A policeman walking away from an elderly person's home.Killers rapists and drug criminals are among those to have been jailed in Bristol in April this year The courts have been busy upholding justice in and around the city with some high profile cases brought to an end knife crime continues to be a problem across the South West Some have tragically lost their lives as a result over the last month while a number of victims continue their recovery following shocking attacks Bristol Live has a full list of the criminals jailed in Bristol throughout April 2025 Inderjit Singh Bains, 46 and of Heneage Lane, Falfield.(Image: Avon & Somerset Police)Inderjit Singh Bains, 46, of Heneage Lane, Falfield, was sentenced to 10 and a half years in jail for the attack and rape of a woman in Bristol more than 23 years ago. For the full story, click here and Kyle Joyner (right)(Image: Avon and Somerset Police)Two men were jailed for their involvement in smuggling drugs into HMP Bristol arranged for drugs to be brought in by Casey Collins Date published: 2025-05-02 | Category: Chew Valley, Children's Services, Focusing on prevention, Schools, Colleges and Learning, Somer Valley A preschool in Keynsham and a childminder in Paulton are the first childcare settings in Bath and North East Somerset to receive a national Mark of Achievement for supporting young children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) Bath Opportunity Pre-School, an early years specialist service based at Broadlands Academy in Keynsham, and Bev’s Childminding Services in Paulton have been awarded the accolade by training provider Dingley's Promise to recognise their passion and commitment to inclusive practice for early years children Dingley’s Promise provides free practical skills and knowledge training to childcare practitioners so they can offer children with SEND the support they need.  Bath & North East Somerset Council works in partnership with Dingley’s Promise to support childcare providers in B&NES to sign up to the training and make their settings more inclusive said: “We are pleased to be working in partnership with our early years settings and with Dingley’s Promise to help create more inclusive learning environments where every child can thrive Well done to Bath Opportunity Pre School and Bev’s Childminding on being early adopters of the training and on their Mark of Achievement for passion and commitment to inclusion.  “The expert training that Dingley’s Promise provides is free easy to follow and will help childcare practitioners to grow their confidence in supporting young children with SEND I hope many more providers in B&NES will sign up.” Bev Robbins from Bev’s Childminding Services said: “Completing the Dingley’s Promise training highlighted the really good practices we already have in place within the setting and enabled us to reflect on areas for further development as a staff team As a setting we are thrilled to be recognised as an inclusion-friendly setting the first across B&NES.  I would highly recommend this training to all settings to upskill practitioners or to reaffirm to practitioners they are secure in their existing knowledge.” said: “We are incredibly proud to have received the Mark of Achievement from Dingley’s Promise Inclusion has always been at the heart of our ethos and this recognition reflects the dedication of our whole team in creating a nurturing and supportive environment for every child The training has been invaluable in helping us to reflect on our practice This training is a fantastic opportunity for all early year’s settings—whether you're looking to deepen your understanding of inclusive practice or simply confirm that your current approach is on the right track.” KEYNSHAM Town under-16s are celebrating after winning Avon Youth League’s U16 plate.They beat AEK Boco U16s 3-1 at Mendip Broadwalk Football Club Theo was player of the match.Six members of the team have played together for 10 years Luke Davey has coached the players since they were in the under-6s while Tom Rhodes joined the coaching set up a few years later.Tom said: “We’ve had some ups and downs as a team but it was really good to win some silverware this season which is the last season of youth football.“We had a low point a few years ago when several of our players went to play academy football and we nearly had to fold.“But we rebuilt the team and this year we’ve had a title challenge and cup win It’s been excellent fun.“They are a great bunch of lads who have each other’s backs both on and off the field It has been a great privilege for Luke and me to coach them and watch them grow as players and as fine young men.” Glamping stock image(Image: LDR Service)As the sunny weather arrives and people start thinking about ways to spend their days in the sunshine thoughts may be turning to staycations and nearby campsites and holiday parks being so close to the countryside - and not too far away from a beach or two - there are plenty of picturesque places and beauty spots we can set up camp and enjoy some sun We've compiled a little list of holiday parks and campsites that are an hour or so (or less) away from Bristol as well as a bit of luxury (hot tubs and yoga anyone?) Inside one of the safari tents at The Camp at The Wave(Image: The Wave)Address: Washingpool Farm or fancy trying something a bit different but don't want to venture down to the beach to do so - then you may be interested to know that The Wave in Bristol boasts its own campsite Bristol's inland surf centre has a site with glamping style tents kitted out with comfortable beds private toilet and a large balcony - and they're suitable for families Located in the heart of some beautiful countryside just a short walk away you will find the rolling waves of the surf centre home to a surf shop and cafe-bar which serves an array of food and drink There's even a roof terrace to take in some summer views across the landscape You can book surf lessons as well as a break away from the hustle and bustle. Find out more here Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park(Image: Paul Gillis / Paulgillisphoto.co)‌Address: Avon Valley Adventure Park, Pixash Lane, Bath Road If you're looking for family adventure without journeying too far - and want more than a day out - then you can book a camping or glamping holiday at Avon Valley Adventure Park this summer all stays include free entry to the Adventure Park from arrival to departure You'll camp within the grounds of what is dubbed 'one of the West Country's best family fun days out' the campsite boasts extensive glamping options at 'Base Camp' home to pre-pitched 'Explorer Tents' and Nordic Bell Tents with wood fired hot tubs There are also motorhome and campervan pitches you can also book an Adventure Pod with a private hot tub the 'On the Deck' bar is open to campers in the evening as soon as the daytime park guests have left the site including locally sourced beer - and you're welcome to take anything back to your tent to enjoy Find out more and book here Dating back to the 1730s and located in the historic hamlet of Cowslip Green Brook Lodge can be found just off the A38 and boasts easy access to Bristol There's a babbling stream which winds its way along five acres of grass park and trout fishing at the world famous Blagdon Lake - just two miles away and a separate paddock and bell tents to hire There are washing facilities, fire pit rental and firewood, a small shop, and children's play area too. Find out more and book here Located on the outskirts of the village of Banwell, near Weston-super-Mare, Myrtle Farm's campsite boasts panoramic views on 3.5 acres of land for caravans On site you'll find a purpose built shower toilet and kitchen block with underfloor heating and even a secure dog exercising area for your four legged friends Firepits and barbeques are allowed on one of the designated camping areas There's even a holiday barn you can hire, with its own parking, private garden and BBQ. Find out more here The road through Cheddar Gorge (Image: Ryan Searle)Bucklegrove Holiday ParkAddress: Wells Road Nestled in the heart of Somerset, at the foot of the Mendip Hills, Bucklegrove boasts landscape views out across the Cheddar Valley - and you can even see as far as Glastonbury Tor There is a range of accommodation types to choose from - lodges with hot tubs the holiday park's facilities include a heated indoor swimming pool And you're close to attractions including Wookey Hole Further afield you'll find Weston-super-Mare Find out more here Location of Owley Woods glamping site near Cheddar(Image: Google Maps)‌Address: Owley Surrounded by wildlife and perfect for some peace and quiet Owley guests stay in 'not just tents' but Owley Belles fully equipped with everything you need for your stay - and plenty of character The site is also surrounded by spectacular walks Cheddar Village (and