A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset CouncilTomorrow marks the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, or Victory over Japan Day. Commemorated each year on 15 August, it marks the date in 1945 when Japan surrendered to the Allied forces, bringing an end to the Second World War. As a veteran, I am deeply honoured to reflect on this moment in history. We remember the courage, sacrifice and resilience of those who served in the Far East. Their legacy lives on in the peace and freedoms we enjoy today. Last week I was delighted to announce our 'Good' Ofsted inspection of Children's Services and this week I’m feeling proud of young people celebrating A-level and equivalent exam results today. Well done on your hard work. If things haven’t quite gone to plan, remember that your worth is so much more than your grades and your school or college will be able to support you with your next steps. It’s National Allotments Week and councillors recently visited Monksdale Allotments in Bath to speak with local allotment holders about how valuable the green spaces are in supporting nature and for enjoying the great outdoors. Monksdale Allotments have been successfully trialling offering smaller ‘starter plots’ which can be less daunting if you are new to allotment gardening. Allotments have many lifestyle benefits and I’d encourage everyone to take a look at what’s available to you locally. The council supports allotment gardening across the area with the management of 24 allotment sites across Bath and you can approach parish councils and other local partners about availability in North East Somerset. You may remember that in May this year, the council removed sunken boats from the River Avon in Bath after they had posed a physical and environmental hazard for a long time but had not been removed by the owners. The cost of the removal operation was £55,000 and we have now begun formal proceedings to recover the money from four boat owners. Looking ahead to the weekend, it’s predicted to be another hot one but if temperatures allow, why not take some inspiration from the walking routes included in the Bathscape Walking Festival programme. The festival runs from 6 September to 21 September and you can book onto a free event to explore the city’s unique landscape from a new perspective. Have a good weekend. | 
