A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
In last week’s newsletter I updated on the new cabinet that’s been established after the May elections and outlined some of our key priorities for the next 4 years.
A key issue facing our area is transport. If we are to tackle the climate emergency, we need to increase the range of travel choices available, so people don’t have to rely so much on car journeys.
Our Liveable Neighbourhoods programme is central to that. This community-led programme will see improvements in 15 residential areas of Bath and North East Somerset over the next few years. Our aim is to improve residential streets and encourage safe, active and more sustainable forms of travel, such as walking, wheeling and cycling.
Improvements suggested by communities include things like better crossings on busy roads and walk-to-school routes and wider footways to help children and people with buggies and mobility aids get around. We will work very closely with each local community as we develop our proposals. More information on our Liveable Neighbourhoods can be found here.
As well as listening and consulting we are also committed to getting things done and delivering improvements for residents. 31st July will see the launch of two new Residents Parking schemes - in the Walcot, Snow Hill and Claremont Road zone, and the Oldfield Park and Westmoreland zone. More information on these schemes is set out below.
The decision to go ahead with these schemes follows extensive public consultation. We have listened to and talked with residents, businesses and organisations. Many residents said they found it challenging to park near their homes because of commuter parking, but businesses have raised concerns about the impact of the final design on trade. We are working with the Oldfield Park Community Alliance and Genesis Trust to find solutions to issues they’ve raised and may make small changes to the scheme to ensure the right balance of parking is available.
These new Residents Parking schemes follow the start of 5 schemes earlier this year. They have proved highly successful and are supported by local residents and businesses alike.
The 27th and 28th of May saw Oleksandriya - a city in central Ukraine that we are increasingly forging links with - celebrate its city days. We were proud to fly the Oleksandriya flag from the Guildhall to mark this. This flag was brought back by Zhenya Shkil, the Mayor of Oleksandriya’s representative in the UK, after a recent visit to the city. We are currently working up a Friendship Agreement between Bath & North East Somerset Council and the City of Oleksandriya.
From Monday we’ll proudly be flying the Rainbow Flag to mark Pride Month.
Finally, although summer is officially here, high energy bills and, in particular rising food prices continue to have a real impact. Remember: “Help is out there” in the shape of our Community Wellbeing Hub which can be contacted on 0300 247 0050.
Have a good weekend |
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 Victoria Art Gallery is celebrating its volunteers this Volunteer’s Week
A new video series ‘Through the eyes of volunteers’ features a gallery volunteer and their favourite painting in the collection.
Watch the trailer and subscribe to our YouTube channel to be the first to see the series.
The Gallery currently has around 90 volunteers who are all passionate about art and the role of the Gallery in the city, and all love sharing their enthusiasm with our visitors.
Victoria Art Gallery’s permanent collection is free to enter and Discovery Card Holders also get free admission to the temporary exhibitions. |
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Council disappointed at decision on Active Travel Grant Funding
Plans for a proposed cycle and walking scheme connecting residential areas to educational establishments across the south of Bath will continue, despite confirmation that an initial bid for funding was unsuccessful. |
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Epilepsy charity awarded £12,000 donation from recycling of metals scheme
A charity dedicated to raising awareness of epilepsy risks and tackling deaths from the condition has received a donation of £12,000 from Bath & North East Somerset Council. |
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Parking suspension in Keynsham High Street for remedial works
Remedial works to repair paving slabs and replace damaged bollards and cycle stands on Keynsham High Street will take place from June 5 to June 24. |
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Work to start on two more residents’ parking zones in Bath
Two residents’ parking zones in Bath are set to go live from July 31 following extensive public consultation. |
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Help for residents to reduce carbon emissions and lower household energy bills
Low-income households without gas heating will be able to apply for funding to install energy efficiency measures and low carbon heating in their homes. |
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Chelwood roundabout resurfacing – Please plan your journey
We are advising people to plan their journeys between 30th May – 2nd June as the Chelwood A368/A37 roundabout receives essential resurfacing works. |
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WESTlink webinar
North Somerset Council is hosting a webinar on Tuesday 6th June at 7pm for those that want to find out more about WESTlink and how to use it.
The webinar is free but you must book a ticket via Eventbrite. If the webinar is oversubscribed, they will run a second one at a later date. |
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Festival of Nature
The Festival of Nature is 20 years old and to celebrate its anniversary, from the 9 to 18 June there is a packed programme of big free events across Bath – from major headline events to special experiences in nature.
Whether you are a resident or a visitor, it’s a great opportunity to spend some time outdoors, try something new, or get together with friends and family and find out more about how you can take action for nature. |
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COVID-19 vaccination spring programme
The 2023 spring coronavirus (COVID-19) booster programme is now underway. A spring booster dose is being offered to:
- adults aged 75 years and over
- residents in a care home for older adults
- individuals aged 5 years and over who are immunosuppressed
Those eligible can book their vaccination on the National Booking Service or NHS App.
