A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
I’ve focused a lot on buses in previous messages and I make no apology for doing so again.
Our buses are in urgent need of improvement and the Metro Mayor has received more than £57million from central government to do that. Yet bus services are being reduced, particularly in rural areas.
Central government is now allowing the Metro Mayor to spend some of this £57m on supported buses. So he could restore bus reductions immediately by using just a fraction of the money he has been given.
To be clear, Bath & North East Somerset Council has not cut money for buses. In fact we have increased the money we give to WECA annually for bus services at a time when our own finances are under huge pressure.
We’ve all got to work together for the benefit of passengers. So I am writing to the Metro Mayor asking him to reinstate/continue supported bus services so badly needed by our communities to get to school, to work, to healthcare, and other essential journeys. I encourage passengers who want better bus services to do the same.
While the council is not responsible for public transport we are responsible for highways and we are tackling the constant scourge of potholes. Our highways teams have repaired 4,178 potholes so far this year.
We know there’s more to do, and we’re using different methods to fix them to get them repaired as quickly as possible. You can report a pothole or any other issue on our roads here: https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/report-problem-highway-or-public-space-0.
It's also that time of year when our highways team are out cutting back highway verge vegetation to improve road safety and visibility. However where it is safe to do so some verges are left to encourage wildflowers, bees and other pollinators to thrive as part of our commitment to talking the climate and ecological emergency.
Finally I’m pleased to say that the Festival of Nature is back - running from June 9-18, with a huge range of free events across Bath & North East Somerset. You can find out about the full list of local events and join in with the festival’s 20th anniversary celebrations here - https://www.bnhc.org.uk/festival-of-nature/festival-of-nature-celebrates-its-20th-anniversary-with-events-across-bath-and-north-east-somerset/
Have a good weekend |
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 Child Safety Week
Child Safety Week runs from Monday 5th to Sunday 11th June.
Find out more on the Child Accident Prevention Trust website. |
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New £487k funding boost for Midsomer Norton High Street Heritage Action Zone project
The regeneration of Midsomer Norton Town Hall into a modern and accessible space for the community is set to be completed later this year. |
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Council’s essential highway verge cutting under way
Bath & North East Somerset Council’s highways team are cutting back highway verge vegetation to improve road safety in its rural areas. |
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Families urged to join Healthy start and access more than £75k of free food a year on offer in B&NES
Almost a quarter of eligible families in Bath and North East Somerset are missing out on an estimated £75,852 of free fruit, vegetables, vitamins and milk a year due to unclaimed Healthy Start benefit. |
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Redevelopment of council depot significantly lowers emissions
Investment in a Bath & North East Somerset Council highways depot has resulted in a massive 89 per cent reduction in carbon emissions since its redevelopment two years ago, recent data shows. |
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Council tackles Blue Badge misuse as part of Day of Action
Bath & North East Somerset Council carried out 146 Blue Badge checks as it took part in a national day of action against misuse of the badges. |
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National Crime Reading Month
Join us on Saturday 17 June from 2pm at Bath Central Library when we chat with crime writing experts Jeff Dowson and Stephen Timmins for an afternoon of Crime Conversation.
Tickets are free and can be booked via Eventbrite, or by popping into the library. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/652830322067 |
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COVID-19 vaccination spring programme
The 2023 spring coronavirus (COVID-19) booster programme is now underway. A spring booster dose is being offered to:
- adults aged 75 years and over
- residents in a care home for older adults
- individuals aged 5 years and over who are immunosuppressed
Those eligible can book their vaccination on the National Booking Service or NHS App.
The last date for the public to book spring boosters will be 30 June 2023.
The offer of a first and second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine will also come to an end for many people on 30 June. After this date, the NHS offer will become more targeted to those at increased risk, usually during seasonal campaigns.
Find out more here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/covid-19/covid-19-vaccination/getting-a-1st-and-2nd-dose-of-the-covid-19-vaccine/
Check your eligibility at www.nhs.uk. Go online here to book or call 119. |
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COVID-19 vaccine to be offered to children aged six months to four years in clinical risk groups
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised that clinically vulnerable children aged six months to four years should be offered a COVID-19 vaccine.
Although young children are generally at low risk of developing severe illness from COVID-19, infants and young children who have underlying medical conditions are over seven times more likely to be admitted to Paediatric Intensive Care Units.
The full range of clinical risk groups are defined in the COVID-19 chapter of the Green Book.
The JCVI does not currently advise COVID-19 vaccination of children aged six months to four years who are not in a clinical risk group.
NHS England has since confirmed it will begin offering vaccinations to those eligible in England from mid-June. Parents should wait to be contacted before coming forward.
Read more in our news story. |
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New Sensory Spaces in our libraries
We have just opened two brand new Sensory Spaces in our libraries for children and young adults for sensory needs. The spaces at Keynsham and Midsomer Norton Libraries are open to everyone as a place to take a sensory break away from the lights and sounds of the main library.
Book a visit via Eventbrite - https://bit.ly/SensorySpaceBooking |
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Homes for Ukraine webinar
The national charity Reset is hosting a webinar on June 12 from 12.00pm-12.45pm for anyone thinking about becoming a Homes for Ukraine host. The webinar will introduce the scheme, what it means to be a sponsor, what support people receive from their local authority and will help people decide whether hosting is right for them. Find out more and register online. |
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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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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. Alternatively, you can email. |
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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. |
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We Work For Everyone – free employment support
We Work For Everyone is a free employment support programme for unemployed people age 16+ with a learning difficulty, learning disability or autism. No formal diagnosis is required.
To find out more call 0117 9223330, email weworkforeveryone@bristol.gov.uk or visit https://weworkforeveryone.org/.
The programme supports people in Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire. |
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Employment & 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 now on 0300 247 0050 or you can email us. 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. Visit the Future Bright website to find out more or call 01225 395555. |
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Live Well B&NES: information for all
Live Well B&NES is a web-based resource providing information, signposting and support to Bath & North East Somerset residents. It provides 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 and haven’t already registered ‒ make sure you’re included. It’s free and takes less than five minutes to register. Find out more or email the LWB team. |
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Mental Health and Wellbeing Support
Bath Mind is here for everyone living in B&NES, offering wellbeing groups and courses, befriending, breathing space crisis support, safe space youth group, and affordable 1:1 counselling.
For more information, support resources and to self-refer, visit the website, or call our Access Community Mental Health Team who can help you access the most suitable support for your needs: Freephone 0808 175 1369 or you can email. |
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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, visit their website or you can email them. |
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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 from Community Wellbeing Hub
Anybody who is a resident of Bath and North East Somerset can benefit from support from the Community Wellbeing Hub. The team 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. Opening hours are from Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm. Call the Hub on 0300 247 0050 or text 07870 868368. You can also email or visit the website.
If you need to contact the council about its services please ring Council Connect on 01225 394041 or email us. |
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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 the website. For more useful information visit the RNIB website. |
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Pride month
We are flying the Rainbow Pride Flag from the Guildhall in Bath throughout June to celebrate Pride month and as a symbol of support to all LGBTQ+ people across Bath & North East Somerset. |
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