Bristol Direct Local Weekly Magazine 10 - 17th December 2020

Bristol’s Weekly Magazine

10th - 17th December 2020

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This week..

4. Lateral Flow Covid Testing 6. Christmas Presences campaign 8. Protected But Not Hiding 10. Jos & Andrew Seek Your Views 12. Yate Park & Ride 14. Apple Mince Pies 16. Barrett Boosting Wildlife 20. Gift Cards A Good Idea this Christmas?

30. Parents Delighted 36. Christmas Bubble The team EDITOR Michael Davies WEB DESIGNER Matthew Clarke

JOURNALIST

Lisa Davies PROOF READER Elisabeth Davies Advertising sales Tel: 0117 325 8029 MOB: 07500 017 236 Email: info@directlocalonline.com Regular editoials By: Andrea Sexton, Martin Powell Daren Bane Kayleigh Penny Peter Abraham Andrew Varney

Mikes letter

Welcome one and all to this week’s edition.

Well what can I say; it looks like the government has done something right for a change. Hang on let me rephrase that Pfizer group have gone and done a great job getting the vaccine ready in record time. But how much money did the UK plough in to this wonder vaccine to get it made.

Especially as the Oxford University vaccine is cheaper to make and made in the UK so no import charges. Surly this is the one to wait for as I cannot help but feel we are the test subjects at the moment for the rest of Europe.

Will you take a jab at this vaccine? Or will you wait to see what the side affects are as doctors have already advised people with multiple allergies to avoid the needle for now.

Finally my heart felt condolences go out to the families of the 4 people that tragically lost their lives in the explosion that happened last Thursday in Avonmouth. Lets hope this leads to a major inspection in to the reason for the accident and puts the wheels in motion for a more stringent protocols ton protect the work force in Avonmouth and other industrial areas like Avonmoouth.

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Lateral flow Covid test pilot and enhanced local contact tracing to begin in South Gloucestershire

Also beginning this week, our Local Contact Tracing Service, which complements the National Test and Trace Service, recognising the benefits local case handling can have in quickly providing guidance on self-isolation and directing residents to available self-isolaWe are working closely with South Gloucestershire and Stroud College (SGS) to tion support including the Self Isolation Grant. begin our first phase of targeted Community The local service will initially focus on Testing, as part of our efforts to identify improving the follow-up of cases who have cases and break the chain of transmission received a confirmed Covid-19 test. Any which can take place when individuals are cases that the national teams are unable to unaware they may be carrying the illness. reach within 24 hours will be passed to our local service for follow up.

As part of our measures to help South Gloucestershire move out of the Tier 3 Very These two new developments form part of our High alert level for Covid-19, we are also launching our Local Contact Tracing Service, ongoing work to protect South Gloucestershire and will support our local understanding which builds upon a pilot undertaken during of transmission of Covid-19 and help us to October. develop our outbreak management response further.

We will begin by offering asymptomatic students at the SGS WISE campus in Stoke Gifford access to Lateral Flow Testing, which South Gloucestershire Council Leader, takes a sample of saliva. Results are known Councillor Toby Savage, said: “Identifying people who have Covid-19 is vital to stopping in less than 30 minutes. the spread and protecting South Gloucestershire.

If someone receives a positive lateral flow test result, they will need to self-isolate and “We thank SGS College for taking part in the arrange for a confirmatory swab test to be pilot programme, which we will ultimately completed via the national Department of grow and expand to other areas and groups Health and Social Care (DHSC) testing across the district. Through this important programme. work and by better supporting contacts of cases to isolate through enhanced local Following the pilot scheme, further contact tracing, we will work our way out of community testing will be rolled out to the Very High alert level. target key groups and locations so that we can bring the virus under control in South Gloucestershire and ultimately come out of Tier 3 restrictions.

4 A pilot programme to test SGS College students who are not showing any symptoms for Covid-19 will begin in South Gloucestershire this week.

“Coupled with the excellent news about the first vaccine this week, it does feel like we now have cause for optimism, even as we must remain vigilant and continue to follow the guidance that is there to keep us all safe.”

Director of Public Health for South Gloucestershire, Sara Blackmore, said: “Community testing and local contact tracing will help us stop the spread of the virus by identifying people without symptoms who would otherwise be potentially spreading Covid-19.

“This work will help us learn more about the virus, but it is also important to remember that we already know how to reduce the risk of infection. It is still vital that we keep following the guidance: Hands, Face, Space; to protect ourselves, our family, friends, neighbours and our whole community.

We are taking a phased approach to rolling this out locally, beginning with this pilot.

Further testing programmes are also being prepared and rolled out nationally.”

SGS College Principal Sara-Jane Watkins said: “The most important priority for us is the safety and welfare of our staff and students. As a college, we are pleased to be part of this work to help understand as well as to control the virus and to help keep our community safe.

