A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
It’s been a busy run up to Easter. Last Friday we announced that work is set to start on Tuesday 2 April on a trial through-traffic restriction in Sydney Road in Bath, to stop motorists from using the street as a short cut, and to create a safer and more pleasant walking and cycling route through the area.
The trial scheme - in Sydney Road at its junction with New Sydney Place - is part of our Liveable Neighbourhoods programme, where we work with local communities to improve residential streets.
The work will take up to two weeks to complete. When finished, the through-traffic restriction will remain in place for a minimum of six months under an experimental traffic regulation order (ETRO).
During this time, we will monitor the impact of the trial on traffic and air quality and are inviting feedback in a public consultation. A detailed construction schedule is also available online at www.bathnes.gov.uk/sydneyroadetro.
We also learnt recently that nine parishes in Bath and North East Somerset are set to benefit from a total of £260,000 to help install energy-saving measures like solar panels and air-to-air source heat pumps, helping to tackle the climate emergency. The money is from the West of England Rural Fund, which is funded by the UK government through the Rural England Prosperity Fund, part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. I would like to thank everyone who submitted applications for this grant and my congratulations to the successful projects.
Over the Easter weekend, the Roman Baths will stay open until 8pm (last admission at 7pm), giving visitors a chance to see the Great Bath illuminated by flickering torchlight.
Our area also has a fantastic range of Easter holiday activities on offer for children and young people in Bath and North East Somerset who receive benefit related free school meals. The B&NES Holiday Activities and Food programme also includes a free meal at every session and runs from Tuesday, April 2 to Friday, April 12.
Happy Easter to all.
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First electric bus in B&NES on route
The inaugural permanent electric bus service in Bath and North East Somerset launched this week, ensuring a greener link between some of the city’s busiest locations.
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Rural communities secure grant funding for energy efficiency and biodiversity projects
Parish and town councils in Bath and North East Somerset are set to benefit from £260,000 to help install energy-saving measures like solar panels and air-to-air source heat pumps.
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Student comments at climate conference feed into Active Travel Masterplan
Young people’s views on climate change were shared at a Bath and North East Somerset Climate Youth Conference joined by deputy council leader Councillor Sarah Warren.
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Work to start on a trial through-traffic restriction in Bath
Construction work is set to start on a trial through-traffic restriction in Sydney Road, Bath, to stop motorists from using the street as a short cut, and to create a safer and more pleasant walking and cycling route through the area.
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The consultation period on Local Plan options has been extended to 5pm, 16 April 2024.
Watch our video to learn about the Local Plan and why we prepare one. Visit our dedicated Local Plan pages, to find out more about the preparation of the Plan, and work done so far.
Respond using our online consultation form. |
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Cost of living crisis
Worried about the cost of living? Help is out there. There is a dedicated Cost of Living Crisis section on Live Well B&NES, including:
You can also get help from your supplier through the Priority Services Register. This is 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. |
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| 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 |
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CSE energy advice
Residents wanting to reduce their bills, insulate their homes or add energy efficiency measures can get guidance from trained energy experts on the first Thursday of every month from 11am to 2pm at a pop up in the Podium outside Bath Central Library. |
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Employment support and skills
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Achieve
Achieve in B&NES provides 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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Health, wellbeing and support
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Live Well B&NES
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. Call the Hub on 0300 247 0050 or text 07870 868368 or visit the website. |
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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 here or call 01225 466135. You can also find out about digital support for people aged 55 and over. Email digital@ageukbanes.co.uk or visit bit.ly/AgeUKBANESDigital |
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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. |
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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. |
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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 or email 9am-1pm, every weekday. |
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| 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 also browse previous editions of the public health newsletter. |
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Off the Record B&NES
Could you be a volunteer befriender to a child or young person aged 5-18 in foster care and take them out once a month to do a fun activity? Off the Record B&NES is looking for volunteers to become Independent Visitors. Learn more and request an application pack www.offtherecordbanes.co.uk/independent-visiting. |
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