A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
I hope it is not too late, by the time you read this, to wish you a happy and healthy New Year.
As we look ahead to 2023 the pressing concern right now is the considerable pressure in health and care services. Our NHS colleagues have described the local situation as ’experiencing unprecedented demand’. Please play your part to ease pressure on both care and health services and follow the advice they are giving.
Work is set to start soon on five of the seven new residents’ parking zones following extensive public consultation during 2022. A key priority of the council is to give people a bigger say. We listen very carefully to what people say through our consultations. However, we then have the difficult task of weighing up what are often very different views that have been expressed. Our role as councillors is to consider all views that have been put forward alongside the council’s priorities. Consultations are incredibly valuable in that they highlight tweaks and hyper-local issues which, in the case of the residents parking zones, we could and did change in the final schemes to mitigate objections and make them work as best they can for all. Every input was read and evaluated, and I’d like to thank all those who contributed for their time.
The aim of the parking zones is to tackle anti-social driving and commuter parking in residential streets and improve people’s health and local environment as part of our Liveable Neighbourhoods programme, as well as the council’s response to the climate and ecological emergencies in its Journey to Net Zero plan.
Work will start on five of the zones and letters will be sent to residents at least one month before the estimated operational dates, including information on the zone, how to apply for permits, and a programme of work that could involve temporary road closures in order to paint the road markings and install signage. View full information on our website, and please keep checking for service updates.
There is still time to have your say on our budget proposals. These set out the changes the council is proposing to balance its budget for 2023-24, as required by law. Although we are going into this budget in a stronger position than many other councils, we still have some difficult decisions to make in the light of spiralling costs, social care pressures and the challenging economic climate. To take part in the consultation on the draft budget proposals please go to the website. The consultation closes at 5pm on Friday 20 January.
I am delighted to report that eleven neighbourhood projects in Bath will benefit from more than £420,000 in community funding following a public consultation to help choose local organisations doing some fantastic work ‒ I hope this funding helps them get off to a great start in 2023.
The money is from the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), which is a planning charge that goes to support communities. The successful projects sharing a slice of the money in this round include a new food pantry, support for youth services, community facilities for homeless people and wildlife schemes. Thank you to everyone who responded to our consultation – your feedback has helped to make a positive difference in your community.
Have a good weekend.
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Dry January. Are you in?
Not drinking this January? Join #DryJanuary today. Get the free Try Dry® app to stay on track. |
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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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Vaccination clinics this month
It’s still vital that eligible people come forward for their flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster to protect themselves, their loved ones and the NHS this winter. COVID-19 and flu spread quicker in winter and protection provided by COVID-19 vaccines decreases over time and flu viruses can change every year. If you’re 50+, in an at-risk group or pregnant, boost your immunity with the flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster. Find out if you’re eligible for the flu jab and book now.
Walk-in clinics this month open to those aged 12+ from Year 8 and above:
Bath City Football Club, 105 High St, Twerton, Bath, BA2 1DB
- Monday 9 January, 11am-5pm
- Monday 16 January, 11am-5pm
- Monday 23 January, 11am-5pm
- Monday 30 January, 11am-5pm
Bath Citadel Salvation Army, Green Park Road, Bath, BA1 1XE
- Thursday 12 January, 11am-5pm
- Thursday 19 January, 11am-5pm
- Thursday 26 January, 11am-5pm
You can still grab your first, second or booster doses. Eligible people can book their vaccination appointment online (new appointments are added frequently) or find a walk-in clinic on the NHS website. You need to be registered with a GP (or call 119) to book online, but you don't need to book or be registered with a GP to use a walk-in clinic. Check your eligibility here for first and second Covid-19 vaccinations, and here for the Covid-19 booster vaccinations. |
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Flu vaccine for children
Parents and carers are still being urged to get two and three-year-olds, and primary school-aged children vaccinated against flu. Not only can it lead to serious health issues such as bronchitis and pneumonia, it can also spread easily to vulnerable people including babies and elderly family members.
The vaccine is safe, effective, and painless, and given using a nasal spray. The spray contains weakened viruses that will help your child build up immunity. The vaccine cannot cause flu because the viruses in it have been weakened to prevent this from happening. Parents and guardians should contact their GP surgery to book a flu vaccination appointment.
All primary school age flu vaccines have now been offered in schools, and secondary age vaccines are currently being offered from 5 Dec 2022 through to 31 January 2023. If you have a vulnerable child and they missed their school’s offer, they can contact their GP to avoid delay. For all other children if they were absent from school or the consent deadline was missed, contact the Single Point of Access 0300 247 0082 or email. Further information can be found here.
Visit the NHS website for more information. |
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Temple Street improvement works to start
Residents and businesses in Keynsham are being reminded that works to enhance Temple Street will start from the week beginning January 9. |
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Community projects to share more than £420,000
Eleven neighbourhood projects in Bath will share more than £420,000 in community funding following a public consultation to help choose the recipients. |
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Consultation on Mount Rd high street improvements
A consultation on a range of improvements to revitalise Mount Road in Bath will reopen on January 9. |
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'Ordinary people': Remembering the Holocaust
A special ceremony to mark the 78th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland is taking place in Bath on January 26. |
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A4 Upper Bristol Road night time closure
Final road and cycle lane markings to complete the improved pedestrian and cycle routes on the A4 Upper Bristol Road in Bath will take place next week. |
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B&NES school health and wellbeing survey results
Around two thirds of students across Bath and North East Somerset are satisfied with their lives at the moment, according to a survey of children in the area. |
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Venues pledge support to breastfeeding parents
Leisure centres, cafes, libraries and community hubs in the Somer Valley have pledged to support parents to breastfeed when they are out and about with their babies. |
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Have your say on how your local area will change
Residents are invited to get involved in planning for the future of the places where they live by identifying the key issues and opportunities in their local areas. |
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Updates to key planning policies to be considered
Updated guidance to support and help deliver key policies in the council’s Core Strategy and Local Plan Partial Update (LPPU) and to reflect recent legislation are to be considered for adoption. |
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Christmas & New Year rubbish & recycling collections
Recycling and rubbish collection dates in Bath and North East Somerset will be changed over the Christmas and New Year period. |
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Creative writing class at Bath Library
A free, bi-weekly creative writing class for those aged 18+, starts again this Saturday 7 January at Bath Library. Led by a Bath Spa University graduate, the class is suitable for writers of any experience. There are 20 sessions, split into three elements: teaching, writing exercises, and a short workshop. Topics covered include: plot structures, developing ideas, conflict, form and genre, dialogue, narrative voice, a range of writing techniques, and how to give and receive criticism. To book a place, visit here. |
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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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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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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.
https://livewell.bathnes.gov.uk/ |
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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 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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