The Week in East & North East FREE Issue no 354 15th January 2015 Read by over 30,000 people every week In this week’s issue ...... page 3 Tesco still committed to Hanham . . . Store to go ahead despite losses pages 4 & 5 K2 - more drainage concerns . . . Public footpath flooded after pumping page 23 Go ahead for studio school . . . IKB plans approved

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Hanham Tesco boss: we're still committed to

Theopening boss of Tesco has confirmed our that superstorethe troubled retail giant is still intending to open its planned superstore in Hanham. But in a letter updating Kingswood MP Chris Skidmore last week, chief executive Dave Lewis could not give an anticipated opening date for the store which it was widely expected would have opened some time ago, given that Tesco fought for years to build on the old Kleeneze site before finally getting permission from South Gloucestershire Council in 2012. A 2,918sq m store was approved back then and Tesco promised the creation of 160 local jobs and 228 free parking spaces. “I am conscious that you may see this news and be concerned Mr Lewis said in his letter: “As you will have read in the media, about the future of our plans in Hanham. However, I would like our performance as a business has fallen significantly short of to reassure you that it remains our intention to open our where we would want it to be. As a result the financial resources planned store. We continue to believe that the store would we have available for new investment are severely constrained provide a valued service to the local community and we know and we have had to critically review all current and future that many people are keenly anticipating the opening. We are investment decisions. looking forward to bringing new jobs and investment to “My absolute imperative has to be to protect the future of our Hanham, and providing local customers with the best we have business for the c.300,000 colleagues we employ in to offer. communities all over the UK. In recent weeks we have had to “We are not yet in a position to confirm an opening date but we face up to some very tough decisions which affect many hard- will be sure to keep you closely updated on progress.” working people. I don't do that lightly and so it is with a heavy Tesco has also announced the closure 43 unprofitable stores heart that I am announcing that we are unable to proceed with around the country but it is understood none of those affected 49 new planned store developments across the country. are in our area.

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Keynsham

FreshThere is still no news aboutflooding plans to deal with the fears at K2 controversial issues of drainage and heavy goods vehicle access to the K2 Meadows site, eight months after developer Taylor Wimpey outlined proposals to B&NES Council. An application to discharge a number of conditions attached to the original grant of planning permission was registered with the council in May 2013. In it, the developer also sought permission to use Parkhouse Lane as a temporary haul road, allowing lorries laden with soil excavation to exit directly onto Charlton Road rather than through residential areas.

The Week in

Water has been pumped into the dam since before Christmas

Barrs Court, Bitton, Brislington, Cadbury Heath, Compton Dando, Corston, Downend, Emersons Green, Fishponds, Hanham, Hillfields, Keynsham, Kingswood, Longwell Green, Mangotsfield, Marksbury, North Common, , Pucklechurch, Saltford, Staple Hill, Stockwood, St George, Warmley, Whitchurch, Wick, Willsbridge. 15,000 copies are distributed through retail outlets, libraries, pubs, community centres each week. Verified pick-up rate of 97%. Publisher Keynsham & Saltford Times Ltd, 8 Temple Court, Keynsham. BS31 1HA 0117 986 0381 www.theweekin.co.uk ISSN: 2052-9767

Managing Editor Stephen Rodgers [email protected] Editorial Becky Feather 07973 839936 Christine Rogers Advertising Jodie Deason and Tracy Broderick 0117 986 0381 [email protected] @theweekineditor No material in this publication, nor its associated website (www.theweekin.co.uk) may be reproduced without the written permission of Keynsham & Saltford Times Ltd. All rights reserved.

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g fearsThe Week In has reportedat on severalK2 instances last year of highway and pavement damage around Lulworth Road and Coronation Road, as well as residents' concern for safety. But the council's highways team lodged an objection in July last year and wanted more information about proposed numbers of movements on the temporary road. There have been no further updates on the council's planning website since then.

'Boggy Meadows' The public footpath from Abbots Wood, looking towards Meanwhile, with heavy rainfall forecast, concerns continue over The Brambles drainage on the site. Last summer we reported that Taylor Wimpey was also applying for permission to sink a new pipe for These pictures were taken in the first week of January after only additional deep bore soakaways, having admitted to finding the a moderate amount of rainfall and residents tell us that while it an underground culvert in 2012. Local residents had pointed to is not uncommon for the footpath to flood in winter, this usually the existence of the watercourse running through the K2 site clears within a matter of days. but were ignored during the original planning application procedure. Now christened 'Boggy Meadows' by locals, a pump has been Keep in touch, let us in almost constant use since before Christmas, depositing know what you think, water into a man-made dam. This has caused water to build up through Abbots Wood and flood the public footpath leading from send us your news The Brambles. www.facebook.com/theweekin

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Pressure to improve bus

servicesLen Fynn, from Cadbury Heath is in his 80s is and relies steppedon up public transport to get out and about. Until last Sunday, when Wessex axed the 533 bus, the Parkwall Road resident was using the service up to four times a week. Mr Fynn, pictured second from left with campaigners, said the 533 was also popular with other elderly and frail people, linking up communities between Keynsham and Mangotsfield, including Willsbridge, North Common, Barrs Court, Kingswood and Hillfields. The route was supported with funding from South Gloucestershire Council, but with much of the route now Cllr Christine Price, who represents Longwell Green on South covered by commercial services, the council is not permitted to Gloucestershire Council, has also been contacted by provide financial support. concerned local people while Sam Bromiley and Paul Hughes, First Bus's 17 service, which Mr Fynn also uses, runs from who are standing for election as councillors in May, say names Keynsham to Southmead Hospital, via Longwell Green, are flooding in for a petition being delivered through every door Kingswood, Staple Hill and Fishponds, but he says it's in Oldland and North Common. unreliable - a view supported by contributors to our Letters page Mr Skidmore says he is concerned in particular about the and by constituents who have been in touch with Kingswood elderly and vulnerable who rely on buses to do their weekly MP Chris Skidmore with their concerns. shop or access hospital services. Complaints include that the bus is often very late, sometimes He is hoping to get representatives from the bus companies doesn't run at all, and that drivers don't always stick to the and the council to a meeting to present the petition and the route. case that local residents need a better service.

