THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East

FREE Issue 560 23rd January 2019 Read by over 40,000 people each week Over 250 people attend meeting over proposed orbital road More than 250 people have attended a meeting with the Facebook Group, was held at St Augustine’s Church in Mayor of Bristol to show their opposition to controversial Whitchurch last Thursday and a short film outlining how proposals for a South Bristol link road. the road would carve through the landscape between The meeting, organised by the South Bristol Wrong Road Hicks Gate roundabout and Whitchurch was played.

The meeting was called by opponents led by Faye Dicker, who provides the narration for the film ‘No Ring Road for Whitchurch & Stockwood’ which sums up how local people feel about the proposals. The proposed road would link the A4 to the A37 and onwards to the A4174 via Whitchurch Lane, passing through the Green Belt between Stockwood and Whitchurch. In the film, Faye says: “This will cause irreversible damage to the environment, wildlife, and the communities that exist along the proposed route and further afield. “The proposed route starts at Hicks Gate roundabout heading towards Stockwood, passing directly through Oakleaze Farm, destroying hedgerows, woodland and killing wildlife. “From here it will travel next to the homes and gardens of Stockwood residents. It will then weave its way towards Queen Charlton, crossing two roads, before landing on a new roundabout positioned between a children’s play park and a cemetery. The park is protected by Queen Elizabeth II Fields Trust. Continued on page 3

Also in this How to improve behaviour More roadworks Chewing gum More delays for on the railway path planned for warning for dog Frenchay community week’s issue . . . page 45 . . . page 5 owners . . . page 7 hospital . . . page 11 2 The Week in • Wednesday 23rd January 2019 Over 250 people attend meeting over proposed orbital road Continued from page 1 Government says is needed for the region, 3,500 of which “We are now faced with two possible routes: Route A will are proposed for the South Bristol area (which includes pass through Bristol Barbarians RFC and continues through Whitchurch Village in B&NES). Green Belt farmland before squeezing between two He also told residents: “We need to find some common residential properties, crossing roads and fields, ultimately foundations that we can agree on.” And he urged them: “If spewing on to Whitchurch Lane, just 250 metres from Bridge you have alternatives, please put them on the table.” Farm Primary School. He said that he, along with the region’s Metro Mayor Tim “Route B is just as bad, passing through a large stretch of Bowles and B&NES Council leader Tim Warren, have Green Belt land, with a roundabout landing on a residential recently written to the Secretary of State to show their street before making its way alongside Bridge Farm Primary support for their WestDarran of isEngland receiving colleague intensive Toby care Savage, School and out on to Whitchurch Lane. the leader of South Gloucestershire Council, who is “Regardless of the route, we are now onto Whitchurch Lane, contesting three major plans by speculative developers in his a 20mph zone with traffic calming, zebra crossing, weight district. Marvin Rees with Faye Dicker limit, homes on both sides – a road that is already heavily Mr Rees explained that speculative development meant the congested on a daily basis. We understand that Whitchurch risk of ending up with no transport infrastructure plans. “It goes to show how determined us South Bristol folks are Lane’s capacity is 1,500 vehicles per hour. It currently After the meeting he tweeted: “Thank you to the residents about protecting the environment for now and for the next operates at 1,250 vehicles per hour…This road cannot sustain who invited me to the South Bristol orbital route meeting – generation… If we can deliver such a loud and professional any additional traffic. When you consider health, wellbeing, Bristol is wrestling with population growth and a housing message to the Mayor with under a week to prepare, then the child safety, effectiveness and the importance of crisis. Development will come and we must find agreement authorities need to be very, very worried. The support is and connectiveness for the community, wildlife and the on how we meet that challenge together.” has been staggering. Battle one to the residents with many environment, this ring road will clearly fail.” Organisers of the meeting urge people to share their thoughts, more to come!” Mr Rees repeatedly told Thursday’s meeting that “change is concerns and complaints with Mr Rees and Metro Mayor And South Bristol MP Karin Smith said: “The two possible coming” and that the city, which already has a housing crisis, Tim Bowles, local MPs, Bristol and B&NES councils, and sites for the proposed link road from the A37 onto and the wider West of must be prepared, with councillors and sent people away from the meeting with their Whitchurch Lane are completely unacceptable to me and to transport solutions needed for the 105,000 homes the contact details. many local residents. David Millard, who is a lead member of the campaign group, “In the coming weeks and months, I’ll be continuing to said: “A small group of absolute strangers a few days ago put campaign against these proposals at every opportunity.” together an event any events co-ordinator would have been Watch the film by clicking the link from our website: delighted with. www.theweekin.co.uk

Whitchurch Lane Hicks Gate roundabout

The Week in • Wednesday 23rd January 2019 3 Town council sets budget Keynsham Town Council agreed its annual budget for 2019/2020 at its meeting last Tuesday and has set the council tax precept to cover a proportion of the forecast £745,115 expenditure. The council says it is forecasting an income of £106,355 which includes £55k of Community Infrastructure Levy receipts and has set a precept this coming year of £91.29 per Band D Equivalent household, which represents a 2% increase (3.4p per week) on last year. The town council has released £85,459 from earmarked reserves and £26,823 drawn from general reserves to fund the remaining shortfall.