its tea rooms) are just a 15 minute walk or five minute drive away Find out more here Mendip Base camp has been voted as one of the best campsites in the south west(Image: Mendip Activity Centre and Mendip Basecamp)‌Address: Mendip Activity Centre An award-winning off-the-grid family adventure campsite in North Somerset, Basecamp is surrounded by ancient woodland and is perfect for 'families You can pitch where you like and bring your well behaved dogs The team also says that fire pits are encouraged and connecting with nature is a priority and the activity centre itself has more than 20 activities to take part in - from target and rock sports you can choose to bring your own tent or campervan or stay in a safari tent or Nomadic bell tent Find out more here Described as a "magical handcrafted eco-village nestled on the side of a wild wooded valley near Bath, and founded on green woodworking and sustainable woodland management", Campwell Woods is home to log cabins a cob roundhouse and a shepherd's hut with wood burning stoves and firepits There's a wood-fired sauna for up to 10 people a unique off-grid and eco-friendly facility treehouse with compost loos family and friends - and dogs are welcome too There's also another village which sits in the heart of a fifth-generation working farm in Wiltshire - the site where it all began Find out more and book here. Date published: 2025-01-31 | Category: Delivering for local residents, Keynsham Area, Roads, travel and transport A new mini roundabout has been installed in Charlton Road as part of safety and highway improvement works completed by Bath & North East Somerset Council.  The T-junction at Charlton Road in Keynsham with Charlton Park has been replaced with a mini roundabout in response to concerns raised over vehicle speeds as well as access and egress issues from the junction The introduction of the mini roundabout aims to improve safety by reducing the speed of traffic.  Highway and footway resurfacing has also taken place with improvements made to drainage and an existing crossing point The scheme also included refreshed road markings and a widened footway.  said: “Charlton Road sees a lot of vehicle traffic and we wanted to reduce vehicle speeds and make the junction with Charlton Park safer for everyone alongside the new roundabout we’ve narrowed the existing crossing point there as well as other improvements.”   The changes were completed over a three-week period in January The road was kept open throughout with works carried out under temporary signals to reduce disruption.  ROADS on a Keynsham housing development have still not been adopted by the council more than 12 years after it was built.The Meadows was advertised for sale in 2013 after being constructed by Taylor Wimpey.But because Bath & North East Somerset Council has yet to adopt its roads it means they have not yet become part of the public highway and maintainable at public expense.The council says it cannot assess whether the roads are suitable for adoption until Wessex Water has adopted the sewer network And the water company says it cannot do that until the necessary action is taken by Taylor Wimpey.In the meantime Taylor Wimpey is responsible for the sewer network and road maintenance.Alan Hale B&NES independent councillor for Keynsham South said: “This development and its lack of completion for adoption has been a source of much complaint from the residents over many years because it affects many things that feature in the lives of those who live there – services such as street lighting and highways I have received many complaints over the years from frustrated residents reporting problems and it frustrates me because I am unable to help them as the council is not currently responsible.”Cllr Hale said the matter had been raised with local MP Dan Norris who received a response from Wessex Water.In its reply the water company said that Taylor Wimpey was responsible for building the sewers and that Wessex could not adopt them until satisfied they had been constructed to an acceptable standard.Wessex said it was still waiting for Taylor Wimpey to arrange the necessary inspections and provide a CCTV camera survey of the site drainage.The water company said it understood residents’ frustration about how long it had taken to adopt these sites but it needed to ensure there was no adverse impact on its system or on the environment as a result of the development.“Our downstream foul water pumping station has previously flooded neighbouring land during heavy rainfall and we want to ensure that the system as constructed by the developer and their contractor will not exacerbate this.”Wessex Water said it had made further contact with Taylor Wimpey which was “taking action and working with us towards a solution.”A spokesperson for Taylor Wimpey told the Voice: “We can confirm that the sewer network and maintenance of roads at The Meadows remains our responsibility until the handover between Taylor Wimpey Wessex Water and the highway authority at Bath and North East Somerset Council has been completed.“We would like to reassure residents that we are continuing to work closely with both Wessex Water and B&NES council to ensure a smooth handover process at the earliest opportunity.”Councillor Manda Rigby said: “We understand that the developer of The Meadows is carrying out remedial works to the sewers that are required in order for Wessex Water to adopt them.“We are unable to inspect whether the roads are suitable for adoption by the council until the sewer works are completed and the timescale for this is outside the council’s control.”Cllr Hale said: “Those who have bought their homes or those who pay good money in rent should not be faced with these delays You would hope that building companies would fully complete developments that they have sold before they move on to their next project.” A HOUSING association has been given permission to knock down four derelict blocks of flats in Keynsham and build 45 affordable homes in their place.The Tintagel Close flats overlook Kelston Park but everyone who lived there has been rehoused due to the “degrading condition” of the 1960s buildings The area has since become a magnet for antisocial behaviour.Now Bath and North East Somerset Council has granted planning permission for housing association Curo to demolish the flats and build 45 new homes in their place.Curo initially looked at keeping people in the building and upgrading it The 45 new homes will be a mix of 22 one-to-two bedroom flats with 34 available for social rent and 11 as shared ownership.The proposal had the support of Keynsham Town Council and only received a single objection the plans were not brought before Bath and North East Somerset Council’s planning committee but were approved by officers.Curo says all the new homes will have dedicated parking their own electric vehicle charging point and energy-efficient heating systems and all will benefit from solar panels.Sarah Maylor said: “This marks the start of an exciting new chapter for the whole neighbourhood.“We’ve worked closely with local people and our partners to shape something that really reflects what the community wants and needs.“Our new scheme will be greener and built to a much higher standard than the old block.”John Wimperis LABOUR have seen off a challenge by Reform UK to hold on to the West of England.Helen Godwin (above) was elected West of England Mayor with 51,197 votes leaving Reform UK’s Arron Banks a close second place with 45,252 votes Ms Godwin told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “It was always going to be close we knew that.”Mr Banks said: “This was our least likely place to win and we came up 6,000 votes short There is a tidal wave going on in the UK at the moment.