“I hope that those students offered a test will take part as we continue our collective effort to stop the spread and protect each other.”

Lateral flow testing is different from the tests already available to anyone who has symptoms of coronavirus. People with these symptoms – a new continuous cough, loss of or change in sense of taste or smell, or “LFT is a new test and while we know that it is a high temperature – should continue to not as precise as the testing for symptomatic self-isolate and book a Covid-19 test at www. people accessed via the national DHSC portal gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119. it will be another tool in our toolkit to help us Testing for those with symptoms is available manage the spread of the virus. to everyone and anyone who has symptoms should get tested.

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CHRISTMAS PRESENCE CAMPAIGN SUPPORTING ISOLATED AND VULNERABLE NEIGHBOURS

As part of their annual #ChristmasPresence campaign, Bristol Bears Community Foundation is once again partnering with the local BS3 community and their dedicated Covid community response.

With more than 300 isolated and underprivileged families and individuals in BS3, the shadow of Ashton Gate Stadium and the Bears’ own neighbourhood, the Community Foundation has partnered with the BS3 Community Response - a rassroots community response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As part of their festive plans the BS3 Community Response have launched their ‘Pass the Parcel’ appeal. With this year being hard on so many, the local mutual aid group BS3 Community Covid-19 Response group Admin team, BS3 Community Development and BS3 Community Larder are working together to organise the biggest gift donation scheme the BS3 area has seen to date – with children from local schools, as well as local shelters and the tenants at Help Bristol’s Homeless accommodation being given gifts to show they are both ‘seen and loved’ this Christmas.

The Foundation’s #ChristmasPresence lead, Kris Tavender said: “This is a really tangible opportunity for us as individuals to make a difference to another individuals life.

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“Whether making an online purchase through the campaigns Wishlist or making a monetary donation, this is an chance to really show some love to our nearest neighbours. Our fans are so compassionate and generous in so many ways, and we really implore them to do what they can to help others who are less fortunate.”

The dedicated gift list, will link you to a local BS3 shop that sells a suitable gift item to donate, so that any money spent goes back into the local community, as well as ensuring the gift gets passed on to the right recipient.

Hopefully, this way everyone in the BS3 area will enjoy a slightly happier Christmas. ​ nce purchased, all gifts will need time to be O quarantined, wrapped and then delivered to the hundreds of families, children and vulnerable people across the BS3 community.

If individuals or organisations would prefer to make a monetary donation to show their support, which will then then be used purchase the gifts direct, please click here for details of how to donate.

For more information or to offer further support to the ‘Pass The Parcel’ appeal contact the BS3 Helpline 0117 381 2181 or email bs3. covidresponse@gmail.com.

To find out more about #ChristmasPresence 2020 email Kris Tavender.

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Would you like to be protected but not hiding your face?

98% of people recommend this novel transparent mask that is taking the world by storm and putting smiles back in everyone’s face.

The company said: “At first we thought face masks was a passing trend, but we quickly realised it’s here to stay. Beyond the discomfort, some argue that masks also cause damage on an emotional level”.

Then this new company enters the picture and develops a revolutionary product – a transparent face mask. It allows us to finally see each other’s faces, and gives us back our personal identity and smile. Life looks rosier with the transparent face mask.

Behind the mask lies a new reality, and we must make the best of it. We expected this situation would last another week, another month… until we realized that face masks are here to stay for a long time, and we needed to find solutions to get through this period in the most comfortable way possible.

Now the transparent mask is here – time to smile! Surgical masks, cloth masks, even when they’re decorated with patterns and colorful prints – they still hide much of our face. Many people complain about the difficulty of doing everyday tasks with them, there are those who claim that they make it difficult to communicate, and there are those who feel that they are “stealing” their uniqueness and identity.

Someone had to invent it at some point, and it’s ingenious. The transparent mask, Face Clear, has recently landed in our city.

Beyond being protective, it provides pure visibility. With the transparent mask our faces are visible, we can exchange smiles (and angry faces), we can talk normally, see facial expressions, communicate and feel comfortable. In short – we can go back and be ourselves. It’s no wonder that those who have already tried it – are addicted!

Face Clear is for everybody. This mask is for all those who are concerned about their health and the environment. FaceClear is reusable and is not disposable like other masks.

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It favors and improves relationships with others by not appearing so distant.

Helps teachers and experts who need to explain and express themselves more clearly.

Great discovery for specialists such as psychologists and other therapists whose face is one of their work tools.

It helps journalists or people who work in the media and appear in public, to communicate better.

What people haver been saying about Face Clear

James from Clifton said: All my friends have seen and bought it” The second I wore the see-through mask for the first time, I realised I was going to lead a trend. All my friends started asking me: Where did you buy it?