THE WEEK IN How can behaviour

Barrs Court, Bitton, Brislington, Cadbury Heath, , on the Railway Corston, Downend, Emersons Green, Fishponds, Hanham, Hillfields, Keynsham, Kingswood, Longwell Green, Mangotsfield, Marksbury, Path be improved? North Common, Oldland Common, Sustrans, the charity making it easier for The link to the survey is https://tinyurl. Pucklechurch, Saltford, Staple Hill, Stockwood, St George, Warmley, people to walk and cycle, is looking at com/y8jxmcem Whitchurch, Wick, Willsbridge. ways in which behaviour on the Bristol Regular readers of The Week In will know and Bath Railway Path could be that we have carried stories and letters about 16,000 copies are distributed through improved. clashes on the shared path between retail outlets, libraries, pubs, With the 13-mile path passing through pedestrians and cyclists. community centres each week. Verified pick-up rate of 97%. Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath & And last week we had a letter from a cyclist North East Somerset, Sustrans is working urging fellow riders to show more respect. Publisher with local communities and the three local They highlighted an incident on the path in Keynsham & Saltford Times Ltd, 8 Temple Court, Keynsham. BS31 1HA authorities, and is running a survey. which some cyclists didn’t slow down for an 0117 986 0381 Among the questions people are being asked injured cyclist lying on the path, instead www.theweekin.co.uk is whether they feel safe walking or cycling “passing at speed within centimetres of the ISSN: 2052-9767 in terms of the path users around, if they can injured person”. Managing Editor Stephen Rodgers [email protected] stop and have a conversation on the path On its website Sustrans has advice on using News Editor Becky Feather 07973 839936 without causing a problem, whether it is shared use paths, saying all users have Contributors Christine Rogers easy to find spaces to sit and rest or socialise responsibilities for the safety of others who with others, and whether they consider the they are sharing space with. It says people Advertising Jodie Deason and Tracy Broderick path is an accessible and welcoming riding bikes tend to be the fastest movers on 0117 986 0381 place for all people regardless of age or these paths and particularly need to consider [email protected] ability. their speed so not to startle other people, @theweekineditor People are also asked to say what they use particularly those who are frail or who have the path for, such as walking, running, reduced sight, hearing or mobility. No material in this publication, nor its associated website (www.theweekin.co.uk) may cycling or dog walking, and to highlight any It also urges people to keep their dogs under be reproduced without the written permission of Keynsham & Saltford Times Ltd. All positive or negative issues with the path. control which may require a short lead. rights reserved.

Keynsham & Saltford Times Ltd. t/a The Week In is regulated by IMPRESS: The Independent Monitor for the Press CIC. As such, we adhere to the IMPRESS complaints Keep in touch, let us know what you procedure. A copy of this procedure can be found on our website or can be think, send us your news sent upon written request to the address above. www.facebook.com/theweekin

4 The Week in • Wednesday 23rd January 2019 Why Keynsham has been beset by roadworks

The sudden imposition of temporary traffic lights on key taking place from last year while the Somerdale junction and roads around Keynsham this month is a combination of Keynsham bypass resurfacing was taking place. deferred utilities schemes and emergency roadworks, Housing development and the roll-out of high speed according to B&NES Council’s highways chief Kelvin broadband means that most of the work is underground Packer. creating more than 10,000 separate street works a year across Frustrated by simultaneous traffic controls on Charlton Road, B&NES. The effect is particularly felt in more urban areas Bath Hill, Wellsway and Redlynch Lane, Keynsham of the district but the council is investigating bringing in a councillor Alan Hale contacted B&NES highways team and permit scheme for utility companies and the right to penalise Cabinet member Mark Shelford last Monday to complain those who don’t follow the rules. that Keynsham was “buckling under the constant weight of Cllr Hale commented: “I am pleased that I was able to traffic and roadworks” and calling for more coordinated achieve a prompt explanation from Mr Packer, it does little controls over the utility companies. to ease frustration but hopefully at least gives some Customer connections by utility companies to the new understanding for people.” housing developments around Keynsham do not, by law, Meanwhile, dates for the planned resurfacing on Park Road require prior planning permission. They are deemed in Keynsham have now been confirmed. The stretch between ‘permitted developments’ as part of Government policy on the Albert Road and Dunster Road junctions will be closed speeding new house- building and, according to Mr Packer’s from 18th February to 1st March between 8am and 7pm. reply to the councillor, they are treated the same as Parking will be suspended along the whole of the road and emergency works. In the example of Redlynch Lane, there the 349 bus service is being diverted. Where possible, were unfortunately some genuine emergency works which residents may have vehicular access to their properties but also required immediate attention. only under control by marshals and they have also been Cllr Hale was also told that B&NES had in fact managed to advised to make alternative plans for any deliveries they may liaise with developers to defer some of the work currently be expecting during this period.

The Week in • Wednesday 23rd January 2019 5 Changes to 349 Enterprising teenager bus timetable Abus has announced some changes to the 349 bus sets up online business timetable which will come into effect from next Monday (28th January). A 15-year-old Keynsham boy has started a business There is a new early morning service operating Monday selling unwanted items online on behalf of local residents. to Friday which leaves Temple Street at 06.27, Bilbie Aspiring entrepreneur Tommy Mansell runs We Sell 4 You, Green at 06.33 and Keynsham Church at 06.41. The helping busy people who don't have the time to do it previous 07.30 return from Bristol has been brought themselves, or people with little knowledge of online selling. forward to 07.20 which will then travel via Brislington A student at Wellsway School, where he will be sitting his (07.41), Keynsham Church (07.57), Bilbie Green (08.09) GCSES this summer, Tommy said: “The idea first came to and from opposite Keynsham Church at 08.19. me after helping a relative with clearing out his home as he Arrival in Bristol Bus Station will be at 08.53 and the had lots of items to sell. timetable change has been designed to allow more “I soon began to realise how much money that it was all running time in heavy traffic. adding up to as from selling all the things that he would never The early morning Saturday service from Bilbie Green need or use any more, he made a couple of hundred pounds! at 06.15 and Keynsham Church (06.21) is being “I then realised a gap in the market for a local service of withdrawn due to low passenger demand. There is a 39 selling for other people in Keynsham and Saltford.” bus from Keynsham Church at 06.24. “By charging a small commission, I will advertise using the Tommy Mansell most appropriate method, sell the item and deal with payments, giving a hassle-free way of making money to Facebook including. “Exceptional service, will definitely be Cannabis factory in anyone that uses me.” back! Keep up the good work.” He says the business sells items for 11% more than an Another satisfied customer says: “Sold my phone through Keynsham High Street average seller on eBay. this company. Fantastic experience. Quick and painless.” Tommy, who arranges for items to be picked up from sellers, This month Tommy is raising money for Cancer Research by Police have found and dismantled a cannabis factory has been promoting his business on social media and by donating 10% of all his profits to the charity. containing 28 plants in Keynsham town centre. delivering flyers. Tommy’s website is www.wesell4you.org and you can also The factory was found within a flat in High Street last He has had support from his parents and his business teacher find him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ Tuesday morning. Inquiries have been ongoing. at school and has been earning some favourable reviews on WeSell4You1/ and on Twitter - @WeSell4You1

