A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset CouncilSadly, I start this week’s message by joining everyone in Bath & North East Somerset and people up and down the country in expressing my shock and heartfelt condolences to the victims, their families and communities in Southport, and to acknowledge the bravery of the emergency services in dealing with such a horrific attack. If you have been affected by the tragic events in Southport, you can find a range of support on our Livewell pages https://livewell.bathnes.gov.uk/supporting-adults-live-independent-lives/health-and-wellbeing/mental-health. On Tuesday I had the enormous pleasure of meeting four Armed Forces veterans each aged in their 90s. I was joined by Councillor Karen Walker the Chair of the Council (pictured). All four live in sheltered accommodation in Bath and were unable to attend this year’s Armed Forces Day Flag Raising. As the Member Advocate for Armed Forces and Veterans it was a highlight of my week to meet them and listen to their memories and learn about the valuable roles they each played in the war effort. People visiting Bath today may have seen filming activity in Great Pulteney Street. We can’t reveal details about the production but as with all filming it is fantastic to see the city and surrounds being used by the film industry. Filming provides a great boost to our local economy - according to figures we’ve previously shared, film productions brought in an estimated £3.4 million to our local economy last year. The council’s Film Office acts as a vital cog, liaising between productions of all sizes, council services and supports the needs of residents and businesses. It also makes sure the city and surrounds are an attractive option for film makers when they scout for locations. Finally, congratulations must go to University of Bath based swimmers Tom Dean and Kieran Bird and their team mates and coaches on a magnificent achievement in the men’s 4x200m freestyle at the Paris 2024 Olympics – an amazing achievement. Have a good weekend. | 