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Keynsham Broadlands Academy plans to cut admission numbers by 67 a year Broadlands Academy in Keynsham is planning to cut its annual intake by 67 from September 2016. Dean Anderson, principal of the school, which is part of the Academies Enterprise Trust (AET), told The Week In: “As a result of falling pupil numbers in the locality, there are simply not enough students available to support an admission number of 217. “Additionally, Broadlands has benefited from being a smaller school over the last few years. We have been able to focus on the achievement and progress of each student individually, personalised timetables and curriculum and as a result, improved outcomes. “Since becoming an academy (in 2012), we have broken all records for GCSE results with a 24% rise in the percentage of students achieving five A*-C including English and maths to 68% in 2014. “Students are making better progress than ever at Broadlands and we have created a sustainable educational environment which is ensuring that students get the results they deserve. “I view the reduction in the PAN (Published Admission Number) as a positive move to stabilise year group size and ensure that we can retain the benefits of being a small school. We know every student and can really focus on ensuring that their needs are met and that they have every opportunity to be successful.” People who wish to comment on the reduction in the year 7 intake are invited to write to Mr Anderson before 9th February, when consultation closes. Mr Anderson said the academy had recently had a monitoring visit from Ofsted and the inspector had noted the progress made since last summer when the education watchdog found that Broadlands required improvement. He said: “Myself and my staff are delighted with the letter as it highlights the work that they and our students have done to address the issues and puts the academy in a good position moving forward.”

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each other for the closure. I blame them all, putting houses before health. Frenchay was to be downgraded to a Letters minor injuries unit, not closed. Why we need our minor MIUs stop the clogging up of our A&Es injuries unit and ours should be in a local hospital, Cossham Hospital, where it was planned Dear Editor, in 2009. Cossham Memorial Hospital was built The people of Kingswood and District and bequeathed to the workers and regard Cossham Hospital as their centre families of the miners of Kingswood by of excellence, and it is. When we fought Handel Cossham because it was Reg Bennett to keep Cossham open, we wanted an needed for 'miners' injuries care in their A&E but we had to accept a community! everything that is required for the MIU. compromise, an MIU. This was top Cossham Hospital was Kingswood & The CCG go against the final decision priority and costed into the £19.1m District A&E. It may be spelled differently made in 2009, the will of the 18,000 refurbished Cossham Hospital. This was now but a minor injuries unit is still people who have signed the petition, our democratically agreed after a long, legal needed in our community. Cossham politicians, our councillors, our Public and democratic consultation. We have Hospital is the hub of our community Health and Health Scrutiny Committee, been denied our MIU for two years now. healthcare. and no longer have a valid reason to The space is still there. The need is still The Clinical Commissioning Group now deny us our MIU at Cossham. They say there. We are still being told it has not suggest putting a minor injuries service it will cost £900k per year to fund and been ruled out! into GP surgeries as a trial! Why? GPs that has gone up since May of last year, This is what we were promised and what have a job to cope with their patients when we were told it would cost £800k. MIUs can treat: sprains and strains, now, without adding to that workload. Why bring it up now? That was known broken bones, wound infections, minor This, in my opinion, is another delaying when we were promised our MIU back in burns and scalds, minor head injuries, tactic by the CCG. We are not told at 2009. insect and animal bites, minor eye what GP surgeries, what specific The Emersons Green NHS Treatment injuries, injuries to the back, shoulder services they will provide, what hours Centre, run by the private company Care and chest. (This was taken from the these services will be available and what UK, have been overpaid more than £6m NHS website.) areas will be able to access these in the past two years for work they have Now is the time to rule in our MIU. This services. Will there be parking space for not done - that would have funded our would ease the strain on our A&Es. patients needing these services? Will we MIU for about 61/2 years! As a boy I was told: 'A man who never have to make an appointment? Will they We are continuously told by the media made a decision never made a mistake.' treat patients out of hours? that A&Es cannot cope and are almost at I was also told: “A man who never made All those questions were asked and breaking point. This has been proved a mistake never made anything.' answered back in 2009 - Cossham more and more since the closing of Hospital ticked all the boxes and has Frenchay Hospital. Our politicians blame Reg Bennett CHEMISTS Sudoku WEEKEND OPENING 1-Easy 2 -Hard Sunday 18th January Boots, Gallagher Retail Park, 8 47 1 2 Longwell Green (10.30am-4pm) 3 8 2 896 4 Asda Store Longwell Green 1 2 4 86 (10am-4pm) 2 1 8 5 9 1 6 3 Boots, Emersons Green Retail Park (10.30am-4pm) 6 5 8 Sainsburys, Emersons Green 4 8236 3 92 (11am-4pm) 2 8 6 5 4 1 5 3 Co-operative Pharmacy, Halls Road, 53 9 2 68 39 4 6 Kingswood (10am-4pm) 6 5 2 7 Stockwood Pharmacy 78 Hollway Road, BS14 8PG (9am-7pm)