6 The Week in • Wednesday 23rd January 2019 Warning after dog nearly dies from eating chewing gum

A Keynsham family’s dog nearly died after munching his “I really did think he was going to die in front of us. way through a tub of chewing gum. They really did save his life that day. If we hadn't Jodie Deason, who works at The Week In, returned home come home when we did, it doesn’t bear thinking about after popping out last Tuesday to find their Springer Spaniel what might have happened. I cannot believe that such a Monty had got hold of the unopened tub, chewed through the toxic poison to animals doesn't carry a warning on the plastic and eaten all but one of the 100 small pieces of fruit- packaging. flavoured gum. “When I picked him up from the vets on Thursday they also Jodie and husband Jason were alarmed as Monty began said xylitol is a sugar substitute that people are using in home staggering around. They loaded him into the car and rushed baking.” him to their vets in Park Road. There they were told that This week vet Jade Lawrence, who works at Bath Vet chewing gum contains a sweetener called xylitol. While Group’s hospital, said: “Xylitol or E967, a sugar-free and typically harmless to adults, it is toxic to dogs, lowering their sweetening ingredient found commonly in chewing gum, blood sugar levels which can lead to liver failure and death. food, human medicine and supplements, can be severely At the vet’s Monty went into seizure and was given three toxic to dogs. injections of glucose to bring his sugar levels up, along with “When eaten by a dog, xylitol can cause a sudden drop in fluid through a drip. He was transferred from Bath Vet blood glucose levels, resulting in symptoms of Group’s Keynsham surgery to their hospital at Rosemary hypoglycaemia, e.g. weakness, lethargy, collapse, vomiting, Lodge in Bath where he spent two days being treated. He is tremors and seizures. A result of this can be acute liver failure now recovering from his ordeal at home and Jodie says she and you may notice your pet’s skin and gums turn yellow wants to make everyone aware of how deadly this ingredient (jaundice). The symptoms can develop within 15 to 60 can be to dogs. minutes after the xylitol containing product is swallowed so It can also be found in toothpaste, mints, gummy vitamins you must act fast and seek veterinary attention. and some peanut butter. “The quickest thing to do is call your vet or the Animal Jodie said: “We got Monty to the vets very fast but we were Poison Line on 01202 509000, to determine what action is so shocked at how fast this poison had got a hold of him. He needed. It is likely that your animal may be made to vomit Monty must have only eaten them about 30 minutes before we got to remove the contents of their stomach, then have a series home. He had a very distressing seizure at the vets which of blood tests to make sure that they do not develop low drip. As just one piece of chewing gum has the potential to was horrid to watch but both the vet and nurse at Park Road blood glucose levels. be fatal to a small dog, keeping bags up high and products were calm, professional and acted fast to treat him. “Some animals may need to be kept on an intravenous fluid out of reach can help save your pet’s life.”

The Week in • Wednesday 23rd January 2019 7 8 The Week in • Wednesday 23rd January 2019 Thousands of women missing potentially life- Choir raises over saving screening test Latest NHS figures show thousands of local women are missing £2,200 for charities the potentially life-saving cervical screening test. The Great Day Choir has entertained More than 66,000 women failed to attend the smear test in Bristol, packed audiences with concerts in South Gloucestershire and North Somerset, putting them at recent months and raised more than increased risk of developing cervical cancer. £2,200 for charities. The number of women dying from cervical cancer has halved over The choir’s recent ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ the past 30 years as a result of the NHS screening programme and gig at St Martin’s Church in Knowle improvement in treatments. However, the number of women raised £1,267 for the Kingswood-based taking up the test has fallen in recent years and health professionals KIDS South West charity, which supports are urging women to book the test. disabled children, young adults and their This week is Cervical Cancer Prevention Week. Dr Alison Wint, families. And the summer ‘Women in Macmillan GP and Specialised Care Lead at Bristol, North Song’ concert at St Bartholomew’s Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Church in Wick raised £1,004 for St Group, said: “We know some women find attending cervical Peter’s Hospice Room to Care Appeal. There is a third session, which is child-friendly for screening tests embarrassing, however, it is a simple procedure The Great Day Choir runs three weekly sessions and women of all ages, at The Nest at the Bean Tree Café and really does save lives. is currently welcoming new joiners. There are sessions in Page Park, Staple Hill, on Tuesdays from 1.30 to “Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer. at the United Reformed Church in Mangotsfield on 2.30pm. However, we need women to attend their test so that we can Mondays from 1pm to 2.30pm and at St Martin’s in Email [email protected] to find out more identify abnormal cells before they become cancer. Early detection Knowle on Tuesdays from 10.30am to noon. or to book a free taster session. is the best form of defence against cervical cancer and we would ask anyone with female friends and relatives who have not attended their test, to speak with them and encourage them to book an appointment with their GP.” The uptake of the smear test in Bristol as it is at a 19-year low. Health chiefs particularly want to help women from ethnic Rotarians celebrating minority groups access the test, as they know they are less likely to come for the smear. The HPV virus which causes cervical cancer is not associated with Burns Night in style having lots of sexual partners and is often picked up even if you have only ever have sex with one person. It is also very important Kingswood Rotary Club is holding its annual celebration of Burns Night this Saturday (26th January) at you attend even if you have had the cervical cancer vaccination as the BAWA Club on Southmead Road, starting at 7.30pm. this only protects against 70% of cervical cancer. The evening will comprise a traditional Scottish three-course meal and coffee, including haggis and neaps A total of 854 women in the UK died from cervical cancer in 2016. with whisky gravy. There will also be the piping in and the address to the haggis, and the evening will Approximately 99.8% of cervical cancer cases in the UK are continue after the meal with traditional Scottish dancing with a caller. preventable. Women aged 25 to 49 are offered the test every three Tickets are £32 a head. To book contact Paul Strover as soon as possible on 0117 9673224 or 0788 962 years, and then every five years until the age of 64. 7991, or by email at [email protected]

