South Bristol Voice Bedminster January 2017 by South Bristol Voice

southbristolvoice January 2017 No. 15

www.southbristolvoice.co.uk

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FREE EVERY MONTH in Bedminster, Southville & Ashton Businesses urged to claim on traffic jams BUSINESSES across South Bristol may be able to claim reductions on their business rates if there is prolonged congestion caused by multiple roadworks this year. Rating specialists at Bruton Knowles are inviting firms to contact them if their business is damaged by the works, which include a one-way Hartcliffe Way, part closure of the Sheene Road junction in Bedminster and major work at Temple Circus. Bristol team leader Paul Matthews said: “Roadworks on the principal routes into the city centre are due to last anything up to 18 months. “Trade can be affected by reductions in customer visits, time delays on deliveries and staff movements,” he said. “Traffic will be diverted onto previously quiet roads through areas like Novers Hill, and businesses either side of Hartcliffe Way are likely to be affected.” The Hartcliffe Way works will be delayed until the South Bristol Link road is open, expected by mid-January But Mr Matthews said the other works should be postponed too. • A year of delays: Pages 7-9

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One way: How Whitehouse Street would look with a cycle lane

Cycleway plans run into HGV setback PROTESTS from businesses in Whitehouse Street, Bedminster, will bring changes to plans for a cycle lane along the street. But the changes could see 44-tonne HGVs having to manoeuvre over the cycle lane – which is supposed to be a segregated, safe space for cyclists. The proposal is part of the £2.3 million Filwood Quietway, designed to encourage cyclists by making a safer route from Hengrove and Filwood to the city centre via Northern Slopes, St

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John’s Lane and Victoria Park. A storm of protest has erupted from residents around Victoria Park after the first planning application for the Quietway was submitted in early December. A protest group, FOG, Filwood Quietway Opposition, group, is leading opposition to plans for a 4.7m wide cycleway through the park. At Whitehouse Street the proposals drawn up by the council, with help from Sustrans, Continued on page 9

Paul Clark is the winner of our Gaines Christmas hamper after a big entry to our December competitions. Paul, who lives off St John’s Lane, was delighted to be given his hamper full of goodies by Gaines grocery owner Jason Gaines. “This has come at the right time,” said Paul, who is looking for work. The winner of a Christmas veg box from Plowright Organics was Charlotte Day of Totterdown, and the winner of a box of Polar Pops was Hannah Oakman of Knowle.

• HMO refused Page 6 • Winter wildlife: how to help Pages 10-11 • Rival plans for the Green Pages 16-17 • Let’s look after our station Page 20

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n BRIEFLY January 2017

southbristolvoice

2 Paul Breeden Editor & publisher 07811 766072 paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk Ruth Drury Sales executive 07590 527664 sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk Editorial team: Beccy Golding, Alex Morss & The Wicked Witch. Deliveries: Greg Champion

Intro

HOW CAN A CYCLE WAY BE SO CONTROVERSIAL? THERE have been few stories the Voice has covered that have aroused such strong feelings as the Filwood Quietway. It doesn’t sound controversial – a £2.3 million project, funded by Government money, to carve a safe route for cyclists through Filwood, Knowle, Windmill Hill and Bedminster. But it turns out a lot of people, including cyclists, don’t want to see a 4.7m wide cycle lane – more like a road, some say – cut through Victoria Park. People who live near Northern Slopes are not keen either. Now we learn that plans for a cycle lane through

You can find South Bristol Voice on Facebook and Twitter facebook.com/ southbristolvoice Twitter: @sbristolvoice Next month’s deadline for editorial and advertising is January 15th Whitehouse Street may have to be altered to allow businesses there to carry on functioning. Worse, it appears that the whole aim – a safe route for cyclists – may be compromised. The cycle lane would narrow the road outside the depot of West House Transport. It means some of their larger HGVs will have to drive over the cycle lane to get through their gate. That is far from ideal. We also hear that several of the businesses in the area say they weren’t consulted until after the plans were dropped through their letterbox. Many objectors to the plan have been at pains to say they are not anti-bike: many are cyclists themselves. A major change like this needs the support of the community, and that is not evident yet.

How do I get in touch with ... My MP? Karin Smyth MP By email: karin.smyth.mp@ parliament.uk By post: Karin Smyth MP, House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA By phone: 0117 953 3575 In person: Surgeries on Friday January 6 and 20 at Knowle West Health Park, Downton Road, BS4 1WH, 9.15-10.45am. Call 0117 953 3575. My councillor? By post: (all councillors) Brunel House, St George’s Road, Bristol BS1 5UY

Celia Phipps Labour, Bedminster By phone: 07469 413312 By email: Cllr.celia.phipps@bristol.gov.uk Mark Bradshaw Labour, Bedminster. By email: Cllr.mark. bradshaw@bristol.gov.uk By phone: 0117 353 3160 Stephen Clarke Green, Southville By email: Cllr.stephen.clarke@ bristol.gov.uk Charlie Bolton Green, Southville By phone: 07884 736111 By email: Cllr.charlie.bolton@bristol.gov.uk

USEFUL NUMBERS Bristol City Council www.bristol.gov.uk 0117 922 2000 Waste, roads 0117 922 2100 Pest control and dog wardens 0117 922 2500 Housing benefit 0117 922 2300 Social services 0117 922 2900 Police Inquiries 101 Emergency 999

Fire Inquiries 0117 926 2061 Emergency 999 Greater Bedminster Community Partnership Local forum for the public, councillors, police, council officials and other bodies. Next meeting Monday January 16, 7pm, Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip Street, Bedminster BS3 4EA

EDITOR’S NOTE: South Bristol Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We strive to conform to the NUJ Code of Conduct for journalists: • nuj.org.uk/about/nuj-code Feedback is welcomed: call editor Paul Breeden on 07811 766072 or email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk. All stories and pictures are copyright of South Bristol Voice and may not be reproduced without permission in this or any other plane of the multiverse. South Bristol Voice Ltd | 18 Lilymead Avenue, Bristol BS4 2BX Co. no. 09522608 | VAT no. 211 0801 76

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January 2017

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n NEWS n BRIEFLY date, on December 10, was over the last few months to create n HIPSTERS have brought new The lanterns rained off. The council has given the most spectacular collection of life to areas of the city previously permission for roads including lanterns and it seemed a shame regarded as dormant, virtual North Street, Cannon Street and not to try to find another date to no-go zones. That’s according to will shine on British Road to be closed. enable our parade to take place.” Gary Sheppard, chief executive THE WINTER lantern parade which is the pride of Bedminster will take place on Saturday January 21, after the original

Malcolm Brammar, who chairs the lanterns organising group BWL, said: “We know there’s been some fantastic work done

The event involves 1,200 participants and thousands of spectators. • bwlp.org.uk

Free parking looks safe, but what will happen to RPZs? AN END to free parking for half an hour at pay and display bays would only be undertaken as a last resort, the council’s transport boss has signalled. The many independent traders on North Street would be among the first to protest if the free half hour shoppers are allowed was to be axed. The move is one of the suggestions for dealing with the city council’s looming £92 million budget shortfall by 2022. But Mark Bradshaw, Bedminster councillor and cabinet member for transport, said he would take a lot of convincing that it was the right thing to do. “I persuaded the former mayor George Ferguson to increase the free period from 15 minutes to 30,” he said. “The current mayor, Marvin Rees, and I both believe that it’s really important to help stimulate the local economy.” But it was right that all the options for making savings were put on the table, he said. “If the business community have ideas about how we can make the policy more supportive of local business I would be very willing to listen,” he said. Meanwhile council officials

are looking at the masses of responses received to the consultation on residents parking zones, in Bedminster and Southville and across the city. The mayor has said he will not create new RPZs or remove existing ones unless there is a clear majority in an area who want that to happen. That commitment could make it difficult to bring about change in South Bristol, as Cllr Bradshaw acknowledged. “You are never going to get an unqualified majority opinion because it’s something that people have very different views on,” said Cllr Bradshaw. Celia Phipps, the other Labour councillor for Bedminster, said she thinks people may be evenly split between those who want new parking restrictions in the area and those who don’t. There has clearly been a “massive displacement of cars” out of the two parking zones in Southville and Bedminster East into streets where parking is unrestricted, she said. “There are some streets where it’s become more than a problem, it’s really very bad,” she said. Streets to the south of North Street, including Sion Road and Dorset Street, are among the

More openness on social homes DEVELOPERS will have to make their evidence public if they want to argue that they can’t afford to include affordable homes in new schemes. Councillors last month approved a motion by Southville Green councillor Steve Clarke for more openness in planning applications. Cllr Clarke said: “At the moment it is all too easy for developers to fail to deliver the

affordable housing target of 30-40 per cent by saying their scheme won’t make enough profit.” St Catherine’s Place in Bedminster was granted planning permission without any affordable housing among its 188 flats. Neither are there any affordable homes among the 247 proposed for the former tobacco offices, Consort House and Regent House, in Bedminster Parade.

worst affected, along with Bower Ashton Terrace, she said. When the two RPZs were introduced in the autumn of 2015, residents were promised that they would be reviewed after six months so that any problems could be ironed out. But the review never happened. In May 2016, Marvin Rees was elected with a manifesto commitment to look closely at all the RPZs, and the process is still ongoing.

of homebuilder Helm. He said: “The process began with places like Southville – which became known jokingly as Lower Clifton – and has now spread around South Bristol and into the areas east of the city centre.” Helm is building new homes in Winton Lane, Totterdown, and other sites in South Bristol. n NEW players are wanted for women’s football at Windmill Hill City Farm. A group of women play football once or twice a week on Saturday from 10-11am and Wednesday from 7-8pm. Details: 07747 569629.

n ANTI-social behaviour in “spooky week” between Halloween and November 5 is declining, police believe. Officers across South Bristol dealt with 95 incidents this year. This is slightly more than the 80 incidents in 2015 but much lower than the 150 in 2014 or 166 in 2013.

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Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Paul on 07811 766072 or email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk

January 2017

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n NEWS Jumper appeal ST PETER’S Hospice is asking people to donate any Christmas presents they’ve realised they don’t really want – and also any used Christmas jumpers which have been put aside after the festive season. The hospice, which runs 50 charity shops across the city, said the presents will be sold throughout the year while the jumpers will be held until a mega sale next November. All funds raised will go towards the running of Bristol’s only adult hospice facility. • stpetershospice.org.uk

Advice session

GREATER Bedminster Older People’s Forum welcomes everyone over 55 at its meeting on Monday January 16. It’s from 10am-12noon at Monica Wills House, West Street, Bedminster, with guest speaker Ines Lage from Citizens Advice. To find out more call 0117 305 2365 or email gtrbedminster olderpeoplesforum@gmail.com.

Upton Road to be closed to keep kids safe A TRIAL to restrict traffic near a South Bristol primary school will begin in the New Year, after repeated calls to protect children. Ashton Gate primary school has two sites – one in Ashton Gate Road and an annexe on both sides of Upton Road. Ever since the new annexe opened in the former Imperial Tobacco offices in September 2015, parents have complained that children are at risk every time they cross the road to get to the playground and sports area. The annexe allows the school to double in size to 480 pupils. Planning officers had originally recommended that the

Split site: Ashton Gate primary road should be closed to keep pupils safe. But there were 21 objections, including from the BS3 Planning group, which called a round-the-clock closure “wholly disproportionate”. Instead, traffic calming measures were in installed. The road was narrowed in order to reduce the width of the crossing – but, incredibly, some drivers have chosen to cut across the new, wider footways. Now, after pressure from the school, parents and Southville councillors Charlie Bolton and Steve Clarke, the council is to close a 20m stretch of road outside the school, between Raleigh Road and Greenway Bush Lane.

Temporary barriers will be installed in mid-February and will be in place 24 hours a day. The trial will last up to 18 months, with feedback invited. Cllr Bolton said: “Steve Clarke and I are delighted that the council has finally agreed to start the trial closure of Upton Road. “Along with the school and parents, we have been lobbying them for 18 months now. “We know that some residents will be unhappy at the idea, and at the hours of operation, but we ask them to see how it works before rushing to conclusions. There will be plenty of opportunity for feedback.” Cllr Mark Bradshaw, cabinet member for transport, said: “This closure is only a small segment between junctions so we’re confident it shouldn’t be too difficult for motorists to adapt their usual route to help us create a safer walking environment.” Sheena Stewart, the school’s head teacher, said: “We hope that the trial period will help to inform the decision on a safe and permanent solution.”

