The Week in East & North East Somerset FREE Issue no 321 22nd May 2014 Read by over 30,000 people every week In this week’s issue ...... page 5 Cash point blown up . . . Failed robbery attempt in St George page 13 S. Glos green bin anger. . . Collections missed 3 times page 30 Legal challenge over Cossham MIU?. . . Campaigners' requests ignored in 2 The Week • Thursday 22nd May 2014 Hanham

DismayNews that Abbots Road is to be closed at for up toroad three months closure plans this summer has been met with dismay by local pub landlords who fear a devastating effect on their summer trade. Traders at Hanham Common are also upset after learning from Council that the road will be closed between the junction of Hencliffe Way and the Elm Tree pub from next month. The works involve digging up half a kilometre of road and installing a new drainage system. There are problems with the current system, partly due to flooding. Large yellow signs have gone up advising motorists that the road will be closed from 9th June for the “essential” works. concerned about the timing and the possible effect on trade. Jamie Mildren, landlord at the Elm Tree, said: “This is going to have Cllr Heather Goddard, who represents Hanham on South a massive impact at one of the busiest times of year for us.” Gloucestershire Council and is also a member of Hanham Abbots He estimated that 80 per cent of his custom would be affected. Parish Council, said she understood that the works might not take Karen Rawlins runs the Old Lock & Weir by the River Avon at as long as advertised but the three-month timescale was being Hanham Mills, which has been badly affected by flooding in the last given in case the work hit snags. A South Gloucestershire Council couple of years and lost trade when it was forced to close for spokesperson said: "Works will be carried out between 7.45am and several months. She said that when Abbots Road was closed once 4.30pm, however due to the deep excavation involved, the closure before for a week for road widening works, the pub’s trade had will remain in place 24 hours a day. been badly hit. "The road closure is necessary to protect the public from this deep She said: “I am really worried as we will be cut off. We are out of excavation work. The works are to improve the highway drainage the way as it is. The timing is so bad - we make our money in the on Abbots Road and will involve excavations within the carriageway summer.” to install a new drainage system (surface water sewer). This Next door to the Old Lock & Weir is the Chequers pub, which has system will start adjacent to the Elm Tree public house and extend been closed for a major refurbishment said to be in the region of as far as the junction of Hencliffe Way. £1m. It is due to open under new management in June. "Where it is possible to remove the closure and to allow traffic to Frank Kelly, co-owner of Hanham Common Butchers, is also pass by the works we will do so.” There will be a signed diversion route in place and the council says there will be access to local businesses and properties but only from one end.

in The Week • Thursday 22nd May 2014 3 Common New parish in Tip-offs lead to drugs arrest A 20-year-old man was arrested in Oldland Common last Gloucestershire beckons Thursday night on suspicion of drug offences. Neighbourhood Sergeant Andy Hucker said: “We had a number Keynsham vicar of calls from local people concerned about possible drug crime The Rev Simon Howell is leaving the Keynsham parish and in the Oldland Common area. Thanks to these calls we were moving to become a team vicar in Stroud. able to obtain a warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act from The Rev Howell is one of a number of vicars in the Keynsham magistrates. parish which consists of St John’s and St Francis’ in Keynsham, "I’d like to thank the community for alerting us to this issue. We St Michael’s at Burnett, Chewton Keynsham Church and St always welcome information about criminal activity and you can Margaret’s at Queen Charlton. contact us through the website or by calling 101.” A send-off party is being held on Saturday 31st May at 6pm in The neighbourhood team searched a house at 9pm and seized Keynsham Parish Hall. suspected cannabis, cash and scales. The 20-year-old was Rev Howell, who is married with three sons, trained as a arrested on suspicion of possessing cannabis with intent to professional musician and supply. He was later released on police bail, pending further taught before becoming a inquiries, including forensic tests of the seized substance. church minister. He has also served in Hong Kong The Week in and London. In 2012 he made headlines after embarking on a 3,000-mile charity trip to Israel using a range of modes of transport, including a space hopper, raising thousands of pounds for the @One Simon Howell youth centre project in Keynsham.

Barrs Court, Bitton, Brislington, Cadbury Heath, Compton Dando, Corston, Downend, Emersons Green, Fishponds, Hanham, Hillfields, Keynsham, Kingswood, Longwell Green, Mangotsfield, Marksbury, North Common, Oldland Common, Pucklechurch, Saltford, Staple Hill, Stockwood, St George, , Whitchurch, Wick, . 15,000 copies are distributed through retail outlets, libraries, pubs, community centres each week. Verified pick-up rate of 97%. Publisher Keynsham & Saltford Times Ltd, 8 Temple Court, Keynsham. BS31 1HA 0117 986 0381 www.theweekin.co.uk ISSN: 2052-9767

Managing Editor Stephen Rodgers [email protected] Editorial Beck y Feather 07973 839936 Christine Rogers 07818 031328 Advertising Jodie Deason and Tracy Broderick 0117 986 0381 [email protected] @theweekineditor No material in this publication, nor its associated website (www.theweekin.co.uk) may be reproduced without the written permission of Keynsham & Saltford Times Ltd. All rights reserved.