From whom? And ordered themselves immediately. Now they are congratulating me.

“I’m not going anywhere without this amazing mask” Ever since I discovered the transparent mask, I have become addicted to it. It is so comfortable that sometimes I forget it’s on my face. Perfect!!

“We got our smile back” When me and my partner realized we will have to wear masks all the time, we became depressed. It was difficult for us to see, hear, smell, and we could barely do anything. Since we discovered the transparent Mask, our lives have changed for the better. We can suddenly do everything, and all the senses are back in full swing. This is simply an ingenious invention!

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Jos and Andrew seek your views on our local environment “Both Jos and Andrew are Brislington residents and are concerned about our environment.”

While everyone at the moment is rightly concerned with Covid, we are currently in a climate and ecological emergency and we want to understand the views of local residents on a range of local issues.

The environment is very close to our hearts, especially in Brislington where we both live, which is why we are: • Pushing hard for the Brislington Greenway, an active travel corridor to promote walking and cycling and protect local wildlife.

• Campaigning to improve the Brislington Park and Ride, with cleaner, more regular buses and more onward travel choices such as eBikes and eScooters to reduce through traffic in our ward.

• Planting more trees to improve air quality and promote biodiversity, and holding regular litter picks in our local green spaces, such as Arnos Court Park.

• Opposing any expansion of Bristol Airport until there’s a fixed rail link from the city Admire PR Wins Award for Marmalade Trust Campaign 10

In previous years, we have really enjoyed chatting to local residents face to face on the doorstep, but due to the current pandemic, we don’t want to endanger anyone by calling round in person. Therefore, we will be delivering an Environmental Residents’ Survey over the next couple of weeks. Please fill in the survey so we can understand your views and send it back to us via freepost, or you can fill it in online at: www.bristollibdems/brislington_west Jos said, ‘You have a choice between the Liberal Democrats and Labour in Brislington West, with Labour pushing for airport expansion and building new roads across Brislington to the detriment of our air quality and our wildlife’. Andrew added, ‘please spare a few moments to complete the survey, which includes questions on the Brislington Greenway, Airport expansion, active travel, the congested A4 and much more’.

We will report back on the results of the survey in the New Year.

By Jos Clark, Liberal Democrat Councillor (Brislington West) Email: cllr.jos.clark@ bristol.gov.uk Mobile: 07584 370429 & Andrew Varney, Liberal Democrat Councillor Candidate (Brislington West) Email: andyvarney@hotmail.com Mobile: 07544 667968

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Yate Park and Ride gets green a light to proceed

A new park and ride in Yate, South Gloucestershire is set to open in spring 2021 after the final stage of planning permission was given the green light by the Secretary of State.

The £3.5 million facility will support more sustainable travel in Yate and the surrounding area, and will be located on Badminton Road, adjacent to the South Gloucestershire Council offices. The new park and ride will help reduce traffic levels along the congested A432 Badminton Road corridor, by encouraging people who travel locally and into Bristol to use alternative travel options such as public transport, cycling or car sharing.

The intention is that the facility is used to connect to another form of transport and not be used as a permanent car park. Council Leader Cllr Toby Savage said: “I am delighted that these plans have now been fully approved and we can get to work constructing the new Yate Park and Ride.

“We want to encourage more people onto public transport as part of our Climate Emergency ambitions and by supporting a change in people’s travel habits we will hopefully see improvements in public health, air quality and a reduction in harmful emissions that will benefit us all.

“It has taken a lot of hard work to bring these plans to fruition and I look forward to seeing the park and ride open in spring 2021.”

Thornbury & Yate MP Luke Hall said: “In my capacity as our local MP, I am really pleased that the Yate Park and Ride has received this final approval. This is such an important project for our community, to help Get South Gloucestershire Moving.

“My Positive Plan for Transport promised to deliver this brand new Park and Ride, and it is excellent news that we can now get on and begin building.

It will include 192 parking spaces, 38 electric vehicle (EV) charge points, bus stops both inside and outside the site, a traffic light controlled pedestrian crossing (providing a safe link between the external stop and the car park), zebra crossing and secure cycle storage for 46 bikes. The site would also host a car club, bicycle maintenance facilities and click and collect parcel lockers. Initial park and ride services will be provided using the existing background bus network, prior to the arrival of metrobus services in the area. Bus services will take passengers into Bristol and Yate.

The facility will also act as an overflow car park for Yate Station, which is just an 8-minute walk from the site and will be managed in such a way to ensure that users are encouraged to switch to sustainable forms of transport for onward journeys.

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“The Park and Ride will help families and commuters throughout South Gloucestershire, and as we Build Back Better from the coronavirus pandemic, I am grateful to South Gloucestershire Council and the West of England Mayor for their continued support and backing for this vital piece of infrastructure.”