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n NEWS

Spending freeze by mayor A FREEZE has been imposed on non-essential council spending by mayor Marvin Rees as a desperate measure to balance the books by the end of March. Bristol city council faces a deficit of more than £16 million – whittled down from £34m earlier this year. Emergency cuts, including redundancies for 1,000 council workers, announced in August, have not worked. Only about 350 staff have so far been accepted for redundancy. Mr Rees last month put a halt to new contracts and any spending which can be avoided – apart from items which affect safety. Council staff are still being paid and schools, waste collections and social services are still functioning. But new works on buildings, roads and parks will stop unless there is a risk to health or safety. The council will not recruit staff except for legally-required services. The continued shortfall

It’s painful but necessary, says Marvin Rees is said to be partly due to increased need for social care. A Whitehall move in December to allow town halls to collect more in council tax to fund social care is worth only £400m to Bristol – “ a sticking plaster,” said Mr Rees. “The Government is actually reducing its funding to us and expecting council tax payers to foot the bill,” he said. The spending freeze is “painful but necessary,” said Mr Rees, adding: “The cost of not balancing our budget would be far higher.” At a local level, neighbourhood partnerships have put new road schemes on hold, such as making Woodbridge Road one way. Even money from the sale of land for housing at Salcombe Road has been frozen. A sum of

£157,000 was about to be spent on schemes including gym equipment for Victoria Park, a path and new car park at Redcatch Park, and seats for Zone N at Bushy Park, Totterdown. Cllr Chris Davies, Lib Dem member for Knowle, said he feared the neighbourhood partnerships risked looking impotent and unable to do anything. Mr Rees is expected to visit each ward in the city next year to consult the public on the cuts. Also frozen is the wellbeing fund, of £10,000 a year for each ward, given to small projects in open spaces. • Bristol has to save an extra £92m from 2017-2022. Proposals to achieve this include slashing spending on the homeless, on libraries and parks, and ending paid school lollipop patrols. Consultation on the plans is open until January 5 at • bristol.gov.uk/corpstrategy

Making plans for a better Ashton Vale

DO YOU want to see Ashton Vale made a better place to live? So do the members of Ashton Vale Together, a group of volunteers. Members have their next monthly walkabout on Thursday January 5 from 10am-12noon, meeting on the bus stop on Langley Crescent. They will pick up litter on Langley Crescent, the field behind, and part of South Liberty Lane, as well as looking for dog mess, and reporting problems with pavements or roads. The group’s next meeting is on Wednesday January 11, in the side room of Ashton Vale community centre, Risdale Road, from 7-8.30pm. All are welcome. Further information is on the notice boards around Ashton Vale or you can email ashtonvaletogether@gmail. com or call 07840 680 516. • Facebook: Ashton Vale Together

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January 2017

n NEWS Old bank is being made into workplace Right, the old Lloyds bank in East Street

HOO OR SC

NCE A R T EN AMS EX 14 & 21 SENI

THE TEAM behind the Elephant House – the community venue on Dean Lane, Bedminster – have bought the old Lloyds bank building on East Street. Now they want to hear from small businesses who are looking for a new place to work. The building, to be known as Bankspace, is being converted

RDAY SATU ARY 2017 JANU

into a “vibrant, funky new work space” and will have desk space that can be rented out, singly or together, on a temporary or permanent basis. Any interested businesses are invited to see the space in February to discuss the kind of facilities they may need. For details email info@bankspace.co.uk

Relief as planners refuse scheme for 11-person HMO

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Quite a reaction

A PLAN to turn a three-bedroom house in Southville into bedsits for as many as 11 people has been turned down by the city council. To the relief of 35 residents who objected to the scheme, planning officers said the house would have been too cramped, would have disturbed neighbours and did not provide enough space for bin storage or bicycles. The application to turn 97 Stackpool Road into a house in multiple occupation, or HMO, was made by a Mr Olie Mitchell, of Woking in Surrey. He proposed making the living and dining rooms into bedrooms, and building two new rooms in the loft. Each room would have an ensuite toilet and shower. Four of the rooms would have been big enough to be shared by two people, meaning the house could have been home to 11. The rental income from such a house could be £3,500 a month or more. Planners, however, said there was not enough communal space for so many people – only a kitchen diner of 15.6 sq m, when a room of 21 sq m was required. The council noted that there are eight other HMOs within

Too noisy, crowded and not enough facilities in plan 50m of the house, four of them in Stackpool Road itself. Green party councillor Steve Clarke, who lives nearby, said: “While it’s fine to have a certain number of HMOs in an area, it can drastically change the nature of that area, and this is what people fear could happen in Southville,” he said. “There’s already one close by in this street and there have been lots of problems regarding large amounts of rubbish left outside. “This proposal for seven self-contained units felt totally out of character with the area and would have meant severe parking and other issues, so I am glad that it was turned down.” Bristol Civic Society also lodged an objection on similar grounds, adding: “Rooms in HMOs are used as living rooms. Neighbouring gardens would be overlooked from the first and second floor rooms in this proposal.”

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January 2017

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n NEWS A YEAR OF ROADWORKS

Temple Circus roadworks set to last to spring 2018 as roundabout disappears BUS

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A YEAR OF ROADWORKS • South Bristol Link Road Now due to open in first two weeks of January. Delayed by heavy rain in November. • Temple Circus Work starts Link to the January but major works from Bristol-Bath April, after the Centre is Cycle Route reconfigured • Hartcliffe Way Shut southbound for 10 months, from January but only after South Bristol Link opens • Sheene Road Junction at West Street closed southbound January-April • travelwest.info/metrobus/ metrobus-build MORE DETAILS: pages 8-9

Redcliffe Street to Victoria Street. Gary Hopkins, the city’s Lib Dem leader and a Knowle councillor, is worried that the route from South BristolTaxito Temple Meads will meanpick-up driving to St Mary Redcliffe and back. “When you put thesePassenger schemes drop-off/ together, how are peoplepick-up going to p get from A to B? It’s be able rto am / h ac going ro to be madness,” he said. pp na tio Cllr Bradshaw said Bristol has a t S never seen such a big investment in its transport network. “I don’t deny that it’s going to be difficult but I think once it’s done, the city Enhanced route will look very different cycle in terms New of how people extended are going to move shelter around it,” he said. For information on roadworks: • Travelwest.info oad tR rke Ma For the Temple Gate scheme: le Catt • bristoltemplequarter.com/gate Cattle Market

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term, traffic will change direction the junction at Victoria Street, Pavement around the Centre. The most allowing the MetroBus stop to be space decluttered disruptive works on Temple closer to the station. There will Circus will not start until April, also be a new northbound bus after the Centre works are lane from the junction with Off carriageway finished, and last to spring 2018. cycle routes Cllr Bradshaw said: “This will transform the Temple Gate area Peugeot and the approach to Temple Garage Meads, which is such an important gateway to the city and Existing crossing which we probably all agree improved doesn’t really do the city justice.” The Temple Gate scheme Homegrown, organic aims to provide a more direct route for traffic travelling vegetables through the area, with a new York Road crossing plaza, new buildings and safer Direct from your improved local routes for the hundreds of Somerset farm pedestrians and cyclists that use it every day. Changes made after Unbeatable freshness public consultation include improvements to the Bath Bridge Primary Cycle Routes Templeand Gate junction more segregated Order segregated today: plowrightorganic.co.uk cycle and pedestrian Implementation Planroutes. shared There have been changes to

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Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Paul on 07811 766072 or email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk

©Crown copyright and database right 2016 OS Survey 100023406 2016 ©City Design Group 2016

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SOUTH Bristol is bracing itself for a year of roadworks and traffic jams as more plans were unveiled of one of the major schemes which will change the face of the city’s road network. The Temple Circus roundabout is to be removed next year and replaced by a traffic light-controlled junction with Redcliffe Way as part of an £11 million project to improve infrastructure around the Temple Quarter enterprise zone. It comes before the Metrobus route is finished, which involves extensive works from the Centre out to Hartcliffe. With Bristol roads liable to form a logjam due to any random incident – such as the burst water main on Bath Road, Brislington, which caused chaos in early December – motorists are worried at what the next year will bring. One Knowle resident who is forced to use his car for business said it can already take him 45 minutes to get to the M32; what impact will next year’s works bring, he asked. Mark Bradshaw, the council’s cabinet member for transport, promised that lane closures will be planned so that as far as possible they don’t happen at the same time. “We have been very careful with the timing of this project,” he said. “Most of the more intensive work [for Metrobus] in the Centre is done, the piling is done. We cannot complete everything at once but we are very well aware of the impact of these things.” Hartcliffe Way will be closed southbound from January while a Metrobus lane is built. But this won’t happen until the South Bristol Link – from Long Ashton to Hengrove Way – is open. Heavy rain in late November has delayed the Link opening until the first two weeks of January . During the February half

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ROADWORKS in and around Bedminster for the £200m Metrobus route will continue for much of next year. A new map has been published of the one-way system in Hartcliffe Way, which will create a new segregated bus lane southbound, for completion in the AD RO autumn. Y R NT Changes have been made to VE D A Hartcliffe Way plans following the consultation. The road will be closed to outbound (southbound) traffic while a bus lane is constructed. But under revised plans, HGVs as well as other vehicles will still be able to travel inbound. Light vehicles and buses travelling outbound will be Filwood Pool diverted via Novers Hill and Novers Lane then back onto the southern end of Hartcliffe Way. Novers Lane will have barriers to protect pedestrians where there is no pavement. Access for businesses in Vale Lane, and for the fire station, will be maintained. HGVs travelling outbound will be diverted from Parson Street to A38 Bedminster Down Road, Bishopsworth Road, Church Road, Whitchurch Road, Whitchurch Lane, and Hengrove Way. Drivers will also have the option of using the new South Bristol Link – which will become the new A4174, marking its role as the new ring road. Cyclists will be able to travel

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ASK A VET: What can I do about antifreeze poisoning? E

T’S BEEN a relatively mild winter so far but we’d still like to remind you of the potential dangers of antifreeze poisoning. Antifreeze poisoning typically happens when the liquid drips from a car’s radiator, creating puddles on driveways and roads, or mixing with water around the car. Antifreeze contains a substance called ethylene glycol which is sweet to taste and very appealing to animals. Ingesting even very small amounts of antifreeze can make pets critically ill. When ingested, poison in cats and dogs acts fast and should be

treated urgently. Signs include: • 0-12 hours Depression, unsteadiness, lack of appetite, vomiting, increased drinking and urination. Signs are similar to drunkenness. • 12-24 hours Increased heart rate and respiratory rate. • 24-72 hours The kidneys may begin to fail; symptoms include severe depression, vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration and eventually death. Antifreeze poisoning can be avoided by precautions such as: keeping antifreeze containers firmly closed and out of reach, and

making sure all antifreeze containers are properly disposed of (and still tightly closed). If you notice a spillage that could contain antifreeze, clear it up immediately. Check your car regularly for leaks. There have been reports in past months of suspected antifreeze poisonings in areas such as Blaise Castle and Victoria Park. Although we cannot confirm these occurrences, we still would advise pet owners to be vigilant in recognising the above symptoms. If you suspect that your pet has antifreeze poisoning, call Ashton Veterinary Surgery on 0117 953

Rob Parry-Hall MRCVS Ashton Veterinary Surgery 0707 immediately. If it happens outside of our opening hours, call Highcroft Veterinary Hospital in Whitchurch on 01275 832410, which is open 24 hours.