Sudoku SUNDAY CHEMISTS Sunday 27th January 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 23rd January 2019 9 LETTERS

Switching 2+ lane to a bus about the Somerdale to Whitchurch 637 bus. It would seem that on one day the were very keen to sign up. This service was withdrawn prematurely in Conservative Party makes a grand gesture My family had a lot of fun finding the lane is clear solution 2015 and had little chance of surviving. It towards the NHS but locally we see only snowmen and the shops that took part Dear Editor was poorly advertised. It did not feature on the next day the potential for our own local were very welcoming. I would like to say Can I please reply to the correspondence last bus stop boards and several months passed services to be sold off. Where is the how lovely Chris is from Body Matters. He week from James Freeman, of First West of before our family discovered its existence. protection the Conservatives promised? made time for my children and gave us a England, about turning the 2+ lane into a Just before withdrawal a council ‘bean Commissioning services is in itself a costly warm and friendly welcome. We loved proper bus lane? counter’ sat on board asking each passenger and time-consuming process. Given the spending time in his shop, and with his I didn’t omit the obvious answer as I have the purpose of their journey and their home content of the NHS Long Term Plan to lovely dog Rocco. been suggesting it to South Gloucestershire postcode. At that time we had a Stockwood encourage collaboration between service I hope the snowmen hunt will continue Council for a long time, but their answer has postcode so our journey was not recorded. providers, why is this action by the CCG, every year as we would be very keen to take always been if it is enforced by the police, it The irony is that new bus stops with raised which is not in keeping with the national part. wouldn’t be a problem. kerbs for easy boarding were built to direction, allowed to happen? Thank you for creating this wonderful As we all know, the police cannot be on site accommodate the 637 bus. Please restore this "Only by working together to create a Christmas competition. Kingswood has been every day so they can’t do a regular service: council boundaries are poor guides joined-up approach to services can we - NHS my home for 32 years and my children and I enforcement. So I totally agree, turn it into a for the travelling public. Whitchurch England, the CCG, NHS staff, local really enjoyed taking part in a local bus lane and solve all the problems residents pay B&NES council taxes but shop authorities and the public, succeed in community activity. overnight. in Bristol. Stockwood residents pay Bristol delivering quality health and social care for Lisa, Paul, Jack & Luke Simpson Nick, Oldland council taxes and shop in Keynsham. people. The NHS plan actually offers an Somerdale residents need to travel to South opportunity to create new NHS Trusts which Wonderful support from Bristol Hospital. Those of us with ‘BS14’ could be used to bring together community the Milestones team postcodes want to reach Keynsham to services if that is the objective.” connect with other services to Bath and Instead what we have is a very real danger Write to us Dear Editor Brislington. in that bringing these contracts together with Great to learn that Milestones Supported This 637 bus will save unnecessary car a value of almost £2bn they become more Living Service have been rated outstanding The Week In is independent of any journeys and help to relieve pressure on attractive to private companies such as (page 16 of The Week In, 9th January.) political or commercial interest. We aim Keynsham's busy roads and car parks. Virgin Care. Instead of integrating services Your article states that at present they help to produce a balanced and accurate view John Norfolk my concern is that we will just see them 244 vulnerable people in Bristol and South of local news and welcome comments Whitchurch Village privatised. Glos live as independently as possible. I can Nicola Bowden-Jones from our readers. personally vouch for the wonderful support Privatisation concerns Labour Parliamentary Candidate for two of my close relatives with mental Normally, we will publish letters in full Dear Editor Kingswood problems have received over many years. but reserve the right to shorten or clarify I have written this week to Chris Skidmore One has a severe disorder which prevents the contents or to refuse publication. them from working; the other has managed MP about the Conservative 10-year plan for Thank you for the Please try to keep letters under 300 to do a useful job, unpaid, for much of that the NHS launched on 7th January 2019. Christmas fun in The plan highlights a commitment to words and supply your full name and time. Kingswood The relationship with Milestones staff is very integrating care locally and seeking to address for reasons of authentication. close and personal, and though their parents change the disastrous coalition NHS Dear Editor Only the name and district where you won’t be around forever, it is good to know Reforms which in 2012 forced My name is Lisa Simpson and my family are live will be reproduced. Anonymity is Commissioners into complex procurement the winners of the Christmas snowmen that my relatives will always have a possible under certain circumstances. substitute ‘family’ around them. procedures and increased privatisation of competition in Kingswood. Brian Iles services. I would like to say how much fun we had Copy can be sent by post or, However, on 8th January 2019 the local looking for the snowmen. We found out preferably, e-mail and should arrive at A new Somerdale bus - yes Bristol, North Somerset and South about the competition when my four-year old our offices no later than 9.00am on Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning son spotted a giant snowman walking the Monday of each week. please! Group (CCG) embarked upon its own 10- through Kingswood. My son Luke wanted E-mail to: Dear Sir year plan to put local community services to say hello so we went over to talk to him. [email protected] Three cheers for last week's timely story out for tender. He told us about the competition and we