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feeling in recent issues. That he has no own educational, political and medical case to answer to the Standards institutions. Our country has given birth to Commissioner is hardly a surprise. some of the world's greatest leaders. Many Letters Supplementing a £5,500-a-month salary as of those leaders were deeply spiritual. They an MP with another £10,000 from his own were not institutionally religious - indeed Let's harness politicians' business is not illegal, and Mr Rees-Mogg is most were free and individual thinkers. They skills far from being the only MP who does so. His often believed passionately in the power of Dear Stephen, business is obviously making enough prayer. May I respond to the recent letter from Peter money to allow him to take sums like that. This then is my simple message. On Sas of Radstock. I write not in support of What is wrong is the attempt to justify January 21st, a decision will be made at Jacob Rees-Mogg as an individual, but to outside business interests as somehow Kingswood Civic Centre as to whether the support his right to have employment other making you a better MP than those who NHS will honour their promise to the people than that of a Member of Parliament, as of commit themselves full-time to the role. Just of Bristol and South Gloucestershire to give course many other MPs do, of all political what is the job description for being an MP? them the minor injuries unit they so badly parties. An MP's real boss is not the constituents, need - not want, but need! Running the UK should be undertaken by local party committee or the Prime Minister. So please, all of you people, regardless of the best brains available and you don't get MPs do what the party whips tell them. That differences in faith and philosophy, pray that that by paying £67,060, being the annual includes attending (not compulsory) a Cossham Hospital will receive its unit and salary of an MP. If someone has the ability debate in the House of Commons - often a so decrease the pressure on all in the and expertise to run a successful profit- public school bun fight. Rather than listen to medical profession. The power of prayer making business, those skills can be put to the arguments and making a judgment has been tried and tested so please pray. good use as an MP in assisting to run the based on what has been said over the D Powell economy of this country. shouting and boorish antics, each MP then Oldland Common For Mr Sas to suggest that a Member of votes the way the party whips have decreed Parliament needs the approval of all of his - thus making a mockery of the 'debate' in Warm welcome constituents before doing anything outside the first place. Dear Stephen, the confines of Westminster is not Let us not bestow some sort of mystical May I, through The Week In, issue an appropriate. Does Mr Sas, who is I believe a power on the role of an MP. It's a job that invitation to anyone who is bored, lonely or Labour councillor on Radstock Town pays £67,000 a year (average UK salary with time to spare in the Oldland or North Council, have the approval of the voters in £27,000) and may only have a five-year Common area to join our Wednesday Radstock before doing anything outside of tenure. For some, that's enough. For Welcome at North Common Village Hall in the Town Hall? others, I'm not sure it's as much a case of Millers Drive. Finally it is not necessary to personally bringing career experience to bear in the We meet on the third Wednesday of each experience the living standards of someone role of MP as adding 'MP' to the CV of the month from 10.30am-2pm. If you would like less than yourself without being able to more career-minded. A surprising number of to read the daily papers, help make up a show sympathy to them, as is frequently them seem to land cushy non-executive jigsaw puzzle or just chat, we welcome your proven by the on- going support given by directorships in industry during later life. company. Fish and chip lunches may be people in the UK to Third World countries. G Warne, by email ordered on the day or you may bring a Care and concern are qualities shown by packed lunch. people of all income levels and to suggest Pray that Cossham gets its Stay for 10 minutes or two hours - the otherwise does not do Cllr Sas any credit. choice is yours. Mike Barrow, Keynsham minor injuries unit Dear Sir, Brenda Flay This is a simple request with the ultimate How MPs make money answer of a phenomenal outcome. We live Dear Sir, in a Christian country which, although small, MP Jacob Rees-Mogg's extra-curricular has led other nations throughout the world. activities appear to have generated a lot of Those nations have sought to emulate our

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causing them. One recipient told us that she of Rock Road/Temple Street to include a requires a total of eight carers to assist her pedestrian phase . every day, and the cost of this could only be Hopefully the council will see the logic in this Letters met by her receiving ILF payments. There is approach The locals have got nothing out of also great trepidation at the possibility of this 'development' apart from being Changes to the having to leave their own homes and having disregarded Pedestrian movement has Independent Living Fund to live in residential care homes, especially gone from Temple Street by the old council Dear Sir, after the Winterbourne View scandal. offices, it is now in the small area from Bath The Independent Living Fund (ILF) may not Together with those present, Andy, Ian and Hill to Rock Road. mean a great deal to many of us but to 51 myself are trying to publicise what is The reply will probably be that they do not residents living in South Gloucestershire, it happening as it is certainly not common have the money to install a set of traffic matters a great deal. These 51 are all knowledge at the moment. We encourage lights . My reply would be that they will not severely disabled, and in many cases they all residents to contact their councillors and be wasting money by installing two sets of need care around the clock to allow them to MPs for their support, to protect and retain pedestrian lights and would help the traffic live in their own homes, and live a normal ILF in the future. flow. life. The cost of the ILF has always been Feel free to contact us for any more Keith Haysom provided by Central Government; however, information - contact details are on the the Coalition now plans to stop funding it. South Glos Council website). This change was recently brought to my Broadlands' 'resilience' Michael Bell Dear Sir, attention by a Mangotsfield resident who Rodway Ward Labour councillor All friends of Broadlands Academy will was extremely worried how he would cope 0787 5631 817 welcome the news that an inspector has when the Coalition closes the ILF in June found that it is taking effective action to 2015, passing on the cost of funding to local tackle areas highlighted as needing councils at a time when councils themselves Logical approach Dear Sir, improvement. It was the Conservatives on are struggling to maintain services due to It is time to do something constructive and B&NES Council that in 2010 carried out a cutbacks. resolve the traffic/pedestrian problem public consultation on closing Broadlands I was very concerned about this issue, so I outside the new Civic Centre in Keynsham. School, a decision which left Broadlands recently attended a special meeting along A. Pedestrian crossing lights by the keep reeling. with my fellow Labour councillors Ian fit/garden on Bath Hill to be moved up Public opinion was so strong at the time that Boulton and Andy Perkins. South Glos towards the mini roundabout so that it Broadlands was saved and Wellsway councillors and MPs from other political actually assists pedestrians to cross School prevented from becoming a single parties were also invited, but none turned where they currently cross. mega-sized school on sites across the town. up. Particularly disappointing was that no However, the damage had been done with response was received from the office of B. The mini roundabout at the junction of an inevitable loss of morale among staff and Kingswood MP Chris Skidmore, particularly Bath Hill/ High Street/Temple Street to be public confidence shaken in the future of when he serves as Secretary of the All Party retained. Broadlands School. The absurdity of the Group on Disabilities. Neither was there C. The mini roundabout at the junction of Conservative consultation on Broadlands anyone from the South Glos Adult Care Rock Rd / Temple to be removed. closure has been demonstrated not just by Department. the resilience of Broadlands School but by It was a great shame that the other political D. The pedestrian crossing on Rock Road the housing developments which are and groups were not there as they would have to be removed. will be taking place around Keynsham, met up with residents who were disabled, E. The pedestrian crossing on Temple bringing with it a need for extra school their carers, families and friends, We Street to be removed. places. listened to all their fears as to what will Duncan Hounsell & Andrew Wait happen when the funding ceases. Everyone F. The removed mini roundabout and Keynsham & Saltford Liberal Democrats spoke of the impact it will have on them, and pedestrian crossings to be incorporated the stress and uncertainty it was already in a new set of traffic lights at the junction

