THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset FREE Issue 483 19th July 2017 Read by over 40,000 people each week ‘Vision’ for 2,600 homes west of Pucklechurch One of the largest privately- than 800 acres of land to the against the possibility of an some carrying placards, owned property groups in west of Pucklechurch. M4 link at Pucklechurch attended an open-air the UK is behind a “vision” The proposals have come to gathers momentum. Last meeting by the Millennium for 2,600 homes on more light as the campaign Friday around 200 people, Stone in Pucklechurch at

which local MPs Luke Hall and Chris Skidmore both made it clear they were in favour of a Junction 18a – but not in Pucklechurch. The “Vision Statement” sets out how a “landscape-led, mixed-use development” at Pucklechurch could help deliver new housing within South Gloucestershire. Continued on page 2 ‘Vision’ for 2,600 homes Continued from page 1 safeguarding a connection IM Land Ltd, a subsidiary to a future new junction on of IM Properties PLC. It It says: “The site can also the M4 to serve East Bristol was written with assistance provide new employment and South Gloucestershire.” from Cadence PR, Colliers opportunities which benefit The document was prepared International (planning), from the high-quality at the end of last year by pad EDP (ecology and transport infrastructure Design as a representation landscape), and PBA within the area, as well as by the Davison Family and (transport).

The area suggested for development

2 The Week in • Wednesday 19th July 2017 west of Pucklechurch Chris Skidmore addresses villagers Proposed alongside housing the strength of feeling that that the best route for the are office, research and Pucklechurch is not the proposed M4 link he has development, light and right location for a Junction campaigned for over the last general industrial, 18a and that it would divide seven years would be at warehousing, sports/leisure the community and Emersons Green, and he and retail. The statement potentially open up the area would be setting up a was submitted by Colliers for more housing. petition to gather support International as part of the Addressing Friday’s for that location, which still West of England Joint meeting, he called the remains an option. Spatial Plan consultation Pucklechurch option He said he was disappointed process. “completely untenable” and that South Glos Council and The location has not been said he would be working to the Highways Agency “have considered compatible with protect the Green Belt taken it upon themselves to the Emerging Spatial locally and to ensure that suggest this eastern option”. Strategy consultation be- residents’ voices are heard. And he pledged he would cause of constraints inclu- Mr Skidmore, who remove support for Junction ding heritage, the Green represents the Kingswood 18a if the Pucklechurch Belt, additional congestion constituency, told villagers option remained. and air quality, but real he had always been clear Continued on page 4 concerns remain nonethe- less. Thornbury & Yate MP Luke Hall, whose constituency includes Pucklechurch, said Friday’s meeting was a really important demonstration of

In this week’s Issue Mysterious find in Keynsham church yard . . . page 5

Court action to remove travellers . . . page 7

Plan approved for more housing in Whitchurch . . . page 8

Keynsham fire station sells for £3/4m . . . page 14

in The Week • Wednesday 19th July 2017 3 ‘Vision’Continued from page 3 and built for my case around an2,600sense to build through homes the land between Pucklechurch weststatement on the Junction of 18a M4 link at the ring road in Green Belt here when there and Parkfield Rank to cross proposals: “We are in the very Mr Skidmore has written to Emersons Green, serving the are areas of land behind the Shortwood Road at the Siston early stages of a feasibility Steve Evans, Director of Bristol and Bath Science Park Bristol and Bath Science Lane junction, and continue study looking at the options Environment and and the growing community Park, or at the Willy Wicket between Siston and for a new junction, 18a, to Communities, at South of Lyde Green. junction, where the ring road Shortwood, skirting the link the M4 with the A4174 Gloucestershire Council, “I have been campaigning and the M4 are already bottom of the golf course, to ring road. outlining his objection to the alongside local residents and effectively touching.” join the A4174 ring road. “We will be running a formal speculative option to build an councillors for an M4 link The Pucklechurch option, The route from the junction consultation from August to M4 link road through road at Emersons Green since which was revealed with the M4/B4465 proposes October and inviting people Pucklechurch to create I was first elected as the local exclusively in The Week In a two options for the link road to comment on the two Junction 18a. MP for Kingswood in 2010 fortnight ago, would see a near Pucklechurch. One options; an eastern option and He wrote: “I am sure you are … I do, however, object to junction further east at passes close to the north-west a western option. Work on the aware that I personally any proposal which sees the Westerleigh Road (the edge of the village along study is not due to be secured the £500,000 need for link road built through B4465). A new link road Westerleigh Road and then completed until 2018, the study from the Treasury, Pucklechurch. It makes no would be built across open near Edmund Court and onto therefore it is important to Kings Lane, continuing stress that these proposals are behind Homefield Road and at an early stage, no formal down to Siston Lane. The decisions have been taken THE WEEK IN other crosses through the and there is not a preferred fields in front of Parkfield option on the table. Barrs Court, Bitton, Brislington, Rank and then down to Siston “Further details on how to Cadbury Heath, Compton Dando, Lane. comment will be provided Corston, Downend, Emersons Approval would need to be nearer to the consultation Green, Fishponds, Hanham, obtained from the Secretary launch date, later in August.” Hillfields, Keynsham, Kingswood, of State to remove any land Cllr Colin Hunt, Cabinet Longwell Green, Mangotsfield, from the Green Belt. Member responsible for Marksbury, North Common, Oldland Just before Friday’s meeting transport, said: “We recognise Common, Pucklechurch, Saltford, the council released a that creating a new motorway Staple Hill, Stockwood, St George, Warmley, Whitchurch, Wick, Willsbridge. 16,000 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

