The Week in East & North East Somerset FREE Issue no 341 9th October 2014 Read by over 30,000 people every week In this week’s issue ...... page 3 Kingswood road traffic accident . . . Unmarked armed response car in collision page 12 Taylor Wimpey accused over Somerdale . . . Wildlife scheme pulled due to cost page 18 McDonald's in . . . 80 locals attend protest meeting in 2 The Week • Thursday 9th October 2014 Kingswood Three hurt after crash with unmarked police vehicle An investigation has been launched after an unmarked police armed response car on an emergency call crashed into another vehicle in Chiphouse Road, injuring three people. The accident happened at about 11pm on Friday. The unmarked police car had reportedly been travelling along Pool Road towards the junction of Chiphouse Road and Pound Road when it was in collision with the rear of a Vauxhall car in which there were four people on their way home after a night out. A number of police vehicles and paramedics were quickly on the scene but Shauna Sandrone and Stephanie Scutt, bar staff at the nearby Jolly Cobbler pub, were the first there, managing to open car doors and get the occupants out. Zan Sparkes, one of the casualties, said: “All I was aware of was smoke, noise and people telling me to get out of the car.” It is understood that one man was taken to A&E at Hospital for treatment and was allowed home the following day, while two others suffered cuts and bruising. Landlord Mike Roper said that the crossroads were dangerous and this was the second serious incident at the junction in the 10 months since he took over the pub. On Monday an Avon & Somerset police spokesman said: “A police car on an emergency call collided with another vehicle in Chiphouse Road, Kingswood. Three people in that car were injured. The police driver and his passenger were not hurt. “The driver of the police car has been suspended from driving police vehicles, pending an investigation.”

in The Week • Thursday 9th October 2014 3 Willsbridge Crackdown on unauthorised tippers ANew new chapter beganera this week for for historic historic Willsbridge Mill Willsbridge Mill ’s Sort It! recycling centres at as a community interest company took over the lease from , , Thornbury and are to step Avon Wildlife Trust. up user residency checks to reduce unauthorised use of The group already had an involvement with the mill, having run the sites. the Coffee Mill café there, but the café closed last year after the Every tonne of waste tipped by unauthorised users, such as wildlife trust felt it was too difficult to support. non-residents or commercial traders, costs the council £100 to For the past three decades, the mill, barn and land immediately process. Unauthorised use can also create delays and surrounding it were leased from South Gloucestershire Council inconvenience for residents seeking to use the four sites. by the trust. Residency checks have been in place since 2008 but from 1st The mill buildings fell into disrepair after the Great Flood in July October these have been stepped up and visitors may be asked 1968. The mill and adjoining land were later bought by builders to provide proof of both identification and residency. George Wimpey & Co and in 1979 they donated the mill to Any official documents that can confirm both types of Kingswood District Council, which entered into an agreement information -- such as driver’s licences, utility bills, council tax with the trust. bills or passports – are acceptable.

The Week in

The barn next to the Mill, where it is hoped the cafe will be up and running by next month

Barrs Court, , , Cadbury Heath, Compton Dando, Corston, Downend, , Fishponds, , Hillfields, Keynsham, Kingswood, , Mangotsfield, Marksbury, North Common, Common, , Saltford, Staple Hill, , St George, , 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.

in 4 The Week • Thursday 9th October 2014 c WillsbridgeThe mill and adjacent long barn were Mill restored, opening in 1986 as an environmental education centre. AWT advised the council some time ago that it did not want to continue with the lease when it came up for renewal but it would continue to maintain Willsbridge Valley as a wildlife habitat. Now the lease for the buildings has transferred to Willsbridge Mill Community Refresh (WMCR), which is looking to secure funding to transform the buildings into an inspirational Back from left, Mike Gray, Sue Smith, Jan Davis and Frank Ward; community space. seated, Ginny Ottewill and Gill Scott Sue Smith, one of the directors, Repair work will be carried out on the buildings from 13th to said: “This is the start of a long- 31st October but bookings are being taken to hire room in the term regeneration project which barn from 3rd November. will benefit the local residents and visitors to the site. Together Volunteers will be needed to do shifts in the café and to get we can transform this tired and involved in other ways, including working on the large area of neglected space into a great woodland that connects to Willsbridge Hill which is covered by community asset.” the lease. WMCR will be working on a woodland management plan with the Forestry Commission. Getting the café open again is a priority and the group is Part of the land is earmarked for a 25-space car park with a new appealing for donations of access from Willsbridge Hill. money, as well as furniture and WMCR also plans to create space for artisan businesses by kitchen items. Cheques can be converting the ruins of an old house called The Limes that is in made payable to Willsbridge the woodland. Mill Community Refresh and Find out more about the group at the Willsbridge Mill Old mill workings on the sent to WMCR, Willsbridge Mill, Community Refresh Facebook page or email first floor Bristol BS30 6EX. [email protected]

in The Week • Thursday 9th October 2014 5 Keynsham Financial sweeteners for new tenants while Temple Street traders continue to suffer Traders in Temple Street have reacted angrily to reports of financial sweeteners being offered by B&NES Council to potential tenants in the new development directly opposite their businesses while they continue to suffer as a consequence of the development. Many businesses interested in moving to the so called 'Market Place' have been put off signing up due to the one-off costs of fitting out the new units. These were being offered as basic shells without even toilets or electricity sockets. One interested tenant was quoted over £50,000 to fit out a unit. While the rental rates are commercially competitive, there is also a £2 per square foot service charge to pay to the council for upkeep of the common areas, which is adding about 20% to the rent. Temple Street Until last week, only Sainsbury's and the Loungers coffee shop/restaurant were confirmed tenants, but it has now The haberdashery shop Millie Moon is the latest Temple Street emerged that incentives are being offered to interested parties business to suffer the consequences of the development. After which include rent-free periods and assistance with shop fitting opening in September last year, it had been hoped the shop costs. While offers like these are not uncommon in new would fill the gap left when the Fabric Shop moved out of the developments, questions are being asked why they have only old civic centre precinct. But it will be closing this weekend emerged now, jus three weeks before the original planned although the unit will be occupied by Your Move estate agents, opening, and Temple Street traders believe it is just another who are relocating from the High Street. kick in the teeth. While Temple Street businesses were compensated by Wales Two weeks ago, we reported on one business owner who was & West Utilities for the disruption caused during the gas main questioning why no provision had been made in the council's replacement earlier this year, they will have their work cut out to budget to mitigate for the consequences of disruption to local achieve the same result with Wessex Water. While the traders during the build period. Last week, another, who combined effect of the water main upgrade and the civic centre estimates takings have been down by an average of £700 a development traffic has brought Keynsham to a standstill on week during the last two years, told us he felt doubly numerous occasions in the past three weeks, local businesses disadvantaged. Not only has he had to suffer the loss of car have received a letter from loss adjustors working for Wessex parking and the traffic disruption in Temple Street over the Water. In it they are asked to provide month-by-month turnover years, he now can't even afford to consider a move across the totals, VAT returns and end-of- year accounts - all going back to road to take advantage of the offers. 2011- so that any claim can be considered. As far as the new civic centre is concerned, requests to B&NES Council for an opening date go unanswered. Keynsham Library, however, has confirmed that it is closing next week to facilitate the move to the civic building in readiness to open on Monday 20th October.

in 6 The Week • Thursday 9th October 2014 Keynsham Car break-ins atThree cars football were broken into in the space club of a few days at Keynsham Town Football Club last month. The first incident was on Tuesday 2nd September with two more the week after. They took place while matches were being played. One of the victims whose car was targeted on Wednesday 10th September arrived to watch her son play football. She recalls seeing a man walking past at the time of parking and locking her car. Another woman whose car was broken into on the same night also recalls seeing a man watching her lock up and leave.

