A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset CouncilWe have now been given the date for the General Election – July 4. We will soon be entering a pre-election period when the council’s communications will follow strict election guidance. Council services will continue as normal but you may see some decisions and consultations are paused. However rest assured the council will continue with its ambitious program of delivery. Our substantial investment in our city centre and high streets continues to bear fruit, as once again our city has been recognised for the fantastic place that it is, earning the title ‘best medium-size city for a staycation’ in a survey of Which members. It is vital that we continue to attract visitors to keep our area vibrant and our economy thriving, However, the council’s main role is to deliver services for residents and improve the quality of life in neighbourhoods. Our Liveable Neighbourhoods programme is a key part of this. The next steps for Liveable Neighbourhoods are three linked trial traffic schemes in Gay Street, Catharine Place and Winifred’s Lane which are set to start from 15 July. Thesestreets are frequently used by motorists to avoid the main roads linking the A46/M4 to the south of Bath, so the aim is to address speeding and excessive through traffic. We also want to create a safe and pleasant active travel route through the area. I want to reassure residents and businesses that vehicle access to properties will be maintained during the trials, although some drivers may have to use a different route. The experimental trials will be in place for a minimum of six months under an Experimental Road Traffic Order (ETRO) and their impact will be monitored. At any point during the six-month trial you can share your views. No decision will be made on whether to make the trials permanent until the council has considered all the outcomes. This week cabinet members took the opportunity to meet in Midsomer Norton (pictured) where the council is investing £2.39m on a new public space in Market Square outside the Town Hall. We want the space to become a venue for outdoor events of all sizes, positioning Midsomer Norton as a market town once more. The project complements the ongoing restoration of Midsomer Norton’s Town Hall, making it possible for a combination of indoor and outdoor events to be held in the town. Both schemes together are part of the £3.7m Midsomer Norton High Street Regeneration Programme. In addition to the regeneration work I am proud of the three-year pilot project The Active Way, which is supporting the health and wellbeing of Somer Valley residents. The council was highly commended for the scheme in the recent Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning & Transport (ADEPT) President’s Awards – it’s great to see this national recognition. Finally, I would like to congratulate Councillor Karen Walker and Councillor Liz Hardmen who were elected to the roles of Bath & North East Somerset Council Chair and Deputy Chair at our Annual Council Meeting last week. Both are very experienced councillors and great advocates for their respective Peasedown St John and Paulton communities. It is the second time Councillor Walker has been appointed as chair. I’m sure both will bring their vast experience to bear and will be great advocates for Bath & North East Somerset Council. Finally, I want to place on record many thanks to Councillor Sarah Moore for her hard work and commitment as the outgoing chair. Take care and have a lovely Bank Holiday weekend. | 