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in 4 The Week • Wednesday 19th July 2017 Keynsham Skeleton in ‘armour’? Pucklechurchjunction is not something that in this part of South residential areas.” Workmen digging trenches for a new soakaway in St John’s will be popular with Gloucestershire and provide • Mr Skidmore’s petition is Churchyard have made an unusual discovery – a brick- everyone, but there is a very better access to key online at chrisskidmore. lined chamber containing a skeleton and some metalwork real need to ease congestion employment hubs and com/m4link which they believe might be armour. Andrew Ford and Mark Spicer, from Saltford firm DNA Civil Engineering and Groundwork, stumbled upon the chamber, which had a coping stone on the top, last Thursday. They took photos which have been sent to the Diocese of Bath & Wells for archaeologist inspection to see if it is a significant find. As a result of the discovery, a new location has been identified nearby for the soakaway.

in The Week • Wednesday 19th July 2017 5 Keynsham Leisure centre plans go on show Members of the public had a chance to see the final plans for the leisure centre refurbishment last week, ahead of work commencing this autumn. B&NES Council staff were on hand during the three-day exhibition at the leisure centre to explain refurbishment and building projects which will be completed in phases and will eventually see a new learner pool, soft play area, gym and while the refurbishment takes place and the entrance, incorporating the former snooker new learner pool is completed. The aim is to club. have the new leisure centre fully operational The sports hall, changing facilities and by spring 2019. existing swimming pool will also undergo You can check on progress and more precise extensive refurbishment. dates for the scheduled works as they are When work starts later this year, the sports hall announced at a special page on the B&NES will close initially for up to six months. Then, Council website - www.bathnes.gov.uk/ next summer, the swimming pool will close keynshamlc. See page 11.

Stockwood 20mph limit Different cultures proposed near schools celebrated at South Gloucestershire Council is proposing to care home bring in a 20mph speed limit on 27 roads near St Brunelcare’s Robinson House care home in Stockwood Anne’s CEVC Primary held a food festival to celebrate the cultural diversity of School in Oldland Common the home’s residents and staff. and Cherry Garden Primary Friends and carers were invited to join in the recent School, Bitton. cultural celebration by bringing food and music CDs The purpose is to reduce along to the party that represented their family’s country traffic, which will improve of origin. road safety and make Everyone enjoyed a variety of musical entertainment walking and cycling to school more attractive. and foodie treats at what turned out to be a very multi- The roads currently have a national party. 30mph. Full details of the Joy White, manager for Robinson House, said: “People proposal are on the forget how culturally diverse somewhere like a care council’s website under home can be. We find that our mixed backgrounds and ‘Consultations’ and they cultures lead to us having an exciting and stimulating can also be viewed at environment to live and work in. It’s definitely Cadbury Heath Library and something to be proud of and celebrate.” at Kingswood One Stop Shop. “I want to thank everyone that brought food, joy and The deadline for people to happiness. It has been wonderful.” have their say is 27th July.

6 The Week in • Wednesday 19th July 2017 Staple Hill Safer Court hearing to route evict travellers near The travellers who have school been camped illegally on People are being asked to Siston Common for more have their say on plans to than a week were expected improve safety near the to depart ahead of a court pedestrian entrance to The hearing scheduled for today Tynings School. (Wednesday). They were South Gloucestershire served with a summons on Council is proposing to Monday. install a footway build-out Some local people are angry on the south side of because on Monday of last Station Road, together week, South Gloucestershire with dropped kerbs, Council served the travellers reflective bollards and with a notice to leave the neighbours’ health, safety and circumstances”. The council Local Government, Sajid tactile paving to help green space in front of the wellbeing, and that noise at has said it is aware of the Javid, will soon approve partially-sighted pedes- Horseshoe pub by the night from the camp concerns of local residents Siston Parish Council’s plans trians. following day, but it was disturbed their sleep. and that the police have been to protect this part of the There is a questionnaire ignored. South Gloucestershire assessing the situation daily. Common by creating a bund on the council’s website One elderly resident who Council officers have been There are hopes locally that around it. under ‘Consultation’. The lives close to the site told The visiting the site to make sure to prevent any future His permission is needed closing date for comments Week In that he felt there was it remains “as tidy as is incursions, the Secretary of under Section 38 of the is this Friday (21st July). a “24/7 threat” to his and his practicably achievable in the State for Communities and Commons Act 2006.

The Week in • Wednesday 19th July 2017 7 Whitchurch 10 houses planned for car showroom Chris Madden Cars showroom and have a fourth room on the upper floor workshop on the A37 is to be which is shown on plans as a study or developed to create 10 new homes in upstairs lounge. the centre of the village. Paul May, the local B&NES B&NES Council’s Development councillor, had objected to the Management Committee supported proposal by Tradex Development Ltd, the planning officer recommendation pointing to the loss of retail and to approve planning permission at its employment space in Whitchurch, as meeting last month, despite well as the health risk posed to the opposition from Whitchurch Parish road fronting properties in an area Council and the ward councillor. where pollution levels were already Four houses will front the busy A37 above safe limits. The parish council The site on the A37 with six built on land currently objected, believing the project to occupied by the workshop and represent overdevelopment. through despite concerns over the below the minimum requirements of parking area. The homes are Crucially, B&NES highways number of parking spaces included in the emerging Placemaking Plan for designated as three-bedroom but all department nodded the project the project. The figure of 20 spaces is three-bedroom houses and 12 short of the total needed for four-bedroom properties. However, as the Placemaking Plan is not yet adopted and the site is considered to be sustainable with good local transport links, outline planning permission was granted. It is understood Chris Madden Cars is relocating the business elsewhere in Artist’s impression of the houses Bristol.

