THEEast BristolWEEK & North East Somerset IN FREE Issue 462 22nd February 2017 Read by over 40,000 people each week

TeensPolice are stepping up patrols 'terrorising'out more than a dozen times to abusive and throwing Emersons stock throwing stones or firing Green to deal with teenagers who deal with rowdy and around. pellets from a BB gun or are said to be “terrorising” intimidating teenagers. There During the half-term holiday catapult near the village hall . So far this have been reports from shops last week, trouble escalated where a mother and baby clinic year, officers have been called of groups of teenagers being with reports of teenagers was being held. Fortunately, no

one was injured. Special Constables will be supporting the police neighbourhood team in increased patrols following the incident last Tuesday. Local councillor Colin Hunt raised the problem of anti- social behaviour at the meeting of Council the following day when, as part of the budget, a £50,000 anti-social behaviour (ASB) fund was approved. The money will provide for one-off Continued on page 3

in 2 The Week • Wednesday 22nd February 2017

Teens 'terrorising' Emersons Green Continued from page 1 direct someone involved in holidays, but they must respect behaviour.” conviction can affect a young projects to combat ASB, which ASB to leave an area. Anyone their community and its He added that criminal damage person's future career or even has risen in some parts of the returning within the specified facilities. Talk to them about and public order offences could travel plans, with visa district, including Emersons time could be arrested. the consequences of this sort of lead to arrest and that a applications being refused. Green. “We've also increased our Cllr Hunt told the meeting that patrols of the area and are Emersons Green was being working with security staff to “invaded” by teenagers who identify those responsible and were “terrorising the place”. He if necessary see them banned said they had attacked mothers from the retail park. with young children and “We have identified a number thrown missiles because they of the teenagers involved in found it “funny”. this behaviour and I and my Police say the young people colleagues have been visiting involved in anti-social their homes and talking to their behaviour are mostly aged parents and carers about these between 13 and 16 and many problems. come from Emersons Green, “I'd ask parents and carers to Downend, Lyde Green and make sure they know where . their children are, who they're PC James Rochford said: “We with and what they're up to. have been using dispersal Teenagers should be able to orders, giving us powers to meet up at a retail park in the Emersons Green Village Hall In this week’s Shelter is magnet for anti-social behaviour Issue The shelter on Hanham Common has been hosting some First meeting of new unwelcome visitors recently who have been starting fires, regional authority spraying graffiti and throwing mud. next week The smell inside also suggests it has been used as a toilet. . . . page 5 The shelter is owned by Hanham Abbots Parish Council which pays to have it professionally steam cleaned on a B&NES and S Glos set regular basis and also employs a warden who does his best council tax to keep it tidy. . . . pages 14, 15 & 19 The recent fires are a particular worry and the parish council has reported this to both the police and Avon Fire & Rescue. Possible new home for If anyone notices any fires being started or any other anti- Rocking Horse social behaviour call the police and/or fire service on 999. Nursery? . . . page 16

Staple Hill Quality of Life project launched . . . page 20

Win Gym membership worth £500 . . . page 22

in The Week • Wednesday 22nd February 2017 3

Councillor found guilty of Kingswood being involved in drugs rings Two arrested A Bath & North East Somerset councillor were then turned into cannabis factories. has been found guilty at Crown Hassett was elected as a Conservative Court of conspiring to produce cannabis. councillor in 2015. B&NES Council released following large- Donal Hassett, one this statement following his conviction: “For of the ward legal reasons B&NES Council cannot scale drugs raid councillors for comment on Donal Hassett's future as a A man and a woman have been arrested following a large- Newbridge in Bath, councillor until post sentencing. The council scale drugs raid on a Kingswood trading estate. was arrested last takes this matter extremely seriously. Police swooped on industrial premises on Tuesday and their March in a police “We expect the highest standards from all our investigations continued there until Friday. operation into drug members and Cllr Hassett's behaviour falls far A spokesman for Avon & Somerset police said: “On Tuesday production. short of this. As soon as Cllr Hassett was afternoon we executed a drugs warrant at an industrial He'd denied charged he was suspended from the premises on the Douglas Road Trading Estate. sourcing rental Conservative Group. He is no longer a Donal Hassett “A large quantity of items, suspected to be drugs, were located properties which member of the party.” inside the premises. Due to the amount of items seized, our inquiries continued at the location until Friday. “As a result of our investigation, we arrested a 39-year-old THE WEEK IN man and a 19-year-old woman on suspicion of being concerned in the production of Class B drugs. Both have been Barrs Court, , , released on police bail, pending further inquiries. Cadbury Heath, Compton Dando, “We would like to take this opportunity to thank members of Corston, Downend, Emersons the public who continue to be our eyes and ears in our local Green, , Hanham, communities.” Hillfields, Keynsham, Kingswood, Anyone wishing to report a crime can call us on 101 or , Mangotsfield, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left Marksbury, North Common, anonymously. Common, , Saltford, Staple Hill, , St George, , Whitchurch, Wick, Willsbridge. 16,000 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] News Editor Becky Feather 07973 839936 Contributors Christine Rogers and Greg Taylor

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.

Keynsham & Saltford Times Ltd. t/a The Week In is regulated by IMPRESS: The Independent Monitor for the Press CIC. As such, we adhere to the IMPRESS complaints procedure. A copy of this procedure can be found on our website or can be sent upon written request to the address above.

in 4 The Week • Wednesday 22nd February 2017

Keynsham Fairtrade Regional authority Fortnight Fairtrade Fortnight, which runs from 27th February to 12th March, is an setWith the promise forof funding and firstagreed last year to create themeeting West of elected regional mayor who will be the important part of the decision-making powers on transport England Combined Authority. North single point of contact between Fairtrade year when infrastructure and housing issues, the Somerset Council decided not to join Government and the region and he or she campaigners, businesses, councils of Bristol, Bath & North East forces with the others. will chair a decision-making cabinet with schools and places of Somerset and South Gloucestershire all On 4th May, residents will vote for an Tim Warren, Matthew Riddle and Marvin worship across the country Rees, the council leaders and mayor show their support for the respectively of B&NES, South millions of farmers and Gloucestershire and Bristol City councils. workers who grow our The meeting on Wednesday 1st March is at food in developing the Watershed in Bristol (starting at countries. 1.30pm) and will concern itself primarily Keynsham is a Fairtrade with procedural matters and establishment town and Victoria of a working constitution ahead of the Methodist Church is open mayoral election. The order to establish from 10am to noon each WECA passed through Parliament on 9th day serving Fairtrade February. coffee, so pop on for a Wednesday's meeting is open to the public drink and you may wish to and anyone wishing to ask a question can leave a donation towards Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees, the Chair of the West of England LEP submit their proposals in writing to Fairtrade. Stephen Robertson, Sajid Javid, South Glos councillor Colin Hunt and [email protected] by 5pm the leader of B&NES Council Tim Warren tomorrow (Thursday 23rd February).

