THE WEEK IN East & North East

FREE Issue 586 24th July 2019 Read by more than 40,000 people each week Controversy over wedding venue planning bid A planning application to create a wedding venue in the committee, which met last Tuesday, is unhappy and has Hanham Abbots Conservation Area is causing controversy. asked Council to take enforcement The 90-guest marquee for wedding business Bickley Barns action. at Bickley Farm in Abbots Road has already been erected. The application has been submitted to South Gloucestershire But Hanham Abbots Parish Council’s environment Council by Graham New, who was involved in forming the

Bickley Farm

Friends of Hanham Abbots Conservation Group. He was chairman although he resigned following last week’s meeting, saying it is clear his views for the area are “not aligned” with the rest of the group. The application is for a marquee and change of use of part of an existing barn. Weddings would be held from 1st April until 31st October. Parking for 30 cars is proposed. The application says the position of the marquee doesn’t harm the conservation area or Green Belt. An accompanying transport statement concludes there are no highway safety issues. A noise report says that with appropriate mitigation, there will be no adverse impact on neighbours. This includes using highly directional loudspeakers, an in-house PA system that can be set at a restricted maximum noise level and signs asking people to leave quietly. Mr New attended the parish meeting, as did several local residents who are unhappy with the plans. After discussing the application, the parish council outlined objections to pass on to South Gloucestershire Council. Although the transport study says the proposal would unlikely attract people walking, parish councillors are concerned that attendees leaving their vehicles on site, having had more than the legal limit to drive, would walk home along unlit narrow roads with no pavements in places. They say no account appears to have been taken of the number of trips associated with suppliers servicing the events, and refute the suggestion that 30 parking spaces is sufficient, taking into account the need for designated staff parking too. Continued on page 3

Also in this Asylum seeking family Staple Hill traders urged to New plans for Final decision on AEK can now stay in move with the times recycling power plant Boco FC plans week’s issue Keynsham . . . page 4 . . . page 7 . . . page 11 . . . page 21 2 The Week in • Wednesday 24th July 2019 Controversy over wedding venue planning bid

Continued from page 1 Of a traffic count detailed within the transport study, they say it was carried out in January - “hardly representative of the normal flow of traffic between April and October when the proposed venue will be used. The traffic along this stretch of road is significantly higher during the summer months with vehicles travelling to and from the two pubs at Hanham Mills”. They say Abbots Road residents can already clearly hear when the Chequers Inn and Old Lock & Weir pubs at Hanham Mills - which are considerably further away than the proposed venue - have live bands. And they say there will be additional noise created by attendees at the event, and by coaches, taxis, private cars coming to and from the venue late at night. “We do not believe that the neighbouring properties will not be adversely impacted…. This includes Hanham Court, a heritage asset and Grade II* listed building, which is approximately 200 metres away.” The marquee The wall to the east by the entrance to Bickley Farm has been lowered to 600mm to allow better visibility. The council says curtilage of existing buildings.” stone gate post: “My wife has had two narrow escapes from it would be interested to hear the comments of South He said he had instructed an independent professional potential accidents so it was decided to reduce the wall Gloucestershire’s conservation officer, bearing in mind it is company to investigate and report the noise effect on his height. When we first moved here, the wall was down to the a conservation area and the wall abuts the historic entrance immediate neighbours: “There are recommendations in the ground and a local builder re-built the wall. The top piers to Hanham Court. report with a green light conclusion of noise acceptable capping stones still need to be put back as soon as it can be Of the marquee, the parish council says: “It is a large white levels. Since the report, 100 bushes - a mixture of beech and arranged.” blot on the landscape in the Hanham Abbots Conservation hornbeam, plus six copper beech trees - have been planted He added that the wedding venue could benefit many local Area and highly visible from many aspects, particularly from to screen the ménage and marquee, both visually and businesses and St George’s Church could benefit from Hanham Court (heritage asset) and Court Farm fields, all acoustically. weddings with guests walking there from Bickley Farm. within the conservation area.” “In addition, a transport statement was investigated by an “More importantly, it would raise the profile of the Hanham The lack of information given about waste disposal and independent consulting engineer who calculated the amount Abbots area which can boast a feast of historical buildings handwashing facilities for catering staff are parish of car parking, disabled car parking, plus cycle parking and historical artefacts with numerous country walks, river councillors’ other concerns. And should permission be spaces required for our venue. Increased traffic does not seem walks supported by two public houses and not least of all granted, the parish council says the number of events should to be an issue and it’s worth noting most weddings are held great scenery in a hamlet surrounded by housing estates. This be limited to 10 a year. on weekends when traffic is reduced.” would go some way to increase its visibility creating more This week Mr New told us: “During the council meeting, I He said the junction from Ferry Road and Abbots Road is rural tourism and for all to enjoy.” made it clear our offering is only a wedding venue where a directly outside his entrance and cars couldn’t see over the The planning reference number is P19/7359/F. The deadline civil ceremony is not available. The marquee will be sited in wall and had to nudge out onto Abbots Road to see past the for comments is 31st July. a location which doesn’t impact the conservation area or the openness of the Green Belt as it’s located at the rear of the main steel barn which restricts its visibility and within the Work starts on new store Work has started on building a new Sainsbury’s convenience store on the Lyde Green estate. The Local store on the corner of Willowherb Road and Thistle Close is expected to be open by the end of November to serve the growing community.

The Week in • Wednesday 24th July 2019 3 Takeaway plans are withdrawn Plans submitted to South Gloucestershire Council to change the use of the former hairdressing salon in School Road in Cadbury Heath into a takeaway have been withdrawn. Cadbury Heath Hall’s management committee had objected because of concerns about increased litter in the area and in particular its car park. The committee was worried it would be used by the customers of the proposed pizza shop, and that increased traffic movements would cause nuisance for hall users and increase risks to pedestrians in the car park. Oldland Parish Council also objected, citing concerns about increased hours of operation, the increased chance of litter, noise nuisance and smells.