8 The Week in • Wednesday 19th July 2017 LETTERS Impact of one-way Lovely outing to join or add any input: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1940 scheme Keynsham 588919512554/ Dear Stephen Dear Sir Thank you. I am writing to you regarding the new I read your article about Keynsham Michelle road structure of Keynsham High Street being open for business (Issue 481) so Pucklechurch Jct 18a Action Group and the impact that this is having on the thought I would try it out. I must admit adjoining residential roads, particularly that my wife and I had not been to Rock Road. Keynsham for quite a while but not Having spent some time at home because of any specific reason. Write to us recently, I was alarmed at the increase in So we followed the advice in the article the number of vehicles and speed of said and went along Ashton Way to the Civic The Week In is independent of any vehicles using our road. I am Centre Car Park, and what a surprise! political or commercial interest. We particularly concerned by the very large We parked the car and walked down the lorries that are using Rock Road to re- steps into the farmers’ market. We both aim to produce a balanced and route to our local supermarkets. Rock realised then that this was actually our accurate view of local news and Road is (due to parked vehicles) a single first time in the new development. We welcome comments from our lane road and is not built to take this had lunch on the terrace at Bonzo and readers. kind of heavy traffic or the speed that then a short walk in the park before there was not a soul there. Normally, we will publish letters in they travel. heading home to Hanham. Hardly surprising - the site is covered in full but reserve the right to shorten litter. The bins obviously have not been I am really struggling to see the benefits It was a lovely way to spend a few hours or clarify the contents or to refuse emptied for a long time and the grass is of this new road structure to our High on a sunny Saturday and now we know publication. Please try to keep letters Street. Pedestrian access has remained the ropes, it is something we will be very overgrown. under 300 words and supply your the same. If you wish to bypass the doing again very soon. Are the cutbacks so bad that South Glos full name and address for reasons of pedestrians, you have to walk around the L Jones Council can’t maintain beauty spots like authentication. Only the name and large planters which then puts you at Hanham this properly anymore? A poor show. district where you live will be risk from cyclists or the oncoming Name & address supplied single-lane traffic! I could go on and on! reproduced. Anonymity is possible I think it is now time for common sense Beauty spot in a state under certain circumstances. to prevail and give us back our High Dear Stephen Action group Copy can be sent by post or, Street. As for the decision-makers, I walked through the Avon Riverside Dear Sir preferably, e-mail and should Keynsham residents would like the picnic area on my way from Swineford Thank you so much for all your money that has been wasted on this to Keynsham at the weekend. coverage of our plea to stop this awful arrive at our offices no later scheme to be refunded to the local This is a lovely spot, popular with junction from happening at than 9.00am on the Monday of authority pot to be spent more wisely! cyclists who can stop off on their Pucklechurch. each week. Annie Gallen journey along the Bristol & Bath In case you were not aware, we do have E-mail Rock Road Railway Path. But on a summer’s day a Facebook group if anyone wanted to to:[email protected]