in 4 The Week • Thursday 22nd May 2014 St George

CashA cashpoint at a petrol machine station was blown up last is blown up Thursday, sending flaming debris flying across the main road. People living near the Texaco in Bell Hill Road told The Week In that they were woken by a huge explosion at around 3am. Some thought it was a bomb going off. The cash machine, which is part of the Costcutter shop at the rear of the site, behind the petrol pumps, was blown apart in the blast but no cash was stolen. Police and fire crews were soon on the scene and the area was cordoned off as police forensics officers and fire investigators with sniffer dogs scoured the area. Richard Pomphrey, 63, who lives a couple of doors down from the Texaco, said the blast had thrown the front of the cash machine about 60ft across the road. He said he had gone out and moved the blazing cover away from a nearby car as he woke him was a car crash on the A420 as there had been feared that the flames might spread to the vehicle. accidents before. He said that he heard the revving of a moped He said it was lucky that no one had been driving past at the after the explosion. time, and that the fire in the cashpoint had not spread to the The 71-year-old said a few years ago thieves had attempted to petrol pumps. remove the cashpoint by trying to tow it away “There could have been a potentially fatal accident,” he said. In April a cash machine on Hartcliffe Way in Bedminster was “The people who did this are absolute lunatics. They have a blown up but it is not clear whether the two incidents may be total disregard for people and property.” linked. An elderly neighbour said he at first thought the loud noise that Anyone with information is caked to call the police on 101.

in The Week • Thursday 22nd May 2014 5 Protest outside Emersons Green

ProtectTreatment our NHS campaigners protested Centre outside Care UK’s in support of strikers Emersons Green Treatment Centre on Friday in support of staff striking over changes to pay and conditions at Care UK Doncaster. Campaigners from the regional group arrived at the Emersons Green centre, which is run by the private company on behalf of the NHS, dressed in hospital scrubs and held up a banner saying ‘We protect Care UK strikers’. With them was Dave Honeybone, a Unison steward from Doncaster. He explained that Care UK was awarded the contract for the care service for people with learning disabilities by Doncaster Council last autumn. As a result of the privatisation, dozens of workers have refused to sign new contracts, saying they are facing pay cuts of between £300 and £700 a month as well as cuts in holiday and sickness entitlements and enhanced payments for unsociable will continue to be part of the NHS final salary pension scheme hours. and have future pay increments protected. So far they have taken more than 34 days of strike action over Some of the protesters outside the Emersons Green centre on three months. There have been protests around the country Friday asked Mona Vanwyk, the treatment centre's head of including at Care UK’s national headquarters in Essex. nursing, who came to the front door of the centre, if they could Care UK has said that more than half of colleagues working talk to union representatives but were told they were not any at within the service when it transferred to Care UK have already the centre. agreed to the new arrangements, there have been no job Ms Vanwyk said she was not aware of the situation at Care UK losses, basic pay is fully protected and everyone who transfers in Doncaster and did not want to make any comment.

in 6 The Week • Thursday 22nd May 2014 HFunundreds of peoplein flockedthe to a sunsunny Kingswoodat Hanham Drum & Bugle Corps. Common Fayre Hanham Common for the annual fayre Nick Hibbs, media director of the on Saturday. musical marching band, is currently There was a fun dog show raising running a recruitment campaign. For money for the Keynsham-based charity four weeks youngsters aged from eight HEART (Homing & Emergency Animal upwards can attend practices Rescue Team), giant inflatables and a completely free of charge. No previous variety of stalls as well as a Punch & experience is necessary and show. prospective players don’t have to own Among those showcasing what they do their own instrument - enthusiasm and in the community were local churches, an open mind is all that’s required at Six-year-old Zach, from Longwell Green, tries drumming with George, nine, from the the Hanham District Greenbelt such an early stage. 37th Kingswood Drum & Bugle Corps Conservation Society, the Friends of The lively band play popular rousing include Chinese gong and drums, Avon Valley Woodland and Hanham anthems, including the Star Wars vibraphone, marimbas and xylophones. Abbots Parish Council. theme. They practice on Sundays and There is also a colourguard - a dance A major attraction was the 37th Tuesdays and besides the usual brass and drums, other instruments used group to support the corps’ visual theme with flags, sabres and rifles. This summer the band have a busy diary of engagements. They are playing at the Armed Forces Day in Kingswood Park on Saturday 28th June, and travelling as far afield as Essex and the Midlands to compete in competitions. To find out more go to www.37thkingswood.weebly.com or call 0795 625 5419. Visitors to Hanham Common Fayre basked in the sunshine

in The Week • Thursday 22nd May 2014 7 Keynsham Warm welcome for church hall funding St Francis’ Church in Warwick Road is celebrating the news that it has received a £29,466 funding boost from the SITA Trust to insulate the ceiling of the larger of its two halls and to add secondary glazing. As anyone who has visited will know, the 1950s building had a tendency to get excessively cold in winter and uncomfortably hot in summer. The new insulation and windows should keep it at a comfortable temperature all year round, enabling it to be used by groups seeking a larger venue than the smaller hall, which is already well-used by community groups. Last summer grants from other sources enabled insulation and new windows to be installed in the smaller hall, and groups using it have commented on how much difference this has made. Vicar the Rev Andrew Judge said, “I am delighted that the generosity of SITA Trust has enabled us to modernise our facilities for the benefit of Keynsham residents.” Marek Gordon, CEO and chairman of SITA Trust, said: “We are delighted to have been able to support this project through the Landfill Communities Fund. This important source of funding has been available since 1997 and has provided such worthy projects with more than £1.2 billion.” Inquiries for bookings of St Francis’ halls should be made to Keynsham Parish Office on 0117 986 3354, or Les on 0117 987 1522.