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Longwell Green Councillors to inspect Green Belt Orchestra seeks site where solar park is planned new members South Gloucestershire councillors will Longwell Green Orchestra tomorrow (Friday) visit the farm near the currently has vacancies for M4 where a controversial solar park is bassoon, percussion, planned. strings, trombone, trumpet The plans for Ring O' Bells Farm at and tuba. Pucklechurch Road at Hinton have been The community-based orchestra, which meets on scaled back - a 16MW (Megawatt) solar park Thursdays at 7.30pm in was planned originally but the current Longwell Green Community application by Cheshire-based Green Energy Centre, plays mainly light Commercial Ltd is for a 5MW scheme. Ring O' Bells Farm classical music for many Even if South Gloucestershire Council decides local groups, senior citizens to grant permission for the plans to cover the site is close to the Cotswold Area of clubs and charities in the almost 30 acres of land with solar panels, the Outstanding Natural Beauty. South West. The musicians are of mixed ability, and decision will have to be referred to Eric Objectors say it will be an eyesore and that the range in age from teenager Pickles, Secretary of State for Communities glare from the panels could impact on safety to retired. If you are a and Local Government, under Green Belt for users of the M4 as the site is directly to the beginner or starting a legislation. south of the motorway. different instrument or The solar park would feed into the National The possible hazard to aircraft using Bristol resuming a lapsed hobby Grid. The panels would be in service for 25 Airport has also been raised, as well as you would be very welcome. years, after which they would be concern about the risk of pollution to the River Find out more by emailing contact@longwellgreenorch decommissioned. Boyd from detergents used to clean the estra.net or call 07972 The plans have been met with many panels which would become dirty as they are 844073. objections. As well as being in the Green Belt, so close to the M4.

Crossword ACROSS 7 Vast expanse of sand (6) 8 Treasure (6) 1 2 3 4 5 6 9 Beer measure (4) 10 Wishing (8) 7 8 11 Narrow strip of land (7) 13 Discourage (5) 15 Lucky (5) 17 From a bygone era (3-4) 9 10 20 Slower than the speed of sound (8) 21 Den or hideaway (4) 22 A cloud of particles or gases (6) 11 12 13 23 Young eagle (6)

14 Down 1 Someone of great intellect (6) 15 16 17 18 2 Joke (4) 3 Sporting venue (7) 19 4 Extremely overweight (5) 5 Source of nourishment (8) 20 21 6 Acclimatize (6) 12 Simple (8) 14 Loosen (7) 22 23 16 Offended (6) 18 Posted (6) 19 Related by marriage (2-3) 21 Iconic Danis export (4)

in 12 Across DownThe Week • Thursday 15th January 2015 7 Vast expanse of sand (6) 1 Someone of great intellect (6) 8 Treasure (6) 2 Joke (4) 9 Beer measure (4) 3 Sporting venue (7) 10 Wishing (8) 4 Extremely overweight (5) 11 Narrow strip of land (7) 5 Source of nourishment (8) 13 Discourage (5) 6 Acclimatize (6) 15 Lucky (5) 12 Simple (8) 17 From a bygone era (3-4) 14 Loosen (7) 20 Slower than the speed of sound (8) 16 Offended (6) 21 Den or hideaway (4) 18 Posted (6) 22 A cloud of particles or gases (6) 19 Related by marriage (2-3) 23 Young eagle (6) 21 Iconic Danis export (4)

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Fishponds Fishponds McDonald's campaigners plan College Green protest Police alert Campaigners against McDonald's plans for a Drive-Thru restaurant on Fishponds Road will be protesting outside City Hall next week. over rogue The controversial plans are expected to come before Bristol City Council's development control committee on 4th February but tradersPolice say they have been receiving a number of calls the objectors, who want to raise awareness and show the regarding cold calling by rogue traders at addresses in the strength of feeling, will be protesting on Tuesday 20th January Fishponds area. on College Green at 5.15pm ahead of a full council meeting. The 'traders' are making appointments to price up work, The fast food giant has earmarked the old Bristol Tiles unit for a sometimes then taking deposits for work and not returning, or restaurant which has sparked protest marches and hundreds of using the appointment to carry out distraction type burglaries. objections. PCSO Jeanie Thompson said: “We urge anyone thinking of Concerns include extra traffic on an a main road already taking on any traders to fully check them out before hand, take suffering from massive congestion problems, pedestrian safety, receipts for everything and if possible get a signed contract in noise, pollution, litter and fears that McDonald's is targeting place for any work to be undertaken. children as there are several schools close by. “Arming yourself by knowing your rights will help the process go much smoother. Remember all traders must give you a 14-day cooling-off period. “The police are more than happy to discuss and give any advice you may need in relation to any work you may agree to have done on your home. We recommend having someone else present throughout any meetings and exchanging of money or agreeing on work to be done.” Anyone with concerns is asked to call the police number 101.