West of England Mayor Tim Bowles said: “I’m thrilled that the Yate Park and Ride has finally got the go-ahead. We can now get shovels in the ground and deliver on this promise to get our region moving, cut congestion, improve air quality and give families a real alternative to always having to use their car. This is precisely the sort of regionally significant project that the Combined Authority was set up to make happen, and means it will be easier for people to get to the decent, well paid jobs that are going to be at the core of our economic recovery.”

The £3.5 million project is being funded by the West of England Combine Authority (WECA). Work is expected to begin this December.

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Apple mince pies

Ingredients

Method

115g Unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing

Add the sugar, egg yolks and satsuma juice and mix together

2 Apples, cored and grated 75g Fresh cranberries 411g Jar mincemeat 225g Plain flour 1 tbsp Caster sugar 2 Egg yolks Juice of 1 satsuma Semi skimmed milk, for brushing Icing sugar, for dusting Vegetarian

Method

Preheat the oven to 190°C/fan 170°C/ Gas 5 Grease a 12 hole tart tin Make the filling by mixing together the apple, cranberries and mincemeat To make the pastry: Cut the butter into small pieces and, in a large bowl, rub it into the flour until the mixture looks like breadcrumbs

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Roll the pastry into a ball and divide into quarters Roll out one piece, cut out 8 circles, just big enough to line the tins Repeat with another quarter to make 16 circles Roll out the next two quarters one at a time, and cut 8 stars out of each, about the same size as the tart tin holes Cooking in 2 batches, add the pastry circles to the tin, spoon in some filling and top with the stars Brush with milk and bake for 15 mins until the pastry is cooked and golden Leave to cool slightly, then dust with icing sugar

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Barratt boosting wildlife with more nature friendly housing for Bristol, Somerset and Gloucestershire New ÂŁ1m initiative launching in Spring 2021 supporting communities to help nature thrive

Barratt Developments and wildlife charity RSPB are raising the bar for nature friendly housing across Bristol, Somerset and Gloucestershire by announcing a new goal for their ongoing partnership. By 2023 Barratt will further prioritise wildlife on all of its new developments by creating dedicated space for local biodiversity conservation, installing a range of wildlife friendly features and following expert RSPB advice. Beyond 2023 the goal is to have at least 10% more wildlife habitats in and around developments, delivering a clear biodiversity net gain.

Within two years every new development in Bristol, Somerset and Gloucestershire will be provided with the guidance and tools to include wildlife friendly features into its public open spaces including plans to create climate resilient landscapes. More trees will be planted each year and the company is transitioning to become peat free. Every new show home garden will follow strict RSPB guidance which prioritises wildlife through specialist planting and landscaping, with at least 50% of the gardens to receive special RSPB commendations. Many of the new developments will also feature more hedgehog highways and swift nesting sites.

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Coat Grove, a development in Martock of 120 two, three and four-bedroom homes, features RSPB Gold standard designed gardens which include a range of features from bird and bat boxes to hedgehog highways, ponds and habitats for frogs, toads, newts and more.

Barratt Developments, parent company of Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, is currently building thousands of homes across the South West, including at Ladden Garden Village, Yate and Northfields Park, Patchway.

Having already installed hundreds of the swift bricks now its goal is to install several thousand around the country.As part of the ongoing partnership, Barratt is also investing ÂŁ1m in an exciting new project with the RSPB to support people to help nature thrive in their gardens, balconies and eventually their community greenspaces.

Back in 2018 Barratt became the first housebuilder to target 10 cities around the country with swift nesting bricks developed with the RSPB.

Launching in Spring 21 and called Nature on Your Doorstep, the project will deliver the resources, connections and inspiration that will empower people to create their own havens for wildlife where they live.

The project will focus on the development of digital resources and an online community that brings people together to share their stories, tips and advice on the best ways to look after nature near them.

With local nature habitats in serious trouble and 40 million birds having vanished from the skies in the last half century, every community has a role to play in tackling the ecological and climate emergency. The actions taken for nature by individuals or communities together, such as welcoming wildlife into gardens or greenspace, will make a really big difference.

Ian Menham, West regional director for Barratt Developments said: "As the country's leading national sustainable housebuilder looking after nature is integral to the work that we continuously do through our partnership with RSPB. This is why we are committing to boosting wildlife and building nature friendly developments across the South West. And, through the exciting new ÂŁ1m project with the RSPB, we look forward to developing new digital resources that will connect and inspire homeowners to help nature on their doorstep."

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This Is What Your Dog’s Behaviors Really Mean

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As Arcadia and Debenhams collapse, is this the Christmas to avoid buying gift vouchers and experience days?

