

I have continued my 'uncomfortable conversation' through writers such as Doris Lessing, James Baldwin, Andrea Levy and the historian David Olusoga, in an attempt to better understand the lives of people of colour. My close family has come to include children of mixed ethnic heritage, bringing me to feel deeply of the need to accept and celebrate our rich human diversity, while knowing that we are all people the same under the skin.

April Foy, Tyning Road

Charlie got it wrong on statue How pleased I was to see you back in our letterbox, I always enjoy reading the Voice.

However, I was not pleased to see the content of the piece from Charlie Bolton! I thought councillors, and all those in public office, were supposed to be impartial. Obviously not in his case.

His comments throughout, apart from a small portion, were derogatory, and his final comment about Colston's statue was wholly unacceptable. We all have an opinion, which most of us keep to ourselves, but to agree with the aggression with which the statue was treated is wrong from someone in his position.

Thank goodness I don't live in his constituency!

Marilyn James

Article on building was not balanced

I have always seen the SBV as a real asset to the people of South Bristol and so I was shocked and saddened to read your piece on the revised plans of Dandara for the Paradise Street development.

Frankly this doesn’t read like an article at all; more like an advertisement for their project.

There is no sense of balance here or in the rest of the paper.

You say the plans “faced fierce opposition” as though this had now changed.

In fact the reactions of local people to this latest attempt by Dandara to get a monolithic and ill-judged project passed can be read on the BCC planning website. I could only find 2 or 3

in support (by people who do not live locally) with 131 objections.

The most worrying thing is that your photo cuts off at only 6 storeys giving a completely wrong impression to the casual reader. The finished project will rise up to 17, creating a very different picture! I would dispute that the changes “significantly reduces(s) scale and massing”.

This is still a monstrous building, dwarfing all around it and at 3 times the density of Wapping Wharf.

Local people (your readers) care about their environment and their neighbours. They do not stand to gain financially or in any other way, and they are best able to look ahead and see how this disastrous project will really play out in future.

They will have to live with the results of accommodation which is unhealthy, un-family friendly, and ugly; which doesn't promote community or adequately provide social housing, not the council or the developers.

Esmé Clutterbuck, Eldon Terrace Editor's note: We recognise the points made here and an article elsewhere in this issue hopefully brings more balance.

No consultation Developer Dandara has made a planning application to Bristol City Council for a multi-storey car park on council land at Little Paradise, not only as a replacement for the existing ground level car park but also to allow for the nearby disabled car park and Hereford Street car park to be freed up for residential development.

At first glance, this may seem a purely local matter, but the application documents show Dandara’s high-rise development opposite (reported in your July issue) as already existing, whereas it continues to be vigorously opposed and has yet to go before the planning committee.

And as for Hereford Street, no plan has yet been put forward nor has there been a moment’s public consultation on what, if anything, should be built there.

This is not just about a car park.

Roland Oliver

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Rich on 0777 555 0607 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

News

August 2020

southbristolvoice

28

Ade becomes a face of the NHS

Powerful portraits of a Bristol pharmacist and hospital porter from who have served on the NHS front line throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, have been captured by acclaimed photographer Rankin, as part of collection unveiled today to celebrate the NHS anniversary.

Ade Williams, Superintendent Pharmacist from Bedminster and Ali Abdi a Porter at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust were selected to be photographed for the collection, which have been showcased at local bus stops, roadside billboards as well as iconic pedestrian areas including Piccadilly Lights in central London this week to mark the 72nd anniversary of the NHS. Ade is a popular and regular columnist in South Bristol Voice, offering health advice monthly.

In a mark of respect and thanks to the NHS, the renowned photographer, who has previously shot the Rolling Stones, Kate Moss and the Queen, offered to take portraits of 12 people across the country playing a vital role in the NHS response to COVID-19.

