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southbristolvoice February 2016 No. 4
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THE LOCAL PAPER THAT LOOKS INTO THE ISSUES YOU CARE ABOUT
Children will be hurt if we don’t do something
PARENTS at Holy Cross primary school in Bedminster are starting a petition asking for urgent action on road safety after a series of accidents and nearmisses in recent weeks. The school is on a dangerous double bend in Dean Lane with narrow lanes, poor visibility and narrow pavements. It’s also a busy through route for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. When the Voice visited one morning, we saw appalling and illegal driving by some motorists – including some parents. Two drivers reversed – on a blind bend – to go the wrong way up one-way Acramans Road. Several parents did threepoint turns in Dean Lane after
Parking: Do we need a new RPS?
Page 3
When South Bristol air is a health risk Page 5
Floods: What is the danger? Pages 8-9
A driver drops off a child while stopped on a Keep Clear zig zag, which is on a blind corner next to Holy Cross primary school dropping off their children – one of them swearing at the Voice photographer and threatening to take his camera. Others halted on the school’s yellow Keep Clear zig zags while their children got out. Some stopped on double yellow lines.
“A traffic warden came the other day and couldn’t write a ticket fast enough before the driver drove off,” said Marisa Domizio, chair of the school’s parent teacher association. Marisa says a pupil broke her ankle in October after being knocked down. Parent Linda Fayers recently saw a cyclist knocked over and dragged along the road by a car emerging from Alpha Road, where vision is poor and there are frequently children crossing. “She got knocked off her bike Continued on page 4
Help needed at historic lodge
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Cooking to change your way of life
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Intro
IT TAKES a lot to shock a journalist, but the behaviour of some drivers – including parents – around Holy Cross school is appalling. As revealed in our front page story, parents frequently park on double yellow lines, halt on Keep Clear hazard markers, or stop while obstructing other traffic. Having dropped off their children, some make a three point turn – on a narrow, busy road with two blind bends – to get away. They save a few seconds, but they are putting children
at risk. There are other, quieter roads nearby where they could stop. There are safe routes they could use to turn around. It’s clear that some serious road safety measures are needed at Holy Cross – and at some other schools in the area, from what we hear. These moves could take some time to sort out. In the meantime, the presence of a police officer outside schools at busy times would surely do much to improve driving standards. We know the police are overburdened. But this situation could quite easily result in the death of a child.
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 February 5 and 19 at Knowle West Health Park, Downton Road BS4 1WH, 9.15-10.45am. Appointments on 0117 953 3575. My councillor? All councillors can be reached by post at Brunel House, St George’s Road, Bristol BS1 5UY Celia Phipps Labour, Bedminster By phone: 07469 413312 USEFUL NUMBERS
Bedminster Office 165 East Street, Bedminster, BS3 4EJ 0117 953 5375 bedminster@besleyhill.co.uk
February, 2016
Bristol City Council www.bristol.gov.uk 0117 922 2000 Household waste, road maintenance Recycling and waste collections, maintenance of roads and pavements, street lighting, graffiti and fly-tipping, street litter. email: customer.services@bristol.gov.uk 0117 922 2100 Pest control and dog wardens Report anti-social behaviour, noise and other pollution, risks to public health and safety (such as food risks), issues with pests or dogs 0117 922 2500
By email: celia.phipps@bristol. gov.uk Mark Bradshaw Labour, Bedminster By phone: 0117 353 3160 By email: mark.bradshaw@bristol.gov.uk Surgery at Marksbury Road Library, 4th Saturday of every month, 10.30am-12 noon Stephen Clarke Green, Southville By email: stephen.clarke@bristol.gov.uk Charlie Bolton Green, Southville By email: charlie.bolton@bristol.gov.uk By phone: 07884 736111
Council tax
0117 922 2900
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0117 922 2300
Adult care & social services 0117 922 2900 Police www.avonandsomerset.police.uk General enquiries: 101 Emergency: 999 Fire
www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 Emergency: 999
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. 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 | Company no. 09522608 | VAT no. 211 0801 76
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Who wants new RPS? Complaints mount that Southville scheme is pushing drivers to park elsewhere
COUNCILLORS are gathering opinions on whether a new residents parking scheme (RPS) is needed due to the knock-on effects of the Southville zone. There have been numerous complaints from people on the south side of North Street – the boundary of the current zone – that drivers are causing problems by seeking new places to park. Dozens of residents responded to the appeal by Cllr Charlie Bolton to fill in a survey on Facebook. Several said the parking problem has got worse. Cllr Bolton said: “Some people have contacted us asking that the RPS be extended to cover
Ashton. We want to establish if this is a significant wish.” “Since introduction of RPS in Southville daytime parking in Ashton has become a nightmare,” wrote one resident. Another man wrote: “Drake Road seems to have transformed into cluttered overspill parking for the other side of North Street and beyond. Would be good to be able to park outside our house without spending loads paving the grass and dropping the curb.” “We live on South Street and it’s a real pain!” said one. “This
overspill is also happening round the Chessels – especially in the roads behind the Spotted Cow,” said another. Luckwell Road was also named as a problem area. One woman said the parking restrictions mean that she visits North Street less often. “I don’t do as much shopping in North Street as I don’t want to pay for parking. I like to shop in Aldi [but] you only get one and a half hours, not long to do the high street as well. So I have a lovely drive to Cribbs Causeway – great shopping there and I don’t have to clockwatch or pay for parking,” she said. A few want to see the Southville RPS removed. But one resident protested: “I’d be strongly against any attempt to revoke it. Best thing to happen here in ages.” To fill in the survey, go to: • southvillegreenparty.blogspot. co.uk
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The bird life of Bedminster DO YOU like to keep track of the birds in your garden? Then you might like to contribute to a survey of the birds seen in BS3. Every year a number of people across the BS3 area keep a count of the birds who visit their gardens. These records are sent to the Bristol Regional Environmental Records Centre: recording forms can be found on the website below. • www.brerc.org.uk.
Garden stories HOTWELLS and District Allotment Association, which runs six sites in Ashton Vale and Bower Ashton, celebrates its centenary in 2017. The group is seeking memories from people who have had an allotment on one of its sites for a commemorative book. Call John Holland, 0117 987 2238, or email allotmentbook@outlook.com
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Safety fears at Holy Cross Continued from page 1 and I think it protected her as she was dragged across the road,” she said. The woman was not badly hurt but an ambulance attended. Another parent posted on Facebook: “My daughter was very nearly hit by a car that had parked on double yellows and reversed onto the pavement towards us. Fortunately I managed to pull her out of the way unharmed.” Parents, councillors and school staff are asking for urgent action before a more serious injury is caused. Mayor George Ferguson has been to see the problems. Last month double yellow lines were reinstated – after being removed when the residents’ parking zone was set up – and the zig zag was installed, but the hazards remain. The school has tried to persuade parents to drive more safely but it seems the message is not getting through to some. The Voice witnessed several parents making three-point turns in Dean Lane, which is narrow, busy, and has two blind bends. Some reversed into the school entrance – the same one children walk through. On an earlier occasion a picture was taken of a driver reversing into the entrance while children were passing. But police declined to take any action. Jason Franks, the school’s administrator, said: “Daily you can see near misses.” Green councillors Charlie Bolton and Stephen Clarke are both pressing for action. “Something needs to be done urgently,” said Cllr Clarke. Options include: moving the school entrance; widening the pavement, which is so narrow that people often walk in the road; installing a crossing and lollipop patrol; restricting traffic through Dean Lane. Many parents are in favour of making Dean Lane one-way, or diverting through traffic up Catherine Mead Street. Parent Charlotte Crofts has started a Facebook group to draw attention to the problem: search Holy Cross Road Safety. The council was unable to respond by the time the Voice went to press.
Prize beast: But this fine animal may not have had long to live on arrival at Clarke’s butchers in West Street
Memories of life on Bedminster’s old main street DO YOU remember the Lamb pub or Needham’s Bakery, Pugh’s the Chemist, or the many butchers’ shops on what was once Bedminster’s main high street? Did you go to South Street school or work in one of the
many nearby factories? Photos and memories are arriving daily for a pop-up museum celebrating past life in the West Street area, to be housed at the United Reform Church from April 14-17. Some of the photos and
stories can be found on the West Street Stories Facebook page. If you have memories to share, organisers want to hear from you at info@way-out-west. org, or call Alan May on 07926 159306.
No end in sight to City’s parking woes RESIDENTS are beginning to feel desparate about a lack of progress on transport and parking for fans visiting the Bristol City ground. At a sometimes angry meeting on January 26, residents complained of being abused and threatened by fans parking directly outside their houses. Some said they called police but officers arrived too late to help. “It is fair to say an air of desperation is growing,” said Stephen Clarke, Green councillor for Southville. Residents fear the problems will only get worse when the stadium ups its capacity from 15,000 to 27,000 in the autumn. The football club has warned
its fans that police will step up street parking patrols for home games, especially around Raynes Road, Duckmoor Road and the junction with Ashton Road. But the problems look set to persist. Cllr Clarke is frustrated that Long Ashton Park & Ride, which has 1,600 spaces, can’t be used by fans. “This should be simple but has been held up for weeks,” he said. “Bristol city council, Bristol Sport and North Somerset council need to sit in a room together, and not come out until they have sorted out opening the Park & Ride.” Pressure from Cllr Clarke and fellow councillor Charlie Bolton has led to an agreement that the
forthcoming Metrobus will serve the stadium with a new stop at Paxton Drive. But a railway station at Ashton Gate – to allow rail passengers to use the existing line to visit the stadium – still appears to be a long way off. A feasibility study has been agreed by the council but it is thought a station could cost millions and take several years. Also being considered are extending both the area of Southville residents parking zone and its hours of operation. The public meeting, which involved Bristol Sport and the city council, also heard complaints that fans leave rubbish on the streets.
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The hotspots in South Bristol where air’s not fit to breathe
Green calls for action spark scrutiny of city’s pollution record AIR POLLUTION caused by vehicles is killing at least 200 people every year in Bristol – and it is not clear if the numbers will be falling any time soon. Bristol is one of the most congested UK cities, and the south of the city has several of the worst hotspots for pollution. The Three Lamps junction where Bath Road meets Wells Road is one blackspot, as does the Parson Street one-way system in Bedminster, and St John’s Lane which runs from Totterdown to Bedminster. Low-lying areas are worst affected as pollutants from traffic exhaust are heavier than air. It is estimated that around 200 people die in Bristol each year as a result of air pollution. Sometimes the cause is direct – such as a severe asthma attack – but pollution can also contribute to other conditions. People who find it difficult to breath because of bronchitis or a range of heart and chest conditions can be affected. Pollution also increases the risk of several types of cancer, but especially lung cancer, as soot from exhausts is made of small particles which get deep inside the lungs and can carry
EMISSIONS: WHAT IS BEING DONE?
