A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
Bath’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ) is continuing to improve air quality with a decreasing trend in nitrogen dioxide concentrations across the city. It’s heartening to see clear indications that the clean air zone is working to improve air quality across the area, not just within the zone.
Air pollution is a significant risk to people’s health, which is why the Government directed us to implement the CAZ.
It was the first to be launched outside London and works to reduce pollution in Bath by levying a £9 or £100 a day charge on anyone driving a chargeable higher emission vehicle in the zone. This excludes private cars and motorcycles which are not charged.
Any revenue over and above the operating cost will be spent on supporting sustainable transport projects or schemes which contribute towards improvements to air quality. The latest example of this are the 20 bike hangars we are installing across Bath. They provide secure on-street cycle parking and are part of a two-year trial to improve travel choices for residents. These have been part funded by revenue from the CAZ as well as the West of England Combined Authority.
Last weekend I was honoured to be part of the UIPM World Modern Pentathlon Medal Ceremony Presentation Party, where the Women’s Team gold medal was won by Italy ahead of Great Britain and Hungary (pictured). The council was a key partner in the event which brought world-class sports to the city at the University of Bath and was another good example of great partnership work benefiting our area.
Across our area we are fortunate to have a wide variety of high-quality green spaces. Bath & North East Somerset Council has declared an ecological emergency and I wanted to highlight a couple of projects that involve communities in improving biodiversity and promoting health and wellbeing and connect people with their natural environment.
Somer Valley Rediscovered includes Radstock, Midsomer Norton, Westfield, Paulton and Peasedown St John and surrounding countryside and smaller villages, an area that has a proud history of coal mining. The project has been awarded funding from the West of England Combined Authority to restore key habitats and improve access for local people at Haydon Batch, Waterside Valley, Midsomer Norton Town Park, Wellow Brook Walk, and Staddlestones. Chew Valley Reconnected Partnership is a project that aims to connect communities with natural spaces and address impacts of climate change in the Chew Valley.
There’s just a week left to get your nominations in for our fantastic annual Community Awards where we recognise inspirational people, businesses or organisations who go above and beyond to support their local community. There are ten categories, and the winners will be invited to a special event hosted by the Chair of the Council, Councillor Sarah Moore later this year. You can find out more information on the categories and use this online form to nominate someone special.
Have a good weekend.
|
|
Major investment to improve Bath’s green spaces for pollinators and people
Eighteen parks and green spaces across Bath are set to benefit from improved natural habitats and increased biodiversity following a £165,000 investment. |
|
Heritage Open Days in Bath and North East Somerset
Venues across Bath and North East Somerset will open their doors this September for Heritage Open Days (8-17 September). The nationwide celebration of history and culture is a chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all for free. |
|
Royal Victoria Park ponds set for improvement work
The duck ponds at Royal Victoria Park in Bath are set to benefit from a £75,000 programme of restorative works.
|
|
‘Twert Lush’: Bath Carnival celebrations come to Twerton High Street
Residents in Bath and North East Somerset are invited to immerse themselves in a free day of carnival arts and creative activities in venues along Twerton High Street next month. |
|
Business Growth and Adaptions Grant
Small and medium-sized businesses will soon be able to apply to the West of England Combined Authority’s £1.5m Business Growth and Adaptions Grant fund to purchase and implement new products and equipment. Applications open on 21 September and businesses can apply if they are looking to start or improve production, or adapt to regulatory change to production practices that has been introduced in the last three years. |
|
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. |
|
| 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 |
|
Employment support and skills
|
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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.
We’re running a series of events across B&NES during September and October with a range of local organisations attending.
Thursday 21 September - Pod Launch – Bath Central Library, The Podium BA1 5AN
Monday 2 October - Keynsham Training & Jobs Fair – Keynsham Library, Civic Centre BS31 1FS
Tuesday 24 October - Midsomer Norton Training & Jobs Fair – Midsomer Norton Library, High St BA3 2DP |
|
Health, wellbeing and support
|
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
Public health newsletter
To keep up to date with the latest public health news stories across Bath and North East Somerset, including upcoming events and other information, subscribe to the public health monthly newsletter. You can also browse previous editions of the public health newsletter. |
|
|
|