in The Week • Wednesday 22nd February 2017 5

South Glos Poor Ofsted report demands culture change, says Labour Labour councillors in South strain which Ofsted's monitoring regime will Gloucestershire say Ofsted's judgement now put on staff and the damage done to the that the authority's children's services are reputation of South Gloucestershire Council. 'Inadequate' could have been avoided had “The amount of information and detail being opportunities to tackle failings not been shared with elected members has clearly been missed because of a “don't tell, don't ask” inadequate and my experience is that many culture. councillors have been reluctant to challenge Labour councillor Gareth Manson said that in and scrutinise what they are told. The 2014 he and his Labour colleagues proposed relationship between councillors and managers that the council subject itself to a 'mock' has become too cosy, leading to a 'don't tell, Ofsted inspection, but were dissuaded on the don't ask' culture.” grounds that a full inspection was imminent. He added: “I am concerned that the immediate response from senior levels in the council to this damning report seems to be that South Gloucestershire is somehow less inadequate than other inadequate authorities. This defensive attitude and culture really needs to change if there is to be any meaningful and sustainable turn around in the council's performance.” After the publication of the report, Andrew Went, South Glos Unison branch secretary, said: “It's time for a proper inquiry into how children's services have been allowed to slide Gareth Manson downhill, putting vulnerable people at risk. Questions need to be asked up to the very top Nine months later, when had Ofsted had still levels about why improvements needed from not visited, Cllr Manson said Labour previous inspections were not made. councillors once again proposed a mock inspection but the idea was blocked because the cost and time demands on staff would be too high, a claim Labour strongly disputed. Ofsted inspectors finally visited at the end of last year and published their report last week. Although they recognised there had been some positive changes since the council set up a turnaround board in 2014, they found that political leaders and senior managers had not demonstrated sufficient understanding of the extent of the “widespread and serious failures” within children's services, in particular the 0- Andrew Went 25s disability team. Peter Murphy, Director of Children, Adults & “For two years, Unison has been voicing staff Health, said last week that steps were already concerns that the 0-25 service still had serious being taken to bring about rapid improvement, flaws; first with service management, and then which had been acknowledged by Ofsted in with the chief executive. Staff welfare has the report. been an ongoing issue, specifically stress Cllr Manson said: “Had either of these mock levels, sickness absence, and retention rates. inspections taken place the deficiencies in vital “Senior managers and politicians must take services that Ofsted have now uncovered responsibility for their decisions which have would have been exposed and dealt with led to the 'Inadequate' rating. The report sooner. This would have resulted in children highlighted that management and political receiving a service which met their needs and leaders have not understood or prioritised this the council would have been better placed to crucial function so that even after two years of protect them. focus, this service is still inadequate.” “It would have also avoided the stress and

in 6 The Week • Wednesday 22nd February 2017

Carer highlights parents' concerns aboutParent and foster carer children'ssituation was urgent. Since we are unable services to progress as Sandie Davis highlighted then we have been bathing we are waiting for an her own and other Sophie hanging from her assessment which will concerned parents' hoist in her bath sling which support his application.” experiences of children's is too small. Despite A council spokesperson told services in South Glos when numerous people chasing, us: “We can confirm that we she addressed the council still no contact from the 0-25 are already taking action to meeting last Wednesday. team regarding OT review. address the issues raised in She challenged director Peter “We have also been waiting the report. Ofsted highlighted Murphy's assertion that social since last October for a requirement to urgently workers have been allocated someone to come and review review all cases currently or to all the cases identified by her chair (the physio recently allocated to Ofsted and are receiving a contacted the 0-25 team managers within the 0 to 25 service. then). The air mattress on the service. These reviews have bed is also broken. So the now taken place to ensure chair causes her back to curve everyone receives a more circumstances.” would, however, like to point further as it is no longer timely service appropriate to Ms Davis said she was out that if indeed these supportive. And the dodgy air their needs. thankful for the swift reviews have taken place, mattress is causing her “The next steps for the response from the head of there are others still waiting pressure sores when she's in council are to continue to integrated services, adding: “I like the examples that I bed. Oh, and the social implement all of the now completely understand quoted on Wednesday worker left last summer and recommendations in the that both my own boys, being including the young girl who was only replaced last week. report against an over 18, were not covered by has a life-limiting condition.” So I couldn't even get her to improvement plan which is Sandie Davis the Ofsted inspection which She said she looked forward chase the OT. I've had currently being developed. illustrates the fact that the to seeing implementation of She read a statement from the Lifetime chasing but to no “Contact was made with Ms poor service is more all of Ofsted's parent of a little girl with a avail. Still no contact from Davis the day after the widespread than just 0-18. I recommendations. life-limiting condition and the 0-25 team.” council meeting to discuss complex needs. The mother Another case Ms Davis her situation. We were able to had called social services for highlighted was that of a confirm that the Ofsted an urgent occupational mother with a son in inspection related to young therapy (OT) review just over residential care: “Nobody has people up to the age of 18 in five weeks ago: “The beads checked or phoned for over receipt of social care, not the had started leaking out of two years. We see him adult 18 to 25 element. Sophie's bath seat and were regularly but how about the Therefore, her sons were not blocking the plughole. Then service users that don't have among the 172 cases one got stuck in her stoma. I any family?” highlighted in the report. had to pick it out with Ms Davis said reviews for her “We have also provided her tweezers before it caused an own two boys, who are adults with our contact details so she infection. but both still under the 0-25 can share these with any of “I explained all this to the OT, service, are still pending. She the other families…who she agreed the bath seat was added: “My son is hoping to would like to talk to us about unusable and as such the move into his house soon but their own individual

Downend New home in library for parish council Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council now has a new office - in Downend Library in Buckingham Gardens. The parish office was previously based at the clerk Angela Hocking's home. She said: “It is now felt that with taking on more services from the unitary authority, parishioners should have a focal point where they can drop in to raise concerns, discuss any issues or just to know where they can get some help and advice.” The office will be open to the public on Monday and Wednesdays from 9.30am to midday. The phone number (0117 9567001) and email - [email protected] - remain the same.

in The Week • Wednesday 22nd February 2017 7

in 8 The Week • Wednesday 22nd February 2017

Minute's silence for trio Members of South Gloucestershire Council observed a minute's silence for two former councillors as well as paying their respects to Oldland parish councillor Barbara Hurley, who died last Tuesday. Cllr Hurley represented the Wraxall ward for Labour. Erica Williams, the Chair of South Glos Council, who also sits on Oldland Parish Council, paid tribute to Barbara, calling her “a very good parish councillor”. Cllr Ian Boulton rose to speak about June Lovell, who also died last Tuesday. He said she was much-loved in the community and had been a big influence for him. She represented the Parkwall ward for Labour on Kingswood and South Glos councils for 20 years and was Chair of South Glos from 2004- 2005. June's husband Arnold, who had also been a well-known local councillor, died in January 2016. Cllr Heather Goddard paid a warm tribute to former Conservative councillor Ken Richards, who represented Hanham on the old Kingswood District Council for over a Big progress at Willsbridge Mill decade and was chair from 1982 to 1983. Willsbridge Mill Community Refresh is Sue said: “Meanwhile it has been interesting to now in its third year of operation, during watch the progress of divers over the last few which time the buildings and land have seen months to clear the three underground culverts some major improvements, including new that run from along the left and the right of the roofs for both barn and mill. mill and one between the mill and barn Instrumental to the project's ongoing success is buildings. the support it receives from local groups such “Among the many skiploads of mud and silt as the Warmley Flower Show committee. removed were 21 footballs, an old TV tube and Earlier this month the chairman Kelvin Bush two supermarket trollies.” handed over a cheque for £200 from last year's The current opening hours for the café are show to WMCR director Sue Smith, pictured. Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10.30am to Thanks to South Gloucestershire Council, 3pm and Saturdays and Sundays from plans for 2017 include a new cesspit onsite and 10.30am to 3.30pm. a heating system for the mill. New for Keep up to date with what is happening with February is the installation of a wood-burning Willsbridge Mill Community Refresh on stove in the barn hall, providing an even Facebook. June Lovell warmer welcome for café users.

