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FREE Issue 649 14th October 2020 Read by more than 40,000 people each week Peacocks ‘closing down’ in Keynsham & Emersons Green Keynsham is set to lose its last high potential buyers for the two retail chains. street fashion store after closing down There were rumours back in February sale posters appeared in Peacocks. that the Keynsham High Street store Similar signs have also gone up at the was closing down but at the time Peacocks branch at Emersons Green a spokesperson for Peacocks told Retail Park. us that the branch was definitely not At the end of last week, Edinburgh going. Woollen Mill, which owns Peacocks and Keynsham lost its New Look store in Jaeger, filed notice of its intention to September 2018 and clothes retailer appoint administrators to look for Select closed several years ago.

The Keynsham store

The Emersons Green branch

Also in this Council to relocate Concerns over golf S.Glos Council joins critics Locals feature in moorings club’s development of planning law changes Birthday Honours List week’s issue . . . page 6 plans . . . page 9 . . . page 14 . . . page 16 2 The Week in • Wednesday 14th October 2020 High Street access problems Developer’s bid to squeeze more homes lead to shorter closure into Hygge Park The hours of the daytime closure to traffic in Keynsham In addition to instances of van drivers parking across the High Street are being reduced to facilitate access for the entrance to the High Street, there have even been reports of Developer Crest disabled and commercial deliveries. car drivers parking in front of the barrier while they use the Nicholson is looking This follows a number of incidents of delivery vans and cafés nearby. to build an extra 13 private vehicles parking across the entrance to the High There have also been reports of the temporary disabled houses at the new Street, blocking access for Keynsham & District Dial-a-Ride, parking bays in front of the Fear Hall being abused. Hygge Park estate at which has now ceased dropping and collecting passengers Bath Road in opposite the Post Office. Keynsham. The pro- Following a meeting between the six B&NES Council ward posed “replan” of councillors for the town and officials at B&NES highways three approved areas department, a new traffic regulation order is being prepared of development in- which will close the High Street to traffic between 10am and volving 40 homes sees an increase of 13, bringing the 4pm. It is currently closed to vehicles between 9am and 5pm. total number at Hygge Park to 274. Four of the extra homes would be deemed “affordable”. Crest Nicholson says the reason for the new planning application to Bath & North East Somerset Council is the introduction of a new house type range. A report from Crest Nicholson’s agents the Pegasus Group says the overall Hygge Park scheme would continue to “comfortably overprovide on open space overall”. The application reference is 20/03586/FUL and consultation expires on 12th November. A decision is Delivery drivers often park in front of the barrier, expected in January. blocking access for the Dial-a-Ride service

The Week in • Wednesday 14th October 2020 3 Improving links between Willsbridge and Keynsham Since launching a project to encourage more people to cycle and walk, particularly for shorter local journeys, Oldland Parish Council says it has received a number of valuable comments which are being followed up to address areas of concern and to implement improvements. These include joining forces with Keynsham Town Council to explore opportunities to improve the cycling and walking routes between Willsbridge and Keynsham; and liaising with South Gloucestershire Council to clear overgrown vegetation. The parish council is running an online consultation exercise. Comments can be submitted on an easy-to-use interactive map at https://oldlandactive travel.commonplace.is/ The closing date for comments is Friday 23rd October. For anyone who is not online or unable to access the consultation, contact Steve Skidmore on 07896 326737; Cllr

Jon Parker on 07504 841569; or Victoria Hicks on 0117 Keynsham Road 9615021. THE WEEK IN Keynsham school’s Barrs Court, Bitton, , Heath, , headteacher tests Corston, Downend, Emersons Green, Fishponds, Hanham, Hillfields, Keynsham, Kingswood, Longwell positive for coronavirus Green, Mangotsfield, , The principal of IKB Academy in North Common, Oldland Common, Danny Wilkinson Keynsham has tested positive for COVID- Pucklechurch, Saltford, Staple Hill, , St George, , 19. Whitchurch, Wick, Willsbridge. In a letter to parents last Tuesday, 16,000 copies are distributed through Wellsway Multi Academy Trust, which retail outlets, libraries, , runs the school, said that Danny Wilkinson community centres each week. experienced some symptoms the weekend Verified pick-up rate of 97%. before and has been isolating at home. Publisher The letter said: “The control measures in Keynsham & Saltford Times Ltd, 8 Temple Court, Keynsham. BS31 1HA place at IKB mean that Mr Wilkinson has 0117 986 0381 not been in close contact with any other www.theweekin.co.uk individual in the school and the risk of ISSN: 2052-9767 transmission is very low. In light of this, Managing Editor Stephen Rodgers [email protected] and following advice from Public Health News Editor Becky Feather 07403 273967 , the school will remain open for Contributors Christine Rogers all students who should continue to attend school as normal. organise for their child to be tested via the Advertising Jodie Deason and Tracy Broderick “We are continuing to monitor the NHS online portal or by calling 119. 0117 986 0381 [email protected] situation and are working closely with “Your household should isolate until you Public Health England. This letter is to receive the test results giving the all-clear. @theweekineditor inform you of the current situation and to You should contact school to let us know No material in this publication, nor its associated website (www.theweekin.co.uk) may share the advice provided by Public Health your child is being tested and then let us be reproduced without the written permission of Keynsham & Saltford Times Ltd. All England.” know the result of the test as soon as you rights reserved. Parents are advised that if their child receive it.”