Last week saw Arcadia group go into administration and the department store Debenhams, possibility of collapse.

Experts have blamed the move to online shopping and lack of adaptation to this ever growing way to buy clothes, with coronavirus accelerating their demise. Those with gift vouchers at Debenhams, or any Arcadia brand - such as Burton, Dorothy Perkins and Topshop - should spend them as soon as possible.

Arcadia announced this week that gift cards can only be used in full if shoppers spend double their value, for example, if you have a £10 gift card, you need to spend £20. Often a popular Christmas present, gift vouchers, gift cards and experience days are subject to expiry dates – and will become redundant should the firm they are for collapse.

This has raised the question whether gift cards should still be bought as presents this year. No doubt it is a thoughtful gift – but is it a waste of money?

In fact, some retail experts think that even more people will be buying gift vouchers this year due to the coronavirus meaning many people are staying away from the shops.

A spokes person for the retail industry lead at digital consultancy CI&T, added: ‘Gift cards are always a top holiday gift, and this year, they’re actually an even more logical gifting decision considering how few in-person holiday gatherings will be happening.

'The majority of the retailer struggles and closures we've seen this year were already in the works leading up to the pandemic. The pandemic was really just the nail in the coffin.

'Thus, it shouldn't be any riskier to give a gift card this year than in years past, as long as the gifter has been doing a bit of research before choosing the retailer.

'There are still many safe bets when it comes to sending a gift card, and with consumers still in such a recession-induced, frugal mindset, the currency will be greatly appreciated.'

The chief executive of Retail Economics added:” however, if consumers do buy a gift card from a retailer that falls into administration, they will not be accepted and become worthless.

He said: 'If people want to buy gift cards and vouchers, it would be a sensible way of giving something to friends and family without going into a physical location.

The chief executive of Retail Economics, said: ‘Due to restrictions around lockdown and 'It is about weighing the risk and it is a small non-essential retailers being closed, people risk if you choose the store carefully. are nervous about going out.

'However, if you have a gift card with a retailer ‘The traditional gift card is now a digital that is going through issues, it would be purchase that can be emailed to family and sensible to spend your gift card as quickly as friends. Arguably, it might be more popular possible.' this year than previous ones due to these restrictions.’

This can also be an issue with experience days that are now often popular gifts.

Other experts point out that buying gift cards and vouchers can help struggling retailers Some of the ‘days’ given as a present include stay on their feet when people are unable to expensive stays at hotels, driving a car shop in person. around a racing track or even riding in a hot air balloon.

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With the coronavirus stopping much activity, many people will have been unable to redeem their experience days and are unlikely to know when they will next be able to use them before they expire. Whilst some firms are extending the vouchers to be used in the future, others will still have the same expiry date.

Many people have been spending their gift cards quickly, data shows, with 98.6 per cent of UK shoppers spending their gift cards within a year and 50.3 per cent redeeming them within a month of receipt, according to the Gift Card and Voucher Association’s 2020 State of the Nation report.

A leading consumer rights expert, added: ‘Gift cards can be an easy option when you’re shopping for someone who is difficult to buy for - especially at Christmas.

A spokesperson from the Association said: ‘Whilst Arcadia’s recent administration is disappointing for the retail industry, our advice to consumers is to spend your gift cards as quickly as possible whilst these stores are open or contact the gift card issuer or retailer.

‘However, after a very difficult year, many high-street retailers are struggling.

‘This year, you need to carefully consider whether it is a good option because when a business enters administration gift cards often become worthless.

‘If you are still considering buying a gift card this Christmas, it is perhaps worth purchasing one that can be used in multiple stores so there are other options should one go bust.’

‘Similarly, we would always recommend that consumers use their gift cards when they receive them, to ensure that the card can be enjoyed before the expiry date – and particularly in these turbulent times.

‘After all, gift cards are there to be spent, they don’t earn interest and the benefit is to get maximum bang for your buck by using it as soon as you can.

Retailers want customers to spend their gift cards, they’re a brilliant customer engagement and loyalty product and we believe they should be recognised as such.’

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This weeks lucky winner is!

Congratulations to this weeks winner is Cathenna fromTemple Cloud Thank you for supporting us!

We will be in touch later today to transfer £100 cash straight to your account just for subscribing Every week one lucky person will win £100 just for hitting the subscribe button on our website and entering Bristol’s Quality Advertising Magazinestheir Email and Name. Good luck!

22

Sudoku Puzzles

Mega Maze & Word search

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Start

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CHICKEN CLAIM FLIGHT FOREIGNER

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HARD Here are this weeks 3 puzzles to test your number crunching skills ranging from easy to medium and hard.

Click the download symbol below to download our puzzles and competitions to your phone or computer and complete at your own leisure.

Print it or write directly on the PDF its up to you.

