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February 2019 • Issue 5
WHAT’S ON P29 | DIRECTORY P30 Find us on Facebook: StokeGiffordJournal Follow us on Twitter: @TheSGJournal
PLUS , IN YOUR 32-PAGE STOKE GIFFORD MAGAZINE
CONCERNS RAISED OVER REVISED PLANS FOR 763 NEW HOMES AT HARRY STOKE P17 Drop-in information session arranged for 5th February
Neighbourhood policing
Bristol Parkway Station
Where are our PCSOs?
PCN for driving through? Read this… P12-13
P2-3
l Councillors defer decision on McDonald’s & Starbucks at Willow Brook l M1 MetroBus: 15 months late, but finally running l Regular youth club nights in Little Stoke l Roman villa remains unearthed in Stoke Gifford l Latest news from Stoke Gifford Parish Council l Time to nominate your local ‘community hero’ l Afterschool club rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted l Collectors needed for Marie Curie appeal l Charity lights fundraising target smashed! l New parking restrictions introduced at Co-op l Paralympian trains councillors for mental health awareness ride
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February 2019
News
Contact Us Editor: Stephen Horton info@stokegiffordjournal.co.uk 01454 300 400 83 Snowberry Close Bradley Stoke Bristol BS32 8GB
Local reporter: Laura Mortimore (Covering Stoke Gifford Parish) Find us on Facebook: StokeGiffordJournal Follow us on Twitter: @TheSGJournal
About the Stoke Gifford Journal The Stoke Gifford Journal website and magazine are published by North Bristol Press, a trading name of Snowberry Media Ltd; company number 8451178 (registered in England and Wales); registered office: 7 Chelford Grove, Stoke Lodge, Bristol BS34 6DD. Our other publications include the Bradley Stoke Journal magazine & website, the Patchway Journal website and the Filton Journal website. North Bristol Press is independent of any other media company or network operating in the Bristol area. We accept no responsibility for anything stated by advertisers, who are themselves responsible for complying with all relevant legislation. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editor or article author. © North Bristol Press 2019. Content published in our magazines or on our websites may not be reproduced in any form without our express written permission.
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von and Somerset Constabulary’s commitment to neighbourhood policing has once again been thrown into question with the news that 2019 has started without a single Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) on active duty in the Stokes. The diminishing number of PCSOs first came to light back in March 2018 when a meeting of the Stoke Gifford Community Engagement Forum was informed that beat manager PC Julie Rudyard was currently the sole officer covering Stoke Gifford because one of the two PCSOs assigned to the beat was on maternity leave and the other was unavailable. The matter surfaced again at a Stoke Gifford Parish Council meeting in April 2018, when Cllr Keith Cranney raised concerns about “the lack of police resources in the Stoke Gifford police beat team”. The parish clerk was requested to write to the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Avon and Somerset, Sue Mountstevens, “about the force’s future commitment to neighbourhood policing in the local area”. At around the same time, the Bradley Stoke beat team lost one of its (then) three PCSOs through the transfer of one team member to Patchway. Later in the year, after the town had seen its highest crime figures for many years recorded in June, a second PCSO was lost after successfully applying to
join the regulars, leaving just one PCSO. Christopher Baker, on the team. PCSO Baker was well known for running a popular Facebook profile offering advice and responding to queries from members of the local community in Bradley Stoke and beyond. On days when he was on duty, he would often make several posts on his own Facebook profile and respond to issues raised in posts on local Facebook groups. However, the last update was made to his profile page on 28th November 2018 and nothing has been heard from him on any online channels since then, leading to speculation about whether his is still around. More recently, at the Bradley Stoke Community Engagement Forum on Thursday 17th January, a member of the public asked Sgt Adrian Fallows what had happened to PCSO Baker. Sgt Fallows replied “He’s not working with us at the moment”. In response to puzzled looks from some of the audience, he then added: “That’s all I can say.” Collectively, over the so-called Five Stokes area (Bradley Stoke, Stoke Lodge, Little Stoke, Stoke Gifford and Harry Stoke), this means that ALL of the five PCSO positions are currently unfilled or inactive due to absence. Speaking at a meeting of Stoke Gifford Parish Council on 8th January, where the matter was once again brought up, chair Ernie Brown was insistent that “the parish must have its own PCSO”.
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News
New year starts without a single PCSO in the Stokes Continued from facing page
In Bradley Stoke, town mayor Ben Randles seemed rather less concerned when asked for his views on the matter at the January meeting of Full Council, replying that it was “not an issue for the town council as we don’t fund PCSOs”. Last year, PCC Mountstevens took advantage of new rules
which allowed her to increase the policing component of council tax by £1 a month for the average Band D household. She recently reported that this had enabled the force to commence an ambitious programme of police officer recruitment, adding that it would “protect neighbourhood policing, the police officers and PCSOs in your local area”.
Statement from Avon and Somerset Constabulary We are committed to maintaining our neighbourhood teams who are at the very heart of their communities but there will always be periods when we have vacancies. This will be for a variety of reasons. PCSOs can transfer between beats or take up other roles within policing, such as becoming police officers. As with any other role, there can also be occasions when we have long-term absences for personal reasons such as maternity leave or illness. When roles are vacant, PCSOs from neighbouring beats provide support as necessary as part of a wider area team.
Left: Message placed on the Facebook profile of PCSO Christopher Baker (above) following two months of inactivity
We currently have two vacancies in Bradley Stoke. PCSO Alicia Harvey transferred to Patchway. A PCSO currently in training has been allocated to the post. The second vacancy has come after PCSO Tom Allen was successful in his application to become a police officer. We are aiming to recruit to that post as soon as possible and are currently recruiting PCSOs. PCSO Baker is currently absent from duty for reasons we are unable to discuss at present. Unfortunately in the Stoke Lodge /Stoke Gifford / Little Stoke beat, we have two current vacancies. One will be filled by a PCSO currently in training and we’re committed to recruiting for the other post.
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February 2019
News
Local councillors win site inspection concession Decision on “sensitive” planning application deferred for planning committee to consider physical context of site
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decision on whether the Willow Brook Centre will be allowed to construct two drive-through food units in the north-eastern corner of its car park, just 25m away from residential properties in Wheatfield Drive, has been deferred for at least a month. The delay, to allow time for councillors on South Gloucestershire Council’s (SGC’s) Development Management Committee to undertake a site inspection visit, was agreed after planning officers who had recommended approval were faced with a barrage of criticism from a spokesperson representing residents of nearby properties, supported by Bradley Stoke Town Council’s deputy town clerk and three South Gloucestershire councillors representing wards in Bradley
Stoke and Stoke Gifford. The controversial food units, which are anticipated to be occupied by McDonald’s and Starbucks, form phase 1 of the proposed development, for which full planning permission is being sought. The application also seeks outline permission for phases 2 and 3, which include the addition of two new units on the end of the existing retail terrace (beyond Poundstretcher) and rearrangement of the car park. Meeting in Kingswood on 24th January, the committee heard first from the developer’s agent who stressed that the council’s officers now have no objections to the scheme after minor amendments had been made to the plans and a specialist report on night time noise had been commissioned and its conclusions accepted. He
added that the new food units are essential to maintain the viability of the centre at a time of declining retail sales on the high street. The meeting then heard from a representative of the Dewfalls and Wheatfield Drive Residents Association (DAWDRA), who summarised some of the points raised in the 145 public objections lodged against the scheme, which include concerns over noise, litter, cooking smells and anti-social behaviour. The representative said her group had met with the developers, but they had shown no willingness to compromise, in particular with regard to the question of why the food units weren’t being built closer to the main buildings at the centre (and thereby much further away from residential properties).
