The Week in East Bristol & North East Somerset FREE Issue no 380 16th July 2015 Read by over 30,000 people every week In this week’s issue ...... page 4 Recycling firm suffers further arson attack . . . Second fire in 9 months at Reorganics page 9 Barrs Court Moat transformation . . . Duckweed and rubbish removed page 21 900 days and counting. . . Cossham MIU saga drags on

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Emersons Green Probe after drug tampering at treatment centre A nurse has been arrested after bottles of a drug understood to be morphine were tampered with at the Emersons Green Treatment Centre. The private company Care UK runs the centre on behalf of the NHS. It opened in 2009 and offers day case and in-patient surgery to patients from South Gloucestershire, Bristol, B&NES, North Somerset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire. A Care UK spokesperson told us this week: “We can confirm a member of staff reported what they believed to be an attempt to access a small number of ampoules of a controlled drug. “The centre strictly follows national guidelines used throughout clinical working environments and, as a result of these procedures, there is no suggestion whatsoever that any patient has come to harm. Emersons Green Treatment Centre “As a precaution and to ensure patient safety, all stocks of the same drug at Emersons Green and all other Care UK treatment An Avon & Somerset police spokesman said a 46-year-old man centres were carefully checked and found to be unaffected. had been arrested on suspicion of theft. “The matter has been reported to the relevant authorities and Treatment and services available at the centre at The Brooms as a police investigation is currently on-going, it would be include dental surgery, ear, nose and throat procedures, inappropriate for us to comment further at this stage.” endoscopy, general surgery, gynaecology, minor orthopaedic surgery, diagnostic imaging, pain management, ophthalmology, and urology.

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Another arson at

Arecycling blaze at recycling business ReOrganics plant near Keynsham at the weekend is being treated as arson. Avon Fire & Rescue got a call at 6.55pm on Saturday to attend the fire which involved up to three tons of green waste. Firefighters from Keynsham, Brislington and Temple fire stations attended the site at Charlton Field Lane. An Avon & Fire Rescue Service spokesman said on Monday that the fire was being treated as arson and that the matter had been referred to the police. CCTV footage was being examined this week in the hope of tracing who was responsible. There was a similar fire at ReOrganics last October involving wood biomass being deliberately set alight.

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. 15,000 copies are distributed through retail outlets, libraries, pubs, community centres each week. Verified pick-up rate of 97%. Publisher Keynsham & Saltford Times Ltd, 8 Temple Court, Keynsham. BS31 1HA 0117 986 0381 www.theweekin.co.uk ISSN: 2052-9767

Managing Editor Stephen Rodgers [email protected] Editorial Becky Feather 07973 839936 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.

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Keynsham

FriendsBalloons and family of Kirsty Bridges for turned out inKirsty force and Benji last Wednesday to release balloons in her memory and that of her unborn son, Benji. The 29-year-old died suddenly at her home in Orchid Drive last month, leaving her two young daughters and fiancee Ashley. A post mortem took place last week but the cause of death has still to be determined. Two of Kirsty's best friends immediately started a fundraising to be sure there was enough money for the funeral and last week they organised a walk to the Memorial Park to let off pink and blue balloons. An army of 50 or more friends and relatives joined the walk down Park Road and Albert Road towards the town centre with collecting buckets at the ready. Commuters on their way home and residents along the route came out of their houses to donate and a total of over £400 was raised on the night. This will add to the JustGiving crowdfunding appeal launched by Kirsty friend Rachel Hopes. Initially aiming for a target of £2,500, the total stood at £2153 by the time we Keep in touch, let us went to press. To make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com know what you think, and search for 'Rachel Hopes - Raising £2500 to help a very send us your news young family' www.facebook.com/theweekin At the time of going to print a date for the funeral had not

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Downend Duo praised after saving life of boy who was choking on a coin A police officer and PCSO have been praised after saving the life of a little boy who was choking. PC Paul Fortune and PCSO Daniel Cowley were on patrol in Downend last Wednesday morning when they saw two distressed women in a car with a young boy who was struggling to breathe.

Ethan with PC Paul Fortune and PCSO Daniel Cowley

The officers stopped and ran over to the car where the women told them four-year-old Ethan Hunt was choking. The officers turned him upside down and administered a couple of sharp blows to his back upon which a 2p piece flew from the little boy's mouth. The officers checked him over before calling an ambulance, which took him to hospital as a precaution. Ethan's mum Joanna Hunt said: "I don't really know what we would have done if they hadn't turned up. They saved the day. They handled it so calmly and reassuringly and they stayed until the ambulance came. We were really lucky to have that support. Ethan's fine and back to normal - I hope he's learnt his lesson!" North East Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Caroline Peters, said: "I am tremendously proud of the officers, they both saw something was wrong and instinctively responded in the best possible way. "I suspect many drivers passed the incident assuming the child was feeling sick; the officers made that critical decision to investigate further, take control of the situation and administer first aid that undoubtedly saved Ethan's life."