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Situations Vacant

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South Glos Early success for GCSE Grant winners and losers South Gloucestershire Council's Communities Committee Mathematics students decided before Christmas which community groups to support through three-year grants. at St Brendan's With limited funds available, not all applicants were successful. The New Year has got off to a great start for many of the Among over a dozen which missed out was South GCSE Mathematics students St Brendan's Sixth Form Gloucestershire Citizens Advice Bureau, which had asked for College. Nearly a quarter of them have already achieved the £40,000 a year for a new project to make it easier for people to magical C grade a full six months before the scheduled end seek advice in their communities. of the course. But it was felt there were strong similarities between this and a In the past only students who could provide evidence that they contract the council already has with the South Glos Advice were very close to the C grade boundary have had the option of Consortium. The domestic abuse charity Survive applied for entering the exam in November. However as part of a new £35,000 a year to extend its telephone support line service but initiative this academic year St Brendan's made this option the committee backed a report from officers which said that available to the entire GCSE cohort by financing it for them. “financial pressures on the budget made it difficult to give priority Whilst a grade C or above in mathematics has always been to service expansion at this time”. important, there is an ever increasing emphasis on gaining the WECIL - the West of England Centre for Inclusive Living - had qualification before being able to move on either in academia or wanted almost £16,000 a year to extend its disabled people's in the world of work. helpline service, which operates in Bristol, into South Penri Thomas, Curriculum Manager for Maths and Computing at Gloucestershire. But funding was not recommended by council St Brendan's said “The initiative was a reflection of St Brendan's officers because the local authority already funds a similar commitment to its students' service. current and future needs by But beneficiaries which will get annual amounts include South maximising the opportunities Gloucestershire CVS, (£74,192 a year), Our Place in Staple available for success. The Hill/Staple Hill Regeneration Partnership (£16,000), the successful students should Southern Brooks Community Partnership (£86,250), the West be congratulated as after only of England Rural Network (£15,000), Age UK South Glos two months of the new term (£20,000), South Glos Deaf Association (£20,000), South Glos they were able to achieve Disability Equality Network (£10,000), the South Glos Overs 50s what had eluded them during Forum (£10,000) and SARI (Stand Against Racism and their time at school.” Inequality) (£20,000). Their success has additional benefits as now having achieved the all-important C Situations Vacant grade in Mathematics; they will have more time and fewer Brush up on interview skills exams to study for in the An interview skills course begins on Friday 23rd January at summer. Longwell Green Community Centre. Seventeen year old Molly Molly Cording This course is free for adults aged 19 and over, with few or no Cording from Downend was qualifications. It will run on Fridays from 12.30pm to 2.30pm for one of the successful students. She achieved a grade C and will six weeks. To book call 01454 865943 or email now be able to concentrate fully on studying for her A-levels in [email protected] English Language, Photography and Textile Design.

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MOTORING – On the road with Ollie Petrol prices ... enjoy themWho knows, by the time you whileread this month's article, fuel younot complaining aboutcan that), probably not much. There's no prices may well have fallen to the magic figure of £1 a litre. chance we'll see a drop in bus or train fares. Indeed, to hedge You don't have to have been driving for too long to remember against usually rising oil prices, most major transport firms the outcry when rocketing oil prices saw us break through the agree long-term deals to buy fuel forward at a fixed rate. Many £1 a gallon barrier. Then, we thought the end of the world was bus companies will be paying far more than the open market nigh - today we are wondering whether they will fall to £1 a litre rate for their fuel at the moment so with petrol prices actually - that's £4.50 a gallon in old money! falling, there is even less incentive for commuters to leave the While some analysts are saying oil prices would need to fall car at home. Small businesses will no doubt see a fall in their even further before such a reduction could be passed on to transport costs, particularly the growing number of self- motorists, my bet is that one of the supermarkets will break employed van drivers working on behalf of parcel delivery ranks and sell petrol for 99p as a loss leader. Of course, all the companies - unless of course they were working for City Link. others will follow and while the reasons for such a 'loss leader' With other business gurus arguing that continued falls in the are unclear (the supermarkets are hardly making a killing on price of crude could have a potentially devastating effect on our selling food at the moment), that is unlikely to deter their economy - particularly the sustainability of extracting oil from marketing boffins at HQ. If Aldi or Lidl sold petrol, the chances the North Sea - it seems that after more than 40 years, we are are we would be paying less than £1 a litre already. still being held to ransom by the OPEC countries. What difference will it make to we motorists? Apart from having My best bet is to keep enjoying the benefits at the petrol pumps an extra £5-£8 in our pockets once we have filled up (and I'm while you can and maybe put all those £5 or £8 savings when you fill up into a piggy bank to use when times get harder.