British photographer, director and cultural provocateur, Rankin, said: “As the coronavirus pandemic began to unfold, I was moved by the incredible efforts of people across the NHS and I wanted to document who they are and their role in fighting this disease. Taking a portrait is a unique and intimate experience, even with social distancing in place. Everyone had their own inspiring story which to them was just doing their job. I hope

these images portray the resilience and courage they show every day in the face of real adversity.”

Ade said: “The shoot was really fun and what I liked the

most is that you could tell it meant a lot to Rankin, that he really wanted to use his lens to tell our stories through the pictures. I moved to the U.K. 23 years ago from Nigeria and lived

with my aunt, a nurse in Brighton. I was just a teenager, yet utterly awestruck at how the NHS functioned. Unsurprisingly when I was old enough, I jumped at the chance to study pharmacy.

"Since then, I’ve lived all over the country but have now settled in Bristol providing clinical care as a community pharmacist, alongside working at a GP practice and advising on the board of a local hospital. In an average day, you will get to see so many different types of people who rely on your help – each with their own unique needs and challenges.

"In our team, working alongside my wife, also a pharmacist, we all share the belief that health inequality is a form of injustice. We literally have it written on our wall! Our goal every day is to help address this – which means there is never a dull moment. That is what gets me up in the morning. That, and my four-year-old son who is very much into drumming at the moment!

"I pray that we can emerge from this pandemic with a more generous and equal society."

Julia Ross, Joint Healthier Together Lead Executive and Chief Executive of Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “I’m so proud that Ade and Ali feature as part of this anniversary collection from Rankin. The NHS is defined by its people, and the portraits are a great way to celebrate them.

The portraits and their stories can be found here: www. england.nhs.uk/rankin

Ghetto Viking Music & Clothing

www.ghettovikings.co.uk

Hip Hop Heavy Metal Collective.

Both sides of the tracks together.

Street wear, club nights, and up and coming music for those that wanna know.

To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664

August 2020

southbristolvoice

29

House builder's £1,000 backing for South Bristol food bank

At Little Kitchen Cookery School, we run a range of fun and approachable hands-on cookery classes for adults and children.

Book tickets for all events online today!

WWW.LIT TLE-KITCHEN.CO.UK

The foodbank in Knowle has been given £1,000 by a major housebuilder to help support communities hit by the coronavirus pandemic and its economic aftermath.

Victoria Park Baptist Church Foodbank in Knowle, South Bristol, along with Yate and Thornbury Foodbanks, which support communities in need in South Gloucestershire, have received a total of £3,000 from Barratt and David Wilson Homes.

The developers of nearby Filwood Park in Knowle, Ladden Garden Village in Yate and Park Farm in Thornbury, stepped in to help their local food banks following a surge in demand for food parcels, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The donations are part of a £9,000 initiative by Barratt and David Wilson Homes to support food banks near the communities they are building across the South West.

Barratt Developments chief executive David Thomas visited Filwood Park in Knowle, South Bristol to meet a representative of nearby Victoria Park Baptist Church Foodbank.

Hilary Jones, manager at Victoria Park Baptist Church Foodbank said: "The demand on our food bank during the pandemic period has exceeded previous levels by a significant margin and sadly that looks set to continue, particularly with the end of the furlough scheme and increased redundancies on the horizon.

"Another major area of concern is the fact that many families with school age children are unable to access free school meals.

"We are very grateful to David and his company because Barratt's financial support will assist us to help these and other needy families when they need it most."

Mr Thomas, said: "Building and supporting communities is at the heart of our work so I was delighted to visit Filwood Park, Knowle, one of our flagship regeneration developments and to meet Steve, one of the volunteers from the local foodbank."

SINGLEPLY FLAT ROOFING SPECIALISTS

PLEASE CALL FOR A FREE QUOTE TODAY

07922804129 email: info@bs3roofing.co.uk

Tiling/Slating Lead work Zinc roofs Copper roofs Sheeting & cladding Timber cladding Timber frame work Felt Liquid GRP Green roofs PVC guttering & fascia Roof maintenance Velux windows Chimney repairs Render Roof surveys

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Rich on 0777 555 0607 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk

August 2020

southbristolvoice

30

MARVIN REES, Mayor of Bristol

Our carers have been brilliant This month, the Mayor has written to care providers in bristol, thanking nthem for their efforts during the pandemic.