Keep in touch, let us know what you think, send us your news www.facebook.com/theweekin The Reci family THE WEEK IN Home Office Barrs Court, Bitton, Brislington, Cadbury Heath, Compton Dando, Corston, Downend, Emersons Green, says family can Fishponds, Hanham, Hillfields, Keynsham, Kingswood, Longwell Green, Mangotsfield, Marksbury, North Common, Oldland Common, stay for now Pucklechurch, Saltford, Staple Hill, Following our front page article last week are being represented by Bristol Refugee Stockwood, St George, Warmley, about a campaign to keep an Albanian Rights, contested the order and also fought Whitchurch, Wick, Willsbridge. family in or close to Keynsham, the Home against a subsequent attempt to send them to 16,000 copies are distributed through Office has confirmed that for now they Cardiff. retail outlets, libraries, pubs, can continue living locally. Bristol is also a dispersal area, and now, community centres each week. Last week we reported on how hundreds of following the petition and intervention from Verified pick-up rate of 97%. people have been rallying to support Luan local MP Jacob Rees-Mogg, the Home Publisher and Griselda Reci and their three young Office says they are allowed to stay locally Keynsham & Saltford Times Ltd, 8 Temple Court, Keynsham. BS31 1HA children, Luseld, Ergis and Esalinda who while they await the asylum decision. 0117 986 0381 have lived in Keynsham for the last three Comments by supporters have included: “So www.theweekin.co.uk years. sad that this lovely family are having their ISSN: 2052-9767 Luseld and Ergis attend St Keyna Primary lives turned upside down, they need and School and Luseld has special educational deserve to stay where they are happy and Managing Editor Stephen Rodgers [email protected] News Editor Becky Feather 07403 273967 needs as he has visual impairment. safe.” Contributors Christine Rogers The Recis, who are claiming asylum, had Another said: “This family have become part been told by the Home Office that they must of the community, they should not be forced Advertising Jodie Deason and Tracy Broderick go to the London dispersal area while their away from their support network.” 0117 986 0381 case was being considered. The family, who [email protected]

@theweekineditor No material in this publication, nor its associated website (www.theweekin.co.uk) may Summer playscheme be reproduced without the written permission of Keynsham & Saltford Times Ltd. All rights reserved. Once again, Bitton Parish Council is August, 5th to 9th August and 12th to 16th

Keynsham & Saltford Times Ltd. t/a The Week In is regulated by IMPRESS: The Independent organising a free playscheme during the August. Each session will run from 10am Monitor for the Press CIC. As such, we adhere to the IMPRESS complaints school summer holidays. to noon at Cherry Garden Primary School, procedure. A copy of this procedure can be found on our website or can be All children between the ages of five and Cherry Garden Lane. sent upon written request to the address above. 11 are welcome to attend. It will be held If you have any queries contact the on Mondays to Fridays 29th July to 2nd council clerk Kelly Fry on 01454 868102.

4 The Week in • Wednesday 24th July 2019 Council responds to criticism over Hambrook traffic plans South Gloucestershire Council has responded to criticism of its proposals to introduce an experimental traffic order (ETO) which aims to improve air quality at Hambrook. As we reported in Issue 584, the public, politicians and transport leaders have not only questioned the viability of the plan but also expressed concern that the ETO was actioned without any prior consultation. From 11th August westbound traffic on the A4174 ring road will no longer be able to turn right onto the B4058. Northbound traffic on the B4058 coming from Frenchay will not be able to cross the junction of turn right towards Emersons Green. Both of these restrictions mean that traffic will have to travel around the roundabout at the M32 junction and return in the opposite direction. As well as this, the westbound bus lane at the Hambrook junction will be suspended, making it left turn only on the B4058 towards Frenchay. This week a council spokesperson said: “These changes Hambrook lights result from the government’s Joint Air Quality Unit (JAQU) direction, which we are obliged to comply with, to improve objection was raised at that time. Since then we have the Department for Transport and Defra to achieve. We will air quality on this part of the A4174 ring road in the shortest continued a dialogue with them to keep them informed. monitor the effect and if the predictions are not as successful time possible. “It is important to note that this is an experimental order that as we expect, we will adapt the layout.” “We have regular meetings with First and other transport can be amended through time. The trial will be in place to The council has said the experience from the Bromley Heath operators and the Hambrook proposal was discussed at assess the effects of the changes in achieving the reductions viaduct repairs in 2017/2018 makes it confident that the length, including the changes to the bus lane, and no in nitrogen dioxide we have specifically been instructed by experiment will be a success.