“We have seen Reform victory after Reform victory It looks like Bristol liked Banksy after all And we beat the Greens.”The Greens HAD hoped to ride a wave of recent electoral success in Bristol where last year the party took control of the council and its co-leader Carla Denyer won Bristol Central in the general election Although the Greens were only about 2,500 votes behind Labour in Bristol itself the party came third overall with 41,094 votes.Green candidate Mary Page said: “In Bristol we came second It was pulled together last minute because I had to be that replacement candidate and needs must I stepped up.”She said: “In 2027 South Gloucestershire and Bath have both got elections and in 2028 Bristol has we are not going anywhere.”Turnout in the election was 30% with  205,557 ballots received from a total electorate of 682,951 It’s a drop from the 2021 election’s turnout of 36.61% but that was held at the same time as the Bristol City Council elections.Ms Godwin said: “It genuinely is the honour of my life to be your new West of England Mayor.”The metro mayor heads the West of England Combined Authority which is responsible for improving transport across the region and attracting and delivering major investment The role is set to become more powerful under the Labour government’s English devolution plans.The full result was:Arron Banks (Reform UK): 45,252Helen Godwin (Labour): 51,197Oli Henman (Liberal Democrat): 28,711Mary Page (Green): 41,094Ian Scott (Independent): 4,682Steve Smith (Conservative): 34,092John Wimperis the candidates (left to right) Arron Banks (Reform UK) A DRINK-DRIVER who was responsible for the death of a Keynsham man in a collision last year has been jailed for eight years.Thomas Hardyman was driving a Range Rover on the B3116 Burnett Hill when his car crossed into the opposite carriageway resulting in a head-on collision with a Peugeot van.The van driver His family have described him as “one of life’s good guys”.Hardyman plus two occupants of a third vehicle that subsequently collided with the vehicles during the incident all were physically unharmed.Hardyman pleaded guilty to death by careless driving at a hearing in January.The court heard on April 4 that Hardyman had been sentenced last year for another drink-driving offence committed in August 2024 seven months after the fatal collision.The judge said: “It is clear from dashcam footage that your driving moments before the collision was erratic and that Julian Cole was killed due to your actions.“Your involvement in this collision should have deterred you from ever drink-driving again as you were drink driving again in August last year.“It is my public duty today with this sentence but no sentence can make amends for the loss of life.”After his driving ban Hardyman will need to take an extended re-test will before getting his licence back.Julian Cole’s family have paid tribute to the 66-year-old from Keynsham.In a statement they said: “Julian was one of life’s good guys – an unassuming quiet soul with a heart of gold and a helping hand for anyone who would need it.“We were the lucky ones to have called him a brother an uncle and a friend and we have seen in the past 12 months that his loss is felt across Keynsham and the wider area.“If only there were more Julians in the world selfish and unnecessary act robbed us all of him and while we continue to support each other in grief we would like to thank our family liaison officer the collisions investigations team and CPS for helping us to achieve some justice for him.”Officer in the case said: “Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the Fatal Five because it massively increases the risk of a serious collision We would please urge every motorist to please read the Cole family statement and let it sink in.” whose speeding on the M4 during Storm Babet led to the deaths of a mother and her daughter appeared at Swindon Crown Court on April 28 after pleading guilty to two counts of death by careless driving.He was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment He was also disqualified from driving for 18 months.On October 20 were stopped on the hard shoulder of the M4 eastbound near junction 17 for Chippenham with a vehicle from National Highways following a minor collision.Shortly afterwards aquaplaned while speeding at more than 90mph in the outside lane of the M4 colliding with the front offside bumper and then the steering axel of an HGV in lane one.The HGV then collided with and fell on Cheryl and Sarha’s vehicle Cheryl and Sarha were declared dead at the scene.Investigating officer DC Sean Williams from the Serious Collision Investigation Team said: “This is an utterly tragic and needless incident which has seen two women lose their lives.“Zeineddine’s speeding in the conditions was completely reckless and he admitted having impaired vision due to the amount of mist and spray that was coming off the road.“Despite this data from his Tesla showed his speed was in excess of 90mph Once his vehicle started to aquaplane in the standing water he lost complete control.“I’m pleased he has pleaded guilty which has prevented the victims’ family from having to relive the details through a trial.“Cheryl and Sarha’s deaths sadly provide a clear illustration of why it is vital to drive to the conditions no matter where you are.“Any mistake or unforeseen incident particularly at the speeds Zeineddine was driving can have fatal consequences.”Pictured above: Firas Zeineddine was driving at more than 90mphBelow: Cheryl Woods and her daughter Sarha Smith were killed when an HGV fell on their vehicle A KEYNSHAM man has completed a 150-mile run in memory of his best friend.Aaron Close ran from Westminster to the New Inn at Keynsham to raise money for Great Western Air Ambulance (GWAA).Aaron said he was “inseparable” from his childhood friend who died in a roofing accident in Bristol in 2018 despite the efforts of a GWAA crew at the scene.“It never really kicked in what we were doing until we were at the finishing line – it was such a morale booster to see how many people were backing us to get this run finished,” said Aaron.Two other friends took part in the 72-hour run along National Cycling Route 4 with rests along the way.Aaron added: “Everywhere we went people were really kind We had free hotel stays and access to their gyms and spas The boys who were in the support van were so helpful It made it a lot easier for us.”Matthew Simmonds travelled in the van to document the journey and keep the team hydrated and healthy.Matthew said: “The run went perfectly and donations were beyond our expectations.”The run has raised more than £14,000 for GWAA.Family and friends of Luke have raised more than £27,000 since his death.His parents and sister Holly decided to donate every penny to GWAAC under a dedicated section of the charity called the Luke Allen Sycamore Fund.The plan is to reach £30,000 by Luke’s 30th birthday on May 3 this year go to justgiving.com and search for ‘London to Bristol 150 Mile Ultra’ or ‘Matthew Simmonds’.Pictured above Aaron Close (centre) and his co-runners are cheered as they reach the finish line at the New Inn THE project to build a bridge over the River Avon between Keynsham and Hanham has taken a significant step forward.It would allow pedestrians cyclists and horses to cross the river border between Bath & North East Somerset to the south and South Gloucestershire to the north.A planning application has now been submitted for the bridge near Durley Lane It would be 40 metres long and up to 4.3 metres wide with a rubber-tiled surface suited to horse traffic.B&NES Council has submitted the application to South Gloucestershire Council with the two councils sharing jurisdiction over the project.Contributions to the project’s funding have been made by the West of England Combined Authority as well as Taylor Wimpey as part of its development of the Somerdale estate.Buro Happold and Moxon Architects secured the commission to design the bridge whose proposed site lies within the green belt at the river’s midway point between Bath and Bristol.The planning application says the bridge would open up more possibilities for walking and cycling in the area.“Routes are limited to one side or the other useful for travelling along the river but less helpful for onward connections.“The chosen crossing point is ideal for linking existing routes It could give users travelling east–west an opportunity to bypass a significant meander of the River Avon this point could integrate Keynsham into a larger active travel ring around Bristol as well as the Bristol and Bath Railway Path.”The bridge is part of the WaterSpace Connected project Because the water is deep and the plain is wide when the river floods the bridge will not be accessible.”One comment in support of the application comes from a Somerdale resident who states: “I consider this proposal to be of huge gain to both South Gloucestershire and Bath and North East Somerset promoting healthy activities and increasing the accessibility to the countryside.”Another states: “This will be a fantastic addition to this location Long awaited and can’t wait for it to be installed The improved path linking Keynsham to the Bristol/Bath cycle path will prove pivotal in this jigsaw.”More details of the plans are available on the South Gloucestershire Council planning portal under reference P24/02973/F.Images: Moxon Architects/Buro Happold A TEMPORARY banking hub for Keynsham has opened in MakeSpace on Riverside Square opposite the leisure centre.Customers of all major banks can carry out regular cash transactions on weekdays from 9am to 5pm as well as checking balances or paying bills.Additionally the hub also offers a community banker service where customers can talk to their own bank in a private space about more complicated issues on the day their bank is in the hub.Although there is currently no community banker on Mondays one from the Halifax will be available from May 14 The other banks providing services at the hub are NatWest (Tuesday) HSBC (Thursday) and Barclays (Friday).The hub has been set up by Cash Access UK an organisation set up to protect access to cash across the UK.It said: “While the hub in Keynsham is up and running Cash Access UK can confirm it is currently working to secure a long-term home for the banking hub which will offer the same services.”Keynsham was recommended a banking hub following the announcement of the closure of the town’s final bank branch It was originally scheduled to close in January but this was delayed until May 14 to allow for the banking hub to be set up.Cash Access UK states: “Cash is still important to millions of people in the UK Between five and six million adults say they rely on cash in their day-to-day lives.