The latter point was echoed by Cllr Sarah Pomfret (Bradley Stoke Central and Stoke Lodge) who had forced the holding of the meeting by ‘calling in’ the application. She pointed out that keeping the centre buildings away from residential properties had been a design objective of the original Willow Brook Centre masterplan. Next up was Cllr Brian Hopkinson (Bradley Stoke Central & Stoke Lodge) who pointed out that residents in Dewfalls Drive and Wheatfield Drive would also suffer through the main access road into the centre being realigned, in phase 2, to “come right up to the backs of houses”. He also questioned whether the centre needed extra retail space when it currently has vacant units and said he feared
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in row over McDonald’s and Starbucks plans Continued from facing page
large volumes of late night traffic would be attracted up the recently opened Stoke Gifford By-Pass to access the new drivethrough units. Cllr Keith Cranney (Stoke Gifford) also echoed the sentiment that the application went against the design principles that were campaigned for many years ago and said the town centre was at risk of being turned into a “glorified food court”. With submissions from the public (and councillors not on the committee) concluded, attention turned to the nine-member committee who would be asked to make the final decision. At this point, the principal planning officer issued advice against arriving at a split decision (i.e. approving just part of the application and refusing the rest) as this would be considered to materially change the application due to the interdependency of the phases. Cllr Dave Hockey (Frampton Cotterell) picked up on the earlier references to the original masterplan and asked how it envisaged additional retail units at a future date, but the principal planning officer was having none of it, saying that the centre had been built in accordance with approved plans and all conditions attached to the permission had been satisfied. Next to speak was Cllr Roger Avenin (Bradley Stoke South) who proceeded to tear into the
The application is now set to be reconsidered on Thursday 21st February
case officer’s report, questioning the acceptance that there would be little impact on traffic flows and describing the transport officer’s assessment as “pure Alice in Wonderland” fiction. The case officer’s assessment that the location of the proposed drive-through units “may not be ideal but is to some extent dictated by the operational demands of the facility” was, in Cllr Avenin’s opinion, another way of saying “what they want, they get”. After going on to trash several other aspects of the report, sometimes with reference to specific policies of the council, Cllr Avenin then moved a motion, against previous advice, to agree a split decision that refused permission for the food units but granted permission for the shops. Before a vote was taken, the meeting heard again from the principal planning officer who corrected Cllr Avenin on some of
his policy references and pointed out that drive-through food units were defined as an “appropriate use” for a town centre location. At this point, Cllr Michael Bell (Rodway) interjected to suggest that members of the committee carry out a site inspection visit before refusing any or all parts of the application, as such a decision could leave the council
open to challenge through a formal appeal. The suggestion received support from Cllr Dave Hockey, who described the application as “very sensitive”, adding: “It’s vital that we make the right decision”. On being put to a vote, the motion to carry out a site inspection visit was passed by seven votes to one. The Journal understands that the site inspection visit is likely to take place on Friday 8th February, with the application set to be reconsidered by the committee on Thursday 21st February. Under SGC’s revised system for handling planning applications, introduced on 1st November 2018, members of the pubic are no longer permitted to attend site inspection meetings. Instead, all important local information is expected to be put forward by local ward members and town council representatives.
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February 2019
News
M1 MetroBus: 15 months late, but finally running
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orth Bristol’s longawaited M1 MetroBus service finally launched on Sunday 6th January, around 15 months later than originally planned and 39 months after the start of what eventually turned out to be more than two years of highly disruptive roadworks to construct new bus lanes along Bradley Stoke Way. The M1, the third and longest Bristol MetroBus route, connects Cribbs Causeway, Bradley Stoke, UWE, the city centre, Bedminster and Hengrove Park. It is operated by Bristol Community Transport (BCT), under contract to First West of England, using a fleet of 21 biogas buses. Up to 60 new driver and support positions are said to have been created at BCT’s Bedminster depot.
The very first timetabled M1 MetroBus to enter Bradley Stoke arrives at the Patchway Brook southbound stop at 9.12am on Sunday 6th January 2019
To reflect the importance of the new service in supporting local communities, artwork featuring community groups and organisations based on the route
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features on the inside rear panels of the vehicles. These range from youth organisations such as Scouts, Army Cadets and theatre groups to services for the elderly and environmental charities, as well as landmark independent businesses. Eight of the new buses were already liveried and on the road on launch day. The remaining 13 murals will be unveiled in the next coming weeks. Local groups that will be featured on the buses include Bradley Stoke Scouts, Bradley Stoke Active Lifestyle Centre, Bradley Stoke Cricket Club, Bradley Stoke Library and Safe Space. Eight of the 21 groups featured are members of Bristol Community Transport, using their community minibuses. These groups will directly benefit from the operation of MetroBus as BCT will be using the proceeds to support their community transport services in the city. James Freeman, managing director of First Bus West of England, said: “The vehicles and drivers that BCT are committing to the new M1 MetroBus are providing a vital service supporting local communities. We wanted to reflect this on the new buses by showcasing just a few of the many organisations and groups along our route that contribute so much to making the community a more inclusive place to live and work.”
The M1 operates every 10 minutes between 6am and midnight (Mon-Sat) and every 20 minutes between 9am and midnight on Sundays. MetroBus fares are simple and all tickets are ‘buy before you board’, for faster journeys. Single trips are £2.00 (£2.07 for an individual ticket via the First mTicket app) and a day ticket allowing unlimited travel is £4. Ahead of the launch, households along the M1 route were mailed a timetable and a set of discount codes allowing the purchase of four free single MetroBus tickets via the First mTickets smartphone app. On launch day, the first officially timetabled southbound M1 MetroBus arrived in Bradley Stoke on time (9.12am) at the Patchway Brook stop. However, the first northbound service was running six minutes late by the time it arrived at the Willow Brook stop (10.01am). Each MetroBus stop along the M1 route should have an iPoint (combined ticket machine and information display) installed “by the start of February”. A missing shelter at Harry Stoke northbound is scheduled to be installed by the same date. If for whatever reason an iPoint is not present or operational, drivers will temporarily accept contactless payment on the bus at this stop until the iPoint is operational. Speaking two weeks after the M1 MetroBus service started, Rob Pymm, commercial director, First West of England, said: “We are very pleased with how the service is running to date. The launch went very smoothly and we have so far carried well over 70,000 customers, with some very positive feedback about the facilities available on the new buses. The iPoint screens and smartphone apps are now displaying real-time information, rather than the timetabled data shown on the first day.” A report prepared for a meeting of the West of England Combined Authority on 23rd
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News Feedback on the first week of the M1 MetroBus service (from the Bradley Stoke Journal’s Facebook page) Andy: “I use it daily. I used to use the T1. It does take a little longer than the T1, but it’s far more regular, seems to be mostly on time and is making my daily commute to and from the centre from Bradley Stoke more bearable. Once they iron out the technical glitches, it will be very good.” Swapna: “It is a great service, but I see most of the buses are empty during the day time, which will mount up the costs, Better to have good frequency during the peak hours 6-10 in the morning and 4-8 in the evening. Rest of the time the frequency can be reduced.” Tracy: “I actually don’t mind the extra walk to get to the bus stop, the journey times are much reduced from the 73 journeys. Have had no trouble with availability.” Will: “The ticketing system is bizarre. They should have made it like the park & ride where you can buy packs of tickets and save some money. Also don’t agree with M1 going through Frenchay UWE Campus. If they added an M1X service that skipped it, then it would actually be worth using.” Jonathan: “Not helpful for Little Stoke folk. I still use 73 to get to town and home. The 73 frequency is frustrating. X73 was a great service it’s not like the times were great but still better than it is now.” Mike: “It seems to me most buses are empty. I’m still in the camp that it’s a total waste of money and will be a money drain for years to come. Paul: “It appears that only regular bus users use it. No one said they have left their car at home!”