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January 2017

southbristolvoice

n NEWS A YEAR OF ROADWORKS

The new Winterstoke Rd bridge both inbound and outbound along Hartcliffe Way as normal. Vehicles requiring access to Vale Lane will be able to travel southbound along Hartcliffe Way as far as the northern entrance to Vale Lane. This will enable customers and delivery vehicles to access the businesses on Vale Lane and will allow residents to access Wimbourne Road. Here is a summary of other forthcoming work: Winterstoke Road A bridge is being constructed over the railway at the bottom end of Winterstoke Road. The first set of main beams have now been installed. Diversions will take place in the new year to install the remaining beams. These diversions will take place from 8pm Saturday to 8pm Sunday on the following weekends: • January 7-8 (Winterstoke Northbound and Ashton Underpass closure) • January 14-15 (Ashton underpass closure) • January 21-22 (Winterstoke northbound and Ashton underpass closure) • January 28-29 (Ashton underpass closure)

• February 4-5 (contingency) • February 11-12 (contingency) On these weekends any vehicles parked in the Cala Road trading estate will need to be removed by 8pm on the Saturday or risk being held until 8pm on the Sunday until works are completed. A diversion of 430 metres will be sign-posted. Winterstoke Road will remain open. Ashton Avenue swing bridge The bridge is currently being restored to allow bus access and is closed temporarily to pedestrians and cyclists. Avon Crescent/Cumberland Road A guided busway is being installed linking the Ashton Avenue swing bridge via the Create Centre to Cumberland Road. Bathurst Basin Bridge Work has begun on a new bridge that will run alongside the existing bridge which takes Commercial Road over the Bathurst Basin, opposite the Louisiana pub. The work will finish in May 2017. Sheene Road Work is scheduled to start on January 16 to remodel the junction outside the Albert Inn. The junction will have limited access for 12 weeks and diversion routes will be advertised nearer to the time. West Street New MetroBus stops will be installed in February 2017. East Street Work will begin in April 2017 to install new MetroBus stops. East Street will be closed to vehicles for six weeks with buses being diverted via Dalby Avenue. Dalby Avenue Work will start in June 2017 to install new MetroBus stops. Bedminster Parade New bus stops are being installed either side of Bedminster Parade close to Asda starting April 2017.

Whitehouse Street protests coul see cycle path redrawn Continued from page 1 have run into trouble before an application has even been made. A plan to prevent a right turn from Whitehouse Street onto York Road aroused strong protest. It would mean all traffic from Whitehouse Street would have to go to Bedminster Bridge. This part of the plan appears to have been dropped. The council also wants to put a Toucan crossing across York Road, next to Whitehouse Street, close to a new bridge which could be built over the New Cut. But this new bridge for cyclists and pedestrians is far from certain to be built: it would cost £1m on its own, and it may be funded by a contribution from the proposed development at Bedminster Green. Also proposed are one-way junctions which would ban traffic turning from Whitehouse Street into Princess Street, or from Whitehouse Place into Whitehouse Street. John Botting, transport administrator for West House Transport in Whitehouse Street, said his firm, and several others, knew nothing of the plan until a leaflet dropped through the door, outlining the proposals and claiming that residents and businesses had been consulted. “I went to speak to about six

other local businesses and not one of them had heard anything about it,” he said. The firm, which has 36 HGVs and vans delivering tyres and cosmetics, protested that the cycleway opposite its main gate woud make it very hard for its lorries to manoeuvre. The council may contribute to the cost of widening the gate, said Mr Botting, but lorries will still have to turn across the cycle lane. The boundary of the cycle lane – supposed to be a segregated space to keep cyclists safe – may have to be lowered as a result. “It doesn’t sound ideal to have vehicles manoeuvering over a cycle lane,” said Mr Botting. “In some way we have to make it work. I’m not anticycling – I’m a cyclist. “They are putting a cycle way right through an industrial part of Bedminster that supplies jobs for local people.” The council has withdrawn the Whitehouse Street plans for further consultation with local residents and businesses. It is believed the cycle lane will remain, but that the right turn from Whitehouse Street to York Road will be reinstated. • Letters: page 19 For a further report on the Victoria Park cycleway proposals: • southbristolvoice.co.uk

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January 2017

southbristolvoice

n FEATURES

There’s plenty you can do to help our Do you want to see a bellowing of bullfinches or a quarrel of sparrows in your garden this winter? Just follow these seasonal feeding tips, says Alex Morss

INTER is a tough time for Bristol’s wildlife animals need more food to keep warm in the cold, but supply is scarce and takes more energy to find, while days are shorter, reducing foraging time. If you enjoy watching wildlife and need an excuse to get in your garden, here are some winter wildlife ideas to bring pleasures

Puff ball: A long-tailed tit keeps warm by puffing out its feathers for you and your wildlife guests, with some bonus satisfaction for the birders and geeks among us who enjoy seeing how many silly collective nouns we can count.

Offer the right tasty treats and see if you can muster a clattering of choughs, a bellowing of bullfinches, a parliament of owls or a fling of dunlins to your little

green corner. They will reward you with hours of pleasure in return for welcome nibbles. Recipes your birds will love Make cheap fat snacks – this is great to do with kids – by pressing melted suet into pine cones, coconut shells or logs drilled with holes, and tie them to branches. The sticky fat acts as a nutritious glue, so pack in seeds, chopped bacon, crushed nuts, chopped mild cheddar or chopped fruit. Test different recipes to lure an amazing array of songbirds and migrating guests. Enjoy a herd of wrens devouring the grated cheese and bacon, a quarrel of sparrows and a trimming of finches descending on your sunflower heads and berry cakes, a charm of goldfinches adoring your niger seeds. A mutation of thrushes and a flight of blackbirds will love fruit and worms, plus ripe apples. A

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January 2017

southbristolvoice

n FEATURES

urban wildlife survive the winter cold blitz of tits will appreciate insect mixes such as mealworms, while unsalted brands of peanut butter such as Flutter Butter, may tempt a murmuration of starlings to swarm and whorl in aerial acrobatics. Put ground feeder trays inside pet or poultry cages, with large-gap wire mesh. This will attract dunnocks, robins, blackbirds, starlings and thrushes. It will deter squirrels and avoid a murder of crows or a mischief of magpies – those are the popular terms for good reason, as they are predators of smaller birds. The charity Songbird Survival asks people to help birds in particular because this is the toughest time of year for our feathered friends. Their advice is to include lots of fatty foods such as lard or beef suet. Choose seed mixes and crushed nuts, fresh or dried but soaked fruit, raw oats, even left-over Christmas cake or mince pies. However, they advise to avoid chicken, turkey or vegetable fats, and do not feed salty food or bread. Also avoid plastic net feeders as they tangle around birds’ feet. Wire feeders are best. Follow the frosty trails Aside from the rewards of watching your own private nature safari unfold, the footprint trails found on frosty ground offer a great chance to learn animal tracking skills at this time of year, too. Colder snaps are not the only challenge though – unseasonally milder periods can force animals to become too active, too early, with fatal results, often due to food shortages. Meanwhile, wet spells also make it harder to find

enough to eat and stay warm, and increase diseases for many animals. We will look at these problems, linked to some surprising climate change predictions for Bristol’s wildlife, in the next issue of the Voice. Find more wildlife advice here:

Hideaways Check bonfires, compost heaps and wild corners for hibernating reptiles, hedgehogs and amphibians. Fungi and soil fauna Let dead wood lie – the critters that help it decay form the best foundation for a species-rich garden. Rotting wood boosts the number of critters and microbes that keep your soil resilient. Structures Don’t harvest or prune seed heads and plants until spring – a careful mix of climbers, trees and shrubs

for all seasons will give winter shelter for many species; nectar and pollen for any active pollinators; berries and nuts for birds plus shelter for insects, which will feed birds and bats. Reptiles and amphibians Frogs, toads, newts and slow-worms are common in South Bristol. Give them shelter by being less tidy with piles of leaves, bricks or pots. Do not smash or crack pond ice. Instead, melt it by standing a saucepan of hot water on top, to protect amphibians and to provide a drink to other species.

TOP WINTER TIPS TO HELP WILDLIFE Bats Several bat species may be hibernating in your home without you knowing. They hide under tiny gaps in roof tiles, walls and loft spaces. Put up a bat box and get advice before doing building works that could disturb them: • bats.org.uk/pages/bats_and_ buildings.html Birds Offer a shallow dish of fresh water for birds to bathe and feed. Float a ball in it to help stop it freezing. Top up feeders at regular times each day so birds do not waste energy searching. Protect birds from cats by positioning feeders away from obvious stakeout spots and put bells on cat collars.

Feeding frenzy: It’s amazing how many species of birds a variety of food can attract to even an urban garden. PICTURES: Songbird Survival • songbird-survival.org.uk Satisfy your collective bird noun curiosity here: • britishbirdlovers.co.uk/articles/ collective-nouns-for-birds

Insects Don’t be so tidy – dead plant skeletons offer seed heads full of goodness. A pile of covered, hollow stems in a dry, sheltered spot, creates an overwintering hotel for garden-friendly insect predators and pollinators such as bugs and beetles, spiders, ladybirds and solitary bees. Butterflies and moths must stay cool and dry to survive hibernation. Warm snaps can be fatal without food. If you find one, let it stay indoors or offer a dry sheltered spot away from sunlight or heaters, such as a shed, being sure it can escape in spring.

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n CHRISTMAS

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Family

Happily never after: Can you really have a ‘good’ divorce? Many people would argue a good divorce doesn’t actually exist. But with over a third of UK marriages now ending in divorce, attitudes are changing. Chris Miller, Managing Partner of Barcan+Kirby, looks at alternative ways to end a relationship. So common is the surge in January divorce enquiries that the first Monday of the year is commonly known as ‘D-Day’ – or ‘Divorce Day’ – amongst family lawyers. Having limped through the Christmas festivities, the sad reality is that many couples choose January to call time on their relationship. If you’re one of these couples, you might be considering what steps to take next and looking for calmer, more flexible ways to end your relationship than going to court.

Think ahead

When considering separation, it’s useful to understand the legalities involved. As part of your fact-finding mission, speak to a family law solicitor. Some law firms, us included, offer new clients a free 30 minute consultation, during which you’ll get general information about your options and guidance on next steps.

Consider your options

If a co-operative post-divorce relationship is important to you,

consider family mediation. In contrast to the adversarial court system, mediation offers flexibility. It’s often quicker and cheaper than more traditional routes, and enables you to work through your issues constructively, although you’ll need legal advice to ensure any agreement is workable and legally binding. Of course, mediation isn’t for everyone, but if you still want to avoid court, collaborative law may be an option for you to access professional support and legal advice.

Work together

It will be easier to work through the various legal processes if you and your former partner can stay on civil terms. A family mediator or collaborative lawyer can help with this, from separating your assets to determining how you communicate in future. Research suggests that co-operation between parents can lessen the impact of separation on children. That’s why, where children are involved, we’re

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January 2017

southbristolvoice

n NEWS

Freddie’s family back trailer campaign THE FAMILY of Bedminster boy Freddie Hussey have allowed their son’s tragic death at the age of three to become the centre of a government road safety campaign. Young Freddie died in January 2014 as he and his mother walked home along Parson Street after dropping off Freddie’s older brother at school. A two tonne trailer towed by a Land Rover careered across the pavement, fatally crushing Freddie. A new road safety campaign, launched nationally, highlights the tragic incident in an attempt to get trailer owners to take more care over safety. The campaign follows Bristol South MP Karin Smyth’s support for Freddie’s parents, Donna and Scott Hussey, who have been demanding more action on safety standards for trailers. The driver of the Land Rover, Tony Davies, from Hallen, was ordered to carry out 200 hours of community service for causing death through careless driving. He was also banned from driving for six months. The Labour MP called a Parliamentary debate earlier in

Fancy a friendly social outing? BEDMINSTER Social Club for the over 55s meets for coffee two or three times a month at Mezzaluna café in West Street. The next gatherings are

Govt urges trailer owners to make checks to save lives the year and arranged a meeting between Mr and Mrs Hussey and transport minister Andrew Jones. The Hussey family had asked for an MOT test to be compulsory for trailers. That did not happen, but now the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency has produced a simple online guide with a short video to help people check if their trailer is safe. It is on Wednesday January 11 at 10.30am and Thursday January 26 at 2pm. This friendly group welcomes anyone for a cuppa and a chat. Members meet for lunch once a month – next on Tuesday January 24. They also arrange visits to the cinema, teashops and other places. Queries to 0117 963 5608.