in 8 The Week • Thursday 22nd May 2014 Bitton

ChurchPlans for a car park for St Mary’s unveils Church in Bitton went on car park plans show last Thursday. Neither the church not the church hall currently have car parking and people attending church services, weddings and weekly activities have to park on surrounding roads, which sometimes causes problems, with driveways and footpaths blocked. There is concern that with its high running costs and ageing congregation, the 1,000-year-old church could close within two decades so it is looking to increase the activities it offers to the community. The lack of a car park is seen as a significant constraint. The proposed car park would be in the Glebe Field behind the church, which is owned by the Diocese of Bristol. There is currently a gate into the field, which is used for grazing cattle and once a year for the church fete. A new access is proposed a little further along the lane, towards the Dower House. The site of the proposed car park is in the Bitton Conservation Area. It would be constructed using BodPave, a strong interlocking plastic grid paving system which has a low environmental impact. The existing public right of way through the field would be kept. Organisers of the exhibition that was held in the church said there had been a positive response from visitors.

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in The Week • Thursday 22nd May 2014 9 homes have been built on a flood plain. minutes. Local people and indeed, the local So the Post Office in New Cheltenham council warned not only the school but Road should not be closed. Letters also South Gloucestershire Council Christine Packer (Pensioner) Exaggerating much? about this danger several years ago. New Cheltenham Road Dear Sir, Bureaucratic quangos listening to I'm sorry but there must only be a common sense, grass roots knowledge Just how hi-tech is this in- handful of people that have either a car of local people? As a local historian, I cab technology? capable or the driving skill to enter the have emphasised time and time again Dear Editor, Wraxall Road roundabout at 60mph that the fields of Oldland Common are According to South Gloucestershire during the day. sites of very ancient sea beds and as Council, a part of the charge has been Even 50mph is pushing it for most such are prone to flooding. invested in “in-cab technology” so the drivers. Completely dead in the middle of I have in my files photographs of other green bin contractors know which the night, maybe. Don't believe me? areas in Hanham and Bitton which have houses have paid. Then go to a local track day and put an suffered from acute flooding. I would ask average family car into a roundabout the residents of those homes to send type corner and register those speeds and share those photographs and maps on a GPS recorder without a fair bit of in your excellent magazine. previous track time. I do hope these residents share their It would be great if people would stop photographs and maps before further spouting speeds using their own highly damage occurs. It is not always the fault accurate internal speed cameras and a of builders as adverse details are often glance at their own speedo to arrive at purposely concealed by authorities their conclusions. It amuses me that eager to sell and make money. people who probably haven't broken into Thank you for your article in Issue 318 a run for years are sure of the massive (1st May). speeds people are attaining. Dolores Powell Martin Corfield Oldland Common By email Bus stop clarification Putting us all in the picture Dear Sir, Dear Sir, With reference to M O'Regan's letter Well, this week I watched the collection There is nothing better than regarding New Cheltenham Post Office from my house; one operative walked photographic visual evidence. It provides (Issue 320, 15th May), may I respectfully along, armed with a clipboard and pen a reality check on what is happening in point out that the bus stop in Pool Road (or pencil?), called to the driver the the community so I hope my letter will is for the No 6 bus, which does not go number of the house for the next motivate more people to record good through New Cheltenham Road. collection and, once the bin had been and bad happenings via their camera. The only service to Kingswood from New emptied, marked off his sheet before I feel so concerned regarding the 13- Cheltenham Road is one that runs up calling the next house number to the home estate off Victoria Road, built on Alma Road every two hours and not at driver who was leaning out of the cab. the Sir Bernard Lovell School field, sold weekends or bank holidays, so this is not Seems more like out-cab non- off for housing. My heart feels for those an option. The people of Soundwell, technology to me! young people who have saved their however, can catch a No 6 bus up to Geoff Cole deposits to live there - only to find their Kingswood Post Office every 20 Kingswood

in 10 The Week • Thursday 22nd May 2014 Willsbridge MP votes against Historic bridge to be repaired Four months of refurbishment and repair work on a Grade II smoke alarms bill listed bridge in Willsbridge Valley are proposed. A parliamentary bill to force landlords of privately owned South Gloucestershire Council, which is responsible for rental properties to fit smoke alarms received a second maintaining the California Incline Bridge over Brook, reading at Westminster last week despite objections from plans to carry out masonry rebuilding and repointing, as well as North East Somerset MP Jacob Rees-Mogg. removing vegetation where large root systems have penetrated He was one of only eight MPs who voted against the motion on the stonework. 9th May. Over nine million people are estimated to live in rented accommodation and statistics have shown that the proportion of privately rented homes with smoke alarms is much lower than for local authority or housing associations. Todd Foreman, Labour's candidate for North East Somerset in next year's election said: “We all know that smoke alarms save lives. Privately rented properties are the least likely to have smoke alarms, but the Tory-led Government and local MP Jacob Rees-Mogg refuse to act to ensure that landlords install them. "In this day and age a smoke alarm is an inexpensive safety measure that should be regarded as a necessity for all homes. Having working smoke alarms also helps our firefighters by making it less likely that they will have to risk their lives to rescue The bridge is about 50 metres long and there are also retaining tenants.” walls to the north and south which carry part of the old Dramway The Smoke Alarms (Private Rental Sector) Bill was due to public footway. receive its second reading in the House of Commons last week The works are programmed to start on 1st July. (15th May) but like several others, it failed to complete its The bridge was built to carry a branch line of the Dramway to progress through the various stages before the end of the serve the nearby California Colliery. parliamentary session. The Dramway ceased operation in 1904 when the colliery became too uneconomic to mine following flooding of mineshafts.