CHEMISTS Sudoku WEEKEND OPENING 1-Easy 2 -Hard Sunday 26th February 8 6 7 3 Boots, Gallagher Retail Park, Longwell Green (10.30am-4pm) 127 8 84 9 Asda Store Longwell Green 45 8 1 (10am-4pm) 8 7 4 3 3 9 1 Boots, Emersons Green Retail Park 6 9371 72 5 6 (10.30am-4pm) 379 1 56 4 Sainsburys, Emersons Green 5 4 8 6 1 5 (9.30am-4.30pm) 27 4 9 7 8 Stockwood Pharmacy 78 Hollway Road, BS14 8PG 31 5 7 25 4 (9am-7pm)

in The Week • Wednesday 22nd February 2017 9

LETTERS

Speaking up for June Sirman calls the latest traffic hope that an election would not be Saltford scheme 'fatuous' (Issue 459). She is called by 10 local electors. The vacancy would then be filled by co- Dear Sir concerned about the re-organisation of option at no cost to the parish or town I have felt the need to join the the pedestrian crossings - for the council. Equally, it might deter voters conversation in The Week In results of this work we must wait and from calling for an election or indeed concerning traffic on the A4, both into see! standing as a candidate if they knew and out of Saltford. Do we have a responsibility to our that the costs of an election fall on I spent last evening studying recent children to ensure that Saltford does their local parish or town council. In a editions of The Week In and collating not continue to become subject to a small community, the pressures not to contributions from Saltford residents. 'Steady Creep of Tox-ism?' (Radio 4 call for or stand in a by-election could There is no doubt that the main road in Thought for the Day) be considerable. our village has become an unpleasant Thank goodness that there are people Elections to fill vacancies on local place to be near. I want to pose two prepared to keep a watchful eye on mentioned almost daily in the media. councils need to be encouraged as questions before presenting my change and be prepared to speak up. They were, however, disputed by illiams they are the best way of engaging the analysis of the contributions. Jill W Duncan Hounsell (Issue 458) on the public over local issues. They give the Traffic may or may not have increased grounds that there is insufficient need elected councillor confidence in but: Damaging local for concern following 'one measure of having public support and avoid self- • Who is looking at the characteristics democracy one pollutant ...on one stretch of the serving cliques on a council. of the traffic? Dear Stephen Bath Road'. If the measurement and There were only six parish or town • How many of the vehicles use diesel The Conservative B&NES 2017/18 the result are meaningless, then why by-elections in 2016 in the whole of fuel? budget includes a transfer of the costs was the measurement carried out in the B&NES area which hardly • What is the volume of commercial of parish and town council by- the first place? justifies any change. This vehicles passing along the A4 elections from B&NES Council to the Reg Williams, who has long been Conservative B&NES council • Of these commercial vehicles how parish and town councils themselves. concerned about the volume of traffic decision has simply moved a budget many would be classed as oversized So what, you may think. on the main road and its obvious line off the B&NES budget for the capacity of a fairly narrow A Parish and town councils will be emissions and effect on village life, spreadsheet, transferred costs onto road? obliged to raise their own precepts writes (Issue 460) in agreement with parish and town councils, and • Do we have any prediction as to how (tax) to ensure that there is enough Robert Blatchford (Issue 459) and damaged local democracy in the numbers of these vehicles will money in reserves to meet these adds that in the B&NES' Action Plan, process with no financial benefit for increase? potential costs, which can be reduction of nitrogen dioxide is an the council taxpayer. How do we view our village? thousands of pounds. There is no aim. Robert Blatchford (Issue 459) David Brassington • Are we proud to show people the saving whatsoever to the B&NES gives his support to Alf, referring to Former Keynsham Town councillor shopping area? council tax payer as the parish (and the smell of the traffic fumes on the • Do we apologise for the main road town) precept is collected with the main road and stressing the effect for and move hastily to the river? council tax. Double yellow lines will drivers and pedestrians of the traffic • How safe is to cross the main road? This change is detrimental to local hit businesses conditions in the central area of the Alf Ashton (Issue 457) covers the democracy. There will be a pressure Dear Stephen village. Ken Coomes (Issue 460) is in serious issue of pollution. Alf's on a parish or town council NOT to South Gloucestershire Council have total agreement with Mr Blatchford. concerns reiterate national concerns widely publicise any vacancy and recently given notice to blanket cover

Write to us Please e-mail letters to [email protected] or post to: The Week In 8 Temple Court Keynsham Bristol BS31 1HA

in 10 The Week • Wednesday 22nd February 2017

the Pool Road area in Kingswood with sound so convincing when they claim double yellow lines. Such a move you have internet line connection would have a detrimental effect on problems, and in no time get your small businesses in the area as there personal details because they sound so would be smaller footfall from unsuspecting. potential customers. Many people My partner got caught out and when who shop here belong to the older she made her own contact to BT for generation and accordingly, due to clarification, they told her that BT various ailments, currently need to would never ever phone the customer drive or be transported there. I More praise for but they rely on the customer phoning currently attend the Riverbank Art Kingfisher Lodge them if they have problems with the Studio and if present parking facilities Dear Editor phone line. during the parking period. come to an end, I and around 50% of In reference to Claire Isaac's letter Now, if you challenge their call, they I contacted the M&S store in an the classes would not be able to visit printed in the issue of The Week In hang up quickly and sometimes get attempt to have the fine retracted but what is currently a vibrant and viable dated 1st February, we would like to rude. they say they cannot help. I have business. Added to this, many endorse her comments re Kingfisher John unsuccessfully attempted to establish housebound people would have to Lodge, Saltford, where ongoing issues the landowner of this site to explain give up their tuition and the are currently being dealt with. that these parking charges are enjoyment of meeting their class Car park warning Our sister, Joan Spill, who died excessive and the signs are impossible friends in a very relaxed setting. Dear Editor peacefully just over a week ago, was to read without the need to use a very I was led to believe that South I contact you with the aim of in the Kingfisher Lodge care home for strong magnifying tool. Gloucestershire Council was the highlighting the extortionate over two years with deteriorating I am sure that many people like champion of the small trader and operation of Parking Eye car park physical problems. We cannot fault myself have been trapped by what would always encourage free charging on the Gallagher Retail Park the treatment she received and the should be a 'free' car park for enterprise. This latest anti-motorist at Longwell Green. understanding, patience, humour and shoppers. proposal would appear to be a Whilst taking my elderly mother out warmth from all the hardworking I trust that this item may be of interest backward step for all concerned and after the New Year for the first time staff. to your readers, who, like me, may be has not had enough thought of the following a flu illness over Christmas, Thanks to their sensitivity and unaware of the operating practice of possible consequences given full I received a Parking Charge Notice of kindness when Joan died and Parking Eye. consideration by the parties £100 for overstaying the three-hour afterwards it made our sadness more concerned. limit on the retail park. Name & address supplied bearable. In closing, I would ask the relevant Whilst this car park is 'free' to use, the E & R Spill authorities to give full and considered signage is so illegible that it is thought to the ongoing problems that impossible to make head nor tail of THE WEEK IN this proposal would bring to the public Telephone scams the terms and conditions of parking who currently visit the area. Dear Editor therein. I have tried to explain to adverts Bob Danaher Following your article last week, can Parking Eye that the overstay was due call you remind readers that callers to my Mum being unwell, despite the claiming to be from BT Openreach fact we purchased over £30 of goods 0117 986 0381

Keep in touch, let us know what you think, send us your news facebook.com/theweekin

in The Week • Wednesday 22nd February 2017 11

Rising costs forced closure of bakery Bath Bakery, which closed suddenly He also blamed poor retail management wages when the company ceased trading 2015, Bath Bakery had a turnover in at the start of the year, was hit by a of its nine shops in the area, including on 4th January. excess of £3m. Twelve months later, post-Brexit rise in the cost of raw one in Keynsham High Street. Mr Slevin acquired the business in 2011 however, the gross profit had fallen by materials and the introduction of the Receivers Poppleton & Appleby have when it had one bakery and five retail £60,000 and a net profit of £13,000 the National Living Wage in April 2016, now sent their initial report on the outlets. He then expanded operations, previous year had turned into a deficit of according to former owner Mark business to creditors, including staff adding two more production units and £160,000. Slevin. who were not paid their December another nine branches and by the end of According to the schedule produced by Poppleton & Appleby the total due to unsecured creditors is £390,000 while the outstanding wages bill is over £80,000. Last summer the company was approached by Parsons over the sale of nine shops but negotiations dragged on and were not complete by the end of the year. With quarterly rents on many properties due at Christmas, the business was declared insolvent and ceased trading. The receivers are now collecting monies due from trade debtors and the sale of assets and equipment. In the days immediately following their appointment, Poppleton & Appleby reached agreement with Parsons to acquire the goodwill and assets of eight Bath Bakery shops in Bath and Somerset. The former Keynsham branch has been let to a bicycle sales and repair shop.