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Freddie, left, and the scene of the tragedy in Parson Steet targeted at anyone towing small trailers, caravans, horseboxes and boats. Ms Smyth said: “Freddie’s family have been

determined that some good should come of their son’s tragic death and we welcome this new campaign as a tribute to Freddie’s memory. “When I first met Donna and Scott they didn’t realistically believe their efforts could bring about change. That this campaign is now being run also underlines the value of their persistence and their refusal to allow Freddie’s death to be in vain. “The Bedminster community which has supported them through incredibly difficult times deserves a great deal of credit too.” Transport minister Andrew Jones said: “I was shocked and saddened by the death of three year-old Freddie Hussey. “It is absolutely essential that drivers carry out a few quick and simple checks to make sure their trailer is safe, so we do not see a repeat of this awful tragedy. ” • gov.uk/guidance/tow-a-trailerwith-a-car-safety-checks

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southbristolvoice

January 2017

n NEWS ADVICE FROM A PHARMACIST High blood pressure is the silent killer

E WOULD like to help make 2017 the healthiest year for our community and we have a lot lined up to support this. Analysis of the top 10 New Year resolutions for last year showed that they mostly covered healthier lifestyle, relationships or finances. For 2017, we would like to suggest one simple resolution: cutting down drastically on sugar consumption. Professor Kevin Fenton, national director of health and wellbeing at Public Health England, recently visited Bedminster Pharmacy to discuss our work (and to have his flu jab).

Excess sugar is now proven to lead to heart disease, some cancers or Type 2 diabetes later in life. Eating and drinking too much sugar means extra calories, which causes fat to build up. Children who are overweight or obese when they are young are far more likely to become overweight or obese adults. Approximately one in five children aged 4 to 5, and one in three aged 10 to 11, is overweight or obese. Sugar also causes tooth decay, the most common reason for hospital admissions for children aged 5 to 9. Twenty-eight per cent of 5 year olds in England have tooth decay and of these, 24 per cent have five or more teeth affected. When children are not healthy this affects their ability to learn, thrive and develop. Unfortunately sugar is added to most of the foods and drinks that we consume. The

anuary is also the month that the after-effects of a Christmas spending spree make for some stark choices. Turning the heater down shouldn’t be one such choice. Do you ever feel cold at home? Do you struggle to pay your heating bills or have a problem with damp or mould in your house?

We are working with an energy charity, the Centre for Sustainable Energy, to help keep homes warm. Please come into the pharmacy for help now. It’s free and no sales are involved. This service is open to everyone as cold homes are detrimental to health, especially for children, the elderly and people with long term health conditions. Visit us to find out more. This New Year, whether it is free Weight Watchers or Slimming World vouchers, help to stop smoking, advice on your health, mobility, living aids or your medications, Bedminster Pharmacy is here for you and your family. • This column by Ade Williams of Bedminster Pharmacy aims to show how all local pharmacies can offer help with a range of conditions, helping to ease pressure on GPs.

No to Co-op for Coronation Road

Tiny libraries are taking root IF YOU go down to the park today, you could read a book, and take it home! Luckwell park, Ashton Vale and South Street park now have specially-built Little Libraries, co-ordinated by artist Ellie Freeman. The libraries are stocked with books for all ages and it is hoped they will encourage more visitors to the parks and inspire more people to read. There are even bookmarks made by children who visited Bedminster library. The idea emerged from Little Free Libraries, an American charity. The books were donated

Government’s Change4life website recommends four simple sugar swaps for families to choose from: 1 The breakfast swap: sugary cereal for plain cereal, like a whole wheat biscuit cereal; 2 The drink swap: from sugary drink to sugar-free or no-added-sugar drink; 3 The after school swap: for example from muffin to fruited teacake; 4 The pudding swap: for example from ice cream to low-fat, lower-sugar yoghurt.

Place to read: A Little Library by local residents and Education Umbrella, an online retailer. They were funded by Greater Bedminster Community Partnership and built by Wayne Smith at Bower Ashton. Ideas for another library location via email to gbcpnewsletter@gmail.com.

PLANNERS have turned down a plan for a convenience store on the ground floor of Riverview House – the new building taking shape on Coronation Road on the site of the former Enterprise car showroom. The site at 171-178 Coronation Road is being redeveloped by Juniper Homes with offices on the ground floor and 78 homes above. Juniper asked to change the use of the ground floor to retail, to allow a Co-op store.

But planners refused, citing potential traffic problems with deliveries, whether they are made in Cooperage Lane or at the front of the new shop. Juniper claims the offices would be hard to let, but planners said the firm had not provided evidence that it had tried to market the offices to tenants. Sixteen objections were made, with neighbours complaining that customers would cause noise and anti-social behaviour.

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January 2017

southbristolvoice

n THE MAYOR

MARVIN REES Mayor of Bristol

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their ideas and concerns, future generations become more personally resilient, can work together and make change happen. In fact, many of the ideas included in the strategy would benefit the next generation: these include proposals for votes for 16 year olds, free bus travel for under-16s and a vision for a child-friendly city. The Resilience Strategy has been drawn up with partners across the city and aims to build on existing work to make Bristol socially, environmentally and economically sustainable. Crucially it aims to give everyone more of a say in decisions made in local government. I’m really grateful to everyone who has been involved in this ambitious work. If it’s new to you, why not take a closer look at the Bristol entry at: • 100resilientcities.org There will be more updates in the months ahead as plans take shape. Together the Corporate and Resilience strategies help us navigate Bristol towards a more secure future. My new city office brings together partners across the city and one of our long term aims is to produce a plan for Bristol building on the foundations of the Resilience strategy that gives us deliberate goals for the next 50 years. Together they help us ensure that Bristol is a city that works for everyone.

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We need a plan to keep this city working when our children are grown-ups IRSTLY, I’d like to wish Voice readers a very happy new year and thank everyone in the city who took time to participate in our recent Corporate Strategy consultation. As we embark on 2017 we continue to face an immense financial challenge, but your input, ideas and constructive challenge will undoubtedly help shape our steps for the next five years. Of course our plans aren’t just about the short or medium term. We recently launched the Bristol Resilience Strategy to help protect the city from potential shocks and pressures over the next 50 years. Resilience is quite a dry term but projects

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January 2017

southbristolvoice

n NEWS: BEDMINSTER GREEN

Now not one energy centre but two are Notes:

THIS DRAWING IS NOT TO BE SCALED. EXCEPT F PURPOSES OF PLANNING APPLICATIONS AND FOR PLANS WHERE THE SCALE BAR MUST BE USED. A REFER TO FIGURED DIMENSIONS.

Now there are three developers coming up with plans for Bedminster Green

CONTRACTORS, SUBCONTRACTORS AND SUPPLI MUST VERIFY ALL DIMENSIONS ON SITE BEFORE COMMENCING ANY WORK OR MAKING ANY SHOP DRAWINGS.

close to each other is an open question. Meanwhile a new planning application has been fielded by a third company, Acerbic, based in Clifton. Acerbic owns a narrow strip of land at the bottom of the railway embankment between Sheene Road and where the Malago river cuts through the embankment. This strip used to be owned by British Rail and was used for a gantry crane. It was never part of the Pring & St Hill factory site, which is now Plot 1. Acerbic wants to place 360 solar panels along the narrow strip, in three rows up to 8m high, to generate electricity. Whether this would affect the viability of Mr O’Brien’s plan for Plot 1 is unclear. Mr O’Brien told the Voice that Urbis Development a planning application would be submitted in December (after the Bedminster Green Voice went to press) for 217 flats in buildings ranging from 6-7 Framework Area Plan

THIS DRAWING IS TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION W STRUCTURAL, MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL EN DRAWINGS AND ALL DISCREPANCIES ARE TO BE REPORTED TO THE ARCHITECT.

PLOT 003 Plot 003 0.60 hectare 1.48 acres

Plot SCP 0.98 hectare 2.42 acres

Plot 004b 0.48 hectare 1.19 acres

Right: Plan showing the plots which make up Bedminster Green, courtesy Urbis. The solar site is shown by the yellow line – not to scale. centre – in the same position originally chosen by Urbis. There is nothing to stop two developers putting in planning

Plot 002 0.03 hectare 0.09 acres Plot 004a 0.44 hectare 1.10 acres

Plot 005a 0.38 hectare 0.95 acres

2 00

THE PROPOSALS for the redevelopment of Bedminster Green – the large area between East Street and Windmill Hill – has been thrown into confusion by the emergence of several potentially competing plans. First it emerged that Urbis, the company charged by the city council with producing a masterplan for the area, has failed to reach a deal with developer Paul O’Brien, who has bought Plot 1, likely to be the first site to be constructed. This means Urbis is unable to site its proposed district energy centre where it wanted – at the western end of Plot 1, on Malago Road next to the railway line. Instead, Urbis is looking to move the energy centre to another plot – so far undisclosed – on Bedminster Green. Meanwhile Paul O’Brien told the Voice that one of his companies, Rollo Homes, is looking to develop its own energy

PLOT 004 PLOT 005 Plot 005b 0.32 hectare 0.78 acres

Plot 005c 0.09 hectare 0.22 acres

Plot 001b 0.40 hectare 0.99 acres

PLOT 001 Plot 001a 0.18 hectare 0.46 acres

Proposed solar site

F E D C B A

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Drawing No

SK(00)106

Status

Stage 1 - Preparation & B

C:\Users\davidrhodes.ORIGIN3STUDIO\Documents\My Local BIM\3095-O3S-XX-XX-AR-M3-BedminsterGreenMasterplan_CENTRAL_david@origin3stud

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January 2017

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n NEWS: BEDMINSTER GREEN

proposed, and maybe a solar array too storeys on one side, rising to perhaps 10 storeys at one end. He said the plans for a solar array would not affect his building, which would run the length of the solar site. He also called into question the viability of the solar scheme, saying the panels would be overshadowed by the 8m railway embankment to the south, and by trees on the bank. If the plan involved cutting down trees next to the railway, residents would seem certain to oppose it. The solar plan – submitted by Clifton architects Marshall & Kendon on behalf of Acerbic – gives no details of how much electricity would be generated. Asked if the panels would produce enough power to be viable, architect Jeremy Johnson-Marshall said: “My client seems to think so.” There was no obligation to include these numbers in the planning application, he said. The Voice asked to speak to Acerbic but had heard nothing when we went to press. The application states: “This site is considered eminently

HOW THE PLANS WILL UNFOLD THE NEW year will see proposals unveiled for several areas of Bedminster Green. Richard Clarke, managing director of Urbis, will announce plans in January to move his district energy centre to a new site after failing to agree terms to put it on Plot 1. The new site is expected to be nearby and the Urbis plan remains to supply heat and electricity to 2,000 homes. The firm is in talks with the council to supply heat to the tower blocks Polden House and Holroyd House on Windmill Hill as well as Northfield House off Catherine Mead Street. Proposals for public consultation on Plot 5 will follow in January or February, said Mr Clarke. This is the area around Bedminster station, which will be given a new entrance facing a new green. The Malago river will be opened up, providing flood defences for part of Bedminster. Three buildings, some of which could be more than 10 storeys, will include commercial space and

TreeFest highlights plight of the green RESIDENTS fighting to save the trees on the green in front of Bedminster station hope the council will help them. Dianne James, chair of WHaM – Windmill Hill and Malago planning group – asked mayor Marvin Rees if he would put preservation orders (TPOs) on the trees at a full council meeting on December 13. “The suggestion by the developers that they can be replaced by saplings is not good enough,” she told the mayor. The council does not issue TPOs for trees on council land. But Mr Rees said it might be possible to make saving the trees a condition of any sale by the council to a developer. About 100 residents attended a WHaM TreeFest on the green on December 4. A samba band played and neighbours helped yarnbomb the trees as campaigners explained their fear that the Urbis plan will halve the size of the green and replace the mature London plane Needle point: Yarn-bombing the trees PICTURE: Nick Townsend trees with saplings. suitable and the appearance is entirely benign, serving only to advertise to rail passengers the presence in Bristol of alternative energy generation.” homes, with the aim of making 30 per cent affordable. Next to the Green, terms of a sale have been agreed for St Catherine’s Place, which has planning permission for 188 homes in 16 storeys. The sale is expected to be finalised in January to a developer who will build and rent out the flats, said Mr Clarke. Meanwhile a pre-application plan for Plot 4 – behind East Street – will be submitted in late February. This will include a medical centre with a doctors’ surgery, community pharmacy and dental surgery. Also on Plot 4 will be about 250 homes, including key worker accommodation for Bristol University, and supported homes for older people. On Plot 1, rival developer Paul O’Brien said his application for 217 homes will be similar to one shown to Windmill Hill residents and members of the BS3 Planning group in the autumn. Residents believed they had been promised more consultation before the plans went in, though this appears not to be happening.