CCTV image from the cashpoint at Knowle

The two crimes have been linked, and both women were able to give matching descriptions of a young man wearing light grey joggers. It has been reported that in all three incidents, the offender smashed the rear window and took handbags which were either in the footwell or in the boot. In one instance a handbag was stolen containing the owner's purse, driving licence and life-saving injection pen for her youngest son. Credit cards were used almost straight away at the McColls cashpoint in Chandag Road and a few minutes later in Knowle. Neither attempt to obtain money was successful. A CCTV image was taken at the Tesco store in Knowle of someone at the cashpoint with their hood up. Det Sgt Andy Hodges, from Bath’s Priority Crime Team, said: “There’s no doubt that the people who broke into these cars are opportunist thieves and were likely acting in a group. On two occasions the victims had stored their bags in the boot, but the thieves had obviously spotted this and broke in through the back of the cars. “We are keen to trace the person in the hooded top in this picture which has a distinctive white pattern on top of the hood.” Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to call 101, quoting reference number 90856/14. Rosa Sherwood

in The Week • Thursday 9th October 2014 7 Fitness centre goes from strength to strength Freshfit is proud to be celebrating its first birthday. The friendly fitness studios opened at Tower Lane Business Park in Warmley last September and the business has gone from strength to strength. There has been an investment in more equipment and a brand new functional training rig will be coming very soon. Many classes run at Freshfit on a daily basis including Kettlercise, X Training, martial arts, Boxercise and fitness. Spin classes have been introduced recently and have proved a hit. At Freshfit there is the choice of one-to-one or small group sessions with friendly experienced male and female personal trainers. There is always someone on hand to give advice. The Freshfit team pride themselves on offering a friendly open- environment. Both men and women of all abilities are welcome. plan space with a relaxed feel so you can train in a stress-free The reception area is bright and welcoming and the coffee area offers magazines and a seating area where you can purchase various drinks and snacks. Lockers and sweat towels are offered free of charge and you are welcome to plug in your own phone or iPod and listen to your own music while you train. Free wi-fi is also available. Membership costs from £21.95 with unlimited anytime use during opening hours. There is no joining fee and Freshfit offers no fixed contract, as well as pay-per-session options. You are welcome to a free taster session. For more information call 07787 733018 or 0117 329 8462 or visit www.freshfitpersonaltrainingstudios.co.uk

in 8 The Week • Thursday 9th October 2014 Longwell Green and Willsbridge Big parking crackdown to ease congestion Plans for double yellow lines and other parking restrictions to ease congestion in Longwell Green and Willsbridge have been unveiled. In Longwell Green the proposals include double yellow lines in Shellards Road and some double yellows on Bath Road, along with a stretch of ‘no waiting’ restrictions that will apply from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday. A stretch of Ellacombe Road would also be no waiting from 8am to 5pm on weekdays. Double yellow lines are also proposed on Willsbridge Hill. South Gloucestershire Council says the proposed restrictions Willsbridge aim to improve traffic flow and access, as well as visibility for both vehicles and pedestrians. “It is proposed to bring in no waiting at any time restrictions - It says parking levels and traffic flow have steadily increased in double yellow lines - at various junctions to improve visibility, as the area over the last five years as a result of new well as at locations that will improve the flow of traffic. developments, including large supermarkets. “All advisory keep clear markings will be converted into no “This has caused disruption along the road network at several waiting at any time markings to improve access and allow places resulting in congestion, access and safety concerns enforcement to be carried out. No waiting at specified times amongst residents. (single yellow lines) will be implemented at locations where traffic flow is restricted due to parked vehicles, which cause “Bath Road carries large volumes of traffic on a daily basis congestion.” connecting South Gloucestershire with Bath. There are existing waiting restrictions in the area but it is felt that these need The council has drawn up the proposed restrictions on three expanding as a result of additional vehicles and new maps. The first affects Bath Road, Court Farm Road, developments. Ellacombe Road, Shellards Road, Stanhope Road and Watsons Road in Longwell Green. The second covers Burbank Close, Burney Way, California Road, Cloverdale Drive, Elderwood Drive, Fairoaks, Greenview, Long Beach Road, Palmdale Close and Ravendale while Plan 3 affects Willsbridge Hill, its junction with The Tanyard, and the Bath Road as far as the BP service station. See the plans in full and have your say at www.southglos.gov.uk/consultation. The deadline for comments is 21st October and the decision will be announced Longwell Green by the end of the month. CHEMISTS Sudoku WEEKEND OPENING 1-Easy 2 -Hard Sunday 12th October Boots, Gallagher Retail Park, 593 4 8 Longwell Green (10.30am-4pm) 8 1 43 1 4 98 Asda Store Longwell Green 9 3 6 7 5 6 (10am-4pm) 7 4 6 1 9 3 7 Boots, Emersons Green Retail Park (10.30am-4pm) 8 57 572 Sainsburys, Emersons Green 48 3 6 4 (11am-4pm) 7 8 3 3 1 Co-operative Pharmacy, Halls Road, 418 56 9 69 5 Kingswood (10am-4pm) 1 4 1 3 Stockwood Pharmacy 78 Hollway Road, BS14 8PG (9am-7pm)