January said all MetroBus services were “generally operating well”, but noted that the M3 (Emersons Green to city centre) is “not meeting its timetable due to AM peak time traffic congestion on the A4174 Ring Road”. The report added: “South Gloucestershire Council
have been monitoring this, and are considering the available options for improving M3 punctuality.” Service M1 was said to be “experiencing some issues with driver route familiarity, as well as congestion around Bedminster Bridge”. ● metrobusbristol.co.uk
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February 2019
Advertising
Take advantage of Kumon’s two-week Free Trial By Sarah Nutchey, Kumon Bradley Stoke t your local Kumon Bradley Stoke Study Centre, we aim to help children of any age and ability become confident, independent learners. Our students develop lifelong study skills and a passion for learning, as well as the confidence to complete their work independently. Your child can experience the benefits of Kumon too! The Kumon Bradley Stoke Study Centre is offering a twoweek Free Trial between 21st February and 15th March for all new families. For two consecutive weeks, your child can get a glimpse of how the Kumon maths and English programmes can develop their abilities. To take part in our Free Trial, all you need to do is contact your local Instructor, Sarah Nutchey, and book an assessment.
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Sarah says: “I am very pleased to be able to offer a two-week Free Trial to students. This is an opportunity to try the Kumon programme without obligation to see whether it suits your child and your family commitments.” Our study programmes establish strong foundations in maths and English, and enable students to progress to an advanced level, above their school grade level, at their own pace. In small manageable steps, students develop their abilities and acquire study skills such as speed, accuracy, time management, concentration and problem-solving. Kumon students study at their local study centre once or twice a week and complete a small amount of daily work outside of centre visits in order to instil core study skills through frequent practice. Our programmes place great importance on self-learning,
Sarah Nutchey (right), Instructor at Kumon Bradley Stoke Study Centre
encouraging students to discover how to solve problems for themselves. As our students begin to take ownership of their learning and become independent learners, they develop invaluable confidence and self-motivation. With guidance and support from the Instructor, Kumon students build fluency, ability and confidence, as well as a love of learning. Kumon Instructors continuously monitor, guide and challenge students to grow by gradually increasing the level of difficulty of the worksheets they assign, while taking into account increases in each student’s level of academic ability. Although students’ study is focussed on maths and English skills, often increased ability in these subjects helps students progress well across all study areas.
With 60 years of experience and over 4 million students worldwide, the Kumon maths and English programmes enable students to work above their school grade level. Because our students are able to reach an advanced level of study, often far beyond their school curriculum, they are well equipped with the skills they need to excel. Take advantage of our twoweek Free Trial and find out what your child can achieve through the Kumon maths and English programmes. The Kumon Bradley Stoke Study Centre is located upstairs at The Willow Brook Centre in the West Offices, with classes running on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays after school and on Saturday mornings. Contact Sarah on 07808 720208 or email bradleystoke@ kumoncentre.co.uk
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News
Regular youth club nights in Little Stoke
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he Stokes Youth Centre is the safe space to be for young people in the Little Stoke area. With a range of exciting activities, and fun and approachable youth workers, it’s where young people can find their next hobby, a supportive group of friends and quality advice and guidance. Run by Creative Youth Network, the youth centre is open for 11- to 18-year-olds to come and take part in activities such as sports, music, arts & crafts and, a particular favourite, the indoor bouncy castle. The youth club has also organised trips, including to the cinema, theatre and AirHop. Billy (12) said: “It’s a fun place to hang out and the staff are great.” One of the best features of the youth club is the amazing music studio, which gives young people the opportunity to write,
perform and record music. Young people improve their confidence and self-esteem here, as well as having a positive impact on their mental health. As mental health is a growing concern for young people nationwide, the youth club provides a safe environment where young people develop supportive networks of friends and approachable professionals. Wellbeing practitioners will also be joining the team to ensure young people have access to high quality support as soon as they need it. The Stokes Youth Centre is open on the following nights: • Active Mondays 5:30-7:30pm; ages 11 to 14 • Hang out Thursdays 7-9pm; ages 14 to 18 • The Weekend Starts Here Fridays 6-8pm; ages 11 to 18
Music studio at The Stokes
More details can be found at www.creativeyouthnetwork.org. uk/the-stokes [QR code on right] The Stokes Youth Centre is funded by Stoke Gifford Parish Council, South Gloucestershire Council and the Big Lottery Fund.
Venue: The Stokes (Youth and Community Centre), Little Stoke Lane, Little Stoke BS34 6HY (just up from Little Stoke Primary School)
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February 2019
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News
Roman villa remains unearthed in Stoke Gifford
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vidence of a Roman villa has recently been discovered at a site between Cheswick Village and Lockleaze, just within the Stoke Gifford parish boundary. Archaeological fieldwork by Cotswold Archaeology was completed in March 2018 on land that was previously owned by Dings Crusaders Rugby Football Club and has now become a new housing development by Redrow Homes South West. CgMs Heritage acted as archaeological consultants throughout the excavation. Since the fieldwork was completed, archaeologists have been compiling what they discovered in order to understand what the villa may have looked like. While many of the villa’s walls and floor surfaces had been removed once the building fell into disuse, in some areas intact walls and floors survived, allowing Cotswold Archaeology to get a good understanding of the layout of the villa. Well-preserved features included the remains of hypocausts (a system of central heating where hot air is circulated below the floor of a room) and evidence for a courtyard or garden, as well as a series of outbuildings, external to the main courtyard and house. The excavation has provided archaeologists with an insight into the development and organisation of Romano-British villa estates. It is believed that the site began during the Late Iron Age or Early Roman period as a sub-oval enclosure, which contained a roundhouse. This then developed during the 1st to 2nd centuries AD when fields, paddocks and trackways were laid out over part of the site, replacing the earlier enclosure. Between the 2nd and late 3rd/early 4th centuries AD the site was then occupied by a timber structure, along with a rectangular stone-built building. This seems to have been a barn, providing evidence of industrial or agricultural processing. The
3D model of a stone-built sunken water tank unearthed at the site
Unusual bronze hanging lamp
settlement was completely remodelled in the later Roman period when a substantial residence, a walled courtyard and a range of ancillary buildings were built over the remains of the earlier buildings. Along with the discovery of the villa buildings, the archaeological team also unearthed an inhumation burial (a burial in the ground) which probably dates to the late 2nd or 3rd century AD and a human cremation which was buried within a small pottery vessel. They also discovered
from everyday life reading a scroll under the light of the lamp. To read more about the discoveries that have been made at the excavation site in Stoke Gifford, visit cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk, where you can find articles and 3D models of the villa.
dress accessories, coins and a rare bronze hanging lamp which has attracted the attention of numerous archaeology experts. It is believed that the lamp was manufactured in the 1st century AD and even though some parts are missing, it has been quite well preserved. The lamp appears to portray a figure wearing a tunic and sitting cross-legged. Several specialists have been approached to try to identify the figure with suggestions being made such as a Buddha, an Egyptian subject, the Roman satyr Silenus or a figure
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News
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otorists who have recently received ‘fines’ in the post for what they have assumed is an ‘offence’ of using Bristol Parkway Station as a through road or ‘cut through’ are urged to double-check their notification letter to see if they have instead been wrongly accused of a parking violation. The station can be accessed from both the west side (off Hatchet Road) and the east side (Hunts Ground Road) but is clearly signed as a ‘private road’ that is also a ‘no through road’. However, station management company Great Western Railway (formerly First Great Western) confirmed to a member of the public back in 2015 that the rule was not currently being enforced (see facing page). Furthermore, numerous people have reported driving through on a regular basis over many years, right up to the present time, without any issues. However, reports on social media suggest that early January saw a flood of letters sent to people who regularly drive through the station without stopping (or who only stop for a moment to drop off or pick up a passenger) notifying them of a £50 ‘fine’. Analysis of these reports by the Journal reveals that most of the ‘fines’ relate to the period 6th to 9th December 2018 and that they have been received by people who make regular ‘through and back again’ journeys through the station, for example to take a child to school in the morning and to collect the child in the afternoon.