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Bitton Jazz and rock tribute concert A jazz and rock concert was held at Church Farm on Sunday to celebrate the life of local man Christopher Gallop. Everyone who knew Christopher was invited to bring along a picnic and listen to music from the recently formed Jazzbeens ensemble, in which he played the drums. Christopher died of a heart attack in April shortly after returning home from band practice. Christopher Gallop Also performing at the concert were two of his grandchildren - Josh on vocals and Kieran playing his grandfather's drums. They were joined by their friend Dan Sutton while one of Christopher's sons, Andrew, also joined in some sets on the drums. The concert raised money for the British Heart Foundation.

Josh Gallop plays a set with the Jazzbeens, from left, Mike Gates, Bob Skidmore and Martin Hetzel

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Kingswood Investigators think blaze at industrial

Fireunit investigators was believe that arsona major blaze at an industrial unit in Kingswood last Wednesday night, which led to 26 people being evacuated from their homes, was started deliberately. Firefighters were still on the scene the following morning to damp down and extinguish any hotspots in the building which was already damaged by a previous fire. At the height of the blaze on the Douglas estate, more than 50 firefighters were on the a wide area. Roads were closed and local people were scene with eight fire engines, asked to avoid the area and close all doors and windows as an aerial rescue pump and a precaution due to the smoke. supporting appliances. A spokesman for the fire service said: “Fire investigation There had been initial reports officers have been working with crime scene investigators that someone may have from Avon & Somerset Constabulary to determine the cause been inside but everyone of the fire. It's thought it was started deliberately.” was accounted for and no Goldmark Scaffolding's unit backs on to the one that was one was hurt. destroyed in the blaze and the searing heat penetrated the Avon Fire & Rescue Service wall, leaving scorch marks, left. said their control room Business owner Mark Collinson said the unit where the received more than 30 calls blaze occurred was not occupied but had become a fly- to the incident as thick black tippers' dumping ground following a fire about two years smoke could be seen across ago.

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Barrs Court Operation to clear duckweed fromA team has been hard historic at work in the past week clearing moat dense duckweed from the medieval Barrs Court Moat. South Glos Council employed contractor HSB Fisheries to extract the duckweed from the listed ancient monument site and they discovered it wasn't just floating on the surface but was also submerged, creating a much bigger problem. They have been using a weighted boom, collecting the weed and netting it out onto the riverbank. The dense green cover looks like grass and there were fears that children would try to walk on it. It is believed that the hot weather, milder winters and the lowering of hedgerows have contributed to the extensive carpet this summer. After The plant thrives in still waters that contain high nutrient levels. It usually overwinters on the bottom and surfaces again in spring. It blocks out light to submerged water plants and can prevent the exchange of gases with the air so underlying water cam become de-oxygenated and may harm many aquatic animals. Richard Bult, from HBS, said a lot of rubbish had also been pulled out of the moat, including supermarket trolleys, bikes, scooters plus bottles and general litter. People can help reduce the spread of duckweed to other ponds by not allowing pets to enter the moat. A group of volunteers called MOATivation are working to maintain and improve the area for the local community and Before for wildlife. Find out more at their Facebook page.