23

Avonmouth explosion: 'A Boom and echo' a local resident describe the sound..

A local resident witnessed the aftermath of the Avonmouth explosion that killed four people has described hearing a "boom and echo" which shook the ground.

The fatalities at the sewage plant include three employees of Wessex Water, and one contractor, police have said. Another person was injured but is not in a life-threatening condition.

Sean Nolan was near the scene off Kings Weston Lane when the explosion happened on Thursday.

"It was quite short-lived, I'd say about two or three seconds. Sort of a boom and echo and then it just went quiet," he said.

The force earlier said workers were on top of it when it exploded.

A source working on the investigation told The Times newspaper one of the bodies had been thrown nearly 500ft (150 metres) by the force of the blast.

The tank contained a solid biomass, "lime-type" product created in the process of treating water at the facility, authorities said.

There is no further risk to the public.

The families involved have been informed and are being supported by officers.

Wessex Water chief executive Colin Skellett said: "We are absolutely devastated that the tragic incident at our site earlier today has "That was it. There was no smoke, there were resulted in four fatalities. no after-effects of it."

"Our thoughts are with the families, friends Fire crews were called to Wessex Water’s and colleagues of those involved.

Bristol water recycling centre at 11.22am, after reports of a “large explosion”, and were "We are working with the Health and Safety joined by police and ambulance crews. A Executive to understand what happened and major incident was quickly declared. why."

Luke Gazzard, Avon Fire and Rescue Incident Commander, said the incident had been “very challenging”.

The blast is not being treated as terror-related and involved one of the chemical tanks, Chief Inspector Mark Runacres, from Avon and Somerset Police, said.

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Earlier, witness Jawad Burhan told Sky News he saw a helicopter "looking for missing people", and police shutting a road near to the tank, which he believed to be part of a waste centre.

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PARENTS DELIGHTED AS PRE-SCHOOLS RECEIVE FACELIFT AND IMPLEMENT NEW POLICIES

Two pre-schools in Downend and Stoke Lodge have received praise from parents after a new management team implemented improved policies and invested in refurbishment for each setting.

The Bright Sparks pre-schools, located at Stanbridge Primary School and Stoke Lodge Primary School, changed hands earlier in the year and managers say the feedback from parents has been incredible.

The Stoke Lodge setting has expanded its remit and now caters for children from three-months old. The all-new baby room has recently been unveiled complete with new equipment.

The new baby room has been fully refurbished and filled with age-appropriate resources and educational play equipment. It also provides cots so babies can sleep during their nursery sessions.

The pre-school has also been renovated along with the Bright Sparks setting in Downend, which is currently only catering for children aged 2+.

Bright Sparks’ Managing Director, Vicky Ashbolt, said: “It is wonderful to unveil our all new baby room at our Stoke Lodge setting.

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“We will be providing quality childcare for babies in the area, our dedicated baby team are fantastic at helping children to settle in our lovely home-from-home environment. We take pride in our caring approach to sleep, weaning, teething and everything else that comes with looking after babies and we will always take the parents’ lead on meeting their child’s individual needs.

“The new room is beautiful and is filled with really high-quality resources to encourage babies’ curiosity and imagination. We look to foster children’s intellectual, physical, emotional and social development in everything we do.

“We very much hope that expanding the age range we cater for will be of benefit to parents with older children at the pre-school or primary school, who will be able to access childcare all in one place.”

Both pre-schools have also introduced extended opening times, a flexible booking system and year-round provision to better suit the needs of local families and feedback from parents has been positive.

“We knew these new policies would go down well with parents but we had no idea we would receive the amount of positive feedback we have. The refurbishment of the settings has also been much appreciated.

Each nursery feels much lighter and fresher and the children have enjoyed exploring the new resources.

“Our all new flexible booking system will mean that busy working parents will be able to book the sessions they need for their little ones and our extended opening hours will help those who perhaps don’t work standard working hours,” said Vicky.

“Attending nursery offers such great benefits for children including social, emotional, physical and educational development and for babies, who have unfortunately been growing up in lockdown, being amongst peers is a really important and lovely experience.”

For more information about Bright Sparks visit https://www.brightsparkspreschool.com/ 31

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The Christmas Bubble – More Toil and Trouble for Separated Parents?

Laura Bond, an associate and family law expert at national law firm Clarke Willmott LLP, looks at the rules around Christmas bubbles and what they mean for separated parents.

The guidance document is peppered with warnings and emotional pleas to keep the bubbles as small as possible and to maintain social distancing to protect family and friends.

It also specifically states that families should consider alternatives such as the use of technology rather than bringing households together or travelling between different parts of the country.

