A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset CouncilToday I had the great pleasure of welcoming Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England to the Somer Valley to showcase our area’s strengths and the opportunities we’re ready to unlock together with regional backing. We are ambitious for the Somer Valley as an area of economic growth. The area has been identified as a growth zone in the West of England’s ten-year Growth Strategy which sets out the exciting opportunities for economic growth in the West that would deliver 72,000 new jobs for the region. Together with representatives from Radstock Town Council and Midsomer Norton Town Council we showcased some of the great work we’ve already achieved together. The visit took in our £1.5 transformation of the Trinity Hub as well as teams delivering on the ground supporting 18 to 21-year-olds into work, training or apprenticeships through the Youth Trail Blazer scheme. We also took the opportunity to visit the recently completed Midsomer Norton town square at the island and new bus interchange and look around the Town Hall transformation – all brilliant examples of Bath & North East Somerset Council working with partners using support from the Mayoral Combined Authority to enhance our town centres and improve people’s lives. We are ambitious for more and have strategic plans to attract new commercial and employment opportunities within the Bath Riverside Innovation Quarter, and in the Somer Valley, which would see development-ready sites within a Somer Valley Enterprise Zone. Tackling the climate and nature emergencies is a key part of sustainable growth for our region. If you’re passionate about our landscape, green spaces and rivers, there’s just time to apply to chair the Somer Valley Rediscovered Partnership—a voluntary role that helps steer practical improvements to habitats, access and wellbeing. Applications close tomorrow. Find out more and how to apply on the SVR website: somervalleyrediscovered.co.uk/partnership-chair. Earlier this week I caught up with Clare Moody, Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner and colleagues (pictured) discuss crime and safety across Bath & North East Somerset. It was good to get a first-hand view of what the police deal with in a busy city centre like Bath as well as our rural communities and discuss how the police and council can continue to co-ordinate our efforts. With strong local leadership and regional support with partners like the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and Avon and Somerset Police, we can realise the area’s potential—creating good jobs, revitalising our high streets, keeping communities safe and improving quality of life for everyone. Have a great weekend. | 