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think of was when you first published a How to get more of us story about Angel Patch, the group that has using the buses started to provide activities for lone parents Dear Stephen, Letters and their children, in Two Mile Hill, part of Thank you for your item on the B&NES' Inappropriate mosaic the St George Neighbourhood Partnership transport strategy Getting Around Dear Sir, (SGNP) area. Keynsham. During a walk through the beautiful Stephen was kind enough to give me the I note that it envisages no change in bus Keynsham Park, children playing, people organiser's contact details (with her use (as a proportion of all journeys made) sitting and enjoying the lovely flowers and permission) so I could encourage her to from now to 2022. scenery, I noticed a mosaic depicting a make use of the SGNP to publicise, on I find this regrettable, but not surprising - flood, maybe going back to the one that hit their Twitter, Facebook and web pages, the for the best part of a year I have been Keynsham in the 1960s, again lovely. activities of her group. I was also able to trying to get a comprehensive bus However, when I looked at the reverse I suggest she apply for SGNP Wellbeing timetable placed at my local stop saw a mosaic depicting four dead people funding which she successfully did, last (Courtenay Road, Keynsham). Although being hung! month, with the support of the 17th Bristol the bus service is mainly 'commercial', Scout Group and Bristol City Council's FirstGroup seem happy to leave timetable Neighbourhoods team. provision to B&NES. Although some of the As a volunteer for a number of groups it is route 178 schedule is B&NES subsidised, also a delight to be able pass on details of B&NES will not fund the provision of a events and good news stories and have complete set of bus time information. them accurately reported. More people might use buses if timetable Thank you very much Becky and Stephen. information was more accessible. Yes, I Susan Acton-Campbell know there is the internet and apps for Friends of Troopers Hill smart phones, but nothing really beats a board on a post! As you can imagine my surprise, this Seeking Coronation year Richard Pannett certainly has no place in any park! Maybe memories Keynsham the London dungeons would be more apt! Dear Sir, If this is depicting Keynsham's past maybe Keynsham & Saltford Local History Society this particular scene is something we Set an example is producing a book about the area's Dear Sir, should be forgetting, not putting in front of history from 1945 to 2015. With reference to a letter in your 25th June the bandstand, in favour maybe of a more Do any readers have memories of edition regarding the clearing of bottles and celebratory mosaic? celebrations in Keynsham for the Queen's cans from the playing field by members of Tim Hedges Coronation in 1953? Oldland Abbotonians FC, I agree the The Avenue, I am especially looking for information dumping of these items is unacceptable. Keynsham about how the town celebrated - church But perhaps members of the club could set services, shop closures, street parties and an example by clearing the hardcore and In praise of The Week In what children did at school. Were they rubbish they have dumped behind the Dear Stephen, given mugs, did they have a day off, did houses backing on to the park in Lovell I find The Week In a great asset to our local they have access to a TV? Photos would Avenue, making it look like a landfill site. community. The stories published are be a bonus. A concerned Oldland resident informative, accurate, helpful and Contact the society by email at sometimes let me know about things I had [email protected] no idea were happening in my area. S. Hopkins One of the most useful examples I can

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What can be done to reduce the problem? If you know of anyone who is visually The current Government has just raised the impaired who would like to receive this free fixed penalty fines, but the reality is how to weekly memory stick with local news and Letters actually enforce them. Will it be the job of magazine items, such as local history and Tackling the litter blight police beat officers, PCSOs, traffic wardens, recipes, please ring 0117 299 3021 or email Dear Editor, citizen arrests? [email protected] Street litter continues to be a blight of the Personally I believe that the drink We can also supply an easy-to-use box to local neighbourhoods throughout the companies such as Coca-Cola, Lucozade, play the memory stick. circulation area of this journal. Probably the etc should be made to contribute towards It covers Keynsham, Bristol & Bath, most abundant are plastic water, energy, or the clear-up costs through some form of including areas such as Brislington, cider drink bottles, closely followed by taxation. Also in addition, similar to cigarette Camerton, Chew Magna, Saltford & discarded drink cans, and then takeaway packet labels warnings, why not a reminder Twerton. containers, crisp packets etc. of the fines for dropping litter in a large It's now on Facebook at Invariably they are thrown away or dropped WARNING label on bottles. www.facebook.com/keynshamtalkingnewsp in clear sight of a waste bin and even thrown As a Rodway ward councillor I pay regular aper out of moving vehicles! Long gone are the visits to the local schools and whilst there I Catherine Dhanjal days when Tizer or Corona glass bottles always ask the headteachers to encourage could be saved up, and taken back to the pupils to place their litter in waste bins if they Le mot juste shop for a few pence! are available or else take home. Also I will Dear Sir, I am currently waiting for South continue to encourage local residents to Writing as a pedantic old equestrian, I feel I Gloucestershire Council to give me figures take a pride in their neighbourhood, and must congratulate you on using the correct for the number of prosecutions or on the seek volunteers for organised clean ups word and spelling in your little piece about spot fines that they have actioned in the such as the Spring Clean events. planning for a manège in last week's edition. past year, and without being cynical I expect Cllr Michael Bell Most people, including most equestrians it to be a very small number. The Rodway ward, South Glos Council and the BBC, all of whom should know neighbouring local authorities are probably better - insist upon using the more familiar very similar. There also seems to be a 'fear Talking news French word ménage to describe such a factor' which prevents members of the Dear Stephen, schooling area. Ménage, of course, is public approaching a litter dropper because I am working with Keynsham & District French for household. Well done! of abuse or even perceived threat of Talking Newspaper on a voluntary basis to Roger Webster violence. help raise awareness of this great service.