Separated parents regularly report that they find it particularly difficult to discuss and agree arrangements for their children over the emotional Christmas period. Even if the basic principles are not disputed, or are contained within a Court Order, the finer details – such as handover times, maintaining household traditions, seeing extended family, the giving of presents and stockings – is fertile territory for argument and dispute, meaning both goodwill and Christmas cheer are often in short supply.

The reasoning behind the message is understandable, but it is inevitable that some parents are going to use it to justify children not moving between homes this Christmas. In some cases, this will be agreed by all parties if there is a clear and obvious risk to health.

For other families, any change of existing or planned arrangements will be disputed based on differing tolerances towards risk. Sadly, there will be some cases where the guidance is used deliberately to prevent contact with another parent.

Inevitably, the looming cloud of COVID-19 this year is going to produce an added layer of tension and logistical difficulty for separated parents, not just in terms of interpreting new rules but also in weighing up the relative risks and benefits of their children moving between homes and trying to find a solution which keeps everyone safe and happy. Some parents may have been hoping that the Government would help to ease the burden with its announcement on 24 November about the Christmas rules. Unfortunately, many are likely to be left dissatisfied and disappointed by the guidance which leaves a great deal to individual discretion.

Right from the onset of the pandemic and during all periods of restrictions, children of separated parents have been allowed to move between parental households. Despite this, however, thousands of families across the country have had their child arrangements - even if longstanding or contained in a Court Order - suddenly disrupted or even totally disregarded.

The ‘Christmas Bubble’ and its impact on existing arrangements The unified approach of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland permits most people to form an exclusive ‘Christmas bubble’ composed of people from no more than three households, between 23 and 27 December. Children under 18 whose parents do not live together can form a ‘Christmas bubble’ with both parents. In theory, it sounds straightforward, but the reality is far from it. Whilst the guidelines say that children ‘can’ form two Christmas bubbles it does not go as far as saying that they ‘should’ or ‘must’ do so.

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For some families the changes, although regrettable, may have been justified and agreed but in many other cases the changes had been imposed by one party without the other’s agreement. Some parents found themselves disagreeing on the level of risk created by moving between households and whether the benefit outweighed the risk.

Others reported a concerning regularity of the sudden onset of symptoms in the days before a child was supposed to be spending time with the other parent.

It can be very difficult to determine whether the motivation behind any disruption to existing childcare arrangements is genuine, particularly for someone emotionally involved in the situation. Some parents may not recognise or accept a different assessment of risk, even if that concern is genuinely held.

In other cases, one parent may be adamant that the other is exaggerating health concerns simply to reduce or prevent contact, perhaps as part of a wider campaign of parental alienation. If it is the child saying they do not think it safe to see one of their parents, there may need to be an assessment of the reasoning behind this and parents may disagree on the extent to which the child’s views should influence the arrangements.

What about existing Court Orders?

An issue that parents and legal practitioners alike are having to grapple with is the status of Court Orders in these extraordinary and unprecedented times. A Court Order will still apply so parties should comply with any existing Order if it is safe to do so. Any failure to adhere to the terms of an Order is a technical breach. However, a breach can be justified if there is a ‘reasonable excuse’. Any application to enforce an Order at this time therefore must be considered very carefully, as genuine concerns about health or risk to a child will very likely fall within the scope of a ‘reasonable excuse’.

The Court’s paramount consideration is always the welfare of the child. A judge dealing with any application will therefore have to undertake the difficult and subjective exercise of weighing up the likely benefits of the child spending time with both parents against the risks of doing so.

How we can help The issues outlined above demonstrate that attempts to agree arrangements for ‘Covid Christmas’ could be more fraught than ever, even if a party has previously been able to rely on a Court Order. A dissatisfied parent has various options, so it is not the case that they have to accept any changes imposed by the other parent. Anyone concerned about child arrangements over the Christmas period, or generally, should therefore seek advice at the earliest opportunity. Our highly experienced team will be able to advise clients on their position and the options that exist to resolve the issues, which may include mediation or arbitration, as well as a Court application.

Clarke Willmott is a national law firm with offices in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Southampton and Taunton.

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Mobile Speed Camera Sites Bristol

With reports of mobile speed cameras back in operation never get caught speeding again with this list of sites to expect a mobile speed camera at anytime.