MAYOR George Ferguson wants to have a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) to ban polluting large vehicles in the next five years. But Bristol was not among the five UK cities selected by Government last year to have an LEZ by 2020. Bristol’s Green party – and many individuals – want an LEZ introduced
CAR-CRAZY BRISTOL BRISTOL is one of the most congested cities in the UK. • Council figures show there are 500,000 car movements every day in the city centre. • Peak hour traffic speeds in Bristol are 15 mph, one of the slowest outside London. • In 2016 traffic congestion could cost the local economy £600 million a year. • The 2011 Census shows 71.1% of Bristol households have access to a car; 26% to 2 or more cars. Jammed up: Wells Road at Three Lamps is a pollution hotspot other cancer-inducing particles with them. Children are more susceptible to the effects, which are still being investigated. On January 19 members of the Green party made calls at a full council meeting for the city to adopt a Low Emissions Zone to ban “dirty” commercial vehicles – mainly older diesel vans, buses and lorries – from the city centre. “There’s not enough understanding of how serious an issue this is for public health,” Green party member Glenn Vowles told the Voice. In much of the city centre – including Wells Road as far out as Airport Road – pollution is so bad that an Air Quality
Management Area has been declared. Pollution monitors run by the council show a downward trend in breaches of the EU and World Health Organisation guidelines on exposure to pollutants, mainly nitrogen dioxide or NO2, found in diesel fumes. There was one breach of the hourly limit for NO2 at Three Lamps in 2014, two at Parson Street school, and none at the Brislington council depot at Bath Road opposite Arnos Manor hotel. (However, figures are much worse in the city centre.) Importantly, though daily levels of NO2 are low, when averaged over a year the WHO limit is still breached at Parson Street and at Wells Road. Tresa,
more quickly than that. Bristol has a “poo bus” running on methane. Two low-emission hybrid powered buses are about to start work on the 72 route. However, FirstBus has applied for 100 microhybrid buses running on biogas, which would serve the 90 route in this area. And Bristol is one of four West councils to share £7m to start converting a quarter of their vehicles to
ULEVs – part electric, Ultra Low Emission Vehicles. In general newer vehicles are less polluting. But how fast will pollution come down, and how quickly will Bristolians take to walking, cycling and public transport, even when the Metrobus and other improvements begin? • MAKE YOURSELF HEARD: If you feel strongly about pollution or any other local issue email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk
• Bristol people bought 25,196 extra cars from 2001-2011. the Totterdown residents group, has asked about the added effect from traffic to the new arena. Mr Vowles, a lecturer in environment for the Open University, has measured pollutants at Parson Street and found that levels of NO2 stay high even after the rush hours. He believes children walking to school at Parson Street primary or at Victoria Park primary, further up St John’s Lane, are at risk because young children – especially the under-fives – are particularly vulnerable to the effects of pollution on their lungs. But the answer isn’t to drive children to school because the pollutants collect inside cars and levels are higher than outdoors. But experts are unsure that even low limits are safe for long-term exposure. The Government does not expect Bristol to meet the WHO safe limit for NO2 until some time between 2020 and 2025. Back in 1989, Glenn Vowles was photographed in a Green protest at Three Lamps to highlight dangerous air quality. He feels little has changed since. • www.bristol.airqualitydata.com • www.bristolisopen.com/whatcan-open-data-tell-us-aboutthe-air-we-are-breathing
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MP hits out over GP funding and access NHS defends funds formula that brings cuts
BRISTOL South MP Karin Smyth challenged the head of the NHS in Parliament over a new funding formula which is set to remove £2 million from GPs serving the city’s most deprived patients. The Labour MP, whose constituency includes wards with some of the greatest levels of deprivation in the country, is concerned that uncertainty about funding will lead to worse services. Already several GP practices in the south of the city have experienced difficulties. The Malago partnership in Bedminster has closed its door to new patients because it cannot cope with any more. The Bedminster Family Practice has done the same. And in 2014 the St Martin’s practice in Knowle faced an uncertain future for a time when it was unable to recruit enough GPs. It has now been taken over by another family practice. Meanwhile NHS England has brought in a new funding formula which means funds for GPs no longer take so much account of deprivation. It means five surgery groups in South Bristol face losing £2m over five years from April 2016. The five are Crest, in St John’s Lane and Knowle West; Merrywood in Knowle West; Grange Road in Bishopsworth; Hillview in Hartcliffe, and Hartwood in Hartcliffe. Speaking as the Commons Public Accounts Committee held a hearing on Access to General Practice on January 11, Karin Smyth said: “In South Bristol there are lots of very deprived wards, with some of the greatest problems with life expectancy in the country; high incidence of coronary heart disease, cancer, diabetes, COPD, asthma and so on. But the funding formula
Full up: The Malago surgery which has recently been changed under the review doesn’t take account of deprivation and so money has been taken out of some of our practices.” Simon Stevens, chief executive of the NHS, said Ms Smyth had raised “very important questions”, but he defended the move, saying the review of funding was seeking to achieve a “fairer” allocation of resources and pointed out further changes to funding in years to come. Karin Smyth welcomed some of the new initiatives but she reiterated the impact on GP practices in her constituency. “One practice has closed already, patient lists have been closed in two more. I am concerned about managing that risk, in particular in areas of deprivation, between now and future funding changes,” she said. Healthwatch, a body which passes on comments from patients to health bosses, received several petitions about the changes. Healthwatch said it had received petitions from the Lennard Surgery with 170 signatures, Merrywood Practice with 35 names, Hartwood and Hillview surgeries with 1,178 signatures and Grange Road with 300 names.
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“Patients are concerned that if this goes ahead waiting times for GP appointments will increase,” said Healthwatch. The group passed on questions including “why is funding for surgeries in South Bristol being reduced?” and “how will this address inequalities and improve healthcare? “NHS England says ‘no decision about us, without us’ but have not undertaken a survey or impact study to involve patients in the decision making,” said Healthwatch. NHS England said: “Some practices that have benefitted from very high premiums in the past will be likely to lose income from the review process but overall, more practices in Bristol will gain from this process.”
That’s the wonder of windows ... HUNDREDS of windows across Bedminster, Southville and Windmill Hill will be lit up with wonderful displays later this month when Window Wanderland arrives in BS3. Anyone can take part – the idea to brighten the late winter evenings with colour and humour. Ideas have included fairy grottoes, animal displays and making a house look like a fish tank. Homes in Southville, Ashton and Bedminister will be lit up from 6-9pm from February 27-29. Windmill Hill lights up on February 28 and 29. To find out more email bs3windowwanderland@gmail. com To see a map of those taking part or join in, go to window wanderland.wordpress.com
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Flooding has the potential to seriously harm South Bristol. What are the true threats – and solutions?
A
T THE start of 2015, the annual costs of flood damage across the UK were put at £1.1 billion per year. But in light of recent storms, this could rise to over £5bn in 2016. Flooding today is a real danger for many UK communities. Cumbria and other areas in the North have grabbed the headlines, but Bristol is among the top 10 cities in the country at risk. And South Bristol homes sit right upon the very watercourses that form the problem. Patrick Goodey, flood risk manager at Bristol city council, is candid: “Flooding can have a devastating effect on people’s lives,” he said. “In Bristol, we have not had a significant flood event since 1968; many areas in the south of the city suffered severe flooding. Since that event, large tunnels have been built beneath Southville and Bedminster to help divert flood water from the river Malago and its tributary, the Pigeonhouse stream, into the River Avon New Cut.” Despite this, the council estimates 30,000 Bristol properties are still at risk, mostly from flooding after very heavy rainfall. With increasing evidence of climate change, the chances of such rainfall devastating South Bristol streets are likely to rise. “Being so close to a river with one of the highest tidal ranges in the world brings with it the possibility of tidal flooding,” Mr Goodey continued. “Fortunately Bedminster, Southville and Totterdown, with their high river banks, face a much lower risk of direct tidal flooding than areas to the north
Tough going: A cyclist on the submerged path along the New Cut during the tidal surge at New Year 2014 of the river. Some areas around East Street could experience flooding if heavy rainfall occurred at the same time as a very high tide.” Maps showing the risk of flooding across the city can be seen online at http://maps. bristol.gov.uk/bfrm The online tool is impressive. Enter your postcode and a detailed map illustrates your risk, shows where gullies and drains lie, and illustrates potential danger levels. The council’s Local Flood Risk Management Strategy sets out an action plan for managing floods. It ranges from simple culvert maintenance to long-term analysis and research. The 96-page strategy is required by law. It was developed in 2014 and is regularly reviewed.
What do councillors think about flood risk?
Charlie Bolton, Green, Southville “The main flood-related issue I get contacted about is surface water, blocked drains and volumes of water on the street. I’ve had worries about the New Cut collapsing. “My real concern is how Bristol would deal with exceptional volumes of rain, and would our flood defence systems withstand it? The council strategy revolves around some sort of barrage
But it is complex to understand. “An important aspect of the strategy is how the council is looking to work with local groups to potentially develop community flood plans,” said Mr Goodey. “The strategy also outlines how promoting natural and visually attractive features can provide a cost effective way of reducing flood risk whilst improving the street scene and environment we live in.” Simple elements like more green spaces and banks of vegetation can help. But South Bristol residents may, rightly or wrongly, be expecting more costly or more robust measures from the council. The alternatives are stark. Mayor George Ferguson said in 2014 that he favoured a Thames-Barrier style tidal across the Avon, and also sustainable drainage systems which will be expensive to introduce.” Stephen Clarke, Green, Southville “This is only going to get worse as extreme weather events including more rainfall increase due to global warming. “What is needed is longterm planning around flood protection in Bristol, combined with innovative short-term solutions such as the inflatable barrier which largely protected Avon Crescent during the recent flooding event.”
barrier at Avonmouth. This would take many years to plan and build, and was costed at £50m in 2012. The other option is to build 6ft flood defences along the New Cut –again expensive, and likely to be opposed by residents who lose their views. In the meantime, the defences rest on portable barriers and on longer term plans to improve drainage of surface water. Do community groups feel South Bristol is sufficiently armed against floods?
Vulnerable Anna Wilson is volunteer coordinator for HighWaterLine Bristol. This community-led arts project chalked a 27-mile line around areas of the city vulnerable to flooding in September 2014. “We would love to work with all the stakeholders to find resilient community solutions to flooding,” she said. “We believe flood risk measures need to work in partnership between communities and the local authority.” If flood risk is real, householders need advice too. Who is offering this? “If you flood once, assume you might again. Do you need community boats? Do you need adapted furniture that will survive being waterlogged? Do you need a flood gate?” said Anna. Anna has personal experience
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flood waters start to rise?