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Whitchurch Whitchurch Distressed horse forced to give birth Summer whilst tethered by the neck Catena and Salisbury look like a barbecue perfectly normal mare and foal, contented and grazing, but at church Whitchurch United Salisbury's entry into the world was Reformed Church will be traumatic for them both. holding a summer They were rescued by equine rescue barbecue on Saturday charity HorseWorld in May after 18th July in the grounds at Catena had been forced to give birth the back of the church. whilst tethered. Catena and Salisbury The event is from noon to were seized under the Animal Welfare 3pm. There will also be Act and brought to HorseWorld at stalls including home- Keynes Farm where staff began their You can get a close-up look at HorseWorld's made cakes, plants, crafts rehabilitation. rescue and rehabilitation work this weekend and games, jewellery and Catena's hooves were very overgrown and when the charity opens its doors to the public. clothes, and to round off split. Her hinds had shoes on and her front These rare 'behind the scenes' days provide a the event, cream teas will feet still had clenches (nails) in where the valuable insight to the work carried out at be served. shoes had been pulled off as the hooves grew. Keynes Farm and although entrance is free, Entrance is free and there She is now receiving specialist hoof care as donations to the charity are more than will be plenty of parking part of her rehabilitation and is running loose welcome. available. in a large field with Salisbury and enjoying the The open day is on Saturday 18th July from freedom. 10am to 4pm.

Crossword ACROSS 7 The Paris Stock Exchange (6) 8 Operational (6) 1 2 3 4 5 6 9 Assortment (4) 10 Dig up (8) 7 8 11 Type of paint (7) 13 Celtic priest (5) 15 Form of decoration on wood (5) 9 10 17 Delete (7) 20 Honest (8) 21 Member of a nomadic Asian group (4) 23 Type of plant with yellow flowers (6) 11 12 13 24 Moves to music (6)

14 Down 1 Top layer of earth (4) 15 16 17 18 2 Sagging (6) 3 Collective (7) 19 4 Rabbit home (5) 20 21 22 5 Discharge (6) 6 Garments (8) 12 Against (8) 14 Omit (7) 23 24 16 Achieve (6) 18 Cruel (6) 19 Edible organs of an animal (5) 22 A ridge of rock or coral (4)

Across Down in 12 The Week • Thursday 16th July 2015 7 The Paris Stock Exchange (6) 1 Top layer of earth (4) 8 Operational (6) 2 Sagging (6) 9 Assortment (4) 3 Collective (7) 10 Dig up (8) 4 Rabbit home (5) 11 Type of paint (7) 5 Discharge (6) 13 Celtic priest (5) 6 Garments (8) 15 Form of decoration on wood (5) 12 Against (8) 17 Delete (7) 14 Omit (7) 20 Honest (8) 16 Achieve (6) 21 Member of a nomadic Asian group (4) 18 Cruel (6) 23 Type of plant with yellow flowers (6) 19 Edible organs of an animal (5) 24 Moves to music (6) 22 A ridge of rock or coral (4)

Keynsham Kingswood Most drivers not New president of Probus Club obeying 20mph Keith Hunt, a 73-year-old former civil servant, has been installed Two-thirds of motorists travelling along Park Road are as president of Kingswood Probus Club. exceeding the 20mph speed limit. That is the finding of During a 30-year career in Keynsham South ward councillor Alan Hale and presented the health service Mr Hunt to local police and B&NES Council highways officials. - an associate of the In response to continued complaints from local residents about Institute of Health Services excessive speed along the road, Cllr Hale conducted four Management - held separate one-hour monitoring sessions last month. positions in the former Observing traffic at different times of the day he logged the South Western Regional speeds of more than 300 vehicles, only 109 of which were Health Authority, travelling within the 20mph speed limit imposed last year. While Warwickshire Health a further 81 were travelling at speeds within the 10% 'margin for Authority and the Regional error', a further 136 were travelling faster. The highest speed Office of the former NHS clocked during his four hours of monitoring was 35mph. Executive South West, Mobile speed cameras are known to be operating in residential from which he retired as a streets in recent weeks and a number of motorists have senior manager in 2001. received fines or invitations to attend speed awareness courses. In addition to his involvement in Probus he Keep in touch, let us is also a life member of Keith Hunt Gloucestershire Cricket know what you think, Club and has played table tennis in the Bristol League for the send us your news last 31 years. On retirement he learnt to play the tuba and now www.facebook.com/theweekin plays in the Phoenix Wind Band. He is also current chairman of the Avon Wind Band Association. Mr Hunt hopes during his presidential year that other retired men will visit the club to see for themselves what is on offer. For more details visit www.kingswoodprobus.co.uk

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Keynsham Time to decide whether this is really a carbuncle So the Civic Centre has been open for almost nine months now and is it still as bad as the soothsayers predicted, or have we become used to it? While the development has won awards for its energy sustainability and interior office conditions, our Letters section still has to find room on a regular basis for the views of locals. Well, now it's time to decide whether or not Keynsham qualifies for national recognition as entries have opened for the 2015 Carbuncle Cup.