Keynsham & Saltford Times Ltd. t/a The Week In is regulated by IMPRESS: The Independent develops symptoms of COVID-19 - new The letter, signed by chief executive Monitor for the Press CIC. As such, we adhere to the IMPRESS complaints continuous cough and/or high temperature Andrea Arlidge and executive principal procedure. A copy of this procedure can be found on our website or can be and/or a loss of, or change in, normal Matthew Woodville, wishes Mr Wilkinson sent upon written request to the address above. sense of taste or smell - they should a speedy recovery.

4 The Week in • Wednesday 14th October 2020 Pucklechurch set to permanently lose struggling -restaurant

The permanent closure of the Fleur de Lis in Pucklechurch is being proposed in the latest in a series of planning applications involving the pub-restaurant. While the rear car park remains the subject of a planning application for nine homes, the UKS Group Ltd has now submitted another application to South Gloucestershire Council to turn the old coaching inn into a four-bed house. The restaurant and kitchen area and the toilets, which are all within the modern extensions, would be demolished. The house would have a large rear garden and four parking spaces. The application states that the pub has been closed since the COVID-19 lockdown was announced in March: “The business was already struggling, and has not re-opened since that date, as the premises would not be viable at a reduced capacity. Given the recently announced further restrictions, it has effectively ceased trading.” It adds that there are two pubs nearby - the Star is just 250 metres away and the Rose & Crown 600 metres away. that the scheme would fail to preserve and enhance agreed with the council’s reasons for refusal. The council refused planning permission in February for nine Pucklechurch Conservation Area and that there was The council has yet to make a decision on a revised scheme homes behind the pub on the grounds of poor design and insufficient information about the potential impact on local for nine homes lodged by the developers in April which seeks excessive scale, with particular concern that the new roads. to address the reasons for refusal, with amendments development would be prominently visible from the The developers lodged an appeal with the Secretary of State including lowering site levels and ridge heights and removing churchyard of the Grade I listed Norman church; it also said and in August that was rejected by a planning inspector who dormer windows on plots that face the church.

The Week in • Wednesday 14th October 2020 5 Cabinet votes to relocate Saltford Bath & North East Somerset Council has The council has promised to first brought in from March 2021. At their of the riverbank can be reallocated as open agreed to relocate moorings from Mead find alternative locations for 14-day meeting last Thursday, the Cabinet also space for other leisure purposes. Lane in Saltford no later than the end of moorings. agreed to permanently remove 48-hour For safety, it agreed to no winter moorings December 2022. A charging system for moorings will also be moorings from next month so that this part from 1st November to the end of February on safety grounds. The council and the Canal & Trust will also create a joint river warden post. The Cabinet had ordered the temporary removal of moorings and a structural survey at the start of 2020 after it came to lightthat the stability of the riverbank at Mead Lane may have been compromised by stabilisation work in 2005 that was not designed to take moorings, Last week we reported that a survey done last month by consultant engineers had found no immediate concern, with the rock protection appearing mainly intact. Before taking their unanimous decision last Thursday, the Cabinet heard from local community representatives and live-aboard boaters. There was criticism at the meeting of both the previous administration and the current Cabinet.

Mead Lane Saltford councillor Duncan Hounsell told the

6 The Week in • Wednesday 14th October 2020 moorings meeting that Mead Lane is a “beautiful and councillor spoke to a single boater”. iconic location” and the riverbank is a public She said: “This Cabinet have decided to take space which “in the interests of equality all of the claims at face value with zero data needs to be available to all sections of the to back them up and decided to suspend public and not any one interest group”. mooring at Mead Lane. My solicitor He said that since the removal of moorings challenged this decision, and the process of at the start of 2020 there had been a revival coming to it, and was told by your legal of wildlife, flora and fauna. department that once B&NES has received He added: “Some have described the the engineers’ report, there will be further complex issues around Mead Lane in terms consultation with interested parties before of a clash between cultures. This is and the matter is brought back to the Cabinet for always has been nonsense. Saltford is a kind, a decision. welcoming and liberal-minded community.” “And here we find ourselves, at said Cabinet And local Neighbourhood Watch co- meeting, and you still have not spoken to us. ordinator Elizabeth Evans told the virtual Then the Atkins report said there is no Spotlight on road safety Cabinet meeting: “Despite upsetting indication that boats were adversely affecting comments made to us by a few, all we have the bank. The council have spent tens of after accident near school ever tried to do is to protect this area for the thousands of pounds on reports and surveys The councillor for Frenchay and Downend Speaking at the online Community greater community to enjoy, and keep safe and reviews that all say the moorings should Ben Burton says improvements to crossing Engagement Forum for Downend, access to homes and businesses. All this is of remain. It is only the residents’ view that is points and the general road layout in front Emersons Green & Frenchay last paramount importance and to that end, we affected by these decisions. For hundreds of of Downend School are being looked at. Wednesday, Cllr Burton said Westerleigh see the termination of moorings here as boaters, it is the safety and security of our It follows an accident involving a child Road is a busy route and on the way to imperative.” homes.” and a vehicle outside the school in Stanbridge Primary School as well, and it She highlighted the carcinogenic fumes from She added: “The Waterways Act and my September. is important to make it as safe as possible. the boats’ diesel engines, sometimes licence make this a perfectly legitimate quadruply moored, just eight metres from lifestyle. Unlike other travellers, boaters are homes: “A minority of boaters, and I stress not yet a protected characteristic, but we it’s a minority, have abused mooring experience the same disadvantages as other timescales, used the riverbank as a dumping travellers, like to healthcare and education ground and have threatened local people and being limited. We are much more likely to be with their nose-to-tail mooring prevented victims of crime and prejudice, which we access to others.” have been here.” She said the report from consultants Atkins She said there are no other viable sites along did not, as local people had been led to the river and removing the moorings would expect, fully examine the rock armour lead to legal action. under the water line, “only looking from the Cabinet Member for Community Services edge of murky waters”. She reiterated that Paul Crossley told the meeting that both the design of the stabilisation scheme in sides of the argument had highlighted the 2005 was not intended for the mooring of complexities of the issues and the difficulties boats. of any decision. The previous council administration had, she He stressed that this is not the end of the claimed, been “negligent” when setting up a process but the start of the next stage. He mooring trial in 2016 and had neither committed to meet with boaters, and other consulted nor followed their own guidelines. Cabinet members indicated that they too Another speaker, Phil Harding from Saltford would like to do so. Parish Council, said members were largely After the meeting Saltford Environment supportive of the recommendations by Group, which had raised the alarm about the B&NES officers but were concerned that the suitability of the riverbank for moorings after report from Atkins lacks a full condition being supplied with environmental reports survey of the rock armour below the last autumn, said: “A positive outcome from waterline. all this can be more and better mooring Boaters spoke of the prejudice and other provisions for the live-aboard community problems they face. One of them, Rebecca whilst Mead Lane riverbank reverts to being Sarll, said that in January, the Cabinet a public open space with excellent wildlife members said they had all visited Mead Lane habitat enjoyed by the local community and and spoken to residents “yet not a single visitors alike.”

