The Rotary Club of Yatton and District is organising an Art and Craft Fair in October.
The poster is a ‘Call to Action’ event as we are seeking to reach local artists and craft makers to book a pitch for this event.
Call-to-action-Yatton-Art-and-Craft-Fair-26We have had the following response from another villager to the posting regarding the closure of the weir and footpaths:
I am a regular dog walker around the fields along the river.
Earlier this week, I spoke to the contractor who was overseeing the team working on the mill pond. I understand from that conversation that there is an agreement between the Environment Agency and Urchinwood Farm that the normal path up the river from the weir should be diverted down the side of the Urchinwood field crossing over the rhyne close to the gate on the right of way to allow access through that normal gate into the further Urchinwood field.
There are a possible two crossings over the rhyne. At the time of writing both crossings are barred, one by gates the other by barriers which have not been put in place by the contractors working on the mill pond. Neither crossing is easy as they are overgrown with nettles. Furthermore, the nearby gate between the two Urchinwood fields has been padlocked, the hinge secured and the gate wired with barbed wire with a notice stating that it is not a right of way. Further similar notices have been posted nearer the Millenium Field. Walkers have taken to climbing over the Urchinwood gate regardless of the warning sign or the barbed wire.
To add to the frustration of walkers, the works around the mill pond have been complicated by changes to the mill pond since the original Environment Agency survey some time ago. These changes are adding considerably to the time it is taking to complete the works.
I emphasise that I have not spoken directly to the Environment Agency, but have no reason to doubt the word of the contractor to whom I have spoken.
Editors Note:
This is clearly going to be of concern to many in the village and it is suggested that all comments on the closure of the weir and footpaths are sent to Congresbury Parish Council and/or the Environment Agency.
A villager has reported that the Weir & associated footpaths have been closed by the Environment Agency. This effectively cuts the village in half with no access from the north to get to the precinct and no access to footpaths along the river from either side.
The EA put up a diversion sign along the farmers field & through one of his gates. This was not agreed with the farmer and he has since closed, Locked & barbed wired the gate.
Neither side of the village can get to the river by the normal route.
I have written and rung the EA to register a complaint and would urge others to do so as well. There is no date for the works to be completed & the paths open again.
Please pass this message on.
Strawberry Line – Co-Creation Session 1
Free event on Friday, 5th July 6-8pm
Old School Rooms (St Congar’s)
Following a first successful research meeting with members of the Congresbury History Group in February 2024, Bristol-based artist and filmmaker Simone Einfalt is now organising a first Community Co-Creation Session with the wider group and interested residents of all backgrounds and ages.
She will create a new body of work (a site-specific exhibition) using documentary and art mediums such as film, sculpture and sound installation to represent and interpret the Strawberry Line area and Congresbury’s heritage. The project is due to be presented in a local venue early next year.
Therefore, we are collecting past and present stories of the Strawberry Line, the historic railway, St Congar, the Somerset Levels, Floods as well as family heritage, local traditions, myths and folk song. This list of themes is not exhaustive so please consider contributing your story if you have something interesting to share.
To look up Simone’s work, please visit https://simoneeinfalt.com/
Any questions please get in touch via mai@simoneeinfalt.com or call Simone on 07443823497.
The Police has informed us that a home was subject of an attempted burglary in Furnace Way, Congresbury, between 3am and 3:30am on the 9th. The suspects broke the lock on the rear door of the property in their efforts to gain entry, however this proved unsuccessful. Any information, CCTV images, please contact the Police on 101 quoting reference number: 5224118430 stating NHW. Or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Thank you for your support. Attachments: burglary-prevention-advice.pdf
***Injured dog found; can you help? Please share***
The Police has informed us that if you’re a social media user, you might have seen messages like this.
A post appears, often on local selling sites or community pages, asking people to share news of a lost or found pet.
It may be shared by hundreds of people, just like you, who want to see this beloved pet back home.
However, there was never a missing pet.
The post has been created by a fraudster, often using photos they found on the internet.
The fraudster can then change the post to anything they want to, so by the time your friends see it, they might see a post about a prize draw, or what seems like a good deal on a holiday property which doesn’t exist.
Fraudsters know that missing/injured pets will tug at people’s heartstrings. Sadly, they exploit this, overshadowing genuine missing pet posts.
