A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
We have now been given the date for the General Election – July 4. We will soon be entering a pre-election period when the council’s communications will follow strict election guidance. Council services will continue asnormalbut you may see some decisions and consultations are paused.
However rest assured the council will continue with its ambitious program of delivery. Our substantial investment in our city centre and high streets continues to bear fruit, as once again our city has been recognised for the fantastic place that it is, earning the title ‘best medium-size city for a staycation’ in a survey of Which members.
It is vital that we continue to attract visitors to keep our area vibrant and our economy thriving, However, the council’s main role is to deliver services for residents and improve the quality of life in neighbourhoods. Our Liveable Neighbourhoods programme is a key part of this. The next steps for Liveable Neighbourhoods are three linked trial traffic schemes in Gay Street, Catharine Place and Winifred’s Lane which are set to start from 15 July. Thesestreets are frequently used by motorists to avoid the main roads linking the A46/M4 to the south of Bath, so the aim is to address speeding and excessive through traffic. We also want to create a safe and pleasant active travel route through the area. I want to reassure residents and businesses that vehicle access to properties will be maintained during the trials, although some drivers may have to use a different route.
The experimental trials will be in place for a minimum of six months under an Experimental Road Traffic Order (ETRO) and their impact will be monitored. At any point during the six-month trial you can share your views. No decision will be made on whether to make the trials permanent until the council has considered all the outcomes.
This week cabinet members took the opportunity to meet in Midsomer Norton (pictured) where the council is investing £2.39m on a new public space in Market Square outside the Town Hall. We want the space to become a venue for outdoor events of all sizes, positioning Midsomer Norton as a market town once more. The project complements the ongoing restoration of Midsomer Norton’s Town Hall, making it possible for a combination of indoor and outdoor events to be held in the town. Both schemes together are part of the £3.7m Midsomer Norton High Street Regeneration Programme.
In addition totheregeneration workI amproud of the three-year pilot project The Active Way, which is supporting the health and wellbeing of Somer Valley residents. The council was highly commended for the scheme in the recent Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning & Transport (ADEPT) President’s Awards – it’s great to see this national recognition.
Finally, I would like to congratulate Councillor Karen Walker and Councillor Liz Hardmen who were elected to the roles of Bath & North East Somerset Council Chair and Deputy Chair at our Annual Council Meeting last week. Both are very experienced councillors and great advocates for their respective Peasedown St John and Paulton communities. It is the second time Councillor Walker has been appointed as chair. I’m sure both will bring their vast experience to bear and will be great advocates for Bath & North East Somerset Council. Finally, I want to place on record many thanks to Councillor Sarah Moore for her hard work and commitment as the outgoing chair.
Take care and have a lovely Bank Holiday weekend.
Combe Down Allotments update
Residents, allotment holders and the community have been updated on the future of Combe Down allotments – following a landowner’s advance warning of his intention to end a lease of the land occupied by Bath & North East Somerset Council.
New Bath & North East Somerset Council Chair and Vice Chair appointed
Councillor Karen Walker is the .
A431 Kelston Road closure - please plan your journey
People are being advised to plan their journeys from 28 May for four days when the A431 Kelston Road closes to allow urgent tree felling works.
The Roman Baths to partner with The Sensational Museum
The Roman Baths in the centre of the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath has been announced as a pilot museum for a ground-breaking research project with The Sensational Museum.
Knife crime awareness event in Bath
The issues surrounding knife crime and how parents can make informed and positive decisions to keep young people safe will be explored at an event in Bath next month.
Date set for three trial traffic restrictions in Bath
Three linked trial traffic restrictions are set to be installed the Lansdown area of Bath from July as part of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Liveable Neighbourhoods programme.
Council and providers collaborate on Community Services and Targeted Early Help review
Council leaders, current Community Services and Targeted Early Help providers, along with Third Sector representatives have met to chart the next steps in the council’s review of services.
Devonshire Tunnel
We are working with Sustrans on drainage solutions to resolve flooding in the Devonshire Tunnel. This could take some time, please checkon X@sustransSouthfor updates.
Council meetings
Do you want to know about decisions being taken by the council and have your say?Please follow this link to the council’s calendar of meetings.
Cost of living crisis
Worried about the cost of living? Help is out there.There is a dedicated, including:
- Cost of living support (benefits, energy, food, debt, childcare, & mental health)
- Support services and organisations
- Paying for care and support, planning for future care costs
You can also get help from your supplier through the Priority Services Register. Thisis a free support service that makes sure extra help is available to people in vulnerable situations. Check the website to see if you’re eligible to register.
For people struggling to afford broadband or phone services, there are social tariffs available. Connecting Devon and Somerset (CDS) has a webpage with more information about social tariffs including eligibility requirements and how to apply Social tariffs - Connecting Devon and Somerset
Our Libraries offer a range of services, including the Library at Home service where we can bring the library to you and sensory spaces for children and young adults with sensory needs. You can also find out about events happening in our libraries, likea crafty 'Zine Workshop which you canbook free on Eventbrite for Bath, Keynsham or Midsomer Norton Library.
Employment support and skills
Achieve
Achieve in B&NESprovides a job and course search service for anybody wishing to enter the workplace or progress their career.There are free and funded courses from local providers.
We Work For Everyone
Looking for work and have a learning difficulty or learning disability, or you are autistic, we can help. Visit weworkforeveryone.org.
Future Bright
Future Bright offers FREE career coaching, training and support. Visit the Future Bright website to find out more or call 01225 395555.
Employment & Skills Pod
The Employment & Skills Pod provides information, advice and guidance for residents who are unemployed, 18+ and would like support around employment. You can find out more on the achieve website.
Health, wellbeing and support
Live Well B&NES
is a web-based resource providing information, signposting and support to Bath & North East Somerset residents.
Community Wellbeing Hub
The Community Wellbeing Hub opening hours are from Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm. Callthe Hub on 0300 247 0050 or text 07870 868368 or visit thewebsite.
Bath Mind
Bath Mind is an independent mental health charity whose services operate across Bath and North East Somerset. Explore Bath Mind’s services by visiting their website. Alternatively, call Freephone 0808 175 1369 any day of the week between 9am and 11pm for mental health support.
Age UK
Age UK Bath & North East Somerset run specialised Dementia Groups in the district. These groups are a safe, fun environment for people to come for activities and friendship.Find out more hereor call 01225 466135. You can also find out about digital support for peopleaged 55 and over. Emaildigital@ageukbanes.co.uk or visit bit.ly/AgeUKBANESDigital
Sight loss support
Sight Support West of England provides emotional and practical support to help people adjust to living with sight loss.To find out more, or make an appointment please call 0117 3224885 or email. For more information on the full range of services, visit the website.For more useful information visit the RNIB website.
Domestic abuse
Southside provides help to people who live in Bath & North East Somerset who are at risk of domestic violence and abuse. The working hours are 9am-5pm Monday-Thursday, and 9am-4pm Fridays.Local support services can be found here.
Bath Community Transport
Bath Community Transport provides accessible transport to community, church and support groups, social clubs, care homes and sport foundations.
Call 01225 832317 for further details or visit https://travelwest.info/community-transport/bath-community-transport.
Do you look after someone else?
If you support someone who has a disability, illness, mental health condition, addiction or who needs extra help as they grow older, support is available from Bath and North East Somerset Carers’ Centre.Freephone support line: 0800 038 8885 oremail9am-1pm, every weekday.
To keep up to date with the latest public health news stories across Bath and North East Somerset, including upcoming events, consultations and other information,subscribe to the public health monthly newsletter. You can alsobrowse previous editions of the public health newsletter.
