A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
We are committed to building new and affordable homes across our area and earlier today the council hosted a visit by the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities the RT Hon Michael Gove MP to Bath Western Riverside.
He was visiting the site of the former gas works where we plan to bring new homes to the city. The council has submitted an outline planning application for up to 351 new homes in a flexible community and business space. The plans propose a mix of tenures, which include market and affordable homes for rent and shared ownership. The homes are designed to exceptional building performance standards based on Passivhaus principles, fabric first approach.
The outline plans also promote low car use in line with our ambitions to build a sustainable future for Bath and North East Somerset that is net zero and nature positive by 2030. You can find out more about the outline planning application and have your say here
I would like to highlight a local project to promote all the work that is going on locally to tackle the climate emergency. If you’ve added energy efficiency features to your home then there is an opportunity to showcase this as part of the Green Open Homes B&NES weekend in November.
The open homes event is being led by Bath & West Community Energy (BWCE) in partnership with the council, Buro Happold, Bath Preservation Trust and Transition Bath and aims to showcase a variety of housing types, including listed buildings that have introduced a range of solutions from low-cost DIY methods such as draft proofing and smart power controls to more extensive options, such as wall insulation and triple glazing.
Next week sees the first face-to-face meeting of the Bathavon Area Forum since lockdown began and the first meeting since the local elections. The meeting on Wednesday July 5 will kick off the summer round of five forums which the council supports and where you can give us feedback. You can find more information and meeting dates for all the forums on the council website.
Have a good weekend.
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Deaf-Blind Awareness Week 26 June – 2 July
Deafblind Awareness Week raises awareness about what life is like for those who are deafblind, and celebrating the achievements of people who are deafblind.
For more information visit: https://www.sense.org.uk/deafblind-awareness-week/
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Council brings successful prosecution against broadband provider
An Internet service provider has been fined £16,000 and ordered to pay more than £5,000 in costs after being found guilty of two street works offences, following a case brought by Bath & North East Somerset Council. |
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Join the discussion about public services in your community at the Bathavon Area Forum
Bathavon residents are being encouraged to share their views on a range of issues affecting their community at their next Area Forum, which will be in-person at St Andrew's Community Church on July 5. |
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Chew Stoke school recognised for success in encouraging sustainable travel
Pupils and staff at a Bath & North East Somerset school have been recognised for their exemplar achievements to encourage more active, safer and sustainable ways to travel. |
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Summer Reading Challenge
The council is supporting The Reading Agency’s national Summer Reading Challenge to encourage children to enjoy reading over the summer holidays. It launches on Saturday 8th July and you can sign up at one of our libraries or online. We’ve got free events at our Bath, Keynsham and Midsomer Norton libraries which can be booked on Eventbrite. |
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Somer Valley Links consultation
The West of England Combined Authority (WECA) has launched a consultation asking for views on proposals to make taking the bus an easier and more pleasant experience as well as changes to walking and cycling routes between Midsomer Norton, Westfield and Radstock and Bath/Bristol along the A37, A362 and A367.
People are being asked for views on extending specific bus lanes, new and upgraded cycle lanes as well as changes to bus stops.
To have your say go to https://www.haveyoursaywest.co.uk/index.php?contentid=37
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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
Did you know that if you aren’t able to visit our libraries because of mobility or other issues, we can bring the library to you? Volunteers from our Home Library Service can visit you at home every few weeks to bring books and talking books. The service is available in any part of B&NES but we currently have new volunteers in the Keynsham area to pair with new readers, so if you’d like to register, email HomeLibraryService@bathnes.gov.uk or call 01225 39 40 41. |
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Sensory Spaces in our libraries
We have two 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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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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