The risk: Areas around East Street and Duckmoor Road are shown to be vulnerable on the council’s interactive map: maps.bristol.gov.uk/bfrm/ – she was one of the Southville residents warned on New Year’s Eve 2013 that a tidal surge could flood her home. “My house in Avon Crescent didn’t flood, but there is a risk from tidal surge there and in Hotwells and a big fluvial (river flooding) risk in South Bristol.” Council workers put up an inflatable barrier which diverted the flow – but residents did not know what to expect. Anna said: “We received a note on New Year’s Eve 2013 explaining flooding was likely, and to get blankets and torches. The council got the barrier up, but also barricaded the harbour car park, where we had assumed excess water would flow into the harbour. It’s horribly confusing
and scary. A Somali family living in the council house at the end of the road were at real risk, so the flood barrier did protect them. “Since this, flood warnings have been introduced by the council and the Environment Agency, so we’re aware of extreme high tides and potential surges. But we are still not quite clear where the precise risk to our houses comes from. Is it the river, or is it the very old drains in our very old houses?” Plainly, the risk to South Bristol is real. The council accepts this, and it appears open to community engagement. But answers won’t come overnight. Community groups want to hasten the dialogue, and have plans of their own. “We want a
Singing tree logo Caroline Girgensons B.Ed.(Hons)Dip MTI Singing Tree in Bed Holistic Massage Therapy Holistic Massage Therapy minster, Southville Indian Head Massage and Windmill Hill Reiki Monday 2.30pm at Holistic Massage can help to: Relieve muscular aches, strains & tension; St better Francis improve muscle tone & joint flexibility; promote sleep. Centre Regular massage encourages deep relaxation thereby enabling the body to release Friday 2pm at& well-being: Windstress, tension & anxiety; so furthering your own healing potential A time & space to feel relaxed, revitalised, balanced & restored! mill Hill community Southville Clinic 68 Coronation Road, Southville Bristolcentre BS3 1AS. 0117 9632335 or 07963566887
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Contact Katherine
meaningful relationship with the council,” said Anna. “Solutions like opening up Colliters Brook in Greville Smyth Park are simple ways to help. “The harbour levels can easily be lowered by 60cm, making space for more water, using Brunel’s lock gates.” Talk of a vast barrage in the gorge, for Anna at least, is no answer. “Communities don’t like these, they are expensive, you are not a part of it and you have no ownership. If flood risk is down to global warming, CO2 heavy projects are never going to help.” • What do you think? Is enough being done to combat flooding? Email paul@southbristolvoice. co.uk
The Singing Tree
WHAT WILL CLIMATE CHANGE BRING? Under a medium future scenario, by the 2050s Bristol can expect: • Winter rain rising by around 12% (very likely 2% to 26%) • The wettest winter day likely to see 9% more rain (very unlikely to be more than 22%) • Relative sea level at Bristol very likely to rise between 10cm and 40cm from 1990 levels (not including extra potential rises from polar ice sheet loss) • Peak river flows in a typical catchment likely to increase between 9% and 18%
Making singing a pleasure for children Monday 2.30pm at St Francis Centre, Friday 2pm at Windmill Hill community centre
Classes in BS3
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Contact Katherine on 07786 845140 Kmsteier@gmail.com
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February, 2016
Residents ready to present Developer wants to work with community, but can different visions be reconciled?
THE AMBITIOUS £100 million vision to transform Bedminster Green is on course with the pioneering energy centre set to be producing power by the end of the year, according to developer Urbis. There are hopes that the wide-ranging scheme for apartments, elderly accommodation, offices and a new Bedminster station can be agreed in consultation with the community. A meeting on February 17 is set to reveal proposals from WHaM, the Windmill Hill and Malago community planning group, to produce a blueprint that can win community support.
Green corridor: Artist’s vision of a ‘rain garden’ to support plant life So far many of WHaM’s requests have been accepted by Urbis – for example, opening up the Malago river, currently buried or inaccessible, to become a focal point of the area and a haven for wildlife. However, the key question of how many buildings are planned,
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how high they will be and the density of the development, could prove to be sticking points. WHaM has previously called for fewer blocks, and for heights to be lowered. Residents in Windmill Hill are upset that permission has already been granted for a 16-storey block of
188 flats at St Catherine’s precinct. Urbis plans suggest about 18 more buildings, several of between eight and 12 storeys, which could radically alter views, particularly from Windmill Hill. WHaM will unveil details of its vision for Bedminster Green at a meeting starting at 7pm on February 17 at Windmill Hill community centre, with Urbis managing director Richard Clarke in attendance. Chair of WHaM Howard Purse said: “At the moment we are all pretty much singing from the same hymn sheet. Urbis are very keen to listen and we hope they will try their best to action the wishes of the community.” Mr Purse said the community group has already had the first of a series of meetings with Urbis and other stakeholders. “We hope our vision will inspire all concerned to work towards a new development that
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February, 2016
Bedminster Green
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their own plan for the Green How will it look? Side view of the Bedminster Green towers in relation to Windmill Hill
Polden Tower is inspirational and community oriented. This means dwellings that are well-designed and healthy to live in, surroundings that are stimulating and live-affirming, and a commitment to ground-breaking sustainability,” he said. Discussions in WHaM identified two concepts they want the Bedminster Green plans to pursue: “A Neighbourhood in a Garden” and “An Urban Village”. WHaM wants these principles
BUILDING THE ENERGY CENTRE DEVELOPER Urbis says the first part of Bedminster Green, the district energy centre, is on course to open in 2016. A pre-planning application submitted late last year was later marked as “withdrawn” by Bristol city council. Richard Clarke, managing director of Urbis, says this was a mistake: the company is supplying more details to the
Eldon Terrace
Railway, Malago river
to underpin the plans: • Inclusive, welcoming, connected – a place to be drawn to, which attracts people; • Sustainable, productive, ecological – space for wildlife, the river and the planet; • Inspirational, creative, beautiful – a place to be proud of and to inspire; • Liveable, enjoyable & healthy – a place to socialise, meet and be active; Urbis is likely to take much of council and expects to submit a detailed application by May. If the plan is approved, as hoped, in July, construction could be finished by the year end. The energy centre is planned for the western end of Malago Road next to the railway line. It will feature several combined heat and power generators powered by gas – 80 per cent of it natural gas and 20 per cent biomethane, all delivered through normal gas mains. The 11 megawatt plant is
Malago Road
this on board. It has already made sustainable transport a central part of its planning, from a revamped railway station to Metrobus access and safe cycling and walking routes. It is working with Avon Wildlife Trust to design riverside walkways and green spaces that will benefit wildlife. But it regards WHaM’s earlier request for half the homes to be affordable housing as uneconomic. It is also likely that claimed to be much more efficient than domestic gas boilers and will deliver district heating to up to 1,200 homes, including hundreds of existing homes beyond Bedminster Green. It will also deliver electricity to the national grid. Hopes that the energy centre could have a sustainablypowered greenhouse on its roof for community use have hit a snag – it now appears that the roof space will be needed to
East Street housing in the Urbis plan will be more densely packed than WHaM wants. But, said Urbis managing director Richard Clarke, though there may be more homes planned in total than WHaM desires, they will be spacious inside. “I believe we will be supplying more living space than any other comparable development in Bristol – bigger than the national space standards,” he said.
ventilate the power plant. However, Mr Clarke hopes that space can be found for the greenhouse on the neighbouring site, known as Plot 1. Plot 1 will comprise several buildings including 320 flats between the energy centre and the railway station. Work will also involve uncovering buried sections of the Malago. The public will be consulted on the Plot 1 plans before a planning application is submitted in June or July.
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News Barbecues in parks: OK or a nuisance?
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NEW bye-laws for Bristol’s open spaces could change the rules for having barbecues in parks. Several other activities – from riding horses to flying model planes – are also affected and the council is inviting views. “The intention is to allow barbecues in the majority of public green spaces providing certain conditions around responsible use are met,” said a council spokesperson. Some people are opposed to
Tell us why your teacher is awesome – and win an Amazon Kindle Fire! TO celebrate the opening of Redcliffe’s new Kip McGrath Education Centre, owner Seonaid Birkett is giving away an Amazon Kindle Fire tablet to three lucky children who give the best explanation why their teacher is awesome. The competition is open to anyone from Bristol or South Gloucestershire between the ages of 6-16. An Amazon Kindle Fire will be given as a prize for the best primary, secondary and overall explanation in no more than 14 words. Seonaid says
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the use of disposable barbecues in parks because they can burn the grass and bring a risk of fire. Local communities can propose preventing barbecues in certain areas. Horse riding, model aircraft and fishing will also be allowed only in designated areas. Activities that need special permission are: erection of structures; grazing; pest control; lighting fires; overnight parking; archery; camping; field sports; charging for services; excessive
February, 2016
noise; public shows; take-off and landing of air balloons, helicopters and hang gliders. Forbidden under the bye-laws would be: access outside opening times; damage; interfering with life-saving equipment; throwing missiles; dangerous cycling; driving motor vehicles; blocking watercourses; obstructing officials from their work. You can have your say at: • www.bristol.gov.uk /parkbyelaws
ADVERTISEMENT “Having owned and run the successful Bristol Language Centre (BLC) for over 10 years I know that there are loads of awesome teachers out there. I can’t wait to read through all the entries and to see the imaginative descriptions students give about their awesome teachers. You can nominate your class teacher, tutor, subject teacher or even your head teacher – they just need to be awesome for some reason!” Not only will the children win a prize, but the winning three teachers will receive prizes too in addition to the coveted Kip McGrath Awesome Teacher Award 2016. The Bristol Central Education Centre was the first of the internationally renowned Kip McGrath brand to open in Bristol. It provides after-school tuition for students between the ages of 6-16 looking for extra support or extension in English and maths. Each student is given a FREE in-depth educational assessment and the results are discussed with parents. If tutoring is necessary, an individual learning programme is designed around the child’s requirements. Each session lasts 80
minutes and students are taught in classes of 3-6, ensuring individual attention. Centre owner, Seonaid, adds “I’m really excited to bring the benefits of Kip McGrath to central Bristol. It really is a fantastic programme. I love the way it uses qualified teachers, a wide variety of learning resources, which are mapped to the school curriculum, as well as smart technology to support teaching, not replace it.” To enter the competition just complete and return the entry card included in this month’s South Bristol Voice or go onto the centre’s webpage at www. kipmcgrathbristolcentral.co.uk. All entries must be received by February 29 2016. Terms and conditions apply.