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Call for 4x4 volunteers Vehicle repairer celebrates Bosses at Sirona Care & Health are appealing for people with 4x4 experience who could volunteer to help with driving in extreme or top achievement challenging weather conditions. The owner of cosmetic vehicle repair specialist Revive! Bath, Matt Woodall, is celebrating becoming one of the most highly qualified Felicity Hudd, emergency planning officer, said: “If we have technicians in his field after months of studying and examinations. another winter, with a repeat of the extreme ice and snow Matt specialises in repairing minor scuffs and scrapes to vehicle conditions like we have experienced recently, we will really need bodywork and alloy wheels, has achieved full ATA accreditation which and value the tremendous support our volunteers and means he has a very high level of expertise and industry knowledge communities give us.” and is among the top mobile smart repairers in the UK. The vehicles will be based at Corum Office Park in Warmley, St Organised by the Institute of the Motor Industry, the accreditation Martin's Hospital in Bath and at Paulton Memorial Hospital. involves a series of rigorous practical assessments and a knowledge Felicity said: “In major incidents and during extreme weather, test, all under strict examination conditions. volunteers can play a significant role in supporting the work of Commenting on his achievement Matt told The Week In: “I'm proud of emergency responders, enabling us to reach people who really this achievement. There are a lot of people out there carrying out need our care. By being a 4x4 driver you will be supporting your cosmetic repairs without any qualifications or proper knowledge. own communities and those vulnerable residents that may need Having an industry recognised ATA accreditation shows my extra help during a time of need. customers that I have a high level of expertise and they can trust me “All volunteers will be required to go through a checking process, to do a good job on their vehicle.” have a clean driving licence, have C1 on their licence and have at Revive!'s customers include car dealerships, manufacturers, least three years' driving experience. You will need to be available insurance companies and private motorists. Cosmetic repair is a top to help out at short notice and possibly at different times of the day quality, cost-effective and time-saving alternative to taking the vehicle according to the need.” to a bodyshop for minor paintwork or alloy wheel repairs. Costing far Anyone interested is asked to email Felicity.hudd@sirona- less than the average insurance policy excess, the work is carried out cic.org.uk at a time and place to suit the customer, minimising vehicle downtime and protecting the owner's no claims bonus. For further information on Revive! call 0800 0467263

in The Week • Thursday 15th January 2015 19

Warmley Downend Plans for five new homes Bristol 'running out of called in by local councillor Plans to build five homes on land to the side and rear of 59 Poplar suitable building sites' Road have been called in by a local councillor who is concerned A local builder is claiming sheer pressure on space in the Bristol about overdevelopment. area is encouraging owners to look carefully at their available Home Orchard Developments' proposal is for a pair of two-storey development land - including gardens. Two of Helm semi-detached along Poplar Road and three dormer bungalows at Construction's latest residential projects - including one at the rear. Peache Road, - are on garden sites. The plans have been referred by Cllr Jane Allinson to South Chief executive officer Gary Sheppard said the Peache Road Gloucestershire Council's development control (east) sites property had been bought by Helm's client for its particularly inspection sub-committee, which will visit tomorrow (Friday). large garden - now in a dilapidated state - which offers enough Council planning officers consider the scale and design of the room for four semi-detached homes. proposed development are acceptable and have recommended the He told The Week In: “Development in Bristol is dictated by lack scheme be approved, subject to the developer agreeing to pay for of space. There is not a lot of undeveloped space to play with highway improvements. These would involve widening Tweeny which means developers are constantly on the lookout for Road at its junction with Poplar Road, providing a new footway suitable brownfield sites or thinking outside of the box to make along the site frontage on Tweeny Road together with lighting and the best use of spare plots like these.” Helm Construction are drainage, and widening the existing footway along the site frontage active on a dozen brownfield sites across Bristol. on Poplar Road and relocating the bus stop.

Wick Go-ahead for four new homes Plans to knock down commercial units at Riding Barn Hill and build four houses on the site have been granted full planning permission. Andrew Jay has been given approval for the four-bed houses, plus car parking, at Hillside Mews. South Gloucestershire planners felt the scheme would significantly The garden at Peache Road improve the appearance of the site.

in 20 The Week • Thursday 15th January 2015

Developers fight protection order on 22 trees in Kingswood A group of 22 protected trees are standing in the way of developers' hopes of building homes on a plot of green land in Kingswood. Redcliffe Homes have objected to the Tree Preservation Order (TPO) placed by South Gloucestershire Council's arboricultural officers on the group of ash trees at 72 Magpie Bottom Lane. The developers, based in Chipping Sodbury, lodged plans with the council last summer to knock down the bungalow on the 1.7 acre site and build 22 homes with 44 parking spaces. The scheme included widening the cul-de-sac to 4.1 metres to create a new access. The development site A report from Redcliffe's tree experts said the 22 ash trees on the western boundary were of low quality and not a constraint on There was anger and dismay from local people when the development. developers' plans were announced, with local people concerned But South Gloucestershire Council tree officers, who visited the site about the scale of the development on the green space, access, on 1st October, promptly served a TPO on Redcliffe Homes. The traffic and parking, and the effect on wildlife. officers consider the trees are highly visible from public viewpoints A mix of terraced, semi-detached and detached houses and flats and worthy of protection. were proposed, with the emphasis on family houses “to meet local A few days after the TPO was served, the developers withdrew need”. their planning application, saying they would be addressing The site is very close to the Harolds Way cul-de-sac where the “issues” with the scheme. council last year resolved to grant permission for a care home for As a result of their objecting to the TPO, the council's sites the elderly on a plot of overgrown land amid concerns about the inspection (east) sub-committee will visit Magpie Bottom Lane impact of the extra traffic. There is also outline planning permission tomorrow (Friday). for 12 homes.