They also know your friends are far more likely to trust a post shared by you.
Always question the source of anything you share on social media.
If you have experienced fraud, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via: www.actionfraud.police.uk. For more advice on staying safe on social media, visit: Stop! Think Fraud – How to stay safe from scams (stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk)
Making eco-friendly shopping an easy part of everyday life, Re:Store Congresbury is moving two doors down to 5 Broad Street, formerly Ziggy’s Deli. This expansion comes as they approach their fourth birthday on 15 June and celebrates the success of bringing sustainable shopping to Congresbury.
Opening on Tuesday 7 May 2024, Re:Store Congresbury will continue its mission to provide an affordable refill shopping experience as well as launching a new coffee shop with freshly-made food including pastries, salads, bakes and cakes. They will also provide refill milk, Bo Bom Gelato and a grab-and-go breakfast and lunch offer.
Co-Owner and Manager Claire Jones said, “After starting in the middle of a pandemic, Jo and I are proud of our little refill shop and excited to grow and develop the business. We love being part of the local community and can’t wait to see our friends and customers in the new space.
We also wanted to say a huge thank you to Congars Cafe who have allowed us to share their space for nearly four years and wish them luck with their new community ventures.”
They will open Tuesday to Saturday every week between 09:00 to 16:00 and can’t wait to welcome the local community to the new bigger, better Re:Store Congresbury.
The police has informed us that a van was broken into overnight on the 24th whilst parked on a driveway in Southlands Way, Congresbury. The suspect forced entry via the side door of the VW Caddy, where inside power tools were stolen from within.
Any information, CCTV images, please contact the Police on 101 quoting reference number: 5224021253 stating NHW. Or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Thank you for your support.
Attachments:
The police has informed us that a home was burgled in Cobthorn Way, Congresbury, between 1:22am and 1:45am on the 26th. The suspect gained access to the rear garden where they then used a snapper tool to remove a lock from the back door. Inside car keys were stolen from the kitchen before the owner’s vehicle was taken. The car was later recovered.
Any information, CCTV images, please contact the Police on 101 quoting reference number: 5224021843 stating NHW. Or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Thank you for your support.
Attachments:
The Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) is offering free training aimed to help practitioners understand the risk and dangers of fire for those most vulnerable. It will cover topics including; cooking practices, hoarding, candles and smoking safety, electrical safety and how to make a referral into AF&RS.
Details are provided in the leaflet together with dates for the training sessions and how to register: practitioner-hfsv-training-leaflet-2024-dates.pdf.
We have seen an increase in the number of Burglaries, Vehicle Thefts and Shed Breaks, especially in the Congresbury, Long Ashton, Nailsea and Abbots Leigh areas but this advice is relevant to all areas covered by the Nailsea & Villages Neighbourhood Policing Team (Nailsea/ Backwell & Wrington/ Redwood/ Yeo Vale).
You can help protect your property by taking some basic steps like installing an external PIR lamp which activates when it detects movement, fit a video doorbell which will alert you when someone approaches your property and acts a deterrent because of the evidential video it captures.
Some criminals will burgle a house just to get the car keys. Always keep your vehicle locked, never keep the keys in the vehicle and store them in a hidden place in your property.
We are also aware of an increase in the number of outbuilding break-ins. We would remind you to make sure your outbuildings are secure, especially if you are storing high value items like Bikes, Lawnmowers and other garden machinery.
You can find more advice on many aspects of crime prevention at our crime prevention microsite: http://www.aspolicestaysafe.co.uk
If you are aware of anyone who is vulnerable and likely to be at an increased risk of being a victim of crime, please advise us so we can conduct a welfare check and do a crime prevention survey for them.
If you have any information about individuals involved in criminality in your area, you can contact the team by emailing us directly at: SomNorthNPTNailsea@avonandsomerset.police.uk (do not report crime at this email address), by ringing 101 or using our online reporting system at: https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report.
You can visit our local Neighbourhood Policing Team Webpage, which includes information about the officers who cover your area, see what policing priorities have been set, get crime stats, see any events we are attending and there is a form to make contact with us: https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/your-area.
Attatchment: crime-prevention-handbook.pdf
The police has informed us that it is appealing for the public’s help to identify these youths who it like to talk to in connection with an attempted burglary in Congresbury.