in The Week • Thursday 9th October 2014 9 issues on Craven Way which were raised Time to scrap this ‘pseudo’ by residents at the Kings Forest Area Forum. Cllr Hunt’s ward is Emersons forum? Dear Editor, Letters Green. He is therefore unlikely to be aware I am not surprised that Anne Sheppard was of recent history which has led to local disappointed in the meeting which she A reminder to Cllr James Barrs Court/ Warmley residents - quite expected to be a forum (25th September, rightly - using whatever democratic Hunt ‘Shocked at the way I was treated’). mechanisms are available in order to raise Dear Editor, Despite its name (Kings Forest Area I found Cllr James Hunt’s letter, The Week their concerns. Forum), this is not a forum (place of public In, 25th September 2014, very offensive. Barrs Court residents approached local discussion giving opportunity for debate - His verbal attack at the Kings Forest Area parish councillors about the increasing Oxford English Dictionary); this is a mini Forum reported the previous week was a traffic issues in 2011. This was raised at council meeting and the public – as at all disgrace. Cllr Hunt’s ward is Emersons Oldland Parish Council of which Cllr Hunt’s council meetings - are allowed their five Green so why does he assume the right to fellow Tory councillors are members. minutes and must then sit down (at the ‘suggest’ who residents in the Parkwall At the insistence of local Labour back) and shut up. Ward should contact? councillors, the Parish Council made a I do wonder what South Gloucestershire May I ‘suggest’ that Cllr Hunt reacquaints request for South Gloucestershire Council Council believes is the purpose of these himself with the role of councillor instead of to look at alternative methods of traffic meetings? With the Safer & Stronger trying to silence people who have an calming on Craven Way. The request groups now well established, where opinion that differs from his. A councillor is didn’t go further as local (Tory) South Glos friendly discussion deals extremely an employee of the residents in their ward, councillors were not supportive and it was effectively with matters of public concern both those who voted for and against also rejected by the Tory Leader of South covering pretty much all subjects, is it not her/him. Glos Council (who is also a local parish time to call it a day on this pseudo forum? As Cllr Hunt’s verbal and written attack was and district councilor) – the Tories at that Veronica-Mae Soar against two women, I am not sure if he is time also had Executive control of the against women in general or whether he council. It is no wonder then that residents directs his “crude political shenanigans” have used whatever avenues are open to 'Panic in the Tory ranks' against anyone who disagrees with him. If them to continue to highlight their Dear Sir, he is against women, may I remind him that concerns. I am completely dumbfounded at the letter we were ‘given’ the vote nearly 100 years What we are seeing on Craven Way is a from Cllr Steve Hicks stating that "it is on ago, 1918, I believe. carbon copy of the events on the nearby the onus for residents to contact their I do not vote for the same political party Parkwall Road where speeding was and councillors on issues". every time. As yet I have not decided who continues to be a problem i.e. residents Do the local Tory councillors in his area I will vote for in the next elections but one raise their concerns with elected Tory never have time to knock doors, hold street thing is for sure, if the Conservative Party representatives but these are ignored until surgeries, etc? The Labour councillors in continues to tolerate or condone the close to an election. the Kingswood constituency have been behaviour of Cllr James Hunt, it most Rather than denigrating their efforts we doing so for years, to listen and give advice certainly will not be them. should be applauding the local residents to their local community. Those who have full-time employment have done so on Eileen Winter who have the tenacity to continue weekends. Parkwall Ward resident highlighting the traffic issues on Craven Way. I would hope that they are not put off I lost count the number of times Roger by their bad experience at the recent Kings Berry and the Labour team knocked my We should applaud Forest Area Forum. door on Sunday mornings during his term campaigning residents Martin Farmer of office as Kingswood MP. Chris Skidmore Dear Stephen, Parish Councillor has yet to do so once, and yet finds time to I noticed with interest the letter last week Oldland Parish Council attend various book festivals promoting his from Cllr James Hunt regarding the traffic latest literary offering!

in 10 The Week • Thursday 9th October 2014 A letter of hope The obvious Solution is one that the local Dear Sir, people have long known and that, of I write as a concerned Christian who cares course, is to build a bypass. I simply do not Letters about the church and the community in know how making this part of the A4 going Jo McCarron is leading the way in Keynsham. through Saltford even more busy and speaking to residents, being out during the A few years ago, I wrote to your paper dangerous is going to help anybody. It is week, and this commitment is clearly about the fact that an unchurched person already a dangerous road to try and cross, causing panic in the local Tory ranks, who or a visitor would frequently find all the particularly during rush hours, and when seem to be behaving like headless churches on the High Street closed on parents are taking their children to school. chickens at the moment. Sunday evenings. In addition, a recent letter to your paper Patricia Putterill Since then, all three churches have had mentioned that widening the road would new noticeboards with the times of have implications for the reopening of Saltford Station. Water crisis brought out the services made clearer. Again, only those in the know would be aware there are Clearly the answer to that problem is not to best in people evening services at Elim Church, St go ahead with reopening Saltford Station - Dear Sir, Francis’ Church and Queens Road another ridiculous plan, the traffic The recent water shortage due to the burst Methodist. With rapidly shrinking church management implications of which have pipe seems to have brought out the best in attendances, one would like to think that not been thought through by those in people in the Kingswood and Warmley every opportunity to increase them would favour, in spite of their arguments to the areas. Three of my neighbours, knowing I be made available. contrary. am elderly and not very mobile, kindly Who cares about the increasingly ageing Alfred Ashton brought me some water. One of them took population, where many have no transport me to visit my disabled brother to see if he and are lonely and isolated? Many others was OK. Luckily, he too had a kind Who should pay? are struggling with the pressures of life. Dear Editor, neighbour or friend who also fetched him We all need hope, the hope of the Christian I fully agree with the comments made by enough water. gospel - and I hope I can't be the only Mr T Hayward in Issue 340 (2nd October) person in Keynsham that feels this way. regarding the staggering cost of the What must visitors to this town think? drainage work on land at Whittucks Name and address supplied Road/Abbots Road in Hanham. The ones who should pay the £300,000 Bypass is the obvious cost are the councillors on South Gloucestershire Planning Committee and solution for Saltford the builders from their handsome profits - Dear Sir, not the council tax payers. This is not the Unfortunately I was out of the country, at first time South Gloucestershire Council the time of the issues 336-337 of your has approved planning for building on a excellent local paper, and so I did not see flood plain, despite being warned by local the suggestion to widen the A4 in Saltford. residents and parish councils, people who I thought to myself, what a brilliant idea it know the land in question well. would be if this idea came to pass; it would Do councillors just say 'oh well, the council A big thank you to all concerned. They then make the life of the residents of tax payers will pay for our blunders?' know who they are and I think they are all Saltford even more dangerous if they Gordon Burchill readers of your paper. We hear so much wished to cross the road. about the bad in this world but as the old How silly people can be to even think it song goes, ‘little things mean such a lot’. would solve the present problems of the Eileen Noble local people who live in Saltford. Warmley