Woolwich Central, the 2014 winner

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r this is really a carbuncle Launched 10 years ago by architecture magazine BD Online, the annual award highlights some of the more bizarre and out- of-place buildings which have been erected in the previous 12 months. Judges look particularly for signs of over development, ill-conceived design elements, bland facades and 'shouty' cladding. Be warned however, the competition is tough. Last year (Issue 339) we ran a M by Montcalm Hotel story on the 2014 winner, in Shoreditch Woolwich Central. Entries have been going in since nominations opened three weeks ago and the most recent of these, a boutique hotel in east London, certainly has 'wow factor'. Nominations are open until the end of August when a shortlist will be drawn up. The winner will be announced in September. Anyone wishing to put forward an entry should send images and brief description to [email protected] Civic Centre

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Situations Vacant New head's hopes for

schoolA new headteacher will be joining Mangotsfield School in September. David Spence has taught and led at schools across the Bristol area and is currently vice principal at the Bristol Metropolitan Academy in Fishponds. Mangotsfield's long-standing headteacher Richard Badley retired earlier this year and William Roberts, head of Downend School, has been the executive head in the meantime, and the school has been preparing to become a sponsored academy as part of the Castle School Education Trust. Writing to parents, Mr Spence, who is married with three daughters, said: “There is a lot of work to do but I cannot wait to start. The school has made a real impression on me. The strong sense of community holds true, staff and parents are committed, and students are well-behaved."

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Pucklechurch Hanham School is told Girls to take part Hanhamin the Abbots Ashesgirls' to improve cricket team are looking Pucklechurch CofE VC Primary School has been told by Ofsted forward to taking part in the that it must improve. forthcoming England v Although early years provision, leadership and management Australia Ladies interna- and behaviour and safety of pupils are all rated as good, both tional to the played at the the quality of teaching and the achievement of pupils need to County Ground in Bristol on improve, according to the inspectors' report. 23rd July. The previous inspection in 2011 judged the school to be good. They will be demonstrating their cricket skills on the pitch during The inspectors said the quality of teaching had not been the lunch interval of the Ashes match after becoming consistently good enough to ensure that children at the 206- Gloucestershire County Under 11 champions. pupil school make good progress. The girls won their district competition at Frenchay and followed They also said that not all teachers have high enough that up by winning all their games at the county finals at expectations of what pupils can achieve and do not insist they Cheltenham College to be crowned champions. take sufficient pride in their work. Work is not always pitched at Primary head Mike Coyne said: “I am delighted with the way the the right level and pupils do not apply the skills they learn in girls have played and the team spirit they have shown. Great grammar well enough in subjects other than English. credit goes to Rachel Williams who coaches the team. They are Pupils' maths skills were also said not to be well developed really looking forward to taking part in the Ashes game at the enough to allow them to tackle challenging problems. County Ground.” The school will receive another inspection within two years. Hanham Abbots Junior School Under-11s Girls football team Pucklechurch Out of School Club was also inspected recently recently won the Danone Nations Cup, having come through a and found by Ofsted to be in need of improvement. competition that started with 1,500 schools.