“Digital or online solutions don’t yet work for everyone all the time We’ve found that banking hubs can make a real difference to individuals small businesses and the communities they live in.”Cash Access UK is a not-for-profit company owned and funded by major banks A NEW mini-roundabout has been taking shape at the junction of Charlton Road and Charlton Park in Keynsham.Temporary traffic signals have been in place to allow Bath & North East Somerset Council to carry out the work.The scheme includes widening the pavement and improving crossings.It has been welcomed by local councillors George Leach and Alex Beaumont who said it has allowed them to achieve one of their campaign promises to residents following a meeting with more than 100 of them in early 2023.Cllr Leach said: “Our hope is this will both make it easier to join Charlton Road from Charlton Park whilst also slowing down traffic approaching St Ladoc Road.“As you can imagine a lot of work has gone into this behind the scenes so we are really pleased and thank B&NES officers for their work to help bring this to fruition and deliver on residents’ expressed ask of us.”Councillor Alan Hale also welcomed the changes stating on Facebook that “having suggested this measure some ten years ago I am pleased to see it finally being acted upon bringing additional road safety benefits.“The benefits will be that emerging from Charlton Park will be safer and emerging from St Ladoc Road will be safer as traffic approaching from the right around a blind bend should be slower giving more time to safely emerge.”But although some local residents supported the changes on social media others said they would have preferred to see alternatives to a mini-roundabout PEOPLE in Keynsham and Saltford face a challenge with Parliamentary representation after the arrest of their MP on suspicion of rape and child sex offences.Police arrested Dan Norris on Friday April 4 on suspicion of sexual offences against a girl and misconduct in a public office.Mr Norris was later banned from entering Parliament as well as the offices of the West of England Combined Authority in his role as Metro Mayor.Avon and Somerset Police said most of the offences are alleged to have occurred in the 2000s but it was also investigating an alleged offence of rape in the 2020s He has been released on conditional bail.He was immediately suspended from the Labour Party after his arrest but Mr Norris remains MP for North East Somerset and Hanham now officially as an independent.The constituency which came into being at last year’s general election follows similar boundaries to the Wansdyke constituency that Mr Norris represented from 1997 until 2010 when he was unseated by Conservative Jacob Rees-Mogg He won his seat back at last year’s general election.As well as their role in Parliament MPs and their teams in their constituency office play a key role providing assistance to constituents who reach out to their MP for help This will continue.A spokesperson from the constituency office team said: “The office is open as usual and staff are continuing to work on casework.”The spokesperson described themself to the Local Democracy Reporting Service as “from the North East Somerset & Hanham MP’s office,” avoiding mentioning Mr Norris by name.New rules in Parliament mean that a risk assessment is carried out when an MP is arrested on suspicion of a violent or sexual offence which can lead to the Member being banned from the Parliamentary estate.A House of Commons spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service on Tuesday April 8: “We do not comment on individual cases.“The House has an established process to consider sanctions on Members who have been arrested on suspicion of violent or sexual offences The details of that process remain confidential in line with the Standing Orders.”As well as being an MP Mr Norris was leader of the West of England Combined Authority as Metro Mayor until the mayoral elections on May 1.Following his arrest and the authority’s staff were offered specialist trauma support.Under Labour Party policy about second jobs Mr Norris was already not standing form re-election as Metro Mayor.Avon and Somerset Police said on Saturday April 5: “In December 2024 we received a referral from another police force relating to alleged non-recent child sex offences having been committed against a girl.“Most of the offences are alleged to have occurred in the 2000s but we’re also investigating an alleged offence of rape from the 2020s.“An investigation led by officers within Operation Bluestone our dedicated rape and serious sexual assault investigation team “The victim is being supported and given access to any specialist help or support she needs.“A man was arrested on Friday (April 4) on suspicion of sexual offences against a girl (under the Sexual Offences Act 1956) child abduction and misconduct in a public office He’s been released on conditional bail for enquiries to continue.“This is an active and sensitive investigation so we’d respectfully ask people not to speculate on the circumstances so our enquiries can continue unhindered.”John Wimperis The ad-free version is ready for purchase on iOS mobile app today we couldn't find that page";var n=e.querySelector("h2");return n&&n.remove(),{staticContent:e,title:t}},d=function(e){var t=document.createElement("button");return t.innerText=e,t.classList.add("error-page-button"),t},f=function(e){var t=document.createElement("div");t.id="recirculation-404",t.classList.add("brand-hint-bg");var n="\n \n \n Tick here if you would like us to send you the author’s response accident cleared on Stockwood Hill in both directions near Old Bristol Road acts as a key route between Keynsham and Stockwood on the outskirts of Bristol Traffic monitoring site Inrix reported the incident at 10.33am this morning We will keep you updated with our live blog below. Send us information or pictures if it is safe to do so here Inrix said: "Stockwood Hill in both directions partially blocked slow traffic due to accident near Old Bristol Road." Thomas Hardyman, found three times over the legal drink-drive limit, received an eight-year sentence for causing a fatal crash in Keynsham last year. A drink-driver who was responsible for the death of a man in a fatal collision last year has been jailed for eight years. Thomas Hardyman was driving a Range Rover on the B3116 Burnett Hill, near Keynsham, when his car crossed into the opposite carriageway resulting in a head-on collision with a Peugeot van. The van driver, Julian Cole, was fatally injured and died at the scene. His family have described him as ‘one of life’s good guys’. Hardyman, from Compton Martin, received a custodial sentence of eight years at Bristol Crown Court (Friday 4 April). The 38-year-old was travelling from Keynsham alone when the fatal collision occurred at about 3.30pm on Sunday, January 21. Dashcam footage recovered from his vehicle during the police investigation showed his car on several occasions to clip the kerb and stray into the opposite carriageway prior to the fatal collision. He was taken to Southmead Hospital following the incident where he was found to be almost three times over the legal drink-drive limit. A passenger in the van, plus two occupants of a third vehicle that subsequently collided with the vehicles during the incident, all were physically unharmed. Hardyman pleaded guilty to death by careless driving at a hearing in January. The court heard that Hardyman had been sentenced last year for another drink-driving offence committed in August 2024, seven months after the fatal collision. The judge also disqualified Hardyman from driving for a further eight years upon his release from prison. An extended re-test will need to be taken and passed before Hardyman can have his licence returned to him. Mr Cole’s family have paid tribute to the 66-year-old from Keynsham. In a statement they said: “Julian was one of life’s good guys; an unassuming quiet soul with a heart of gold and a helping hand for anyone who would need it. “We were the lucky ones to have called him a brother, an