in The Week • Thursday 22nd May 2014 11 St George Nigel’s flower power St Aidan’s Church in Fir Tree Lane held it spring fair and plant sale on Saturday. There were around 2,000 plants for sale, grown by Nigel Crowder, from Kingswood, who has been a member of the congregation at St Aidan’s for some 40 years. St Aidan’s will be holding its summer proms from 10th- 15th June which will include performances by the Clifton Singers, pianist Mike Denham and the Western Opera Singers. On the Friday there will be a ‘Last night of the Proms’ with the Bristol Concert Wind Band and on the Sunday afternoon there will be an outdoor cream tea service. For more information about the programme call .HHSXSWRGDWHZLWK Bernard on 0117 940 7142 7KH:HHN LQ or visit 7ZRWKLUGVRISHRSOHLQ.H\QVKDPVD\WKH\XVH www.staidansbristol.co.uk 7KH:HHN LQWR¿QGRXWZKDW¶VKDSSHQLQJLQWKHWRZQ

ACROSS Crossword 1 Poor quality (6) 4 Plump (6) 9 High ranking church official (7) 123 456710 Proposer of a motion (5) 11 An adult insect (5) 8 12 Shaven head (7) 13 Deliver a speech without mistakes (4-7) 9 10 18 Grown naturally (7) 20 Sexual offender coloq. (5) 22 From the French word for boredom (5) 11 12 23 Ethic race from southern Russia (7) 24 Hate (6) 25 Reduce the impact (6)

13 14 15 DOWN 1 Type of waste tank (6) 16 17 2 Drama set to music (5) 3 Hard crystalline gem stone (7) 18 19 20 21 5 Strong, virile males (2-3) 6 Small tent or shelter (7) 7 Told stories (6) 8 Sits on top of high buildings (11) 22 23 14 Stiff fabric (7) 15 Refinement (7) 16 Concerning northern winds (6) 24 25 17 Count or calculate (6) 19 Sound made by a horse (5) 21 Flat, Indian breads (5)

in 12 Across DownThe Week • Thursday 22nd May 2014 1 Poor quality (6) 1 Type of waste tank (6) 4 Plump (6) 2 Drama set to music (5) 9 High ranking church official (7) 3 Hard crystalline gem stone (7) 10 Proposer of a motion (5) 5 Strong, virile males (2-3) 11 An adult insect (5) 6 Small tent or shelter (7) 12 Shaven head (7) 7 Told stories (6) 13 Deliver a speech without mistakes (4-7) 8 Sits on top of high buildings (11) 18 Grown naturally (7) 14 Stiff fabric (7) 20 Sexual offender coloq. (5) 15 Refinement (7) 22 From the French word for boredom (5) 16 Concerning northern winds (6) 23 Ethic race from southern Russia (7) 17 Count or calculate (6) 24 Hate (6) 19 Sound made by a horse (5) 25 Reduce the impact (6) 21 Flat, Indian breads (5) Resident’s fury at three missedA Kingswood resident who signed greenup to subscription service bin for garden waste”collections South Gloucestershire’s controversial has proved controversial, with new green waste collection service is Kingswood MP Chris Skidmore recently furious that all three of his collections so handing in a 4,200-name petition to far have been missed. Parliament, opposing what has been Dave Lake, of Downend Road, who paid dubbed the ‘bin tax’. the £36 a year charge when the new The Conservatives on South system was introduced in April, told The Gloucestershire Council claim that Week In that the service was “bloody Labour and Lib Dem councillors voted appalling”. for the charge without proper He said that on the first two occasions consultation with residents and are that his bin was not emptied on the critical of the fact that the allotted day, he complained to the implementation has cost £650,000. council and the bin men subsequently The council’s Communities Committee had to make special journeys to empty will be holding a debate on the decision Dave Lake it. on 4th June. Last Thursday, when for a third time the Mr Lake felt that a better idea would green waste collection service and we’re keen gardener’s green bin was not have been to empty the green bins sorry to hear that Mr Lake’s experience emptied when it should have been, he monthly, rather than fortnightly, as that of it hasn’t met his expectations. got back in touch with the council but by would still have saved money. “We take reports of missed collections Tuesday, he had still not heard when the A South Gloucestershire Council very seriously and will review our collectors would be coming. spokesman said: “More than 30,000 records and take whatever steps are The cash-strapped council’s “optional households have now signed up for the necessary to resolve this matter.”

in The Week • Thursday 22nd May 2014 13 Keynsham

HavingSport gained funding for from everyonethe British Olympic Association as part of the Plan Your Legacy programme, Wellsway School organised a junior fun run and community sports day on 11th May for the benefit of the Keynsham and Saltford communities. The rain held off and by the end of the day there was even some sun. Over 150 young people took part in the fun run at Wellsway and there were sports taster sessions delivered by members of the Keynsham & Saltford Sports Network. Louise Riddoch, director of specialism at Wellsway, who co-

ordinated the event, said: ‘It certainly was a very enjoyable day which brought together so many members of the community.” She thanked everyone who had helped organise the event including the sports ambassadors from Wellsway and Broadlands Academy and the Level 1 sports leaders. She said: “They are outstanding young leaders and excellent role models for the younger children.”

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in 14 The Week • Thursday 22nd May 2014 Turning pounds into pounds for charity The Slimming World group based at Longwell Green Community Centre raised £200 from their annual charity raffle for local good causes.