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Keynsham Join the summer celebrations at Community @67 Community@67 in Queens Road is holding a week-long the Queens Road shops. Inside Community@67 there will celebration to mark its fifth year in the town. be lots of games including Jenga, Scrabble, whist, chess Community@67 is a community facility run by members of and cribbage. the community for the benefit of everyone in the local area. Thursday 23rd The celebrations start on the evening of Monday 20th July July will start at when Keynsham Town Community Radio (KTCR), whose 10am with a home is currently in Community@67, will host an open Brunch Club for evening from 7pm to 9pm. Come along and join them as teenagers. Then they record the week's 'Keynsham Hour' ready for broadcast from 2pm to 5pm on Somer Valley FM on Thursday 23rd July. afternoon teas will Tuesday 21st July will be devoted to employability issues. be served to the Community@67 is currently working with a highly community and quizmaster Brett will be running a fun quiz. experienced team called Clean Slate who specialise in On Friday 24th July, the Internet Café will run as usual from helping people back into work or starting out as self- 9am to noon. Pop in either with your own laptop or tablet or employed. They will be joined by a number of other you can borrow one. There are a number of volunteers who specialists on the day including City of Bath College, the can get you started. From about 10am to 2pm the food co- Careers Advisory Service, Jobcentre Plus and Curo, the operative will be running. Supplier Somerset Foods Direct main social housing provider in the area who may be able to will host a stall, a Foodbank representative will talk about help with work placements and work experience how it operates and it is hoped a member of Transition opportunities. Wednesday 22nd July has been designated a Keynsham will talk about 'growing your own'. Games Day for all ages from 10am to 4pm. Weather Saturday 25th July is the final day of celebrations, devoted permitting there will be outdoor activities in the field opposite to arts and crafts. All events during the week are free.

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Pucklechurch Bitton School run waiting More heart restrictions approved Waiting restrictions to tackle bad parking on the Bath Road through Bitton during the school run have been given the go- starters ahead. Following reports of vehicles parking on the pavement, blocking installedNew lifesaving equipment has been installed in Pucklechurch access to driveways and generally parking inappropriately near after two units were stolen last December. the entrance to the Meadows Primary School, South Defibrillators, which can be used in the event of someone Gloucestershire Council announced proposals last August for having a cardiac arrest, were removed from the community double yellow lines on parts of the A431. centre on Abson Road and from the café and bakery on Westerleigh Road just before Christmas, leaving just one at the sports and social club in St Aldam's Drive. At the time there was a spate of similar thefts in the Bristol area and in other parts of the country. The Pucklechurch HeartStart Project has now replaced the stolen defibrillators and a new one has been placed in the phone box at Shortwood, along with one at Eagle Crescent. Work to place a final machine in Parkfield is under way. • Meanwhile there has been a recent spate of vandalism in the However, after concerns were raised by some locals that they parish. New bus stop noticeboards have been removed or would not be able to park outside their own homes, traffic damaged and bus information boards have also been damaged, engineers modified the plans and last week the Kings Forest as have goalposts at St Aldam's Drive. Area Forum voted in favour of no waiting restrictions during school drop-off and pick-up times. Anyone who sees damage being committed, or who has information, is urged to contact the police on 101. The restrictions will apply between 8am and 9.30am and 2.30pm to 4pm Monday to Friday.

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Brislington Downend Students get a taste of the future St Brendan's Sixth Form New College held its annual Future Planning Week at the end of venue last month. Starting with Employability Day, for alumni members, university lecturers and business flower representatives all attended the show Brislington campus to host Downend Horticultural sessions and discussions Society's 71st Flower Show is on 15th August about their own experiences and after being held in after A-levels. Students also Staple Hill in recent years, had the opportunity of hands- this time the venue will be on experience in a range the Assembly Hall in industry activities from Career coach Gaurang Patadia interviewing St Brendan's Salisbury Road. medicine to aeronautics. student Lauren Pople The show opens to the First year students also had the public from 2pm. There opportunity to test their interview skills in a great benefit. will be a plant sale, raffle series of mock interviews with industry Student Betheny Stephens said: “I found the and tombola as well as representatives. week incredibly helpful and informative. The refreshments. With the majority of St Brendan's first year talks on joint honours degrees at university Contact Roger Davis 0117 students going on to higher education, were especially valuable for me, as I'm 9571703 or Hilary Walton apprenticeships and employment next year, planning on going on to study drama and 0117 9792832 for more the advice, experience and guidance is of education after St Brendan's.” information.

