Calls for Mooring Ban As Nuisance Boaters Spoil Beauty Spot Calls Are Being Made for an Immediate Ban on Moorings Damage to the Riverbank
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THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset FREE Issue 597 9th October 2019 Read by more than 40,000 people each week Calls for mooring ban as nuisance boaters spoil beauty spot Calls are being made for an immediate ban on moorings damage to the riverbank. on the River Avon at Mead Lane in Saltford after a trial This stretch of the river is popular for leisure and scheme saw boaters overstaying their limit and reports of recreation and for informal mooring of boats. The area anti-social and threatening behaviour, pollution and was subject to a temporary mooring trial between Mead Lane is popular with boaters December 2016 and October 2018, and on behalf of B&NES Council, independent consultants are now gathering views on options for the future. Saltford Parish Council and Saltford Environment Group are highlighting ongoing concerns and, supported by Mead Lane residents, are asking B&NES Council to turn the area into a Local Nature Reserve. The parish council says the trial has exacerbated the problems of non-compliance with mooring limits, anti- social behaviour and heavy littering from a minority of boaters, as well as the disruption caused to residents, visitors and other river users, and damage to the flora and fauna of the riverbank. It says a mooring ban should be implemented without delay, starting with, on health and safety grounds, an immediate winter mooring ban. Continued on page 3 2 The Week in • Wednesday 9th October 2019 Calls for mooring ban as nuisance boaters spoil beauty spot New lease Continued from page 1 conservation area to be enjoyed by residents and a wide range of life for “The mooring trial proved that Mead Lane, a residential of visitors.” narrow rural lane overlooking the Cotswolds Area of They add that the riverbank and parking bollards have been Outstanding Natural Beauty within the Green Belt, does not damaged by vehicles before, during and since the 2017/18 clubhouse? have the amenities or facilities for longer stay moorings mooring trial, in addition to damage through their incorrect normally associated with a marina that would typically be use as mooring posts, while inconsiderate and obstructive The former clubhouse of Shortwood Lodge Golf Course remote from residential properties. Saltford Parish Council parking can also restrict access for emergency vehicles and at Mangotsfield is being offered to let on a long-term therefore concludes that Mead Lane is not a suitable location the large vehicles requiring access to Wessex Water’s sewage lease, with a range of possibly suitable alternative uses for longer term, semi-residential moorings of 14 days.” plant, and want B&NES Council to take action. including a children's nursery, or educational, leisure, Parish councillors say there should be a 48-hour only Take part in the Mead Lane consultation survey at social and community uses. mooring limit within a restricted length of the lane and it https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/MeadLane The 18-hole golf course closed in June as did the should be effectively monitored and enforced by B&NES clubhouse, which had been a popular venue for weddings Council: “If a 48-hour limit is abused or ignored on a regular and other celebrations. basis and/or other related anti-social behaviour and riverbank Rise in boats Commercial property company RAE says the clubhouse damage issues continue, then Saltford Parish Council would has a large lawned and fenced area around it, with very wish for a complete ban on moorings in Mead Lane so that abusing limits spacious parking. As we reported shortly before the closure (Issue 579) the riverbank can revert to its previous status as an area During the mooring trial, Mead Lane Neighbourhood speculative plans have been drawn up for 250 homes on suitable and appropriately protected as a wildlife Watch (NHW) recorded 331 boats mooring in Mead a 30-acre undeveloped part of the site which would be Lane in 2017, of which 22% overstayed in the 14-day served by a loop road with primary access from Carsons area and 12% overstayed in the 48-hour area. Road NHW figures for 2018 showed a sharp increase, with 342 boats mooring of which 36% overstayed in the 14-day area and 34% in the 48-hour area - that is in excess of a third of all moored boats overstaying in Mead Lane. Following the end of the trial, during 2019 figures to 23rd September show that the percentage of boats overstaying was higher again, with 46% of those moored for more than 48 hours overstaying in the 14-day area and 44% in the 48-hour area. Some boats have stayed for weeks and months on end - often left unattended for most of the time The Week in • Wednesday 9th October 2019 3 estriction applies between the junctions and Bath Hill and is because of ground rks by Volker Highways. fic will be diverted via Ashton Way as First anniversary celebrations for Saltford ding in the opposite direction. Community Library and Post Office Supporters of Saltford will be able to extend our through the door to support library would not be able to Community Library and opening hours to meet this vital community asset.” operate, and through whose Post Office gathered to demand for a more accessible Mr Halton thanked everyone sales of cards and stationery celebrate the one-year service both for residents and who has contributed to are vital to the sustainability anniversary of its opening. local businesses. The making the first year a of the community initiative. Members of the management management team are success and emphasised the Saltford Community Library team, the Post Office’s part- currently in conversations to key role the library and Post and Post Office is a not-for- time staff members and many make this a reality by the end Office holds within the profit organisation, and the of the library’s 70 volunteers of the year. Saltford community, efforts of the library were delighted to mark this “This would not be possible especially for residents volunteers and the special occasion. without the ongoing support unable to travel far to access management team have been They were joined by of users of the library and the services offered. recognised through representatives of Saltford Post Office, so I urge local Mr Halton also thanked the community awards in the past Community Association and people to keep coming volunteers, without whom the year. Saltford Parish Council, as well as members of the public. In his speech, chairman David Halton said: “As we look to move into our second year, we are hopeful that we THE WEEK IN Barrs Court, Bitton, Brislington, Cadbury Heath, Compton Dando, Corston, Downend, Emersons Green, Fishponds, Hanham, Hillfields, Keynsham, Kingswood, Longwell Green, Mangotsfield, Marksbury, North Common, Oldland Common, Pucklechurch, Saltford, Staple Hill, Stockwood, St George, Warmley, 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 07403 273967 Contributors Christine Rogers 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. 4 The Week in • Wednesday 9th October 2019 Recognition for Did you see dedicated donor crash outside Blood and plasma donor Geoff Reeson from St George Waitrose? has been recognised for his loyalty. Police are seeking witnesses to a serious road traffic Now 69, Geoff started given blood in the late 1970s when collision in Keynsham. the ‘Bloodmobile’ visited Bristol Omnibus Company in It happened at about 5.15pm on Friday 13th September Lawrence Hill where he worked as a fitter. in Broadmead Lane outside Waitrose. For a time he was also able to donate plasma (platelets) at A Mercedes car and a Honda motorcycle were involved Southmead Hospital, with his employer giving him time off in the collision. work a couple of times a month. The motorcyclist received serious leg injuries and was NHS Blood & Transplant’s donor recognition scheme taken to Southmead Hospital, where he remains in a recognises donors for reaching donation credit milestones critical but stable condition. and last month Geoff notched up his 250th credit. He intends to carry on donating blood and his next session will be at Police are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area Hanham Methodist Church in December. at the time of the incident, particularly anyone who may Geoff, who is also chairman of the Friends of Dundridge Park have dashcam footage of the incident. in St George, encourages others to donate, saying it’s lovely If you are able to help, contact 101, quoting reference to receive texts from the service telling him where his blood 521912083. has gone. You can alternatively contact Crimestoppers 100 per cent Each blood donation can potentially save the lives of up to anonymously on 0800 555 111. three people. If you are fit and healthy, weigh over seven stones 12lbs (50kg) and are aged 17 to 66 (up to 70 if you have given Keep in touch, let us know what blood before) you should be able to give blood.