They have already donated £100 to the Bristol Dogs & Cats Home and on Saturday 10th May they donated the rest to the Great Western Air Ambulance, based at Filton. The group, which has been run by Sara Cumming for the past seven years, has been running the raffle for over five years and has raised more than £1,000 so far for local charities. To find out more about this Tuesday morning group call Sara on 0784 119 5725.

Longwell Green Fundraising fun day There will be a carnival-style family fun day on Saturday 7th June to raise money for St Peter's Hospice. It will take place at Longwell Green Community Centre Scout Hut from 2pm. There will be a barbecue, cake sale, tombola, book sale, auction and games.

in The Week • Thursday 22nd May 2014 15 Situations Vacant

KingswoodJobs MPfair Chris Skidmore holds his next jobs fair on Friday 30th May at Hanham Community Centre (2pm-4pm). If you are an employer looking for new recruits or wish to know more about the event, call 0117 908 1524.

in 16 The Week • Thursday 22nd May 2014 Win a FREE MOT test for life Keynsham car specialist is nowThere isn't much Ianan Hedges doesn'tMOT know about car test station diagnostics. With 24 years’ experience to rely on, he has been running his own business, Bristol & Bath Car Services at Pixash Lane in Keynsham since 2009. The company specialises in German cars but carries out service and repairs on all makes of vehicle at its spacious workshops on the Pixash Trading Estate. This month, Bristol & Bath Car Services has added a new string to its bow as an MOT test station. Becoming an MOT tester is not an easy achievement and Ian has invested a lot of time and resource into meeting the required standards of training and workshop facilities. To celebrate the appointment, Bristol & Bath Car Services is offering one lucky reader of The Week In a free annual MOT inspection for life. All you have to do is answer the question The first correct entry drawn on Monday 2nd June will opposite and return your answer and contact details to: The receive a free annual MOT inspection for their own car for Week In, 8 Temple Court, Keynsham, BS31 1HA by 30th life. May. Alternatively send an e-mail to Question: How many years experience does Ian [email protected] with MOT in the subject box. Hedges have?

in The Week • Thursday 22nd May 2014 17 Mangotsfield Houses earmarked

forPlans to knock church down a former church site and build four, three-bed detached houses on the site have been lodged with South Gloucestershire Council but initial feedback from the planners is that the site is not big enough for that many homes. The 1970s-built Methodist church in Windsor Place has been empty for some time. The plans to develop the site have been lodged by Frome Mill Homes, based at Nibley, near Yate. Access is proposed from Northcote Road.

A report from the council’s planning officer says the site is not considered large enough for four detached properties as shown in the plans but a lower number, possibly in a terrace, may be acceptable. The deadline for comments on the application – reference PK14/1352/O - is 2nd June.

in 18 The Week • Thursday 22nd May 2014 Waste firm owner prosecuted over fly-tipping in Pucklechurch The owner of a waste firm has been fined after pleading leader Chris Gillett said: guilty to Duty of Care offences that led to rubbish being fly- "Legislation is in place to tipped in Pucklechurch. ensure that all people and Ian Cundick, 30, of Bences Lane, Corsham was fined £2,250 companies producing, and ordered to pay £1,097.60 costs at Northavon Magistrates’ handling or disposing of Court last Thursday following an investigation by South waste do so properly. The Gloucestershire Council’s environmental crime enforcement Duty of Care requirement team. ensures a paper trail that The court heard that Mr Cundick had been transporting waste follows the waste from the without the relevant waste transfer notes, and depositing and producer to the eventual storing controlled waste at a site not licensed for that purpose. place of disposal. This ultimately led to the rubbish being fly-tipped in South “Waste firms must ensure Gloucestershire by an unknown source. every load of waste they Mr Cundick is the sole proprietor of a scrap metal and waste receive or pass to others is covered by a waste transfer note. company trading under the name Magic Rubbish Clearance. In The only exception is when they receive household waste December 2013, he called at a family-run garage and car sales directly from the householder who produced it, but they will business in Redland, Bristol and was paid to remove numerous need a waste transfer note when they pass that waste to black bin liners and other ancillary waste from the garage someone else. This legislation is specifically designed to be a premises. Instead of disposing of the waste properly, Cundick disincentive for fly-tipping. stored it at a premises he had rented at Oakfield Industrial "Investigations are still be carried out to identify the people who Estate in Kingswood. These premises were then re-let early this were responsible for fly-tipping the waste. This sort of year, with the stored rubbish still in place. behaviour is not tolerated in South Gloucestershire." A case is also being brought against the tenant who took over Unwanted goods and household or garden waste can all be the unit and disposed of the rubbish which was found fly-tipped disposed of at no cost via the council’s Sort IT!* centres. in Feltham Lane, Pucklechurch, and also at Uplands Lane, Residents who witness illegal waste disposal are encouraged Keynsham. to report it by contacting the Street Care helpdesk on 01454 South Gloucestershire Council’s environmental protection team 868000.