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The Week in • Wednesday 19th July 2017 9 LETTERS Response from outset, to no avail. But the happy current climate, this requires significant that it will take many, many years to re- outcome of this is Keynsham Tickets, ingenuity! establish a ground to anything like the Festival organiser Keynsham’s own community online Occasionally some unpleasant decisions fantastic standard they now enjoy. It has Dear Sir ticket selling facility, which has now are inevitable. This year’s alternative to even been suggested that if the Folk While I must thank my colleagues for operated very successfully for over a the Cinema Under the Stars, Strictly Centre need money, they sell the High their letters relating to Keynsham Music year, and is free for all community Come Keynsham, managed jointly with Street site. One member remarked to me Festival in last week’s edition, I must groups to use. Hardly another town in the Keynsham Twinning Association, recently, "It’s mostly a half empty car equally address some of the points made the UK has a system such as this – and was a superb event and a very worthy park anyway”. by a ‘Keynsham Resident’ in the third it was, of course, initiated by the alternative. Tickets were on sale via I suppose that if someone applies to letter you published. Festival trustees, and the Town Council. Keynsham Tickets. develop Clifton Downs or Eastville Firstly, it seems that our Keynsham There is no question of the Festival not Nobody makes any money from the Park, they too will be denied protection? Resident makes an assumption that both remaining a free event. Our Keynsham Festival - nobody aims to. The real Outraged Hanham resident the trustees of the Festival and myself Resident, I am afraid, has no idea of the beneficiary from all of this is have not considered all the options when implications involved in the whole Keynsham. The deal is done making decisions about Festival events. Festival becoming a ticketed event. I Ric Davison Dear Sir Our Resident can be assured that we would be happy to outline these Festival organiser As a member of the Breaches Gate have considered not only all the options implications in detail to anyone who Group, I note with interest the (by- mentioned but many more besides. And would like to sit down with me for an Outrageous decision election) promise being made locally to there are many options and issues hour or two. Dear Sir “maintain the Keynsham Saltford Green involved in a festival which over a week But of course, money is of a very It beggars belief that an amenity such as Belt”. involves the participation of nearly secondary importance to the Keynsham Hanham Cricket Club ground can be We fought very hard with long hours in 20,000 people. And many of these Festival which, far more importantly, denied ‘Local Green Space Designation’ tedious public meetings to achieve just options are very expensive. represents a community gathering and by an independent planning inspector that. At that time, we were, and are, only The Cinema Under the Stars was celebration, which is rarely equalled because someone has applied to develop a small group of people. The decision cancelled this year because for the last anywhere in the UK, which involves a it! (Issue 482). imposed by the B&NES administration, three years, attendance has dwindled percentage of the local population which What about the 1,000 plus residents who at that time Lib Dem, was to remove a and the event has, in itself, represented a might actually be unequalled anywhere lodged their objections to ANY large chunk of that Green Belt and allow serious loss of money to the Festival. It else. That the local people, Town development there and on the land the building of 500 houses. is almost totally weather dependant and Council, churches, artists, community opposite Bickley Farm via a petition. We are still actively campaigning with the weather has been bad on Festival groups and local businesses support the Over 120 people voiced their objection the developers and have managed to Friday nights for the last three years, and Festival with donations and at a parish council meeting as well. achieve some concessions to help was little better this year. Additionally, commitment is both a reflection and There would have been more but they maintain the open green space. Any the subsidy for the event from Bath Film indication of the health, diversity and couldn't get in. support for this would be greatly Festivals has gone with the B&NES Arts strength of the local community and a The local MP Chris Skidmore organised welcomed! cuts, and this year would have made an clear sign of why Keynsham is a good said petition. He has publicly stated his So to proclaim the desire to maintain even bigger loss. It was clearly the right place to live, and why it is culturally strong opposition to building on this this Green Belt is laudable but, decision, as it turned out. growing. land whist areas such as the old ultimately the deal is done for the period As for Keynsham Resident’s various In making the Festival happen and Kleeneze site lie derelict. Why are the of the current Core Strategy and suggestions, one thing is foremost. The providing the infrastructure, the Festival views of a Member of Parliament not Placemaking Plan. Library, within B&NES’ policy, will not Trustees and myself are charged to valid in deciding such things, to say Thank you for your current desire to sell tickets to events that happen within manage financial matters sensibly and nothing of the people affected by it? help, but it’s too late! its own building, The Space, let alone to properly - as well as the issues of the Even the Cricket Club members don't Bob Elcombe events that happen elsewhere in the safety of such a large event. In the town. We have challenged this from the want it developed. They know full well Breaches Gate Group

Write to us Please e-mail letters to [email protected] or post to: The Week In 8 Temple Court Keynsham Bristol BS31 1HA

10 The Week in • Wednesday 19th July 2017 LETTERS Floral vandalism Bromley Heath Viaduct. couple of times a day. Compton Dando are to be encouraged The signs state ‘delays likely'. This must Don't you just agree that bicycles look for aiming to mend one in the village. Dear Sir be the biggest understatement since the much better and less dangerous to other Those at Marksbury garage and Gypsy In the early hours of 12th July, at about Michael Fish ‘No Hurricane’ weather road users when they are brimming with Lane/Wellsway have also recently been 2am, neighbours across the road heard a forecast! flowers rather than being ridden three repainted. disturbance out in the road and in the In your Issue 482 of July 12th, Jonathon abreast on a main road alongside a Last autumn I was saddened to see the morning, we found all our lovely Munslow, of South Glos, is quoted as specially created purpose-built cycle sign by the Wheatsheaf Inn, Corston hollyhocks outside our fence hacked saying that people should double the track! Road, stripped and all arms removed. I down. I have enclosed two photos, length of time they normally allow for Julia Chandler mentioned it to the local rep of the before and after. their journey. I have a relative who lives Milestone Society, but we were relieved in Kingswood who works for a logistics that whoever had taken it apart soon had company in Avonmouth. At present, he Thanks for giving us a it reassembled and back in place looking leaves his home at 4.30am to start work voice very smart. at 5.30am and leaves Avonmouth to get Dear Becky It is not all good news. It was probably a back to Kingswood (if traffic is kind to I just wanted to let you know that I have high-sided vehicle that removed part of him) around 6.30pm. now seen the final plans for the the sign opposite Saltford garage; it now Is Mr Munslow really expecting my refurbishment of Keynsham Leisure points to SALTFORD V (illage). The relative (during the roadworks) to leave Centre, and am very pleased to let you sign at the Wellsway/Chewton Road home at 3.30am and to get back at know that provision has been made for turn is left with ‘O 2 1/2’; one cannot 7.30pm? separate changing rooms for men and immediately see how that was broken. Name & address supplied for women, each complete with At the junction of Charlton Road and Editor’s note: The advice refers to peak- showers, for users of the swimming Hursley Lane, the hedge cutter seems to time travel, when 8km tailbacks are pools. have finally won the battle and left just predicted I would like to thank you so much for the post. your interest in the project, and for The majority of our local S.C.C. signs Bouquets instead of highlighting the concerns of the pool were made by Sheldon Wells. We are users that the swimming pool showering very fortunate in Somerset to have about brickbats and changing facilities would not meet 1,000 of the pre-war signs left but they Dear Sir our requirements. do need looking after. Across the river in What a change for me! When I write to I am sure that the articles you featured in Gloucestershire, county signposts are you it is usually because I am moaning The Week In helped greatly to raise very few and very far between. You will I don’t know what else I can do about it about something but today I am full of awareness of our concerns and gave us a be lucky to find one. but I feel so bitter that I thought I would praise! voice. Edmund Prideaux send you the photos to let other people What wonderful flower displays we Paula Reed Keynsham know what callous, uncaring idiots roam have around Keynsham - they really are the streets at night. spectacular and a real joy. They must Brian Jubb surely brighten up all our days and put a Sign of the times Kingswood smile on our faces - difficult to do Dear Sir THE WEEK IN sometimes. Congratulations to the Manor Road Viaduct delays I have to say that the most joyful are the group for the repainting of the S.C.C. adverts Dear Sir bicycles around the town fully laden (Somerset County Council) signpost at South Gloucestershire Council have with fantastic displays of flowers. I have the Manor Rd/Wellsway junction. About call now installed large signs on major roads to say a special thanks to the one at the 18 months ago Pensford had a scheme to 0117 986 0381 advising of the impeding repairs to the end of Lays Drive which I enjoy a smarten up their signs and now