10 The Week in • Wednesday 23rd January 2019 Latest twist in 14-year fight for healthcare services The saga of getting a community hospital reduce ‘bed-blocking’ at Southmead by at Frenchay drags on, with campaigners providing space for discharged patients who Southmead Hospital, where bed-blocking is not helped by the lack of a community hospital branding the latest proposals a “poor and needed further care. inadequate substitute” to what was Mrs Harris said: “In 2007, the initial promised. proposal for Frenchay was for an 84-bed Barbara Harris, from the Save Frenchay intermediate care facility, with outpatients Community Hospital Group, said: “The and diagnostics together with 28 mental current proposal for the Frenchay site by health beds. The proposal for mental health Bristol Clinical Commissioning Group beds, now so desperately needed, was Cluster, together with North Bristol NHS dropped. Trust and South Gloucestershire Council, is “In 2008-2010, after extensive patient and not acceptable to us.” public involvement, it was agreed that 68 And members of South Glos Health Scrutiny intermediate care beds would be required Committee of all political parties have with outpatients and diagnostics. This was expressed their disappointment that what formally approved. However, in 2010, the was promised is so different to what is now incoming Conservative/Lib Dem Coalition on the table. The committee met last scrapped that previous formally approved Wednesday when they heard an update from plan and began a new process, without health chiefs that an impasse over land explanation. From 2010 onwards, South valuation is causing yet further delay. Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning In 2005, under the then Labour Government, Group (SGCCG) appeared regularly before Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) being increase in the South Glos population of agreement was given for a new 800 acute South Gloucestershire Council Health a legal requirement, there has been no PPI in 16,500 and yet our bed provision has been bed hospital at Southmead, with services at Scrutiny Committee and gave repeated preparation of this memorandum.” steadily reduced over 14 years. There are Frenchay Hospital transferring to assurances that a plan was being developed. She continued: “As we understand it, the 5.041 acres of land on the Frenchay site of Southmead. A new community hospital on Seven years passed without a plan ever being latest plan for Frenchay is for a ‘hybrid’ which 3.6 acres is developable. However, the Frenchay site was promised which would produced. In 2017, the SGCCG was relieved combined facility of 40 to 50 NHS only 1.0 or 1.2 acres will be used for our of responsibility for Frenchay provision as it intermediate care beds co-located within a healthcare provision so we will have the Barbara Harris had produced nothing. Instead, a combined residential nursing facility with usual fight for parking. This will leave the South Gloucestershire Council, (SGC), approximately 30 beds funded by South remaining land to be sold off by NBT for North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and Bristol Gloucestershire Council. In total there will housing in order to reduce NBT’s Clinical Commissioning Cluster (BCCC) be 70 to 80 beds so a resulting drop in the considerable debt. Surely the NHS should have now taken over responsibility. numbers by 30 of intermediate care beds.” make sure there is sufficient healthcare “These bodies have produced a plan to The old Frenchay Hospital closed in 2014 provision before selling off land for profit? demolish Thornbury Community Hospital when the new superhospital at Southmead “From the beginning we have repeatedly with 20 beds and to replace that with six very opened. Mrs Harris said: “Every day in stated that 800 beds in Southmead Hospital short-stay beds in a new GP facility, resulting Southmead Hospital there are 65+ bed- would not be sufficient. “The NHS for years in a reduction in provision of 14 beds. The blockers at a cost of £350 per patient per day has denied this but now publicly bid of £10m for this has now been turned as all local nursing homes are full and there acknowledges it as a fact.” down by the Department of Health. is nowhere to safely discharge patients. We Mrs Harris said that the council is both a lead “For Frenchay they are preparing a believe the proposed facility at Frenchay to commissioner on the proposal but also acts Memorandum of Understanding that will be wholly inadequate. determine the planned provision. Despite “From 2011 to 2017 there has been an Continued on page 12

