A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council

Following the news over the weekend, I want to bring a joint statement to your attention which has been issued to give reassurance that effective decision-making at the West of England Combined Authority remains in place. You can read the full statement on the combined authority’s website here.

This week the council has taken two significant steps forward which I am pleased to update you on.

Firstly, if you are not already aware we have launched extended hours at our Park & Ride service which now gives anyone working or visiting the city the chance to stay even longer in Bath.

The extension means the last buses to the three sites will leave the city centre at 11.30pm which is great news. We hope it will support our local economy and offer greater convenience for workers and visitors alike. This extension is initially on a trial basis until August 31 and if it is well used we will look to explore similar offers in the future – so please do hop on board.

We have also secured planning permission for the construction of a new recycling hub to ensure residents in Bath continue to have access to services when the existing site in Midland Road is closed for housing development.

This means we can progress with developing our former Cleansing Depot site in Locksbrook Road which will complement our new Keynsham Recycling Hub as well as open up the opportunity to build a mix of homes for social rent, shared ownership and market sale as part of the Bath Western Riverside housing scheme.

I know it is way too early to mention Christmas especially with Easter just around the corner but I want to thank DSC Catering Ltd, a long-standing caterer at our hugely popular Christmas Market which has donated £3,000 to support three great charities.

Domestic abuse charity VOICES, community service organisation South West UK Lions Club and youth homelessness charity YMCA Brunel Group have each been awarded £1,000. I along with the chair, Councillor Karen Walker and Councillor Paul Roper, cabinet member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development, were delighted to meet everyone (pictured) involved to find out how the money will help the invaluable work they each do across Bath and North East Somerset.

Finally a reminder that there are lots of great activities lined up this Saturday when our Heritage Services, and other attractions across Bath and North East Somerset, celebrate World Heritage Day – you can find out more about it on our newsroom.

Have a good weekend.

News

Local charities awarded £3,000 from Bath Christmas Market stallholder

Three local charities have each received a £1,000 donation from a Bath Christmas Market stallholder in a charity draw.

Planning permission granted for Bath Recycling Centre

Plans for the construction of a new recycling hub to ensure residents in Bath continue to have access to services when the existing site is closed for housing development have taken a step further forward.

Celebrate World Heritage Day in Bath with Free Family Activities

Celebrate World Heritage Day in Bath on Saturday 12 April with a free day of family-friendly activities running from 11am to 3pm in the World Heritage Centre, Bath Abbey, and Bath Medical Museum.

Park & Ride extends hours at all three sites until August

Visitors and workers can now stay longer in Bath with the Park & Ride service extended until 11.30pm from Monday to Saturday.

Charity supporting bereaved children receives £12,500 donation from Haycombe Crematorium

A charity which supports bereaved children who have lost their siblings has been awarded £12,500 raised from recycling of metals from Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Haycombe Crematorium.

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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:

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. 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.

Energy at Home

Our Energy at Home website provides information about the latest funding and support available to help B&NES residents save money on their energy bills and improve the energy efficiency of their home.

Social tariffs

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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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.

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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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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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Voting in the West of England Combined Authority Mayoral election

If you are a voter in B&NES and have any accessibility needs for the West of England Combined Authority Mayoral election on May 1, please call us in advance on 01225 477333 or email elections@bathnes.gov.uk.