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Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Paul on 07811 766072 or email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk

January 2017

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n YOUR MP

KARIN SMYTH Labour MP for Bristol South

I don’t believe we have no young women who want to be engineers

S WE move into 2017, one of my priorities as Bristol South MP remains improving post-16 opportunities for young men and women. We have large numbers of young people in further education and on apprenticeships, but 80 per cent of South Bristol apprentices are working in just three employment ‘frameworks’: retail; health and social care; and business administration. These apprenticeships tend to lead to careers with lower wages. We need more in construction, engineering and IT – pathways which offer better salary prospects and more secure employment. We also need more girls and young women getting involved in these apprenticeships which lead to higher-earning

careers. As a member of the Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC), I took part in a recent inquiry with discussions about the gender balance of apprentices, because there are concerns nationally that women are not breaking in to these potentially more lucrative trades and professions. I followed this up to see how much of an issue this is in Bristol South, and I found that it’s a big one. My research highlighted some stark differences between the opportunities taken by young men and young women locally. I asked government ministers about

the take-up of apprenticeships in the last five years in Bristol South and was told that whilst 320 males had begun construction skills schemes, not a single female had. It was a similar picture with engineering: 80 men and no women. This means female apprentices here in South Bristol are likely to end up in jobs with lower wages and less secure employment than their male counterparts. It’s vital we open up more opportunities. And it’s very disappointing there seems to be no plan to address the gap. The top education civil servant told PAC that the Government doesn’t have any targets for improving gender diversity in apprenticeships. And when I quizzed ministers about steps being taken to improve the take-up of apprenticeships by women in construction, IT and engineering, the answer made it clearer still there’s no strategy. It can’t be the case that no young women in Bristol South are capable of taking on these apprenticeships, so I’ll continue challenging the Government. What do you think? As ever, I very much welcome Voice readers getting in touch with your thoughts, and you can get in touch by email karin.smyth.mp@parliament.uk or by writing to Karin Smyth MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.

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LETTERS Send letters to paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk or to 18 Lilymead Ave, BS4 2BX The return of the anti-socials

These letters are representative of those received by the Voice on the Victoria Park cycleway proposal. You can read more at • southbristolvoice.co.uk

This path will make us safer WHAT a load of baseless nonsense I’ve seen written several times now in the South Bristol Voice, railing against the idea of providing safer segregated cycling through Victoria Park. This proposal will create facilities that are designed to make it safer for cycles to pass through the park and not endanger vulnerable park users, like my young children. The idea that has been put forward several times now, that unless there is a shared use path cyclists will instantly become antisocial and disregard all those around them, is frankly perverse. There is no evidence at all that this behaviour will occur. By forcing children and those with prams to be in the same space as bikes you are, in fact, making absolutely sure that cycles will be a danger to others. Kids are unpredictable and can suddenly change direction. With a segregated path, I can easily explain to my kids that the cycle lane is where bikes are, those with reduced vision can easily locate where bikes will be travelling, bikes are encouraged to use specific paths. This reduces risk. This makes my children safer. Frankly, I think that other weak arguments that have been put forward (that an extra thin sliver of tarmac across a large park will ruin picnics and games for example) expose objectors for what they are: just plain anti-cycling. Hopefully, the council will see through this thinly-veiled anti-cycling rubbish from VPAG and aren’t swayed into creating shared facilities that will make it more dangerous for my children and I to use our park. Stefan Lee, Windmill Hill

We don’t know if it’s needed I AM disappointed that the council is trying to pass off this scheme as an improvement to

Victoria Park: Splitting opinions the park, claiming that it fulfils many aspirations of the park’s Improvement Plan. I was heavily involved in drawing up the Improvement Plan in 2007 and I know that this proposal clashes entirely with the spirit and the intent of that document. We have no information about how many cyclists currently use the park and how many more are likely to use the proposed Quietway, so we don’t know that the excessive scale of the new route is necessary. It may turn out to be a white elephant that is permanently and needlessly inflicted on this beautiful park. The council needs to route the path through as much quiet space as possible to justify the title of the scheme and to boost its green credentials. If the route itself spoils the beauty of the green space, well that’s just a little bit of collateral damage – and it’s only Bedminster after all, not Clifton, so who cares? I understand the council’s position is that the “shared space” concept does not work well and is dangerous. However, in Victoria Park it causes remarkably few problems. Consequently, there is no need for this elaborate eyesore of a cycle route that is being foisted upon us merely because Bristol has a traffic problem. How can paving over the grass of a beautiful, historic and cherished park ever be considered as green? Disgusted, Victoria Park

I DOUBT any member of Bristol city council or Sustrans lives on Victoria Park. Will they have to listen to teenagers whizzing around on mopeds in the park at all hours – previous behaviour that has ceased thanks to the current measures? But if this element of the Quietway goes ahead as planned, we will not only have two handsome pillars, but also a massive opening which mopeds and motorbikes can zip through with ease. I believe this section of the Quietway will, in fact, become a conduit for noise. Will those championing this white elephant have their evenings ruined by young people hanging around the cycleway, often being abusive, looking through their sitting room windows and generally causing a nuisance? Name supplied, Victoria Park

n NEWS Dormer will have to be removed

THE OWNERS of 29 Argus Road, Bedminster, will have to remove a large dormer window at the front of their house after they were refused retrospective planning permission. Planning officers said the dormer, which is 3.3m wide with a flat roof 3.1m long, was “big and bulky” and out of keeping with the neighbourhood. No other houses in the road have dormers at the front. Of the 10 neighbours notified of the application, five objected, saying the dormer set a precedent, was out of keeping and would rob them of privacy. The dormer has already been refused retrospective permission once in March 2016, and an appeal was rejected in August. The council is to issue an enforcement notice to have the dormer removed.

It wasn’t the will Learn to tell of the people your own story Open letter to Karin Smyth MP THANK you for your article in the December issue of South Bristol Voice in which you invite your constituents to send you their views on Brexit negotiations. I agree with you that “the shape of Brexit is anything but simple”. What I cannot accept is your statement, reflecting the official view of the Parliamentary Labour Party, that “we have a duty to respect the referendum vote ...” because “the result in June 23 was clear.” On June 23, only 37 per cent of the eligible electorate voted to leave the EU. In no sense can the result of the referendum be fairly described, in the Prime Minister’s phrase, as “the will of the British people”. The majority of British people have not said they wish to leave the EU, and I feel insulted every time I am told that we did. Now in my 93rd year, I am more angry than I have been at any other time in my life as I contemplate the damaging consequences for Britain (and for European unity and solidarity) which Brexit would entail. Eric Jay, Knowle

DO YOU feel like you’ve got a story to tell, deep inside, but don’t know where to begin? A unique event in Southville aims to give people the confidence and skills to communicate their own life stories to others. Anneliese and Jules, both trained actors and therapists, who have formed a partnership called Tell It Like, will lead a two-day workshop on January 21 and 22 at Factory 8 in Upton Road, Southville. Details from anneliese@ tellitlike.co.uk or 07939 200201.

Window time WINDOW Wonderland returns to Bedminster and Windmill Hill on March 11 and 12 – a chance to wander the streets admiring scores of decorated windows. Anyone interested in taking part can add their house to the list on the website below. There will be free art workshops at Marksbury Road library on February 25 from 11am-1pm and March 11 from 11am-1pm and 2-4pm. • windowwanderland.com/event/ bemmie-bs3-2017/

Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Paul on 07811 766072 or email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk

January 2017

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n NEWS Appeal to help support army of cancer carers VOLUNTEERS are being sought to help the active bunch who raise money for cancer care. Marie Curie’s Greater Bedminster & Knowle fundraising group is seeking new members to help the charity in its work caring for terminally ill people in their own homes. Bristol’s Marie Curie community fundraiser, Helen Isbell, said: “There are so many benefits to joining a fundraising group. You can meet new people in your area, get involved in your community and have fun.” Volunteers can help with collections or stage their own events, from a dinner party to a lunchtime bake sale. If you would like to find out more, call 0117 924 7275 or email Helen.Isbell@mariecurie.org.uk • mariecurie.org.uk

Call to help improve South Bristol’s forgotten station A NEW group is being set up to ensure that Parson Street – which some people feel is South Bristol’s “forgotten” railway station – gets some attention to match the rapid rise in passenger numbers. Back in 2005, the station was used by just under 14,400 passengers, who joined or departed the 14 trains that called there each day. Now there are 21 westbound trains and 18 eastbound every weekday, and passenger levels have jumped eight-fold to 114,458 in 2013-14. The station is now so busy on days when there are matches at Ashton Gate stadium that there are concerns about safety. The station platforms can be reached only by two long flights of steps, so there is no access for

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Neglected: Parson Street station the disabled. And there have been no station buildings since 1971 – only a shelter on each platform. Stef Brammar, a stalwart of the West Street Neighbourhood Group, will chair the first meeting of the Friends of Parson Street Station, which will be held at Parson Street primary school at 6.15pm on Tuesday January 17. Stef told the Voice: “The Friends will work with Bristol City Council, Network Rail and GWR, which manages the station. “The new group is being supported by the Severnside Community Rail Network. The network’s experience shows that a key factor in improving stations is local community ownership: if the community become actively involved with looking after and improving a station, then the stations became much friendlier, welcoming places. “For those who don’t know, Parson Street station is at the junction of Parson Street and

West Street, and is on the main line between London and Penzance. It also retains its key position as a junction on the Portishead branch line, which is rumoured to be re-opening in 2019. The station serves the western end of Bedminster, together with Bishopsworth, Ashton Vale and Ashton Gate.” From Monday to Friday, Parson Street has one train in each direction every hour between Bristol Parkway and Weston-super-Mare, providing a vital inter-change with Bristol Temple Meads. Some trains working between Cardiff and Taunton or Exeter St David’s call at peak hours and in the evening. Stef said: “The station was opened in 1927 by GWR but there is some confusion as to whether it was called Parson Street Halt or Parson Street Platform. “Although a Green Capital initiative by members of the local community during 2016 provided new planters, bike racks and an illustrated map at the station exit, it is generally agreed that the station and its environment are in need of some attention, and there is particular frustration about the lack of access for wheelchairs or for those pushing a baby buggy. “All users and neighbours of the station are encouraged to attend this first meeting.” For more information, email info@way-out-west.org.