Shortly before 2am on Monday 21 August the window of a garage was smashed, however nothing was taken from the property.
The three people the police want to talk to are described as being aged 16 to 20 years old and as wearing dark tracksuits and balaclavas.
If you can help, please call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5223202213, or complete the online appeals form.
You can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via its Anonymous Online Form.
No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court or have to speak to police when contacting Crimestoppers.
The police has informed us that a garage was broken into on the 12th at 2:26am in Book Gardens, Langford. The owner was alerted by their video doorbell, where they then observed four males entering via a side doorway. The suspects also checked the owner’s vehicle and tried the rear door of the property, without success. Nothing was stolen from within the garage.
Any information, CCTV images, please contact the Police on 101 quoting reference number: 5223279795 stating NHW. Or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Thank you for your support.
Attachments:
A resident has reported more bad news for people who need to use the A370!
SomersetLive reported that the A370 will be completely closed for 6 nights from November 27th from Cleeve to the bottom of Rhodyate Hill. (Not at weekends.) There is a notice by the roadside if you’re able to read it in passing!
A diversion will apparently be put in place but there’s no info about this on OneNetwork. Nothing yet on the First Bus diversions list either. Considering the hold ups on the A38 by the airport at present a diversionary route will not be a quick one!
The road closure will affect a lot of residents as well as through traffic.
The police has informed us that a garage at the bottom of the rear garden of a home on Frost Hill in Congresbury was broken into during the night of Monday November the 13th. The locks were sawn off to allow entry and multiple items were stolen, including two Specialized bikes – a black road bike and a white hybrid version. Various gardening and camping equipment were also taken.
If you have any information about this incident, especially CCTV images, please call the police on 101, giving reference number 5223278050 and ask that the call is tagged as NHW. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
Congresbury’s residents are being urged to attend next Wednesday’s meeting of North Somerset Council’s planning committee to demonstrate their opposition to a new housing scheme.
The scheme, for up to 90 houses on a field behind Park and Mulberry Roads, has been hanging over residents for more than 18 months while land agents M7 tried to answer more than 1,000 objections to the plan.
Because the officer has recommended approval, Congresbury’s district councillor Dan Thomas has referred the matter to the council’s planning committee.
Said CRAG’s Mary Short: “This would be a high density, urban development on an ecologically, historically and socially important site which is totally inappropriate.
“Also, M7 seems to be trying to influence the decision by promising to build a new surgery. Their previous attempt at this was not supported by either the NHS or Mendip Vale Medical Practice, so it is a pointless offer.”
The Planning Committee meeting is scheduled for 2.30pm next Wednesday at Weston town hall, entrance through the old building.
The police has informed us that a car was stolen whilst parked in a layby off Bristol Road (A370), Congresbury, between 7:30pm and 9pm on the 29th. The owner of the blue Ford Focus returned to find the vehicle missing. Keys had not been left with the car.
Any information, CCTV images, please contact the Police on 101 quoting reference number: 5223239778 stating NHW. Or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Thank you for your support.
Attachments:
The police has notified us that a home was subject of an attempted burglary in Birch Drive, Langford, between 10:00 PM on the 27th and 4:45 PM on the 28th of September. It is likely the offender entered the premises via a side gate and utilised a snapper like tool to prise the casing from the door handle. They then attempted to remove the internal door lock mechanism. The offender is thought to have left via a rear gate to Jubilee Park.
Any information, CCTV images, please contact the Police on 101 quoting reference number: 5223237370 stating NHW. Or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Thank you for your support.
Attachments:
The Police has informed us that a garage was broken into at some point over the last two nights. This was reported on the 21st, in Wrington Road, Congresbury. The offenders smashed a window but did not progress further into the garage, where they then departed.
Any information, CCTV images, please contact the Police on 101 quoting reference number: 5223202213 stating NHW. Or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Thank you for your support.
August 22nd, (9-7-8-8), AN007 – Residential Garage Burglary.
On the 21st at 1:54am a garage was broken into in Pudding Pie Lane, Langford. Offenders gained entry by climbing onto the roof and removing tiles. Once inside they cut through chains securing two motocross bikes described as KTM 250F in Orange & White, which were subsequently removed via the garage door together with two motorbike helmets.
Any information, CCTV images, please contact the Police on 101 quoting reference number: 5223202708 stating NHW. Or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Thank you for your support.