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The clearest sign that they are, in fact, not a ‘fine’ for violating the ‘no through road’ condition can be seen in the title of the letter: ‘Parking Charge Notice’ (PCN). However, anyone overlooking this might easily be misled by the fact that the letter, instead of stating both the entry and exit times for the alleged parking offence gives just a single event time. Furthermore, the letter includes two photographs of the offending vehicle entering and
leaving the car park, but does not state the locations at which the photos were recorded. Because the backgrounds of the photos inevitably look different (as there as separate cameras pointing in opposite directions at each end of the car park), the reader can easily assume that they were recorded at different ends of the car park, thereby reinforcing the assumption of a ‘drive through’ violation. In reality, the date and timestamp of each photo is shown in tiny white print on a thin black strip along its top edge, which many recipients say they hadn’t noticed or found illegible. The timestamps, which are key to understanding the details of the alleged offence are, however, clearly readable in the online version of the PCN, accessible via the parking contractor’s website.
Pattern detected
Of five contested PCNs that the Journal examined in detail (thanks to the recipients sharing details of the PCNs and their own accounts of journeys made on the days in question) it is clear in each case that a fine has been issued because of the parking management system’s failure to detect a vehicle exiting the station at the Hunts Ground Road end, after having entered the station at the Hatchet Road end a few minutes earlier. This means that the vehicle is considered to have remained parked within the station grounds until it is next seen exiting, i.e. when the vehicle next drives through, which could be hours or even days later. Anyone who has received a PCN but not parked at the station, particularly if they make regular ‘through’ trips in both directions, might wish to examine the alleged entry/ exit times in detail to ascertain whether an exit event at another time may have been missed. In the light of the previous statement from 2015, we approached GWR with a set of questions relating to enforcement of the signed ‘no through road’ rule. Instead of providing answers to our specific questions,
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Received a ‘fine’ for driving through Bristol Parkway? Are you sure it’s not just a parking charge notice (PCN) that may have been issued in error? Continued from facing page
a GWR spokesperson responded as follows: “We only use Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) to enforce parking restrictions at the station car park (both short and long stay). A significant grace period is allowed before any enforcement action, ensuring plenty of opportunity to pick up/drop off even at the busiest times.” The spokesperson said there had been no camera or power issues on the dates in December which we had mentioned, adding: “Where there is a power supply issue (at any one of our managed stations), enforcement would be suspended until the issue is resolved.” “Other possible reasons for failure to detect a vehicle include the licence plate not being readable because of dirt or being too close to the vehicle in front for the plate to be read.”
If you have received a PCN despite only driving through the station and are unsure about the locations of the entry/exit photos shown, or are having trouble determining the alleged dates and times of entry/exit, guidance can be found on this page of the Stoke Gifford Journal website: http://bit.ly/bpw-ntr The drop-off zone at the station has a maximum stay limit of five minutes. There is a small short stay car park where vehicles can stay for up to 20 minutes, but a ticket must be obtained from a machine, which involves entering the vehicle registration number. N.B. No information in this article should be interpreted as being an encouragement to motorists to use the station as a through route or a guarantee that doing so will not result in a penalty of any kind.
Email from GWR to member of the public in April 2015 I can confirm that the road that goes through Bristol Parkway station is not a through route, and this has been clear from signage going back to 2001. As ANPR cameras have been installed we have recently updated our signage to comply with local conditions relating to this change, confirming that ANPR cameras enforce the land.
Above: Sign displayed on the access road into the station from Hatchet Road: “No through road. Station access only. Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) in operation.”
Passengers are welcome to use the station to both park and pick up/drop off using the new ANPR database, which a ticket can be issued for. Currently the system does not enforce any conditions against road users, but this is something we have already discussed with the local authority and is something that will be introduced in the future. This will be done in consultation with the local authority and not brought in without prior warning.
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February 2019
News
Petition launched to increase Stoke Gifford By-Pass speed limit Mobile police speed cameras trap over 300 motorists exceeding speed limit in less than four months
I
t’s a wide stretch of road with good visibility, sweeping across open countryside for half-a-mile from its junction with Hambrook Lane to the A4174 Ring Road, yet it has a speed limit that is lower than the main road through densely populated parts of nearby Bradley Stoke. Travelling south from Parkway North Roundabout (near Nuffield Health), the Stoke Gifford Transport Link (SGTL, now officially named Rosedown Avenue, but more commonly known as the ‘by-pass’) initially has a 40mph speed limit before changing to 30mph shortly before the traffic light-controlled junction with Hambrook Lane. Between Hambrook Lane and the Oxleigh Way traffic lights (entrance to Highbrook Park) the road has the appearance of one which might be expected to have a higher speed limit of at least 40mph, save for the presence of street lighting columns, and it seems that many motorists are choosing to drive at or above this speed. Anyone who attempts to stick to 30mph risks being tailgated or subject to dangerous passing manoeuvres, as witnessed by one driver writing in the newsletter of
the Bristol Advanced Motorists group: “Driving at 30mph, I had flashing headlights behind, then a car overtook me on the right, as another overtook in the bus lane on the left!” However, anyone taking a chance by exceeding the speed limit risks being snared by a police mobile speed camera van, which has been paying visits to the site since September 2018. A recent Freedom of Information request has revealed that 307 notices of intended prosecution have been issued for speeding offences on this stretch of the road in the last four months. Of those threatened with prosecution, 182 have been offered the alternative of attending an education courses. When the Journal raised the issue with South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) in September 2018, we were told that the speed limit had been set in consultation with road safety professionals, taking into account the likelihood that housing will eventually be built adjacent to the road. One frequent user of the road, Alex Hosking, feels so strongly about the issue that he has launched a petition on the SGC website, titled: ‘Raise the
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Start of the 30mph limit, just before the Hambrook Lane crossing (going south)
Reader comments from the Stoke Gifford Journal website AD: “I’m absolutely gob smacked! Just received a speeding summons (doing just under 40)! Never realized that such a road was restricted to 30. It’s ludicrous!” Hayley: “I have recently received a speeding fine and points on my licence as I was doing just over 40 in the 30 zone. I honestly believed it was 40 on this entire road. Went down the road today (from Ring Road heading towards Bradley Stoke) and could only see one 30 sign.” Sophie: “I was very upset to have received a fine and three points on my licence for going at 44mph on this road. The road is not in a residential area and did not appear to be a road where a 30mph limit is needed for any particular reason.”
speed limit on the Stoke Gifford By-Pass’. In his foreword to the petition, he writes: “The bypass appears to have a speed limit that quite drastically does not match the engineering standard of the road. DfT guidelines state that ‘Speed limits should be evidenceled and self-explaining and seek to reinforce people’s assessment of what is a safe speed to travel. They should encourage self-compliance. Speed limits should be seen by drivers as the maximum rather than a target speed.’ These guidelines do not seem to have been followed on this road and it’s more characteristic of a road you might otherwise expect to have a speed limit of 50mph.” Speaking to the Journal, he added: “It almost seems like the council are trying to set speed limits that won’t be taken seriously. By setting it really low, you don’t punish people who really put their foot down. On the contrary, you just make it more difficult for the police to concentrate on them as they are forced to pursue people driving at
much more sensible speeds.” The online petition can be found at petitions.southglos.gov. uk/petitions.ti/bypasslimit In the light of the high number of speeding tickets being dispensed and the launch of the petition, we invited SGC to provide a further comment. A council spokesperson said: “A review of the reported SGTL. No injuries have been reported as taking place on the road since it opened in late 2017. As the safety record of the SGTL is currently good, and bearing in mind that the character of the road will change when new junctions associated with approved development are constructed, the council has no plans to review the current speed limits. “National regulations do not permit the installation of more permanent signage for the 30mph speed limit, since the road is lit by a system of street lighting. However, a vehicle activated speed reminder sign will be positioned on the road periodically to remind road users of the 30mph speed limit.”
