Further delay on Weston post office

Post Office Ltd have failed to meet their 1st December deadline on applications for the closed Weston branch, despite having applications in. The deadline has now been pushed back to the 16th, with Post Office Ltd stating that they need more time to work with potential applicants on their bids.

Bath MP Don Foster said, "While I’m pleased that there is still interest in running the post office in Weston, this is another two week delay. We will probably be well into spring by the time the branch re-opens."

"I have contacted Post Office Ltd and asked them to go all out in working with the potential applicants and make sure that appropriate applications are in for 16th December. We cannot afford a further delay."

Terry Randall said "Post Office Ltd have known about these potential applications for 6 weeks. The branch has been closed since June and they should have been busting a gut to make sure these applications were ready for 1st December."

"Weston High Street needs its post office back, and local residents will rightly be frustrated that re-opening a branch is taking so long."

Planning applications

Ward: Weston
App Ref: 09/04168/FUL
Registered: 11th November 2009
Expiry Date: 6th January 2010
Location: 2 Nelson Villas High Street Upper Weston Bath BA1 4DH
Proposal: Erection of a single storey rear extension following demolition of existing wooden 'lean-to'.
Officer: Alice Barnes
Applicant: Mr Julian Mitchell


Ward: Weston
App Ref: 09/04169/LBA
Registered: 11th November 2009
Expiry Date: 6th January 2010
Location: 2 Nelson Villas High Street Upper Weston Bath BA1 4DH
Proposal: External alterations for the erection of a single storey rear extension following demolition of existing wooden 'lean-to'.
Officer: Adrian Neilson
Applicant: Mr Julian Mitchell

A £1,400 tax cut for every working couple

Liberal Democrat MP for Bath, Don Foster, today welcomed the party’s new plans to bring in a fairer tax system.

Under the Liberal Democrats no-one will pay a penny’s tax on the first £10,000 they earn each year. The proposals give every working person a £700 tax cut – £1,400 less tax a year for every working couple.

Pensioners will each receive a £100 tax cut while 4 million of the poorest people will be taken out of paying income tax completely.

Don said, "While the Tories are only interested in helping out their super-rich friends, our fairer tax system will give tax cuts to all Bath’s workers".
"I know how useful working families will find the £1,400 tax cut they will receive from the Liberal Democrats each year". "And I know it is absolutely right that tax loopholes are closed to pay for those cuts. It is only fair."

Along with closing a series of tax loopholes, the Liberal Democrats will introduce a mansion tax – a 1% levy on the value of homes worth more than £2m.
Don added, "No one in a home worth less than £2m will pay a penny of extra tax on their property". "This is a tax that will only hit the very richest in the country – and only a handful in Bath."

The Liberal Democrats will replace council tax with a local income tax, based on people’s ability to pay. Money raised locally will be spent locally, improving the community we live in.

City MP Don added: "Not only is council tax unfair, penalising pensioners who no longer work, but the money is spent by faceless bureaucrats in Whitehall".
"Under Lib Dem plans what’s raised in Bath & North East Somerset will be spent in Bath & North East Somerset - directly improving our community. What could be fairer than that?"

Nick Clegg to hold meeting in Bath

Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg is inviting the people of Bath to tell him what they think about fixing the economy and rebuilding trust in politics.

Bringing his series of ‘Nick Clegg meets…’ town hall meetings to Bath on Thursday 7th January, Nick Clegg will discuss with local people the issues that matter most to them.

Chaired by local MP Don Foster the meeting is open to everyone to attend to ask any question to Nick Clegg they would like. The meeting will be held at St Michael’s Without, Broad Street, Bath, BA1 5LJ. Doors open at 6pm for the meeting to start at 6.30pm. The meeting will finish by 7.45pm.

Nick Clegg said: “I am looking forward to having a discussion with the people of Bath about problems they are facing and how together we can solve them".
“Since becoming leader of the Liberal Democrats I have travelled up and down the country listening to the concerns of thousands of people and families".
“It is now more important than ever for politicians to get out of Westminster and engage with people about how to rebuild our economy and restore trust in politics.”