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February, 2016
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WHAT YOU SAY
From comments on the planning applications “South Bristol is already one huge traffic jam on most mornings/evenings and this Arena will only make it much worse and quite possibly make it an impossible place to live and work.” TW, Hill Avenue
New crossing: Proposed footbridge from Albert Road to the arena, part of a separate planning application
Arena: We like the general idea, but ... WITH 85 comments submitted on the arena planning applications as the Voice went to press, strong objections continue to emerge. Only 20 of the submissions are logged as objections. But many more – even some which declare they support the scheme – voiced serious concern about parking and traffic. One resident of County Street, Totterdown, logged himself as supporting the arena plan. But his letter also said: “I am concerned about the increase in traffic ... around the Three Lamps junction for example, and the need for parking. Since the arena will only have a limited amount of parking this will have an impact on local estates.” This view is echoed time and again in the public comments, and shows that council promises to consult on residents’ parking schemes, and boost park and ride and public transport, have not reassured South Bristol residents. Tresa, the Totterdown residents group, registered as an objector – though it also gives support to the arena in general. The group criticised the
omission of congested St Luke’s Road from the arena transport plan. It asks for remedial work – as do many residents. Tresa asks where parents can pick up and drop off arenagoing youngsters. Cattle Market Road and part of Albert Road will be closed on busy arena nights. “This problem needs to be addressed with concrete proposals,” said Tresa. Air pollution limits for nitrogen dioxide are already breached on Bath and Wells roads, Tresa added. “If traffic flow is increased around Three Lamps, how is it possible to conclude that predicted impacts from [the arena] are ‘negligible’ and no further mitigation measures are required?” the residents group asks. Tresa also suggested that a parking scheme would need to operate until 8pm or 9pm, not 7pm as the council proposes. It calls for a wider path the whole way from Three Lamps to Temple Meads to tackle the narrow pavements and cycleway. Other comments voice fears over traffic levels. “Traffic flow is highly sensitive to what might
“Please build this. Bristol needs this development.” EW, Bishopston
appear to be minor interruptions “I support 100% the need for caused by vehicle breakdowns, the Bristol Arena. However I traffic light failure, accidents or cannot believe you are being lane closures. All of these have so short sighted as to not happened within the last two provide any additional parking. months, and the result has been The whole of Feeder Road, near gridlock. If there was an Albert Road and the Bath arena event taking place, there Road will be chaos and will would have been total gridlock,” disrupt local business. All the says a resident of Rookery Road. neighbourhoods within walking Tresa calls for a park and ride distance will be affected and at Whitchurch to reduce traffic we already do not have enough down Wells Road. parking space.” But there is considerable JM, Hampstead Road, support for the idea of an arena. Brislington A Totterdown man commented: “I’m very much in favour of this, which I think will bring money into the area, not to mention enhancing its cultural life.” Public comments have now closed on the planning application, which is likely to be considered Cut out this ad by councillors in to redeem this offer early March. Vegetarian option available B
Making it easier for volunteers to give time
TWO meetings are being held, aiming to make it easier for people to give their time and energy to help others. The first meeting is for voluntary and community organisations and will be held from 2-4pm on Monday February 29 at Windmill Hill City Farm. The second meeting will allow residents
“On the whole I am fine with arena scheme, but as I cycle or walk along St Luke’s Road every day, I can not understand why you think the arena will not affect St Luke’s Road. It is already at times a horrible route, the arena will add to this.” LC, St Luke’s Crescent
of the Bedminster and BS3 area to say how it can be made easier to get active in the community. It will be from 10am-12noon on Saturday March 5 at Acta theatre in Gladstone Street, Bedminster. To find out more email Dominic Murphy at dominic.murphy@bristol.gov.uk or call 07584 480615.
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News
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February, 2016
Trailer tests are not necessary, minister tells bereaved family
Underfall yard seeks volunteers
Unique: the historic Underfall THE UNDERFALL boatyard, the unique complex of Victorian buildings on the Floating Harbour, is seeking volunteers for its new visitor centre. The Underfall is home to a thriving boatyard and the council’s harbour managers. But it is also scheduled as an ancient monument because of the unique Victorian sluices, or underfalls, which still control the level of the harbour and help prevent floods. The yard was built after the mammoth project started by Isambard Kingdom Brunel to create the Floating Harbour. It has now won Lottery money for a new visitor centre in the old pump house, to open in March. More than 60 people have so far helped the Underfall Yard Trust to research its history and prepare to open it to the public. Visitor centre volunteers, tour leaders and hydraulic pump operators are now being sought. To find out more email sarah@underfallboatyard.co.uk or call 07742 879658. • www.underfallboatyard.co.uk
But roads chief will meet South Bristol family hit by 2014 tragedy A GOVERNMENT minister has ruled out annual safety tests for trailers, after Bristol South MP Karin Smyth raised the case of the family of three year-old Freddie Hussey in the House of Commons. But Andrew Jones, roads minister, did agree to meet Freddie’s parents, Donna and Scott, who have campaigned on the issue since their son’s death. Freddie Hussey was killed 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 portable cabin became detached from a Land Rover and fatally crushed Freddie. The Land Rover driver, Tony Davies from Hallen in South Gloucestershire, admitted causing death by careless driving at Bristol Crown Court in April 2014. He was spared jail and was given 200 hours community service and banned from driving for six months. He had driven 12
Freddie and his mum
Picture: ITV
miles before the trailer broke loose from the Land Rover and crushed Freddie. In Sweden, all trailers are checked for safety annually. Of the 236,000 tested in 2010, 38 per cent failed – a quarter of those with serious faults such as brake problems. But in a Commons debate called by Ms Smyth, Mr Jones said an EU review in 2013 found that legislation on trailers could be “disproportionately burdensome”. Most trailer accidents involved driver error and could not have been prevented by a test, said Mr Jones. In 2014 there were 1,257 accidents involving towed vehicles, causing 39 fatalities and 214 serious injuries. He gave his “deepest sympathies” to the Hussey family
and made a number of pledges: • The Driver and Vehicle Safety Agency (DVSA) will review all its advice about trailer safety; • Officials will examine trends at regular DVSA trailer checks; • He will consider how DVSA trailer guidance can reach more people via motorists’ groups; • The Department for Transport will study procedures in other EU countries. Freddie’s parents told ITV West last year: “Our son has been taken away from us, and we will never have the opportunity to see Freddie have his own life. We now have to try and continue with our lives knowing this tragedy could have been prevented. “They should’ve been able to walk safely along the pavement. After the debate Ms Smyth said Mr and Mrs Hussey were disappointed that there would be no annual tests on trailers. Ms Smyth added: “It was clear the minister took this issue very seriously and I am pleased he has agreed to meet them and that he has set out a number of actions. “I want this to be the start of a process of bringing the Hussey family’s experiences to the attention of decision-makers. “Freddie’s case was a tragedy of untold magnitude, but we remain resolute in our wish that some good comes of it.”
JIVE FUSION DANCE
Three comfortable, quiet and attractive rooms (and waiting room) set out for psychotherapists, counsellors, clinical psychologists, mentors and coaches, hypnotherapists, nutritionists and CBTers. We’re in a landmark Georgian terrace next to St Mary Redcliffe church overlooking the water towards the city centre. Ten minutes from Temple Meads and with ample parking.
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Leroc partner dancing Jive with a hint of Latin & Ballroom
NEW YEAR OFFER: SIX CLASSES FOR £20 Beginners start February 7 Sunday 4pm-6pm St Francis Church Centre, Ashton Gate Contact Clive on 07947 023371 clive@theharboursidepractice.co.uk http:/theharboursidepractice.co.uk 3 Redcliffe Parade East, BS1 6SW
With dance teacher DEREK KNAPMAN 07549 590269 dereklionstores@gmail.com www.jivefusiondance.co.uk
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February, 2016
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News
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School in special measures Inspectors say primary needs to appoint a permanent head HOLY Cross, the Roman Catholic primary school in Dean Lane, Bedminster, has been judged inadequate by Ofsted inspectors and placed in special measures. The main finding of the inspection – which took place in November – was that the school lacked strong leadership. There have been several changes of headteacher in recent years and a failure to appoint a permanent replacement. “School leadership has been inadequate for several years. Leaders have failed to take action to raise standards,” the Ofsted report said. However, the
inspectors gave praise to the acting head, Jo Kingston, and said she “demonstrates a strong determination and resilience to turn the school around and has the support of the staff, governors and parents.” But, it said, teachers don’t have high enough expectations of children. “Pupils talk about how they often find work too easy,” the inspectors said. Outcomes for pupils are too low because the quality of leadership and teaching isn’t good enough, the report said. “In the 2015 national test, Year 2 pupils’ reading skills were significantly below those of all pupils nationally. Boys’ achievement in reading continues to decline. Girls’ reading is improving but still remains below national averages. Achievement in Year 6 also shows that pupils’ achievement
‘Inadequate’: Holy Cross primary in reading remains below that of their peers nationally.” The school has had several leaders in the past year. An interim headteacher, seconded part-time from a local school,
was in charge from February 2015 to May 2015. Another interim headteacher, was in post until December 2015, but was absent during the Ofsted inspection. The current acting head took up the role in June 2015. The inspectors said the school must rapidly find a permanent leader for the school, and draw up a plan to improve standards. The inspectors noted that pupils “are well cared for and are happy to come to school”, and attendance is improved. The Voice asked when the school would be able to appoint a permanent head. The Roman Catholic diocese’s director of education, Colleen Collett, said this would be done as quickly as possible but was unable to give a timetable. Bristol city council was unable to comment by the time the Voice went to press.
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February, 2016
Health News Shorten the workouts Tobacco Factory announces plan to create new second venue as for greater success Brewery theatre forced to close 15min Basic Home Workout Three-minute warm up: • Jog on spot 2min • Leg kicks x10, torso twists x10, arm swings x10 Body weight circuit: 2 rounds • 1min Squats (squat down to a chair ) • 1min Push ups (drop to your knees if needed) • 1min Lunges (touch your back knee to the floor) • 1min Tricep dips (use the edge of a table or chair) • 1min Plank (ensure your lower back is flat) Rest 1min. Repeat circuit. Use this basic workout a few times a week to improve your cardiovascular health, increase energy levels and decrease body fat, while helping to free up more time for other priorities. Rich Bignell, Functional Fitness • Functional Fitness Bristol specialises in personal training and wellbeing for individuals and businesses, and have a fitness studio in Ashton. www.functionalfitness.me
We’re not just in South Bristol. The Voice series now has 10 magazines across Bristol and beyond. What can we do for your business? sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk
Cleve House School & Little Cleve Nursery
Open Afternoon Wednesday 16th March 2.00 - 3.30pm
Come and see us at work and play! 0117 9777 218 254 Wells Road, Bristol BS4 2PN
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SOUTHVILLE will not lose its second professional theatre if plans by the Tobacco Factory to create a new performance space can be realised. The North Street venue closed its Brewery theatre unexpectedly last month after changes to the lease and insurances meant it could no longer share an entrance with Mark’s Bakery. The new theatre space is planned for the main Tobacco Factory building, alongside the existing Factory theatre. It involves transforming the current dance studio to create an 86-seat theatre space, including dressing rooms and modern technical facilities. The new space is at the opposite end of the building to the Factory theatre, but will be soundproofed to ensure that
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and space. The high intensity nature of this workout will help to burn calories quickly, while giving your metabolism a real boost after the session.