The Week in • Wednesday 24th July 2019 5 Ellis Bywater

Young carer Ellis highlights the need for school support A young carer from Hanham features in a family support, carers’ groups, respite short film which has been sent to all schools activities, short breaks and training. in the region. There are likely to be young carers in every Ellis Bywater, who is 13 and cares for his dad, school and college, but many remain shares the impact being a young carer has on unidentified. In a Carers Trust survey, 39% him in the film which has been put together said that nobody in their school was aware of by Fishponds-based charity Carers their caring role. Support Centre to raise awareness among Young carers are a group who rarely ‘self- teachers. identify’. This is often because the child is Carers Support Centre works with schools to unaware that they are carrying out a caring help make sure young carers are identified role or the family fears, when the child’s and support is put in place to help them caring role comes to light, public services will manage. The charity already works with 37 intervene and they will be separated. schools in Bristol and South Gloucestershire, Keith Sinclair, chief executive of Carers including, King's Oak Academy, Sir Bernard Support Centre, said: “Young carers miss out Lovell Academy, Hanham Woods Academy, on their childhood. They can often become St Anne’s Primary, Hanham Abbots Junior, isolated due to caring duties, missing out on and St Stephen’s Junior. playing, seeing friends and other leisure Sir Bernard Lovell Academy has received a activities. They can often miss lessons and as Silver Award from Carers Support Centre for a result, can struggle to keep up with school its support of young carers. The charity hopes work and not achieve their potential. They can to work with more local schools in the near also suffer from bullying at school.” future and urges them to get in touch for a free Young carers sometimes experience physical toolkit and to find out how to also have their health problems due to heavy lifting, poor efforts recognised with an award. nutrition and lack of sleep. They also often Carers Support Centre provides specialist suffer from mental health issues, including support to carers, including children aged stress, anxiety, low confidence and low self- eight to 18. This includes one-to-one and esteem.

6 The Week in • Wednesday 24th July 2019 Public appeal for Plea to traders to Remembrance Day parade move with the times An initiative to brighten up Staple Hill this summer and involved with the project and that in and service draw in more shoppers has not been well supported. nearby Downend which is famed for Local councillor Ian Boulton is leading the Growing Staple Hill its floral blooms, traders sponsor A public appeal has been launched again this initiative which aims to take the success of Page Park into the planters. year to raise funds to help Staple Hill shopping centre. Cllr Boulton said the population of commemorate Remembrance Day. But he told the Community Engagement Forum meeting last Staple Hill had changed in recent Last week local councillor Ian Boulton set up a Tuesday that the floral welly boots project had been met with a years, with older people dying and page on the JustGiving website to raise £600. lack of enthusiasm from traders. young families moving in, and the Almost £200 has already been raised. He said a handful out of 100 shops in Staple Hill had got High Street needed to reflect the Cllr Boulton said: “Our annual Remembrance changing age group. Ian Boulton parade and service has become an important He thanked those traders who have got event in our community diary. On 10th behind the initiative as well as the Neighbourhood Police Team November we will join together for this year's who are taking part. Remembrance Day. We hope to have our usual And writing on Facebook he said: “Perhaps we can try again next year when we can make our town centre look amazing and parade down High Street and Broad Street draw visitors in to support our local shops.” followed by a service at the memorial in Page Park. “Each year we are astounded by the increasing numbers of people who participate in this collective act of Remembrance. This year we need to improve the speaker system to accommodate the large numbers of people who now attend. We also have to pay the increasing cost of liability insurance. “The only way we can fund this is through donations from the community. Many thanks in anticipation of your support for this important event.”

The Week in • Wednesday 24th July 2019 7 Public inquiry into plans for 200-home development Developers Mactaggart and Mickel Homes Ltd have appealed after B&NES Council refused them permission to build 200 homes on land between Keynsham and Saltford. It was announced last week that there will be a public inquiry in the autumn to determine whether Land Parcel 9000 off the A4 Bath Road can be developed. In Issue 548 in January we reported that B&NES Council had refused to grant permission as the land is ‘safeguarded’, meaning it has been removed from the Green Belt and may be required to serve development needs in the longer term. The council said the site is not currently allocated for development and the existing road network doesn’t have the capacity to accommodate the increase in traffic likely to be generated. There were more than 300 objection comments and just two Site of proposed 200 homes comments of support for Mactaggart and Mickel Homes’ application to build 200 homes, plus a sports field, access A 250-home development and primary school has already not have significant implications in the short term as the roads, foot and cyclepaths and open space. been agreed nearby and work is under way. school would not be fully occupied for seven years. The council also said that the planning application failed to The developers had argued that if the application for Land The inquiry will open at 10am on 22nd October at the demonstrate that the required education infrastructure could Parcel 900 was refused, the playing field land would not be Brunswick Room in the Guildhall in Bath and is scheduled be delivered in a timely fashion in order to accommodate the brought forward, with the consequence that the two-form to sit for four days. children of primary school age generated by the proposed primary school would be delivered with little outdoor space. The Planning Inspectorate’s appeal reference number is development. But the council said the lack of additional playing field would APP/F0114/W/ 19/3230009.

8 The Week in • Wednesday 24th July 2019 Climate emergency declared in South Glos South Gloucestershire Council has joined the growing head on.” “It’s a shame the council didn’t take the opportunity to number of councils locally, across the UK and beyond in Leader of the Lib Dem group, Claire Young, said: “The work include indirect emissions in their commitment to tackling declaring a climate emergency. needed to make South Gloucestershire carbon neutral by the climate crisis, but we stand ready to work with councillors The motion, which was passed unanimously at a meeting last 2030 is very significant. But with this motion, we have taken to get down to the job of radically changing the way we do Wednesday night, included the commitment from all parties the first important step by providing the political leadership things across South Glos.” to provide the leadership to enable South Gloucestershire to and saying: ‘this must happen.’ ” B&NES and Bristol councils have already declared a climate become carbon neutral by 2030. Labour group leader Pat Rooney said: “This will be a emergency. It places the council at the heart of local efforts to reduce challenging goal, however the evidence that has been carbon emissions, but also to press for more powers, policies presented to us shows that this is the only sensible and and investment from Government to deliver on our ambitious responsible course of action if we stand any chance of WECA also makes targets. Further, the council will seek to provide local preserving our environment for future generations. I am leadership to enable local communities to ultimately achieve pleased that the three political groups on South pledge to tackle 100 per cent clean energy across all sectors. Gloucestershire Council have worked together to reach a Leader of the Conservative-controlled council, Toby Savage, unanimous agreement.” climate change said: “I welcome the constructive way this council has been The Green Party in South Glos responded with cautious The West of England Combined Authority (WECA) also able to address this important topic which transcends party optimism. Spokesperson Joe Evans said: “We’ve been declared a climate emergency last week as part of its politics. Our climate does face serious challenges and I am pressing this issue with councillors for a long time, and it continued actions to reduce carbon emissions across the pleased we have been able to work together to meet them feels like the tide is now turning. region. WECA has become the fourth Combined Authority in the country to declare a climate emergency; joining the Liverpool City Region, West Yorkshire and West Midlands in taking such action. At its meeting on Friday the WECA Committee is also approved a £250,000 investment to develop pilot projects – through its Energy Strategy and Climate Change Action Plan – supporting the region’s move to a low carbon future. And the meeting approved investment of £1.1m on integrated ticketing across public transport, including extending contactless payments for buses, as well as £100,000 to develop more walking and cycling routes. These projects are all part of WECA’s aim to get more people out of their cars and get around the region in From left, Claire Young, Toby Savage & Pat Rooney more sustainable ways. Sudoku SUNDAY CHEMISTS Sunday 28th July 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-5pm) 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 24th July 2019 9 LETTERS