The meeting is an open forum which anyone can attend. There are no scripted questions, no pre-prepared answers – just a frank talk between Nick and local people about issues, problems, and how the Liberal Democrats propose to solve them.

People can register to attend at http://www.meet.nickclegg.com/bath. Although you do not have to register to come along, it will help both the Liberal Democrats and the venue in preparing for the meeting.

No Bath ice rink - again

Councillor Terry Gazzard, Conservative Cabinet Member for Development and Major Projects, quoted in the Chronicle on November 13th 2008:

"A lot of hard work was put into getting the ice rink for this year and it was very disappointing that it could not go ahead.

"We will start looking into the possible sites and do not want Bath to be sold short again next year."
http://www.thisisbath.co.uk/news/Council-boss-vows-repeat-ice-rink-blow/article-470161-detail/article.html

Councillor Terry Gazzard, Cabinet Member for Development and Major Projects, quoted in the Chronicle on November 12th 2009:

“I was very keen to have an ice rink this year, having failed last year.

“I am dismayed that we haven’t managed to do it this year.

“I will do my damnedest for next year.”

The ice rink was supposed to go in Parade Gardens, but the planning application was rejected after the Environment Agency said there was a risk of flooding. Unfortunately the planning application was submitted so late in the year that there is not now time for a new application, for a different site, to be tabled.
It’s hard to understand why the Cabinet member left it so late, especially given the complications regarding last year’s attempt to have an ice rink.

Core Strategy consultation dates

Local residents have the chance to give their views on the major challenges facing the district over the next twenty years including plans that could see 2,000 new homes built on the land between Twerton & Newton St Loe.

Some extra dates have been included due to the high number of people wanting to have their say.

- North Bath drop-in session - 20th November 2009 3.30pm- 7pm New Oriel Hall, Larkhall;

- Twerton drop -in session - 24th November 2009 3.30 pm - 7pm St Michael's Primary School Twerton;

Residents can also read a four-page feature in the current Winter 2009 edition of Connect Magazine being delivered to homes across the district right now. This can also be accessed online at www.bathnes.gov.uk Residents have until 11th December 2009 to respond with their view on the tough challenges faced by the area, such as the need to provide more affordable homes, improving the availability of modern flexible office accommodation, delivering necessary infrastructure and one of the biggest issues facing the planet – climate change and reducing the community carbon footprint.

Residents can log-on to www.bathnes.gov.uk/corestrategy or call 01225 477548 or write to Planning Policy Team, Trimbridge House, Trim Street, Bath BA1 2DP, or email planning_policy@bathnes.gov.uk to find out more. The document can also be read at all libraries in the district and at the reception area in Trmbridge House, Bath.

Planning application

Ward: Weston
App Ref: 09/03840/LBA
Registered: 3rd November 2009
Expiry Date: 29th December 2009
Location: 30 Trafalgar Road Upper Weston Bath BA1 4EW
Grid Ref: (E)372908 - (N)166434
LB Grade: II
Proposal: Alterations for the fitting of external downpipe on front elevation to conceal gas pipe.
Officer: Bob Cannon

Eastfield Avenue street survey - results

The results of the Eastfield Avenue street survey (see my blog 17th October) are now in.
110 questionnaires were delivered, 26 were returned (24%)

The results are as follows:

Q2. Do you think that traffic levels are a major problem on Eastfield Avenue?
Yes 18 (69%)
No 8

Q3. Do you think it would help to reduce the amount of through traffic using the road?
Yes 21 (81%)
No 4
No comment 1

Q4. Would you support making a section of the road between 50/29 and 104/89 one way, in the direction of bus travel?
Yes 18 (69%)
No 8

Q5. Would you prefer to make the entire road one way?
Yes 12 (46%)
No 13
No comment 1

Q6. Liberal Democrats across Bath are campaigning for safer streets. We believe all residential streets should have a 20mph limit.
Would you back 20mph limits for our residential streets?
Yes 23 (88%)
No 3

Q7. Have you ever used the Liberal Democrats Weston ward blog to keep up to date with Weston and Bath issues (www.weston-bath.blogspot.com).
Yes 0 (0%)
No 23
No comment 3

Thank you to everyone who responded to my short questionnaire. We received a high rate of replies, which is particularly helpful.