The Week in • Wednesday 14th October 2020 7 8 The Week in • Wednesday 14th October 2020 Concerns over leisure resort’s future plans Financial concerns at Tracy Park Golf & Country Club at Wick have been highlighted in a council planning report which also refers to a “much larger future development” lined up for the resort. Last week South Gloucestershire Council refused planning permission for new staff accommodation at the Grade II listed hotel, which has 42 bedrooms and hosts banqueting, weddings and conferences. It has grounds covering 240 acres, including two championship 18-hole golf courses. Tracy Park Hotel Ltd lodged plans last November for two timber-clad buildings at the far western part of the site, at the bottom of a former fairway, to provide 22 en-suite bedrooms and communal facilities. The application said they were unable to accommodate all staff on site so had three off-site staff houses costing a total of more than £4,400 per month, plus bills; some of the hotel bedrooms were also being used for staff. The proposed staff accommodation blocks would immediately see a significant cost saving for the hotel and the ability to immediately approximately £250,000. for the site. There is also no demonstration that the existing increase earning capacity. “It could be argued that in the light of this, any saving is use can sustain the much-needed repair and maintenance that But the council has now turned down the plans, saying the welcome, but it is considered more to the point that this is required at the site.” site is within the Bristol/Bath Green Belt and the very special proposal will still leave the business in a largely unviable The Week In has tried several times to contact Tracy Park to circumstances needed to override the normal presumption position. The position would have become significantly find out more about the future plans but at the time of going against development have not been demonstrated. The worse because of the COVID-19 pandemic but even before to print we had not received a response. council said that the proposed location, scale and design of that, it would appear that a more comprehensive review of the development would harm the setting of listed buildings the business was needed.” and the significance of the parkland; it added that insufficient The report adds: “The council is also aware of plans for a information had been submitted for a full assessment of the much larger future development at the site but details of this impact of the proposal on protected species and biodiversity. are unknown and the current development has to be assessed The council’s report said: “At present staff accommodation on the current situation. is provided off-site or within the rooms of the hotel. It is “The applicant has made clear that this development is to indicated that the new accommodation would result in an serve the site as it is now in any case. There has to be a immediate saving of £53,000 and in addition rooms currently concern that this is the optimum viable use for the site and used by staff (it is understood this is six rooms in the hotel) indeed a development here might prejudice a suitable future could be used for guests. development. The concern is that without knowing the “While the savings indicated are not in dispute, the case quantum of additional development which may follow, it officer was provided with figures that showed that from may be premature to allow this area of the site for this October 2019 to March 2020 the accounts showed a loss of development, as this may prejudice a suitable future scheme Sudoku SUNDAY CHEMISTS Sunday 18th October Boots, Gallagher Retail Park, Longwell Green 1-Easy 2 -Hard (10.30am-4pm) Asda, Longwell Green (10am-4pm) Boots, Emersons Green Retail Park (10.30am-4.30pm) Sainsbury’s, Emersons Green Retail Park (9.30am-4.30pm) Stockwood Pharmacy, 78 Hollway Road, BS14 8PG (9am-7pm) Keynsham Pharmacy, 15 Station Road, BS31 2BH (10am-4pm) Tesco, Callington Road, Brislington (10am to 4pm) Morrisons, 688-718 Fishponds Road, Fishponds (10am-4pm) Boots, Avonmeads Retail Park, St Philips Causeway (11am-5pm)