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The Week in • Wednesday 19th July 2017 11 Keynsham Cadbury Heath Celebrating 10 years of Free summer St Keyna Primary School holiday club This month St Keyna Primary School, which is rated ‘Good with Outstanding Following the success of ‘Fit and Fed’ sessions held n features’ by Ofsted, has been celebrating Cadbury Heath over the Easter holidays and in the May 10 years’ service to the Keynsham half-term, Juice Community Project will be running the community. free children’s club over five weeks in the summer Readers with long memories will recall the holidays too. school opened to accommodate pupils from Fit and Fed is a national programme to tackle holiday Temple and Keynsham primaries which hunger, inactivity and isolation. were closed in 2007 as the buildings were no The sessions for children aged eight and over will be longer fit for purpose. held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 25th A special assembly was held to share July to 24th August. favourite memories of the school and launch They get a nutritious lunch at 12.30pm and then there the new ‘St Keyna Standard’ which has been are sports and activities from 1.30pm to 3pm in nearby designed to encapsulate everything that Coronation Park. makes St Keyna Nursery and Primary awarded the Stonewall Gold Award. Our The organisers hope that through The Week In they will School unique. birthday party was a smashing celebration of attract both volunteers to support the running of the Headteacher Adrienne Hughes, who has led our amazing school and culminated in us sessions as well as youngsters to attend. the school from the beginning, said: “Over running the new St Keyna standard up the Contact Deb Wright or Janice Suffolk on 01454 302302, the years the school has evolved into a flagpole.” or go to the Cadbury Heath Fit and Fed Facebook page centre of excellence for inclusion and Children and staff later enjoyed a huge to find out more. equality work and we are very proud to be birthday cake, cut by Jasmine and Harvey only the second school in the country to be who turned 10 the same week.

Crossword Crossword ACROSS 7 A breakaway body of like minded people (8,5) puzzle 8 Aged female (3,5) 9 Give way (4) 12th July 10 Music associated with Trinidad (7) Can we apologise to all our regular puzzlers for the 12 Firm belief in someone (5) error in last week’s 14 Forcibly remove (5) competition? While the grid 16 Male deer (7) was updated, clues from a 19 Reflection of sound waves (4) previous week’s puzzle 20 Mystery (8) were not, something which became immediately 22 Key component of a vehicle (8,5) apparent to anyone trying to DOWN find a six-letter word for a 1 A mineral of hydrated silica (4) thirteen-letter space! 2 US territory in the Pacific Ocean (6) The correct version of the puzzle now appears 3 Break up into tiny particles (7) opposite. 4 Branch or fork (5) 5 Type of military ammunition (6) 6 Dead-end street (3,2,3) 11 One who argues for a cause (8) 13 Film extracts (7) 15 Anger (6) Keep in touch, let 17 Intelligent (6) us know what you 18 Literary word at the end of a book (5) think, send us your 21 Consumer (4) news facebook.com/theweekin