The Week in • Wednesday 23rd January 2019 11 Latest twist in Our questions over 14-year fight Continued from page 11 as scrutineer of the proposal: “We believe this to be a clear remain unanswered conflict of interest.” And she added: “We have tried our very best for South A month on from our last report on the decision to make was unpopular”. Gloucestershire residents but are now in the position that we the Keynsham one-way trial permanent last year, it In the lack of any explanation of what did happen within the no longer trust the combined authorities to deliver adequate appears we are still no closer to knowing what actually Guildhall between publication of the Keynsham one-way facilities on the Frenchay site. We are not prepared to accept happened. trial survey and the decision to make it permanent, it is this proposal for the Frenchay site so it is time to stop. In Issue 556 we reported that our questions to Mark probably helpful to look at what other events were “We were promised a community hospital like South Bristol Shelford, B&NES Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, happening around that time - in particular the West of Community Hospital. Instead, we will get a poor and about the decision-making process leading to the sealing of England Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), comprising of inadequate substitute - if we ever get the facility at all.” the traffic order in October had gone unanswered. B&NES, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Dave Jarrett, the CCG’s area director for South This followed publication earlier in the year of the council’s councils and its Growth Fund. Gloucestershire, said: “We remain fully committed to public consultation over the controversial scheme which Last year, having made no further public statements about developing new facilities at Frenchay and Thornbury, and showed only 23% of the 1,600 respondents wanted it made the future of the one-trial since its comment in April about appreciate the significance of this work for local people. Our permanent, while 39% wanted it reversed. Although the the Cabinet making a final decision “in the summer”, plans will give the people of South Gloucestershire a new council’s initial response was that its Cabinet would make a B&NES Council approved funding to take the one-way model of care. This includes a centre of excellence for final decision during the summer, it did not and the order scheme on to the next stage in early September. intensive rehabilitation, with 40 to 50 beds within a new- was signed by senior development officer Caroline Council papers stated: “£220k of capital funding was build residential/nursing home facility at Frenchay. Lightfoot on 5th September. approved on 5th September for the next stage of the “The number of beds planned at Frenchay reflects detailed Since that time, further requests for a response to Cllr Keynsham Town Centre Programme. Consultants are about research on health needs locally, and increased community Shelford have been ignored and the response we were told to be appointed to develop concept options and delivery healthcare support that means more people can be cared for in December “was being worked on” is presumably still costs to enhance the public realm. A Full Business Case will in their own homes. This is a complex project with a wide being worked on. Ironically, at the same time as Cllr also be developed and submitted to the LEP for funding range of partners, and finalising plans has taken longer than Shelford was ignoring The Week In, he was gushing with towards the delivery of the Keynsham Town Centre anticipated. We thank the Thornbury and Frenchay enthusiasm to The Bath Chronicle over another contentious Programme, which includes the one-way scheme. community for their patience and aim to have a more detailed issue in his portfolio – the Bathampton Park & Ride. “A permanent one-way scheme will retain the reduced timeline in place shortly.” Reporting on an idea to use the Batheaston Bypass as an volume of traffic passing through the High Street, A council spokesperson said: “We will continue to support alternative to the ill-fated Bathampton Meadows, which was maintaining the improvement in air quality. Between May and work with our health partners so a solution is found as dropped earlier in the year, he said the council was not afraid 2017 and April 2018, all locations in Keynsham recorded quickly as possible to deliver the agreed vision and secure of making difficult decisions and it was important that nitrogen dioxide concentration levels below the annual new facilities at sites in Thornbury and Frenchay.” councillors “wouldn’t run for cover every time a decision average national objective level, fulfilling B&NES Crossword

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12 The Week in • Wednesday 23rd January 2019 Keynsham’s one-way system obligations under the Environment Act 1995. As well as delivering improvements to the public realm, the town centre programme will encourage walking and cycling by improving cycle routes and the pedestrian experience, enhancing the Conservation Area and improving the image of Keynsham as a whole. “Further stakeholder engagement is due to take place in November 2018 alongside the New Local Plan consultation, and we would encourage everyone to get involved.” Later that month it emerged (Issue 544) that a development project previously approved for funding by the West of England Joint Committee (LEP) was deemed unable to complete by the 2021 deadline and £4m was returned to the fund for reallocation. At the LEP meeting on 28th September, three schemes were approved as alternatives, including £1.5m towards the Keynsham scheme. The outline case had already been received by this stage and one of the conditions of the funding was that a Full Business Case should be received from B&NES by 30th September (two days later). The LEP report stated: “An Outline Business Case (OBC) has been submitted by Bath and North East Somerset Council for the Keynsham High Street scheme seeking to draw on the programme allocation for Sustainable Transport/Pinch Points. “The scheme would change a temporary one-way scheme (under an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order), running development and these impacts, together with job creation, programme by the end of September 2018 showing that since May 2017 on Keynsham High Street into a permanent are to be further developed and quantified though the Full delivery of the scheme by March 2021 can be achieved.” scheme. This would be accompanied by widened footways, Business Case. This is a £2.4m project of which £1.5m of Anyone who attended the “further consultation” about improved walking and cycling links, dedicated cycle lane, capital is sought from the LGF. precisely what they would like to see on the remodelled High new street furniture/fittings and improved junctions. The “Recommendation to approve the Keynsham Town Centre Street on 22nd November was probably unaware that the Full scheme highlights benefits to air quality, use of low carbon Improvement Programme – Keynsham High Street Element Business Case for funding had already been submitted six and active modes of transport, increased footfall and enabling Outline Business Case, subject to the supply of a detailed weeks earlier.

Advertorial New holistic practice opens in Keynsham A new practice offering alternative therapies has crystal therapy and spiritual guidance. Fiona carries out a consultation before any treatment. opened in Keynsham. Fiona has been a Reiki practitioner since 2006 and Prices are on her website and Week In readers can benefit Holistic Hope is run by Fiona Sage, from Stockwood. She qualified in massage five years ago. The mother-of-three from a £5 off voucher, see below. offers Reiki, which is a hands-on healing technique, as well has been treating friends and family but decided the time There is free parking outside the practice at 10a Rockhill as massage for relaxation and pain relief, and Hopi ear was right to find premises so help more people with their Estate. Find out more at www.holistichope.co.uk or call candling, which offers health benefits. She also does wellbeing, particularly pain relief. Fiona on 07834 601824. She was delighted to find the unit on the Rockhill Estate, just off the Wellsway, which she has now turned into a comfortable and relaxing space. Reiki can help physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Fiona gave her father Reiki treatments when he had terminal cancer and said it gave him a better quality of life in his final months. Reiki is now being recognised by the NHS and is used in hospitals and Fiona will also be offering Reiki training workshops. She offers deep tissue, Swedish and hot stone massage. There are reviews from clients on her website. One says: “I had serious back pain that just wouldn't go after three weeks. I asked Fiona for a massage, she suggested hot stone because the heat allows deeper penetration of the

Fiona Sage muscle fibre. Two days later I had another...that was two years ago and my pain hasn't ever returned.”