The Week in • Wednesday 14th October 2020 9 LETTERS

Where would this sign experienced countryman and know all the We've also been working with local residents have been? good codes). The lead beast barged me to the to design posters for our green spaces, which ground and others milled around. remind residents not to litter and to pick up Dear Editor Fortunately for my loud shouts for help, the after their dogs. You might spot one of these I would like to ask your readers if they have cattle group stood back and watched me posters next time you're in the Stockwood any knowledge or memories of a very old struggle to my feet and leave the field. The Open Space. and large enamel sign shown in the cattle were NOT cows, there were no calves, Everyone is welcome to join this group and accompanying photo? and they went for ME, not my dog. It's far we currently hold weekly sessions. too easy for excuse-makers to blame dogs You can find us on Facebook at Stockwood and cows with their calves. Litter Picking. This farmer posted his notice seemingly Sam Fox, knowing the potentially aggressive nature of Labour Party councillor candidate for his cattle. (Incident reported to the farmer, Stockwood Ward Health & Safety Executive and local authority). I could have been killed. Keep an eye on treasured Robin Champion newspapers as a good example on how to I'm trying to discover where it might have trees in Downend treat COVID-19 rule-breakers. been located, probably at Keynsham railway Dear Editor Stockwood Litter Picking That’s if the landlord wishes that to happen, station or Fry's Somerdale chocolate factory Land and garages at Cleeve Lodge Dear Editor because we should stand behind him and site. A possible clue is that there were two of Close/Westerleigh Road in Downend is It's been little over a month since the creation support his actions. them. Enquiries made so far have not coming up for auction on 3rd November and of the Stockwood Litter Picking group, but Judith is being sold as “an excellent opportunity for brought any old photos to light. in that time we have already held seven litter investors and developers”. It is hoped that one of the signs will be picks, collecting over 50 bags of waste and The land between the garages and purchased and put on display at the several larger items, such as a washing Westerleigh Road has a number of fine Valley Railway, Bitton Station. machine and a sofa. Write to us George Colbourne sycamore trees which have been there since Avon Valley Railway volunteer before the flats and houses were built. The Week In is independent of any political 63 St Francis Road More importantly they are subject to Tree or commercial interest. We aim to produce Keynsham Preservation Orders. This fact is not a balanced and accurate view of local news BS31 2DX mentioned in the sale information. and welcome comments from our readers. As Downend people we would much miss Normally, we will publish letters in full but Cattle attack these trees for their visual impact and reserve the right to shorten or clarify the contents or to refuse publication. Please try Dear Editor environmental value if they were felled. to keep letters under 300 words and supply Could we please ask you to look out for the I was walking with my dog through a field your full name and address for reasons of trees as it could be too late if a developer near the on a public footpath on authentication. Only the name and district decides to surreptitiously remove them. a recent sunny Sunday afternoon. where you live will be reproduced. Mr & Mrs Gould The farmer's notice at the stile advised Anonymity is possible under certain walkers to take a route around the cattle circumstances. shed. With my dog on a lead, I entered the Support for landlord Copy can be sent by post or, preferably, e- field. After a short distance the cattle that We hope that our actions are making a Dear Editor mail and should arrive at our offices no were quickly approaching me did not seem visible difference to our local area, and that We were reading The Week In, Issue 648, later than 9.00am on the Monday of each to be the curious type I might have expected people will stop and think next time before about The Dolphin in Oldland Common. week. so I let go my dog's lead. (I am an they drop something. This story should be published in the main E-mail to:[email protected]

10 The Week in • Wednesday 14th October 2020 Heirloom jewellery worth £30k stolen in Whitchurch burglary Police are appealing for help in tracing gold necklace; a gold Indian wedding 30 years ago. £30,000 of jewellery that was stolen necklace (mangal sutra) with black beads in “They had planned to leave the items as during a burglary in Whitchurch. it; a diamond engagement ring; and a ruby inheritance for their grandchildren. Between 8.15am and 2.15pm on Friday 25th necklace with a white gold chain. “Given that the burglary happened during the September a house in Whitchurch Lane was Designated Investigating Officer from day, it is likely that there would have been broken into and 15 items of jewellery were Operation Remedy, Alastair Binnie, said: people in the area. The m1 bus route runs stolen. “The couple that live at the property are past the property along Bamfield, with the This included four solid gold bangles; four understandably devastated at the theft of this Paddock Gardens stop located nearby. If you pairs of gold earrings; a child’s gold necklace jewellery. Not only are the items valuable, used the bus stop on that day and saw with an Indian religious symbol on the front but also of huge sentimental value, having something suspicious, we would like to hear and the initials AA engraved on the back; a originally been used for their wedding over from you. “We know that the offenders picked up drawers from an old piece of furniture which was at the front of the property and carried them to the rear. As the house has an open driveway, this activity would have been visible from the road, so please get in touch if you saw anything.” • Meanwhile police issued CCTV images of two men wanted in connection with a burglary at a property in Fortfield Road in Whitchurch on Tuesday 8th September in Do you recognise this pair? which gold jewellery was stolen.

The Week in • Wednesday 14th October 2020 11 Dozens of trees at nature reserve to be felled