in The Week • Thursday 9th October 2014 11 Keynsham Nature reserve plan halted by lack of funding from Taylor Wimpey Avon Wildlife Trust pulled out of plans to create a nature reserve on the former Cadbury's site because developer Taylor Wimpey wasn’t offering enough financial support, it has emerged. AWT was named in the house-builder’s planning application for the Somerdale development with the intention of creating a 50-acre riverside nature reserve on the open spaces at The Hams, alongside the development of 700 new homes. The trust said it had engaged with Taylor Wimpey for a year on the issue but had decided to pull out. the trust are extremely disappointed at the lost opportunity of the In a public statement AWT said: “In August the trust felt it necessary Somerdale development and would encourage Bath and North to withdraw from discussions with Taylor Wimpey because the East Somerset Council and local communities to ensure that expressed intention to create a nature reserve and associated ecological enhancements promised for the site are delivered. community services did not have any significant financial support “The trust also believe there are important lessons for planning from Taylor Wimpey and could not be delivered in a way which the authorities to legislate to ensure no net loss of biodiversity and not trust would view as credible and meaningful for wildlife. to rely on voluntary agreements.” “The trust had hoped to replicate the success at Portbury Wharf, Taylor Wimpey has been looking to other local environmental near Portishead, where substantial biodiversity gains are being groups to step in and is offering a “sizeable grant” of £25,000 to realised after an area of land was set aside as a nature reserve help with the cost of managing the green space along the banks of alongside the development of 2,600 new homes. the River Avon. “The Portbury Wharf development was the first of its kind in the UK It says there is also the potential for ongoing revenue on the and the trust remain very committed to working with Taylor Wimpey condition that interested parties can come up with a credible plan and other developers to find positive solutions for wildlife and for the future of the site and can demonstrate environmental and people as our region tries to accommodate the commissioning of community benefits to their proposal. approximately 70,000 new homes by 2026. The Week In has asked Taylor Wimpey to comment but at the time “Having been approached to be named in the planning application, of going to press we had not received a response.

ACROSS Crossword 7 Affectionate (6) 8 Measure of heaviness (6)

1 2 3 4 5 6 9 Catch sight of (old English) (4) 10 Educational activity (8) 7 8 11 To contest with others (7) 13 Hawaiian greeting (5) 15 Pretend (5) 17 Offer in part exchange (5-2) 9 10 20 Energetic movement (8) 21 Mathematical sign (4) 23 Expressing feelings of sorrow (6) 24 Seconhand transaction (6) 11 12 13 DOWN 14 1 A defeat (4) 15 16 17 18 2 Put in order (4,2) 3 Provoke (7) 19 4 Use foul language (5) 5 Nevertheless (6) 20 21 22 6 Chinese city (8) 12 Heavy winter garment (8) 14 Swiss cheese (7) 16 Professional Japanese woman (6) 23 24 18 Remove someone from office (6) 19 Small shop (5) 22 Unattractive (4)

in 12 Across DownThe Week • Thursday 9th October 2014 7 Affectionate (6) 1 A defeat (4) 8 Measure of heaviness (6) 2 Put in order (4,2) 9 Catch sight of (old English) (4) 3 Provoke (7) 10 Educational activity (8) 4 Use foul language (5) 11 To contest with others (7) 5 Nevertheless (6) 13 Hawaiian greeting (5) 6 Chinese city (8) 15 Pretend (5) 12 Heavy winter garment (8) 17 Offer in part exchange (5-2) 14 Swiss cheese (7) 20 Energetic movement (8) 16 Professional Japanese woman (6) 21 Mathematical sign (4) 18 Remove someone from office (6) 23 Expressing feelings of sorrow (6) 19 Small shop (5) 24 Seconhand transaction (6) 22 Unattractive (4) Warmley Public meeting about proposed Grange closure A public meeting will be held next month as part of the this will mean that the school is very likely to attract media consultation into the proposed closure of The Grange attention again. School & Sports College. “We are working with the principal to ensure that the education The meeting for the local community will be on 6th November of the current students of the school is disrupted as little as but the time and venue have yet to be announced by South possible and that students are able to keep focused on their Gloucestershire Council. learning.” Meetings with members of staff and the school’s governing The consultation runs until 14th November. A final decision on body will also take place the closure is expected next March. on that date. Meanwhile separate meetings for parents of children across the age range will take Downing Street place next week. Staff and pupil numbers promotion for MP Kingswood MP Chris Skidmore has been promoted to have been dwindling at deputy chair of the Number 10 Downing Street Policy Board. The Grange. Only one third of places are filled Mr Skidmore joined as a member of the No 10 Policy Board overall and the new Year 7 intake saw just nine pupils joining. last year. It is responsible for drawing up policy ideas for the Almost a third of staff have already left the school. The school Government and for the forthcoming Conservative Party currently has a budget deficit and there is also a projected manifesto for next year's General Election. The chairman of deficit over the next three years. the board is Jo Johnson MP. Mr Skidmore said: "I'm delighted to be given this new role as deputy chairman of The Grange was put into special measures last year after a Policy in Number 10, and look forward to working on policies critical Ofsted report. A number of options for its future were that will help local people in Kingswood. discussed with the Department for Education and tested with staff, parents and potential sponsors. These included "As always, if anyone wants to get in touch to raise any amalgamation with a neighbouring school and sponsorship as ideas with me, I am always willing to listen and discuss." an academy. At the start of this year, after discussion and consultation, and in light of the £8m of urgent repairs and maintenance needed and the significant over-capacity in secondary school provision locally, councillors decided to consult on closing the Grange in its current form while pursuing funding for a new £3m Studio School on the site. The consultation was halted for legal and technical reasons. In the interim, a bid for funding for the new Studio School was approved and it is due to open on the site next September. It will provide places for 14- to 19-year-olds and be run by the Cabot Learning Federation. Last month the council’s Children and Young People Committee gave their approval to reopen the consultation. The proposal is that the school closes in August 2017, with no further admissions from next September. In a letter to parents, Susannah Hill, interim head of education, learning and skills at the council, said: “We know that this will be a difficult time for students, parents and staff especially as

Downend Meet birds of prey The Friends of Lincombe Barn Park & Woods and Britannia Wood will be hosting a birds of prey talk with the Hawk and Owl Trust on Saturday 11th October. The event will take place next to the play area at Lincombe Barn from 3pm to 4.30pm, and there will be the chance to meet about a dozen birds. in The Week • Thursday 9th October 2014 13 Kingswood Four groups Councillor goes shortlisted for Lloyds green for charity Kingswood councillor Pat Apps dyed her hair green for a Bank Community tea party she hosted at New Cheltenham Hall as part of her fundraising campaign for Macmillan Cancer Support. Fund awards The Labour member for Kings Chase said: “Macmillan Cancer Four local groups shortlisted for a Lloyds Community Fund Support provided great care to a family member recently, and I award are asking people to vote for them as the deadline cannot praise their work highly enough. creeps up. Keynsham Explorer Scouts, the Staple Hill-based Milestones Trust, the Jessie May Trust in Kingswood and Our Place Community Trust in Staple Hill will be awarded funding depending on the number of votes they receive. The group with the most votes will get £3,000, the next £2,000, £1,000 and finally, £500. Keynsham Explorer Scouts give people aged 14 to 18 the chance to develop skills for life and work, and fulfil their potential. An award would enable the group to purchase “I wanted to give them something back in return, so dyeing my equipment and facilities to benefit young people, no matter what hair green, which is the charity’s colour, seemed a fun way of their ability, physical capability or financial situation. raising a very serious point. The Jessie May Trust says teenage years are about music, “I thank those who have contributed already and will happily clothes and hanging out with friends and it is important for the receive any further contributions via my JustGiving page.” wellbeing of terminally-ill children to experience these same The event raised £315 and goes towards the £921 that she has rites. The group wants funding to offer group activities specially raised for the charity so far. designed to meet the needs of terminally ill teenagers. Pat’s online fundraising page is still open at The aim of Our Place is to improve the quality of life for the www.justgiving.com/Patricia-Apps residents of the priority neighbourhood of Staple Hill. An award would help the group to continue its wide range of support services, including a lunch club, free job club, friendship club, parent and toddler group, cookery lessons and day trips. The Milestones Trust helps people with learning disabilities, mental health needs and dementia to lead fulfilling lives in the community. With an award they say they would build raised vegetable beds at five residential homes, offering residents therapeutic and health benefits, along with the pride that comes from growing your own food. The deadline for voting is tomorrow. Votes can be cast on the website via email, Twitter, SMS or in your local Lloyds Bank branch. Find out more at https://communityfund.lloydsbank.com/communityfund/

