A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
This week we received the outcome of public inquiry which scrutinised the council’s decision to close York Street for anti-terrorism purposes as part of our city centre security scheme.
I am pleased to report that the inspector found we had a clear and compelling case and considered our proposal to close the street to be a proportionate response. He also noted we had carried out an extensive consultation exercise and was of the view that not proceeding with the traffic order to close York Street would “materially undermine the council’s overall approach to security in this part of the city.”
This has been a costly inquiry. We will now be contacting businesses and residents to update them on the process of closing York Street. Work to install protective measures to reduce risks associated with vehicle-borne threats posed by terrorists and criminals will get under way this summer and we will continue to work with businesses, residents and disability groups as we implement the scheme.
I am very concerned at news that some bus routes, including in our area, are at risk of being cut. I have put forward a clear plan to the West of England Combined Authority to try and resolve this, so that people can access work, health and leisure facilities. As I write, this plan is still on the table and I am fighting hard to save these vital routes. I am joining the leaders of Bristol and South Gloucestershire councils with the WECA Mayor next week to resolve this important issue and will report back.
A week ago many of us were starting the historic four-day Platinum Jubilee celebrations which honoured the Queen and brought communities together. The council hosted the Big Jubilee Picnic and Bath Abbey, the Guildhall, the Roman Baths and Pulteney Bridge were lit up in purple to mark the national lighting of the beacons. Thanks must go to everyone who got involved.
Last week also marked the start of Pride Month. Every year, during the month of June, the LGBT+ community celebrates in a number of different ways and it also commemorates the years of struggle for civil rights and the ongoing pursuit of equality, while recognising the influence that the LGBT+ community has had around the world. We are marking this in Bath & North East Somerset by flying the Pride flag from the Guildhall.
Since the start of the conflict we have been flying the Ukrainian flag to show our support for the people of Ukraine. To date we have welcomed more than 150 people under the Homes to Ukraine scheme into our communities. My thanks to the sponsors and all those such as Bath Welcomes Refugees who are contributing to this scheme and helping who need our support.
Have a good weekend.
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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 their 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
There's still time to grab your first, second or booster doses this month:
- Thursday 9 June, Bath Citadel Salvation Army, Green Park, Bath (11am-5:30pm)
- Saturday 18 June, Keynsham Scout Hut, Ashton Way (10am-5pm)
- Thursday 21 June, Bath City FC, Twerton Park (11am-6pm)
- Friday 24 June, Fairfield Park Health Centre, Tyning Lane, Camden Road, Bath (10am-5pm)
You can get:
- First and second doses for 12-years-old in Year 8 and above
- 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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Next steps for Residents’ Parking Zones
Residents in Oldfield Park and Westmoreland in Bath are being invited to have their say on the traffic regulation orders needed to develop a proposed residents’ parking scheme for the area. |
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Somer Valley residents are invited to discussion
Local groups, organisations and residents in the Somer Valley are invited to the next virtual Somer Valley Area Forum on Wednesday 15 June at 6pm. |
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Clean and Green campaign launches
A 12-month project to help clean up neighbourhoods using a one-off £950,000 investment has been launched across Bath and North East Somerset. |
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Bath to host Birmingham 2022 Baton Relay
Preparations for Bath to welcome the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay are stepping up the pace with a month to go until the baton arrives. |
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Expansion of electric vehicle charging points
Drivers can use 30 new electric charging points following the expansion of the Revive vehicle charging network across Bath and North East Somerset. |
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Free 3D games development training course
A free four-day course hosted by TEKTowr in partnership with Achieve, designed to introduce students aged 16+ to the world of 3D content creation, starts next week.
The course targets different aspects of the 3D pipeline, helping attendees become familiar with the environment, the process and the tools so that they are able to continue the learning journey, and equipping them as 3D creators within the current and future workplace.
Find out more about the course here. |
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Update on free school meal vouchers
Families in Bath and North East Somerset who are eligible for free school meals will be provided with supermarket vouchers to cover the upcoming school holidays. |
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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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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 the website, 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.
Since launching in March 2021, the Employment & Skills Pod has supported over 150 BANES residents with their job, business and training goals.
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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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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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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Specialised dementia groups in B&NES
Age UK Bath & North East Somerset are starting two new specialised Dementia Groups, which are now running weekly in Midsomer Norton & Bath.
These groups are a safe, fun environment for people to come for activities and friendship. Staff are trained in Maintenance Cognitive Behaviour Therapy which helps concentration, confidence, memory and wellbeing.
You can find out more here or call 01225 466135. |
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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, including those people who are isolating due to testing positive for Covid-19 or being in contact with someone who has Covid-19.
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. Since lockdown this has been either online or over the phone. Now following careful planning, some Covid-secure face-to-face support sessions are resuming on an appointment only basis.
Your Community Sight Loss Adviser will be available at Manvers Street Baptist Church, Bath on the first Wednesday each month and at Midsomer Norton Town Hall on the fourth Thursday each month.
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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Local agencies and useful links
We have been working closely with local agencies and if you would like to find out more about their work please look on their website: RUH, Avon and Somerset Police, Curo, and Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire CCG.
- Public Health England updates a daily dashboard: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ It includes deaths that have occurred in all settings where there has been a positive Covid-19 test, including hospitals, care homes and the wider community.
- Latest information on coronavirus: www.gov.uk/coronavirus
NHS information on coronavirus: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ |
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