ACROSS Bitton Crossword 7 Study intensely (4,2) Helping toads 8 Road with traffic in both directions (3-3) 1 2 3 4 5 6 9 Three squared (4) cross the road 10 When the sun is just below the horizon (8) safely 7 8 11 Take back (7) Every spring, toads march 13 Breezy (5) across Golden Valley Lane to 15 Perform or make into law (5) reach local lakes and ponds to 17 Not functioning properly (7) breed. 9 10 20 Capacity to remain afloat (8) Avon Reptile & Amphibian 21Degrading behaviour or a workbench tool (4) Group is again organising a 22 Psychotic person (6) toad patrol to help them avoid 23 Tray (6) getting squashed by vehicles. 11 12 13 Last year volunteers rescued DOWN more than 1,300 amphibians 14 1 Gentle (6) and sent them safely on their 2 French Mediterranean port (4) way. Patrols start as soon as it 15 16 17 18 3 Early Soviet satellite (7) gets dark and continue for a couple of hours. Damp 19 4 Sedate (5) 5 He's married to your daughter (3-2-3) evenings are especially busy. If you are interested in 20 21 6 Type of nut (6) 12 A random sample, pot luck (5,3) helping with the patrol find 14 Caribbean dance (7) out more at 16 Sweet made with honey, sugar and nuts (6) https://www.facebook.com/gr 22 23 18 Projectile or missile (6) oups/BittonToads/ 19 Drink served cold (2,3) Meanwhile motorists using 21 Unit of electricity (4) the lane are urged to drive slowly and look out for both amphibians and volunteers.

Across Down in 12 The Week • Wednesday 22nd February 2017 7 Study intensely (4,2) 1 Gentle (6) 8 Road with traffic in both directions (3-3) 2 French Mediterranean port (4) 9 Three squared (4) 3 Early Soviet satellite (7) 10 When the sun is just below the horizon (8) 4 Sedate (5) 11 Take back (7) 5 He's married to your daughter (3-2-3) 13 Breezy (5) 6 Type of nut (6) 15 Perform or make into law (5) 12 A random sample, pot luck (5,3) 17 Not functioning properly (7) 14 Caribbean dance (7) 20 Capacity to remain afloat (8) 16 Sweet made with honey, sugar and nuts (6) 21 Degrading behaviour or a workbench tool (4) 18 Projectile or missile (6) 22 Psychotic person (6) 19 Drink served cold (2,3) 23 Tray (6) 21 Unit of electricity (4)

in The Week • Wednesday 22nd February 2017 13

SOUTH GLOS BUDGET ROUND-UP Council sets budget amid warning of looming 'financial black hole' South Gloucestershire Council has set level of council tax rise for 2017/18. additional precept to help meet income and current spending to balance its 2017/18 budget with leader Almost half (47 per cent) agreed the increasing costs for care of our most the books in the longer term. Matthew Riddle saying that while council should increase the adult social vulnerable older residents. This Labour Group leader Pat Rooney said: finances remain tight, the authority is care precept from 2 per cent as it was additional 3 per cent is allocated directly “South Gloucestershire Council has got “well placed” to meet future applied last year, to 3 per cent for 2017- to helping to fund older people's care, to the point where it is forced to challenges. 18 and 2018-19. A third disagreed. where wage costs and the complexity of scramble around to find funds for However, the Labour Group warned Cllr Riddle said: “While finances individuals' needs are increasing.” essential spending. The council will things had already reached the point remain tight and we continue to look for He added: “The council delivers a huge have to use its reserves to balance the where the council was scrambling to ways to do everything we can as range of services to our whole budget next year and then faces a £9.2m find funds for essential spending and efficiently as we can, I am pleased we community and while we are always black hole in 2019 that is forecast to that it is facing a £9.2m black hole in are also able to invest and build for the under pressure to be ever more efficient, grow every successive year. 2019 that's forecast to grow every future, particularly in school and where savings have to be made, the “This comes at a time when services are successive year. transport infrastructure projects. priority remains to protect frontline coming under unprecedented pressure. A revenue budget of £193.25m was set services wherever possible. Thanks to Our social care budgets are being last week, with an increase in the the continued and dedicated efforts of stretched beyond capacity and we are council-controlled element of council our staff, I believe we are well placed to having to find an additional £910,000 a tax. An increase of 4.99 per cent is made meet future challenges.” year just to meet the current level of up of a 1.99 per cent general increase The budget also includes updated details demand on our children's social plus a further 3 per cent ring fenced to of the Council Savings Programme. services. adult social care. During the last six years, to the end of The increase is designed to help protect 2016/17, the council will have reduced council services as funding from central annual spending by more than £63m government is reduced. The average through a range of efficiency measures. charge for a Band D property for the It anticipates, however, that it needs to South Glos Council element of the total continue to reduce spending and has council tax will be £1,359.62. In Matthew Riddle already provisionally identified £14m in addition, there will be precepts from the additional savings that will need to be Police & Crime Commissioner, Fire “Given ever-increasing demands on our made by 2019/20. Authority and town and parish councils. social care services, we have also taken The council says more work will also be The budget was debated and passed the decision to increase our council tax needed to identify where a further following extensive public consultation. rate by 1.99 per cent, as well as to take savings of nearly £15m can be made Results showed 70 per cent of advantage of the Government's policy to over the same period to meet the Pat Rooney respondents were in favour of some allow local authorities to raise an remaining shortfall between expected

in 14 The Week • Wednesday 22nd February 2017

g of looming 'financial black hole' “Our residents face year-on-year tax increases for the centrepiece of their election campaign in steadily decreasing services and will pay a social 2015. care precept that is no more than a sticking “We always said this was the wrong spending Lib Dems criticised for plaster on a gaping wound. The Government priority and now they have been forced to drop it last-minute proposals continues to pass the buck onto councils and our quietly because of their Government's tight- The Lib Dems did not reveal their budget proposals until after residents. fistedness. It is clear that they could not possibly the council meeting had got under way last Wednesday. “I am asking the council's Conservative leader to afford to deliver on this promise.” The Conservatives said their budget proposals had gone out to go back to his friends in Government and tell During last Wednesday's meeting, Labour consultation at the end of January and been debated earlier this them that we can no longer bear this level of councillor Andy Perkins successfully proposed month at the Policy & Resources Committee, yet Lib Dem cuts.” that the council sends a letter to the Government councillors had not circulated their proposals until four She also criticised the council's ruling party for criticising the lateness of the budget settlement. minutes into the budget setting meeting. promising the abolition of the green bin charge as Lib Dem leader Ruth Davis said she apologised “unreservedly” that her party's proposed amendments to the budget hadn't been emailed out previously, saying it was Free car parking remains a priority because they were getting last-minute advice. Keeping car parking free, setting money aside to numerous complaints about parking problems, The Lib Dems wanted the green bin charge altered to pay for combat anti-social behaviour, making roads particularly around schools, a new parking their proposals. Last year the Conservative-controlled council around schools safer and a litter hit squad are enforcement car will be put on the streets which used part of a Government windfall to cut the annual cost of some of the Conservatives' budget priorities this will use CCTV to catch those parking illegally having your green bin emptied from £36 to £30. year. and issue fines. Lib Dem councillor Claire Young said: “We would ask the After some research, it was estimated that Environment & Community Services Committee - which charging for parking on council-owned car parks needlessly froze the green bin charge, giving up £240,000 could raise £1m but council leader Matthew annually - to accept a budget reduction of just £91,000. This Riddle said they had decided not to go down that £91,000 would then be spent on reinstating the Thornbury One route as they were worried about the effect that Stop Shop, reinstating the late 82 bus service ( charging would have on the high streets of town Hospital to ), and on rural community library start-up centres when out-of-town centres, such as The costs.” Mall at , offer free parking. The Tories opposed the proposals, as did Labour, whose leader Meanwhile a £50,000 anti-social behaviour fund Pat Rooney said the Lib Dems should have raised it with her will provide money for one-off projects to and her colleagues much earlier than the meeting. combat anti-social behaviour, which has risen in Afterward the Lib Dems said they had come up with some areas (see also page1). “responsible, funded alterations” to the budget which their £50,000 has been found to bring in a litter hit opponents had “shot down”. squad which will take action to clean up the most affected areas. And with the council receiving