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Kingswood Still no end in sight for Cossham saga Today marks 900 days since Cossham Hospital reopened after its £19m refit where the space allocated for a minor injuries unit still lies empty - despite a high profile, cross- party campaign and petitions signed by over 18,000 people. And as the details of a proposed alternative pilot minor injuries service in GP surgeries remain vague, nine months after they were first mooted by South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), campaigners are said to be “more dejected than ever”. Cossham's modern facilities include a renal dialysis unit, X-ray and scanning department, physio and outpatient appointments and a highly acclaimed midwife-led birth centre. More has been added since it opened, including the GP out-of-hours service, a rapid assessment service for frail elderly patients and a wound campaigners, was at the meeting. She said: “The residents dressing service. However, without the minor injuries unit, were pretty frustrated and more dejected than ever. people in the Kingswood area have to travel - in many cases by public transport - to Southmead, the BRI or the MIU at Yate. “They have no minor injuries unit, the plans for the pilot are still disconcertingly vague and the democratic system on which Local health watchdogs referred their concerns about they hoped they could rely has failed them.” inadequate provision to Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, but, having taken advice from the Independent Reconfiguration Kingswood MP Chris Skidmore, who has also fought for the Panel, he ruled that the CCG was right to be considering an minor injuries unit, was due to take part in a debate in alternative to an MIU at Cossham, which had been agreed back Parliament this week and said he would be calling for Clinical in 2009, since when evidence has shown that MIUs have not Commissioning Groups to be held more accountable, just as reduced the pressure on A&E departments. schools are, through inspections. The CCG says its new proposals fit better with its plans for improving urgent care services for South Gloucestershire's 266,000 residents - but stress they haven't totally ruled out an MIU at Cossham. In his ruling Mr Hunt did acknowledge concerns about the lack of information coming from the CCG and said NHS England should sort out the support necessary to rebuild relationships and get things moving. But that doesn't look like it will happening until at least the autumn. South Gloucestershire's Public Health & Health Scrutiny Committee met last Wednesday when members told the CCG to come back to their next meeting in September with a full timetable of what was happening with the pilot service. Jo McCarron, who was Labour's Parliamentary candidate for Kingswood and who has been fighting alongside the

in The Week • Thursday 16th July 2015 21

Stockwood Mangotsfield Firefighters free man Apology after grass is left looking a “terrible mess” South Glos Council has apologised to residents who Afromman was assisted car from hison car by its firefighters side after a crash on were furious at the state in which the grass outside their Stockwood Hill last Friday. homes was left after being mown. Crews found the Peugeot on its side when they arrived on the There are wide stretches of grass along both sides of scene, with a man in his 40s unable to get out. Northcote Road which were up to three feet high before they Using cutting equipment firefighters were able to get into the were cut recently by council contractors. vehicle and they worked alongside paramedics to assist him on The grass is classed as highways, so only qualifies for two to a spinal board and out via the boot. cuts a year. In contrast, locals say the showpiece village green a stone's throw away - which is classed as amenity land - gets cut regularly cuts and looks pristine compare to the grass outside their homes. Resident John Sloper said it was the worst mow he had seen in the 50 years he had lived there. The cut was uneven with bits missed and no attempt had been made to strim around the wooden posts.

Before

After

in 22 The Week • Thursday 16th July 2015

s is left looking a “terrible mess” His neighbour Amanda Elms said that after the initial cut she had gone out to see if she could do a better job but her lawn mower had not been up to the task and had blown up. Last week Mr Sloper's wife Carol complained about the state of the grass to local councillor Michael Bell. She said that other grassed areas, such as Bromley Heath, had been cut and left in a far better state than Northcote Road. Cllr Bell visited the street and agreed that the grass looked a “terrible mess”.And after passing on their comments to the council's streetcare department the grass was cut again the very next day to the satisfaction of the residents. Before A South Gloucestershire Council spokesperson said: "We apologise if the residents of Northcote Road were initially unhappy with the standard of grass cutting in the area. “Our grass cutting schedule is programmed in advanced due to the different areas classed as core or amenity. The area highlighted in Mangotsfield is classified as core cut (two cuts per year) but we sometimes need to be flexible to ensure safety is not compromised or to give certain areas more attention. This year due to the weather and resulting grass growth it has been necessary to revisit the area and several others to provide an additional cut. We hope that the residents are now satisfied with the finished result." After

in The Week • Thursday 16th July 2015 23

Saltford Corston Lock refurbishment complete Kennet & Avon Canal Trust volunteers, in partnership with the Wells Road to be Canal & River Trust, have completed the refurbishment of Kelston Lock (which is opposite the Riverside Inn in Saltford). closed for 3 weeks This completes the programme of the three locks in the area, The A39 Wells Road will be closed from Monday (20th July) for with Keynsham and Saltford locks done last year. Bristol Water works to supply the new Bath Spa University student accommodation. The road has been operating under The work required removing old paint, preparation and two-way traffic lights this week for preparation works. repainting the locks and landing areas. Overall the Kelston Lock project took about 150 hours of volunteer time. The closure will be between the junctions of Corston Drive and Corston Lane and a diversion will be in place. David Fearns, chairman of the Bath & Bristol branch of the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust, said: “The locks and landing areas Bristol Water says the work is taking place during the school were very neglected and it has been a fantastic effort by the holidays to minimise the impact on local residents and team, culminating in the end result we can all be proud of.” businesses and that the Corston County Fair will still go ahead this Saturday (18th July) from 2pm to 5pm. Some of the volunteers following completion are pictured below - Trevor Clark, Peter Barlow and Rosemary Ainsworth. Keynsham People and dogs