in The Week • Thursday 22nd May 2014 19 TRAVEL & HOLIDAYS

ScotlandLast year Richard Wyatt wrote an article on just inhow much acompleted nutshell just over 10 years ago, this space age construction there was to see and do during a couple of days in links the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal some 35 Edinburgh. The Scottish capital is just an hour's flight metres above. Despite its size, each four- minute rotation uses from Bristol with up to four departures a day. But what the energy of just boiling eight kettles of water and although it happens if you want to explore further afield? Stephen is a vital working boat lift, it has become an attraction in its own Rodgers returned to the area to explore the possibilities, right. this time using the coach as his means of getting around. Just around the corner from the Falkirk Wheel stands the Helix The narrow strip of land between the Clyde and the Forth is not Park, home to what surely only home to Scotland's two major cities but a major slice of the is to become the latest icon country's proud history and heritage. Where shipyards and of Scotland. The Kelpies, Falkird woollen mills once stood, new industries have moved in, two 30m high horses' Wheel notably tourism, and while the vast majority of population lives heads made from steel around here, it is very easy to find yourself off the beaten track sheets, were inaugurated in just a few minutes. last month. The name Of course the secret of discovering this area is an experienced comes from mythology and coach driver who knows where he's going and as I have one, the aim of the structures is I'm just going to sit back and be driven right up to the front door to commemorate the role of some of Scotland's most popular places to visit. of the horse in Scotland's While there are constant reminders of times gone by around heritage. The result is almost every corner, our first stop on this trip is to the former simply stunning as the light industrial heartland and two very new attractions. First up, is the changes throughout the Falkirk Wheel. One of the country's millennium projects and day and night.

in 20 The Week • Thursday 22nd May 2014 By now we are in the glorious scenery of the Trossachs. We're some way from the Highlands but driving here is very similar. Each bend in the (sometimes very narrow) road brings you a loch, a waterfall or a superb vista of differing shades of green. It's hard to know where to look but fortunately there's no need to keep your eyes on the road. Finally we arrive on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. After an hour or so on a cruiser, we have probably seen more wildlife than humans and it is hard to imagine that the southern end of the loch is almost in the The Kelpies suburbs of Glasgow. Travelling by coach has changed beyond all comparison from In fact, the Kelpies have become such an attraction, it became the days of the works outing. Not only have the vehicles necessary to erect a screen along a section of the adjacent become extremely comfortable but our accommodation was motorway to prevent motorists stopping on the hard shoulder to also a very pleasant surprise. From the outside, the Winnock take photographs. No problem in the coach, of course, as we Hotel on the village green in Drymen, still looks like the were higher than the fence and someone else was driving. coaching inn it used to be. Inside, it could not be more different. History is very much at the heart of Scotland's appeal and Comfortable bedrooms with all mod cons, excellent meals and further up the road lies Stirling. Dominated by its castle and at friendly, individual service - just like you'd get if you arrived by the shortest crossing point of the River Forth, Stirling historically car. was the crossroads of the country. Control Stirling and you This was a very short trip, covering only a few miles, but one controlled Scotland. No surprise therefore that this was the site packed with fascinating places to visit and breathtaking of numerous battles over the centuries, most of them involving scenery. You really don't have to travel far to appreciate the the English! From Robert the Bruce to the Stuart Kings and the incomparable appeal of Scotland. Jacobite uprising, Stirling Castle arguably has a more historic value than Edinburgh and today is in the final phases of a £50m refurbishment programme which started half a century ago. In the shadow of the castle lies the field of Bannockburn. It was here that 700 years ago next month, Robert the Bruce, heavily outnumbered on the banks of the river, chose his ground wisely and repelled the English army of Edward II. The victory led

Winnock Hotel

Loch Lomond

ForFact more information Box on Scotland: www.visitscotland.com Scotland to independence from English rule. Travelling by coach At a time when Scotland is to determine its own future by (01275 792223 www.ps-travel.co.uk) uses the somewhat more peaceful means, the 700th anniversary of the PS Travel Winnock Hotel as the base for a five-day wildlife tour Battle of Bannockburn has been marked by the opening of a departing 24th August (from £454) with visits to the brand new visitor centre. Here the 14th century meets the 21st Scottish Birdlife Centre, Loch Lomond Sea Life Centre and and a visit to the exhibition requires 3D glasses. Once inside, a Highland Safari. cavalry men charge back and forth across the room and characters emerge from walls to talk to you before you enter the Bakers Dolphin (01934 415000 www.bakersdolphin.com) 'battle game'. Surrounding a 3D relief of the landscape around features Loch Lomond, the Dochart Falls, the Trossachs Stirling Castle, each visitor is given charge of a battalion of and Edinburgh on a four-night DBB tour staying in infantrymen or archers and has to make decisions on whether Aberfoyle with departures in July and September – from to attack or retreat. The actions then play out on the battlefield £349pp. in something of a digital version of Michael Bentine's old flea Find other operators which feature tours to Scotland at: circus. www.findacoachholiday.com

in The Week • Thursday 22nd May 2014 21 Directory & What’s On

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in The Week • Thursday 22nd May 2014 25 Directory & What’s On

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Kingswood’sFamily annual Family Fun Fun Day in Kingswood Day Park willin be half-term holiday extra special this year as it marks the park’s 80th anniversary. The community event on Wednesday 28th May has an oak theme to mark the anniversary. Eight oak trees were planted in March, one for each decade. Organised by South Gloucestershire Council, the fun day runs from 10.30am to 4pm. Organiser George Kousouros said: “There will be lots of superb entertainment taking place throughout the day, with live music from some talented local musicians and entertainers, as well as food stalls, face painting and nature activities, including talks and demos from an owl expert. “We hope to see as many people as possible and because this event takes place during the school holidays it is the perfect place to bring your children for a great day out.” The entertainment on the main stage begins with a taking place in different areas of the park. There will also be performance by the Dance South Gloucestershire Youth Dance fairground rides, storytelling, arts and crafts and a Wild4Life Company. Also appearing on the main stage will be PocoDrom Wild Zone. playing family music and songs inspired by nature, traditional A new treasure hunt will be launched at the event to help Irish music group The Ceili, vintage dance troupe Must Dash, families explore the park, starting out from the Friends of folk music from Mrs Price’s Parlour, the vocal harmonies of Kingswood Park’s stall. Cadbury Heath Choir and Stockwood Happy Notes Choir, plus In addition, there will be stalls with information about services the traditional sounds of instrumentalists Kingswood Winds. run by the council and its partner organisations. Throughout the day there will be circus skills and drumming Entry to the fun day is free, but charges may apply to some workshops and performances by entertainers for young people activities.