The Week in • Wednesday 23rd January 2019 13 Major improvements at ground thanks to grant funding

Keynsham Town Football Club recently unveiled This is not the first time that Keynsham (who play the latest raft of improvements to their playing in Step 6 of the FA’s league pyramid) have been able and spectator facilities when North East to carry out capital improvements with the help of Somerset MP Jacob Rees-Mogg paid a visit and the Football Stadia Improvement Fund. In 2011 they performed the official ribbon-cutting ceremony were awarded £100,000 towards new floodlights, (Issue 558). fencing and a car park. Five years prior to that they This included a complete overhaul of the changing also received £14,750 for safety upgrades and to rooms, new spectator toilets, new kitchen and improve disabled access, taking the total received refurbishment of the clubhouse and hospitality from the fund to more than £200,000. room. Keynsham run around 35 teams, providing senior The project was made possible by a £96,754 grant football for men, women and juniors from the age from the Premier League, which is delivered of four through to 17. Steve Nicholls, trustee of the through the Football Stadia Improvement Fund. club, said: “The club would like to say a big thank The new changing rooms and clubhouse. Credit: Peter Ricketts With an annual budget of £6.5m, the fund awards you to the Football Stadia Improvement Fund and capital grants to clubs from the Football League our partners Brea Avalon LLP for providing funding down to the lower levels of the national league to upgrade the facilities at the AJN Stadium. There system to improve safety at their stadia and to is no doubting that this will provide a hugely enable them to satisfy the FA’s ground grading improved matchday experience for players and fans requirements. visiting the club. Grants typically cover up to 70% of capital costs and “I’d also like to thank Jacob Rees-Mogg, MP for Keynsham Town have been equally grateful for North Somerset, for officially opening our new funding from their facility management company facilities at Keynsham Town FC. I hope everyone Brea Avalon LLP. in attendance enjoyed themselves.”

14 The Week in • Wednesday 23rd January 2019 The Week in • Wednesday 23rd January 2019 15 16 The Week in • Wednesday 23rd January 2019 The Week in • Wednesday 23rd January 2019 17 Launch night to celebrate Spotlight on new showrooms Gardiner Haskins Interiors Bristol celebrated the opening of mental health in their brand new showrooms with an official launch event on Friday 11th January. the workplace The new showrooms – specialising in fitted kitchens, A free event next month will launch a new 11th February from 9am to 1pm at the bathrooms, beds and made-to- initiative for employers in South Bristol and Bath Science Park in Emersons measure curtains and blinds - Gloucestershire to provide support, Green. Guest speaker Karen Shaw, from are open after months of work resources and training for positive mental Time to Change, will provide a workshop and the event was a chance to celebrate another Bristol native. health and emotional wellbeing in the addressing mental health issues in the the exciting new venture for the The food and drink were supplied by workplace. workplace. company. local firm Queen & Whippet Catering Thriving at Work South Gloucestershire aims One in four British workers are affected by Proud to be a local, independent and the luxury canapés went down a to provide resources, information and conditions such as depression, anxiety and business, the theme of Bristol ran treat, while talented mixologists Mix support to local employers to help develop stress every year and mental health is the throughout the evening with guests being Cocktails kept everyone refreshed with working cultures that support staff and leading cause of absence in the UK, costing treated to live cooking demonstrations their tasty cocktails (and mocktails). challenge the stigma around mental health an average of £1,003 per employee per year. from the city’s very own celebrity chef Finally, guests were serenaded with the and emotional wellbeing. To find out more search online for Thriving Dean Edwards and Great British Bake sounds of electric violin from local The launch event will take place on Monday at Work South Gloucestershire. Off semi-finalist Briony Williams - musician Joanna Chambers. New online counselling Library’s technical fault fixed launches in South Glos The fault with the self-service system at hours for around two weeks because of A new online counselling to 19 access to free, Gloucestershire Clinical Emersons Green Library has now been a fault with the Open Access technology. service called Kooth has anonymous mental health Commissioning Group fixed. The council announced last Thursday launched in South and emotional well-being (CCG) has commissioned It had been out of use during unstaffed that it was back up and running. Gloucestershire. support. online counselling provider Kooth gives local children NHS Bristol, North XenZone to provide the and young people aged 11 Somerset & South service, which will offer access to self-help materials, mood-tracking and goal setting tools, counsellor Situations Vacant messaging and peer-to-peer support through moderated online forums. The forums address issues Vacancy to fill? that range from exam stress and depression to self-harm Advertising in The Week In is an effective and low cost option. and relationship problems. Call Tracy or Jodie on 0117 986 0381. Qualified counsellors are available to support any Deadline for Situations Vacant advert bookings is 4.00pm on the child or young person in FRIDAY preceding publication. one-to-one sessions, from noon until 10pm on weekdays, and from 6pm until 10pm at weekends. Kooth is available across the area for an initial 12-month period. Kooth is now available to children and young people in more than 95 Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) areas and receives more than 1,500 log-ins every day. The service can be accessed by visiting the Kooth website - https://kooth.com/