Summer fair thanks potential passengers were waiting at pressurised, and the answer was the They then went into my house to collect Dear Editor Ashton Way in Keynsham for the black bin or take them to the station and what I would need, switch off the TV We’d like to give a warm heartfelt thank 2.08pm Number 17 service. It turned up they would deal with them and lock the doors. All they would tell you to all the wonderful volunteers who 10 minutes late with the ‘Not in Service’ I also asked if their use impaired driving me is that they just lived around the made the second Hanham High Street sign displayed. but apparently not as the effect wears off corner. Please get in touch with me so I Summer Fair possible. Several minutes of phone calls quite quickly. can thank you properly as I was quite There are all the fantastic stewards who made/taken by the driver, he announced Our beat manager James Evans had a badly injured. help all the stallholders set up and ensure at approximately 2.30pm that he was chat with me after the meeting and Forever grateful. the road closure goes smoothly on the going straight through to Kingswood suggested keeping a record of them so Kath Osborne day – the fair simply wouldn’t exist without stopping. No apologies, no pack they could monitor the problem. Oldland Common without them. Then there’s 54a Hair and drill - par for the course with First public I created a spreadsheet and enlisted the Beauty, Flawless Nails and Beauty, John transport! Wombles’ help to feed back to me which Wood’s Cycle Repair Centre and Would assume scheduled service was they did for some months but haven’t Fleurtations who all completed the taken off to cover a contracted school done so for some time now, so I assumed Write to us gigantic amount of paperwork involved run? that maybe another craze was in vogue, and organised the entertainment. Not good enough to take off an hourly but clearly not. I shall add your latest We’d also like to thank Baker Street service. According to people in the find. The Week In is independent of any Nursery for running the Lost Children queue, this wasn’t the first time this had It seems to be popular with teenagers political or commercial interest. We area (no children were lost!), all the happened recently, at this time of day. and young adults but leaving the detritus aim to produce a balanced and accurate stallholders, Albert Rogers Fun Fair and Hopefully, with the school holidays upon in plain view where it can be seen by view of local news and welcome us, we might expect less disruption to younger children does not set a good Crofts End Silver Band. A special thank comments from our readers. you to Tollgate Hire Ltd for their scheduled services. example. Normally, we will publish letters in full continued support by providing free I won’t hold my breath... My understanding is that this stuff is but reserve the right to shorten or clarify transport to ensure the road closes and Maureen P actually designed for the catering the contents or to refuse publication. opens safely and on time. Keynsham industry to put the squirt in squirty cream Please try to keep letters under 300 Lastly to Avon & Somerset Police – the but is readily available on the net and children loved seeing them at this Keeping a record of gas obviously a fairly cheap “thrill”. words and supply your full name and brilliant family-friendly event. capsule abuse Sheila Crocombe address for reasons of authentication. Plans will soon be under way for the Dear Stephen Only the name and district where you Christmas Market which is on Small Like your correspondent last week, I Reaching out to my kind live will be reproduced. Anonymity is Business Saturday, 7th December, so became concerned about the use of gas helpers possible under certain circumstances. keep an eye on the Love Hanham High capsules when I Wombled a load on the Dear Stephen and Becky Street Facebook Page if you would like edge of Manor Road field last summer. I would like to be in touch with the Copy can be sent by post or, a stall, or would like to be involved. I picked up 24 unused and many used wonderful family who stopped to help preferably, e-mail and should arrive at Nicola, Maggie & Duffy Dog ones with balloons left by four young me after I had a fall in my front garden. our offices no later than 9.00am on Eclectic Gift Shop men who had arrived in two cars (waste The lady sat on my front path and the Monday of each week. bin just yards away of course). comforted me while her husband phoned E-mail to:[email protected] Service cancelled with no I knew they were legal but I raised the for an ambulance. He also called my apology issue with the police at one of Keynsham grandson to tell him what had happened Dear Stephen Area Forum meetings, asking how best and that I was being taken to Southmead On Monday 15th July up to a dozen to dispose of the unused ones as they are Hospital.