12 The Week in • Wednesday 19th July 2017 The Week in • Wednesday 19th July 2017 13 Sixth baby for MP Jacob Kingswood North East Somerset MP Jacob Rees-Mogg recently announced Fun day at that his wife Helena has given birth to their sixth child - Sixtus Dominic Boniface Christopher. Southey Park The new baby is a brother for Peter The Friends of Southey Park are planning to celebrate Theodore Alphege; Mary Anne their first major success by holding a Fun Day and Park Charlotte Emma; Thomas Quiz this Saturday (22nd July). Wentworth Somerset Dunstan; The event will also mark the official opening of the two Anselm Charles Fitzwilliam, and new paths that have recently been completed in the park Alfred Wulfric Leyson Pius Rees- thanks to a £12,000 grant that the Friends won from Mogg. Tesco, and over £20,000 raised by South Gloucestershire Council from developers who have built new homes in Keynsham/Saltford the area. The paths will be opened by Friends member Karen How you can help the RUH Watson who led the successful bid process. The Forever Friends Appeal, which raises takes to be part of a community Activities will include an inflatable slide, a barbecue, money for the Royal United Hospital in fundraising group. Cllr Rob Appleyard stalls, games, and a quiz with the chance to win the Bath, is holding its first Keynsham & will also be attending, as he is chairman of ‘Brain of Southey’ Trophy. Saltford RUH Fundraising Group meeting the Bath RUH Fundraising Group. The quiz will aim to be family friendly, with questions this Friday (21st July) at 7pm at the Bonzo Anyone interested in being involved can for all ages. Quizmaster and local councillor Kim Lounge in Keynsham. contact Claudia on 01225 825825 or email Scudamore has said that a bit of local knowledge will The appeal organisers will explain what it [email protected] also come in useful. Old fire station in Keynsham sells for £750,000 The old fire station on Temple Street, Keynsham, has been purchased by a development company for more than twice the guideline price. The site closed last year when the new Hicks Gate station began operating, and was put on the market in February. Agents Alder King called for bids in excess of £325,000 and reported considerable interest from Nigel Dance and Ben Morgan. It is purchasers prior to the closing date at the understood the plan is for a mixed-use end of April. development of ground floor retail and Members of Avon & Somerset Fire residential accommodation above. No Authority then considered those bids, planning application has yet been submitted including one from Keynsham Town to B&NES Council. Council, at its May meeting but have only In Issue 473, we reported that Keynsham this week confirmed the identity of the Town Council had submitted a bid in order successful bidder. to retain the site for community use. The site The company, Chewton Place also stands between B&NES Council’s Developments Ltd., is registered at an Civic Centre development on Market Walk address in central Bristol and was and the planned regeneration project for the incorporated in July 2016. Its directors are Riverside office building and leisure centre.

14 The Week in • Wednesday 19th July 2017 The Week in • Wednesday 19th July 2017 15 16 The Week in • Wednesday 19th July 2017 The Week in • Wednesday 19th July 2017 17 18 The Week in • Wednesday 19th July 2017 South Glos Spotlight on secondary education crisis With another secondary academy which runs seven schools, including and using the new stronger Cabinet in South Gloucestershire plunged Mangotsfield and Downend leadership model to drive up into special measures, the secondary schools. The chief educational standards”. Conservatives who control the executive is Will Roberts, who has He added: “As all schools will be council this week said they are also been co-ordinating the accountable to the LSSB, all risks committed to driving up Education Partnership Board set up will be identified jointly and the educational standards. in 2014 to turn around a legacy of support and challenge will be The issue of Marlwood School’s underperformance. South Glos is coordinated and monitored through Ofsted report was due to be ranked 144th out of 152 authorities the LSSB. We continue to campaign discussed at the council’s meeting for secondary education and most of for greater funding for our schools, Gareth Manson tonight (Wednesday) with Labour the secondary schools are given our historical and chronic lack councillor Adam Monk asking if the academies. of resources.” be of little comfort to parents.” Cabinet Member and education The board was set up to run for three Gareth Manson, who speaks on Lib Dem group leader Ruth Davis department were surprised by the years and this week it emerged that educational matters for Labour, also said her party was obviously pleased ‘Inadequate’ rating, and what school it is being replaced with a Local welcomed the improvements at JCA with reports of success or improvement support the School Standards Board (LSSB) which Ofsted says is making “good improvement in any local schools department had given Marlwood which will involve the council strides” in improving the quality of “as any school that is not before the inspectors arrived. working closer with the provision and leadership. functioning properly is letting down The Alveston school is part of CSET Government's Regional Schools But he added: “All involved will be the young people in its care at a Commissioner, Ofsted and academy deeply concerned that Marlwood crucial time in their lives”. trusts. School, judged as ‘Good’ by Ofsted With regard to the Marlwood report, Toby Savage, Cabinet Member for in 2010 and as ‘Requires she said: “It is always sad when a Schools, Skills, and Employment, Improvement’ in 2013, has now good school starts to struggle. It is said that as an ex-Marlwood pupil, been judged as ‘Inadequate’. The essential that the Trust invest time he was “absolutely gutted” to see report is damning, stating very and energy to achieve rapid the Ofsted report. clearly that ‘the school’s decline has improvement, having already He said that whilst the recent Ofsted been characterised by low identified and started working on report on John Cabot Academy in expectations at all levels’. some issues, but progress was not Kingswood was more encouraging, “The report does point out a small good enough. “we remain committed to number of positives, attainment in “The situation is not helped by implementing the cross-party agreed maths and the recent actions of the looming education cuts which will Ruth Davis Education Commission proposals chief executive. However, this will affect all the schools.”

Keynsham Chosen charity St Keyna Townswomen’s Guild members have picked Keynsham Dementia Friendly as their chosen charity of the year. They will continue to fundraise throughout the remainder of the year and then make a donation to the group early in 2018.