Here is the text of the letter.

Dear Carers,

W

e are writing this open letter to the 12,000 care workers in Bristol who have worked throughout the COVID-19 crisis.

You have arranged and delivered care for those who need it, supporting some of our most vulnerable residents to live healthier and more independent lives in extraordinary circumstances. We wanted to write an open letter because we want the city to know how thankful and proud we are that you are part of our city.

The comfort and support you provide for families across Bristol is incalculable.

From visiting people in their homes, helping

residents feel comfortable in residential care, advising families on the support available and safeguarding vulnerable people through to commissioning services to help people retain their independence, delivering hot and nutritious meals, scheduling home visits and constructing care plans.

During the past four months you have shown just how important social care is to a compassionate and resilient city. You have carried out these duties – so valued by families across Bristol – in unprecedented circumstances.

You have worked long hours and put the people you care for first, ensuring our citizens

: LLLL BBBBBBBB SSSSS WWWW Make use of your loft and create more space in your home

Loft Ladders

Raised Loft Storage Insulation

D.E. PRICE PLASTERING A quality finish at the right price

Need more storage space?

Loft Lighting

had the care they needed. You have been a source of support and comfort for those isolated from their families and loved ones and have kept them safe from a virus that has taken so many people away from us before their time. And you have done so knowing that you were putting yourself at risk of contracting COVID-19.

You may have heard in recent weeks some political leaders seeking to pass the buck for the damage this virus has caused, insinuating that care providers’ failure to follow procedures is to blame for the huge loss of life this country has experienced. We assure you that these views are not shared by the leadership of this city.

We are deeply grateful for the commitment, the skills and – above all – the selflessness you have brought to your roles throughout this crisis.

You have our admiration, our thanks and our support as you continue to provide care for Bristol’s citizens through the next phase of our response to coronavirus.

Yours sincerely, Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol Cllr Helen Holland, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care

NO VAT!

Call: 07899 098929 Email: darrenprice1990@outlook.com www.depriceplastering.com Our rating on Checkatrade.com is 9.91 out of 10 from 119 reviews!

Loft storage solutions for period and new build homes that don’t void your warranty

01373 813 438 www.loftboardingsouthwest.co.uk

n LOCAL SERVICES AERIALS

Advertising on this page is very cost-effective. Call Ruth on 07590 527664

BUILDER

Semi-retired builder www.theaerialman.co.uk

• Digital Aerials • Fully Guaranteed • Repairs • Satellites • Free Quotes • OAP Discount • Additional TV Points • Humax Recorders Affordable Prices - Reliable Service

0117 967 9028

MOTION PROPERTY MAINTENANCE • • • • • •

45 years experience Roofing Plumbing Carpentry Alterations Free estimates

07500 692206

email motionmain@gmail.com

BUILDER

S M BUILDING & ROOFING (SW) LIMITED Extensions Tiling Carpentry Plumbing Fencing Renovation Rendering Decking Electrical Flooring Roofing Plastering Joinery Loft Conversions Refurbishment

Contact Sean

SM

07971 410 587

smbuildingandroofing@hotmail.com | smbuildingandroofing.com

To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664

August 2020

southbristolvoice

n LOCAL SERVICES CLEANING SERVICES

Advertising on this page is very cost-effective. Call Ruth on 07590 527664

ELECTRICIAN

PLUMBING

Griffin Electrical Established 1984

YOUR TRUSTED LOCAL ELECTRICIAN

• Rewiring • Minor alterations • Security Lighting & Alarms



SPECIAL RATES FOR OAPS



I work even cheaper if you supply the tea!



www.griffin-electrical.co.uk | john@griffin-electrical.co.uk



01275 832830 07831 534766



31

NICEIC Approved Contractor Member of Checkatrade.com

GARDENING SERVICES

LOCAL PLUMBER • TAPS • WASHERS

••REPAIRS/BURSTS REPAIRS/BURSTS • STOPTAPS STOPTAPS • DRIPS • LEAKS • REPAIRS •• TANKS, TOILETS TANKS, • TOILETS • BALL VALVES TAPS, WASHERS VALVES ••TAPS, WASHERS • BALL VALVES • LEAD PIPES ETC LEAD-PIPES •• LEAD-PIPES

0117 9564912 0117 **NO VAT** **NO VAT** **O.A.P. DISCOUNTS** DISCOUNTS** **O.A.P.