uncle and a friend and we have seen in the past 12 months that his loss is felt across Keynsham and the wider area. “If only there were more Julians in the world, it would be a much better place. “As it is this, cruel, selfish and unnecessary act robbed us all of him and while we continue to support each other in grief we would like to thank our family liaison officer, the collisions investigations team and CPS for helping us to achieve some justice for him.” Officer in the case, Dai Nicholas, said: “The thoughts of all those who have worked on this investigation are with Mr Cole’s family. He was entirely blameless and it’s clear from their emotional and loving tribute that they continue to experience and grieve for their huge loss.” “Thomas Hardyman made a conscious decision to get behind the wheel of a car while significantly over the legal alcohol limit. “Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the Fatal Five because it massively increases the risk of a serious collision. Comments Tel: 01761 258030[email protected]Follow us Further Links Owned or licensed to Tindle Newspapers Ltd. | Independent Family-Owned Newspapers | Copyright & Trade Mark Notice & 2013 - 2025 Laviano's Italian restaurant in KeynshamThings didn’t get off to the greatest of starts when we arrived at Keynsham restaurant Laviano's. The greeting was friendly enough but we were shown to the most distant table in the huge dining room, the one next to the kitchen swing door and the table with the grey plastic cutlery tray and old tea towels. It was also the table nearest to the windows looking into the small garden area, the doors still bearing the ‘social distancing’ stickers from the post-pandemic reopening. We soon asked to move tables closer to other diners, a request met politely and without fuss, the waiter agreeing that the previous table wasn’t exactly the best in the house. And it’s not as if there isn’t plenty of space in Laviano's - it’s a cavernous restaurant with a bar area and a huge open kitchen along one side. Surprisingly, it was already getting quite busy for a mid-week evening, with a family of ten celebrating a birthday on one table, a party of 12 on another and a few couples dotted here and there. Inside Laviano's restaurant in KeynshamAnd this is clearly the ongoing appeal of Laviano's - it’s one of those large, family-friendly restaurants well supported by Keynsham locals. The menu - several laminated A4 sheets on a clipboard - is as extensive as the dining room itself and covers all the usual Italian trattoria staples of pasta, pizza, fish, meat and chicken dishes. I kicked off with the gamberetti gamberoni piccante (£10.95) - a generous dish with plenty of king and medium-sized prawns in a rich and fiery tomato, garlic, white wine and chilli sauce that was a touch too watery and soup-like but there was plenty of bread for mopping up. My daughter had the funghi fritti profonde (£8.95) - essentially deep-fried breadcrumbed button mushrooms served with creamy garlic, lemon and parsley dip and with an unadvertised salad of olives, grated carrot, leaves and tomato on the side. Rigatoni and meatballs at Laviano's ‌For mains, rigatoni con polpette (£13.75) was a hearty dish piled high with fat tubes of pasta, bite-sized beef meatballs and a tomato and basil sauce. The Angelo pizza (£14.25) was also enjoyable - the thin, speckled base carpeted with tomato sauce, anchovies, capers, olives, oregano and mozzarella. The Angelo pizza at Laviano's ‌What was described as ‘homemade' tiramisu (£7.25) was a uniform, cake-like wedge of the Italian favourite rather than the individual scoops served in other places. Still, all the expected cream, coffee and booze flavours were present and correct nonetheless so no complaints there. OK, the food may not be groundbreaking or worth a major detour but it's good quality, generous and fairly priced. More importantly, Laviano’s is one of those family-run high street Italian restaurants that are always there for the locals, whether it’s for a celebration meal, post-work pizza, romantic date night or simply a catch up with friends. It would be easy to take such places for granted but they are as important to small towns as a decent pub when it comes to community hubs - they are to be cherished and used as much as possible. Laviano’s, 44 Temple Street, Keynsham, BS31 1EH. THE closure of the Halifax in Keynsham High Street has been delayed to allow time for the town’s proposed banking hub to get up and running.The branch – which is the town’s last bank – was due to shut permanently on January 14 but that date has been put back four months to May 14.When the closure was announced in the spring revealed that Keynsham would get a new banking hub as part of a wider commitment to protect access to cash.Banking hubs are a shared banking space similar to a traditional bank branch but available to everyone.The hub will consist of a counter service operated by Post Office employees where customers of any bank can withdraw and deposit cash make bill payments and carry out regular banking transactions Staff from different banks will be available on different days.As reported in last month’s Voice there are plans to move the Post Office in the High Street two doors along to the former Shoe Zone shop A public consultation on the proposals closed last month.A Halifax spokesperson said: “As many customers now choose to bank through their mobile app or online visits to our Keynsham branch have fallen over recent years.“Customers can continue to manage their money online at the local Post Office on the High Street or at the banking hub once it is up and running.”Transactions at the Keynsham branch fell more than 56% between 2019 and 2024.The Keynsham banking hub will be delivered by Cash Access UK.When plans for the hub were revealed last year said: “We are pleased to recommend this new banking hub for the local community in Keynsham.“Many people are reliant on cash and it is essential that we preserve access to cash and the opportunity for basic banking for communities across the UK.” Firefighters at Keynsham recycling centre(Image: Paul Gillis/Reach PLC)A recycling centre in Keynsham reopened today (Wednesday) after a fire broke out on Tuesday causing the site to be evacuated and closed for the afternoon They advised people to avoid the area and asked nearby residents to keep doors and windows shut The recycling centre was evacuated and closed early as fire crews extinguished the flames Bath and North East Somerset Council confirmed this morning (April 9) that the centre was now open and running as normal The cause of the blaze is believed to have been accidental and began when a bale of cardboard caught fire "Crews have now extinguished the main fire using water jets and hoses but are currently still on the scene checking for hot spots and dampening the area down. The site has been evacuated. Fortunately, there are no casualties." Bath and North East Somerset Council said at the time: "Avon Fire & Rescue Service are currently in attendance at the Keynsham Recycling Centre after a cardboard bale caught light causing a small fire. "The onsite automatic fire suppression system was activated, which confined the fire to a small area of the depot. Localised smouldering is currently under control. The household recycling centre will remain closed for the rest of today.” The Keynsham Recycling Centre is open seven days a week, 8am-4.15pm Monday to Friday, as well as 9am-3.45pm on Saturdays, and 9am-1pm on Sundays. the site of the proposed community orchard A PROJECT to create new bus lanes on the Keynsham bypass is still going ahead despite claims the plans had been scrapped.One lane in each direction of the A4 near Keynsham would be converted into a bus lane in plans described last summer as “extremely unpopular” with local people.The bus lanes form part of a wider project to make travelling by public transport between Bristol and Bath easier and reduce congestion between the two cities.The Labour candidate in the upcoming West of England election previously announced the plans had been suspended.But what has actually happened is that a public consultation on the bus lanes has merely been paused due to the election and a by-election held in January The next mayor could choose to continue the plans.In February Labour candidate Helen Godwin said: “I want residents to know that I will take action I’ve spoken to the current West of England mayor Dan Norris and subsequently he has withdrawn the consultation and suspended any further development of the scheme to allow for a new mayor to take a view and determine the way forward.”The election will be held on Thursday when voters will decide who should replace the Labour mayor who is stepping down after becoming an MP last summer.Ms Godwin’s announcement sparked fury from leading councillors in Bath and North East Somerset who criticised the apparent “abrupt withdrawal” of the plans and “chaotic decision” to suspend them.Mr Norris was pressed on the bus lanes by the West of England’s overview and scrutiny committee on Monday March 10 He denied that the project to create new bus lanes had been cancelled and claimed the suspension was due to the two elections.The mayor said: “That decision was made because we had a local by-election so it wasn’t appropriate to have that consultation Now we’ve moved into the period where we’ve got the mayoral election so it’s quite right that that be suspended The consultation has stopped and a new mayor will have to consider that.”Asked if the plans had been cancelled because that’s appropriate as there are two elections It makes sense that in that area we don’t have those consultations for now.”The by-election in January took place in Saltford when local people voted in a replacement after their former councillor resigned to take on a new job.Opposition councillors at the committee meeting said the suspension of the bus lanes appeared to not follow due process.Conservative councillor Mark Weston said: “It seems to me that the decision-making process on that did not follow due process at all It seemed like the Labour candidate announced something and then you followed it.