The vast majority of those who replied backed the idea of making a small section of the road one way, which would discourage through traffic from Lansdown Lane using Eastfield Avenue as a cut through.

Also, those who responded were overwhelmingly in favour of having a 20mph limit. The Lib Dems in Bath currently have a “Twenty is Plenty” campaign and you can sign up for it on-line at www.ourcampaign.org.uk/twentyisplenty

I will now be writing to the Councillor responsible for roads and highways to ask him to look into this proposal. I hope that, given the number of responses in favour, he will agree to assess whether it is possible.

I will keep updating progress via my blog and through the Weston Focus newsletter which we put out.

Hopefully we will also be able to generate some coverage in the local media.

Don urges Post Office to keep 1st December deadline on Weston

Bath Liberal Democrat MP Don Foster this morning [Monday 9th November] met with Tim Nickolls, Network Development Manager (South West) of Post Office Ltd, to discuss the current situation with the closed branch in Weston village.

Don has been in regular contact with Post Office Ltd since the branch closed unexpectedly in June. They are currently advertising for applications for the vacant branch, the deadline for applications being 1st December.

The Bath MP commented, “I had a positive meeting with Post Office Ltd this morning, who are committed to re-opening a post office branch in Weston. Although no formal applications have yet been received, there are active negotiations with four interested parties.

“Post Office Ltd have set a deadline of 1st December for applications to be in, and I am urging them to stick to this to make sure that a branch can be re-opened as soon as possible.

“The post office is an important part of the local community, and other shops suffer as a result of a post office closing, that is why it is important we get this branch open, and I am pleased Post Office Ltd are working hard to do that.”

Planning applications

We will be pleased to have your comments on the following planning applications:-

Ward: Weston
App Ref: 09/04053/FUL
Registered: 21st October 2009
Expiry Date: 16th December 2009
Location: Fleetlands, Weston Park, Upper Weston, Bath BA1 4AL
Proposal: Provision of new vehicular access


Ward: Weston
App Ref: 09/04118/REN
Registered: 29th October 2009
Expiry Date: 24th December 2009
Location: 32 Cranwells Park, Lower Weston, Bath BA1 2YE
Proposal: Renewal of planning permission 04/02875/FUL (Erection of detached double garage)

Improvements to the weekly re-cycling collections

Bath & North East Somerset Council is expanding its same day weekly re-cycling service to include cardboard and most types of household plastic packaging such as pots, tubs, trays and bottles, starting from Monday 30th November 2009.

This is good news and in line with the Lib Dem’s zero waste policy.

Between 16th and 27th November 2009 the Council will deliver a leaflet about the changes along with a blue weatherproof bag - for cardboard and brown paper only - to every household covered by the green box recycling scheme. There is also room on the bag for residents to write their address so that waste collectors know who to give a replacement bag to. Collection vehicles have been specially adapted to create extra space to fit the additional material in.

It is important that cardboard is kept separate from the newspapers and other kinds of paper that residents put in their recycling box because they are recycled separately. Once these new collections start, the Council will no longer collect cardboard mixed with the garden waste as this mix has become difficult to compost successfully.

However, there is still a refusal by this Conservative administration to collect 'kitchen' waste for composting. This Council is the only one of the four councils in the old Avon area that does not offer this service.

Kerbside collection of 'kitchen' waste is vital for reducing global warming, because this putrescent waste creates methane, the most damaging global warming gas, in landfill. This administration has scheduled this collection for autumn 2011. The Lib Dems, who would have introduced 'kitchen' waste collection in 2008, call on the Tories to include this service in their budget for 2010.

Further information on what should be placed in the blue bag, recycling green box, and what types of plastic can be recycled is included in the Winter edition of Connect Magazine that will be distributed to all households across the district from mid-November. For more information about the new service, go to www.bathnes.gov.uk/cardboardandplastic or contact Council Connect on 01225 39 40 41 or e-mail councilconnect@bathnes.gov.uk

Don asks Minister why House of Commons won’t sign up to 10:10

Bath’s Lib Dem MP Don Foster asked the government Minister why she wasn’t prepared to sign the House of Commons up to the 10:10 campaign.