RENOVATIONS

D. ATTWELL LANDSCAPING & TREE SERVICES All Garden Works Undertaken All Foliage Removed – Roots Destroyed Patios Laid – Slabbing – Decking Block Paving – Graveling – Wood Chippings Fencing – All Clearance Jobs Undertaken General Building – Garden Walls etc Drives & Patios Jetwashed & Resealed

• FULLY INSURED • LICENSED WASTE CARRIER

For a FREE quote call 07960 681 921 d.attwellgardenservices@hotmail.co.uk

CLEARANCE SERVICES

GARDENING SERVICES

CAR SPRAY PAINTING

Good Grounds & Gardens

Garden, Clearance House, House,House, Garden, Garden, Office OfficeOffice Clearance Clearance

House, Garden, Office Clearance - all Plus all other Plus All Your Other Waste Removal Needs too!

House, Garden, Office Clearance -- Plus other House, Garden, Office Clearance Plus all other Plus Your Other Waste Removal Needs too!

Plus All All Your Other Waste Removal Needs too!

On-average Average cheaper than a skip.

On cheaper than aa skip.

OnAverage cheaper than skip. removal On average cheaper waste removal On cheaper than aa skip wastewaste removal -Average On average cheaper than than skipa skip

07592 003 Tel: 07592 506 003003 Tel: 07592 506 Tel:Tel: 07592 506506 003 1/4 Load 1/4 £89 1/4 Load Load £89 £89 Half Half £139 Half Load Load Load £139£139 3/4 Load 3/4 £179 3/4 Load Load £179£179 Full Load Full £199 Full Load Load £199£199

www.junkmonsters.co.uk www.junkmonsters.co.uk www.junkmonsters.co.uk

FLOOR SANDING

Good Grounds & Gardens Specialists in wildlife ponds

and gardens

Regular maintenance or one-off garden One-off maintenance or bigger re-designs Specialistspruning in wildlife&gardening Seasonal tidying & wildlife Call to discussponds your garden’s needs work Private & commercial

07923 447362

07923 447362 info@goodgroundsandgardens.co.uk info@goodgroundsandgardens.co.uk www.goodgroundsandgardens.co.uk

www.goodgroundsandgardens.co.uk PLUMBING

l Accident repairs, car body repair & spraying in Bristol l 30 years’ experience l Private or trade l Contribution to the excess on all insurance claims (max £200) Tel: 07730 100 388 E: Sprayline01@hotmail.com W: www.sprayline.co.uk Open: Mon-Fri: 10am-6pm

TREE SURGEON

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

OAP DISCOUNTS and NO VAT

0117

956 4475

Got a story for South Bristol Voice? Call Rich on 0777 555 0607 or email news@southbristolvoice.co.uk WIGS

INVITATION

CJ Hole Southville invite you to accept our offer of a free sales or lettings valuation.

To arrange an appointment, please telephone the office or call in personally.

If you have instructed another agent on a sole agency and/or sole selling rights basis, the terms of those instructions must be considered to avoid a possible liability to pay two commissions.

MEDIUM SOUTH WEST

268 North Street, Southville, Bristol BS3 1JA

t: 0117 963 4373 southville@cjhole.co.uk With 17 offices covering Bristol, Gloucester and Somerset

OPENING HOURS Monday - Friday 9am - 7pm Saturday 9am - 5pm

SOUTH WEST

MEDIUM AGENCY ESTATE AGENCY YEAR 2011

The Multi Award Winning Agent