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January 2017

southbristolvoice

RSPCA UPDATE

21 From Bristol Dogs & Cats Home

Find out how we got started 130 years ago

HE YEAR 2017 marks a very special occasion for Bristol Dogs and Cats Home. We are celebrating our 130th birthday! We are inviting you all to join us for a year of celebration. We’re sure you can imagine that, over 130 years, we have collected a lot of stories to tell. This year we are going to be delving into the archives and will be reporting on stories we uncover from all the decades that we have been here for Bristol’s animals. For January, it seems only appropriate to start at the beginning with our founding story. It was during a snowstorm in Bristol in December 1886 when Edward T Parker discovered a stray puppy following him along the road. Realising there was

It all began with a single lost puppy

nowhere for this pup to go to get food, shelter from the bitter weather, and the care and love needed, Edward took the initiative and, together with some like-minded local businessmen, purchased a plot of land on Waterloo Road in St Philip’s. It was here in 1887 that the Bristol Home for Lost and Starving Dogs first opened its doors to look after Bristol’s animals in need. However, with only six kennels it quickly

It was a sight like this which inspired Edward T Parker to open the Bristol Home for Lost and Starving Dogs became evident that a larger site was needed to accommodate the city’s strays. In 1901 the home moved to its present location on Albert Road. What started as a shelter just for dogs, now accommodates cats, rabbits, ferrets, birds and other small animals. Stay tuned

this year for stories of the animals that we have rescued, rehabilitated and rehomed over the past 130 years. It all started with just one stray pup ... If you would like to get involved with our 130th birthday celebrations please get in touch. • fundraising@rspca-bristol.org.uk

With Sgt Caroline Crane Broadbury Road police station

Spare a thought for isolated folk who can be easy targets for criminals

APPY New Year! I hope all the readers of the South Bristol Voice enjoyed the festive season. As we welcome in 2017, please spare a thought for elderly neighbours who may be feeling particularly lonely and isolated during January, as the winter stretches ahead. We know that social isolation increases vulnerability to crime – rogue traders and doorstep criminals in particular prey on elderly people who they see as easy targets. Sometimes, all it takes is a simple hello to an elderly neighbour to make them feel safe, less isolated and part of the community. Keep an eye out for them and please report

suspicious activity to us, in particular unfamiliar people knocking on doors offering to carry out work, or claiming to be from utility companies. Genuine callers won’t mind making an appointment to come back when other people can be present. If you are worried about cold callers in your area, please contact us via the Contact Us section of our website (avonandsomerset.police.uk) or by calling 101. If a crime is in progress then always call 999.

n November, children from Parson Street primary school helped to educate drivers about the importance of keeping to the speed limit. Members of my team supported a Bristol city council road safety initiative, which saw Year 5 pupils reading a poem they had written about speeding to selected drivers, and then showing them a video made by other local children about how speeding can kill. It was a really worthwhile afternoon: one of the drivers we spoke to was moved to tears by the video. Speed limits, especially

Cut speeds: Pupils, above, and their poem around schools, are there for a reason. Not many people know that children under the age of eight cannot judge the speed of oncoming traffic, so it’s essential for drivers to regulate their speed. It could save a life.

CSO Charlotte Tait ran a free bike marking session on North Street Green last month, where cyclists could get their bikes marked, as well as getting tips on keeping bikes safe from thieves. Having your bike marked makes it much easier for us to return it to you if it’s stolen, so it’s really worth doing.

If you got a new bike for Christmas, make sure you don’t scrimp on a lock – look to spend around 10 per cent of the cost of your bike on a lock as it could save you hundreds in the long run. Where possible, lock your bike to a stand that’s firmly in the ground, and take all removable parts with you. The team are hoping to run more bike marking sessions this year, so keep an eye on the Your Area section of our website or follow @ASPBristolSouth for updates. Wishing you a safe 2017, Sergeant Caroline Crane

Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Paul on 07811 766072 or email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk

January 2017

southbristolvoice

n NEWS

New café unveiled at city farm THE MANY fans of Windmill Hill City Farm will find more to enjoy after a new round of improvements during 2017. The café is to be rebuilt after planning permission was granted late last year. The café as it is currently will close in January and a temporary café will be available just across the farmyard. Building work will commence by the end of January with a target to open the new café around Easter. Following on from its award as Best Family-Friendly Eatery in the Bristol Good Food Awards for the second year running, the farm’s café had an unannounced inspection by the Environmental Health Officer in late November and retained its 5-star rating. The

How it will look: The new café will be in the new building to the right, with a farm shop in the old cafe area café team have also applied for a Flexitarian Bristol Gold Award, which recognises eateries who use high welfare meat, and offer a choice of meat- free options. Windmill Hill City Farm’s new garden, with raised beds and sensory areas, was planted last summer where the car park previously was. In October it won

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will have a workshop and demonstration room for visitors, including school groups, an exhibition and display area, and a small animal space. At the back, the workshop will be improved and a workroom built for farm produce to be washed, weighed and bagged up for sale in the new farm shop which will be part of the café expansion. Volunteers have helped design the new space, and will be carrying out some of the work required. The main work will commence in the new year.

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a Bristol in Bloom Gold award. In November the city farm was part of the Tesco Bags of Help scheme, with shoppers using tokens in local stores to vote for their preferred charity. The farm received the most votes and was given the highest award of £12,000. Along with funds from the Cory Environmental Trust, the money will be used to improve the building beside the duck pond, which currently houses an un-used dairy, small animal pens and storage. 127-131 as consented 16/00013/F The newunder Interaction Centre

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SHARED WITH NEIGHBOURING A SINGLE storeyVECTOR building BUILDINGSthat DEVELOPMENT was once part of the Vector furniture factory in Raleigh Road, Southville, can be demolished and replaced by nine homes. Permission has been given for three three-bedroom townhouses and a four-storey block of six flats – four single-bedroom and two of three bedrooms. There will be 12 parking spaces. Neighbours in Lime Road, behind the site, objected that the

INTEGRAL new homes willBINS be& BIKES too close, will be much higher than the existing building and will overlook them. But a planning report said the proximity of the new homes was acceptable in an urban area; any overlooking would have “limited impact” and the upper windows would be obscure glazed. The old Vector factory next to the site already has planning permission for offices on the ground floor and 19 flats above.

Table top sale

Set in print

BEDMINSTER Methodist Church holds a table top sale and coffee morning on Saturday January 21 from 10am-1 pm. Tables £4 if booked in advance or £5 on the day. The church is in British Road. To book a table ring Keith on 01275 397253.

THE MANY former printers from Bedminster and all over Bristol will see their industry celebrated next month in an exhibition at the Central Library. A film, Bristol Set in Print, will be shown on the opening night, Thursday February 2 at 5pm.

To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664

January 2017

southbristolvoice

n PLANNING APPLICATIONS Bristol City FC, Ashton Road BS3 2EJ Statue of John Atyeo by artist Tom Murphy at Winterstoke entrance: approved details in relation to condition 19 (Public art commissions) of permission 14/00751/X. Granted Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip Street, Bedminster BS3 4EA Extension and refurbishment of café to provide additional seating, create storage and staff facilities, and provide toilet facilities for visitors. Granted subject to conditions Little Cross House, Phipps Street, Ashton Gate G1 2 x London Plane: Remove crowns away from development by up to 4m. TPO 1198. Refused Little Forge, 18 Murray Street BS3 1AE Approved details of condition 3 (Refuse storage and recycling), 4 (Pedestrian and cyclist access), 5 (Cycle provision) and 6 (Solar PV) of permission 14/05419/F: one 1-bedroom dwelling with study. Pending consideration Bailey Caravans, 16-20 South Liberty Lane BS3 2SR Approved details in relation to condition 2 (Surface water), 4 (Remediation scheme), 9 (Road work) and variation of 38, of permission 16/01699/P: Full and outline consent for development of manufacturing site including construction of a new production building, refurbishment of production building, new headquarters building and associated works (Major application). Pending consideration

Bailey Caravans, 16-20 South Liberty Lane BS3 2SR Approved details in relation to condition 7 (Construction management plan) and 13 (Tree protection) of permission 16/01699/P. Granted 125 Raleigh Road BS3 1QU Change of use from offices (use class B1a) to a dwelling house (use class C3). Pending consideration Trika Yoga, 188-190 North Street, Bedminster BS3 1JF Circular company logo on window. Pending consideration 2 Howard Road, Southville BS3 1QH Single storey rear extension. Granted subject to conditions 76 and 78 North Street, Bedminster BS3 1HJ Change of use of vacant lower ground floor rear storage area of 78 North Street to one 1-bed apartment with access from 76 North Street. Granted subject to conditions 183 Luckwell Road BS3 3HB Conversion of 2-bed ground floor flat to two 1-bed flats, insertion of new windows and conversion of garage to habitable space. Withdrawn 5 Vicarage Road, Southville BS3 1PD Single storey rear extension to extend beyond rear of house by 4.6m, of maximum height 3.9m and eaves 2.9m high. Granted 23 Merrywood Road BS3 1DY Application for removal of variation of condition 3

Bedminster, Southville, Ashton

(Window) of permission 13/03624/R: new planning permission to replace the extant permission 10/02259/R: demolition of garage and construction of 3-bedroom dwelling to side. Pending consideration 27 Raleigh Road BS3 1QP Rear ground floor single storey extension. Granted subject to conditions Avonleigh, Parklands Road BS3 2JW T2 Sycamore: reduce crown by 25%. TPO 847. Pending consideration 23 Frayne Road BS3 1RU Single storey rear and side extension. Pending consideration 30 Hendre Road BS3 2LR Single storey side and rear extension. Pending consideration 36 Bedminster Parade BS3 4HS Erection of first, second and third floor extension and external alterations to allow creation of four flats. Pending consideration

storage area from retail (use class A1) and financial and professional services (use class A2) to residential (use class C3) to two 1-bed flats with new access. Pending consideration 62 Foxcote Road BS3 2BZ Erection of rear single-storey and two storey extension. Granted subject to conditions 12 Mount Pleasant Terrace BS3 1LF Alteration to roof to accommodate additional storey. Pending consideration 145-147 East Street, Bedminster BS3 4EJ Change of use of first floor of amusement arcade to one unit of residential accommodation, use class C3 (dwelling houses). Pending consideration 24 Banwell Road BS3 2DW Single-storey rear and side extension. Pending consideration 18-34 Stafford Street BS3 4DA Demolition of warehouse and erection of 9 flats. Pending consideration

45 Hebron Road BS3 3AE New hip to gable of existing roof line, increase of an existing north-facing dormer, new south facing dormer. Pending consideration

13 Beaufort Street, Bedminster BS3 3PH Conversion of roof void into habitable room with two roof windows to rear. Pending consideration

Asda Stores, East Street, Bedminster BS3 4JY Five Ash trees: Crown lift to 3.2m on north west corner of car park. Granted

43 Carrington Road Bristol BS3 2AG Single storey rear extension. Granted

5 Ashton Drive BS3 2PN Change of use of first floor

• The status of these applications may have changed since we went to press. Check for updates at planningonline.bristol.gov.uk

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Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Paul on 07811 766072 or email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk

January 2017

southbristolvoice

n YOUR COUNCILLORS

ASSIVHAUS sounds a bit like a mellow 90s music genre, but it is actually a way to build houses. Charlie I went to visit Bolton some developments Green built to what is Southville known as the Passivhaus standard in Exeter shortly before Christmas. The council there is committed to Passivhaus housing. The thing that distinguishes Passivhaus from other types of development is firstly that it is designed to minimise the need for energy to heat a building. Second, someone actually checks the standard has been achieved. I mention the second because with other building types, there is some doubt as to whether or not they achieve the expected environmental standards. In essence, Passivhaus means stopping heat from leaking out. This is the usual – insulation, double (even triple) glazing. But,

Southville

when you have done that, you need to look at other things which conduct heat – window frames, for example. It has its fans. It also has those who are suspicious of it in an “It’s all too difficult” kind of way. If I think about housebuilding in Bristol, I reach the following conclusions. On the one hand, we have a commitment to a zero carbon city. On the other, well, we don’t really have a plan for getting there. On the third hand, we need to build lots of houses to resolve the housing crisis. If we build loads of houses, they will add to our carbon footprint - so we need to make them as environmentally efficient as possible. But this costs. And the city is skint. So what do you do? Well, the really interesting thing about Passivhaus is that in Exeter, they claim they can do it for the same costs as conventional building. So it seems to me that Bristol should at least be trying it out to prove it either way. And – if it works – rolling out as much Passivhaus as it can.

