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e-connect 16 November 2023
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A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
The countdown to Christmas has well and truly started with our fantastic Christmas Market launching next week. More than 200 traders and 36 community groups will occupy chalets across the city centre. In 2022, the market attracted an estimated 426,000 visitors and boosted the local economy by an estimated £50 million.
Christmas lights are also beginning to sparkle around our area. There will be lights on Bath’s historic buildings and streets including in and around the Christmas Market and at Saw Close, Walcot Street, Kingsmead Square, High Street and Orange Grove.
We are providing traditional lights in Combe Down, Weston, Moorland Road and Larkhall as well as working in partnership with the three town councils on lights in Keynsham, Midsomer Norton and Radstock.
Residents are invited to a special preview evening of the market on November 22 from 5pm to 7pm where people can meander through the magical atmosphere and have an exclusive first look at the fabulous gifts, food and drink on offer.
All of this is another example of how our city centre is thriving. Just walking around, we can see new openings. The council is playing a key role in ensuring this, focusing on bringing empty premises back into use and supporting events such as the Great Bath Feast and Art on the Street.
Meanwhile, we are continuing to deliver our priorities. We’ve recently announced plans for five new trial Bath Liveable Neighbourhood schemes under Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders.
They follow on from a large community engagement exercise carried out over the past two years, and if approved would see five trial schemes installed from spring 2024.
The council has secured £736,000 of funding from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority to implement the trials ahead of delivering the wider Liveable Neighbourhoods programme, the aim of which is to develop a range of measures to improve residential streets.
Information on these plans and the current through-traffic restriction trials in Church Street, Southlands and Queen Charlton Lane can be found at www.bathnes.gov.uk/liveableneighbourhoods.
Talking of making our neighbourhoods more liveable, I would like to say a big thank you to the council’s Clean and Green team who I recently saw at work in Twerton High Street (pictured). Backed by council investment, the team is making a real difference to the appearance of our streets.
Finally, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority is consulting until December 24th on plans for Bath city centre, aiming for improved air quality, healthier travel choices and ensuring safer routes for pedestrians and cyclists. We really want to make Bath city centre an even better place so it’s really important that you have your say so please do respond to the consultation if you can.
Have a good weekend
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COVID-19 autumn 2023 seasonal booster doses (5yrs+)
COVID-19 autumn 2023 seasonal booster doses (5yrs+) at Bath City Football Club and Salvation Army for those eligible.
Bath City Football Club, High Street, Twerton, BA2 1DB.
23 November 2023 11am - 5pm
Salvation Army, Bath, Green Park Road, Bath, BA1 1XE.
6 December 11am - 5pm
Check your eligibility here. Children 5-11 to be booked via the National Booking System. Walk-ins available for all other age groups or book via the National Booking System here. |
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Knife crime awareness event for parents and carers
Parents and carers in Bath and North East Somerset who want to learn more about the dangers of knife crime are invited to join an awareness event in Keynsham on November 27. |
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Trees planted in Bath in tribute to King Charles III and Queen Elizabeth II
Two English Oak trees have been planted at Bath’s Royal Victoria Park to commemorate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and honour Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. |
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Hard-working team keeps Bath & North East Somerset clean and green
More than 25 tonnes of debris, leaves and weeds – the equivalent weight of a full waste truck – have been collected by Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Clean and Green team in just six months. |
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Council wants public to shape a healthier future for travel in Bath city centre
Bath & North East Somerset Council is calling on those who live in, work in or visit Bath to help shape the future of sustainable transport in the city by responding to a consultation launched on Monday (13 November). |
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Residents invited to give their views on Radstock regeneration action plan
An updated draft action plan to make Radstock town centre more vibrant and bring vacant buildings back into use has been published and the community is invited to have their say. |
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Christmas and New Year rubbish and recycling collections
Residents in Bath & North East Somerset are being reminded of temporary alterations to their recycling and rubbish collection dates over the Christmas and New Year period. |
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Countdown to Christmas begins in Bath and North East Somerset
The magic of Christmas is about to be scattered across Bath and North East Somerset with the build of Bath Christmas Market starting today (November 13) and the switch-on of festive lights across the area from Wednesday. |
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Gift a Book campaign relaunches for Christmas
The Gift a Book campaign has been launched by Bath & North East Somerset Council’s libraries service for the third year running, which last year saw 850 books gifted via charities and other local organisations. |
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Support available for older people experiencing high levels of food poverty in B&NES
New research commissioned by Bath & North East Somerset Council has revealed high levels of food insecurity for older people who are on low incomes. |
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Remembrance Sunday
Veterans, members of the Armed Forces, The Royal British Legion, council, community and faith leaders, together with members of the public, paid their respects at Remembrance Sunday ceremonies across Bath & North East Somerset. Many are pictured here at the War Memorial in Bath where wreaths were laid. |
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Consultation launched Bath & North East Somerset community care proposals
People are being asked for their views on plans to reshape care for people being looked after in three Bath & North East Somerset Council-run community resource centres. |
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Investing in nature’s recovery: a new council prospectus
Nature-based projects that are improving green space and waterways in Bath and North East Somerset have been captured in a new prospectus. |
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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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Employment support and skills
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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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We Work For Everyone
Looking for work and have a learning difficulty or learning disability, or you are autistic, we can help. Visit weworkforeveryone.org. |
Future Bright
Future Bright offers FREE career coaching, training and support. Visit the Future Bright website to find out more or call 01225 395555. |
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Employment & Skills Pod
The Employment & Skills Pod provides information, advice and guidance for residents who are unemployed, 18+ and would like support around employment. You can find out more on the achieve website. |
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Health, wellbeing and support
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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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Bath Mind
Bath Mind is here for everyone living in B&NES. For more information, support resources and to self-refer, visit the website, or call our Access Community Mental Health Team: Freephone 0808 175 1369 or you can email. |
Age UK
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. You can also find out about digital support for people aged 55 and over. Email digital@ageukbanes.co.uk or visit bit.ly/AgeUKBANESDigital |
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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. |
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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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. Contact our freephone support line: 0800 038 8885 or email us. We’re available 9am-1pm, every weekday. |
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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, consultations and other information, subscribe to the public health monthly newsletter. You can also browse previous editions of the public health newsletter.
Smoke Free Generation Consultation
If you would like to take part in the Smoke Free Generation Consultation it runs until December 6 please visit here.
For more information visit Action on Smoking (ASH) https://ash.org.uk/ |
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| Would you like to know more about Fostering with B&NES council? Visit our website at fostering.bathnes.gov.uk. |
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