in 14 The Week • Thursday 9th October 2014 Kingswood Police flag up crime and disorder concerns at pub Police are attempting to block a publican’s bid to run the In June an enforcement letter was sent to Miss Cobbledick Royal Archer at Lees Hill, citing crime and disorder stating the breaches of licence conditions and giving seven concerns. days to sort them out, in particular the CCTV system. A An application is going to South Gloucestershire Council’s subsequent inspection visit found the breaches of licence Licensing Sub-Committee on Tuesday 14th October, seeking to conditions had been addressed. vary the pub’s licence to specify Stephen Gallacher as the designated premises supervisor – or DPS. Keynsham Part of the report going to the sub-committee contains confidential information but it does state that there has been a formal objection from Choir looking for Inspector Robert Evely, who says that historically Keynsham-basednew recruits choir The Ammonites, which specialise in the Royal Archer has had 15th and 16th century music, are looking to recruit a new crime and disorder issues, soprano and tenor. suggesting it could be a The Ammonites lead choral evensong services in local difficult pub to manage, village churches, including Burnett, Bitton and Compton and Mr Gallacher has Dando, sing at weddings and concerts in aid of local “relevant convictions in charities, and perform at annual carol services. relation to the Licensing Act 2003”. At present members are rehearsing for the annual carol The pub was closed for business from late 2012 and the service in Clifton Cathedral on 19th December organised by premises licence was transferred to Teresa Cobbledick in the Bristol Society of Architects. The choir will lead the February of this year who became the DPS. service and sing six unaccompanied carols. Since reopening there have been a number of complaints from The Ammonites practise each Thursday from 7.30pm to local residents regarding noise and the police and South 9.30pm during normal school term times. To find out more Gloucestershire Council licensing officers have had to give contact Julian Hannam on 0117 986 3726. advice to Miss Cobbledick and Mr Gallacher over recent months regarding licence conditions not being adhered to, including maintenance of the CCTV system, people not being challenged about their age, and the pub not using toughened glasses.

Keynsham Tamasyn’s close shave for charity A teaching assistant will have her head shaved at Keynsham Rugby Club this Sunday, 12th October, to raise money for the NSPCC. Tamasyn Russell, 25, already has pledges to exceed her original target of £500 and is now hoping to reach £700. The head shave is at 2.30pm. There will be a raffle and cakes for sale and the rugby club bar will be open. Tamasyn said: "I love working with children. I decided to do this because I believe every child going through a hard time should have someone to talk to, and never feel alone. They should never have to feel scared or hurt. The NSPCC can help prevent this.” The following weekend, Tamasyn will make full use of her shorn head by attending the London Film & Comic Convention in the costume of Professor Xavier from the X-Men. Donations can be made online via www.justgiving.com/tamasyn-is-going-bald or on your mobile to 70070 Text TIGB50£(insert amount). in The Week • Thursday 9th October 2014 15 Kingswood MP meets Bristol Water chiefs following burst water main drama Kingswood's MP Chris Skidmore met Bristol Water chiefs last week to discuss the recent burst water main in Kingswood which flooded several homes and left an estimated 24,000 people without water Mr Skidmore’s meeting with chief executive Luis Garcia and director of customer services Phil Marshall on Wednesday covered several issues, including insurance claims for the damaged properties in Fisher Road and the welfare of residents affected, the repair of the pipe, and the response of Bristol Water in placing bowsers in the local area. The MP, who had called for a review to be conducted of last week's incident, said he was pleased to hear from Bristol Water that not only would the company be reviewing the incident and the provision of water bowsers, but also would be conducting ever happens again, they can be flagged up immediately as their own survey of local people to discover how the response being at risk. If anyone else has concerns that they would like to a similar incident in the future could be improved. me to pass on, please do get in touch." Mr Skidmore said: “We had a very productive discussion over On behalf of Bristol Water, Mr Marshall said: “We would like to how local sites might be better sourced for the provision of reiterate our apologies to everyone who has been water bowsers in case an incident like this happens in the inconvenienced, especially the residents of Fisher Road whose future, and I got the feeling from the meeting that Bristol Water properties were affected by flooding. We would also like to were determined to ensure that they listen to local people and thank all the residents and businesses for their patience and learn any lessons from this incident. understanding, whilst we worked to restore the water supply, “I have passed on the concerns of several vulnerable residents and we are very grateful to all of the organisations and who were without water to the company, to ensure that if this agencies which assisted us during this emergency situation."

Situations Vacant

in 16 The Week • Thursday 9th October 2014 in The Week • Thursday 9th October 2014 17 Fishponds Opposition mounts to proposed McDonald’s