in The Week • Thursday 15th January 2015 21

Education Secretary in visit toThe Education Kingswood Secretary Nicky Morgan was in Kingswood last week, visiting the King's Oak Academy and seeing how work is progressing on the new £3.7m primary school being built in the grounds. The new school is due to open in September with 60 Reception places and will expand by one year group each year until reaching capacity in 2021. The school, part of the Cabot Learning Federation (CLF), will make King's Oak a four to 19 academy, with children in Year 6 being guaranteed a place in Year 7. Nicky Morgan and Chris Skidmore Kingswood MP Chris Skidmore helped secure funding from the Government for the new build and wrote recently to Mrs Morgan Mrs Morgan met senior leaders from the Cabot Learning to support King's Oak's bid for £4.5m of Government money to Federation during her visit, including the newly appointed chief improve both its buildings and sports facilities. King's Oak, executive Steve Taylor, and found out more about the academy which became an academy in 2011, is still using some 70-year- chain which is one of the largest in the South West, with over old 'temporary' buildings and parts of the school are deemed no 1,200 staff and 6,822 students. longer fit for purpose. Mrs Morgan also met staff and observed some lessons at During her visit Mrs Morgan told The Week In that Mr Skidmore King's Oak. As well as being the Education Secretary she is had made a good case for the refurbishment of King's Oak as also Minister for Women and told students in an English lesson part of the Priority Schools Building Programme and she was how important it was to ensure that girls reach their full due to make an announcement on which schools have been potential. She said there were not enough female MPs, nor successful later this month. enough women in senior positions in the workplace.

in 22 The Week • Thursday 15th January 2015

Keynsham New Studio School gets the thumbs-upPlanning permission has been granted for fromthe new planners Isambard Kingdom Brunel (IKB) Studio School in Keynsham which is due to open on the Wellsway campus later this year. Funding from the Education Funding Agency is already in place for the new school, which will be for students in Years 10 to 12 and will have strong links with industries in the South West of England. The Wellsway Multi-Academy Trust, which will run IKB, has already held several information events to recruit students but had been waiting for the go-ahead from Bath & North East Somerset Council to actually build the school, which finally came last week. Catering for up to 300 pupils, the new two-storey school will be built once an existing science classroom at Wellsway has been demolished. A new car park will be created and there will be a Engineering and Kier Construction. new access to the Studio School from Bath Road. The name chosen for the new school honours one of Britain's But the plans have proved controversial with some people living greatest engineers. Brunel built the and nearby raising fears that it will have an overbearing impact, as Keynsham railway station was opened in 1840 after the well as creating more noise and increasing the risk of flooding, completion of the line between Bristol and Bath. as well as the increase in traffic and impact on highway safety. In 1836 the engineer, who also built the SS Great Britain and Sport England also objected as part of a playing field will be lost Clifton Suspension Bridge, bought a house in Saltford High as a result of building the car park and pathways. They were Street and built a tunnel directly under it, which still carries the also concerned at the lack of proposed new sports facilities. IKB mainline railway today. students will have to use Wellsway's existing sporting facilities. But the plans were approved by council officers under Cadbury Heath delegated powers. They did not consider the new development would have an overbearing impact on neighbouring properties, Medical practices merge nor a harmful impact on highway safety. As the site is already in The neighbouring Park Medical Practice and Oaks Medical use as a school, it was felt that some level of noise was to be Practice in Parkwall Road have merged to form one GP expected. surgery from 1st January. And despite the objection by Sport England, the council felt that The new practice is called Cadbury Heath Healthcare. the sports facilities at Wellsway would still be sufficient to meet It offers all the services that the two practices provided and the needs of both the existing and additional pupils. all patients will have an increased choice of appointment The Studio School's industry partners include Rotork, the times with access to both evening and Saturday morning James Dyson Foundation, Wessex Water, BuroHappold appointments.

in The Week • Thursday 15th January 2015 23

Foreman welcomes proposed Saltford ban on fracking near aquifers 40th The Labour Party has tabled amendments in anniversary Parliament to prohibit hydraulic fracturing for Saltford Walkers will be natural gas (fracking) in groundwater celebrating their 40th protections zones that feed aquifers. anniversary this summer. The amendments are to the Government's At their AGM on Saturday Infrastructure Bill, which is currently before 10th January in honour of Parliament and includes various measures this and to recognise their that will help facilitate fracking across Britain. commitment and hard Labour's Parliamentary Candidate for North groundwater protection zones recognises the work, the group elected to East Somerset, Todd Foreman, said: “The real risk that fracking poses to our water create four new life Labour proposal to prohibit fracking in supply. members, one for each groundwater protection zones is good news “I am concerned that the risks of fracking in decade. for North East Somerset. There is some North East Somerset vastly outweigh any They are Peter Fry (walk significant overlap with the proposed fracking benefits that allowing fracking here could leader and previous sites in the and the Mendip Hills, bring. Aside from the risk of contamination of chairman), Tony Gilroy so the Labour proposal would remove the water, fracking would bring increased heavy (walk leader), Hilary threat of fracking from some of the proposed industrial traffic, unsightly wells above ground Smedley (walk leader and sites in North East Somerset. and increased noise and air pollution. These walk programme secretary) and Peter “My view is that North East Somerset is not an risks could in turn have serious implications on Walker (walk leader). appropriate area for fracking for many the local economy and the tourism industry, You can follow the group reasons, including the complex geology of the especially where tourism is centred on the on Twitter @Saltford area and the presence of Chew Valley Lake World Heritage site in Bath. As MP I will work Walkers and underground springs at Bath Spa. hard to oppose any measures that could lead Labour's proposal to prohibit fracking in to fracking locally.”