in The Week • Thursday 22nd May 2014 27 Barrs Court 150 people sign petition to tackle speeding traffic A petition to tackle safety problems in Craven Way that The Week In highlighted last month has already been signed by more than 150 people. Residents say the volume, speed and weight of traffic using the road has reached “saturation point” and there are fears there may be a serious or even fatal accident. There are concerns about pedestrian safety, especially for elderly residents and children crossing the road to get to school. Jo McCarron, Labour’s Parliamentary Candidate for Kingswood, is working with local residents to call for practical measures to curb the speed of traffic. The petition suggests a series of measures including lowering the speed restriction to 20mph on Craven Way and part of Tower Lane by the roundabout, and introducing speed tables, as well as having a pedestrian crossing at the Tower Lane end of Craven Way. Cllr Martin Farmer and Jo McCarron gathering signatures for the petition Other suggestions include restricting the weight of vehicles a meeting with a group of residents determined to do something driving through and installing barriers to protect homes near the about it. Tower Lane roundabout, which have been crashed into a “We put together a petition suggesting some practical number of times. measures and we’re working now to get as many people as Jo McCarron said: “I was meeting lots of local residents possible to sign up to it. If enough residents agree that this is a concerned that the current traffic calming measures on Craven problem, we can, together, apply pressure for action to be Way aren’t stopping cars and lorries speeding through, so I held taken.”

in 28 The Week • Thursday 22nd May 2014 Keynsham Rain doesn’t stop play for

StSeasonal showersKeyna’s couldn’t dampen the excitement Little of the they Gems learn through play. children of Little Gems Nursery at St Keyna Primary School as "We’re very grateful to Whitehall Garden Centre and they took delivery of a large quantity of soil and wood chip to Reorganics for generously donating the garden supplies. If you transform their woodland play area. would like to learn more about Little Gems and the exciting Following numerous trips with their mini wheelbarrows the experiences we offer to young children, please come and visit children have been busy planting and setting up a muddy us. There are places available for September so for information kitchen. or to arrange a visit call the school office on 0117 986 3852.” Nursery teacher Trudy May, said: “We believe that outdoor learning is an important part of a young child’s experience. By developing our outside area we’re able to increase the range of Charity talent show called off opportunities during ‘free flow’ play. This allows the children to A talent show due to take place at Longwell Green Community benefit from having hand-on experiences and a wider choice as Centre on Saturday (24th May) has been postponed until later in the year. Staff at Aphrodite’s Looking Glass hair and beauty salon in Hanham, were organising the event in aid of the Lullaby Trust, which provides specialist support for bereaved families and anyone affected by a sudden infant death, and the Wallace & Gromit Children’s Foundation, which supports Bristol Children’s Hospital. They say ticket sales have been poor, largely because it is a bank holiday weekend and many people are going away. They hope to rearrange it for some time in the autumn and will notify people of the new date through The Week In.

in The Week • Thursday 22nd May 2014 29 Do health chiefs have the right to overturn the decision for a minor injuries unit at Cossham? A campaigner fighting to secure a minor injuries unit for Cossham Hospital in Kingswood has written to the Prime Minister to find out whether local health chiefs have the right not to go ahead with it. Hazel Szots has been unable to get a straightforward ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer to the question: Does the Clinical Commissioning Group for South Gloucestershire have the right to ignore the decision made in 2009 by the then Primary Care Trust (PCT) for South Campaigning for the MIU Gloucestershire? We put her question to the CCG, asking for a simple yes or no Minister merely told me the excuses I had already heard from the answer, but did not get that. See their statement below. CCG – they were awaiting the National Review on Emergency Meanwhile Kingswood MP Chris Skidmore, who has been Care from Sir Bruce Keogh and they wanted to take account of supporting the campaigners, told The Week In that he feels a local evidence. legal challenge may be possible if the CCG decides to go against “They already have the local evidence from back in 2009 when the PCT’s decision. over 400 people tried to cram into a meeting about the hospital; As we have previously reported, the CCG is considering what there was also a lengthy march and no one could be in any doubt other urgent care services should be included at Cossham, which about the strength of feeling. That has not changed – the CCG may or may not include a minor injuries unit, and a decision is do not need to ‘take account of local evidence’, they already have expected in the autumn. it.” Mrs Szots told us said that she had emailed the Department of Health, written to the Minister for Health Jeremy Hunt, and also to The CCG's statement David Cameron to try to get a definitive answer on the CCG’s right “South Gloucestershire CCG would be happy to answer any or otherwise to ignore the 2009 decision. questions Mrs Szots has regarding how it makes decisions and would encourage her to get in touch with us directly with any “Although I have not yet had a reply from the Prime Minister, I questions or comments she has. doubt that it will be any different from the rest of the replies I have received and it will also avoid answering my question,” she said. “The way in which health and social care services are provided is continually evolving in response to changing health needs; “The decision made, after a lengthy consultation with the PCT, as a result of new medicines, new technology and changes in was to refurbish Cossham Hospital and install a minor injuries national policy; and because of new evidence about best unit, all of which was costed for. The hospital has now been practice. The CCG therefore has to take all this into account in refurbished and the space for the MIU is there. developing plans and when deciding how local health budgets “As of this week there will is no hospital with an A&E at Frenchay. are spent to ensure that it meets the needs of the whole The people of this area will have to travel to Bath or right across population. Bristol (through heavy traffic unless late at night) to Southmead “All CCGs also have a statutory duty to involve local people in for an A&E. Although there is a minor injuries unit at Yate (about planning local health services and in decisions about an 11-mile journey) it is fairly useless inasmuch as no X-ray significant changes to the way services are provided.” facilities are available on weekends (the busiest time for such injuries as a rule) so patients are just referred on to A&Es. Doctors’ surgeries would not help for injuries where X-rays were needed either. Crossword Solution “The email I received back from the Department of Health merely offered me a lot of different websites to look at for an answer – SHODDY CHUBBY none of which applied. The letter I received back on behalf of the E P I W E I A PRELATE MOV ER Sudoku Solutions T R M A E O N IMAGO TONSURE 1-Easy 2 -Hard C N H A D 964278513 213497865 WORDPERFECT 218635974 958613274 B R R I R 753419862 764582139 ORGAN I C NONCE 5 3 2 9 6 1 7 4 8 1 3 5 8 4 9 7 2 6 841327695 429761583 R A E O E A C 697584321 687325491 ENNU I COSSACK 4 2 5 8 9 6 1 3 7 8 7 6 9 5 4 3 1 2 A Z G K S N O 379152486 341276958 186743259 592138647 LOATHE LESSEN