Don has signed up to the campaign himself, which calls for individuals, organizations and businesses to reduce their carbon output by 10% in 2010. The government is calling on people to sign up, but isn’t prepared to itself!

Don said, “The government should be taking a lead on climate change issues, and shouldn’t be seen as merely lecturing to others. That’s why I questioned the Minister as to why she wouldn’t back the House of Commons signing up to the 10:10 campaign.”

You can read Don’s question to the Minister by clicking the link.
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmhansrd/cm091021/debtext/91021-0015.htm

Council Connect complaints for September

The September 2009 figures for calls/e-mails to Council Connect are now out.

Logged this month:

Highways
Management...18
Neighbourhood
Services...24
Out of the scope of Council Connect...5
Planning...1
Libraries...3
Traffic and Transport...5
Waste...83

Still outstanding from previous months:

Highways
Management...22
Neighbourhood
Services...16
Out of the scope of Council Connect...15
Planning...0
Libraries...0
Traffic and Transport...4
Waste...96


Once again the issue of waste and litter is top of the concerns in Weston.

You can email Council Connect to report any issues or concerns at council_connect@bathnes.gov.uk

Don Foster to meet Post Office Ltd over Weston closure

Bath MP Don Foster will meet Tim Nickolls, Network Development Manager (South West) for Post Office Ltd, next Monday (9th November) to discuss re-opening a post office branch in Weston as soon as possible.

Don has been in regular contact with Post Office Ltd since the previous branch closed unexpectedly in June.

Don said, “It is vitally important that Weston village has a post office, and Post Office Ltd have remained committed to re-opening the service in Weston, anything less would be unacceptable.

“Unfortunately, commercial negotiations have not been as smooth as originally hoped, but representatives from Post Office have made visits to Weston to speak to interested parties.

“As we know from previous closures, other businesses are also affected. For example at Mount Road in Southdown, when the post office closed trade dropped by around 15%.
The post office needs to be open soon or there could be long-term consequences for Weston village.

“However, there are differences between this and other closures. Post Office Ltd did not want this branch to close. In the past we have had to deal with government closures ordered by Labour and the Conservatives, neither of whom have grasped the true social value of the post office network.”

Planning re-submission in Eastfield Avenue

We would be grateful to have your comments on this planning re-submission for 84 Eastfield Avenue.

Ward: Weston
App Ref: 09/03720/FUL
Parish: N/A
Registered: 14th October 2009
Expiry Date: 9th December 2009
Location: 84 Eastfield Avenue, Upper Weston, Bath BA1 4HJ
Grid Ref: (E)372803 - (N)166949
LB Grade: N/A
Proposal: Erection of a single storey rear extension (Resubmission)

Weston All Saints Primary School

Plans for Bath & North East Somerset Council’s significant improvements to Weston All Saints Primary School are now available for viewing at Weston library.
The school will benefit from a £3.5 million investment to demolish a block of classrooms for Key Stage 2 pupils and add a significant new-build block to the existing classrooms where Key Stage 1 pupils are taught. The land on which the existing building stands will be converted to a vehicle drop-off point, new playground and a green space.
Subject to the planning application process, the Council hopes the work will begin in spring 2010.
The new buildings will increase capacity and allow greater flexibility for staff and children. New facilities will include a full production kitchen, eight classrooms, pupil toilets, specialist practical space, small group space, IT suite, library resource and full administrative facilities.
These plans are very much in line with the Liberal Democrat education policy. Liberal Democrats want every child to get an excellent education and will campaign to cut class sizes, set teachers free to spend more time in the classroom and raise standards in every school.
This capital investment is good news and will provide the pupils and staff with the good quality buildings they deserve.

Pot holes in Purlewent Drive

Liberal Democrat campaigner in Weston, Michelle O’Doherty, has put pressure on the Council to get pot holes in Purlewent Drive and Lucklands Road fixed as soon as possible.

Eastfield Avenue Street Survey

We have recently knocked on every door in Eastfield Avenue talking to residents to find out the issues and concerns that matter to them.