Arounddrive-thru 80 people turned up aton a public Fishponds meeting on Saturday Road to discuss McDonald’s controversial plans for a drive-thru restaurant on Fishponds Road. The meeting, held at the new Maira Turkish restaurant nearby, was attended by local Labour councillors Mhairi Threlfall and Mahmadur Khan and East Bristol MP Kerry McCarthy. The site earmarked by the fast food giant is the disused Bristol Tiles unit at 543-551 Fishponds Road and there were gasps when Cllr Threlfall told the meeting that the planning application is for 24-hour opening. The two-storey restaurant would have seating for 100 and 28 Mhairi Threlfall and Mahmadur Khan address the meeting parking spaces. A transport report produced by McDonald’s found encourage others to get behind the campaign against McDonald’s that a proposed restaurant would only have a “minimal impact” on plans. traffic conditions. There are already some 50 objections lodged on Bristol City Local people have a raft of concerns about a fast-food joint being Council’s website about the proposed development. Rebecca on the site in terms of more traffic on an already congested route, Lambert, of Lower Station Road, comments: “Fishponds Road is noise, disturbance, smell, litter and that it is on the walking route of busy enough already, without adding the extra burden of a McDonald’s to create more litter and entice more people in to eat junk. We keep hearing how we are becoming dangerously overweight as a population. Have some sense Bristol City Council – don’t put a McDonald’s restaurant just down the road from both a primary and a secondary school.” And James Bryan, of Grove Park, says: “Yet again, this is a key example of development prioritising the need of the car and parking The site of the proposed two-storey McDonald’s which would over any attempt to reinforce the high street and to create a better incorporate a drive-thru neighbourhood. Time and time again Fishponds have made local schools, flying in the face of efforts to instill healthy values in significant planning mistakes allowing large chain outlets to not children. One objector at Saturday’s meeting said she worked at St only reduce the diversity and competitiveness of local trade, but to Brendan’s Sixth Form College in Brislington and the McDonald’s allow the attrition of the urban and historic fabric that give restaurant sited right opposite got 90% of its custom from the Fishponds its sense of place.” students. Ms McCarthy said she and a Parliamentary colleague During the meeting Cllr Threlfall spoke of the value of securing a were looking into whether there is a deliberate strategy by Neighbourhood Plan for Fishponds. Neighbourhood plans, McDonald’s to target schools. introduced as part of the Localism Act, allow local people to get the The meeting heard that the Coal Authority has also objected as a right type of development for their community. She said they took Coal Mining Risk Assessment Report has not been submitted as about a year to produce but would “give us control over our part of McDonald’s application. The authority says records indicate neighbourhood”. that within the application site and surrounding area there are coal The deadline for comments on the McDonald’s scheme is 15th mining features and hazards which need to be considered in October and the council’s planning committee is due to make a relation to the determination of the planning application. decision next month. Cllr Threlfall urged protesters to write individual objections and to The planning reference number is 14/04519/F.

in 18 The Week • Thursday 9th October 2014 Whitchurch Saltford Crowds turn out for HorseWorld New alliance for charity Earlyopen morning rain daydid not deter the crowds last Saturday who Clover House, which has been improving the health, happiness turned out to visit HorseWorld's rescue and rehabilitation and wellbeing of children and teenagers for nearly 20 years, has facilities at Keynes Farm. announced it is working with Ben Grassby, a local motivational As the rain gave way to bright sunshine, more than 500 people expert, to further extend its help to local children. enjoyed a behind-the-scenes look at the work of the equine Ben is managing director of Bristol NLP Ltd. He said: “I am thrilled to be able to help young people between the ages of two and 22 using neuro-linguistic programming and guided imagery with Clover House.” Ben has recently returned from California where he has been learning the latest techniques that can be used to help children overcome their problems and live a full life. This new alliance comes at a time when Clover House is preparing to celebrate two decades of helping children who suffer from conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, anger, bedwetting, eczema, eating problems, low mood and are dealing with life events, like family divorce, relocation and bereavement. The service is open to any family which gets in charity. “Since we closed the visitor attraction at Staunton Lane touch for help. last year, it is even more important we can show the public we Clover House is at 447 Bath Road, Saltford. are still here and some of the vital work we do in rescuing and rehoming animals,” said HorseWorld managing director Mark Owen. Even when the visitor centre was open, members of the public were not able to access the extensive facilities at Keynes Farm where the serious work takes place. Visitors last weekend were able to meet some of the rescued animals and hear the stories of their rescue. They were also able to see some of the work in action at the school paddock and a demonstration by Avon Fire & Rescue Service on how they recover animals which have become stranded in ditches, pictured. HorseWorld provides training facilities at Keynes Farm for the service. For the more energetic there was also a guided walking tour of the 200-acre estate.

Downend 50th anniversary

Everyonecelebrations is invited to a weekend of celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the Christ Church Centre in Quaker Road. There will be an open afternoon on Saturday 11th October from 2pm to 4pm when refreshments will be available. On Sunday 12th October Archdeacon Christine Froude will lead a thanksgiving service of Holy Communion at 10.30am, followed by lunch. Then at 6.30pm young people from the church will lead a service of Pizza and Praise. Anyone who has photos or memorabilia of the 50 years gone by of the Christ Church Centre is asked to get in touch with Rob Stewart on 0117 301 4108 or email [email protected]

in The Week • Thursday 9th October 2014 19 Keynsham Hanham Tesco customers help send young cancer Pupils draw sufferer to Disneyland inspiration Generous shoppers in Keynsham donated £506.25 towards the cost of sending a little girl with cancer to Disneyland. Seven-year-old Sophie Kline is daughter of the deputy store fromProfessional artists workedartists with Year 5 pupils at Hanham manager at the Blandford store in Hampshire has been Abbots Junior School last Friday as part of the world's diagnosed with DIPG, an incurable form of cancer, which biggest drawing festival. predominantly occurs in children aged between five and seven. Among them was artist Jo McCarron, who took time out from her Her desire is to go to Disneyland so stores in the region were busy schedule as Labour’s Parliamentary Candidate for asked by the regional manager if they would raise money to send Sophie, along with her family, to Disneyland whilst she is still well enough to go. Neil Baker, Tesco Keynsham Community Champion, said: “It is great that we as a store but more importantly the community of Keynsham has been able to support Sophie and her family at this time. Our customers are incredibly generous.” The staff wore Disney themed fancy dress and held a raffle.

Kingswood to spend the day back at her old junior school as part of The Big Draw. The festival is run by the Campaign for Drawing and was launched in 2000 by the Guild of St George to commemorate its founder, the Victorian writer, philosopher and artist John Ruskin. This year’s Big Draw theme is 'It's our World’. Jo’s project combined drawing along with the use of materials to make a huge collage. The pupils put their finished pieces together like a jigsaw in the playground, creating a colourful In total in excess of £21,000 was raised across the region which picture of woods. will make sure that Sophie and her family have a time to Also working with pupils was figurative painter Maria Danishvar remember. Brown, Laura Izaguirre, an artist, painter and maker, who puts a Clic Sargent is working with Sophie and her family to lead them strong emphasis on upcycling pieces, and Domenico Alecci, through this difficult time and will receive any leftover monies. who specialises in cartoons and other illustrations.

in 20 The Week • Thursday 9th October 2014 New counselling service Golf club up for children aged 11 to 15 Young people suffering from anxiety, depression or obsessive compulsive behaviours can now access a new counselling forThe 153-acre Stockwoodsale Vale Golf Club has come on the service being piloted in South Gloucestershire. market with a guide price of £1.425m. Counselling sessions take place at The Park Centre in The club at Stockwood Lane has an 18-hole golf course, 14-bay Kingswood on Mondays and there are also sessions in Yate and floodlit golf range, practice facilities, and a two-storey clubhouse on Wednesdays. popular for parties and other functions, along with a modern greenkeeping complex. The service provides free, confidential and easy-to-access counselling for 11- to 15-year-olds. It is being delivered by Off The family-owned business has more than 550 members. the Record Bristol and has been commissioned by NHS South Director Michael Ramsay said: “Stockwood Vale Golf Club is a Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and busy, profitable and mature golf course that has never closed South Gloucestershire Council. due to wet weather. Dr Jonathan Hayes, Chairman of South Gloucestershire CCG, “The club is ideally positioned on the edge of Bristol – and has said: “The self-referral service is designed for 11- to 15-year- many spectacular holes and numerous fabulous views. I am olds who experience anger, anxiety, depression, eating very grateful to the members and our staff for their support since problems, low mood, self-harm or obsessive compulsive we opened the club in 1991 and am looking forward to seeing behaviours. The therapists will also be able to help young the club continue to flourish in years to come.” people struggling with bullying, education, their identity, The sale is being handled by Ben Allen of GVA’s specialist relationships and substance misuse.” Hotels and Leisure team. He said: “This is a great opportunity to To make an appointment or to find out more call free on 0808 own a successful club with buoyant membership, and develop 808 9120, text 07896 880 011 or email an already growing business. [email protected] “The club has been in the same hands since opening 23 years ago, and is only being offered for sale due to the ill health of one of the directors.”