Dozens of trees at a popular nature reserve in South Mike Gray, a director at WMCR, said they are seeking to Gloucestershire will have to be felled for safety reasons create a more diverse woodland. Currently the trees are because of a devastating disease. mainly sycamore and ash. The replacement trees will include Two trees have already been removed at Willsbridge Mill beech and birch. because of ash dieback. Most of the other trees that need to WMCR are hoping that parts of the trees can be left to protect be felled are in the area where a new forest school is being wildlife habitats. created, and some are more than 100 years old. They are It is believed that some trees in the wider Willsbridge Valley, expected to be removed by February. which is managed by Avon Wildlife Trust, will also be Willsbridge Mill Community Refresh (WMCR), which runs affected by the fungus. the site, is working with an ecologist to prepare an extensive This week a spokesperson for South Gloucestershire planting programme to replace what is lost. Council, which owns the mill and valley site, said: “We may What is ash dieback? Ash dieback is caused by a fungus named UK, it was eventually shown to have been imported on Hymenoscyphus fraxineus and is likely to cause saplings which were then planted at multiple sites. Mike Gray next to one of the trees to be felled significant damage to the UK's ash population. There is no cure and very few trees are showing signs of There are 80 million ash trees in the UK and they are the long-term resistance, so control is no longer considered have to remove up to 40 ash trees infected with ash dieback third most common tree after oak and birch. viable. disease at Willsbridge before they become unstable and cause The disease is of Eastern Asian origin. Its introduction The main signs of ash dieback are: a health and safety issue. to Europe about 30 years ago has devastated the European • Dead branches; “Ash dieback is a national problem, with ash trees across the ash and because our native ash species have not • Blackening of leaves, which often hang limply on the country being hit hard by the disease which has spread evolved with the fungus, they have no natural defence tree; throughout Europe in recent years. We will be replacing the against it. • Discoloured stems, often with a diamond-shaped lesion trees we lose to the disease, as well as planting thousands Ash dieback has spread due to airborne spores and trade where a leaf was attached; more in South Gloucestershire over the coming years.” in ash saplings. When the disease was confirmed in the • Trees may eventually drop limbs, collapse or fall. Coronavirus shuts café A staff member at Avenue Café in Emersons Green has Crossword tested positive for COVID-19. The café closed on Saturday and will not reopen until ACROSS DOWN Wednesday 21st October. 1. Slaughter (8) 1. Stable yard (4) In a message on their Facebook page on Monday the 5. Stop (4) 2. Marten fur (5) café said: “One of our staff members has tested positive 9. Woven tape (7) 3. Aromatic plant (5) after having mild symptoms – they are well and 10. Rub (5) 4. Type of sleeve (6) recovering at home. We made the right decision in our 11. Destiny (3) 6. Non-professional (7) swift action to close the café and all staff are self- 12. Swelling (6) 7. Playhouses (8) isolating following government guidelines. 15. Clumsy (5) 8. Deed (6) “If you signed in with the Track and Trace (sic) app, you 17. Towards (4) 13. Expected (3) would have already been/will be notified as to whether or not you may need to self-isolate. We’re still waiting 19. Trojan hero (6) 14. Ponder (4) for the Local Authority to advise us on the procedure 22. False (6) 16. Antbear (8) for those who signed in manually in the book.” 24. Aquatic bird (4) 18. Melody (4) 26. Storehouse (5) 20. Relating to marriage (7) 27. Squeezed in (6) 21. Be present (6) 30. --- Peron (3) 23. Label (3) 32. Foreign (5) 25. African country (6) 33. Recount (7) 28. Unclean (5) 34. Pleated tartan skirt (4) 29. Glorify (5) 35. Carved column (8) 31. Care for (4)

12 The Week in • Wednesday 14th October 2020 Fears for trees on site with Revamped park a success New equipment costing £30,000 is now in place at the ‘potential for redevelopment’ Williams Close play area in Longwell Green. The new slide tower replaces the old spiral slide which Concern is being raised about South Gloucestershire Council removed on health and what could happen to mature safety grounds. It is suitable for children aged from four trees on a plot of land in upwards and has some accessible features for those with Downend that is coming up for mobility issues. auction next month. Kingswood MP Chris Skidmore, pictured centre, who The site is a block of 10 garages visited the revamped park with local councillors Toby with additional land to the sides Savage and Christine Price, said: “Seeing the new play and rear. It is located behind the equipment bringing such enjoyment to local families has Deanna Court flats, accessed via brought back fond childhood memories of playing in this Cleeve Lodge Close off Cleeve very park while growing up in Longwell Green. I am Lodge Road. The land to the rear of delighted that South Gloucestershire Council has been the garages backs onto Westerleigh able to make record investments to public open spaces Road. across our area to keep them up-to-date and fun for Auctioneers Maggs & Allen generations to come.” describe it is an “excellent opportunity for investors and developers”. The garages are currently fully let and the auctioneers say there is potential to increase the rents In a letter to The Week In, a couple who live near the site say as a number are currently let below market. They also say: the fine sycamore trees are subject to Tree Preservation “The land and garages may also offer potential for Orders, which is not mentioned in the sale particulars. redevelopment, subject to obtaining the necessary consents.” They ask people to keep a look out for them amidst concerns The online auction is on 3rd November and the guide price that a developer might remove them. is £100,000 to £125,000. See Letters, page 10