10 The Week in • Wednesday 24th July 2019 Plans to re-energise power plant scheme Plans to resurrect the half-built power of the plant from 25,000 tonnes per annum to plant near Keynsham, which closed 92,000 tonnes of material. The previously suddenly when the company running it consented scheme identified a peak of 38 went into administration, have been HGV trips per day. By comparison, the submitted to B&NES Council. applicant says the current proposals In 2014 recycling business ReOrganics Ltd, require a peak of 58 two-way HGV which took green waste from landscapers and movements per day for successful operation contractors and turned it into compost and of the site. mulch, and Resourceful Earth, a team of An acoustic report accompanying the funders and experts in the field of green planning application suggests mitigation energy, secured planning permission for a measures to control noise including silencers £9m green power plant and environment and enclosures. And in terms of odour, a centre at Charlton Field Lane at Queen report says the design and operation of the Charlton to turn organic waste into enough AD plant are intended to ensure that it is an green power and heat for just over half of enclosed system and that the processes Keynsham’s homes. intrinsic to each operation are not open to air But the incomplete anaerobic digestion (AD) as far as is reasonably practical. plant closed suddenly in October 2017 and Some associated operations will, however, ensure that it doesn’t impact off site. would be the subject of a separate planning administrators were appointed. Now have emission sources to air. The recovery of Looking ahead, the completion of the current application. Resourceful Earth Anaerobic Ltd has come organic material has the potential to generate development could release funding for a The deadline for comments is tomorrow forward with a new scheme with a proposed “malodours”. An odour management plan second application to complete the (Thursday). The planning reference number increase in capacity. sets out good practice and mitigation restoration of the old quarry site with on B&NES Council’s website is The applicant seeks to increase the capacity measures to control and manage odour to extensive native woodland planting, which 19/02919/MINW.

The Week in • Wednesday 24th July 2019 11 Our ambitions for a better transport network Tim Bowles, the West of England Mayor, writes his latest column for The Week In

Westminster might be slightly distracted by the leadership contest to choose the next Prime Minister but I’m still working with our leaders to plough ahead with plans to improve our region with the funding we’ve already received from Government. Last month’s public meeting in Bath saw multi-million pound plans to improve where we live agreed by all the leaders in the West of England Combined Authority, marking a major step forward for the region. We signed off £3.5m to press ahead with plans to improve our railway network, with seven new train stations and more frequent services across the region. We also approved big plans to expand the metrobus network between Bristol Parkway and Cribbs Causeway, connecting even more communities to the increasingly popular service. We’re also seeing investment in new environmentally- friendly biogas buses on the M1 route connecting Bishopsworth to Bedminster and Frenchay to Patchway as everyone by simplifying the ticketing system. I have long regional plan to encourage people to get active with safer part of plans to introduce nearly 100 biogas buses to our bus thought that we should look to London as a prime example, routes to walk and cycle to work, school and so much more. network. The investment is crucial to achieving cleaner where you can travel by bus and train using a single ticket I’m working with the leaders on what’s known as the Local journeys across the region and I’m looking forward to seeing and payment option to cover the whole journey. For example, Cycling & Walking Infrastructure Plan, and later this month these new buses on the roads of the region. a resident in Keynsham could use the same ticket to take the I’m hoping to get approval at our next public meeting to We’re being ambitious to build a better transport network to train into Bristol and then a metrobus towards Cribbs secure £100,000 to get stuck into the detail of the routes we get you where you need to be. We are looking to agree £1.3m Causeway. Offering the option to use contactless cards will need so you feel safer getting on the bike or walking around to develop more-detailed plans for an innovative mass transit also help reduce bus boarding times and mean that there will our wonderful region. Ultimately, each investment is vital as system for the region. This funding will help explore the be no more worrying about having the correct change before we work to offer residents a comprehensive public transport routes across the region including connections to the airport. travel. This is yet another important investment to ensure that system to move people seamlessly across the region. This is It will also assess different types of vehicle as new our public transport is accessible, convenient, cleaner and important not only to connect people to work, loved ones and technology continues to emerge. This is a long-term plan but user-friendly leisure activities but also to further reduce our region’s I’m a firm believer in being ambitious because as our region Last month, we agreed to fund transformational plans for carbon emissions and improve the air we breathe. keeps growing, we must embrace a range of options to meet Bath’s River Line which includes a new 5km walking and I am proud to be working with the region’s leaders to deliver the needs of the future. cycling route connecting the city centre to Newbridge via the these crucial investments and ensure continued, sustainable We must also make travelling on public transport easier for new Bath Quays development. I recognise that we need a development and economic growth which benefits everybody. Crossword

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12 The Week in • Wednesday 24th July 2019 The Week in • Wednesday 24th July 2019 13 All aboard for heritage railway’s 150th anniversary

August 3 and 4th marks 150 years since from local museums about the history of the the opening of what became the Avon local area. There will also be a vintage bus Valley Railway. shuttle ride to Warmley Signal Box which Join the heritage railway at Bitton that will be open as part of this celebration weekend as they celebrate this milestone in weekend. the history of the railway. Opened in 1869 by The railway will be running an intensive the Midland Railway as a through route timetable of trains both days from their home between Birmingham and the South Coast fleet including their steam and diesel the line was later linked to the Somerset & locomotives. Dorset Railway. It was closed under The railway’s recently restored locomotive Beeching during the 1960s, but a group of from the old Fry’s chocolate factory will volunteers went on to preserve Avon Valley also be out on the line offering Brake Van Railway and three miles of track have been rides from Avon Riverside station on both re-laid and locomotives and carriages days. restored. Three very special model railway layouts You’ll be able to find out more about the last will be on show: Bath Green Park (courtesy 150 years in their history marquee with of Model Railway Group), displays on local industries and how the Mangotsfield (courtesy of David Bradley), coming of the railway impacted on life in the and St Philips (courtesy of Thornbury and local area. South Glos MRC). These will show different There will also be vintage vehicles on parts of the line as they used to be. It’s so don’t miss this opportunity to see them all www.avonvalleyrailway.org at £12 for display, shire horses and Morris dancers believed this may be the first time all three together. adults, £11 for concessions and £10 for (Saturday only), trade stands and displays layouts have been together in the same place, Advance tickets are on sale at children. Family tickets cost £25.