A number of residents spoke about their concerns over traffic on the road and felt that having a section of the road between Weal Terrace and Haviland Park as one-way in the direction of bus travel would discourage through traffic. It would also minimise disruption caused by buses meeting oncoming traffic.

We want to hear your views on these ideas. A street survey has been delivered to all Eastfield Avenue residents to gauge public opinion. If enough people think that it is a good idea then we will be putting pressure on the Council to get this done.

The results of the survey will be posted on this blog.

Planning in Manor Road

We would be grateful to have your comments on this planning application for 25 Manor Road.

Ward: Weston
App Ref: 09/03233/FUL
Parish: N/A
Registered: 28th September 2009
Expiry Date: 23rd November 2009
Location: 25 Manor Road Upper Weston Bath BA1 4BW
Grid Ref: (E)373071 - (N)166177
LB Grade: N/A
Proposal: Erection of a rear conservatory

Broadmoor Lane Community Apple Day

The Broadmoor Lane Apple Day at the Orchard in Broadmoor Lane on 3rd October was well supported by the local community. About 40 people joined in the fun of converting apples into apple juice, competing to find who could produce the longest apple peel and who could find the largest apple.


Terry Randall with some hard pressed juice


This was a great example of a community coming together and will be followed with a wassailing evening early in the New Year.

Local resident Andrew Wilkins at the press



Broadmoor Lane play area
Unfortunately the childrens’ play area was still closed for health and safety reasons despite promises by Redcliffe Homes, the company responsible for maintenance, that it would be fixed in time for the event. Lib Dem campaigner Terry Randall will continue to put pressure on Redcliffe Homes to meet their obligations and get the play area repaired and back into use.

Post Office Ltd still committed to Weston

Bath MP Don Foster can confirm that Post Office Ltd is still committed to having an office in Weston village, following the closure of the existing branch earlier this year.

Unfortunately, commercial negotiations have not progressed as quickly and easily as hoped, but Don has remained in constant communication with Post Office Ltd and is confident that they will find a solution and restore the service.

Don said, ‘I have been in regular contact with those at Post Office Ltd over Weston village post office. I know it is very frustrating for residents to have lost their service for so long, but Post Office Ltd have given me no indication that they are even considering withdrawing the service permanently.

There are talks still on-going, and a new premise has just become available on the high street, which provides an extra option. The high costs which forced the previous branch to close have proved a significant barrier in re-opening on the same site.

Residents can rest assured that should Post Office Ltd give me any indication that they are thinking of withdrawing the service then I will campaign vigorously against this. I will continue to press on Post Office Ltd the importance of getting this service restored as quickly as possible’.

Many residents have also raised the issue of Car Tax being unavailable in the local area. The DVLA does not permit a temporary switch of Car Tax provisions, so removing it from Weston now might impact on interest for a new branch in the village.


Post Office Ltd has provided Don with an official statement as follows:

Post Office Ltd is committed to re-instating a Post Office service in Weston. In order for us to be able to achieve this, we need to identify someone who wishes to apply for the subpostmastership and has suitable premises to offer. Since the previous branch closed, we have had discussions with a number of interested parties but, unfortunately, these have not yet produced an application for the subpostmaster vacancy.

We understand the frustration being experienced by the local community and we can give our assurance that we are continuing to work to re-instate a service. If anyone is interested in providing a service and can offer premises we would be pleased to hear from them.

What does you councillor declare ?

Do you want to know what the organisations the Weston Councillors belong to ? Have they received any gifts ? Thanks to Lib Dem, Roger Symonds, the way to found out has changed.

Until recently anyone wishing to check on B&NES councillors’ membership of organisations, employment, ownership of property or gifts received of over £25, has been faced with a lonely trek to the Keynsham offices. Now anyone with access to a computer can see this sort of detail on the Council’s web site.

Web address:

http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/BathNES/councilanddemocracy/councillorsdemocracyandelections/declaration/

New Houses for Bath - doing it wrong

B&NES Council has adopted a land-use policy paper setting out options for distribution of land for housing and jobs from 2011-2026.

