A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
This week I am writing my message from the Harrogate Convention Centre in North Yorkshire where I am representing Bath & North East Somerset Council at the Local Government Association Annual Conference. The Local Government Association (LGA) is made up of councils from across the country and is ‘the voice of local government.’ Our membership of the LGA means we can amplify our voice to central government and it has been really interesting to hear from central government speakers including Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and Nadhim Zahawi, Secretary of State for Education.
The LGA’s role is also to support and improve local government, so this is a working conference. Outside of the main conference hall, there are many sessions devoted to sharing best practice and learning from each other. I’ve been attending a wide range of these to find out what other councils are doing and ensuring we learn from successes elsewhere.
However, I am also finding that we too in Bath & North East Somerset have a lot to share with others, particularly on the work we are doing to tackle the climate emergency. As an example, this week we set out how an alternative to traditional methods of resurfacing roads is being used by the council. Foambase®, which is being used by contractors to resurface 10,000m2 of the A368 at Chelwood, uses up to 50 per cent fewer CO2 emissions than traditional methods as it is applied cold and recycles the existing aggregate on site, which reduces waste. The new technology is also more cost-effective than traditional methods. I welcome this proposal and look forward to even more innovation from the council to address the climate and ecological emergency.
It is also interesting to learn from talking to other councils here in Harrogate that are facing the same challenges, such as the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on residents and businesses in our areas. I included some useful links on how people can get help last week and we have also put these later in the newsletter.
Another example of a big challenge facing councils is how we shape proposals for ecologically-sensitive development sites. I recently spoke with residents about our proposals for local accommodation for adults with learning difficulties and/or autism at the Englishcombe Lane site in Bath. The proposed scheme would reduce the need for out-of-area placements away from family and friends, and include measures to protect the ecology of the area.
Under the proposals discussed with residents this week is a 10m buffer around the tufa site and a bat corridor, alongside protective measures for badgers, reptiles and small mammals. I believe that we can provide much-needed new facilities for the community in a sensitive way. I look forward to continuing to work with local residents to make sure we take everyone’s views into account as we work up the proposal in more detail.
We have less than a week to go until Bath hosts the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay. Ninety-seven-year-old Normandy veteran Stan Ford from Bath is amongst the Batonbearers who are taking part. You can find more information on all the fantastic Batonbearers and more details about the event and where to watch it.
Have a good weekend.
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It's National Breastfeeding Week
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Guidance
It's still important to help prevent the spread of coronavirus and ensuring you stay safe and get your Covid-19 booster dose.
Free testing for Covid-19 has now ended for most people. You may still be able to get free rapid lateral flow tests if you work for the NHS or in social care, if you are going into hospital, or you’re at high risk of getting seriously ill from Covid-19. If you symptoms of a respiratory infection including Covid-19, here is what you should do. |
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Don't wait for a call or a letter from your GP
If you are 75+, or 12+ with a weakened immune system, DO NOT wait for a NHS letter. Go ahead and book your spring booster, if there's been 182 days (6 months) since the last one.
Find out which vaccinations are available for each age group by visiting the BSW CCG and clicking on 'Am I eligible for a booster vaccine?'. Covid-19 vaccinations can also be booked for children aged 5-11 through the National Booking System. |
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Upcoming clinics
- Thursday 7 July ‒ Bath Citadel Salvation Army, Green Park Road, Bath (11-5.30pm)
- Friday 8 July ‒ Bath City Football Club, 105 High St, Twerton, Bath (11-6pm)
- Thursday 14 July ‒ Bath Citadel Salvation Army, Green Park Road, Bath (11-5.30pm)
- Friday 15 July ‒ Fairfield Park Health Centre, Tyning Lane, Camden Road (10am-5pm)
- Saturday 16 July ‒ Keynsham Scout Hut, Ashton way. Keynsham (10am-5pm)
- Thursday 21 July ‒ Bath Citadel Salvation Army, Green Park Road, Bath (11-5.30pm)
- Friday 22 July ‒ Bath City Football Club, 105 High St, Twerton, Bath (11-6pm)
- Saturday 23 July ‒ Paulton Rovers FC, First4Pools Stadium, Winterfield Road, Paulton (10-4)
- Thursday 28 July ‒ Bath Citadel Salvation Army, Green Park Road, Bath (11-5.30pm)
Clinics are open to everyone aged 12+ in Year 8 and above, apart from those marked in yellow. This one is also open to children aged 5+.
Vaccinations available include:
- First and second doses
- Boosters for people aged 16+, plus at-risk children aged 12+
- Spring boosters for people 75+, plus people aged 12+ with weakened immune system
- Additional primary doses for people with severely weakened immune system 12+
Those aged 12 in year 7 and below, can book their vaccination appointment online or find a walk-in clinic on the NHS website. You need to be registered with a GP (or call 119) to book online. You do not need to book or be registered with a GP to use a walk-in clinic.
If you plan to attend a walk-in, please check the 'grab a jab' website to make sure the site is open on the day.
If you’ve had a positive Covid-19 test, before getting any dose of the vaccine you need to wait: 4 weeks (28 days) if you're aged 18+ or an at risk 12-17 year old; or 12 weeks (84 days) if you're aged 12-17. This starts from the date you had symptoms, or the date of the positive test if you didn't have any symptoms. If you or your child have had symptoms of Covid-19, but haven't had a test, you should wait until your symptoms are better to get a Covid-19 vaccine. Talk to a healthcare professional at the site.