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Parish Council Updates It has been a busy start to the new year, seeing further improvements to street furniture within the parks and open spaces, along with the introduction of new blinds for the meeting room and office at the Little Stoke Community Hall. The long-term contracts with South Gloucestershire Council for Amenity Grass cutting and Waste Pickup has also just been renewed. The Parish Council is currently looking at options for new equipment in Meade Park to replace the Sky Surf which was removed from site later last year. One consideration is the introduction of a new basketball unit with appropriate surfacing and line markings. The Parish Council is delighted to have completed the installation of six new pieces of outdoor fitness equipment in Little Stoke Park, predominately funded by the Tesco’s Bags of Help initiative, thanks to significant support from the local community. The new equipment has already been well received by park users. The Parish Council has submitted its Precept Demand for 2019/20, for £405,000, which equates to a 1.6% increase from the last financial year, following in depth discussions by a Budget Working Group then approval by Council. A larger replacement Parish Council noticeboard has now been placed directly outside of the Little Stoke Primary School, Little Stoke Lane, with a new noticeboard to follow shortly for the Little Stoke Community Hall, Little Stoke Park.
HALL FOR HIRE RATE FOR 3-HOUR CHILDREN’S PARTIES IS £64.00
FACILITIES AVAILABLE: LARGE SPORTS HALL, KITCHEN, ENTRANCE FOYER WITH POOL AND FOOTBALL TABLES (FREE OF CHARGE) BOUNCY CASTLE (SMALL ADDITIONAL CHARGE REQUIRED)
An inaugural meeting to discuss the proposed works on Gipsy Patch Lane, Little Stoke, takes place on Thursday, 31st January
Steve Shield Parish Clerk & Responsible Financial Officer
Above: Newly installed outdoor fitness equipment
PLEASE CONTACT THE PARISH COUNCIL FOR MORE DETAILS
STOKE GIFFORD PARISH COUNCIL OFFICE
FEBRUARY 2019 COUNCIL MEETINGS
Little Stoke Community Hall
All meetings to take place at 7pm unless stated but may be subject to change.
PUBLIC ACCESS TIMES
Please refer to noticeboards and Parish Council Website. Venue: Little Stoke Community Hall FULL COUNCIL (2nd Tuesday of Month) Tuesday, 12th February 2019
VENUE: THE STOKES YOUTH AND COMMUNITY CENTRE, LITTLE STOKE LANE, LITTLE STOKE, BS34 6HY.
2019, and will include representation from local residents, Town and Parish Councillors and local Street Traders. The Parish Council will be looking to hold a further public meeting around the Spring of 2019 in order to keep everyone updated on developments concerning the proposed works. The Parish Council has been in liaison with Crest Nicholson regarding the proposed developments in Harry Stoke, Stoke Gifford. A Public Exhibition has now been arranged for Tuesday, 5th February 2019 between 4pm and 8pm at St Michael’s Centre, Stoke Gifford, which will provide the public with refreshed information in relation to these proposals. The Parish Council will again be investing in its vehicle and machinery fleet with the purchase of a new ride-on cylinder mower recently being approved and ordered by the Council. The existing small pick-up truck will also be replaced shortly. A new Choir has started at the Little Stoke Community Hall on Mondays between 10.30am and 12noon. The warm and vibrant choir is for men and women who love singing pop and rock music. Further information on this group or other user groups meeting at the Little Stoke Community Hall, please get in touch with the Parish Council Office.
PLANNING AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE (4th Tuesday of Month) Tuesday, 26th February 2019
MONDAY 9am – 12 noon & 2pm - 4pm TUESDAY 9am – 12 noon WEDNESDAY 9am – 12 noon THURSDAY 9am – 12 noon FRIDAY 9am – 12 noon Please contact the office if you wish to arrange an appointment outside of the public access times. See below for contact details.
Stoke Gifford Parish Council, Little Stoke Community Hall Little Stoke Lane, Little Stoke BS34 6HR t: 01454 865202 e: clerk@stokegifford.org.uk w: www.stokegifford.org.uk
February 2019
t: 01454 300 400
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17
News
Drop-in session to address concerns over revised plans for 763 homes at Harry Stoke
R
esidents of Harry Stoke have expressed concern over revised plans for a proposed housing development that would see 763 homes constructed on land immediately east of Harry Stoke Road. The greenfield site forms part of a wider area which was designated in South Gloucestershire Council’s Local Plan, adopted in 2006, for the construction of a total of 1,200 homes. Outline planning permission for the whole site was subsequently granted in 2007. So far, only 166 of the 1,200 homes have been built, at Crest Nicholson’s Highbrook Park development further to the east. A third block of 263 homes, planned for the area immediately south of Highbrook Park, makes up the total allowed by the Local Plan. A reserved matters (detailed) planning application for “763 dwellings, community building, nursery and retail units with parking, landscaping and associated works” on the land closest to Harry Stoke Road was submitted by Muben Investments in December 2017. However, the land has recently been acquired by Crest Nicholson, who submitted a swathe of revised plans in late November 2018. In a covering letter submitted with the new plans, Crest explains that the changes have been necessary to substitute its own housetypes.
Concerned residents gather at a field gate near the junction of Westfield Lane and Harry Stoke Road, from where part of the proposed development site can be viewed
It concedes that there are many other plans that still need to be updated, but argues that these should not hold up determination of the planning application as they can be addressed through ‘pre-commencement conditions’. Speaking at a meeting of Stoke Gifford Parish Council on 8th January, local residents expressed concern that the style of housing proposed along Harry Stoke Road had been “completely changed” and was out of keeping with the existing architecture in Harry Stoke hamlet. Residents were also angered by the fact that the consultation period coincided with the festive
break and expired before the parish council could properly consider it at a formal meeting. One resident expressed the view that Crest were “trying it on”, while a councillor said the submission of new plans “completely trashed” the results of previous consultations. Speaking to the Journal near the site a few days later, residents added that they are concerned about the height of properties (up to 4-storeys) on the highest part of the site, the altering of contours (land levelling), the preservation of a historic moat and a reduction in the number of retail units proposed.
In response to an enquiry from the Journal, a Crest Nicholson spokesperson said: “We are working closely with the parish council and the local community with regards to the reserved matters planning application for 763 homes on land in Harry Stoke. In line with this, we’re hosting an information session on Tuesday 5th February from 4pm to 8pm at St Michael’s Centre in Stoke Gifford. The community event has been set up to provide further information and answer any questions. We welcome all residents in the surrounding community to attend.” ● Planning ref: PT17/5810/RM
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February 2019
News
Time to nominate your local ‘community hero’
W
ould you like to thank a volunteer who has gone the extra mile? Nominations are now open for the South Gloucestershire Council Chair’s Community Awards 2019. The annual awards recognise and celebrate the valuable contribution local unpaid volunteers and community groups make to life in South Gloucestershire. The next celebration of community work and volunteering takes place in April and you have until Thursday 28th February to nominate your local ‘community heroes’. Suggestions for nominations include individuals and groups who have contributed to community development, promoting equality, arts, sports, play, environment, working with older or young people, advice and advocacy or someone who has
Local winners of Chair’s Community Awards in 2018 (l-r): David Baker; Mary Oliphant & Sue Peard; Alfred Sollars
simply been a good neighbour. From charity fundraisers to local football club managers, sports coaches and arts festival organisers, these awards have seen South Gloucestershire Council honour the dedication and commitment of hundreds of unsung heroes across the district. Council chair Cllr Rachael Hunt said: “Our Community Awards have been running since 2003 to celebrate the contribution local people make to life in South Gloucestershire and since then over 400 people have
received an award.” “During my year as chair of the council it has been an absolute honour to meet so many people from across our area who work tirelessly, and without financial reward, for the benefit of their communities. These awards are a small way to recognise the importance of volunteering and to thank a few of our local community heroes.” “I am really looking forward to seeing this year’s nominations and hearing about all the wonderful work going on in
South Gloucestershire.” You can nominate your community hero online at www.southglos.gov.uk/ communityawards If you are unable to access the internet or have any questions, please call 01454 863019. Any supporting documents or forms can be sent to: Member Services, Community Awards, South Gloucestershire Council, PO Box 1953, Bristol BS37 0DB. All award winners will be invited to a prestigious awards ceremony in April.