in The Week • Wednesday 22nd February 2017 15

St George Technical hitch Nursery eyes up delays library's swipe former youth centre card access scheme Technical problems have delayed the start of the new electronic swipe card access at St George Library. as possible new home Following its renewed appeal for help in of getting planning permission. Once up and running, the Extended Access system will finding a new home, Rocking Horse Day With their already extended notice period allow registered customers to use the library outside of Nursery is exploring whether a former running out in July, the pressure is on need to staffed hours from 8am to 7pm on weekdays. youth club a few miles away could be relocate as soon as possible, the owners have St George has been chosen to trial Extended Access along suitable. said that if they can't find somewhere, the with Stockwood and Westbury-on-Trym libraries, where it The nursery is due to be evicted in July from nursery will be forced to close indefinitely is already up and running. its rented accommodation at the Grange with the loss of up to 70 early years' places and The library was closed from 30th January to 4th February School & Sports College in Warmley, which up to 20 staff. for building works to introduce the system. closed last summer. The nursery owners are now weighing up the This week a spokeswoman for Bristol City Council told us: The owners' - and parents' - hopes of Kingsway Centre in St George which comes “There have been some technical issues with the building relocating to a site next to the sports centre at under the umbrella of Creative Youth that have prevented us going live with Extended Access at Sir Bernard Lovell Academy in Oldland Network. The centre has recently been fully the moment, but we're hoping these will be resolved Common were dashed after they learned that refurbished and includes a private car park and shortly.” parking concerns would scupper their chance outdoor space. Meanwhile the library was shut on 9th February after vandals broke a window. It has since been fixed.

Oldland Common Retro Electro gig at school Popular '80s tribute band Retro Electro are staging a gig at Sir The Kingsway Centre Bernard Lovell Academy next month. The five-piece local outfit play covers of classic acts including Depeche Mode, Human League, Simple Minds, Gary Numan, Kraftwerk and David Bowie. SITUATIONS VACANT Tickets are already on sale for the gig which takes place on Friday 17th March. Its aim is to let more people know that the excellent performance facilities at the academy in Oldland Common are available for hire. Creative and media technical Dan Blackwell, whose services are included with the lettings, said: “SBL Arts Centre is an adaptable space to fit your event, whether it be theatre, conference, dance or live music. We aim to ensure that you have the perfect venue for your function.” Early bird tickets are on sale for the Retro Electro night, which takes place from 7.30pm to 11pm, at £6. A drink package is available. To book go to www.ticketsource.co.uk/sbl or call 01454 868158 or 07946 585244. For information about venue hire, contact [email protected]

in 16 The Week • Wednesday 22nd February 2017

in The Week • Wednesday 22nd February 2017 17

Downend Community's pledge to raise

fundsA big fundraising Lizin Knight, fromJames' Downend, quietly strong memoryand campaign is under way in who is a close friend of the determined and a good and memory of a teenage boy Hedge family, is running the loving son, brother and from Downend who died London Marathon on 23rd friend. His life was suddenly from Type 1 April for the charity. The tragically cut short as he diabetes. 45-year-old only took up started his first year at James Hedge, 18, who was running in 2015 and this university. We hope his in his first year at university, will be her first marathon. legacy will be helping to died in January 2016 of On Saturday 24th June, find a cure for Type 1 diabetic ketoacidosis. He there will be a fundraising diabetes so other families had lived with diabetes from family walk from don't have to suffer as we the age of three. to Eastville Park and back. have.” His parents Maeve and Bob And in August, Jonathan There will be more hope his legacy will be Davis, 45, and 14-year-old fundraising events helping to find a cure for Josie Davis, from Longwell throughout the year Type 1 diabetes so other Green, 44-year-old Matthew including a Ladies' Pamper families don't have to suffer. Condon, from Night on Saturday 24th Members of St Augustine's Mangotsfield, and 42-year- March at St Augustine's Catholic Church in old Andrew Serle, from School, a quiz night on 2nd Boscombe Crescent, Bromley Heath, will cycle April in the parish hall, cake James Hedge Downend, are dedicating over 100 miles in a day in sales in the parish hall on 2017 to raising money for the Somerset area for the Sundays after church, and a taking part in the family for more information. the charity JDRF (Juvenile cause. car wash in the parish car walk, or any of the other You can also donate directly Diabetes Research James' parents say they are park after church. events, email Clare Davis at online at http://uk.virgin Foundation), which works touched to have the support If you are interested in [email protected] moneygiving.com/Liz.Knight to cure, treat and prevent of the St. Augustine Type 1 diabetes. community, with friends St George Bitton There are currently 400,000 taking on immense personal Take your people in the UK with Type challenges in memory of Community fair 1 diabetes and more than James. They said: “James partners 29,000 of them are children. was kind, gentle, patient, The annual St George Community Fair will take place on Saturday 11th March at St Aidan's Church (11am-2pm). A barn dance is being held Free to visitors, there are so far 25 local different groups at Bitton Rec on Friday 10th taking part, giving them a chance to showcase what they do, March from 7.30pm to and the organisers say there is space for more. 11pm. Tickets, which include a ploughman's supper, are £10 for adults and £5 for children. To book call 0117 9323151 or 9322122. There is a licensed bar. The event is being organised by the trustees to raise funds for the Recreation Ground.

Keep in touch, let us know what you think, send us your news www.facebook.com/theweekin

in 18 The Week • Wednesday 22nd February 2017

B&NES Controversy as B&NES Council sets its budget for 2017/18 Conservative-controlled Bath & income, and £1.3m from changing library approach. recognition. Targets have been set North East Somerset Council has the way some local services are Lib Dem leader Dine Romero said: for departmental savings but there is approved budget proposals which delivered. “Local people have been shouting at little information about how these it says will ensure it lives within its The council tax rise of 3.5% is the top of their lungs, saying they do will be delivered. means while protecting most expected to be among the lowest in not want cuts to libraries, children It's also unclear whether the front-line services and investing in the country. and youth services, care and expected new income streams will the priorities of residents. Hundreds of protesters gathered preventative services, the arts, and materialise.” In total, the council must make before the budget meeting last that they do not want to see millions Labour accused the Tories of being £49m of savings to balance the Tuesday to demonstrate against squandered on the Park & Ride (at reckless with cuts to library budget over the four years from plans to move Bath's central library Bathampton). This Conservative services, the youth service and adult 2016/17 as a result of Government from the Podium to council offices administration is deaf to their social care, and gambling on other funding cuts and challenges such as in Manvers Street, warning it will voices.” organisations stepping in to provide the growth in the number of make it less accessible. Lib Dem finance spokesperson essential services. vulnerable and older people needing The move will cost around £2m but Andrew Furse said: “Not only will Group leader Robin Moss said: social care support. from 2020 the council says it will B&NES residents be paying more in “B&NES' Tories have decided to cut The council says that out of £14.5m save £800,000The council has said fees, charges and council tax for money for adult social care at a time in savings required for 2017/18, the joint library and One Stop Shop fewer services, but some services when we all know demand is £13.2m will come from increased in Keynsham is already proving the that remain, such as the library growing.” efficiency and new ways to generate success of the integrated modern service, will be altered beyond