Don't forget, you can still 'grab a cab' to your planned vaccination appointment. The vaccination must be pre-booked and evidence of the appointment must be shown to the taxi driver. Evidence can include a screen shot on a mobile phone or a tablet, or print out.
If you need a translator, have difficulties communicating or hearing, or are a British Sign Language (BSL) user, use textphone 18001 119 or the NHS 119 BSL interpreter service. |
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Batonbearers for the Queen’s Baton Relay revealed
Ninety-seven year old Normandy veteran Stan Ford from Bath is among the remaining Batonbearers for the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay that have been announced with only a week to go until the baton arrives in the city. |
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Portrait of Lord Foster unveiled in the Guildhall
A painted portrait of Lord Don Foster has been unveiled in the Guildhall to commemorate his long service to the city of Bath. |
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Plans for ecologically sensitive site set out
The council has set out to residents its plans for an ecologically-sensitive development site in Englishcombe Lane in Bath. |
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Combatting climate emergency with carbon-saving resurfacing
A carbon-saving alternative to traditional methods of resurfacing roads is being used for the first time by Bath & North East Somerset Council as part of its ongoing commitment to tackling the climate emergency. |
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Looking to learn a new language
You can now listen and learn with BorrowBox our digital library. BorrowBox is free to use with your Bath and North East Somerset Library membership. If you’re not yet a member of the library then you can sign up for free. |
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Council meeting calendar
Do you want to know about decisions being taken by the council and have your say? Please follow this link to the council’s calendar of meetings. |
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Follow us online
You can follow us on twitter, facebook and instagram; subscribe to us on YouTube, read the latest releases on our newsroom and if you sign up on nextdoor we are there too.
For updates on our services visit our website. |
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Green business grants now available
Small and medium-sized businesses across the West of England can get support to improve the energy efficiency of their buildings and business operations. This helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and can save companies money on their utility bills.
There’s still time for firms to go green and cut their energy bills – the current funding window for the West of England Combined Authority’s Green Business Grants closes on 30 June. Interested businesses just need to fill out a short ‘book a carbon survey’ form via the Combined Authority’s webpage. |
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The Library at Home service
If you, or someone you know is unable to visit the library, why not try the Library at Home service. This is a great way to connect with new friends and volunteers through a love of reading. You can access books and audiobooks, regardless of your situation.
To find out more visit here, or email HomeLibraryService@bathnes.gov.uk. |
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Employment and Skills Drop In at Bath Library
If you need help looking for work, training or even starting your own business, why not pop along to the employment and skills drop in sessions at Bath Central Library, from 11am to 1pm, Monday to Friday. |
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Employment and Skills Pod
Are you returning to work after a short or long break? Perhaps you are already in work and planning to change the direction of your career? The Employment & Skills Pod can help you find the right opportunities.
Call us now on 0300 247 0050 or email us on EmploymentSkills_Pod@bathnes.gov.uk. You can also find out more on the website. |
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Future Bright
Future Bright offers FREE career coaching, training and support to help you develop the skills and confidence you need to take your next step. Read some of the inspiring stories from those who have progressed with their careers with support from their Future Bright Careers Coach.
Head over to www.futurebright.org.uk to find out more or give us a call 01225 395555 |
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Live Well B&NES: information for all
A web-based resource providing information, signposting and support to residents in Bath & North East Somerset has launched.
Live Well B&NES provides a wealth of useful information, signposting and resources for families, including Ofsted registered childcare, children and young people with additional needs (our SEND Local Offer) and adults needing care or support to live independently.
Information, services and groups are regularly added to Live Well B&NES. If you work with, support, provide services or run groups for children and young people or for adults needing care or support (such as older people, adults with physical disabilities and/or sensory impairments, people living with mental ill health), and haven’t already registered - make sure you’re included! It’s free and takes less than five minutes to register.
Find out more:
https://livewell.bathnes.gov.uk/
www.facebook.com/livewellbathnes
www.instagram.com/Youth_Info_Bathnes |
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Specialised dementia groups in B&NES
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.
The Alzheimer’s Society also runs a series of support services for people across Bath and North East Somerset. For more information, email: Bath@alzheimers.org.uk. |
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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. Their friendly team will listen to any concerns you have, offer practical advice and access to free wellbeing activities to ensure you’re happy and healthy in your caring role. Contact our freephone support line: 0800 038 8885 or email us. We’re available 9am-1pm, every weekday. |
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Support available from the Community Wellbeing Hub
Anybody who is a resident of Bath and North East Somerset can benefit from support from the Community Wellbeing Hub.
It is a collaboration between Bath & North East Somerset Council; HCRG Care Group; the 3SG; Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group; and other third sector organisation representatives. The team can offer a range of support services such as mental health, returning home from hospital, income, housing and benefits advice, emergency food, as well as lifestyle services for help with stopping smoking, getting active or losing weight.
To contact the Hub:
Phone: 0300 247 0050.
Email: cwhbanes@hcrgcaregroup.com
Website: http://communitywellbeinghub.co.uk
Text: 07870 868368
Opening hours: Monday–Friday, 9am until 5pm
If you need to contact the council about its services please ring Council Connect on 01225 394041 or email Council_connect@bathnes.gov.uk |
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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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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 www.sightsupportwest.org.uk
For more useful information visit the RNIB website: www.rnib.org.uk/ |
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