“I would have thought that a decision on this where we’re talking about a multi-million pound investment in public transport Instead the Labour candidate bounced you into making a decision.”But according to the mayor the decision to suspend work on the bus lanes was made “well before” it was announced to the public West of England staff also spoke with staff at Bath and North East Somerset Council before Christmas over the timing of the public consultation.Stephen Peacock chief executive of the West of England Combined Authority added: “There has been no decision other than to pause a consultation BANES and combined authority officers are all working together until and unless somebody tells us not to.”Alex Seabrook A PATIENT has expressed concern over the state of the car park at the Severn Way GP surgery in Keynsham.The patient said he felt the car park was dangerous despite recent repair work.He told the Voice that he became aware of the issue when he and his wife visited the surgery a number of weeks ago.“We were quite shocked at the poor state of the car park – very dirty There was a large standing pool of water at one end and a large ‘lip’ from the gravel car park to the road – around six inches at its worst point.“My wife tripped on this lip and almost went headlong as she stepped onto the road.”He wrote the practice after which a friend told him that repairs had been carried out Someone has simply poured some gravel into the rain-filled hollow and then run a thin line of gravel along the lip so it’s now a slope rather than a lip up to the road.“It’s not been tamped down so within weeks the gravel will just have spread everywhere Talk about a half-hearted attempt – it’s shockingly bad.He added: “It’s not only uneven and dangerous and I personally would expect more of a surgery that presumably caters for a good many elderly people like us.”The surgery is a branch of the West View Surgery.A spokesperson for West View said: “In response to the patient’s concerns While we acknowledge that it is not aesthetically pleasing we do not have any further repairs planned.” The A4 Keynsham bypass and, inset, Helen Godwin, Labour's metro mayor election candidate for 2025(Image: Bristol Post)Plans to put a bus lane on the Keynsham bypass have been ditched after the Labour candidate in the metro mayor election told the existing Labour mayor she wouldn’t be going ahead with it if elected That prompted current West of England metro mayor Dan Norris to agree to withdraw the ongoing consultation and drop the plan entirely leaving the dual carriageway on the A4 around Keynsham without a bus lane for the foreseeable future But the decision - and the way it has been made - has sparked fury among council leaders in Keynsham and Bath who said they were 'astonished' at the announcement Improving the A4 corridor between Bath and Bristol for public transport has been a thorny subject for a generation of politicians with the latest proposals seeing WECA spending as much as £89 million on bus and bike lanes along the route Last summer, it was agreed to split the project into two, with bus lanes on the A4 in Bristol being considered ‘easier to deliver’ than in Bath. In North East Somerset, places like Saltford are to get bus lanes, with a separate project to make bus travel easier into Bristol through Brislington on the A4 in the pipeline But plans to install a bus lane on the A4 Keynsham bypass were among the most controversial. Last summer, councillors in the area spoke of how they were ‘extremely unpopular’ and now it appears the idea of a bus lane on the Keynsham bypass is dead in the water before it even happens the Labour candidate for the West of England Combined Authority metro mayor election on May 1 The current metro mayor Dan Norris is also a Labour politician - but cannot stand again because last year he was also elected to be the North East Somerset and Hanham MP Helen Godwin said that her opposition to the idea prompted Dan Norris to agree not to proceed with it - so whoever is elected on May 1 will have to resurrect the idea if they want it to go ahead “Many residents have raised concerns with me about these bus lanes feeling that they’re unnecessary and would make journeys longer “Many residents feel frustrated that their voices haven’t been heard during the process and that they’ve not received adequate communication about the proposed scheme “I want residents to know that I will take action I’ve spoken to the current West of England mayor Dan Norris and subsequently he has withdrawn the consultation and suspended any further development of the scheme to allow for a new mayor to take a view and determine the way forward I want residents to know I will not progress this scheme and I will take a fresh look at the wider proposal for the A4 including the option of enhanced rail services and a new station for Saltford,” she added That sparked a furious reaction from Cllr Sarah Warren the deputy leader of Bath and North East Somerset Council and the person at B&NES with responsibility for transport The A4 Keynsham by-pass(Image: Google Maps)‌She has written to Mr Norris demanding answers, and wants to know why the decision was announced by one of the metro mayor election candidates in a Facebook post, and not by the metro mayor himself at a meeting held just last week to discuss the plan. She told Dan Norris she was 'astonished'. "It is a little over a week since the last WECA Committee meeting, which would surely have been the appropriate forum for a discussion about this suspension with your partners in the unitary authorities, and for a joint announcement of such a significant decision for the A4, impacting the whole region," she said. "This continues the pattern of complete disregard for your unitary authority colleagues on the WECA committee, as well as for residents, that has been such a feature of your tenure at WECA over the last four years, and that has placed the Combined Authority into government special measures," she added. "Can you now provide us with reassurance that other WECA-funded schemes will not also be scrapped, apparently on a whim, to give the Labour candidate an advantage in the forthcoming Mayoral election?" she added. METRO Mayor Dan Norris has suspended proposals for 24-hour bus lanes on both sides of the A4 Keynsham bypass it has been revealed.The plans have been fiercely opposed in Keynsham and Saltford since they were announced in 2023.Despite overwhelming opposition in a public consultation the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) announced last summer it was sticking with the proposals But now the decision to suspend the plans has been revealed by the Labour candidate who hopes to succeed Mr Norris in his role at WECA elections this May.Helen Godwin announced on Facebook: “Many residents have raised concerns with me about these bus lanes and commuting more difficult.“So I’ve spoken to the current West of England mayor Dan Norris and he has withdrawn the consultation and suspended any further development of the scheme.