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February 2019
News
Councillor Column Parking, rail bridge and housing developments
P
arking remains a major concern throughout the parish and has become a daily nuisance to local residents. The local Co-operative store has nowimplemented additional parking constraints to prevent all-day parking owing to commuter parking abuse. With the additional platform at Parkway Station highly likely to generate further passengers commuting from Parkway Station and with the pending closure and roadworks for Gipsy Patch bridge replacement, a far more pragmatic approach to parking throughout Stoke Gifford is vital. The commuters are also causing problems to local residents at Parkway North estate, as they are parking their vehicles on the streets, then walking into the rear of the station to access the trains thereby leaving their cars parked up all day to avoid station parking charges. We continue to meet with South Gloucestershire representatives and have been given assurance that the matter will be given priority. Words which we have all heard before. However, we will continue to liaise with South Gloucestershire highway officers to try and get the matter resolved. Plans to replace Gipsy Patch Bridge are still on track, although costs have escalated considerably from £35m to £65m. The bridge replacement is planned for the spring of 2020 and is a major part of the route from Parkway Station to Cribbs Causeway and will take approximately 12-days to complete. As Gipsy Patch roadworks will be a major disruption for us all and having met with the project manager and head of transport, we have been given assurance that we will be kept informed at the outset of each stage. Work meetings are already in place with the first Stakeholder Liaison Group being called on
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Thursday 31st January 2019 at the Little Stoke Community Hall, at which residents will also be involved. A further public meeting will be held by early March. We are again seeing developers submitting planning applications before the end of the consultation phase, with no regard to infrastructure or residents’ issues. This is a real concern within our parish and one that your three district councillors are addressing on a regular basis with planning officers. The proposed build of 763 houses by Crest Nicholson in Harry Stoke with unresolved issues and open conditions being a good example. To ensure the correct process is being followed, the parish council, along with Crest Nicholson have called a public consultation event at St Michael’s School Rooms on Tuesday 5th February, between 4pm and 8pm. We fully recognise that more houses are required to meet demand, but not at any cost. Little thought is being given to infrastructure and local residents’ concerns. As a parish council we are asked to make informed decisions on planning applications, which quite clearly are not ready for discussion. We are taking your complaints seriously and making South Gloucestershire officers and the head of planning fully aware that process needs to be adhered to.
New weekly toddler group in Stoke Lodge
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local pre-school and nursery has started a new weekly toddler group on Monday afternoons. Bright Sparks Pre-School in School Close, Stoke Lodge (adjacent to Stoke Lodge Primary School) runs the group between 1pm and 3pm and parents are welcome to drop in with their children at any time during the two-hour session. The group makes use of facilities within the pre-school building and has access to the well-equipped outside play area. There is also a dedicated space for babies. Children can explore the wide range of toys and activities on offer, such as bricks, trains, playdoh and painting. They can also
visit the various themed areas within the pre-school rooms, such as ‘curiosity corner’, ‘small world’ and ‘home corner’. The large outside space offers more fun things to explore, including a wooden climbing frame, a pirate ship and a kitchen. The toddler group is open every Monday (term-time only). There is a charge of £1.50 per session, which covers milk/ water/squash and a healthy snack and biscuit for the children. For more details, contact Hannah on 01454 615577, email brightsparkstoddlers18@gmail. com or search for ‘Bright Sparks Toddlers – Stoke Lodge’ on Facebook.
Cllr Ernest Brown Chair of Stoke Gifford Parish Council and South Gloucestershire councillor for Stoke Gifford ward
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February 2019
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21
News
Afterschool club rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted
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Stoke Gifford afterschool and holiday care provider is celebrating after being awarded the highest possible grade of ‘outstanding’ following a recent Ofsted inspection. The Play House, located next to St Michael’s Primary School on Ratcliffe Drive, impressed the Ofsted inspector during its first inspection since the facility opened in September 2016. It received the ‘outstanding’ grading in all three of the areas that were judged, with the report describing the Play House as a “highly stimulating and very well organised environment”. The report praised the centre’s leadership, stating: “Experienced and well-qualified leaders have exceptional knowledge of the early years foundation stage requirements and are excellent role models to well-motivated staff. Highly focused professional development and incisive evaluation of the provision successfully drives improvement.” Key findings of the report also included praise for the exemplary support for children’s well-being, excellent partnerships with the school to ensure activities compliment the delivery of the early years foundation stage and an incredible vigilance of children’s safety. The report also complimented the centre on its quality of teaching, as well as the excellent behaviour of the children, stating: “[The] Staff’s positive interactions support children’s communication and language skills very well. There are regular opportunities for children to converse and staff are excellent at questioning children to consolidate their understanding. Staff interact exceptionally well, encouraging children to gain confidence in number and early calculation. Children test their ideas very well and solve emerging problems.” “Children develop strong attachments to very approachable and friendly staff who show genuine interest in their well-being. This helps to
build children’s self-esteem exceptionally well. Children understand routines that keep them safe and healthy extremely well.” The only area of improvement outlined in the report was to “review the use of observations of
colleagues to extend the excellent teaching and care even further.” Claire House, who manages Play House, said: “We are delighted to have achieved ‘outstanding’ in such a short space of time. I couldn’t have done it without my dedicated team.
We have all worked together to create an environment where children have the opportunity and resources to stimulate their imaginations and enable them to explore and play freely.” ● Contact Play House on 0117 931 4154 or info@playhouse.ltd
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Get well · Stay well
February 2019
by Craig de Groot, chiropractor at Willow Brook Clinic
Let’s talk about the benefits of walking
G
oing for regular walks is one of the best and easiest things you can do for your health. Walking is the number one exercise recommended to improve health because it is easy to do, requires nothing but a pair of shoes and has mental and physical benefits. Walking is our primary means of mobility. It is easy to take the biomechanics of this process for granted. Walking is a dynamic series of actions that calls upon bones, joints, muscles and nerves to work together throughout each stride and footstep. The primary muscles that facilitate walking include the quadriceps and hamstrings in the thighs, the calf muscles in the lower legs and the hip adductors. The gluteal and the abdominal muscles also play a key role in walking. The entire body’s muscular system contributes to the movement of walking at any given point. The bones that support walking include those of the feet; the ankle bones; bones in the legs that include the femur, fibula, tibia and patella; and the hipbones. All of these bones support the movement of walking. The spinal nerves in and at the base of the spine directly
affect the walking motion. The specific nerves that support the body’s fundamental mobility are the cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral spinal nerves. All of these nerves send neurological messages that allow you to propel yourself forward when you choose to. Walking without pain and, just as importantly, for pleasure, may just be the cornerstone of good basic health. Eat a healthy diet, maintain a good weight, strengthen your bones and joints by exercising regularly with weight-bearing activities. Make sure you wear good walking shoes and replace them regularly. So, grab a pair of comfortable shoes and go for a walk. The natural light will lift your mood and being outdoors will fill your lungs with fresh air. Every step you take will be one more towards you managing your wellbeing. If you have any pain or restriction in your range of movement, consult a chiropractor or physiotherapist for advice. The Willow Brook Clinic East Offices The Willow Brook Centre www.willowbrookclinic.co.uk
● See our advert on page 5.
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February 2019
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23
News
Collectors needed for Marie Curie appeal
T
erminal illness charity Marie Curie is seeking the help of volunteers from across the Stokes to give two hours of their time to hand out the charity’s iconic daffodil pins, in return for donations. The charity’s annual fundraiser, the Great Daffodil Appeal, takes place in February and March, and Marie Curie are hoping to get more people than ever wearing the daffodil pin. This year, the local Marie Curie Five Stokes Fundraising Group will be collecting at: • Friday 15th February – Thornbury Tesco • Friday 22nd February – Bradley Stoke Tesco Extra • Thursday 28th February, Friday 1st & 2nd March – Cribbs Causeway Morrisons • Thursday 28th February – Patchway Asda • 28th, 29th & 30th March –
the toughest of times.” “Could you please spare an hour or two to help us collect? If so, please contact the Five Stokes Fundraising Group on 07909 966367 or email thefivestokesfundraisinggroup@ gmail.com” To find out more about what the Marie Curie charity does to help those with a terminal illness, visit www.mariecurie.org.uk or to find out more about the Marie Curie Five Stokes Fundraising Group, visit their Facebook page.