The Week in • Wednesday 19th July 2017 19 Staple Hill Plans for nine flats refused Outline plans to build a block of nine flats with parking and lorry manoeuvring would at The Square in Staple Hill have been become even worse. Locals also said the turned down over concerns about design was not in keeping with the parking and poor design. surrounding area and that it would block Change of venue for playscheme The application for No. 6a was submitted to light to houses opposite Once again, Bitton Parish Council is organising a free South Gloucestershire Council by Frank The council had similar concerns, saying the playscheme during the school summer holidays but this year Francis. The site is currently used for proposed development would result in the there is a change of venue. All children between the ages of five parking associated with his shop Top to total loss of all existing parking facilities as and 11 are welcome to attend the playscheme which is being held Bottom at Unit 6. well as the existing service area that at St Barnabas CofE Primary School in Poplar Close, North The proposal included nine car parking and currently serves the site. Common instead of at Cherry Garden Primary School. 10 cycle spaces for the flats, replacing the The playscheme will be held on Mondays to Fridays 24th – 28th Planning officers also said the off-street July, 31st July – 4th August and 7th – 11th August. Each session whole of the parking and turning area and parking proposed for the flats was will run from 10am till noon. All children must be registered. loading bay for unit six. insufficient and that the design of the flats Contact the parish council clerk Sharon Robbins on 01454 Six local residents raised objections. Fears was out of keeping and would result in a 868102. were voiced that the already bad situation “cramped form of development”. SITUATIONS VACANT Vacancy to fill? Advertising in The Week In is an effective and low cost option. Call Tracy or Jodie on 0117 986 0381.

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20 The Week in • Wednesday 19th July 2017 Leisure centre’s 10th birthday celebrations Longwell Green Active any profits made into providing has just flown by. I am pleased Leisure Centre is celebrating more and improved facilities, to say we enjoy the facilities a decade of being at the heart equipment and services for its just as much now as we did of a growing community. customers. Working in back then, although my The centre has been partnership with South daughter obviously doesn’t encouraging healthy lifestyles Gloucestershire Council, the need her mum with her in the over the years with a whole trust aims to contribute to the pool anymore!” range of facilities to suit all improved health, cultural and The pictures show Deb Locke ages and abilities. It is currently social wellbeing of the local with son George and Erica undergoing a £1.5m makeover community. Cross with Edie, 10 years apart to meet increased demand in Amongst those joining in the in the pool at Longwell Green the local community. The celebrations are Active Leisure Centre manager Martyn redevelopment, which is being marketing manager Erica Cross Hinam, who has been at the funded by South and her daughter Edie, who has helm since the centre opened, Gloucestershire Council, will also celebrated her 10th said: “Longwell Green has result in: birthday recently. Erica and always been one of our most • A new fitness studio which Edie were among the first to popular Active Centres and we will offer Les Mills classes enjoy the new facilities when are so pleased to be able to and studio cycling they opened with their friends share this significant birthday • 25 more stations in the gym Deb Locke and son George, all with all our customers and • New changing rooms, from Longwell Green. They staff. It’s also timely that this including disability changing are among staff and customers year we are expanding these • A new entrance to the who are contributing to a popular facilities to meet building and reception area memory wall capturing the past growing demand and • More poolside showers 10 years in words and photos. reinvesting in the local The centre is managed by the Erica said: “I can’t believe it community, which is at the core Circadian Trust operates a total two dual-use sports centres Circadian Trust which reinvests has been 10 years – the time of what we do as a charity.” of five leisure centre sites and across South Gloucestershire.

The Week in • Wednesday 19th July 2017 21 Advertising Feature Spotlight on Hanham is well-known for its place throughout the week, as well strong community spirit and as special events. The centre has interesting mix of independent function suites and activity rooms shops, eateries and businesses. suitable for a range of meetings and Traders work together to promote activities. Hanham’s identity, flying flags in the One of the newest businesses on the High Street to mark occasions such High Street is The Italian Kitchen, as Armistice Day and St George’s which opened in what used to be Day, and every December there is an Harlequin Costume Hire shop. The event to herald the start of the festive restaurant is picking up some great season. reviews on TripAdvisor for its There’s always lots going on at authentic Italian cooking, lively Hanham Community Centre. A huge atmosphere and attentive staff. range of regular activities takes Sassy Hair Studio is a great blend of

22 The Week in • Wednesday 19th July 2017 Hanham

new and old. This modern, equipped workshop to work customers choice and value stylish salon has been on the on your bike, there is a huge for money, supplying and High Street for over half a selection of brands to fitting quality spectacles at century, moving two doors choose from, whether internet-based prices if you down to its current premises you’re thinking about take along your in 2014. Now owned by getting into cycling or are prescription. There are Kate Bell, it used to be already an experienced hundreds of frames, ranging called Phyllis and then cyclist. from budget to designer, to became JVK before the Meanwhile independent suit everyone's needs and name change to Sassy. Four Eyes Dispensing taste. Four Eyes also offers Another established Optician on the High Street sight tests. business on Hanham High prides itself on offering Continued on page 25 Street is DW Smith & Co Estate Agents who value, sell and let properties in and around Bristol and South Gloucestershire. In business since 1999, they offer a friendly and professional service. With Bristol being the UK's first Cycling City, John Wood’s Cycle Repair Centre is THE place to go for everything bike-related. Open six days a week, not only does it have a fully

The Week in • Wednesday 19th July 2017 23 24 The Week in • Wednesday 19th July 2017 Spotlight on Hanham Continued from page 23 Whittucks Road, where Participation Group which local community. flats. Abbeyfield houses Health wise, the community there is also a pharmacy. aims to be the ‘voice of the For those in later life, the aren’t ‘care homes’ as such; is well served by the The surgery is keen to patients’, reflecting the Abbeyfield home Kift the aim is to encourage Hanham Health practice on promote its Patient views and opinions of the Lodge on Memorial Road residents to live overlooks beautiful Hanham independent and fulfilling Common and offers 20 lives for as long as possible, spacious and comfortable with the added reassurance studio and one-bedroom of a 24-hour team member.