O, farewell then to 2016. While not wanting to wish my life away, I am quite glad to see the back of Stephen it from a political Clarke point of view. So Green what can we expect Southville for 2017? Severe pressure on council budgets and services, that’s for sure. The Government’s policy on social care, for example, seems to be to get local tax payers to chip in with increased council tax and fill the financial hole they have left. Even then, the increased amounts that we are all going to have to pay is nothing like enough to fill the hole as demand continues to rise. The Greens have had some important results in the council chamber recently. Our motion on a clean air zone in central Bristol was passed and we are now looking forward to action to reduce the 300-plus people dying prematurely in Bristol each year

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How to contact your councillor: p2 from pollution-related illnesses. After a feasibility study this year, we hope the scheme will be implemented next year. We have also made important progress on increasing the supply of affordable homes in Bristol. The Greens (supported by Labour) had a motion passed by the council demanding more transparency – an important Green principle – and more autonomy in deciding how many affordable homes are built using the money we generate. I will keep a close eye on progress. Finally, we are pleased that, following numerous requests from teachers and parents at Ashton Gate primary school (and pressure from Charlie Bolton and myself), Upton Road is to be closed for a trial period. This road bisects the school and the playground. Little parking will be lost as the road will simply be blocked by planters in the middle but it will make the site much less dangerous for the children. You will have the opportunity to feed back on the proposal.

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January 2017

southbristolvoice

n YOUR COUNCILLORS

APPY New Year to you all! One in four people volunteer in some way or another, either in simple ways by helping neighbours and friends, or in more organised activities with local groups or charities. We meet many of you throughout the year and appreciate all the activities that simply would not happen if volunteers did not participate in community action. This year will see a much increased demand on the voluntary sector as statutory funding streams tighten and in some cases, cease altogether. Mayor Marvin Rees has asked that we have a city-wide conversation about how the city, as a whole, can deliver the functions and services we have come to expect. We regard a thriving voluntary and community sector as integral to our city’s ability and social capital; often voluntary groups stretch the grants they receive to increase the value of any money they obtain. The voluntary sector has

Mark Bradshaw Labour Bedminster

Bedminster

Celia Phipps Labour Bedminster

influence on a number of boards, often as elected advocates, where they contribute to policy, using their experience of the sector to inform services. This extends into areas across the council including planning, children’s services and health and social care, and demonstrates a willingness to use the power of people. There are many local organisations who work with volunteers but two key stakeholders are Voscur and Quartet. Voscur celebrated its 20th anniversary last year and has worked across the city to offer training and advice, and help organisations develop those who work with them on a

25 How to contact your councillor: p2

voluntary basis, such as trustees. Contact them for more information on 0117 909 9949. Quartet Community Foundation works to introduce and match funders to people in need. Many small and larger organisations are enabled to continue running by an injection of small amounts of well-directed money to make projects happen. Small details like this often make a big difference. You can contact them on 0117 989 7700. RSVP West is encouraging the over-50s to give their time and expertise to help their community. Its members work with GP practices to support people who are lonely, isolated or need help to get to the surgery. RSVP’s motto is Retire into Action. If you are keen to make a difference to someone’s quality of life, call them on 0117 922 4392. If you would like to be a voice for positive change, you could join the Care Forum to support their Healthwatch project which ensures that health care meets the needs of the public.

These are just a few of many ways to get involved in community action over the coming months and we are always keen to hear about new projects, particularly if we can help by signposting to the most appropriate people for the job.

nd talking of community action, thanks to the support of the council’s highway network team, who pulled out all the stops to help us, Bedminster Winter Lanterns will be back on the streets on Saturday January 21, starting at 4.30pm. It is going to be wonderful. Mark and I are always happy to hear your suggestions about how we can make our community better so why not drop us an email? We regularly join coffee mornings and sessions at Ashton Vale community centre and every month drop in to Acta community theatre on the first Friday from 10.30-11.30am, so look out for a notice through your door, or contact us direct.

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southbristolvoice

January 2017

n FEATURES

It’s not spooky – it’s part of our world Night time is the right time to go exploring at Arnos Vale cemetery, finds Beccy Golding

NE dark winter evening, a star-filled sky above us and torch in hand, I joined a dozen or so others for an After Hours Tour of Arnos Vale cemetery. Our tour guide, Charlotte Conway, is a volunteer, and really knows her stuff – she’s been a volunteer at Highgate and

Arnos tour will reveal things you never saw other cemeteries in London, and has recently completed an MA in Victorian studies. She does an excellent job of sharing her

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knowledge and fascination with Bristol’s Necropolis (city of the dead) – and it really is a city – counting burials and cremations, the cemetery is the final resting place for a staggering 300,000plus souls. Did you know the cemetery was originally lawned? All the beautiful trees that we see there now are self-seeded and grew up in the years of neglect. Did you know there is a symbolic language of gravestones and memorials? We learnt the meaning of draped urns, three-tiered plinths, butterflies and more. We learnt why Victorian funeral etiquette was so important, and why it went out of favour. And we stopped at individual gravesides, where Charlotte told us the stories of some of those who were interred. Like George Muller, the famous Bristolian who established an orphanage, and who Muller Road is named after; like a policeman, killed while on duty in Old Market, whose grave, once overgrown, has been repaired and is now maintained by the police force, as are all graves of those “fallen in action”. Some areas of the cemetery were consecrated; the area for non-conformist Anglicans was not – we visited the ostentatious grave of a city dignitary, on the very border of the consecrated ground, with his wife buried next to him, on the un-consecrated side. And we saw a beautiful but unusual statue, an actual

life-sized portrait of the toddler who had died. We even went down into the crypt below the Anglican chapel. And Charlotte explained why the open-to-the-air coffins there were lined with elm, then lead, then another layer of solid wood. Like many South Bristolians, I have wandered the paths of Arnos Vale cemetery before, but the tour showed me things I had never noticed, and helped me understand the meaning of what I saw. There’s something special about being at a place ‘after hours’, and this is no exception. It felt like we were in a dark oasis with the city around us. Once the magpies had stopped their bedtime squawking, the air was still and calm and you could hear the hoot of owls somewhere near. Apparently there is only one ghost at Arnos, a female figure seen near the military graves to the right of the entrance. But the tour doesn’t feel spooky at all – much more a fascinating exploration of a location which is full of social history, and part of the human experience. The tours are run every month – with enough demand there will be one in January. During the summer the tour, which starts at 7.30pm, is all in daylight – but the atmosphere you get when exploring in the dark, not quite sure where you’ll go next, made it even more special for me. • arnosvale.org.uk

To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664

January 2017

southbristolvoice

n COMPETITION

WIN a free grooming session for your dog

stress,” said Sumari. “I have quite a passion for dogs and I feel strongly about wanting to show the dog that it’s a positive experience to come here, and not just a quick thing,” she said. Sumari trained full-time for two months to gain both City & Guilds and NVQ qualifications in dog grooming. She was taught by award-winning groomers Natasha Anderson and Carol Parcheeni Hutchins at The Grooming School in Gloucester, where she was also taught about dog behaviour. This included how to put nervous dogs at ease, especially those that may have been rehomed.

SOUTH Bristol mum who loves dogs has found the ideal way to start a new career and to spend time at home with her young son – she has started a dog grooming business. Called Groomingtons, it’s run by Sumari Lennon and caters for all sizes and breeds of dog. Sumari is offering a free grooming service to a lucky Voice reader – or rather their dog! So we thought we’d better send along one of the junior members of the Voice team, Stanley the boxer, to check Groomingtons out for you. Some breeds, like boxers, don’t need a lot of clipping so for them Sumari offers a service called Bubble No Trouble, which consists

Rub down: Stanley the boxer checks out the Groomingtons facilities of a wash, dry, comb, a check on the nails and an ear clean. Those that need grooming too get the full treatment, known as The Works, which is booked in two-hour time slots. The Works costs from £27 for small breeds to £47 for large ones; dogs that are heavily matted or need a lot of combing out may cost more. Stanley took to Sumari’s custom-made walk-in bathing

facilities at her Whitchurch home without a fuss. In fact he was so relaxed that by the end of the session he was falling asleep. It’s important to Sumari that each dog is relaxed, so they are given the chance to play in the garden first – on artificial grass, so they don’t get dirty. They can also take a break during the session. “I only have one dog in here at a time – that helps eliminate the

How your dog can win ONE lucky reader can win a full grooming session from Groomingtons: The Works consists of a wash, dry, comb, nail trim, ear clean and finish. It normally costs up to £47 but you can win it free if you can tell us: How long does a Groomingtons session last? Email your answer to paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk by January 13.

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southbristolvoice

January 2017

n WHAT’S ON Saturday December 31 n New Year’s Eve Bash at the SouthBank Club, Dean Lane, Southville, with seven-piece ceilidh band Fitty Gomash. With bonfire, cabaret, midnight feast, dance class and circus acts. Tickets £25, under 16s £10. Group discount for more than 10. • southbankclub.webs.com n New Year’s Eve: Escape the Metropolis Tobacco Factory. Cirque Bijou, Tobacco Factory theatres and the Thali Cafe create an enticing escape for the year’s end by turning the clock back to 1927 and resurrecting the spirit of Metropolis – Fritz Lang’s iconic depiction of a dystopian future where the workers toil day after day. “We’ll have amazing aerial acts, fire dancing, juggling, burlesque, stilt walking, slack line, hula hooping and interactive walkabout performance.” Live music from the Carny Villans, plus DJs aplenty. From 7.30pm, £35. • tobaccofactorytheatres.com n New Year’s Eve with The 45s The Thunderbolt, Bath Road, Totterdown. The 45s are “A world-class power pop trio who mix the best in Motown, soul, rock and blues with an edge.” Featuring the music of Elvis, Otis Redding and James Brown. A sellout last year. With DJ Kev Regz. £12 • thethunderbolt.net n New Years Eve Party The Tunnels, Temple Meads. With DJ and covers band. 7.30pm-1am, £12. • thetunnelsbristol.co.uk n New Year’s Eve at Zion Three live bands at Zion Bristol, Bishopsworth Road BS13 7LW. Music from The Baskervilles, upcoming South West Indie band, Bristol tribute act Any Winehouse and Dire, a rock/pop covers band. 8pm-1am. Monday January 2 n Rocky: A Horror Show Wardrobe Theatre, 25 West Street, Old Market BS2 0DF. A madcap merging of Sylvester Stallone’s boxing blockbusters with Richard O’Brien’s cult musical. “A scary-sexy, knockout comedy that always punches below the belt, Rocky: A Horror Show is a Christmas show you won’t forget… however hard you try…” Until january 21. Tickets £10 and £8, 7.30pm. n Mistletoes & Whiney Countdown To Christmas Wardrobe Theatre, 25 West

There’s more to wonder at than the average panto

Boot on the other foot: This Cinderella has some surprises, with one involving a handful of toes ...