A3029 Winterstoke Road (30mph)

Hazelbury Road, Whitchurch (20mph)

A37 Wells Road, Hengrove (30mph)

Hengrove Avenue, Hengrove, Bristol (20mph)

A370 Coronation Road, Southville (30mph)

Hengrove Lane, Hengrove, Bristol (20mph)

A38 Rupert Street/Bridewell Highbury Road, Bedminster Street/The Haymarket, Bristol (20mph) (20mph) Highridge Green, Bristol A4 Totterdown Bridge (30mph) (30mph) Hollister’s Drive, Hartcliffe A4174 Callington Road, (20mph) Brislington, Bristol (30mph) Hollway Road, Stockwood A4174 King Georges Road, (20mph) Bristol (30mph) Hungerford Road, Bristol Allison Road, Bristol (30mph) (20mph)

Stockwood Lane, nr the sports ground, Stockwood (20mph) Stockwood Lane, nr Whitchurch Village sign, Stockwood (30mph) Stockwood Lane, Stockwood (30mph) Sturminster Road, Stockwood (30mph) Talbot Road, Bristol (20mph) Whitchurch Lane, nr Halfacre Lane (20mph) Whitchurch Lane, nr Hawkfield Road (20mph) Whitland Road, Bristol (30mph)

B3119 West Town Lane (20mph)

Ladies Mile, Durdham Down (20mph)

B3122 Redcatch Road, Knowle (20mph)

Ladman Road, Stockwood (20mph)

Wingfield Road, Bristol (20mph)

B4466 Jacobs Wells Road, Bristol (20mph)

Marksbury Road, Bedminster (20mph)

Furber Road, Bristol (20mph)

Bamfield, Hengrove (30mph)

Newbridge Road, Bristol (20mph)

Barnstaple Road, Knowle (20mph) Bishport Avenue, Hartcliffe (30mph) Broadwalk, Knowle West (20mph)

Novers Hill, Bristol (20mph) Novers Lane, Bristol (20mph) Petherton Road, Hengrove (20mph)

Broomhill Road (30mph)

Queen’s Road, Bishopsworth (30mph)

Calcott Road, Knowle (20mph)

Ridgeway Lane, Bristol (30mph)

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Wick Road (20mph)

Glyn Vale, Knowle (20mph) Hareclive Road, Hartcliffe (30mph) Smyth Road, Ashton (20mph) Somerdale Avenue, Knowle (20mph) South Liberty Lane, Ashton Vale (20mph) Duckmoor Road, Ashton Gate, Bristol (20mph)

A4 Portway Nr Barrow Hill Road (30mph)

B4052 Ashley Down Road, Bristol (20mph)

A4 Portway Nr Hung Road (40mph)

B4054 Avonmouth Road, Shirehampton (30mph)

Bonnington Walk, nr Wordsworth Road, Lockleaze (20mph) Concorde Drive, Southmead (20mph)

A4 Portway Nr Portview Road B4054 Cranbrook Road, Redland (20mph) Constable Road, nr Crome (30mph) Road, Lockleaze (20mph) B4054 Shirehampton Road, A4 Portway Nr Roman Way Sea Mills (30mph) Coombe Lane, Stoke Bishop (40mph) (20mph) B4054 Shirehampton Road, A4 Portway Nr Sylvan Way/ Shirehampton Park (30mph) Eastfield Road, Westbury on Riverleaze (40mph) Trym (20mph) B4055 Station Road, Henbury A4018 Falcondale Road, (20mph) Furber Road, Bristol (20mph) Westbury on Trym (30mph) A403 St Andrews Road, Avonmouth (40mph)

B4057 Knole Lane, Brentry (30mph)

Glenfrome Road, Eastville (20mph)

A4162 Sylvan Way/Dingle Road/Canford Lane (30mph)

B4469 Muller Road, Horfield (30mph)

Gordon Avenue, Bristol (20mph)

A4174 Ring Road, nr Hicks Gate roundabout (70mph)

Bell Barn Road, Stoke Bishop (20mph)

Highbury Road, Horfield (20mph)

A432 Downend Road, Fishponds (20mph)

Bonnington Walk, nr Branwhite Close, Lockleaze (20mph)

Ladies Mile, Durdham Down (20mph)

A432 Fishponds Road, Easton (20mph) Ashley Hill, Montpelier (20mph) Avonmouth Way, Avonmouth (30mph) Highbury Road, Horfield (20mph) Hill View, Henleaze (20mph) Kings Weston Lane, Lawrence Weston (30mph)

Julian Road, Sneyd Park (20mph) Keys Avenue, Horfield (20mph) Hill View, Henleaze (20mph) Romney Avenue, nr Stoke Park Primary School, Lockleaze (20mph) Stoke Hill, Sneyd Park (30mph) Wellington Hill West, Horfield (30mph)

Long Cross, Lawrence Weston (30mph) Merebank Road, Avonmouth (30mph) Portview Road, Shirehampton (20mph) Roman Way, Bristol (20mph) Station Road, Shirehampton (20mph) Wellington Hill West, Horfield (30mph) Wessex Ave, Horfield (20mph)

Please visit www.avonandsomerset.police.uk for exact days and placement of a mobile camera site and remember to give yourself plenty of time to plan your journey to avoid rushing to get to a destination thus (Speeding) 39

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