The Week in • Wednesday 19th July 2017 25 Badly writted signs We all see signs and advertising boards where apostrophe, but one of our readers snapped all of phone and either email it to the creator has been totally oblivious to the these in just a few days while driving around the [email protected] or use our Facebook consequences of bad spelling or a misplaced local area. If you see one, take a picture on your page. We’ll then add it to our gallery.

Residents enjoy museum visit Keynsham Residents from Kingfisher Lodge Give your support for in Saltford enjoyed their outing to a local radio station Kingswood Heritage Museum As we have reported previously, Keynsham Town Community earlier this month. Radio is in the process of applying for its own FM broadcast The residential home arranges licence. regular trips out but this was the Currently its one-hour community show is broadcast once a first time they had visited the week on Somer Valley FM and is then available as a download museum, which is in Warmley. from the radio station website. As part of KTCR’s application procedure it needs to supply OFCOM with evidence of a need Both the visitors and their and this is best provided in the form of written messages and accompanying staff were amazed letters. To complicate matters, the cut-off for provision of this at the array of information and information is the end of the month, so if you feel Keynsham exhibits on display and were should have its own community radio station, please say so in thoroughly immersed in their trip writing and send your message by next Monday (24th July) to: back through the local history of [email protected] or deliver hand-written letters c/o Keynsham Town Council, 15-17, Temple Street. the area. Sudoku Solutions Crossword Solution 1-Easy 2-Hard

26 The Week in • Wednesday 19th July 2017 The Week in • Wednesday 19th July 2017 27 Stand-up artist launches new comedy club in Keynsham September 1st sees the humour and songs and launch of a new comedy parodies with his guitar, is club at The Space in also popular with the Armed Keynsham and the first Services, and Andy is often event is headlined by its performing for the troops in founder, well-known far-off places. This has stand-up Andy Askins. involved (literally) dodging For the last decade Andy has bullets on the front line in performed at the best Iraq and Afghanistan, for comedy venues and which he received a festivals around the world campaign medal in 2012. as well as appearing on TV So how does a famous in the John Bishop Comedy comedian end up running a Show. He has also comedy club in Keynsham? supported other big names “I’m in the process of such as Michael McIntyre, moving to the area with my Lee Evans, Rhod Gilbert family and was looking for and Jack Dee. somewhere which didn’t His unique stage show, already have a comedy which combines off-beat venue”, he told The Week In. “I have friends who have but I think it will work well. month. Joining him on stage started something similar in There will be a pop-up bar on 1st September are fellow Newcastle. It’s not just a with decent prices, and comedians Markus Birdman venue with headline acts, shows will end just after and Paul Thorne. New café opens but it has engaged with local 10pm so people can move Tickets are £12.50 on the community projects as well. on afterwards.” door or £11 if booked in in Keynsham “When I saw The Space, I Andy has artists lined up for advance at www.smiley Sisters-in-law Kelly Taylor and Laura Pritchard have opened a felt it was not dissimilar to the first three dates with spaces.co.uk café in Keynsham. many venues I have played. performances scheduled for Picture by kind permission Kells Kitchen is on Bath Hill in what was formerly Siam Wok. It’s a bit of a blank canvass the first Friday of each of Roger Lowe The new business, which has just received a five-star hygiene rating, is in a great location opposite the Memorial Park and close to the Civic Centre. The café opened for the first time on the day of the music festival and normal opening hours are 7.30am to 2.30pm First Bristol to run Monday to Friday (with breakfast served until 11.30am) and on Saturday for breakfast from 8am to 11.30am. As well as full cooked breakfasts, bacon, sausage and fried egg first MetroBus route baps are available. Lunchtime offerings include a range of It has been announced that First Bristol available at the information point, online, sandwiches, rolls and toasties, and the café serves hot and cold will be running the first MetroBus service via mobile phones and at local retailers. drinks, including Shmoo milkshakes, plus a good selection of in Bristol, connecting the Long Ashton The route will take in new pieces of hand-made cakes. Park & Ride to Temple Meads railway infrastructure including the new bridge over station and the city centre. the railway at the bottom of Winterstoke First Group run similar Bus Rapid Transport Road, the guided busway around the back of schemes across the country including the Paxton Drive, the newly refurbished Ashton Steel Link service between Sheffield and Avenue Bridge and a new bridge being built Rotherham and the Eclipse service between across the Bathurst Basin next to the Fareham and Gosport in Hampshire. Louisiana pub. There are three MetroBus The service is expected to start in the routes - Ashton Vale to Temple Meads and autumn once the infrastructure is complete Bristol city centre, the North Fringe to and the shelters, information points and real- Hengrove and the South Bristol Link. time information screens have been To find out more about the new express bus installed. Tickets for the service will need to service visit https://travelwest.info/ be bought before boarding and will be metrobus

28 The Week in • Wednesday 19th July 2017 Directory & What’s On

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The Week in • Wednesday 19th July 2017 31 32 The Week in • Wednesday 19th July 2017