REVIEW: Cinderella: A Fairy Tale, Tobacco Factory KURT, 7, Noah, 6, and Noah’s mum Hannah joined me for this delightful performance at the Tobacco Factory. The boys were giggly and rambunctious before the show started – messing about with the flip-up seats – all of a fidget. But once it started they were very quickly transfixed, other than the odd loud whisper to ask questions. The whole thing is beautiful, starting with the colourchanging paper lanterns, the haze in the air and the muted colours of the costumes, which make everything feel rather gentle and nostalgic. Music is from a live two-piece who play all sorts of instruments, sing and do the sound effects – one

of them even dons a frock and dances at the ball. Lots of the music is skiffle-style with a little skat-jazz thrown in for fun. The rest of the action comes from a cast of only five, who brilliantly move through the different characters, from a flock of birds, each with their own call, to the main protagonists. Isabella Marshall, who plays Ella, captures a wonderful child-like but unsentimental innocence and quite rightly, as the heroine, both boys declare she is their favourite. Every member of the cast is excellent so it seems churlish to choose, but Lucy Tuck as the sister, amongst other parts, was mine – her face and

movements incredibly watchable and able to deliver funny, evil and more. This is a charming piece of story-telling, not a traditional panto as such. And parts of it are very much in the older Brothers Grimm tradition, like when, in a desperate bid to make the boot fit, the sister’s toes are cut off with a meat cleaver and thrown across the floor (that one made Kurt jump, but a reassurance that it wasn’t real seemed to help). This is a non-celeb Christmas show whose direction, stage craft and performances deliver a spoonful of child-like wonder. It’s on until January 22. Beccy Golding

Street, Old Market BS2 0DF. “A mischievously fun new festive show for ages 3-8 years and their families. Mistletoes and Whiney are two of Christmas’ unseen helpers, but cantankerous Whiney is fixed on making Christmas different… really different!” Until January 8, 11am & 2pm. Tickets £7 (£5 for group bookings of 20+) • thewardrobetheatre.com Tuesday January 3 n 20:20 Visions: Re-Valuing Photography, People And Place Exhibition at Knowle West Media Centre, Leinster Avenue, until February 28. Open 9am6pm Monday-Friday. As part of the centre’s 20th anniversary celebrations, 20 photographers were invited to create new work, reflecting on how photography has changed over the past two decades. The works focus on people and place and mix technologies both new and old, from pin hole cameras and Polaroids, to laser-cutters and CNC machines. • kwmc.org.uk n Cinderella: A Fairytale Tobacco Factory theatre. This new take on the classic fairytale has been seen by 60,000 people since it was first staged at the

Tobacco Factory in 2011. Now its run has ben extended until January 22. Tickets from £11 (concessions): family tickets for four £45 or £60 depending on date. Also a relaxed performance on January 18 for those with special needs. • tobaccofactorytheatres.com Friday January 6 n Sombrero Society headline a presentation of the best of the Chew Valley music scene. The Thunderbolt, Bath Road, Totterdown. Sombrero Society are young rock ’n’ roll upstarts with heavy riffs and metal ambitions. Supported by The Meantime, grunge band Skin and “the smallest little pop stars around”: Runaway. Barbecue 7-8.30pm. free entry. • thethunderbolt.net n Live bands in aid of Raleigh International The Tunnels, Temple Meads. Funeral For Bird, Jericho, Faolan Alley and My Style play to support an expedition with development charity Raleigh International to Nicaragua. £5, 7.30pm. • thetunnelsbristol.co.uk Saturday January 7 n Singaround, Saltcellar Folk Club Totterdown Baptist Church, Wells Road (entrance

off Cemetery Road). Folk music evenings at 7.30pm, held on the first Saturday of each month in the basement (or salt cellar) of the church. Admission £1 for Singaround; usually £5 when named acts are booked. • saltcellar folk.org.uk Thursday January 12 n Silver and copper jewellery making Windmill Hill City Farm. Beginners 10am12.30pm, improvers 1-3.30pm. Learn skills required for making jewellery from metal sheet and wire, including piercing out, shaping, texturing and soldering. Nine sessions. Cost: £83 (may be reduced for those on a benefit). This course is run by the WEA: 0845 458 2758. • wea.org.uk/southwest Friday January 13 n Control “Hooligan rock ’n’ roll” at the Thunderbolt, Bath Road, Totterdown. Hard-working punk band, with support and ticket prices tbc. Age: 16+. 7.30pm. • thethunderbolt.net Sunday January 15 n Jazz night with Mark Randall Six Windmill Hill community centre, Vivian Street; third Sunday of every month, 8.30-10.30pm. • whca.org.uk

To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Ruth on 07590 527664

January 2017

southbristolvoice

n WHAT’S ON Torvill and Dean don’t fail to delight REVIEW: Cinderella with Torvill & Dean, Hippodrome MERRYN and Hetty, both nearly 6, and Merryn’s mum Vicky, joined me at this much more traditional pantomime. But it is modern traditional. As we find our seats a giant screen lowers in front of the stage with live footage of the audience waving back at itself. Very post-modern. The sets are great – like being inside a giant cartoon Christmas card, with sparkles to the max, as are the costumes, especially the Ugly Sisters’ – classic cartoon drag, each change more OTT than before. This production is, as it should be, extremely cheesey – the puns make you groan, the Saturday January 15 Big Jeff’s Mosh Pit & The Future History 7.30pm-1am. The Thunderbolt, Bath Road, Totterdown. After the success of Jeff’s first Mosh Pit in November, this Saturday night gig sandwich features low-key DJ sets from Jeff & Cactus County, followed by live music from loud-guitar-pop local boys Future History at 9pm, rounded off by alternative floor fillers from Jeff and friends. • thethunderbolt.net n Pierre Novelie plus guests Comedy Box at the Hen & Chicken, North Street, Southville. “Following on from a critically acclaimed run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, award-winning comedian Pierre Novellie brings his unique brand of comedy to the Hen & Chicken. ““The dawn of a major talent”, said the Guardian. 8.45pm, tickets £11 in advance, £13 on the door. • thecomedybox.co.uk Monday January 16 n Young Theatre Makers 11:13 Tobacco Factory theatre. “If you’re aged 11-13 years, excited by theatre, keen to learn new skills and ready for a new challenge – join us!” Ten weekly sessions from 6.30-7.30pm until March 27, except for February 13. £50 per term (If the fee is a barrier, email bryony@ tobaccofactorytheatres.com) • tobaccofactorytheatres.com

cast are all floor-to-ceiling smiles, with plenty of song and dance, and every opportunity for trad panto is pursued – from a fun set-piece for the ‘He’s behind you!” bit (the kids were totally embroiled) and plenty of “Oh no she isn’t,” “Oh yes she is!” The girls’ favourite character

was, as it should be, Cinderella. Their favourite moment was when she climbs into her carriage (complete with Shetland ponies) on her way to the ball. Highlights for me include a short, oddly out-of-place scene where Cinderella falls asleep in the forest and a beautiful cast of

woodland animals perform a sweet little ballet, and a show-stopping rendition of Feeling Good, belted out by Dandini (Samuel Holmes). Not forgetting, of course, that the fairy god-parents are the ice-skating Olympians Torvill and Dean. Not on ice, on inline skates, gliding about marvellously. Christopher Dean is a total ham (in a good way), trying out his bad Bristol accent at every opportunity (Cheers Drive… proper job) with a nice style of self-mockery. Jane Torvill is a little more regal but you love her for it. After tantalising us all evening, there is a rather beautiful rendition of the classic Bolero that won them gold, incorporating some brave high-up silk acrobatics. At the beginning I was a cynic, feeling like I’d landed in Butlins; by the end I was a convert, dancing in the stalls. It’s on until January 7. Beccy Golding

Tuesday January 17 n Pattern making and sewing Windmill Hill City Farm, 10am-12noon. Learn to create your own dressmaking or craft items from pattern to sewing completion. The tutor will aim to create a supportive community environment where everyone is equal and can learn at their own pace. Seven sessions. Cost: £52 (may be reduced for those on a means-tested benefit.) This course is run by the WEA: 0845 458 2758. • wea.org.uk/southwest Wednesday January 18 n Exploring colour and paint Windmill Hill City Farm, 10am-12.30pm. Explore the vibrant world of colour and paint through colour-mixing exercises. Experiment with painting techniques and colour relationships, and apply the discoveries to your own work. Nine sessions. Cost: £83 (may be reduced for those on a means tested benefit.) This course is run by the WEA: 0845 458 2758. • wea.org.uk/southwest Thursday January 19 Young Theatre Makers 14:19 Join the youth theatre team at the Tobacco Factory as they spend 10 weeks developing theatre skills and creating a piece of drama. Each Thursday 6-7.45pm until March 30 excluding February 16. £50 per

term (If the fee is a barrier, email bryony@tobaccofactorytheatres. com). • tobaccofactorytheatres.com Friday January 20 n Yoga for everyone Windmill Hill City Farm, 1.15-2.45pm. This safe and effective yoga class will include easy movement, stretching and breathing. Suitable for everyone, including complete beginners. Students are encouraged to come along and experience how yoga can bring a sense of wellbeing. Nine sessions. Cost: £83 (may be reduced for those on a means-tested benefit.) This course is run by the WEA: 0845 458 2758. • wea.org.uk/southwest Saturday January 21 n Paul Sinha plus guests Stand up for the weekend at Comedy Box at the Hen & Chicken, North Street, Southville. “Smart, articulate and provocative, Paul Sinha is one of the funniest social commentators in the UK today. Hilariously funny, passionate and articulate stand up of the highest order.” “Highly original,” said Metro. 8.45pm, tickets £11 in advance, £13 on the door. • thecomedybox.co.uk n The BritPop Boys + The West Indies A tribute to 90s indie music at The Tunnels, Temple Meads. 7.30pm, £10.00 • thetunnelsbristol.co.uk

Wednesday January 25 n The Depraved Appetite of Tarrare the Freak The Tobacco Factory welcomes back this “chamber opera” for over 20 puppets by Tom & Tobi Poster after sell-out performances at Bristol Festival of Puppetry and Suspense 2015. Based on the true story of Tarrare the Freak, an 18th century French revolutionary spy with an appetite for live cats, snakes, and the occasional amputated limb. “Macabre, witty and oddly beautiful, The Depraved Appetite of Tarrare the Freak is a unique and affecting show from one of the country’s most distinctive and talented puppetry companies.” Until January 28. Ages 12+. Tickets £13 and £9, 7.30pm. • tobaccofactorytheatres.com Saturday January 28 n Trip The Switch The Tunnels, Temple Meads, welcomes Bristol-based soulpop troupe Trip The Switch, “a modern blend of funk and soul, full of energy, heart and stellar vocals”. 7.30pm, £6. • thetunnelsbristol.co.uk Sunday January 29 n 5x15 Tobacco Factory theatre. After five sellout shows, 5x15 returns with five engaging speakers each given 15 minutes. Kate Dimbleby talks about a life singing other people’s songs Continued on page 31

What a finale: Torvill and Dean perform their ice routine on roller skates

Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Paul on 07811 766072 or email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk

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January 2017

southbristolvoice

n WHAT’S ON Continued from page 29 and finding her own voice. Dr Matthew Green traces the how cravings for French wine, South American chocolate and coffee have shaped English history. Filmmaker James Jones recounts his experience charting America’s race wars for a film about a white policeman accused of shooting an unarmed black teenager. Novelist Cathy Rentzenbrink talks about her gradual realisation that there

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car. And Kerry Mendoza, founder and editor of groundbreaking Bristol-based leftwing news website The Canary asks: “How do we build a world that works for everyone?” • tobaccofactorytheatres.com Monday January 30 n Darlingside The Tunnels, Temple Meads. A return trip for the Massachusetts quartet who combine pop, bluegrass, indie and chamber music,

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YOUR TRUSTED LOCAL ELECTRICIAN

www.griffin-electrical.co.uk john@griffin-electrical.co.uk • Rewiring • Minor alterations • Security Lighting & Alarms 01275 832830 07831 534766 NICEIC Approved Contractor Member of Checkatrade.com

PEST CONTROL

PLUMBING

LOCAL PLUMBER

• REPAIRS/BURSTS • STOPTAPS • TANKS, TOILETS • TAPS, WASHERS • BALL VALVES • LEAD-PIPES

0117 9564912 **NO VAT** **O.A.P. DISCOUNTS**

07804 238 070

Personal training and classes with Sian Fletcher

•Sports massage•Injury rehabilitation •Pilates•Pre- and post-natal•Back pain sian@feelgoodfitness.org | feelgoodfitness.org

RECORDS WANTED

Advance Pest Control Commercial & domestic

• Pigeons • Mice • Moles• Rats • Squirrels • Gulls •Bed-bugs • Ants • Fleas • Flies • Moths • Wasps

07771 503107 YOUR LOCAL PEST CONTROL EXPERTS www.advancepestcontrolbristol.com info@advancepestcontrolbristol.com

Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Paul on 07811 766072 or email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk

southbristolvoice

T: 07811 766072

www.southbristolvoice.co.uk

January 2017

INVITATION

CJ Hole Southville invite you to accept our offer of a free sales or lettings valuation. To arrange an appointment, please telephone the office or call in personally. If you have instructed another agent on a sole agency and/or sole selling rights basis, the terms of those instructions must be considered to avoid a possible liability to pay two commissions.

MEDIUM SOUTH WEST

268 North Street, Southville, Bristol BS3 1JA

t: 0117 963 4373 southville@cjhole.co.uk With 17 offices covering Bristol, Gloucester and Somerset

OPENING HOURS Monday - Friday 9am - 7pm Saturday 9am - 5pm

SOUTH WEST

MEDIUM AGENCY ESTATE AGENCY YEAR 2011

The Multi Award Winning Agent