A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
We are expecting even greater pressure on household finances when the energy price cap is announced later this month. Many more people will be impacted by rises in food and fuel costs.
Help is available.
If you are worried about the cost of living our Community Wellbeing Hub can let you know what support is out there and you can call the hub on 0300 247 0050. You can also find a wealth of financial and welfare advice on our Livewell pages.
If you are struggling with energy costs you may be able to access help from Welfare Support through an Energy Rebate Discretionary Scheme.
We have supported 4,000 households over the school summer holidays who have received a £90 Free School Meal supermarket vouchers. All households on income-related benefits and Universal Credit have also received a £326 cost of living payment in July.
Creating healthier and safer spaces for everyone to share is the cornerstone of our community-led Liveable Neighbourhood Programme.
A total of 15 Liveable Neighbourhood are currently being shaped by local communities’ views. A Liveable Neighbourhood could see wider pavements, new cycle lanes, additional crossings and outdoor seating. Through-traffic restrictions are only proposed where there is a compelling reason to introduce them or where there is significant support from communities.
We are asking for views on proposals for through-traffic restrictions in four pilot areas ‒ Southlands, Weston; Church Street, Widcombe; Tennyson Road and Cork Street; and Queen Charlton Lane, Whitchurch Village.
These have been chosen due to the high levels of support already expressed by some residents for these proposals, and to quickly improve the safety and quality of life for residents living in or around these streets. Vehicle access would be maintained for residents and visitors, plus the emergency and other services. You can share you views and find out more about these schemes before we trial the restriction on each street under an Experimental Traffic Order Regulation (ETRO).
Making changes in Bath city centre is challenging due to the unique nature of the city. Contractors carrying out renovation work on Cleveland Bridge have experienced challenges working on a Grade II* listed structure, which is almost 200 years-old and was never designed for the volume of traffic it takes. As the bridge renovation progressed, severe corrosion was discovered. As recommended in an independent engineering report, we're looking to reopen the bridge to two-way traffic by late September/early October. This is subject to a monitoring system being installed. You will start to see scaffolding coming down. Safety remains our top priority.
As part of our city centre security scheme we’ll be closing Cheap Street temporarily to vehicles later in the summer. During this time, Blue Badge holders will still be able to access and park in Cheap Street, Westgate Street and Upper Borough Walls ‒ but will need to enter via Westgate Buildings and exit via Upper Borough Walls.
When the works start the diversions will be clearly signposted, and marshals will be available to do their usual security checks and help people at Westgate Buildings.
Pedestrian access will be maintained for people who are walking or wheeling. The construction works will not prevent traders, or their customers, from accessing their premises.
While there are these pressures to deal with, walking around the city this week it is clear to me that Bath is bouncing back, the streets are buzzing, we are attracting new business and thousands of visitors.
Over the past two weeks we were gripped by the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. More than 30 athletes, who train, study or have studied at the University of Bath, competed and finished the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games with a fantastic 33 medals between them, seven gold, 17 silver and nine bronze.
I’d like to congratulate all those involved: the athletes, their coaches and everyone at the University of Bath who has contributed to their success.
Have a great weekend.
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Cost of living crisis
Worried about the cost of living? Help is out there.
The Community Wellbeing Hub can let you know what support is available and you can call them on 0300 247 0050.
There is also a dedicated Money Matters section on Live Well B&NES. This includes:
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Covid 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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Am I eligible?
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
- Friday 19 August ‒ Bath City Football Club, Twerton (11am-6pm)
- Saturday 20 August ‒ Keynsham Scout Hut, Ashton way. Keynsham (10am-5pm)
- Friday 26 August ‒ Fairfield Park Health Centre, Tyning Lane, Camden Rd (10am-5pm)
You can get the following vaccinations:
- First and second doses for anyone aged 12+ in Year 8 and above
- Boosters for people aged 16+, plus at-risk children aged 12-15
- Additional primary doses for people with severely weakened immune system 12+
Clinics marked in yellow are ALSO open to children aged 5-12. Anyone 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
- 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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Road safety measures to be introduced at Camerton
Speed reduction measures and a ‘virtual footway’ are being installed at Camerton to improve road safety thanks to work between Bath & North East Somerset Council, residents and the parish council. |
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A free afternoon of fun at Sydney Gardens Gala
An afternoon of free family fun, music, circus and spectacle is being held at Bath’s Sydney Gardens on Sunday 11 September from 1pm-5pm to celebrate the completion of the Gardens Restoration Project. |
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Continuing support for Ukrainian Refugees
Bath and North East Somerset has welcomed 240 Ukrainian refugees under the Homes for Ukraine (H4U) scheme over the past five months. |
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Commonwealth Games athletes are "pride of Bath"
The leader of the council, Councillor Kevin Guy this week congratulated Team Bath athletes on their incredible performance at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. |
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Want to know how we resurface roads? Watch this
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| We’ve resurfaced 86,034m2 of carriageway so far this year as part of our annual resurfacing programme. That’s an area bigger than 12 football pitches. See how it’s done in this video. |
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Bath Children’s Literature Festival
Europe’s largest books festival for children opens in Bath (23 September–2 October) with more than 100 brilliant events from storytelling to draw-alongs, all hosted in the city’s beautiful buildings. Among the family favourites coming to Bath are Michael Rosen, David Baddiel, Cressida Cowell, current Waterstones Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho, Richard Ayoade and Dermot O’Leary.
Visit the website for the full programme and to book tickets. |
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Recruitment, skills and business pop-up fair
If you want to improve your job prospects and get a better job, or you need advice about starting your own business, come along to a recruitment, skills and business pop-up fair at Keynsham Library this Friday 12 August between 10am–12pm.
Plus, Morrison’s will be recruiting for their new Market Kitchen due to open in Bath at this event, so if you are interested in finding out about their front of house vacancies please drop by for an informal chat. To find out more, email us or visit the website. |
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Employment & Skills drop-in
People looking for work, training or starting their own business, can visit a drop-in every Tuesday over the summer at Bath Library, where residents can pop in for support and advice (11am-1pm). A range of organisations will be there:
If you want to know exactly which organisations will be there on each week email us. |
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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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Bee Bold offer
New grants of between £10,000 and £100,000 for projects supporting bees are on offer from the West of England Combined Authority’s Bee Bold Pollinator Fund.
Community groups, parish and town councils and Not for Profit organisations are invited to bid for a share of the money to run community-led ecology projects that enhance biodiversity and pollinator habitats across the region. The closing date for applications is 18 September 2022 at 5pm. |
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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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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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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.
Call us 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.
Head over to the Future Bright website to find out more or give us a 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 (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
Live Well B&NES has a brand new feature called Unsure where to start? to help Bath & North East residents find the information they need for themselves or a family member who needs care or support. Users of the site select a category (such as money matters & finance, keeping safe, caring for others) answer a few simple questions and are then presented with a range of resources and information relevant to their needs. For more information, email the LWB team. |
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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, email us. |
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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.
It is a collaboration between Bath & North East Somerset Council; HCRG Care Group; the 3SG; Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Commissioning Board; 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
Website
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 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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