in 24 The Week • Thursday 15th January 2015

Warmley Appeal to GatheringChristmas at St James' Church in the flock Mangotsfield was an eventful time cyclist Police are trying to trace a when on Christmas Eve the Nativity cyclist who may have Set that had been travelling around information about a the community returned to have the suspected burglary near Baby Jesus added to the manger. the Bristol to Bath Railway Also joining the flock were the knitted Path. sheep that had been part of a Sheep The man was riding Trail happening around Mangotsfield towards Bath between and Emersons Green. At a service Warmley signal box and called 'Nativity 4 All' the winner of the trail, who the real meaning of Christmas in a fun and Oldland Common mid- had visited all 22 venues of shops, cafes and accessible way. morning on Tuesday 16th pubs as well as the library and village hall in All the knitted sheep will now be sold at an December when he was Emersons Green, was announced. Fraser auction and New Year's party to be held at St stopped by a dog walker. Hysted, a pupil from Mangotsfield CofE James' Church Hall on Saturday 31st January. She described how she'd Primary School, had collected all the names of The evening will start at 6pm with family party seen two suspicious men run down the steep the sheep and received a gift voucher kindly time and at 7pm there will be a break to enjoy embankment carrying donated by The Lamb Inn together with a a ploughman's supper. bags. He rode after them knitted sheep that had been made a member The auction will commence at 7.30pm. Money into Thirlmere Court, where raised will be given to the Spend a Penny of the WI. he saw then get into a Fund to help provide a toilet in the church The Messy Nativity project that had also black Peugeot car. Police involved children's drama and singing at building with a 10% donation being made to a are asking the cyclist, who various venues lasted for the whole month of charity that provides sheep to communities in was in his 40s and wearing December and was designed to help share need. a jacket, to contact 101.

in The Week • Thursday 15th January 2015 25

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in 28 The Week • Thursday 15th January 2015

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Downend Artist scoops prize with painting ofDownend Harboursideartist Paul Weaver has scooped a £3,000 prize having beaten off over 200 other entrants to win a competition to capture the charm of Bristol's historic Harbourside. Organised by the Harbourside Art Gallery, the competition challenged artists to paint a scene of the waterside that was both different and compelling. Sponsored by Steak of the Art, Paul Weaver's painting of the famous cranes - Dockland Vista -

won praise from the judges who said that it was a piece of work that not only made an impactful first impression but kept drawing them back to look at it again and again. Paul's painting is available to buy at Steak of the Art on Harbourside and owner Steve Bowen is now planning an exhibition of Paul's work there with up to 40 pieces on display.

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30 The Week in • Thursday 15th January 2015

Longwell Green Fishponds New president Two men jailed after crack cocaine ofLongwell ProbusGreen Probus Club for retired Club and semi-retired businessmen held their annual Christmas and presidential discovery in inaugural lunch on 17th December at Longwell Green Community Centre. TwoVassals men, one of them from Park Fishponds, have been jailed for over four years for drug offences after crack cocaine with a street value of £42,000 was discovered in Vassals Park. Charles Orieh, 37, from Staple Hill Road, and Ogu Oguguo, 40, from Chatham in Kent, both admitted charges of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and possession of criminal property. They were sentenced on Monday 12th January at Bristol Crown Court. Both will serve 53 months in prison. During an operation by Zephyr - the South West regional organised crime unit - officers targeted Orieh following intelligence that he was supplying large amounts of Class A drugs in the Bristol area. During periods of surveillance, officers noted Orieh was visiting rural locations and parks for short periods of time. They Pictured are the outgoing president John Harper and the new suspected he was burying his drugs in order to evade arrest and president Eric Smith wearing the chain of office. visit the stash points whenever he needed to re-supply. Meetings are held on the first and third Wednesday of each On 30th June last year Orieh was seen attending another month, the first being a coffee morning and the third a lunch. suspected stash site in Vassals Park. Surveillance operatives The club also arranges holidays, day trips and social evenings saw Orieh and Oguguo walk towards a quiet wooded area and for its members. Members’ partners are invited to all these enter the undergrowth with a carrier bag but exit empty handed. events and to some of the lunches and speakers are arranged Both men then went to Orieh's home in Staple Hill Road. for all the Wednesday meetings. Officers searched the undergrowth with specially trained drugs The club has a welfare committee to keep in close touch with dogs and uncovered three plastic carrier bags, which contained members who experience health problems. 853 grams of crack cocaine with a street value of £42,000. The club is actively seeking new members ideally in the 60-75 Surveillance was maintained on the men and when Oguguo was age range. Anyone who may be interested can contact the club arrested in Staple Hill Road he was found to be in possession of secretary, Glyn Breddy, on 0117 949 0791 for further details. more than £10,000. DI Jim Taylor, from Zephyr, said “I am pleased with the sentences these men have received for the serious drug Crossword Solution offences they have committed. The supply of illegal drugs will not be tolerated in the South West and we will prevent anyone G J S O N A from making money from this activity which causes misery to the DESERT BOUNTY lives of others within our communities.” N S A E T T PINT DES I ROUS Sudoku Solutions U I E I N ISTHMUS DETER O M S N 1-Easy 2 -Hard 952864713 156374928 JAMMY OLDT IME 346517829 238965714 B E I A A 187329654 479218653 SUBSON I C LA IR 7 2 3 6 4 1 9 8 5 9 4 5 1 2 6 8 3 7 869253471 823497165 S P L K E L 415798236 617853492 NEBULA EAGLET 2 9 8 1 3 6 5 4 7 7 6 1 5 8 2 3 4 9 R N W N O D 534972168 392741586 671485392 584639271

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in 32 The Week • Thursday 15th January 2015