A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset CouncilAs your council leader and as the deputy Mayor for the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (WECA) I want to take this opportunity to highlight work happening in our region and changes that have been agreed to better serve residents across the area. Firstly, it is reassuring to see the positive collaboration of leaders across the WECA authorities under Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, has been recognised by an independent improvement panel. We are all committed to achieving the very best for our fantastic region and you can find out more about our work on the combined authority’s website. WECA’s new ten-year Growth Strategy, which has been taken to senior government ministers, has now been formally approved. It sets out a strategic direction to meet ambitious growth targets for the benefit of the whole region. This means continued investment and support to attract businesses to the West at the same time as growing a skilled workforce. The strategy includes new commercial and employment opportunities within our Bath Riverside Innovation District, and in the Somer Valley, development-ready sites within a Somer Valley Enterprise Zone. New investment is evident right across Bath. A mix of smaller independent businesses as well as much-loved high street brands are investing in the city. Marks & Spencer’s £17 million investment in its Southgate store secures the brand’s future in Bath. Shires Yard – formerly Milsom Place, is seeing new investment including a new restaurant and our work on Jolly’s will see new retailer Morleys moving to Bath in 2026. It is also welcome to see work starting on Royal Mineral Water Hospital, which is being converted into a luxury hotel by owner The Fragrence Group, showing further confidence in our city. This week I visited Berkeley Homes’ Bath Gasworks construction site which will see hundreds of high-quality, low-carbon private and affordable homes on one of the city’s largest brownfield sites. Bath Western Riverside is a strategic regeneration project and once the current remediation and enabling works are concluded next spring we will be able to further progress the council’s commitment to building affordable and high-quality housing as set out in our 2025-2030 Housing Plan. As you can see as the council remains committed to investing in Bath & North East Somerset, supporting local businesses, and creating opportunities for all residents. Whether through new stores, regional partnerships or groundbreaking housing schemes, our area as part of the West is moving forward with confidence. Finally, I want to take the opportunity to wish a happy Diwali to all our residents who have celebrated the Hindu Festival of Light this week. Have a great weekend. | 