The Week in • Wednesday 14th October 2020 13 Concerns at South Glos Council over Government’s planning reforms South Gloucestershire Conservatives are the latest to renewal or protection, has been voice concerns over the Government’s proposed changes described by critics as a “developers’ Steve Reade to the planning system. charter”. The council is formulating its response to the White Papers Planning consultants Litchfields have ‘Changes to the Current Planning System’ and ‘Planning for produced a report which indicates the the Future’ and was due to debate the matter at tonight’s full new algorithm for forecasting future council meeting (Wednesday) at which the Lib Dem housing need would have significant members have also proposed a motion. impacts on South Gloucestershire. As we reported in Issue 646 (23rd September) Bath & North While the council’s current Local Plan East Somerset Council has already given its official response requirement is 1,360 homes a year and to the Government consultation process and urged residents the existing method calculation just to complain to their local MPs Jacob Rees-Mogg and Wera over 1,400, the average number of Hobhouse. homes delivered over the last three Last month, we also reported on the Hanham District years is actually 1,600. However, using Greenbelt Conservation Society echoing fears already the new method proposed in the White expressed that the changes would remove democratic Paper, that figure would increase to scrutiny of planning applications at a local level. 2,544 a year. The council’s response to the Government consultation was Each of the White Papers contains proposed changes which Steve Reade, who is the council’s Cabinet Member for on the agenda for its October meeting today and one of the are proving contentious. ‘Changes to the Current Planning Planning, said: “Many of our local communities are already other concerns which is echoed by other councils is the System’ includes a new algorithm for calculating a council’s facing massive unplanned expansions due to speculative Government contention that the current planning system is future housing targets which would impose significant developments succeeding through the appeal process after at fault for the lack of house-building. South Gloucestershire increases in the annual house building targets on each of the we turn them down and, if we are given completely Conservatives believe that with nine out of ten planning three local authorities in our area. While ‘Planning for the unachievable targets to reach, this problem will grow applications approved over the last decade, and one million Future’ contains proposals to remove bureaucracy and exponentially, leaving us less equipped to manage the homes with permission still to be built, the Government streamline the planning process, the aim of dividing the sustainable growth of our communities.” needs to better support local councils in ensuring the houses country into three zones of land designated for growth, Last year, Government inspectors rejected the first region- actually do get built. wide housing blueprint for the next 15 years, the West of Cllr Reade said: “We understand the Government’s intention England Combined Authority Joint Spatial Plan (JSP). Its to help the recovery of the housing sector and deal with the main reason was that the selection of strategic areas for future national crisis it faces, and while there are several positive development had not been sufficiently robust. Last month, steps being put forward, including to remove red tape and Leslie Forrest, from the South Gloucestershire branch of the putting more pressure on developers for new development to Campaign for the Protection of Rural England, wrote to The be ‘beautiful’, unfortunately it appears that these proposals Week In, pointing out that the strategic sites in the JSP were don’t quite achieve the holistic view that is needed to support those not either in the Green Belt or Areas of Outstanding communities as much as they do for the industry.” Natural Beauty. He claimed it would be physically The Lib Dems have also tabled a motion for tonight’s impossible to double the number of houses in those areas and meeting which echoes many of the concerns raised and also that the only way of meeting the sort of numbers predicted highlights the proposals contained in the White Papers fail in the Litchfields study would be to sacrifice the Green Belt. to adequately take into account the declared Climate with most pressure on sites closest to Bristol. Emergency and the 2008 Climate Emergency Act. Over the years The Week In has regularly carried stories of Kingswood MP Chris Skidmore, who has a long association speculative development proposals on the east side of with protection of the Green Belt, told The Week In: "The Kingswood, with sites alongside the A420 in Warmley and new higher housing figure coming out of the Government's Barry Road in Oldland Common regularly targeted. proposed formula update isn't sustainable and would mean Cllr Reade continued: “Currently South Gloucestershire uncontrollable urban sprawl locally and across South Council is in the process of developing its new Local Plan Gloucestershire. and it is vital that we are given the ability to make decisions “I'm encouraged that the Government goes on to say that the that benefit and enhance our communities. As a local presence of Green Belt and other environmental factors will authority, we need the power to assess applications based on bring that figure down to what can realistically be actually their individual merits, and not be hindered by disruption to delivered. I will be looking for firm assurances on this as this delivery timetables. We would be under extreme pressure to new policy progresses. preserve our beautiful rural area if we are being told to meet "Since before being elected as Kingwood's MP, I have sought colossal targets that will benefit developers more than it will to protect our precious green spaces whilst delivering new residents.” homes for local people. I will continue to campaign for this."

14 The Week in • Wednesday 14th October 2020 Mark honours his late father at ordination Mark Nam, assistant curate at St Anne’s in Oldland and United Church in Longwell Green, was ordained as a deacon on Sunday 4th October. He is one of the first British-born Chinese priests in the Church of England and for the ceremony at wore an ordination stole in honour of his late father representing reconciliation, symbolised by the Chinese characters for East and West. An ordination stole is traditionally Sign brings relief for residents presented to candidates as a gift. For Mark, A ‘No Through Road’ sign has gone up at the He said it was good news for local residents: it was a gift that his father Tony had hoped entrance to Homefield Road in Saltford after “Drivers not used to the area were using this to give him on the special day. a plea to B&NES Council by ward member cul-de-sac road in a vain attempt to get back However, after the sad passing of his dad Duncan Hounsell. to the A4.” just two days before Mark was licensed by the Bishop of Bristol in July, Mark decided to raise money for the garment through Road to close for two weekends crowdfunding, successfully raising Residents and visitors to The Shallows in Street. £1,760. Saltford are advised that the road will be Meanwhile the public toilets at The Shallows After designing the stole with his wife, closed on the weekends of 31st October-1st are now working again and the portable ones Kayi, Mark commissioned Juliet November and 7th-8th November because of installed at the start of the summer have been Hemingray Designs to produce a unique Mark Nam Western Power Distribution works. removed. The loos were closed for several Chinese/Western stole. The alternative route will be via the High months because of a collapsed drain.

The Week in • Wednesday 14th October 2020 15 Dedicated nurse among local heroes honoured by the Queen Sandra Payne, the director of nursing and coronavirus pandemic. and one in . care homes at Bristol-based charity Sandra, who has been awarded for services Sandra said: “I am absolutely amazed and Brunelcare, has been recognised with an to social care and response to the COVID-19 incredibly proud to have been awarded this MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours pandemic, has dedicated much of her career honour. Nursing has always been my passion list. to the sector. and working at Brunelcare in social care has The honours were delayed from the summer Qualifying as a nurse in 1986 at the Bath given me so many great opportunities to to allow for additional people to be School of Nursing, she worked in acute make a real difference.” recognised for outstanding work during the medical wards and specialised in cardiology Brunelcare’s chief executive Oona at the Bristol Royal Infirmary. Goldsworthy said: “As a nurse, Sandra has She went on to work as a district nurse in dedicated her career to caring for others. For South Bristol before joining Brunelcare in that alone she is a worthy recipient of this 1993 on a part-time basis as her children honour. This year, however, Sandra has grew up. She went on to manage one of the played a pivotal role in our response to