in 30 The Week • Thursday 22nd May 2014 Warmley Cycling Objections to Station Success at Palmer Park for Keynsham's Sophie Taylor Master demolition Saturday 17th May was a beautiful day for a bike race at Reading's Residents living near the old Station Master pub have lodged their Palmer Park, Omnium Round 1 of the Southern Series, with objections to plans to knock it down, with the uncertainty about the massive fields, great organisation and superb racing. site’s future a major concern. M&D Cycles Keynsham rider Proposals are currently being discussed for a mixed development, Sophie Taylor raced in the including housing, on the site, but as yet there is no planning U14/16 girls' event with 25 application. Many locals fear this could result in a block of offices or starters. Sophie did a great an industrial unit. individual 1K pursuit (36 The 120-year-old landmark building at 46 High Street was most seconds faster than last year) recently used as an Indian restaurant. It is locally listed, which followed by four top five finishes means it is considered to be an important part of the local heritage, in the points, elimination, Keirin and scratch races to take an but it is in a poor state of repair. amazing fourth place overall. There were great performances too by 11-year-olds Sam Kelly (Longwell Green Primary School) and Euan Taylor Sophie (far right) on the podium (Chandag Juniors), 5th and 9th in the U12s, and Charlie Kelly (Wellsway School), 11th in the U14 boys. With the best six riders after three rounds qualifying for the national finals, Sophie has put herself in a great place to qualify and The application to knock it down has been submitted to South make it into the South of team for the inter-regional Gloucestershire Council by Gordon Ogden, of Bristol and Bath championships later in the year. Developments Ltd who states that “anecdotally, we understand Next week Sophie is off to race the international North West Youth neighbours are generally happy about the potential removal of this Tour where she will be competing against international teams from building”. Holland, Belgium and the Czech republic as well as the best of the But Paul Swindlehurst, of 38 High Street, said: “Apart from British female youth riders in a three-day five-stage race in demolition of part of Warmley history’s, siting offices here is entirely Lancashire. inappropriate. A row of 200-year-old cottages with an office block at the end, where else would this be allowed?” Bowls He said the building should be restored, whether as a pub or otherwise: “I do hope the council do not allow this to go ahead and Close game Frys travelled to Staple Hill to take on Page Park 'B' last Thursday. reject these plans. It will be very detrimental to the area and may The sun shone for the first time this season, but the green was ruin the long-term future of the village.” deceptively heavy. However, the game remained close but by Stephen and Lynne Westcott, at 40 High Street said: “Our objection halfway Page Park had opened a lead. is due to no communication from person/s proposing the As the game concluded, the gap proved too big to pull back and with demolishing of this property, let alone what is proposed to be put in one rink losing by five, it left the other two rinks to play for points. its place. Though from a notice put forward on their behalf it states One rink dropped two shots on the final end. With a stunning draw that there has been favourable response from immediate with the last wood on the other rink, they managed to tie, leaving neighbours. Frys taking one point from the night's effort losing 39-46. “Ourselves and immediate neighbours have not been approached Scores: Rink 1: 13-18; Rink 2: 13-15; Rink 3: 13-13; Frys 39-46 other than the couple whose cottage is adjoined to the existing Page Park 'B' (1-9) property proposed for demolition.” Simon Robbins, who lives at 35 High Street, opposite the site, said: “As I live within about 30 yards of the site I would have expected notification of any application but have received none.” He said he opposed the application on the basis that it was unclear what was actually proposed. Siston Parish Council has “strongly” objected to the demolition of the building, saying a part of it formed the Maypole Inn in the early 1800s. “Since the 1920s the present building has been a key feature in the street scene and very much representative of a particular period and local style... It is felt that demolition of this prominent structure will prove harmful to the character of Warmley High Street.”

in The Week • Thursday 22nd May 2014 31 in 32 The Week • Thursday 22nd May 2014