The Journal Members of the Marie Curie Five Stokes Fundraising Group
Filton Asda • Saturday 6th April – The Mall Cribbs Causeway Jane Marshal, fundraising group chair, said: “I collect
every year for the Great Daffodil Appeal. It is a fun and easy way to get involved in your local community whilst at the same time knowing you are making a big difference to families facing
Send us your news! March magazine Deadline for contributions: Monday 18th February info@stokegiffordjournal.co.uk
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February 2019
News
Charity lights fundraising target smashed!
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charity Christmas lights display at a home in Watch Elm Close, Bradley Stoke has raised almost three times its intended fundraising target, thanks to an incredible run of media interest which culminated in it being voted second best in the UK in a national TV poll. The extravagant display, created by house owners Terry James and Mike Checkley, contained over 30,000 lamps. To attract even more visitors, the couple staged a series of special ‘meet, greet and sweet’ nights where children were allowed into the garden to have their photo taken with costumed figures and receive a gift. The display also attracted massed visits from local community groups, including Sole Sisters, North Bristol Running Group, the Scouts and a local gymnastics club.
Left: Mike Checkley and Terry James, hosts of the charity lights display. Above: Banner on the gate showing amount raised. Below: Visit from Sole Sisters ladies’ running group.
When the display was first switched on in early December, the target was to raise £4,000 for St Peter’s Hospice, a Bristol charity which cares for adults with life-limiting illnesses. However, the attention generated by numerous media appearances meant that this was soon surpassed, resulting in the target being progressively raised to £9,000. Christmas Eve saw an
astonishing £1,019 collected on one night alone and by the time the lights were switched off for the season on 1st January, the total collected had reached an astonishing £11,223! Mike said: We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of friends, family, neighbours, the local community and the wider community too. The total raised has surpassed our
Northavon Carpentry
wildest expectations and we understand that it is one of the largest amounts ever raised for Christmas charity lights in Bristol and South Gloucestershire.” “We would like to sincerely thank everyone, but especially the local and national media, our sponsors and our neighbours who have been so supportive of the fundraising, despite a few traffic jams in the road!”
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February 2019
News
Jack Lopresti MP: News round up for January
J
ust before Christmas, I was delighted to visit the Royal Mail Sorting Office in Patchway, where they were working hard to handle the Christmas peak of 6 million cards, letters and parcels throughout the festive period. Everyone working for the Royal Mail delivers a vital service for everyone ensuring that we all receive our much wanted Christmas post. It was also great to meet with Rob Patterson, the site manager, to receive an update on a multi-million-pound investment in the facility over the next year that will ensure local jobs, as well as continuing to provide great service for our area. I was extremely pleased about the recent government announcement that funding for the police will increase by up to £970 million next year, which is the biggest increase since 2010. I met with The Rt Hon Sajid
Jack Lopresti MP (right) with Rob Patterson, site manager at Royal Mail
Javid MP, the home secretary, to discuss what these increases will mean for our area. Local police funding will be increased by 7.5 percent, meaning Avon and Somerset Constabulary could receive over £21m in the next financial year.
Furthermore, the Home Office has also committed to fighting serious and organised crime, including economic crime and drug trafficking, with a £90 million investment in national, regional and local capabilities. This increased funding, alongside
other measures, will help ensure that police have the powers and resources needed to keep our communities safe. It is great that the M1 MetroBus route finally began operations at the start of January. It offers a much needed link between Bradley Stoke and the city centre, with regular services that cut journey times. The M1 runs from Cribbs Causeway, stopping in Bradley Stoke, Stoke Gifford and at UWE before heading into the city centre. If you would like to discuss anything with me, be it as a resident, organisation or business, please contact my constituency office in Bradley Stoke on 01454 617783 or email me on jack.lopresti. mp@parliament.uk to arrange a suitable surgery time, or to arrange a visit to your premises. For further details, visit www. jacklopresti.com
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February 2019
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News
New parking restrictions introduced at Co-op
M
onday 14th January saw the introduction of new parking restrictions in the car park of the Co-op store, located on North Road, Stoke Gifford. The restrictions include a two-hour maximum stay with the risk of a £100 parking charge notice if breached. A spokesperson for Southern Co-op said: “Colleagues at our Stoke Gifford store were regularly receiving complaints from customers who were unable to find a space in our car park. They were aware that cars were often parked all day yet the average shopping time in our store is considerably less. Colleagues noted that there were periods when our car park was full but very few people were
in our store or using the neighbouring businesses.” “From 14th January, the car park will be limited to two hours of parking. This is to deter all day parking. The car park will remain free to use.” Although Southern Co-op are unaware of the reasons behind the all-day parking, many residents have suggested that the car park was being used by railway workers, along with train passengers who should be parking at Parkway Station. Local residents seem to have welcomed the change as many commented positively on the SGJ Facebook page, saying: • “Good about time” • “Not before time and I hope
The Co-op store (formerly Parkway Tavern) on North Road, Stoke Gifford
this is rigorously enforced.” • “Good. Now genuine customers will have somewhere to park. Instead of railway users trying to avoid paying to park.” The new restrictions have now been in place for a couple of weeks and so far it seems like the changes are being well received and finding a space in the car park has now become a lot easier.
It is too soon to know whether any fines have been issued but Southern Co-op were able to provide this update: “Introducing a parking policy has made a significant difference. Feedback from customers has been 100 per cent positive and it has freed up spaces in our car park for customers throughout the day and evening.”
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February 2019
News
Paralympian trains councillors for mental health awareness ride
S
outh Gloucestershire Council’s leader and deputy leader are set to embark on a tough 220km challenge: cycling to every school in the district to mark Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week (4th to 10th February). Cllrs Toby Savage and Jon Hunt, who also serve as Cabinet members for schools, skills and employment and for children and young people respectively, will ride across South Gloucestershire to visit its 121 schools on 7th & 8th February for leading national children’s mental health charity Place2Be. The task is particularly challenging for the pair as they are inexperienced in cycling, with Cllr Savage not having been on a bike in around a decade prior to training. By taking on an active challenge, they hope to reflect the awareness week’s message of ‘Healthy: Inside and Out’, demonstrating the link between physical wellbeing and positive mental health. The Council has issued grants this year of £1,000 or £2,000 to ten schools taking part in the South Gloucestershire Schools Mental Health Award and the councillors will stop off along the ride to visit some of those schools to see how they are using the money to make a difference and improve mental health amongst their students. Cllr Savage said: “We firmly believe that any child failing to fulfil their potential is a tragedy, particularly when it is due to poor mental health.” “This ride will be tough, but I hope the positive message it brings will help highlight the challenges schools face around student and staff mental health, as well as the work being done to support and improve
good mental health in South Gloucestershire schools.” Cllr Hunt said: “To be truly healthy, it’s not just what we see but the hidden factors. Fifty per cent of mental health problems are established by the age of 14 and we need to tackle this growing issue to allow the best start in life for all our children. “Nearly every classroom will have a child suffering with some form of mental health issue. We are taking on this physical challenge to help highlight the problem, with a route that encompasses every school in South Gloucestershire.” Helping the councillors in their training is Paralympic gold medallist Andy Lewis MBE, who has been offering his experience and knowledge to prepare them for the journey ahead. As part of the preparations, the reigning Paralympic, World and European champion took the pair through their paces during a public training session at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre on 16th January. Andy said: “As someone who has personally suffered from mental health issues, I know the positive impact being active can have. Working in schools over the past few years has given me the chance to promote the importance of wellbeing, but there is always more that can be done.” “It is amazing that Toby and Jon have committed to completing this challenge, it is a big ask for novice riders to tackle such a distance, but their attitude has really impressed me and so I wish them the best of luck.” The bike ride is being sponsored by local businesses, including South Gloucestershirebased aerospace firm GKN, with a donation being made to Place2Be.