18 The Week in • Wednesday 23rd January 20198 The Week in • Wednesday 23rd January 2019 19 Mobile speed camera locations Faith school is rated as Here are the locations in our area where you can Stockwood Lane and Sturminster Road; in Hengrove expect to see police mobile speed cameras this week on the A37 Wells Road, A7174 Hengrove Way, Inadequate by Ofsted (starting 21st January). Hengrove Lane, Hengrove Avenue, Petherton Road, Carmel Christian School on Bath Annual fees are £1,440 to £2,040. Bath & North East Somerset: Tarnock Avenue, Great Hayles Road and Cadogan Road in Brislington has received On its website the school says: “It In Keynsham on Queens Road, Albert Road, Rock Road; also in Whitchurch on Whitchurch Lane and Road and Coronation Avenue; in Saltford on Norman Hazelbury Road. an overall rating of Inadequate is obviously very disappointing for Road and Manor Road; on the A431 Kelston Road; on South Gloucestershire: following its latest Ofsted all members of staff that the the A37 at Pensford. On Court Farm Road and Ellacombe Road in inspection. outcome of the inspection has Bristol: Longwell Green; in Hanham on Abbots Road and There are 41 children at the non- found that the school requires In Brislington on the A4174 Callington Road, Talbot Whittucks Road; in Oldland on the A4175 Barry Road selective independent school which improvement and will undoubtedly Road, Allison Road, Hungerford Road and Wick and High Street and at Mill Lane; on the A431 Bath takes pupils from the age of three to be very disappointing for the Road; in St George on Hillside Road, Nags Head Hill, Road at Swineford; on the B4465 Westerleigh Road at 18, although there are currently no parents also. the Kingsway, Blackswarth Road, Air Balloon Road Pucklechurch; on Overndale Road at Downend; on students in the sixth form. “However, it must be said that all and the A420 Bell Hill Road/Two Mile Hill Road; on Blackhorse Road at Mangotsfield; on the A4174 Avon The results of the inspection, which staff in school are committed to the B4465 Whitehall Road and at Gordon Avenue in Ring Road near Junction 1 of the M32 and at Bromley was carried out in November, have providing the best education for the Whitehall; in Stockwood on Ladman Road, Heath; also on Henfield Road at Henfield. been published this month. children of Carmel Christian Despite the criticism from Ofsted, School. the parental survey carried out by “With the publication of the report, Crowdfunding page set up to help Darran the education watchdog at the time now is the time to look forward and of the inspection reveals strong continue to address the issues that A crowdfunding page has been set up to raise funding/darrencorp support for the school and how their our parents are most concerned money for Darran Corp who suffered life- Some of the money will also go to the intensive children are getting on. There were about – that is ensuring that the threatening injuries when he fell down a flight of care unit. Darran’s wife Nicki grew up in Saltford 24 responses with 100% of those children of Carmel Christian stairs at a work Christmas party. and she is a former manager of the Bird in Hand saying they would recommend the School receive the high quality We featured Darran’s story on our front page two pub and Jolly Sailor. Relatives are planning a school to another parent. education that they deserve in a safe weeks ago. His family say he is making good sponsored swim at Keynsham Leisure Centre this Carmel Christian School, which environment where all children are progress and has been transferred from intensive Sunday (27th January) to raise money. opened in 2000, is part of Christian supported to reach their potential. care at Southmead Hospital to the Royal United Sponsor forms are available from the Bird in Hand Education Europe. It is owned by “We are confident that our parents Hospital in Bath for rehabilitation. People can and Nicki’s parents’ home at 1 Brockley Road in Carmel Ministries International, the will continue to support us with this donate at https://www.justgiving.com/crowd Saltford is also a collection point for donations. headquarters of which is in Bristol. aim.”

20 The Week in • Wednesday 23rd January 2019 Parents slate ‘biased’ GP practice Ofsted inspection of trials online Fishponds school service Hanham Health has launched a new online service for Parents have rallied to support a Fishponds school which it was told to improve. patients to get advice and treatment within one working has been branded Inadequate in all key areas by Ofsted. The latest Ofsted report says that safeguarding is not day. The critical report on the 377-pupil Steiner Academy Bristol effective, with pupils exposed to avoidable risk of harm and By filling out a simple online form, patients can get (SAB) was published last Friday following an inspection in physical intervention is used unnecessarily. advice about a specific problem or condition, general November. A petition set up by parents on the change.org The inspectors found that teachers do not use assessment advice, or administrative help, such as test results, a sick website calls the inspection “unfair and biased” as the same well to support and increase pupils’ learning and have low note or a GP’s letter. team previously investigated and failed two other Steiner expectations for pupils’ achievement Hanham Health provides primary healthcare services to schools in the South West. The petition, already signed by The report highlights that disadvantaged pupils make less around 27,000 patients from three community surgeries over 1,000 people, demands that Ofsted carries out another progress than their peers, pupils with special educational at Hanham, Oldland Common and Almondsbury. full inspection with a fresh team. needs and/or disabilities make insufficient progress, It also provides services in five prisons in Bristol, South Meanwhile an Academy Management Committee has been secondary pupils don’t get good enough careers guidance, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, and medical / nursing appointed by the South West Regional Schools and low-level disruption is common in some classes. It also services in two youth secure units in Bristol and Commissioner Lisa Mannall and will be responsible for the says bullying incidents are too frequent and that leaders have Southampton, as well as being contracted to provide operational management of SAB. only recently started to tackle this. primary healthcare services for military personnel Cabot Learning Federation will be providing school-to- But the report also acknowledges that staff are stationed at the MoD site at Abbey Wood, Filton. school support to deliver improvements in line with Ofsted’s “overwhelmingly positive” about the school and believe it is Courtside Surgery in Yate is also trialling the service. recommendations. improving under the principal’s guidance. SAB, which opened in 2014 under the free school This week principal Joss Hayes said: “We take the programme, takes children from four to 16 and is part of a judgements in the Ofsted inspection very seriously and have group of Steiner Academies, state-funded schools that build already acted on many of its findings. We have implemented on the ideas of Steiner education with a commitment to additional training for all staff and are committed to ensuring diversity and accessibility. In its first Ofsted report in 2017 that the school makes improvements in key areas.” New over 50s club Catalytic converter theft A new club for the over 50s has started at St John’s A catalytic converter was stolen from a vehicle parked Church in Lodge Causeway. in Manor Road, Keynsham, between Sunday 6th and The club meets on the first and third Monday of the Friday 11th January. month from 2pm to 4pm. If you have any information regarding this incident, To find out more, or if you need transport, call Claire on contact the police on 101 or call Crimestoppers 0117 9654444. anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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