charity’s care homes and lead on clinical COVID-19. She has done so calmly, Daryn Carter excellence, before being appointed director showing real leadership in the most of nursing and care homes in 2019. challenging of circumstances. people who have supported him through the Brunelcare operates five care and nursing “We are bursting with pride for Sandra. She years and all the incredible volunteers he has homes, including Little Heath, an 88-bed is an incredible professional, combining a worked with. care home and reablement centre in Cadbury ‘can-do’ attitude with genuine kindness and Daryn was also awarded the Freedom of the Heath. Sandra led the opening of it in the empathy. She is extremely modest and would City of Bristol this year. midst of the pandemic. The other care homes never expect to be recognised in this way. A Sandra Meadows, chief executive of Voscur, which supports voluntary sector Sandra Payne are Deerhurst in Soundwell, Saffron Gardens true unsung hero and an inspiration to us all.” in Whitehall, Robinson House in Stockwood, The organiser of Bristol Pride, Daryn Carter, organisations in Bristol, also becomes an has also been given an MBE for services to MBE for services to the community of the LGBTQ+ community. He helped plan Bristol during COVID-19. and deliver an online festival this year after Meanwhile Robert Allen, from Whitchurch, the public event was cancelled because of the formerly a firefighter with Avon Fire and pandemic. Rescue Service, has received the British He said he shared his joy with the many Empire Medal. Land purchase boost for slip road and new depot plans South Gloucestershire Council’s ambition slip road into the Mangotsfield Sort It to create a slip road at Mangotsfield Sort Centre site. It Centre to help relieve queues of vehicles “This will relieve congestion and it will waiting to get in, and also to relocate the enable us to relocate the waste collection Warmley waste vehicle depot to the site, vehicle depot from Cowhorn Hill, has moved a step closer. Warmley, to Carsons Road.” At last Monday’s Cabinet meeting, the She added that it would create efficiency, Executive Member for Communities save money, reduce carbon emissions, and Rachael Hunt, said she was pleased to contribute towards the council’s Climate confirm that the council had completed the Emergency declaration. purchase of the 2.33 acres of land west of A planning application for the slip road is Carsons Road. expected towards the end of 2020, with a She said: “This will enable us to move view to starting construction during towards our vision to develop a dedicated autumn 2021.

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16 The Week in • Wednesday 14th October 2020 Pandemic brings retirement community closer together Lockdown didn’t stop the residents at something to look forward to each day, along Magpie Court Retirement Living Plus with a much-needed opportunity for us to development in Hanham from growing socialise – particularly for those who were closer as a community. shielding at the time.” Margaret Oxenham, 79, and Barbara Meanwhile Margaret, alongside two other Clements, 84, are just two of the residents residents, set up a new gardening club. She who feel very lucky to have been living at said: “As we were spending so much time Magpie Court when the world was thrown out in the garden for our daily exercises, we into a pandemic. decided to put that time to good use and set Magpie Court’s estate manager Bartosz up a gardening club. We all put some money Turewicz and his team have been running into a pot and contributed together to daily exercise sessions for residents to join purchase different plants, tubs and rose trees in on their balconies, organising regular from a local garden centre, which were socially distanced quizzes and Sunday sing- delivered straight to us. a-longs in the garden, as well as delivering “Everyone joined in and got involved, so it food, medicine and other supplies to those was great to do something together - we have who were shielding and couldn’t get out and always been a close-knit community so we From left, Margaret Oxenham, Bartosz Turewicz & Barbara Clements about. really didn’t want to lose sight of that.” Barbara said: “The balcony exercise sessions Barbara moved from Hexham in rural live in the south of England. active lifestyle, and particularly liked the were so much fun, Bart and the team really Northumberland to the Magpie Court Margaret has lived in Bristol all her life and location of the development as it’s near to the worked hard to make them enjoyable. As Retirement Living Plus development in July also moved into Magpie Court just over a High Street, local nature reserve and her well as keeping us active, they gave us 2019, mainly to be closer to her family, who year ago. She wanted to maintain her brother.

The Week in • Wednesday 14th October 2020 17 Spring launch for Bath’s Clean Air Zone Bath’s Clean Air Zone will come into interest-free loans and grants towards the where it does not have to impose a went much further. Restrictions to effect on 15th March next year. cost of upgrading vehicles to meet the charging system for all vehicles. through traffic in places like Baldwin Although private cars won’t be charged new standards. There are also a wide The original plan for a complete ban on Street were introduced under emergency to enter the central area, higher emission range of exemptions available for hard- all diesel vehicles in the city centre was powers but the council wants to make taxis, private hire vehicles, minibuses, to-replace or special vehicles, and to rejected by the Government during the these permanent. There are also plans to LGVs and vans (including pick-ups and support disadvantaged groups and vital summer and instead it has told the ban traffic from streets in the Old City. camper vans) will be charged £9 a day services. council to come up with a full business Although traffic in Bristol is starting to while higher emission buses, coaches Earlier this year, the Government had plan by next February to show how it increase again, NO2 levels are at, or only and HGVs will have to pay £100 a day. said it still wanted the Bath CAZ will bring emissions below the legal just above, the legal limit in many Charges will apply to vehicles with pre- implemented by next month, despite the limit before 2023. central locations. The Mayor is hopeful Euro 6/VI diesel engines and pre-Euro 4 COVID-19 situation. But this was Yet another round of consultation began that these measures may mean a full petrol vehicles. pushed back and following renewed last week on a ‘London style’ charging charging CAZ can be avoided, but time The council is now urging people to negotiations over financial support for zone for all non-compliant vehicles in will be tight if a full business case needs check their vehicles to see if they will be the scheme, the council agreed to a the centre with the possibility of a ‘Bath to be completed in four months’ time. charged. This can be done using the funding package of £23.452m to style’ outer charging zone for non- That is why the council is now Government’s central CAZ service at implement the scheme and provide compliant commercial vehicles. Bristol’s consulting on the two options for a CAZ. www.gov.uk/ cleanairzone. All you need supporting measures. Mayor Marvin Rees has always been The public consultation is open until is your vehicle registration number. A against an all-vehicle charging scheme, 22nd November and you can respond to central CAZ support service is also Consultation in Bristol believing this has a disproportionate the questionnaire at www.bristol.gov.uk/ available on 0300 029 8888. Meanwhile in Bristol, the council is impact on those who can least afford it. caz2020 or request a paper copy by B&NES Council has begun contacting hoping that traffic restrictions put in While many towns and cities imposed writing to CAZ, Transport Engagement businesses in the area and there are place as a response to COVID-19 will traffic restrictions to give more space for Team, PO BOX 3399, 100 Temple financial support schemes available from help reduce NO2 levels to the point pedestrians to social distance, Bristol Street, Bristol, BS1 9NE.