“I want you to know that if elected I will not progress this scheme and I will take a fresh look at the wider proposal for the A4 including the option of enhanced rail services and a new station for Saltford.”Among those who have welcomed the news is Duncan Hounsell who represents Saltford ward on Bath and North East Somerset Council.The Liberal democrat councillor said: “I am delighted that WECA has suspended all work on creating bus lanes on the Keynsham bypass.”His campaign against the proposals included a statement made to the WECA overview and scrutiny panel on January 27 where he repeated his view that the overall scheme for the Bristol-Bath strategic corridor represented poor value for money.Cllr Hounsell said that proposed bus lanes were a particularly unpopular element of the scheme during canvassing ahead of the recent Saltford by-election.He said: “The resistance on the doorstep to bus lanes was palpable This confirms the public opposition to the proposals.”George Leach B&NES Liberal Democrat councillor for Keynsham North said: “I’m delighted that the hard work from local councillors has eventually paid off and welcome the fact that common-sense has finally prevailed.”He added: “Despite an earlier attempt from WECA to push ahead ignoring the overwhelming negative public feedback to the last consultation I’m pleased that these absurd proposals have finally been dropped.“Whoever wins the upcoming WECA election in May I look forward to better engagement with local representatives so we can work for the benefit of our residents in a sensible manner.”Meanwhile Cllr Sarah Warren B&NES Council deputy leader and cabinet member for climate emergency and sustainable transport has written an open letter to Metro Mayor Dan Norris.She said she was astonished to learn of the suspension of the bus lane proposals through Helen Godwin’s Facebook post.“It is a little over a week since the last WECA Committee meeting which would surely have been the appropriate forum for a discussion about this suspension with your partners in the unitary authorities and for a joint announcement of such a significant decision for the A4 impacting the whole region.”She added: “I have asked your officers numerous times over the last year to engage with local people and councillors about the A4 scheme and to produce the modelling evidence that would demonstrate whether or not your proposed bus lanes on the Keynsham bypass would have the local impacts on the network that residents fear.“Your staff are unable to produce the modelling – it does not exist you have single-handedly taken a chaotic decision to suspend the scheme wasting the millions that have been spent on it to date.“I write today demanding clarity Residents deserve to know what is left of plans to enhance sustainable travel along this important axis for the region and whether other elements of the A4 scheme are still going ahead segregated cycle route proposed for the Keynsham A4 bypass which you high-handedly and prematurely took the decision last summer to remove.* The opportunity for a local Keynsham connection via a hub on the bypass to the direct X39 Bristol-Bath bus service – when access to the direct bus route should be the right of a town of Keynsham’s size.“The abrupt withdrawal of the Keynsham A4 bus lane scheme as well as the inappropriate way in which this announcement was made will surely have further damaged WECA’s reputation with both residents and the national government.” A NEW convenience store and Post Office has opened in Keynsham High Street.The Post Office has moved two doors along from its previous home into the new One Stop store which used to be Shoezone.Screened counters offering a wide range of services are open Monday to Saturday 9am–5.30pm bought the woodland through an online auction with Hollis Morgan Estate Agents & Auctioneers in April last year for a reported £65,000.A company spokesperson told the Voice: “The woodland is and will be a conserved area to encourage local wildlife and support local ecology This area will remain fenced to protect it.“We’re excited to offer arranged access to the woodland as a meeting space for local community groups to host educational activities and join us in hands-on conservation activities.” Copies are on sale behind the bar in the clubhouse.Pictured a happy dressing room as KRFC 1st XV celebrate victory in the final of the Somerset Cup in 1982 A KEYNSHAM flower shop has been hailed in a national competition to reward small businesses leading the way in sustainability.Wild About Flowers in the High Street was named as a finalist in the first-ever Green Growth Awards launched by Small Business Britain in partnership with BT the business is celebrating the fact that its green efforts have been nationally recognised.Ivy Sherwood made it to the final round after impressing judges with her commitment to eco-conscious floristry.She said: “The floristry industry has long relied on plastic wraps but Wild About Flowers has successfully eliminated single-use plastics from their designer flower collection and redefined the traditional flower shop.”Ivy said that being shortlisted had given her the opportunity to meet fellow business owners and discuss sustainability initiatives.“This recognition has given us a boost in confidence to keep driving forward with our ideas and believe in the change we bring to our industry one step at a time.”At the awards ceremony in BT’s headquarters in London on March 11 the two winners of a £5,000 sustainability grant were Hoe Grange Holidays and Cooper King Distillery.Ivy sister’s Rosa said: “We’re still incredibly proud to have been shortlisted as a finalist and think it’s a great opportunity to acknowledge sustainability efforts within the small business community.”Pictured top AVON Pension Fund will meet this month to debate divesting from aerospace and arms companies which supply Israel.The body which runs the Local Government Pension Scheme in the West of England promised in December that it would look at divesting money which campaigners have warned is invested in companies profiting from breaches of international law in Palestine.Protesters presented it with eight petitions at its meeting in Keynsham in December and Bristol City Council has since passed a motion calling on the fund to divest from all arms companies Now the pension committee has said it will meet to review these investments on March 28.Chair of the Avon Pension Fund Committee Councillor Paul Crossley (B&NES Southdown said: “The petitioners approached the issue from various angles showing concern for people affected by conflict We need to gather further legal and financial advice to help us develop the available investment options.“The committee are keen to understand our members’ views on these important investment choices In the March committee meeting we’ll publicly consider the legal financial and other implications of our options around remaining invested in aerospace and defence companies.”The £6 billion fund said it currently has £18 million – 0.3% of its total assets – invested in such companies which it said primarily supply NATO partners and the UK government.At the meeting in December Dr Eldin Fahmy told the committee: “Avon Pension Fund is funnelling taxpayers’ money into companies aiding or profiting from very serious breaches of international law.”He added: “This is not just a political choice It is a matter of good governance for the fund.”Mr Crossley said at that meeting that the process the committee had to follow would take time but said: “We will be expediting that process as quickly as possible.”He added: “From my own personal point of view I have visited Palestine twice and have seen many of the issues that people have raised here.”Avon Pension Fund runs the Local Government Pension Scheme for 140,000 members who work for more than 450 organisations in the West of England.The fund is administered by Bath and North East Somerset Council with representatives sitting on the committee from the three other local authorities of the former county of Avon: Bristol City Council and South Gloucestershire Council.Rather than having directly bought shares in arms companies the Avon Pension Fund’s investments are part of a passive equity pool a financial product splitting money across thousands of companies.The fund chose the pool to invest in because it is aligned with the 2015 Paris agreement on reducing greenhouse gas emissions The March 28 meeting of the Avon Pension Fund committee is scheduled to be held at 10am in the council chamber in Bath Guildhall.John Wimperis protesters outside the pension fund committee’s meeting in Keynsham in December PLANS to turn an empty Keynsham warehouse into a go-kart track have been turned down.The former IJ McGill Transport warehouse (pictured) near Waitrose has stood empty since 2022 TeamSport submitted a planning application to Bath and North East Somerset Council to turn the building into their next go-kart venue.The company which runs 35 karting centres around the country said: “It will create approximately 40 new jobs and will deliver investment in the local economy.”But now the plans have been rejected on the grounds that they would reduce employment space.The plans were also refused because of the effect on people living nearby.Councillor Andy Wait (Keynsham East Liberal Democrat) warned that the karting track would cause “noise at unreasonable and unsocial times damaging