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IT’S THE time of year when you’re probably thinking about starting a healthy living plan like joining a gym or using your current gym membership to start looking and feeling healthier. Everyone starts with lots of motivation and good intentions to use the gym several times a week, but then after a month or so people typically start to drop off. But why? A big reason for this quick drop-off is a lack of time. People end up realising that actually travelling to the gym while doing an hour-long workout takes up a big chunk of time, which can become unrealistic and unmanageable, and eventually causes a drop-off in visits to the gym. Does this sound like a familiar situation? If so, why not make a simple change to your exercise routine by making your workouts shorter? By simply shortening your current routine but increasing the intensity, you will not only increase your chances of sticking with the plan, but also give yourself more health benefits in a shorter space of time. Here is an example of a basic home workout that we use with our clients. It requires no equipment and very little time
Long wait at the York Rd lights I CAN’T be the only one who occasionally – but infuriatingly – gets stuck at the traffic lights waiting to turn right from York Road to St Luke’s Road. If there’s traffic coming the other way. obviously you have to wait for it to pass, and the brief period when the green arrow allows a right turn. But sometimes you can get stuck for three or four cycles of the lights without the green arrow appearing at all – so no-one gets to turn right. My theory is that if the driver at the front of the queue doesn’t edge forward, the traffic lights don’t know they are there, and so
performances can take place in both venues at the same time. The front of house area will be increased in size. However, the money for the project has not been identified: “the project is strictly subject to funding,” a statement said, adding: “Tobacco Factory Theatres wanted to share how important it is to the organisation, its audiences and the artistic community, that it remains a two-venue theatre.” The Brewery studio will now be used for community classes such as yoga and Kung Fu, and the Brewery theatre will be used for rehearsals. Shows that were due to be performed at the Brewery have been diverted to venues across the city. • www.tobaccofactory.org. Have you got strong views about what’s happening in South Bristol? Email paul@ southbristolvoice.co.uk, post to Letters, South Bristol Voice, 18 Lilymead Avenue, Bristol BS4 2BX or call us on 07811 766072. Please keep letters short. We may edit your letter.
the right-turn arrow isn’t triggered. When you’re driving for work, as I do, it’s infuriating to be stuck there for 10 minutes or more. JS, Lower Knowle
Homes aren’t everything I NOTE that now Faithspace, the building that used to be used by so many community groups, looks set to go the way of a lot of other public spaces and get converted into flats. We need many more homes, it’s true, but to maintain a real sense of community we need places to meet and socialise and learn things. I hope the Methodist church realise this. PV, Southville
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February, 2016
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News Hope for a deal on Faithspace
CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save Faithspace as a community hall for Southville are hoping an agreement can be reached between the council and its owner, the Methodist church. The Luckwell Road building – disused for a year – is now on the market and residents fear that the highest offer could come from a developer of housing. More than 60 concerned residents marched from Southville on January 19 to a full council meeting to plead with the council to do what it can to save the building for the community. Lynda Keeys and Jamie Darwen, who set up the campaign, both addressed the councillors. Mr Darwen said: “There is
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More awards for Minuteman
On the march: Children show the council their support for Faithspace huge support among Southville residents for saving the former Faithspace for our community. I hope the council and the Methodists recognise the importance of the building, and the strength of feeling among local residents.” The Methodist church has said it will not necessarily take the highest bid for the building. There is a chronic shortage of nursery places in the area and
there are hopes the council might step in to buy the building and allow local groups to provide nursery places and other activities. Southville Community Development Association is eager to run events at Faithspace, as are many other local groups. The Russian Orthodox Church is also interested in buying the building but it is not clear that it could outbid any developer.
PRINT and graphic design firm Minuteman has won two more prizes for its green travel policy. The firm, based in Nelson Parade, Bedminster, has cut out the use of motor vehicles, making local deliveries with a bicycle and trailer. All staff walk, cycle or take public transport to work. Minuteman won Travelwest’s Commuting Challenge and Best Newcomer awards at a ceremony on Weston’s Grand Pier.
Waste cleared PROBLEMS with rubbish being left outside flats on West Street, Bedminster, are being monitored by owner Sovereign Housing. After complaints from local group Way Out West, Bristol city council supplied new bins and cleared away the waste. Stef Brammar of Way Out West said: “We’ll be monitoring this closely.”
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INDEPENDENT SCHOOL FOR BOYS 7–18 FOUNDED 1590
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February, 2016
News Factory may be objections from PLANS to convert a Southville building from offices to flats by adding two extra storeys inside have divided opinion. The new flats could overlook homes in Lime Road – but part of the development has already been permitted despite residents’ complaints. The Vector office furniture factory in Raleigh Road, which closed last October, could be converted to 19 flats. The plan would involve inserting two extra storeys to provide nine of the flats for developer Ellson Homes. The proposal includes only three parking spaces and 36 cycle spaces – something which concerns some residents. One neighbour said on
No parking, so new residents expected to use public transport Facebook: “ I’ve emailed to object for exactly this reason – up to 20 cars inevitably spilling onto Lime and Gathorne roads. Hopefully it will be rejected as they also overlook our gardens!” Another resident responded: “We are approaching the end of the era in which car ownership is a given. Increasing numbers will choose, or be forced for
Half term activities Children
Junior Open Mornings Friday 4 March 9.30–11.30am Saturday 5 March 10.00–12noon Contact Mrs Carolyn Matthews 0117 930 3068 www.qehbristol.co.uk
Shine Holiday Club Forest adventure, football coaching, olympic multi-sports, football academy at Southville primary school, Merrywood Road, February 8-12. Activities 10am-3pm, can be extended to 8.30am-5.30pm. From £13 per day. Childcare vouchers accepted. • www.shinesportscoaching.com Southville Centre Holiday playscheme available to all families run by qualified playworkers and early years practitioners. Activities 8.30am6pm. Children bring a packed lunch or order a lunch at the centre cafe for £3. Cost £24.50 per day. Childcare vouchers accepted. Email family. services@southvillecentre.org. uk or call 0117 923 1039. • www.southvillecentre.org.uk Windmill Hill City Farm • Tuesday February 9: Woodland fire and bread-making session with the Ape Project. Suggested donation £2 per child Suitable for age 4+, 11am-3pm. • Wednesday February 10: Mud play in the Wildlife Area Donations welcome. Suitable for all ages. 10am-12noon.
• Thursday February 11: Pizza making in the outdoor kitchen. Drop-in session, £2 per pizza. Suitable for ages 4+. 9.30am-12pm or 1pm-3pm. • www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk Lego Day February 9 and 10 from 10am12noon at Zion, Bedminster Down. Ages 4+. Duplo is available for little ones. A morning of imaginative building fun, games and competitions with prizes. Lego supplied! Café. £2 per child. Zion, Bishopsworth Road, Bedminster Down BS13 7JW. 0117 923 1212. • www.zionbristol.co.uk Mission Explore Trail Wild Place Project, off junction 17 of the M5 (part of Bristol Zoo). February 6-21. Complete all 10 outdoor missions to win an explorer’s prize! Some of the missions include building a den for a minibeast, spotting a bird in the bird hide, making a leaf kebab and much more. Children £5 with a paying adult. • www.wildplace.org.uk Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition at MShed. Under 16s get in free. Showcases the natural world’s most astonishing sights: the top 100 photos from
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News turned into 19 homes despite neighbours who are overlooked BEFORE
AFTER
Before and after: Drawings show how the plans would insert two extra storeys into the former Vector factory economical, political or environmental reasons, to give up their cars. The days when every dwelling came with one (or more!) parking space are gone.” The application is an outline one and so few details are provided. Public consultation ends on February 5. Green
councillor Charlie Bolton pointed out that no affordable housing was being proposed in the plan. Ten of the 19 new homes have already been given planning permission because they are being converted from office space under a new law brought in by the Government in 2015.
Transport officials did not object to the lack of parking and pointed out that occupants of the flats could be refused parking permits for the Southville residents parking zone. Cllr Stephen Clarke objected last year that residents in Lime Road, which backs onto the site,
Schools 42,000 entries. Until April 10. • www.bristolmuseums.org.uk Meet Mr Brunel on ss Great Britain Meet the original Iron Man on his historic steam ship and get your photo taken with him. You might also bump into a passenger on the Promenade Deck or a sailor by the rigging. Tickets for 5-17 year-olds £8. • www.ssgreatbritain.org
Teenagers
Basement Studio Music sessions open to anyone who wants to make or hear music, for 13-19 yearolds, 7pm-9.30pm, Tuesday February 9 and Wednesday February 10. Basement Studio, The Station, Silver Street, Bristol BS1 2AG. Call 0117 934 9013 or email info@basementstudio.co.uk • www.basementstudio.co.uk Senior schools’ art exhibition Bristol Cathedral hosts the annual art exhibition, showcasing artwork from senior schools across Bristol. Admire the creativity of Bristol’s young people. From 9am-4pm until February 17. Free admission.
Bedminster Down school PE teacher Anna Cook explains how they are getting more teenage girls hooked into sport
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HEN I arrived at our busy PE and dance department four years ago as a newly qualified teacher I was keen to help boost the number of girls participating in physical activity. I’ve found that girls respond well to variety and choice. They are also very motivated by their peer groups. We found that we needed to offer sport that could appeal to those who enjoy being in a team as well as those who prefer individual pursuits. We introduced new sports to add more variety, so girls could experience hockey, lacross and tchoukball ,with rapid switching. With the help of specialist coaches we’re also able to offer trampolining, dance with real performance opportunities, cheerleading, rugby, netball and football. Our girls’ football team is having a great season, reaching
PE teacher Anna Cook, top, with pupils April Burton and Mae Slocombe the last eight in the national competition for under-15s. Girls’ rugby was set up when one of our students playing outside of school asked us to give others the opportunity. Now we see all her friends taking part. To help even more we’ve recently secured a £2,000 grant from Sportivate, an exclusive girls fitness club for years 9-11 at Hengrove Sports Centre. Our students get to use all the gym equipment with specialist instruction. It is already oversubscribed and I’ve seen girls who previously stated that
will be overlooked. “One resident has measured the distance from his child’s bedroom to the proposed apartments’ window as only seven metres. “This is an intolerable invasion of a family’s privacy and should be taken into account,” he said in a letter to planners. But officials responded that the Town and Country Planning Order 2015, which allows offices to be made into homes, did not allow them to consider overlooking as a reason to refuse permission. Objections about overlooking made to the current planning application – for the extra nine flats – may carry more weight. The developer also wants to use the ground floor as offices.
they hated sport participate with enthusiasm. My own advice for families with girls who might have dropped off being active since primary school is to: • Try a variety of sports or dance classes. Most clubs will let you have a free session; it’s hard to know what she’ll really enjoy until she’s had a go; • See what her friends do after school. Maybe offer a lift share; • Try and do one thing as a family that has activity built in – a walk to somewhere new is the simplest but it could be swimming or local tennis courts; • Don’t give up. Improved health, self-esteem and new skills are something that can be carried into adulthood. In and around school we’ve borrowed Sport England’s ‘This Girl Can’ campaign to highlight the successes of some of our sporting females. It doesn’t matter to us if this has been achieved in school or at a local club, what’s important is that we now have role models who can show that muddy knees, red faces and wet hair are part of reaching your own goals and having fun.
Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Paul on 07811 766072 or email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk
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Planning applications 25 Clinton Road BS3 5PB Erection of extension to existing roof to create additional habitable space within roofspace. Insertion of additional roof lights. Granted subject to conditions Keenwork, 16-20 South Liberty Lane BS3 2SR Retention of two illuminated totem signs. Granted 198 Ashton Drive BS3 2QA Proposed two storey side and rear extension. Granted subject to conditions 90 Bedminster Road BS3 5NP Proposed single storey rear extension. Refused 38 The Nursery BS3 3EB Erection of attached dwelling. Withdrawn St Lukes Hall, William Street, Bedminster BS3 4BW Non-material amendment following planning permission
15/03182/X: change of use from Class B1(c) light industrial to residential, to provide three 1-bedroom and one 2-bedroom apartment with parking for seven vehicles and 14 cycles. Repositioning of biomass boiler and pellet store, car parking and cycle parking. Granted 72 Islington Road BS3 1PZ Single storey infill extension. Granted The Grange, Parklands Road BS3 2JW Internal and external works including new windows, side office extension, removal of unsympathetic modern conservatory, and reinstatement of areas where historic fabric previously lost. Granted subject to conditions 122 East Street, Bedminster BS3 4ES Conversion to form three flats including a rear extension; retaining part ground floor office use. Granted subject to conditions
Local services CHIMNEY SWEEP
Redpoint Climbing Centre, 40 Winterstoke Road BS3 2NW Extension of climbing centre to form assembly area. Granted subject to conditions
64 Foxcote Road BS3 2BZ Two storey rear extension. Refused
56 & 58 Allington Road BS3 1PT Change of use from use class C3 to C1 (dwelling houses to guest house). Granted subject to conditions
Unit 1, Mead Street BS3 4RP Application for consent to display an advertisement: seven partilluminated fascia signs & two non- illuminated post-mounted signs. Granted subject to conditions
137 Parson Street BS3 5RB Application to approved details in relation to conditions 3 (Flood Evacuation Plan) of permission
• The status of these applications may have changed since we went to press. Check for updates at planning online.bristol.gov.uk
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143 - 145 West Street, Bedminster BS3 3PN Extension to create a second floor and conversion to provide two flats. Refused
Bedminster Cricket Club, Clanage Road BS3 2JX Raised roof and extension of groundkeeper’s store to provide new changing facilties and a plant store. Withdrawn
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15/01699/F: retrospective change of use to land to rear of 135-137 Parson Street from open storage and workshop/ office buildings to bus parking with workshop/ office buildings. Granted
126 Smyth Road BS3 2DP Lawful Development Certificate for a proposed single storey rear extension, extending less than 3m. Granted
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George Ferguson It’s time to support our Learning City
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NEW year brings new opportunities to focus our attention on different ways in which, together, we can make Bristol a healthier and happier city. My chosen theme for this year is learning and with that in mind I have dedicated my Mayor’s Fund for Bristol for 2016 to raising money for initiatives that support learning opportunities across the city. Building on the success of the Bristol European Green Capital Schools Programme – which has so far inspired 30,000 local primary school children – we have declared Bristol to be a Learning City, where every citizen has access to good education and is able to acquire the skills they need to take control of their own futures and to join our world-class workforce. Education is always going to be a major factor in helping people breakdown barriers and overcome obstacles, whether it be language or skills. I want to do all I can to make Bristol a better, fairer place
The Mayor’s view Each month Bristol mayor George Ferguson shares his take on South Bristol life
support hundreds of local people since it was established in 2013. Please consider donating to the fund if you can afford to. Over the past few years this money has been making a real difference. Last year, nine different mental health and physical disability charities benefitted from citizens’ generous donations during 2015. The fund is managed by Quartet, Bristol’s independent community foundation, and grants are distributed to charitable organisations and social enterprises which support local people. As well as giving online, donors can get involved through payroll giving or Give As You Earn, which is one of the easier ways to support the Mayor’s Fund for Bristol. It is also tax free if you are a UK taxpayer. To find out more about the fund and how it helps Bristol projects, visit www.bristol.gov. uk/mayor/mayor-s-fund-for-bristol. If you wish to make a donation please go to: quartetcf.org.uk or justgiving.com and search for Mayor’s Fund for Bristol.
for everyone and dedicating my charitable fund to learning is one way to achieve this. I donate 20 per cent of my salary to the fund, which, together with matching donations from Bristol donors, has helped to
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News
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Your chance to help restore historic lodge FANS of local history, web designers and photographers are among those who may be able to help in the final stages of reviving a historic building. The Lower Lodge at Ashton Court has been neglected for 50 years but a £1 million restoration, part-funded by the Lottery, will end this year. The lodge, in the grounds of Ashton Park school, will reopen as a learning and community resource. The lodge was built in 1805 as the main entrance to Ashton Court and would have been used to impress guests visiting the Smyth family. The volunteer opportunities including local history research to shape the information offered to visitors. Other aspects include developing a website, creating a
FACTFILE: Lower Lodge Gateway
Coal powered: Lower Lodge was built by the mine-owning Smyths new walking trail and app, and signposting for visitors. A photographer is also sought to record the renovation process. Tamsin Mosse, the lodge’s community projects officer, said: “Building a strong volunteer team is fundamental to the future of Lower Lodge as a community
Police update
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VERY now and then a crime happens that really hits home and, often, it’s the ones involving our most vulnerable residents. On January 10, an elderly lady had her purse stolen while out shopping on East Street in Bedminster. It doesn’t sound like the most serious incident, but when you consider the fact it appears a group of two men and two women targeted her – two distracting her while two worked on stealing her purse – you begin to understand the impact it’s likely to have had. While I don’t want to cause alarm – it is the only incident reported to us – it is perhaps a timely reminder of the need to look out for our elderly or vulnerable family, friends or neighbours. If you see people acting suspiciously, please call us.
C
AR crime continues to keep us busy, with the area attracting opportunists who literally try all the doors of cars parked on the streets until they get lucky and steal what’s inside.
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asset. I would love to hear from anyone interested in being more involved in putting Lower Lodge on the map.” Volunteers will be given training, and travel expenses will be reimbursed. The project is a partnership between Ashton Park school,
Bristol Buildings Preservation Trust, Bristol city council and South West Bristol Cooperative Learning Trust. To find out more, contact Tamsin by email at info@ ashtonlodge.org.uk • www.ashtonlodge.org.uk • facebook.com/ashtonlodgeBS3
With Sgt Paul Honeychurch, Bedminster police station
Keep your eyes open for this nasty foursome
The frustrating thing for us is that so many cases involve cars that have not been locked and/or have valuables left inside. The message isn’t new, but sadly needs repeating. Please don’t make life so easy for the thieves.
F
INALLY, across the area, we’re asking people to help us in our efforts to reduce the harm caused by drugs in our communities. Our success will be determined by people’s willingness to share information with us about people they know or suspect to be dealing drugs. Remember, you can do this anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their website, www. crimestoppers-uk.org. They cannot and will not trace your call and, in many cases, a cash reward will be offered for
• Commissioned by the Smyth family, the lodge was designed by local architect Henry Wood in the Gothic Revival style • The ornate upper rooms were reputedly used by the Smyths to impress guests as a place to picnic during bad weather • Guests would look out over grounds landscaped by the famous Humphry Repton • The restored lodge will reveal the privileged life of the Smyths – funded partly with the profits from Bedminster’s coal mines – and stories of local people who worked for the family
Distraction: It only takes a moment to snatch a purse when your attention is being diverted information that leads to an arrest or conviction. Recent successes have included class A drugs and large numbers of cannabis plants seized from properties in
Whitchurch, Bedminster, Bishopsworth and Hartcliffe. There’s a widespread misconception that when a cannabis factory is found, it’s a bit of a waste of police time. This couldn’t be further from the truth. An average mature female plant could potentially yield the grower £1,000. Multiply that by 100 or several hundred, and you can easily see it’s an incredibly lucrative, dangerous, illegal business. More often than not, it’s also linked to human trafficking, modern slavery, intimidation and organised crime and represents a huge risk to the community, not least due to the fire and electrocution risks of amateur attempts to bypass electric meters. Finally, cannabis is not a ‘recreational drug’. Like all drugs, it ruins lives. So, tell us what you know and help us shut them down. Any suspicions can easily be corroborated through infrared detection – we won’t need to come knocking on the door. Sergeant Paul Honeychurch
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Features
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February, 2016
Square Food: How cooking
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HEN did Britain forget how to cook? Was it the introduction of ready meals, the popularity of the microwave, or the spread of fast food shops? More importantly, what can be done about it? It’s well known that the decline in home cooking is contributing to a rise in obesity, to children becoming more unhealthy and more at risk of diabetes, and to a lack of knowledge about what’s healthy to eat. It also means people are spending more than they need to on food – contrary to what you may think, cooking from scratch can be the cheapest way to eat. And if people don’t know what to to do with the food they do have in their fridge, it’s more likely to be wasted – leading to the shocking statistic that 7.5 million tonnes of food is thrown away in UK homes each year,
One of West’s best chefs is leading a quiet revolution in cookery
most of it useable. That’s a lot of issues to address – but one pioneering group in Knowle West is seeking to do something about all of it, starting with local people. The Square Food Foundation operates out of a bustling kitchen and offices in the Park Centre, Daventry Road – the large community centre that’s home to several groups and used to be Merrywood school. Square Food is the brainchild of Barny Haughton, chef and award-winning food educator.
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Heated debate: Chef Barny Haughton wants to change the way we eat He is known for several top-flight Bristol restaurants – first Rocinantes, then Quartier Vert and most recently Bordeaux Quay on the harbourside. But the acclaim of restaurant critics could not match the zeal which Barny feels for his efforts to change the way we eat, and
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Square Food – a non-profit, community interest company – is his main occupation. The need is explained by Eloise Price, the foundation’s operations manager: “We see people come through our door who have never cooked before. They might be 20 and they don’t
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Features
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just might change your life SQUARE FOOD: GETTING INVOLVED • Volunteers – always welcome to help cook at master classes or community sessions • Young people – over-19s can take first steps in cooking • Older people – Back to the Kitchen sessions to restore confidence and make friends • Learn finer skills – book a masterclass • Make a donation – both businesses and individuals • Private parties know what a stick of celery is.” Square Food aims to tackle most of the things that are wrong with the way we eat today. First, there are the classes that show how easy and rewarding it is to cook from scratch. Some of these classes serve the older population. Some are for local schools. Some are aimed at children with learning disabilities or behavioural issues. Some have helped women working in the sex trade. Others include master classes where businesses can send employees to learn not only cookery but team building skills. The fees from these and other corporate events help fund the rest of the foundation’s work. From the new year, there’s a project which has won funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner to help young people who may have left school without any cooking skills and may have attracted the attention
JUNK FOOD: WILL WE SOON SEE IT AS TOXIC, LIKE SMOKING? BARNY Haughton thinks we may be riding a sea change in our views of unhealthy, processed food and takeaways. In the 1960s, smoking was known to be harmful but was socially acceptable. Now, tobacco use is in decline and smoking is seen as a social evil. Will our view of foods with too much sugar and fat ever be seen in the same light? Barny knows there’s a long way to go. In Knowle West life expectancy is 10 years less than
A warm welcome: Square Food sessions are full of friendly faces of the police for anti-social behaviour. But the foundation is about more than teaching how to use a sharp knife and saucepan. Reducing food waste and energy use and choosing healthy,
good quality food is part of every message. But another important aim is bringing people together, as general manager Solomon Fubara explained: “The Back to the Kitchen class takes people
for someone living in Clifton, much of it due to unhealthy lifestyles. But frequent public debates about food scandals, and the rise of campaigning chefs like Jamie Oliver, are helping to change public perceptions. Almost everyone knows now that they should eat five fruit or vegetables a day, even if they don’t yet do so. Crucially, he said, children are now taught how to cook at primary school. Not much has been invested in this brave initiative, but with help from Square Food and many other bodies, most schools are now
able to offer cookery lessons. This means for the first time in two or three generations, children who don’t see much cookery at home will at least learn the basics at school. Barny also believes we are learning that how we source our food has many impacts. “It’s not just to do with being healthy but the state of communities and agriculture, about food waste, energy use and the whole world of food,” he said. It was his fascination with the food economy that took him from running some of the best restaurants in the West to becoming the “real food”
through basic skills such as making dough and pizza, and in the process they interact and make friends, so it’s also a social activity.” Clearly the friendly nature of the sessions is why some people coming back not just for several weeks, but several years. Pete, 62, from Totterdown, decided to give the Back to the Kitchen classes a try after years of living alone and eating ready meals. Like many men, he never learned cookery at school, and for much of his life he was catered for by his mother and then his wife. Living on his own, he didn’t cope well: “It was the expense – I was spending a lot of money on bad food,” he said. Now he has a folder of recipes several inches thick and one of his favourite ways of spending an evening is to have friends around for a three-course dinner. And like many others who pass through the foundation’s kitchen, he gives a bit back by volunteering in other classes. Volunteers are vital to the running of Square Food – there are about 15, some choosing to help with the community events and some with the master classes. More volunteers are always welcome, says Solomon. In 2016 the foundation hopes to get accredited to start issuing NVQ qualifications so local people can use their new skills for employment. And with funding from the police commissioner to bring in more young people, the kitchen looks set to get even busier.