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in 26 The Week • Thursday 9th October 2014 Barrs Court Speed humps the preferred solution toCampaigners problems pressing for traffic calming on onCraven Way Craven met Way highway chiefs by the busy rat run last week to discuss what action could be taken. South Gloucestershire Council highways engineer Chris Harris and his colleague Jon Munslow spoke with local residents, councillors and Jo McCarron, Labour’s Parliamentary Candidate for Kingswood, who have all been pressing for safety improvements. A petition signed by more than 400 residents, along with much higher speeds. One resident told the meeting: “They think statements about the problems that residents experience they are in The Fast & The Furious.” because of the volume and speed of traffic on the road, has Part of the problem on the road is the chicanes, with drivers already been handed to the council. seeing themselves in competition with each other to get Surveys have revealed there are between 6,000 and 7,000 through, which leads to speeding and frequent road rage vehicles using Craven Way every day. Two thousand people incidents. cross the road daily and there is only one pedestrian crossing, The highways officers said that removing the chicanes and which is near Asda. installing six full-width raised speed tables would slow the traffic A council survey has revealed that 85% of traffic using Craven to about 20mph and would also be natural crossing points. Way, which has a 30mph limit, is travelling between 28mph and Similar humps in North Street, Oldland Common, near The Sir 33mph, but locals say the other 15% of vehicles are reaching Bernard Lovell School, have been proving every effective in slowing traffic. The traffic calming improvements in Craven Way Staple Hill could cost as much as £150,000 and the merits of the scheme will have to be judged by councillors alongside other projects Man in court charged with across the county, with no decision expected until next year. making indecent images As we were going to print this week, a 58-year-old man from Staple Hill was due to appear at Bristol Crown Court (Monday 6th October) in connection with an investigation into the purchasing of child abuse materials from Canada. Timothy Arthur was due to answer 13 counts of making indecent images. He was a part-time employee at a South Gloucestershire school at the time of his arrest but he has since resigned. None of the charges relate to pupils at the school. The charges are in connection with Operation Spade, an international investigation into the purchasing of child abuse materials from Canada. Information was submitted by Toronto police via Interpol to the UK. The National Crime Agency passed on details to UK police forces at the end of last year.

Pucklechurch

CraftAn autumn craft and giftfair fair will be taking place this Saturday, 11th October, from 1pm to 4pm at the new village hall in Road. Admission is free and there will be a tombola in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care and dog rescue charity West Wales Poundies. Light refreshments will be available and there is on-site parking. in The Week • Thursday 9th October 2014 27 St George Raptors return to former royal hunting ground Birds of prey were flown at Troopers Hill at the weekend for the first time in at least 300 years when it was part of the royal hunting grounds of Kingswood Forest. The Falcons on the Field event was organised by the Friends of Troopers Hill and saw Westcountry Falconry put on a magnificent display. People had the chance to get close up with hawks, kestrels, owls and kites and find out about the importance of raptors in the food chain. The event was run thanks to a grant from Community First. There is just over £1,000 left under that grant scheme and anyone thinking of running a local project is invited to apply. Grants start from £250 and the money must be spent by end of February. Any groups not used to applying for funding need not worry as run help and advice is available. For more details visit http://stgeorgewestcf.wordpress.com/

in 28 The Week • Thursday 9th October 2014 Staple Hill New era for local panto The Fry Club panto, which was associated with Somerdale Railway path closed for 40 years, has relocated to Saltford Hall and has a new name for a new era. for eight weeks The panto group was looking for a new base ahead of the The railway path at Teewell Hill closed this week and will relocation of the Fry Club. remain so for about eight weeks, meaning a diversion for The new Saltford Panto Club's first show will be Snow White cyclists and walkers. and auditions took place last weekend. This essential closure from 6th October was scheduled so that Panto director Louise Smee said: "It is a time of real challenge engineers working for South Gloucestershire Council can carry that we are now entering but a time of great excitement and out the foundation works to widen the existing road bridge above the Bristol to Bath Railway Path. expectation. What we intend to put together is a vibrant, enthusiastic young group of entertainers who will give life to a Last month they closed the same stretch for one day while the new script written by Sam Balch, who will also be my deputy old footbridge was removed. director." Louise, who lives in Saltford and is also part of the local group The Decade Dolls, added: "We want to thank Fry Club for their 40 years of support and many will remember the enthusiasm and talent of the late John Scully MBE, a name synonymous with the Fry Club Panto. "My aim is be to build on his reputation and to present a pantomime each year that he would have been proud of, but that today's community will find relevant, enjoyable and entertaining." More information regarding taking part can be obtained by contacting Louise on 01225 344299 or by [email protected] Sam Balch is a trainee teacher as well as a parish councillor for Mike Johnson, bridge and highway structures manager at the Barrs Court. He has previous experience in setting up drama council, said: “During the upcoming closure, we will be working clubs and has performed with Stagelights in Longwell Green. He on the path to prepare the groundwork so that the foundations was also a finalist in the local Search for a Star last year. for the new bridge widening works can be constructed. Once Snow White will run from 21st to 25th January 2015 with completed, the wider bridge will also provide new footways for evening performances on 21st to the 23rd and afternoon pedestrians. matinees on the 24th and 25th but no evening performances.