in The Week • Wednesday 22nd February 2017 19

South Glos Staple Hill Councillors condemn closure of child refugee scheme South Gloucestershire councillors have condemned the Home Improving lives in Secretary's decision to accept only 350 unaccompanied refugee children from the Syrian crisis. Lib Dem councillor Claire Young had originally proposed a motion to the council last Wednesday reaffirming the authority's the most deprived long-standing commitment to supporting refugees and fighting against racism, and criticising the US decision to ban entry to nationals from seven Muslim-majority countries. area of South Glos A new partnership to improve the lives of There was also a vote at the meeting on whether to condemn Amber Rudd for accepting only 350 unaccompanied children residents in Staple Hill has been launched. fleeing war under the so-called Dubs Amendment. While there The Staple Hill Quality of Life Project is made was no target number written into the legislation, Lord Dubs had up of Merlin Housing Society, South suggested the UK could help 3,000. All the Lib Dem and Labour Gloucestershire Council, Avon & Somerset councillors at the meeting supported the motion criticising the Police, housing and support organisation Curo, scrapping of the scheme, as did four Conservatives, while some and other agencies. others abstained, meaning the vote narrowly passed. Its goal is to find solutions to some of the The three political group leaders on the council united to issue a problems facing the area including very high joint statement the following day: “South Gloucestershire is a unemployment, low income and poor diverse area. We have rural, suburban, and urban communities educational and training skills. made up of people from many religious, ethnic, and economic backgrounds. Merlin runs the Staple Hill flats estate made up “We thrive economically because we judge people on their skills of Pendennis House, Pleasant House, Nelson and their industry, not on their creed or colour. We see it as our House, Haynes House and Berkeley House. duty to offer protection and shelter to the world's most Just a quarter of Merlin's tenants in the area are a more consistent and measurable approach. I vulnerable and desolate and stand ready to do our share of the in work. am enthused by the amount of partners task of welcoming and integrating refugees so they can thrive in Cam Kinsella, Merlin's leader for Diversity, involved so far and excited about the future.” our communities. Equality & Inclusion and Partnerships, said: Local councillor Ian Boulton said: “It was "We reaffirm our commitment to fighting against racism, and “Staple Hill is South Gloucestershire's most great to see so many people come together to combating discrimination based on national origin, race, deprived area, a position relatively unchanged sexuality, and disability.” improve the lives of those living in Staple Hill. since 2004 although showing slight decline “As a ward councillor for the area I know that from 2010. lots of organisations want to work in our “There have been initiatives in the past which neighbourhood; however, this project now have tried to improve the quality of life in the gives us a unique opportunity to pool our area; however, they haven't been able to move resources and co-ordinate our efforts. I expect the area out of deprivation. that our combined efforts will be able to “The organisations involved have agreed that deliver measurable benefits to our we need to support the growth of the area with community.” A disadvantaged community

Staple Hill is what is known as Lower Super have the highest levels of health deprivation Output Area, due to the levels of deprivation. and disabilities in all of South Glos - 50% of • 28.9% of the population are said to be income Merlin customers here identify as having a deprived. disability. • At 23.4%, Staple Hill has the highest levels of • The area is one of four wards in South Glos unemployment in South Glos. Just 24% of which are the most deprived of education, skills Merlin customers in the area are employed. and training - 79% of customers say they have • The Pendennis Road and Pleasant Road areas no educational qualifications.

Help for job-seekers

Last month saw the launch of a new service for afternoon, except bank holidays, at Our Place those looking for work with the Our Place Community Flat at Berkeley House from 2pm Community Flat and Staple Hill Regeneration to 4.30pm. Partnership launching Job Searchers Support. There is friendly advice and free access to The service is run by volunteers every Monday computers and wi-fi.

in 20 The Week • Wednesday 22nd February 2017

Kingswood 'Exceptional' care home wins top rating The overall quality of care provided Inspiring Leader' award at the National by a Kingswood care home is Dementia Care Awards in 2016. Outstanding, says the health Deborah Ivanova, deputy chief watchdog. inspector of adult social care at the The Care Quality Commission (CQC) CQC, congratulated the staff and has praised “exceptional” Deerhurst manager for their awards. She said: “It Care Home, off Sweets Road, demonstrates the care, effort and following an unannounced inspection. dedication which is in place to allow Currently, only 1% of adult social care Deerhurst to provide an exceptional homes in the UK have obtained an service to the people in its care. The overall CQC rating of Outstanding. support it is providing to people living Deerhurst, which is run by Brunelcare, there and their families is exceptional offers nursing care for up to 66 mainly and the team should be extremely older people, some living with proud of the work they do. dementia. The home was rated as “We were struck by the way staff see Good for being safe, and as each person as a unique individual, Outstanding for being caring, well led, and the care and support they receive effective and being responsive to and this is why we have given this people's needs. service the highest rating we can Deerhurst is also a Dementia Care give.” Matters Butterfly Service home, Lesley Hobbs said: “I am really proud meaning it is achieving a recognised of everyone who lives and works here. national standard in dementia care, It's a team effort; all down to everyone providing person-centred and who lives, works, visits and supports relationship focused dementia care. Deerhurst.” Last October the home was awarded Relatives' comments included: “The the Dementia Care Matters 'Quality of care here is the best you will find out Life' award, for the fourth year there. The staff are trained to a high running, also achieving the highest standard which helps provide the best level for exceptional person-centred possible care”. Another said: "I am dementia care. speechless and cannot praise the staff In addition, the care home manager enough. They know everything about Lesley Hobbs won the 'Dementia Care my loved one.”

in The Week • Wednesday 22nd February 2017 21

Competition Four lucky people will win free membership to The Gym When The Gym opened it latest branch at Aspects Leisure Park in Longwell Green late last year, it brought a totally new and refreshing approach to fitness. Quite simply it offers almost 24/7 access and membership with no ties. So you can exercise almost when you like - morning, noon and night - and if your circumstances change, you are not bound to any penalty clauses to end your contract early. The Gym at Longwell Green is the latest of more than 80 branches around the country. The of so many others by now, then The Gym and business was started in 2008 by former The Week In can now offer you the perfect England squash international John Treharne solution to get your fitness aims back on track. and was floated on the Stock Exchange in We have four six-month memberships to give 2015. away and you can be in with a chance if you can answer the simple question below. Not only will the winners receive free access to the gym and any classes, but Allyn and his team are also offering: • Initial one-to-one assessment and health check • Free training planner • A one-to-one personal training session each month • One small group training session a month • Monthly weigh and measure All you have to do is answer the following question. Where did Allyn Condon take part in Allyn Condon the Winter Olympics? Send your answer, along with your contact The Gym in Longwell Green is managed by details, to: Gym Competition, The Week In, 8 double Olympian Allyn Condon. He is in fact Temple Court, Keynsham, BS31 1HA. one of a very small band of athletes to have Alternatively email with Gym Competition in represented Great Britain in both Summer and the subject bar to [email protected] Winter Olympics. Allyn was part of the Four entries will be drawn on Friday 3rd 4x100m relay team at the 2000 Sydney Games March and the results published in our Issue before winning a gold medal in the same event 464. at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester two years later. He then made the switch to bobsleigh and was part of the four-man team at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. In addition to a unique CV in sport, Allyn has over 20 years of experience in the fitness industry so he and his team are able to offer a wealth of experience and advice for gym members. If the New Year resolutions have gone the way

