A message from Cllr Sarah Warren, deputy leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council

I am stepping in over the next few weeks while Councillor Guy is away and want to begin with the very welcome news the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority received yesterday, on three-quarters of a billion secured for transport investment in our region.

This investment marks a turning point for sustainable transport for Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. It is a huge opportunity to deliver a cleaner, greener and more connected future and to make it easier for people to choose public transport, walking and cycling.

I look forward to working with the WECA Mayor Helen Godwin and our regional partners to progress options such as mass transit and electrifying our bus fleet to help us tackle congestion, achieve our net zero targets and improve people’s lives. While the new funding means we can look to the future I want to highlight a recent decision which will not only make a direct difference to care leavers now but also demonstrates great example of how we can work together to support young people for better outcomes.

Young people leaving care, aged up to 25, will soon be able to travel free on buses in the wider region, as a result of funding secured by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and North Somerset Council. This direct support removes a barrier for some of our most vulnerable young people and supports Bath & North East Somerset Council’s commitment to getting services right for care experienced young people in addition to the council making leaving care a protected characteristic and signing up to the Care Leaver Covenant.

Finally, well done to our events team who have been working with organisers the new Brickfields Park parkrun (BPp) which already has around 330 runners and walkers each week and approximately 30 volunteers. Good luck to Bath Rugby Club for their game tomorrow night as they home in on securing their first Premiership title in nearly 30 years – and don’t forget if you are going to the game our Park & Ride service has been extended until 11.30pm from Monday to Saturday.

Have a great weekend.

Park and Ride for summer events

An exciting summer of events is coming to Bath – including Robbie Williams. Why not use the park & ride? Available until 11.30pm from Monday to Saturday at our three sites – Newbridge, Lansdown and Odd Down.

News

Next steps for Somer Valley Links sustainable travel proposals revealed

The next steps for a wide-ranging transport project benefitting much of Bath & North East Somerset are outlined below.

Revised proposals for Odd Down Sports Ground go out to consultation

Revised plans for the extension and refurbishment of Odd Down Sports Ground are on view in an online consultation that launched today (May 30).

Stall Street road closure for investigative and remedial work

A section of Stall Street in front of the Roman Baths is being closed to vehicles while investigative and remedial work is undertaken in the vault below.

Braille and Beyond library tour:
RNIB’s Braille 200 years celebration

Bath Central Library - Thursday 12 June, 10:45am - 3.00pm

Organised by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), join us for a day of talks and networking, exploring the value of braille in day-to-day life and how it's just as important now as it was 200 years ago. The event free, so get your tickets for the Braille and Beyond Library tour.

Have your say

Council meetings

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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You can follow us on Nextdoor, X, Facebook,
Instagram and Bluesky; subscribe to us on YouTube and read the latest releases on our Newsroom. Visit our website.

View and take part in our consultations

Support

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:

Cost of living support (benefits, energy, food, debt, childcare, & mental health)
Support services and organisations
Paying for care and support, planning for future care costs

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.

Energy at Home

Our Energy at Home website provides information about the latest funding and support available to help B&NES residents save money on their energy bills and improve the energy efficiency of their home.

Social tariffs

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

Library services

Our Libraries offer a range of services, including the Library at Home service where we can bring the library to you and sensory spaces for children and young adults with sensory needs. You can also find out about events happening in our libraries.

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.

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.

Public health

To keep up to date with the latest public health news stories across Bath and North East Somerset, including upcoming events, consultations and other information, subscribe to the public health monthly newsletter. You can also browse previous editions of the public health newsletter.

Volunteers' Week

Volunteers across Bath & North East Somerset give so much. Thank you to each and every one who supports our communities. Here’s a look back at some of our Community Award winners.