Drawing attention: Square Food pioneer of Knowle West. Many will say that Square Food deserves some of the media acclaim of the celebrity chefs.
Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Paul on 07811 766072 or email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk
southbristolvoice www.southbristolvoice.co.uk Reports from your councillors – Southville 26
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February, 2016
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OT ON the heels of the traffic problems at Dean Lane comes a separate set of issues at Charlie Holy Cross primary. Bolton The school is on Green, a double-90 degree Southville bend on Dean Lane, which is also a major walking and cycling route into town. There are a variety of problems: the narrowness of the pavement on the school side, forcing parents onto the road on one of the bends; pedestrians crossing to or from Alpha or Acramans roads on the same bend; cars stopping on double yellow lines outside the school, forcing other cars into the wrong lane; vehicles just going too fast; cars doing three-point turns at the junction; cars reversing into the entrance; and I’ve probably missed a few. Solutions suggested include moving the school entrance (expensive); closing the road to
through traffic (controversial); some sort of traffic calming around the school (also expensive); and something simpler, such as double yellow lines plus enforcement (may not address all the issues). However, it comes down to having the money and resources to fix the problem. The neighbourhood partnership has a transport budget (enough for one scheme a year!) but was asked to book in projects three years ahead. (Actually none have been delivered.) There are other potential sources of funding such as school building budgets, but the allocation of such monies is something of a mystery. We all know that the council has lost around 40 per cent of its budget, so times are extremely difficult. I’m not convinced other areas of the city do much better. It needs a radical overhaul – which is why Greens have submitted an amendment to the mayor’s budget to redirect £0.5m to school safety measures. I’ll let you know if it succeeds.
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EADERS will know that the Greens are very committed to real democracy. We regularly change Stephen our leader on the Clarke council group, we Green, do not vote as a Southville block on the council but follow our own consciences and we have a transparent process to choose our candidates for election. All well and good, but there is a real danger that the forthcoming council elections in May (for all council seats and the mayor) will be the most undemocratic ever. This is because of the changed system of voter registration which has made it more complex and less democratic. It used to be that voters could be registered by a family member but now it has to be done individually. This could have a huge impact, especially on the young, mobile and those renting privately (including the
How to get in touch with your councillors – page 2
50,000 odd students who live in Bristol). Nationally, it is estimated that millions of people will drop off the register. Don’t let it be you! Register at www. gov.uk/register-to-vote. The fight for a new rail station at Ashton Gate goes on. The council will now produce a new report on the ‘business case’ after the last one ignored the impact of the stadium (an estimated 3m people a year) on the passenger figures. You couldn’t make it up. An impassioned debate took place at the last council meeting and it was clear that pretty much everyone thinks this is a sensible idea. We are not asking them to build a new track; that already runs through Ashton Gate. We are just asking for the train to be able to stop! We wait with bated breath to see what will happen at Faithspace in Stackpool Road as the final bids are assembled. There has been much effort by many people in the community to try to ensure it stays as community space; fingers crossed.
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www.southbristolvoice.co.uk southbristolvoice Reports from your councillors – Bedminster February, 2016
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I
’VE JUST completed my response to the West of England joint spatial plan. Despite the lessMark than-exciting title, Bradshaw this document will Labour, shape our city and Bedminster the surrounding area for years to come. It’s all about development and transport, balancing homes, jobs and infrastructure, and seeking a framework for decisions by Bristol and our neighbours. The consultation brings into sharp focus the need for new homes, particularly affordable ones. Estimates suggest that at least 85,000 new homes will be needed by 2036 across Greater Bristol. Research by the business community says over 125,000 homes will be needed. Add to that infrastructure (above and underground), green spaces, schools, healthcare and transport, and you can readily see the scale of the challenge.
The year 2036 seems such a long way off. If Bristol continues to grow anything like the current pace, every one of the extra new homes and jobs will be essential. A child starting school this year will be in their mid-20s at the end of the period for this plan. Decisions about where to locate homes, jobs, transport links and so much else will need to be taken long in advance. It’s not just about the economy but tackling deprivation and the gaps in health care and prosperity across the city region. Making sure the homes, jobs, transport and green spaces are all phased at the right time, and that these places offer the mix of services people need, will not be easy. It is also a chance to avoid the mistakes of the past – building large estates without shops, GP surgeries or adequate public transport. One of my worries is the lack of integrated transport so making car access, bus, Metrobus, rail, walking and cycling all inter-connect will be a massive prize.
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asked the mayor if he has any influence with the police and the council to better enforce speed limits. Let’s see what he has to say. Similarly, I regularly note bad and illegal parking on double yellow lines which makes it unsafe for pedestrians, especially those with buggies and wheelchairs. We still have street obstacle courses around parked cars and bins, although I am happy to say there is some early planning to look at ways to address this. On a lighter note, I’m looking forward to Window Wanderland later this month, which is another fun community event. Look out for some wacky window dressing and take to the evening streets to see your neighbourhood in a whole new light. I’m always happy to hear your suggestions about how we can make our community better so why not come along to the Greater Bedminster Neighbourhood Partnership, which meets on March 10 at Windmill City Farm. Or drop me an email.
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P
ARKING and cars are still a big problem in Bedminster. Some might say it’s got worse since the Celia residents parking Phipps, zone in Southville. Labour, The mayor says Bedminster that there has been a lot of flexibility in setting up the schemes. Certainly he was able to influence a change for the Fiddlers, which is good. Many of you have told us you have difficulties parking in your street and we are working with officers to try to find some solutions but this will not be easy. We suspect some of the problem is caused by commuters. As a supporter of the 20mph speed zones, I am contacted regularly by residents who are concerned about the lack of enforcement. Vehicles drive at speeds over 30mph in Ashton Vale, Duckmoor Road and Luckwell Road in particular, compromising safety. I have
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Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Paul on 07811 766072 or email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk
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February, 2016
E: paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk
Karin Smyth Patients want to see cancer services in South Bristol
Y
OU might recall reading in the November issue of the Voice about a community consultation I’ve been running regarding the South Bristol NHS Community Hospital that opened at Hengrove four years ago. I’ve been concerned for some time that it’s underused, with spare capacity, and that it is not yet fulfilling its potential. Too many people living in the south of the city are still being referred for appointments across Bristol, at Southmead and the BRI, for example. So my survey explores people’s experiences of the Hengrove hospital and what, if any, additional services people would like to see there. I’ve now analysed the first few hundred
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The MP’s view Each month Bristol South Labour MP Karin Smyth gives her perspective responses. Feedback from those who’ve used it is overwhelmingly positive, but nine out of 10 people would like to see more services there, not least to reduce the need to travel across the city for healthcare. That’s not surprising since two thirds of those who have completed the survey tell me they travel elsewhere. A large proportion go to Southmead, which is a difficult journey and is where people
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are often directed for cancer-related treatment. Consultation feedback shows that cancer screening services, followed by a seven day GP service, are the most sought-after additional services for Hengrove. I’ve now written to officials at the Clinical Commissioning Group – the body that’s responsible for funding local health services – giving them details of these findings, and letting them know that I support my constituents’ view that extending cancerrelated screening is a priority for Hengrove. I’ve asked them for their comments and requested they set out what plans or aspirations they have to extend services, and by when, to Hengrove. Watch this space. It took over 50 years of campaigning for the hospital to be built, but if we’re to secure additional healthcare services at Hengrove, it’s important South Bristol people continue to speak up. Voice readers who haven’t already completed my survey and who would like to make their views known are welcome to do so. It can be completed online at www. karinsmyth.com/hospital. If you would like a paper copy call 0117 953 3575. And don’t forget, if you want to write to me about this or any other issue, you can do so by email: karin.smyth.mp@parliament.uk or by post at House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.
Entertainment
No script – so just make up a play in a week!