Tworescued people and two dogs from were assisted boat to safety by firefighters after the power on their boat failed while they were on the River Avon near Avon Valley Country Park. Avon Fire & Rescue Service's safety boat was launched from Bath fire station and when crews got close to the vessel they found everyone on board was unharmed. They towed the boat to a nearby pontoon where it was secured.

in 24 The Week • Thursday 16th July 2015

Chernobyl children treated to newYoungsters from Chernobyltrainers who are currently on holiday in the Bristol area were each treated to a new pair of trainers this week, courtesy of the Lions Club of Keynsham. The Bristol Link of Chernobyl Children's Life Line (CCLL) is hosting 16 young people who live in an environment that is radioactively polluted since the nuclear disaster in 1986. There are currently over 80 Links that have been established throughout the UK, raising money to support the children of Belarus and Ukraine. While here the youngsters enjoy fresh air and uncontaminated food fun, love and attention as well as dental and eye check- ups. And on Monday the excited group visited Boots & Shoes in Staple Hill High Street where they all got to choose their new trainers. Keynsham Lions president Alan Hale said: "We are grateful to have the opportunity to work with CCLL in a small way as they come with very little, and to add to the benefits that these young for each of them. Without the help of local organisations we people will enjoy whilst they are here. It is impossible to imagine would not be able to continue our work helping the young what day-to-day life must be like for them." people who have to live with the everlasting consequences of Andy March, chairman of CCLL Bristol Link, said: "We are very the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.” grateful to Keynsham Lions for offering to support the visit of 16 The Lions will also be hosting a barbecue for the young people, Chernobyl children by funding the purchase of a pair of trainers their carers and the hosts during their stay.

in The Week • Thursday 16th July 2015 25

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Football Football Football for the Bristol City 'community friendly' a great success Over 1000 people turned out at Brislington's Ironmould Lane under-fivesLongwell Green Sports Club's Youth side has a new under- ground at the beginning of the month for Bristol City's annual fives group which is proving very popular. community match. This year's pre-season friendly was against Toolstation League teams Brislington in the first half and Keynsham Town in the second. City scored after 10 minutes and added another three before half-time in a rather one sided contest. They put out a completely different eleven in the second half against a Keynsham side which also included young blood with four teenagers starting and another four coming off the bench. This was an altogether tighter affair although Keynsham 'keeper Ashley Wintle made some fine saves, including a penalty from Wes Burns. In the end, a late goal from one of City's Academy graduates was the only difference in the half, The group is for boys and girls who will be starting in giving the visitors a 5-0 overall victory. reception at primary school this September. Email [email protected] for further details. In addition there are sides right through the ages, some of which have vacancies. Longwell Green is the Gloucestershire FA's Community Club of the Year 2014.

Youth players wanted Deerswood Abbotonians FC are currently looking for players for their under 13 white and blue teams. The white team play in the Avon Youth League division 4 and the blues in division 5. If you have played before or fancy a Keynsham Town's Tom Johnson in action against Bristol City new opportunity you are welcome to join the friendly teams who train at their base in Oldland Common on a Friday Keynsham's Secretary Julian French said: “This was a great evening. day for Keynsham Town and our lads' display helped Contact Mike on 07824 874024 or Simon on 07855 298840 everyone leave the ground with an excellent impression of to find out more. our club. Hopefully this will encourage a few City fans to visit the AJN Stadium when City are away to see what we have to offer.” Crossword Solution Keynsham have confirmed three pre-season friendlies at the AJN Stadium against Tytherington Rocks (Tuesday 21st S D G H W C July), Hallen (Tuesday 28th July) and Tintinhull (Saturday 1st BOURSE USABLE August). I O N T I O OL I O EXCAVATE Sudoku Solutions P R H E H ACRYL I C DRU I D 1-Easy 2 -Hard O C E N 852614793 687293514 INLAY EXPUNGE 971832456 532164978 T T O C N 643597281 941857263 TRUTHFUL KURD 1 8 7 2 6 9 5 3 4 4 7 3 9 2 6 1 8 5 564173928 165348729 A A F U I E 329485617 298715436 ARN I CA DANCER 7 9 6 3 5 1 8 4 2 7 5 6 4 8 2 3 9 1 Y N L E D F 415728369 829531647 238946175 314679852

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in 32 The Week • Thursday 16th July 2015