in 22 The Week • Wednesday 22nd February 2017

Whitchurch Spotlight on charity's work with children Animal rescue charity HorseWorld The courses are aimed at young welcomed two members of staff people aged six to 19 who may be from Lansdown Place Wealth outside mainstream schooling due to Management Ltd who came to learning disabilities or behavioural present a cheque for £500 recently. difficulties (or at risk of under- Steve Brice and Nicola Mould visited achieving). Many, but by no means HorseWorld to see the charity's work all, may come from dysfunctional and with rescued horses and to find out chaotic backgrounds. more about HorseWorld's Discovery Discovery can have particular benefits Courses. for young people within the autistic “It was incredible to see the synergy spectrum and those with ADHD. between the rescued horses and “We raised the funds for HorseWorld children,” said Nicola. “To be able to over the last year as the Discovery help the horses and then have them go Courses really struck a chord with on to help the children is really us,” said Nicola. “We have worked something special.” with HorseWorld for the past 10 years Sharon Howell, Nicola Mould and Steve Brice HorseWorld's Discovery Courses use so we knew quite a bit about their Discovery courses introduced Nicola the horses healthy.” horses as a unique tool in a series of work rescuing, rehabilitating and and Steve to some of the horses and If you wish to find out more about highly interactive sessions to provide rehoming horses in need but to be able the children. “We are so grateful for HorseWorld's Discovery Courses, a programme of multi-sensory to see the way these horses work with this donation,” said Sharon. “It will visit teaching, promoting learning and the children was amazing.” help to pay for the equipment needed www.horseworld.org.uk/discovery emotional growth. Sharon Howell who runs the for the courses and will help to keep

in The Week • Wednesday 22nd February 2017 23

Is the Green Belt really protected?

The Housing White Paper If that doesn't reassure people locally, encroachment on the Green Belt. Now published earlier this month didn't it may be because the four councils Adam Marks, from Helm quite have the firepower many were which make up the West of England Construction, believes the Secretary hoping for. Although only a Partnership have only recently of State has sidestepped the issue consultation document at this stage, consulted with local residents on their because of pressure from rural-based there were pointers to the future but own housing needs over the next 20 MPs in his own party. few hard proposals. years. Their conclusion was that the He said: “While the Government Ahead of the Secretary of State for 39,000 shortfall between the number admits 40 per cent of local authorities Communities and Local Government of houses they have already planned do not have an up-to-date housing Sajid Javid presenting his paper to build (66,000) and the number they plan and might even have gone as far 'Fixing Our Broken Housing Market' need (105,000) cannot be met without as 'fudging' their housing requirement to Parliament, many commentators building on the Green Belt. Yet that figures, they have clearly taken a step were bracing themselves for some figure of 66,000 includes a number of back from loosening the restrictions Adam Marks of Helm Construction ground-breaking announcements with properties in B&NES and South on development within the Green the future shape of Britain's Green Gloucestershire on land already Belt. the proposals is because many of the Belt a particular area of interest. removed from Green Belt protection “While this does not directly affect us measures deemed necessary would be Although claiming we need to build at by . . . the Government planning as we more often as not operate on hard to swallow among fellow MPs least 225,000 new homes a year to inspector. inner city and brownfield sites it will and their constituents. He concluded: make up the shortfall and then keep Susan Spiers, chief executive of the restrict the numbers of new homes the “It's tempting to blame Javid for this pace with future population growth, Campaign for Rural England, warned: bigger developers would look to failure, but I suspect the real culprit the thorny issue of the Green Belt was “Until local authorities are able to set deliver.” lies further up the chain of command. confronted head on - and then again it realistic and deliverable housing One of the major criticisms of the Theresa May, whatever her other wasn't. The White Paper reaffirmed targets, with an emphasis on meeting White Paper overall is that while it qualities, understands the middle that only in the most exceptional genuine need, rather than aspirational places a lot more emphasis of local England electorate in constituencies circumstances can local authorities demand, the countryside and Green authorities to have a better grasp of its like her own Maidenhead. They are alter the Green Belt boundary. What's Belt will continue to be threatened by housing needs, there are no incentives precisely the people who want to more, they will have to be able poor quality and speculative for cash-strapped councils or housing protect Green Bat all costs, who use demonstrate they have exhausted all development.” associations to actually build more buy-to-let property to supplement options for brownfield development And locally, one construction firm has homes. their incomes, and who definitely before consulting with local people been warning for a number of years Writing in the New Statesman, John don't want their house prices to fall. and submitting their revised local that meeting house building targets is Elledge, who also edits CityMetric, This White Paper does absolutely plans to examination. not possible locally without further claimed the lack of any real teeth in nothing to threaten their privileges.” in 24 The Week • Wednesday 22nd February 2017

The house builder'sBy Rebecca Hales, Whitecroft view Developments

As a developer and also as a local unable to extract exactly how this individual approach to meeting the resident, the White Paper has been would be done. housing need and hopefully adjusting eagerly awaited. From a resident's perspective, it is the industry to develop a skill set The housing market is broken, no encouraging to see the protection of which is not simply dictated by the news here. The main reason cited Green Belt re-iterated within the paper key volume house builders. A hint to throughout the White Paper is the - I am adamant that we are failing to opportunities for smaller companies failure to build enough new homes of exploit brownfield and conversion to partner with the local authority is the right type and in the right place. sites. also good news. Potential reasons for this are As a developer, I see that the whole The way I see it, volume house unnecessary bureaucracy, lack of industry is geared up with a builders have the process refined so transparency in relation to land preference for new-build that they can build extremely quickly available and domination of the straightforward homes. Tenders for already; an obligation to change build market by 10 key players. conversions are met with a grimace methods may initially result in a Failure to build enough new homes from most contractors and this needs slowing of the process for volume has resulted in price inflation which in to change. Building contractors have house builders. turn prevents first-time buyers from evolved over decades under the 'Land banking' appears to be the key being able to take their first step on control and dependence on several reason for a slow delivery of new the housing ladder; rents have key volume house builders. The result homes. I am pleased to see this Rebecca Hales increased as a result and made even is that there are few contractors to rely addressed by a suggested two-year the rental market less accessible. upon who have developed the skills limit on planning applications to It is not clear if requirements for The average home now costs eight for careful restoration and conversion encourage homes which have increased transparency will apply to times the average annual income. on a scale beyond domestic. From my permission to be built out quickly. local authorities; it would be good to During 2015, homes were earning perspective, there is a shortage here The paper suggests a greater level of see at a glance, council-owned more than their owners in London. and this is preventing developers from transparency to be provided by the properties which are empty, for The Council of Mortgage Lenders embracing anything beyond the usual. Land Registry, enabling public access example. predicts that by 2020, only a quarter This situation also makes it harder for to information which explains who I was pleased to see that delays from of 30-year-olds will own their own a developer or investor to create a site has a land option on potential pre-commencement conditions would home. which involves innovative development land. From a resident's be addressed. Our sites can be delayed A common cause of homelessness is technology. The White Paper perspective, this would be extremely by six to 12 months to discharge pre- loss of private sector tenancy; the tool acknowledges the need to re address interesting. Land options appear to be commencement conditions following kit provided by the Government will the balance of control here. I am a dark art to local residents. There is planning consent. not be a quick fix and the paper excited to see that there will be an no way at the moment if we can see if There is a misconception that acknowledges the need to deal with obligation on local authorities to bring our neighbour has an option for their development is a lucrative and risk- homelessness more quickly by forward smaller housing sites, land and there is no way we can obtain free venture, even volume house alternative measures, although I was enabling a more considered and this information easily for a local area. builders are exposed to significant risk when bringing a housing scheme forward. It is all too easy to look at volume house building as a reason for some of the inadequacies in the provision of new homes. However, the emergence of the key players and the type, scale and timing of the houses provided can only be as a direct response to the planning system. This in turn has controlled the development of skill sets within the industry. Key players have developed a rigid business model providing large-scale developments of similar property types because that is what has been orchestrated by planning policy and resultant financial Whitecroft’s Treetops development in Keynsham constraints.