14 The Week in • Wednesday 24th July 2019 Chair announces charities for his year in office

Charities which offer emergency air members. They have regular speakers and ambulance support to the most critical activities and are a great place to find out patients across our region and that information on what services are available, provide a social space for people who are and to meet people in a similar situation.” worried about their memory have been At last Wednesday’s full council meeting the chosen as the charities the new Chair of outgoing Chair Cllr Rachael Hunt presented South Gloucestershire Council will be representatives from her chosen charities - supporting in his year of office. Next Link and Freewheelers EVS - with just Cllr Brian Allinson has chosen Great over £1,400 each, which was raised through Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) a variety of fundraising events for each of her and Patchway Memory Cafe to benefit. charities. He said: “I picked Great Western Air She also had a collection at the council Ambulance Charity because they constantly offices for emergency packs for Next Link’s need support to continue to be able to safe houses, and delivered several bags and provide critical emergency care which saves boxes of items to them. lives across South Gloucestershire, Bristol, • Great Western Air Ambulance Charity also Bath and North East Somerset, received a donation last week from Hanham The charity’s Critical Care Team received increase on 2018), 86 for Bath and North Gloucestershire, and traders. Joe Hughes from the charity visited 971 call-outs in the first six months of 2019, East Somerset (a 9% increase on 2018), 133 surrounding areas. the Community Engagement Forum in with significant increases across Bath and in North Somerset, 101 in South “Equally, Patchway Memory Café reaches Hanham last Thursday to talk about the work North East Somerset, Bristol and Gloucestershire and 108 across areas outside out to people who are worried about their they do and Bernard Jackson, the chair of Gloucestershire. The crew received 317 calls of our region. memory, or people with a diagnosis of Hanham Business & Community for Bristol alone, a 9% increase on the first These figures, if replicated, will see it being dementia and their carers and family Partnership, pledged £200 from the traders. half of 2018, 226 for Gloucestershire (a 5% the charity’s busiest year to date.

The Week in • Wednesday 24th July 2019 15 Could you become a Winning photos in Bitton home library volunteer? Bath & North East Somerset’s Home Library Service is parish competition looking to recruit new volunteers and encourage eligible new readers to sign up to the scheme. The winners of this year’s Bitton Parish Council prize-winner Lisa Thevarajah, pictured right, and third prize- The service supports people who are housebound, and photographic competition for pictures of local interest winner Alison Wride, on the left, were there to collect can no longer get to their local library, by offering home have been announced. framed copy photographs and vouchers from Cllr Erica delivery through a team of dedicated volunteer book Liam Tata’s photo of St Mary’s Church in the snow won him Williams. lovers. first prize. He was unable to attend the presentation held The council said it was delighted with the standard of entries Readers who join the Home Library Service initially before the council’s meeting last Tuesday, but the second received. receive a visit from a member of the library staff to see what sort of books they like to read, how often they think they would like a visit and what format books they require (standard print, large print or audio books.) A suitable volunteer is then identified and introduced to the reader. Prospective volunteers are requested to fill in a short application form, which asks for two references. Suitable applicants are then required to have a DBS check carried out before meeting library staff and being matched with a reader. For more information on becoming a volunteer or if you think you may be eligible to use the Home Library Service contact [email protected]

The winning photo of St Mary’s in the snow Libraries invite children to take part in summer reading challenge Libraries in South Gloucestershire, B&NES and Bristol are taking part in the national Summer Reading Challenge and calling for children to sign up to read six books. It is open to four to 11-year-olds and this year’s theme is ‘Space Chase’, which is inspired by the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing. Children can sign up at their local library where they will be presented with a mission folder to display stickers and record the books that they read. These stickers will also provide clues to help children solve a space themed Alison’s photo of sun streaming through a tunnel Lisa’s photo entitled River on Morning Run mystery as the challenge progresses. Firearms surrender running over the summer This summer Avon & Somerset Police are investigated. Unusual items may go into again joining forces across the country the NABIS reference collection or be taking in illegal and unwanted firearms given to museums. Everything else will be and ammunition. destroyed. During the last firearms From Saturday 20th July until Sunday 4th surrender, in November 2017, 313 guns August people can hand in guns, and 120 pieces of ammunition were ammunition, stun guns and pepper spray handed in to Avon & Somerset Police and at five designated stations – Keynsham kept out of criminal hands. This included Police Centre in Ashmead Road, rifles, shotguns, pistols and revolvers, flare Patchway, Trinity in Bristol, Bridgwater guns, starter pistols, air rifles, BB guns and and Yeovil. Under the scheme you won't a stun gun. have to give your name, and even if you Chief Inspector John Holt said: “Every hand in an illegal item you won't be weapon handed in helps to make our prosecuted for having it. However, guns communities safer. Even lawfully-held or and ammunition will be examined by the licensed firearms can be used to cause National Ballistics Intelligence Service harm or fear in our communities if they fall (NABIS) and any crime identified will be into criminal hands.”

16 The Week in • Wednesday 24th July 2019 The Week in • Wednesday 24th July 2019 17 Situations Vacant Asda grant for Vacancy youth football to fill? Netham Spurs youth football team have received £1,198 Advertising in The Week In from Asda at Longwell Green via the store’s local impact is an effective and low cost fund. option. Call Tracy or Jodie Susan Grant, who is the community champion at the on 0117 986 0381. store, went along to present them with the money. Deadline for Situations Vacant advert bookings is 4.00pm on the FRIDAY preceding publication.