Photo: Paralympic gold medallist Andy Lewis MBE (centre) gives training tips to Cllrs Jon Hunt (left) and Toby Savage at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre
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What’s On
In Brief News from Stoke Gifford Rainbows and Brownies The Rainbows and Brownies are having another fun term working on their badges for Camp and Communicate. We’re also doing more decorations for the Toy Library with our themes being Chinese New Year and Thinking Day. The Toy Library is going well, with lots of donations and support from the local community. We’ve started planning our big summer trip which we’re hoping will be to the Brownie festival ‘Magic and Mayhem’ where we will get to sleep in a circus tent! We actually have spaces at our Rainbow unit on Tuesdays, so if there are any girls out there aged 5-6 who would like to join, they can get in touch via the Girlguiding web site go.girlguiding.org.uk/join-us/ join-as-member/ and we should be able to take them straight away. In other parts of the Frome Valley Division, we are still looking for new volunteers to inspire girls – any adults interested in helping with Girlguiding can sign up here: go.girlguiding.org.uk/join-us/ join-as-volunteer/
Stoke Gifford WI January meeting President Sue Grimsted welcomed members and guest Janet Porteous to the first meeting of 2019, and wished everyone a happy and healthy New Year, writes Carolyn Snell. Following nominations from members for a charity to support in 2019, it was decided that we will support Bristol DAWG (www.dawg.org.uk). This is a local charity that rescues greyhounds, lurchers and whippets, and then places them with foster families to assist with recovery and training. Our first fundraiser in 2019 will be a pancake toss on 5th March. There will also be social skittles on Saturday 27th April, and we will hold a cake stall at the Stoke Gifford fête in May.
Our speaker for the evening was Alan Freke who gave an excellent talk on ‘Frenchay Hospital’s Hidden History’. Originating in a country estate, Alan told us how the hospital started, through to the last days of operation. Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 6th February. Our speaker will be Fiona Warin and the subject will be ‘Digging for Britain’. You will always find a warm welcome, so please come along and join us. Meetings take place at the Trust Hall, North Road, Stoke Gifford, starting at 7.30pm.
Open to all: Harry Potter night at Abbeywood Community School Event aimed at primary school age or Year 7 children
Abbeywood quiz night in support of DofE students Students at Abbeywood Community School who are taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award are planning a quiz night in order to raise money to purchase kit and to fund future expeditions. The event takes place at 7pm on Friday 1st March, at Abbeywood Community School. It is open to everyone in the community; it will be family friendly and there will also be a licensed bar. There are some great prizes on offer, including tickets to Cattle Country and Old Down Country Park as raffle prizes and there will be a cash prize for the winning team. To find out more about the quiz and the school’s DofE Award programme, visit http://bit.ly/acs-dofe
Fortnightly meetings of Little Stoke Ladies Club Little Stoke Ladies Club meets at Little Stoke Community Hall at 7.30pm on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. It is open to all ladies over the age of 18. Upcoming talks and events: • 19th Feb: ‘RNLI Portishead’ • 5th Mar: ‘Foodbanks’ • 19th Mar: AGM with supper • 2nd Apr ‘Harriet Tubman and the underground railroad’ For more information, contact Julie on 07814 443793.
T
hursday 7th February is the day that all things Harry Potter are celebrated across the world. Every year, on this day, people celebrate J.K. Rowling’s books that have brought so much magic and joy to readers young and old. Here in Stoke Gifford, Abbeywood Community School is joining the celebrations for the third year running by holding its very own Harry Potter Book Night. The event is being held at the school from 4pm to 5.30pm and tickets cost £3 each. It is advisable that you purchase your tickets in advance so that the school can ensure that they have
enough resources for everyone. If you are unable to get to the school beforehand to buy tickets, you can ring up and reserve them. The event is for children, with most of the activities being aimed at those of primary school age or Year 7. It looks to be an exciting and magical occasion with activities including potion making and butter beer tasting. All of the money raised from ticket sales will be going to two different charities – Children’s Hospice South West and the Royal British Legion. To purchase tickets or to find out more, visit Abbeywood School or phone the school on 0117 307 5660.
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Directory of Advertisers Accountants & Bookkeepers C & M Services, Page 14 Dunkley’s Accountants, Page 19 Bathrooms Concept Property Maintenance, Page 22 Beauty Salons Beautilicious Beauty Room, Page 8 Car Dealerships Motorline Toyota Bristol North, Page 10 Carpentry & Joinery J. Earle Carpentry & Joinery, Page 30 Northavon Carpentry, Page 24 Child Care Banana Moon Day Nursery, Page 1 Chiropractic Willow Brook Clinic, Page 5 Cleaning & Domestic Services Mariola’s Angels, Page 27 Domestic Appliance Repairs Kitchen & Laundry Appliance Care, Page 2 Driving Schools 2nd2None Driving School, Page 1 Education & Learning Olympus Academy Trust, Page 7 SGS College, Page 32 Estate Agents Ocean Estate Agents, Page 4 Financial Services Crystal Clear Financial Planning, Page 21 Foot Care Willow Brook Clinic, Page 5 Garage Services Bristol Caravans, Page 23 LCM Automotive, Page 22 Gardening Services Garretts Landscapes, Page 11 Gyms & Health Clubs Riverside Leisure Club, Page 12 Hairdressers Reflections, Page 26 Healthcare Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Page 6 Home Improvements & Furnishings Door Express, Page 27 Garolla Roller Shutter Doors, Page 27
Launderettes See directory on SGJ website Mortgages Crystal Clear Financial Planning, Page 21 Opticians Specsavers, Page 13 Painting & Decorating A. Worsfold, Page 30 Digby Decor, Page 30 Pet Services & Supplies Rosie Posie Pet Services, Page 29 Physiotherapy Willow Brook Clinic, Page 5 Plumbing & Heating Assist Plumbing and Heating, Page 31 Concept Property Maintenance, Page 22 Low Cost Plumbing, Page 31 M.S.M Plumbing & Heating, Page 31 Panache Plumbing, Page 31 S. Berryman Plumbing & Heating, Page 31 Property Maintenance Concept Property Maintenance, Page 22 David Coombs Services, Page 31 Mark’s Gutter Cleaning, Page 31 P.J.R Plastics, Page 31 Public Notices Stoke Gifford Parish Council, Page 15 Recruitment St Monica Trust, Page 23 Rubbish Clearance Bradley Stoke Rubbish Clearance, Page 30 Self Storage Admiral’s Yard Self Storage, Page 17 Shopping Willow Brook Centre, Page 3 Solicitors Bevan Evemy Solicitors, Page 22 Slimming Clubs & Consultants Slimming World, Page 9 Taxis & Private Hire Bradley Stoke Cabs Ltd, Page 31 Z Cars, Page 5 More in directory on SGJ website Window Cleaning Ultra Clear, Page 31
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FREE day trips for the over fifties If you are over fifty and want to discover exciting new attractions as well as meet new people, then SGS College has the course for you. Held over a weekend, the Discover course will allow you to explore different locations and gain a qualification in English or maths at the same time. The real fun begins on a Sunday, when you and your peers will be driven by coach to one of the exciting venues around the region. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a culinary connoisseur or a green-fingered gardener, you will find an experience that is right for you. Booking is essential, as there are a limited number of places.
Locations and dates available: • Tate Britain Gallery – 23rd/24th March – English course • Exeter Food and Drink Festival – 4th/5th May – Maths course • Malvern Spring Festival – 11th/12th May – Maths course For further information and to book your place please visit www.sgscol.ac.uk/discover or contact Sarah Kopera on 0117 909 2327
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