A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset CouncilFirstly, I would like to congratulate Clare Moody following her election as Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Avon and Somerset. I also extend my thanks to the outgoing Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford for his service in the role over the previous three years. Tackling crime is a key issue for local people and I look forward to working collaboratively with the new PCC to help keep our communities safe. Another key issue for our area is transport and we’re currently working on plans for a £15.2million scheme to improve walking, cycling, wheeling, public transport infrastructure and to reduce congestion along the A37 and A367. If agreed, the project would make catching the bus or walking and cycling easier by offering improved bus facilities and delivering safe, easy-to-use walking and cycling facilities. The project aims to reduce bus journey times and support more frequent, reliable bus services; create or improve walking and cycling routes which connect to communities along the corridor and support opportunities for regeneration and economic growth. Transport, like tackling crime, is an issue we can address by working in partnership. So funding for the project, which is called Somer Valley Links, comes from a £1.414m West of England Combined Authority grant and £330k match funding from developer contributions. Somer Valley Links is a ‘strategic corridor’ project within the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) programme, funded by UK Government through the West of England Combined Authority. We want to provide people with greater transport choice and reduce reliance on cars, but if routes don’t feel safe to walk or cycle, or if they don’t easily connect, then it puts people off. We also need to improve air quality - Farrington Gurney and Temple Cloud have been declared as Air Quality Management Areas - and reduce carbon emissions. Finally, I want to offer a warm welcome to Professor Marion Harney has been appointed as the new chair of the World Heritage Advisory Board and Enhancement Fund following the departure of Professor Barry Gilbertson earlier this year (pictured). The UNESCO World Heritage status is the highest possible heritage accolade that the city can achieve and I am sure Professor Harney will continue with successful community partnership-working for the benefit of our unique city, its flourishing economy and our communities. Take care and have a good weekend. | 