Theft from stables Between 9pm on 13th July and 8.30am the following day on Abbots Road in Hanham an unknown offender cut through fencing and then broke into stables, stealing a Kawasaki quad bike and a lawn mower. The owner found both items burnt out in a field nearby. If you have any information call 101.

Temporary road closure West View Road in Keynsham will be closed for a week while Bath and North East Somerset Council carries out “feasibility civil works”. The closure will start on Monday 29th July and is for an anticipated period of five days. It will be closed from its junction with Charlton Road to its point with 182 The Drive. A diversion will be in place.

War stories The South Gloucestershire Second World War Stories exhibition is on display at Kings Chase Shopping Centre in Kingswood from Monday of this week until Sunday 4th August. People are invited to come and find out what it was like for people in this area during the Second World War.

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18 The Week in • Wednesday 24th July 2019 Advertising feature New dentist joins the team Hallows Dental Practice in Hanham is welcoming a fourth dentist to the team. Owned by husband-and-wife team Kay and James Hallows, the practice is located off Hanham High Street and around the corner from Shaunak’s Pharmacy and Lidl. Says Kay: “Our practice continues to thrive and so we are now taking on our fourth dentist. We welcome Paul Brind to the team in September, with whom we worked for nine years in Longwell Green. He is an excellent dentist and trusted colleague and is thrilled to be returning to the area.” After working in Longwell Green, Paul moved to Tanzania for three years to work as clinical director for the dental charity Bridge2Aid, helping to bring emergency dental care

Dentists Anthony Glover and Kay & James Hallows will be joined at the Hanham practice by Paul Brind in September

to hundreds of rural communities in East Africa. Since his James adds: “We pride ourselves on providing high quality return to the UK in 2014 he has been working in general care with a personal touch, caring for patients the way we practice in Cirencester, with a special interest in oral surgery. would wish our own family to be cared for. This has led to Hallows Dental Practice opened its doors in September 2017. us receiving over 300 positive reviews which can be seen on The friendly, private family practice has a calm and homely our website.” feel, offering a selection of drinks, magazines, books and a For more information about Hallows Dental Practice, contact special children’s corner. The bathroom has disposable the practice team on 0117 9902215 or visit their website at The waiting area toothbrushes and toothpaste available for patients to use. www.hallowsdental.com

The Week in • Wednesday 24th July 2019 19 Summer fun in Weston-super-Mare Summer holidays and what to do with the carriage drawn by donkeys as well as saddle children? Well, when the sun shines and back riding, their popularity seems to be on the weather is set fair, a place with appeal the rise again. The Punch and Judy show is an for the all the family is Weston-super-Mare. ongoing favorite with children from every Once into Bristol bus station, buses to Weston generation fascinated by the old fashioned are frequent and if you manage to get the brightly coloured wooden puppets and the family seated upstairs, especially in the front, clacking sound of the policeman clonking there is nothing better than travelling the 18 Punch over the head with his truncheon. miles trundling through pretty villages like The pier at Weston now looks splendid and it Long Ashton, Backwell and Congresbury, is difficult to believe that since its original surveying from a regal angle designer opening in June 1904 it has experienced two gardens, farmers’ fields now yellowing with major fires, the first one in 1930 and the summer and the gently rolling hills of North second in 2008. Amazingly it only took two Somerset. years from the charred black ruin seen 11 With a couple of stops in Weston shopping years ago to the grand reopening in October centre, the bus then takes you to the 2008 just over two years later. The owners of Promenade where the expansive seaside vista the pier, Michelle and Kerry Michael, spent are steps taking you to a wide walkway. The memories of childhood holidays and days by comes into view. The giant white Big Wheel £39,000,000 rebuilding the structure which RNLI Lifeboat shop is to your right. A short the seaside for most folk and with its pink is to your left, the huge beach in front and the now has a covered walkway down the middle distance further along is a small cove known candy floss, rock, fish and chip shops and fun pier and Marine Lake away to your right. to stop the wind and rain being too much of a as Anchor Head. Above it old Victorian hotels palaces, those recollections will stay vivid in There is enough sand to build a million nuisance in bad weather. and houses tower over terraced gardens with our imaginations for the rest of our lives. castles. Buckets, spades, beach balls and Further along is the Knightstone promontory sea views. This small cove is a quiet area with Christine Rogers games are for sale at stalls along the front and and Marine Lake. Many years ago the main rock pools and a small slipway, which was there are a plethora of coffee shops and building here was the Knightstone Swimming abandoned many years ago. However, it is a restaurants for refreshment. Baths. However, this is now the site of safe little area to stop for an ice cream and dip Here also you will find the famous Weston expensive sea view flats and a restaurant. toes into the beckoning briney. Following the Family Announcements donkeys. They have been taking children for From the small quay, tourist boats sail to Flat old barnacled wall and steps, you eventually rides since Victorian times, the first being Holm and Steep Holm. Other little boats and encounter the rather sad sight of the old available in 1886. Over intervening years they water skiers also use it as a docking area for Weston-super-Mare pier. Now looking like a Bereavement have gone in and out of favour, but with a their adventures around the bay. The old stone brown iron ruin with the old lifeboat house walls peppered with weathered dimples that and slipway still intact, it is a doleful reminder are a feature of the resort surround the of holidays past when it was the place to see Promontory and from them looking seaward an end-of-the-pier variety show and indulge can be seen Steep Holm, Flat Holm and in the in once a year gambling and childish fishing distant coastline of South Wales. expeditions. It is now too dangerous for Between Knightstone and the Marine Lake is tourists and hazard signs adorn its rotting a concrete walkway that is a magnet for structure. There is however a bright families when the tide is out, however it can welcoming black and white Victorian café prove dangerous if the tide is turning and the near the old ticket office, which appears very path is either covered in water or very slippery welcoming and is a place to reminisce the freshly polished seaweed! pier’s history. Once the other side of the Marine Lake, there Weston-super-Mare itself will hold a million

