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e-connect 29 February 2024
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A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
Keynsham Recycling Hub, the council’s impressive purpose-built waste and recycling centre, was officially opened this week and I was delighted to join fellow councillors including the council chair, Councillor Sarah Moore, and Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services (pictured with myself) on a tour of the facility.
We have invested £41.8m in the new environmentally-friendly hub. The first phase, a comprehensive household waste, reuse and recycling centre opened last April. The facility was recently completed, with an operational hub to deliver frontline services such as recycling and waste collections with facilities for more than 100 recycling and refuse collections vehicles. There is also an MOT and Servicing Centre for council vehicles and public and commercial vehicles and a salt barn which now provides easy access and winter gritting to the A4 and adjacent roads between Keynsham and Bath.
More than 200 operations and support staff are now based in the modern offices and the scheme has great environmental credentials including a solar PV array and rainwater harvesting. The project has been a significant undertaking for the council over the past four years which we should be hugely proud of – well done to everyone involved in this impressive new facility. Our public recycling centre in Midland Road is still open and will remain open until an alternative site is in place.
Like other areas across the country our services are experiencing record demand for local welfare support and the Government’s provision of the Household Support Fund has helped provide a vital safety net for residents who are struggling to afford the essentials and are facing financial crisis. It is therefore very concerning that this lifeline is set to end on March 31 and so I am joining others in calling on the Government for an extension to it to help avoid households falling into crisis and additional pressures being placed on already overstretched services.
We have just held our Keynsham, Chew and Somer Valley Area Forums, which were really well attended and gave many of you the opportunity to engage with the council, partners and local organisations. Thank you to everyone who took part. If you missed the meetings you can watch them on our Youtube channel and you can find more information and meeting dates for upcoming forums on the council website.
I would like to congratulate in particular the Chew Valley CIC Sustainable Transport Partnership which has been awarded a grant for a WESTlocal bus to take people to and from the Chew Valley to drop off points in Bristol once a day, Monday to Friday. The locations chosen and the timings of the stops are based on evidence of demand and the success of this bid shows the value of us all working together, harnessing local skills and knowledge to develop solutions to local concerns and issues. We’ve long been urging the Metro Mayor to use his ‘BSIP’ funding to fund buses to the Chew Valley, so I welcome his decision at last to do so.
Next week cabinet meets to discuss our proposed investment in Radstock and support the growth of the town centre. We will also consider our Heritage Services business plan for 2024-25. It is fantastic news that the Roman Baths have exceeded pre-pandemic levels of income and the Victoria Art Gallery has seen a 30% increase in exhibition visitors in the past year. The success of our Heritage Services plays a crucial role supporting our key services and we will continue to invest and protect our heritage assets for the benefit of residents and visitors.
Have a good weekend.
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A national day of reflection is being held by Marie Curie on Sunday 3rd March to remember those who died in the pandemic. Take part by holding a minute silence, sharing a loved ones name or in an event. Find out more https://dayofreflection.org.uk.
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Heritage Services shows strong financial recovery
Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Heritage Services will exceed pre-pandemic levels of income and profitability this year.
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New household DIY waste limits at council recycling centres
Residents in Bath and North East Somerset are being notified of new limits on how much domestic DIY waste they can recycle at once and how often, due to a change in government legislation.
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Council considers regeneration action plan for Radstock
A plan to regenerate Radstock and support future funding bids for projects including community spaces, reuse of brownfield sites and repurposing of vacant units is going before Bath & North East Somerset Council’s cabinet.
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State-of-the-art Keynsham Recycling Hub officially opened
Keynsham Recycling Hub, the new Bath & North East Somerset Council purpose-built facility has been officially opened.
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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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CSE energy advice
Residents wanting to reduce their bills, insulate their homes or add energy efficiency measures can get guidance from trained energy experts on the first Thursday of every month from 11am to 2pm at a pop up in the Podium outside Bath Central Library. |
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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 an independent metal health charity whose services operate across Bath and North East Somerset. Explore Bath Mind’s services by visiting their website. Alternatively, call Freephone 0808 175 1369 any day of the week between 9am and 11pm for mental health support. |
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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Bath Community Transport
Bath Community Transport provides accessible transport to community, church and support groups, social clubs, care homes and sport foundations.
Call 01225 832317 for further details or visit https://travelwest.info/community-transport/bath-community-transport. |
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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, support is available from Bath and North East Somerset Carers’ Centre. Freephone support line: 0800 038 8885 or email 9am-1pm, every weekday. |
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| 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. |
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