CHILDREN who are also carers have the chance to get away from their responsibilities and face a different challenge during half term: creating a play in four days. The Acta community theatre in Gladstone Street, Bedminster, which runs drama groups for young carers every week. The half term project from February 9-12 offers the chance to make an original story for the stage. The week will end with a performance for family and friends on the Friday evening. At the last event during the October half term, 14 young people from North Somerset spent three days creating a show called Ocean Waves. The group came up with a pirate story involving storms, sea monsters, ghosts and mutinies – but with a moral ending where only the good pirates were rewarded with treasure. Among the young people who have attended the carers’
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The old ’uns are the good ’uns REVIEW: Barry Cryer & Ronnie Golden: Past Masters Slapstick Festival, St George’s
Total Eclipse: One of Acta’s earlier shows made by the young carers sessions, one said: “It’s helped me lots because I used to be nervous and now I’m not. It’s built up my confidence.” Another said: “I’ve made really good friends and I can talk to people who know what I’m going through and are from similar situations at home.” And another: “I was glad it wasn’t about my caring but it was just about having fun.” • www.acta-bristol.com
A PLAY IN 4 DAYS
• For child carers aged 11-18 • 10am-3pm each day • Show 6pm Friday • No experience necessary; no auditions • At Acta, Gladstone Street, Bedminster BS3 3AY • Free transport available • Book on 0117 953 2448 • Bring a packed lunch
BARRY CRYER was writing putdowns for Frankie Howerd before modern stand-up was invented. But here he is, with multitalented singer-guitarist Ronnie Golden, creasing up a Slapstick Festival audience. Age is not a barrier to enjoying yourself, he opines .“Sex is great at 80. We live at No. 82.” “Barry has been working on his first erotic novel,” says Ronnie. Adds Barry: “It’s a pop-up”. That gives you a flavour. It’s not subtle. In Zimmer Frame Blues, when Barry sings, “My short term memory’s shot to pieces,” you can guess the next line. Ronnie’s impression of Robert De Niro as a chicken is, however, unexpected. It appeared to amuse Bill Oddie, next to us. We don’t usually cover shows that aren’t local; but Slapstick is run by Totterdowners, and it’s cracking. Go see. PB
Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Paul on 07811 766072 or email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk
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What’s on
Monday February 1 Friends of Marksbury Road library meet at 6pm in the library. The Friends organise community events, fundraising and lobbying in the community. • www.facebook.com/Friendsof-Marksbury-Road-Library Take It On: costume design One of a series of skills classes for ages 10-13 at the Tobacco Factory Theatre, 4.30-6pm. Take It On sessions are supported by IOP Publishing. £3 per session, book in advance. • www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com Tuesday February 2 A Celebration Of The Natural World at Paintworks exhibition space, Bath Road. Art exhibition created by 10 local schools: Wicklea Academy, West Town Lane Academy, St Bernadette’s, St Anne’s infants, Broomhill primary, Redfield primary, Holymead primary, Oasis Academy Brislington, Waycroft Academy and Hillcrest primary. Open until Saturday February 6. Tuesday-Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 9am-3pm. • www.paintworksbristol.co.uk Silent Auction Knowle Townswomen’s Guild. 2-4pm, Redcatch Community Centre, Redcatch Road. • www.facebook.com/ knowletownswomensguild Saturday February 6 Animal husbandry and care at Windmill Hill City Farm. “Whether you are thinking of setting up a smallholding, getting animals of your own or just fancy a day finding out how to care for farm animals, this workshop is for you. Our resident farmer will teach you all you need to know.” Cost: £35, 9am-2pm • www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk Jim Reynolds & Dave Griffiths at Saltcellar Folk Club, held in the basement at Totterdown Baptist Church, Wells Road, Totterdown. Blues, ragtime and folk on guitar, mandolin and bass. 7.30pm, £5. • www.mandolinexpress.co.uk/ bands • www.saltcellarfolk.org.uk Wednesday February 10 Homer’s Odyssey Tobacco Factory – performance at Circomedia, St Paul’s, Portland Square, BS2 8SJ. Until February 14. Homer’s epic poem retold in dance theatre production by the Mark Bruce Company, who created the multi-award-winning Dracula. Set to music ranging
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Heroes give vent to their passions REVIEW: 5x15, Tobacco Factory theatre PSYCHIATRIST, neuropsychopharmacologist and famously ex- government drug advisor, Professor David Nutt’s research into the effects of psychedelics has positive implications for depression and well-being. He is warm, down-to-earth and makes a lot of sense. Author Jay Griffiths broke a rule – 5x15 talks should be non-scripted. That way you see how a person thinks, get to know them a little. So, while what she read was beautiful and especially good on her heroine Frida Kahlo, this was the speaker I connected with the least. Jess Thom talked about the neurological condition which her alter-ego and website are named after: Touretteshero. Jess is a funny, engaging, visual and performance artist who uses her tics as inspiration for herself and others. Her work is about dispelling fear and embracing who you are. Matilda Temperley talked about the disappearing cultures of the Omo Valley in Ethiopia. Her stark, monochrome photographs of tribal people are modern, somehow dreamy, timeless. She convinced me of the injustices that globalisation and modernisation are wreaking on the area. With smart blazer, shorts and a twinkle in his eye, Michael Eavis says farming is still his first love. He told us about the origins of Glastonbury – how he took his girl to Bath Blues Festival and as a romantic gesture decided to run his own – innocently phoning the Colston Hall for
the Kinks number and when they cancelled, Marc Bolan played instead, arriving in a velvet-covered Buick (entry fee for this first event was £1 and free milk!). One of his proudest charitable achievements is the 30+ social housing units he has built in Pilton. Great anecdotes and a nod of respect to the travellers who have been an integral part of it all. This second event, like the first, was a sell-out. The third, on April 23, is likely to be the same. The fun is in its lucky dip nature – not all subjects will float your boat, but interesting people talking about their passions makes for an inspiring and thought-provoking evening. Beccy Golding • Sign up for future 5x15 events at bristol@5x15stories.com
from Mozart to Mark Lanegan; Sacred Arias to the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, and an original score. Age recommendation 14+. £19.50 & £14.50 • www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com Thursday February 11 Hamlet The world’s most famous play, directed by Andrew
Hilton, founder of Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory, to mark the 400 anniversary of the great playwright’s death on April 23, 1616. “Realpolitik, madness, sex and murder all play their part in a drama that is both a thriller and the profoundest meditation on our human condition.” Until
Twinkling: Michael Eavis
February, 2016
April 30. Tickets from £16 to £24. • www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com Friday February 12 Hey Bulldog + The West Indies + DJ Kev Regz, The Thunderbolt, Bath Road, 7.3011.30pm. Hey Bulldog: “Bristol’s top Mod band who love to dip into the sounds of The Who, Kinks, The Beatles and The Small Faces. The West Indies are an indie covers band from the Bristol area bringing you the cream of the 90s and 00s.” £4. • www.thethunderbolt.net Saturday February 13 Judy’s Vintage Fair Paintworks, Bath Road. Vintage traders bring menswear, womenswear, homewares, collectibles, accessories and jewellery for a shopping extravaganza. • www.judysvintagefair.co.uk • www.paintworksbristol.co.uk Sunday February 14 Love Food presents Valentine’s Day food festival Paintworks, Bath Road. “Taste and buy an array of sensory foods, such as oysters, unctuous cheeses and artisan chocolates from our local food market, or gorge on a selection of hot and sumptuous street food.” Free entry, 10.30am-4pm. • www.lovefoodfestival.com • www.paintworksbristol.co.uk Tony Law: Frillemorphesis at Tobacco Factory theatre. “The brand new stand-up art show from the multi award-winning Tony Law. Experience his frillemorphesis as he explodes into the future absurdly. As seen on Have I Got News For You, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, 8 Out Of 10 Cats, Celebrity Squares.” Age 16+. Tickets £15 • www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com Thursday February 18 Develop your novel New course at Windmill Hill City Farm. “A course to help edit, structure and enhance your story, with guides to help progress key scenes, develop plot and improve tense, point of view and dialogue. You will receive encouraging feedback from the group to assist you to advance your novel towards completion.” Eight sessions, 7-9pm. Cost: £75 (free for those on a means tested benefit). Run by the WEA. • www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk Attilla the Stockbroker The Thunderbolt, Bath Road, 7.30pm. “Launched into public
To advertise, contact sales@southbristolvoice.co.uk or Paul on 07811 766072 or Emma or Hollie on 0117 908 2121.
February, 2016
E: paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk
What’s on
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Soundscape of human voices REVIEW Mmm Hmmm, Tobacco Factory theatre THERE are loads of choirs in South Bristol. And there are tons of performers, creativetypes and live gig-goers. So it’s no surprise that there was a packed house for Mmm Hmm on January 21 – it’s a perfect combination of all these things. I was delighted to have a ticket, having missed out on the previous run back in 2014. This short a cappella performance - only 45 minutes – was startling in many ways. The set? Just the black floor and walls of the Tobacco Factory, lit with boxes of light. Three women in black leather shoes and block-coloured… well, you could call them dresses, but throughout the show arms were in, arms were out, hoods were up, monk-like, to cover faces, empty sleeves were tied tight, or tucked in to create formless bags of cloth. It was physical too, with pushing and shoving, mimed tea-drinking, stomping consciousness by John Peel in the early 1980s, performance poet, musician, journalist and political activist Attila the Stockbroker has spent 35 years touring the world.” £10/£8. • www.thethunderbolt.net Friday February 19 Stained glass workshop for intermediates, from 9.30am12.30pm at Windmill Hill City Farm. “A course for students who wish to advance their skills in stained glass making and copper foiling, as well as learning new techniques such as fusing and painting on glass.” Run by the WEA. 15 sessions, £210 – free for those on a means-tested benefit, £40 materials fee payable by all. • www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk Saturday February 20 Friends of Avon New Cut meet for litter clearance along Cumberland Road and Rail track. Meet at Gaol Ferry Bridge at 10am for around two hours. Followed by complimentary hot drink and cake. • www.franc.org.uk Sunday February 21 Young Farmers Club for children aged 8-12 years at
31 Note perfect: Ellie Showering, Verity Standen and Jannah Warlow
and clapping, something close to formation pogo-ing, chocolate biscuit-eating and breathlessly panting out the crumbs. But most incredible was the sound – three human voices creating soundscapes, hair-onend harmonies, clashing discords, songs of joy and sadness. And they pulled
Windmill Hill City Farm, every Sunday, 9am-noon. “We have a new term-time opportunity for children to help us regularly on the farmyard and get to know all the animals. Activities will include feeding, mucking out and grooming the animals, as well as collecting eggs.” £12 per session. Call 0117 963 3252 or email info@windmillhillcityfarm. org.uk • www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk Chosen Wedding Fair Paintworks, Bath Road. “Uninspired and looking for that something that’s uniquely you? Join us for a day of discovery and inspiration, celebrating local designer, maker and vintage talent that will help you make planning your big day as fun as it should be!” 11am-4.30pm. £3 in advance & £4 on the door. • www.chosenwedding.com • www.paintworksbristol.co.uk David O’Doherty at the Tobacco Factory theatre. Shows at 4pm and 8pm. Extra shows by the Irish comedian. “David O’Doherty, the Lidl Enya, the broken Bublé, is delighted to present a new show of talking
the audience right along with them – we leaned in to catch breaths and whispers, laughed heads back, and, right at the end, were visibly moved – I wasn’t the only one wiping a tear away at something, not as simple as a song with a meaningful lyric – somehow they conveyed something of the human experience, without and songs played on a stupid keyboard from 1986.” Ages 16+. £16.50. • www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com Tuesday February 23 Sisters Acta theatre, Gladstone Street, Bedminster. Also on February 26. The Acta company revive a show first produced at the theatre in 2013. “Stacey and Sharon share everything, all the ups and downs, the laughs and tears of adult life. But when an elderly relative dies, their close relationship is suddenly under threat.” • www.acta-bristol.com Friday, February 26 Quiz and supper night Windmill Hill community centre, Vivian Street. Held last Friday of every month, 8.30pm. • www.whca.org.uk The Feminists (Berlin) + Myst + Cosmonaut & Creature + The Backhand Jags, 7.30-11.45pm, The Thunderbolt, Bath Road. “Berlin girls The Feminists … with a documented penchant for sweet dresses and subtle make-up, show not only skin and sweat, but also an electrical
one note of preaching or anything as simple as versechorus-verse. Sadly this was the last run of this show. But watch out for composer Verity Standen, collaborator Ellie Showering and fellow performer Jannah Warlow, all Bristol-based, all fantastic, all guaranteed to come up with more great stuff. Beccy Golding stage presence. With the unique Samantha Fuchs as frontwoman, the force of the band is irresistible.” • www.thethunderbolt.net Saturday February 27 Willow weaving workshop at Windmill Hill City Farm, 10am5pm. “This one-day course is an excellent, relaxing, opportunity. Over the course of the day we will teach you how to weave a basket from willow. You will leave at the end of the day with your finished basket and the skills to make many more.” Cost £45. • www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk Sunday February 28 No Such Thing As A Fish with the QI Elves Tobacco Factory theatre. “The QI Elves take to the road in the first live touring version of their multiaward-winning podcast, on the back of their sell-out Edinburgh Festival run. Join Dan Schreiber, Andrew Hunter Murray, James Harkin and Anna Ptaszynski as they serve up bizarre, extraordinary and hilarious facts from the QI universe.” 8pm. Ages 16+. Tickets £15. • www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com
Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Paul on 07811 766072 or email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk
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February, 2016
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