Mobile speed camera locations Open air service at Hanham Mount George Whitefield, the 18th century and several recruitment drives had been Here are the locations in our area where Road, Beaufort Road and the Kingsway; in preacher, was celebrated at a special open unsuccessful. you can expect to see police mobile speed Hengrove on the A37 Wells Road, A4174 air service at Hanham Mount. At the time the Methodist Church cameras this week (starting 22nd July). Hengrove Way, Petherton Road and The site was named a World Methodist confirmed it would undertake certain of Cadogan Road; in Whitchurch on Heritage Site nearly 25 years ago and Friends’ activities, including monitoring Bath & North East Somerset: Whitchurch Lane and Hazelbury Road; commemorates the open-air preaching of and maintenance inspections, and any In Keynsham on the B3116 Wellsway, also on Stockwood Lane; in Fishponds on John Wesley and George Whitfield, which future projects, in conjunction with South Charlton Road, Queens Road, Albert Road Snowdon Road and Thicket Avenue. and Chandag Road; in Saltford on the A4 started there in the 1730s. Gloucestershire Council. The Mount Summer Cluster service on A new care partnership to work with Bath Road and Norman Road; on the A431 South Gloucestershire: Sunday 14th July was led by the Rev council officers is being established. Kelston Road; on the A37 at Pensford and On the A420 at Warmley and Wick; in Anthony Hick, with the musical support James Clayton, who is involved with the on Pensford Old Road; on the A39 at Court Farm Road in Longwell Green; on of the Bristol East and Kingswood Brass new initiative, said: “Local people of all Marksbury and Farmborough. Abbots Road in Hanham; on the A431 Band who led several favourite Wesley ages attended the service with the support Bath Road at Swineford; at Mill Lane in Bristol: hymns among others. of the churches of Hanham and Oldland; on the B4465 near Shortwood In Brislington on the A4174 Callington Last year, after 22 years as an active Kingswood and there was an opportunity Hill; in Kingswood on Court Road and Road, Talbot Road and Wick Road; in St group, the Friends of Hanham Mount to walk up the beacon steps to enjoy the Tenniscourt Road. George on Nags Head Hill, Air Balloon wound up as membership had dwindled fine views.”

20 The Week in • Wednesday 24th July 2019 Football club scores planning goal

Hanham football club AEK- BOCO’s planning application for floodlighting, two new 50- seater stands and fencing around the main pitch at Greenbank Road has finally been approved. Even though South Gloucestershire Council’s Development Control Committee voted against the plans at their meeting last month, the decision was referred to the higher Spatial Planning Committee for review because it went against the advice of the planning officer who recommended approval for the changes at AEK-BOCO’s site, which is in a public park owned by the council. The club had warned it would appeal if the Spatial Planning Committee upheld the refusal. On Monday, after reviewing the application and in front of a packed public gallery, committee members voted five to two to allow the plans – although they were concerned at the proposed 1.8m height of the proposed mesh fence so imposed a condition limiting it to 1.2 metres. 49.3 metres - bigger than the original plans for the clubhouse the site have indicated they will be seeking a Community The club, which has 1,500 members, says it needs the which were rejected in 2006 on the grounds that its size would Protection Notice because of anti-social behaviour, including improved facilities so it can play in a higher league. But people harm the landscape. two recent incidents in which the police were called late at living near the site are fiercely against proposals, saying that Local councillors supported the residents who have also had a night to trouble outside the club. increasing use of the pitch later into the evenings during the solicitor representing them. Allegations of teenagers running amok in Greenbank Road winter months will lead to more noise and disturbance. AEK-BOCO wants the fence for the control and safety of with baseball bats and planks of wood, and of under-age They say the four 18m high floodlights will have a big impact, spectators during matches but the decision by the committee drinking. were raised at a Community Engagement Forum not just when they are to put a condition on the height has led to speculation that it meeting in Hanham last Thursday evening. The Week In has switched on (which will be may not be high enough to satisfy regulations. Level 6 asked the club if it wishes to respond to the concerns raised. limited to Saturdays and conditions for the Toolstation League state: “The ground must The implementation of AEK-BOCO’s planning permission is Wednesdays), that there will be enclosed by a permanent boundary. As a general rule, the still in the hands of the council, in its role as landlord of the be more traffic and parking minimum height, when measured from outside the ground, ground. The club’s lease comes up for renewal next year. problems, and that even with must be 1.83 metres.” AEK-BOCO Football Club is one of the largest FA access gates, the fence John Winter, chairman of the club, declined to comment after Community Clubs in the region, with 39 teams accommodating around the perimeter of the Monday’s meeting on the issue of the fencing, or about the club boys and girls aged from five to 18, three men’s sides and a main pitch will spoil the area winning permission after years of consultation and controversy. women’s side. and limit recreational But several residents were quick to criticise the committee for The club also manages and maintains the council’s sites at opportunities, while the new being cowed by the threat of an appeal. Tenniscourt Road and Fisher Road in Kingswood and an stands will also impact on The council’s own environmental protection officer has assessment by the council’s own Community Spaces Team has the open space which will acknowledged that complaints about AEK-BOCO from nearby indicated that the Tennis Court Road playing field could be a residents are likely to continue or increase as a result of any more appropriate site for a Level 6 football pitch due to its size John Winter extend the width of development on the site to further intensification of the site, and some people living near and location. Sudoku Solutions Crossword Solution 1-Easy 2-Hard

The Week in • Wednesday 24th July 2019 21 Service Directory

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The Week in • Wednesday 24th July 2019 23 24 The Week in • Wednesday 24th July 2019