in The Week • Wednesday 22nd February 2017 25

Kingswood Competition to name the Mobile speed new kid on the block camera locations Here are the locations in our area where the police mobile Grimsbury Farm has some new arrivals, speed cameras are taking enforcement action this week including a male kid born to Dolly the goat. (starting 20th February). People are invited to take part in a competition to name him and the winner will get a free hot Bath & North East Somerset: In Keynsham on Wellsway, drink and slice of cake at the community Queens Road, Albert Road, Chandag Road, Charlton Road farm's café. Send your suggestions to and Charlton Park; on the A431 Kelston Road. [email protected] before this Friday (24th February). South Gloucestershire: Meanwhile visitors to the community farm can On Court Road and Tenniscourt Road in Kingswood; also meet the new sow and her 10 piglets. Craven Way in Barrs Court; Mill Lane at Oldland; the A431 Bath Road at Bitton; Abbots Road in Hanham and Court Farm Road in Longwell Green, and along the A420 through Warmley and Wick. Keynsham Bristol: Talbot proves popular In Brislington on the A4174 Callington Road, Talbot Road, Broomhill Road and Wick Road; on Stockwood Lane; in St venue for branch meetings George on Air Balloon Road and Nags Head Hill; also in Fishponds on Thicket Avenue, and on the A432 Fishponds The Bath & District Branch of Parkinson's UK held on the second and fourth Thursday in the Road. held their third coffee morning at the Talbot month at 2.45pm, at the New Oriel Hall, Inn in on Bath Road in Keynsham which was Brookleaze Buildings at Larkhall in Bath. All another well-attended meeting with a number these forms of exercise are carried out mainly of new faces again. in the sitting position. Members were given encouragement to get as The Talbot offers an extremely accessible much exercise as possible, first by the Rock meeting place evidenced by people coming Steady Boxing group, who offer courses where from Bristol, Bath, and Saltford. gentle movement is on offer and does not The next meeting will be on Tuesday 28th include boxing at all! February from 10am to noon. Some people Then Gay Moore introduced the Gentle usually stay on for lunch. Exercise and Yoga class at the leisure centre at To find out more about the branch get in touch Odd Down on the first Thursday of each with the chairman Robin Tanner on 01225 month. Also mentioned was the new gentle 812994 or Hazel Mitchell, the Keynsham local dancing class for people with Parkinson's to be contact, on 0117 3360476. Sudoku Solutions Crossword Solution

D S S S S C 1-Easy 2-Hard BONEUP TWOWA Y C T U A N S 583216947 947135862 NINE TW I L I GH T 162974385 612784395 L N D N E 794538621 853926471 RECLA I M BLOWY U K C A 2 1 8 6 5 7 4 9 3 5 3 8 2 6 9 1 4 7 ENACT HAYWI RE 645893712 721543986 O K O L O 379421856 469871253 BUOYANCY VICE 8 5 1 7 6 9 2 3 4 3 8 4 6 1 7 5 2 9 G D I P O K 927345168 196452738 MAN I AC SALVER 436182579 275398614 T P E O T T

in 26 The Week • Wednesday 22nd February 2017

in The Week • Wednesday 22nd February 2017 27

Directory & What’s On

Accountancy Appliances Carpet Fitters Car Services Book a series Services of adverts and save even more Our Directory is the perfect place to find a local tradesperson.

An advert like this costs THE WEEK IN £20.00 Car Repairs + VAT Blinds adverts per insert call Discounts are available for multiple bookings 0117 986 0381 starting at 2 weeks Advertising Carpet Cleaning Adverts cost £4 per centimetre (min 5cm) The more weeks you book the cheaper each insertion becomes

1 week = £20 Computers / IT

2 weeks = £18 REPAIRS, NEW AND 6 weeks = £17 USED COMPUTERS OR ACCESSORIES. 12 weeks = £14 Smart Computers. Keynsham, Kingswood, Westbury-on-Trym. 26 weeks = £13 Aerials T: 0117 986 1000. 52 weeks = £12 Chimney Sweep All prices per week exc VAT Car Services You don't have to book successive weeks. You can choose fortnightly, monthly or specific Builders insertion dates as long as the total number of insertions booked corresponds to the discount rate.

Similar percentage discounts apply equally to larger sized adverts. THE WEEK IN

Call us now on DEADLINE FOR PLACING adverts DIRECTORY ADVERTS call 0117 986 0381 IS FRIDAY 4.30PM 0117 986 0381

in 28 The Week • Wednesday 22nd February 2017

Directory & What’s On

Computers / IT Electrical Events Garden Services Garden Services

Dance Classes Guttering

DEADLINE FOR PLACING DIRECTORY ADVERTS IS FRIDAY 4.30PM

DEADLINE FOR PLACING Hair & Beauty Electrical DIRECTORY ADVERTS IS FRIDAY 4.30PM

Fencing

Holidays

Furniture Makers

THE WEEK IN adverts DEADLINE FOR PLACING call DIRECTORY ADVERTS 0117 986 0381 IS FRIDAY 4.30PM in The Week • Wednesday 22nd February 2017 29

Directory & What’s On

Home Help Locksmiths Painting Pet Services Book a series & Decorating of adverts and save even more Our Directory is the perfect place to find a local tradesperson.

An advert like this costs Home £20.00 Maintenance Logs + VAT per insert Discounts are available Physiotherapy for multiple bookings starting at 2 weeks

Adverts cost £4 per centimetre (min 5cm) The more weeks you book the cheaper each D.JAMES DECORATING 36 years' experience. insertion becomes Qualified tradesman. Efficient/reliable 1 week = £20 LPs & Vinyl References available 07861 898902 / 01275 2 weeks = £18 831696 www.djamesdecorating.com 6 weeks = £17 Plastering

12 weeks = £14 DEADLINE 26 weeks = £13 FOR PLACING DIRECTORY ADVERTS 52 weeks = £12 IS FRIDAY 4.30PM All prices per week exc VAT Pallets You don't have to book successive weeks. You can choose fortnightly, monthly or specific Laundry insertion dates as long as Services Man Who Can the total number of insertions booked corresponds to the discount rate.

Similar percentage discounts apply equally to larger sized adverts.

Call us now on 0117 986 0381

in 30 The Week • Wednesday 22nd February 2017

Directory & What’s On

Plumbers Plumbers TVs Waste Disposal Book a series P DAY PLUMBING SERVICES. of adverts For all your plumbing and tiling needs, call Peter 07793746958 and save even more Our Directory is the perfect place to find a local tradesperson.

An advert like this costs £20.00 + VAT per insert Waste Disposal Windows & Doors Discounts are available for multiple bookings starting at 2 weeks

DEADLINE FOR PLACING DIRECTORY ADVERTS Adverts cost £4 per IS FRIDAY 4.30PM centimetre (min 5cm) The more weeks you Skip Hire book the cheaper each insertion becomes

1 week = £20 2 weeks = £18 Window Cleaners 6 weeks = £17 MR SQUEAKY CLEAN 12 weeks = £14 Domestic & Commercial 26 weeks = £13 Window Cleaners • Ladderless, pure 52 weeks = £12 water technology All prices per week • Locally based • from £4.75 exc VAT 0117 9159801 You don't have to book 07530 864562 successive weeks. You can choose fortnightly, monthly or specific TVs Woodburners insertion dates as long as the total number of insertions booked corresponds to the discount rate.

Similar percentage discounts apply equally to THE WEEK IN larger sized adverts. adverts DEADLINE FOR PLACING Call us now on DIRECTORY ADVERTS call IS FRIDAY 4.30PM 0117 986 0381 0117 986 0381 in The Week • Wednesday 22nd February 2017 31

in 32 The Week • Wednesday 22nd February 2017