“While the railway path is temporarily closed, we will use the opportunity to carry out essential maintenance work to the Staple Hill Tunnel. This will include repointing the arch and airshafts. The work is being combined in order to keep any disruption to a minimum.” A diversion route will be in place while the work is carried out via Signal Road access ramp, Teewell Hill, Teewell Avenue, Seymour Road, Road, Page Road, Upper Station Road and Acacia Road before rejoining the railway path via the access track.

in The Week • Thursday 9th October 2014 29 WhoThe recent Cossham closed Hospital Minor Injuries Unit campaign Hospital? appears to have opened up old wounds about the decision in 2005 to downgrade Frenchay to a community hospital and move acute services to the new £450m Southmead facility. While Reg Bennett's MIU campaign has backing across the political divide, recent comments by the Kingswood Parliamentary candidates in next year's General Election, as well as contributors to our Letters section, seem to have shifted focus back to Frenchay. Labour Party candidate Jo McCarron made a speech at last month's party conference, in which she criticised Conservative MP Chris Skidmore for claiming to have saved Frenchay's A&E to Southmead but a community hospital at Frenchay. Five department last year. In response Mr Skidmore said: "Frenchay years later, the South Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust Accident & Emergency department was closed under Labour, published plans for a 68-bed community hospital but these after the then Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt refused to listen were shelved in 2012 on the grounds of affordability and to 50,000 signatures calling for Frenchay A&E to be saved, and possible duplication of services. The following year, the Clinical to refer the decision to an independent scrutiny panel. The Commissioning Group, which had taken over responsibility for closure of Frenchay is Labour's worst legacy for our area." health service provision in South Gloucestershire, conducted a But South Gloucestershire councillor Pat Apps (Labour, Kings review of the plans which led to the confirmation of Frenchay's Chase) remembers things differently. She said: “I was one of closure. Although the matter was referred to Health Secretary the councillors on the Joint Health Scrutiny Committee at the Jeremy Hunt, the Independent Reconfiguration Panel once time the decision was made to move A&E services from more decided that the matter was not worthy of a full review. Frenchay to Southmead, and I am really disappointed that While the decision to move acute services from Frenchay to people are being continually misled by their MP about what Southmead was taken before Chris Skidmore was elected MP actually happened – especially as he says he doesn’t want for Kingswood, he does appear to have claimed victory in the people making cheap, political points about healthcare." campaign for the community hospital. His website still contains In fact, the decision to downgrade Frenchay and create a new an undated post in relation to Frenchay which states: 'super hospital' at Southmead was made in March 2005 by the "Chris Skidmore MP, who has campaigned to preserve services Bristol Health Service Plan committee, comprising of members at Frenchay for local residents, has given a cautious welcome from each of the primary care trusts and local hospital trusts in to the commitment by the area's new health bosses to provide the area. The recommendation came from a far-reaching report a new community hospital on the site. commissioned into healthcare provision in and around Bristol, Chris said: “I have always campaigned for the maximum which also considered the future of Cossham. possible facilities at Frenchay following the disastrous According to the then North Avon MP, Steve Webb: "At a downgrading of Frenchay Hospital under the previous Labour meeting of the four primary care trusts and the two hospital Government, and am pleased that after both myself and Jack trusts, a vote was taken that Southmead should be the major (Lopresti) arranged meetings with the CCG and met personally site for a new acute hospital to serve North Bristol/South with the Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, that we have been Gloucestershire. The vote was carried by 4 to 1, with all trusts successfully able to defend the health services plan as it stood.” backing Southmead except our local South Glos Primary Care While the original decision in 2005 to close Cossham Hospital Trust (who backed Frenchay), and UBHT (who abstained). was subsequently reversed by the previous Labour Many of us who attended the meeting were angry that the Government, there are parallels with the current campaign for senior figures in the trusts did not even attend the morning the minor injuries unit, which was included in the £19m workshop sessions to hear from the public." redevelopment. With the South Gloucestershire Clinical A local campaign to save Frenchay followed and was co- Commissioning Group again questioning the cost effectiveness ordinated by the local Lib Dem MP and his Labour colleague for of the plan, some advice from the Independent Reconfiguration Kingswood, Roger Berry. According to the BBC, the two of Panel's decision letter on the Frenchay referral may not go them led campaigners to Westminster where they handed over amiss. a petition (actually of 30,000 signatures) to Health Secretary Sympathising with local residents' feelings of exasperation over Patricia Hewitt. South Gloucestershire Council also voted to the delivery of health services in South Gloucestershire, panel refer the decision to Labour's Secretary for Health, asking her chairman Lord Ribeiro concludes: "The NHS should now take to refer the decision to the Independent Reconfiguration Panel. stock of its approach to public engagement and deliver a co- In October of that year Health Minister Lord Warner said he saw ordinated and strategic approach across all elements of the no reason to ask the Bristol Health Services Plan to reconsider. model of care so that it meets the needs of everyone across the At that time, of course, that meant the transfer of acute services area."

in 30 The Week • Thursday 9th October 2014 Football Rugby Cup of sorrow for Mixed start to the season Keynsham Town Keynsham Town bowed out of the FA Vase with a spirited 3-2 for Keynsham Rugby Club Having won their first three games in the Western Counties defeat against Plymouth Parkway of the South West Peninsula North Division (against Burnham, Cheltenham and Old League Premier Division last Saturday. Bristolians) Keynsham failed to scale two ‘hills’, losing away at In beautiful autumn sunshine, the visitors started positively and Chosen Hill FP and at home on Saturday against Coney Hill, the Keynsham keeper Chris Brice was called into action several current league leaders. Club spirit is still high and they continue times in the first 15 minutes. However Keynsham took the lead to play positive and attractive rugby with a young team. on 16 minutes with a fine goal by 18 year-old Kyle Box. Things then got even better for the Ks on the half hour, when a flowing move was again finished expertly by Box. However Plymouth pulled a goal back within 2 minutes and with both sides reduced to 10 men through indiscipline, the visitors equalised on 75 minutes. Just as it looked like extra time was inevitable, Plymouth broke Keynsham hearts with a 90th minute winner. It’s back to league action this weekend, with a visit to Welton Rovers on Saturday 11th October (kick-off 3pm) followed up by a home game against Chippenham Park at the AJN Stadium on Tuesday 14th October (kick-off 7.45pm).

Keynsham scrum half James Wetton makes a break against Burnham (Richard Angell).

The second team also started off with three straight wins against Chard away, Wellington at home and Midsomer Norton away but lost the next two against Bristol Barbarians and Weston Hornets. Here again though, hopes are high and there are more younger players finding their feet at senior level. The third team in contrast lost their first four games but bounced back last weekend wit a fine away victory at Imperial to win 22-0. Keynsham 'keeper Chris Brice makes a flying save against Plymouth Parkway It is pleasing to report that the club is regularly putting out four senior teams, but there are difficulties in getting fixtures as not all the small, or even large, clubs are able to fulfil league Crossword Solution fixtures. Next Saturday sees the 1sts and 3rds at home against Stothert and Pitt RFC and Old Culverhaysians respectively. L T A S W S LOV I NG WE I GHT S D I E T A ESPY TEACHI NG Sudoku Solutions U A R A G COMPETE ALOHA 1-Easy 2 -Hard V E G A 593764182 824916357 FE IGN TRADE I N 687512943 651237498 R E K U E 124938765 397854126 7 3 9 4 5 6 2 1 8 2 6 8 1 9 3 5 7 4 ACT I V I TY PLUS 861293457 415728963 O S O E O G 245871396 973645812 PATHOS RESALE 9 5 2 6 4 7 8 3 1 5 3 9 4 7 2 6 8 1 418325679 182369745 T A K E E Y 376189524 746581239

in The Week • Thursday 9th October 2014 31 in 32 The Week • Thursday 9th October 2014