Bath Clean Air Zone from next March

18 The Week in • Wednesday 14th October 2020 Bristol – proposed inner charging zone (all non-compliant vehicles)

Bristol – proposed inner and outer charging zone (commercial non-compliant vehicles)

The Week in • Wednesday 14th October 2020 19 ‘Outstanding’ rating for Youth Offending Team South Gloucestershire’s Youth Offending beyond” during the pandemic, working with Team (YOT), who work with young some of the district’s most disadvantaged people aged 10 to 17 to prevent youth young people. crime and reduce re-offending, have been Cllr Bromiley said HMI Probation’s report rated as ‘Outstanding’ by Her Majesty’s would be out in December, adding: “We’ll Limelight boost for Keynsham florist Inspectorate of Probation following a know more details then about the overall Keynsham-based Wild About Flowers had candles, handmade soaps, chocolate bars recent inspection. judgement and any other areas for their day in the spotlight last month as one and locally grown seeds.” The announcement was made last Monday development.” of the 100 small businesses selected as Created 20 years ago by Angela by the council’s Cabinet Member for The Youth Offending Team work with a part of the build-up to Small Business Sherwood, she is now joined by her Children & Young People Sam Bromiley. range of services including the police, Saturday. daughter Ivy as creative director. Ivy Speaking at the online Cabinet meeting, Cllr probation officers, children’s services, The annual event takes place this year on reflected on their involvement with Small Bromiley said: “I’m sure all members will schools and education authorities, health, 5th December and during the three Biz 100: “Being part of the Small Biz 100 join me in wanting to recognise the great housing and the local community. months preceding it, each of the selected allows us to connect with other small efforts of our Youth Offending Team who They ensure justice is dealt with quickly; Small Biz 100 companies is highlighted businesses much further away than our underwent a recent inspection and received help young offenders face the consequences nationally for a day. local High Street. We take great a judgement of Outstanding. of their offending and develop a sense of The Small Biz 100 publicity said of the inspiration from other small businesses “Previously the team has maintained a Good personal responsibility; work with young High Street business: “Wild About and it’s amazing to connect with many rating so this is a great development and people to tackle issues that put them at risk Flowers specialise in creating wedding other creative individuals who all have a shows a real desire for continued of offending; ensure that punishment is floristry; their floral designs for couples different story to share. improvement in the service.” proportionate to the offence committed; and have a wild and romantic style. The team “It’s been such a challenging year for He praised the team for going “above and help parents and carers to help their children. are also proud to supply their local area businesses so it’s amazing to come with a wonderful selection of handmade together and have something to gifts from sustainable gift boxes to eco- celebrate.” friendly fabric wrapped bouquets. Now in its eighth year in the UK, Small “Their brand new online collection of gift Business Saturday has grown significantly products was designed with other small each year, with a record turnout of 17.6 businesses in mind, creating a range of million people choosing to shop small on beautifully packaged gift boxes using the day last year, generating an estimated individual items stocked instore, including £800m. Customer service success for Wessex Water Wessex Water has been recognised as a Report. The number of written complaints top performer by industry regulator Ofwat received from customers in 2019/20 fell and the Consumer Council for Water by 23% while there was a 40% reduction (CWW). in ‘stage 2’ complaints, where issues with Ofwat has placed Wessex Water third of service or bills are not resolved at the first 17 companies in its new C-MeX league time of asking. table, which measures the quality of Wessex’s director of customer policy and services delivered to customers. engagement Sue Lindsay said: “We're Results are based on telephone, online proud to be the leading water and and face-to-face surveys and have sewerage company again when it comes seen Wessex finish in the top three to keeping written complaints down. alongside Portsmouth Water and Welsh “We treat any complaint as one too many Water. and something to learn from, while we're Recognition from Ofwat comes after committed to going the extra mile for our Wessex Water was also singled out for customers and resolving issues raised at praise in the annual CCW Complaints the first time of asking.”

20 The Week in • Wednesday 14th October 2020 New pavilion plan for playing fields Plans for a new pavilion at King George V it’s not the most salubrious of surroundings, and Badminton Road playing fields in not particularly good, but what we are trying Downend are being brought forward. to do is to put a new pavilion on there, which Speaking at the Community Engagement would provide good local facilities, new Forum for Downend, Emersons Green & changing facilities but also for local groups Frenchay last Wednesday, local councillor and other people to use as a sort of focal Ben Burton said: “Those of you know the point for the community.” He said a planning site will probably have seen it’s quite a dull application would be circulated in the next ‘60s building, very tired, and if you are month or so and encouraged people to get in unfortunate enough to go inside it, you know touch with their comments.

The Week in • Wednesday 14th October 2020 21 Sudoku Solutions Crossword Solution 1-Easy 2-Hard

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