the quality of life and the health of those living close by.”The plans had originally come before the planning committee in November when TeamSport was proposing a centre running seven days a week from 8am to 11pm.But the meeting heard that people living nearby in Unity Road were opposed to the scheme saying the only respite they would get from noise traffic and antisocial behaviour would be Christmas Day.Councillors sent the plans back to the applicant asking TeamSport to consider reducing their proposed opening hours by closing at 7pm on Sundays and 10pm Monday to Thursday.But the company declined stating that the shorter opening hours requested by the council would make the business unviable.TeamSport said: “The application has robustly demonstrated that the proposal will not give rise to unacceptable impacts on neighbouring amenity; therefore reducing the opening hours to the times suggested would not be necessary.”Planning committee member Tim Warren (Midsomer Norton Redfield Conservative) said it was “a shame” the company had not agreed to reduce the proposed opening hours.But he was concerned that the proposed go-kart centre was in the wrong place despite the council’s planning officers recommending that it should go ahead.Councillors on the committee voted 8-2 to refuse the plans.John Wimperis Date published: 2024-10-22 | Category: Delivering for local residents, Keynsham Area, Libraries Residents in Keynsham are invited to step into Keynsham Library present and future at an event to celebrate the evolution of the library since the service opened in Keynsham in 1941 October 25 from 3pm to 6pm at Keynsham Community Space also celebrates the library’s ten-year anniversary in its current building and is the culmination of a two-week programme of events which have included history talks community groups and children’s crafts.  The drop-in celebration and exhibition in cooperation with the Keynsham and Saltford Local History Society is part of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s year-long celebrations of 100 years of free public library services in B&NES It will also be a chance for residents to meet local organisations that work closely with the library service Citizens Advice BANES and Future Bright.  Keynsham Library opened on 4 July 1941 in the Old Liberal Club on Bath Hill when Keynsham was under the area of Somerset County Council From the late 1950s onwards it became the busiest library in Somerset and in 1965 moved into Temple Street.  In 2011 the building was demolished to make way for the council’s new Civic Centre Library and Community Space which became the new home for the library in October 2014 combining with the One Stop Shop to provide residents with access to council services in one place Information and Advice Services today offer books 86,000 people visited the library and numbers continue to increase said: “Libraries are the heart of our communities and are special places where everyone is welcome to explore They also provide access to vital services and support people’s health and wellbeing “Keynsham Library and Information Service’s 10-year anniversary is a chance to celebrate everything it offers and go down memory lane Visit the Bath and North East Somerset Libraries website for further updates on the centenary celebrations and details of regular library events throughout the year Find out more about the council’s library and information services. But what has actually happened, according to Dan Norris, the current mayor of the West of England, is that a public consultation on the bus lanes has merely been paused due to the election, and a by-election held in January The next mayor could choose to continue the plans and subsequently he has withdrawn the consultation and suspended any further development of the scheme to allow for a new mayor to take a view and determine the way forward.” who is stepping down after becoming an MP last summer Ms Godwin’s announcement sparked fury from leading councillors in Bath and North East Somerset who criticised the apparent “abrupt withdrawal” of the plans and “chaotic decision” to suspend them Mr Norris was pressed on the bus lanes by the West of England’s overview and scrutiny committee on Monday He denied that the project to create new bus lanes had been cancelled and claimed the suspension was due to the two elections The mayor said: “That decision was made because we had a local by-election so it wasn’t appropriate to have that consultation The consultation has stopped and a new mayor will have to consider that.” It makes sense that in that area we don’t have those consultations for now.” The by-election for Saltford took place in January when locals voted in a replacement after their former councillor resigned to take on a new job Opposition councillors said the suspension of the bus lanes appeared to not follow due process Conservative Councillor Mark Weston said: “It seems to me that the decision-making process on that did not follow due process at all “I would have thought that a decision on this Instead the Labour candidate bounced you into making a decision.” over the timing of the public consultation Stephen Peacock, chief executive of the West of England Combined Authority, added: “There has been no decision other than to pause a consultation. The project still has teams working on it. Bristol City Council, BaNES and combined authority officers are all working together until and unless somebody tells us not to.” A ‘temporary’ banking hub has opened in Keynsham where the last remaining High Street bank is expected to close in May Cash Access UK has confirmed the hub will run from the hub in MakeSpace following an announcement the town’s last remaining bank Customers of major banks can visit on set days during the week between 9am and 5pm where they can carry out regular cash transactions including withdrawals and deposits as well as checking balances or paying bills The hub also offers a community banker service where customers can talk to their own bank in a private space about more complicated issues on the day their bank is in the hub: While the hub in Keynsham is up and running now Cash Access UK can confirm it is currently working to secure a long term home for the banking hub which will offer the same services Local residents can check for updates on the Cash Access UK website Keynsham was recommended a banking hub following the announcement of the closure of the final bank branch This is the second banking hub to open in Somerset with a hub already operating in Wellington Work is also underway to open hubs in Crewkerne said: “I’m pleased to announce that the new banking hub in Keynsham is now open in its temporary home at MakeSpace providing local residents with access to cash and in-person banking services “The hub is available for everyday banking transactions every day of the week and for more specific or complex enquiries a community banker will be on-site to assist on designated days.” For more information about the banking hubs, contact: [email protected]. Tel: 01761 258030[email protected]Follow us Owned or licensed to Tindle Newspapers Ltd | Independent Family-Owned Newspapers | Copyright & Trade Mark Notice & 2013 - 2025 has been arrested on suspicion of rape and child sex offences.Mr Norris was arrested on Friday April 4 on suspicion of sexual offences against a girl and misconduct in a public office.Avon and Somerset Police said most of the offences are alleged to have occurred in the 2000s but it was also investigating an alleged offence of rape in the 2020s.Mr Norris has been released on conditional bail he is not standing for re-election as Metro Mayor in the upcoming election on Thursday May 1 He was immediately suspended by the Labour Party following his arrest.His election agent a Labour councillor on Bath and North East Somerset Council said on Sunday April 6: “Yesterday’s announcement in the media of Dan Norris’ arrest and the allegations being made against him have left me shocked and upset.“The Labour Party has done the right thing in immediately suspending him from the party.“My thoughts are with all those impacted by this news.”Staff at the West of England Combined Authority are being offered specialist trauma support.Helen Godwin the Labour candidate for West of England Metro Mayor also said she was “shocked and upset” at the allegations against Mr Norris.She said: “I’m pleased that the Labour Party took the swift action to immediately suspend him from the party I am thinking about everyone affected by this news and urge people to reach out to relevant organisations if they need support.”The full list of candidates standing to be elected the next West of England Metro Mayor on May 1 is: Arron Banks (Reform UK); Helen Godwin (Labour); Oli Henman (Liberal Democrat); Mary Page (Green); Ian Scott (Independent); Steve Smith (Conservative)John Wimperis