The last date for the public to book spring boosters will be 30 June 2023.
The offer of a first and second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine will also come to an end for many people on 30 June. After this date, the NHS offer will become more targeted to those at increased risk, usually during seasonal campaigns.
Find out more here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/covid-19/covid-19-vaccination/getting-a-1st-and-2nd-dose-of-the-covid-19-vaccine/
Check your eligibility at www.nhs.uk. Go online here to book or call 119. |
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COVID-19 vaccine to be offered to children aged 6 months to 4 years in clinical risk groups
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised that clinically vulnerable children aged 6 months to 4 years should be offered a COVID-19 vaccine.
Although young children are generally at low risk of developing severe illness from COVID-19, infants and young children who have underlying medical conditions are over seven times more likely to be admitted to Paediatric Intensive Care Units.
The full range of clinical risk groups are defined in the COVID-19 chapter of the Green Book.
The JCVI does not currently advise COVID-19 vaccination of children aged 6 months to 4 years who are not in a clinical risk group.
NHS England has since confirmed it will begin offering vaccinations to those eligible in England from mid-June. Parents should wait to be contacted before coming forward.
Read more in our news story. |
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Homes for Ukraine webinar
The national charity Reset is hosting a webinar on June 12 from 12.00pm-12.45pm for anyone thinking about becoming a Homes for Ukraine host. The webinar will introduce the scheme, what it means to be a sponsor, what support people receive from their local authority and will help people decide whether hosting is right for them. Find out more and register online. |
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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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The Library at Home service
If you, or someone you know is unable to visit the library, why not try the Library at Home service. This is a great way to connect with new friends and volunteers through a love of reading. You can access books and audiobooks, regardless of your situation. To find out more visit here. Alternatively, you can email. |
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Public health newsletter
To keep up to date with the latest public health news stories across Bath and North East Somerset, including upcoming events 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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We Work For Everyone – free employment support
We Work For Everyone is a free employment support programme for unemployed people age 16+ with a learning difficulty, learning disability or autism. No formal diagnosis is required.
To find out more call 0117 9223330, email weworkforeveryone@bristol.gov.uk or visit https://weworkforeveryone.org/.
The programme supports people in Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire. |
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Employment & Skills Pod
Are you returning to work after a short or long break? Perhaps you are already in work and planning to change the direction of your career? The Employment & Skills Pod can help you find the right opportunities. Call now on 0300 247 0050 or you can email us. You can also find out more on the website. |
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Future Bright
Future Bright offers FREE career coaching, training and support to help you develop the skills and confidence you need to take your next step. Read some of the inspiring stories from those who have progressed with their careers with support from their Future Bright Careers Coach. Visit the Future Bright website to find out more or call 01225 395555. |
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Live Well B&NES: information for all
Live Well B&NES is a web-based resource providing information, signposting and support to Bath & North East Somerset residents. It provides useful information, signposting and resources for families, including Ofsted registered childcare, children and young people with additional needs (our SEND Local Offer) and adults needing care or support to live independently.
Information, services and groups are regularly added to Live Well B&NES. If you work with, support, provide services or run groups for children and young people or for adults needing care or support and haven’t already registered ‒ make sure you’re included. It’s free and takes less than five minutes to register. Find out more or email the LWB team. |
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Mental Health and Wellbeing Support
Bath Mind is here for everyone living in B&NES, offering wellbeing groups and courses, befriending, breathing space crisis support, safe space youth group, and affordable 1:1 counselling.
For more information, support resources and to self-refer, visit the website, or call our Access Community Mental Health Team who can help you access the most suitable support for your needs: Freephone 0808 175 1369 or you can email. |
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Specialised dementia groups in B&NES
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.
The Alzheimer’s Society also runs a series of support services for people across Bath and North East Somerset. For more information, visit their website or you can email them. |
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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, Bath and North East Somerset Carers’ Centre is here for you. Their friendly team will listen to any concerns you have, offer practical advice and access to free wellbeing activities to ensure you’re happy and healthy in your caring role. Contact our freephone support line: 0800 038 8885 or email us. We’re available 9am-1pm, every weekday. |
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Support from Community Wellbeing Hub
Anybody who is a resident of Bath and North East Somerset can benefit from support from the Community Wellbeing Hub. The team offer a range of support services such as mental health, returning home from hospital, income, housing and benefits advice, emergency food, as well as lifestyle services for help with stopping smoking, getting active or losing weight. Opening hours are from Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm. Call the Hub on 0300 247 0050 or text 07870 868368. You can also email or visit the website.
If you need to contact the council about its services please ring Council Connect on 01225 394041 or email us. |
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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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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. |
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