Liberal Democrat Councillors voted to abstain on the paper citing concerns over the lack of preparation of the document. The Lib Dems have previously opposed the increased housing targets imposed by central government.

“We believe that our community should set housing needs targets, not the RDA or central government in London”, stated Councillor Paul Crossley (Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group and Councillor for Southdown).

“Whilst points in the recommendation before us tonight were in line with our policies on housing and land-use, we did not feel that the ‘spatial options’ paper was ready for publication.

“The Conservative administration of the Council has not allocated enough resources to the planning department to properly prepare the proposals – for example, we have been told that insufficient funds were available to carry out infrastructure modelling.

Conservatives refuse to try for hostel cash

Conservative politicians on Bath and North East Somerset have refused to re-open negotiations with the Government to try to secure funding for a hostel for the homeless in Bath.



Government funding for the hostel scheme was withdrawn in May due to concerns about timetables and deliverability. However, having made direct contact with the Homes and Communities Agency, Councillor Will Sandry (Liberal Democrat co-Shadow Cabinet member for healthier communities and older people and Liberal Democrat Councillor for Oldfield), was in a position to propose re-establishing dialogue with a view to reapplying for funding.

Cllr Sandry’s amendment was rejected by the Conservative administration of B&NES Council, although a smaller, local package of funding was adopted unanimously.

Councillor Sandry commented:

“My proposal offered the Cabinet member the opportunity to review the project, re-engage with the HCA and bring in local homelessness organisations, such as Julian House and others, on to the new project team.

“The money allocated by Council tonight was welcome, but it can only provide an incomplete solution to the complex needs of homeless people in Bath.

“Even though my proposals were unsuccessful on the night, I hope that the Cabinet member will reflect on them and, for the benefit of some of those most at need in our community, implement them.”

Lost Generation - Nick Clegg

Nick Clegg said "We cannot afford to let millions of young people get trapped on the dole. That's why today I've launched a new plan to tackle youth unemployment.

Did you know that nearly a fifth of 18 to 24-year-olds are currently unemployed? Without action now, more than 1.2 million young people could be unemployed by the end of 2011.

The Conservatives failed a whole generation in the wake of the last recession. A whole generation became trapped in a culture of dependency. Labour look set to repeat the same mistakes now. We can't let that happen."

Nick Clegg is launching new policy that would take almost 900,000 unemployed young people off the streets.

Under the plans more than 800,000 young people will be given a leg-up into industry via paid internships. An extra 60,000 places will be funding in universities and colleges, opening up further and higher education.

We will slash the time Labour forces young people to wait for support, fully fund apprenticeships to put British industry back on track and give more youngsters places on essential back-to-work schemes.

Our proposals would cost £1.1 billion and would be paid for by scrapping the VAT cut immediately.

For more details see: NickClegg.com/LostGeneration

B&NES Council rejects Bristol airport expansion

Bath and North East Somerset Council’s planning committee has opposed the expansion of Bristol International Airport at its meeting this week. This follows the similar position adopted by Bristol Council last month. The application is to be determined by North Somerset Council, but B&NES has is a consultee on the application.

Councillor Nicholas Coombes (Liberal Democrat, Bathwick) tabled the following wording which was adopted by ­­­8 votes to 4:

That Bath and North East Somerset Council considers that the causes and effects of climate change should be the principal considerations in a development of this nature and therefore recommends that the airport expansion application should be refused on these grounds.

Councillor Coombes welcomed the vote and said:

“The expansion of airports is incompatible with attempts to cut carbon emissions. Indeed, it goes against common sense to imagine that Bristol International Airport can double its emissions over the next 10 years but that carbon emissions overall can be reduced in line with government targets.

“Only this week the Climate Change Committee that the UK will have to cut emissions by 90% by 2050 for the aviation industry to continue to grow.

Department for Transport will look to support Sat Nav scheme

The Department for Transport will be sending a representative to the next meeting of the South West Regional Freight Forum, following Bath MP Don Foster’s request that they support a local pilot scheme which will see local authorities provide appropriate routes to Sat Nav companies.

In reply to Don’s letter, sent on the 12th August, Paul Clark MP the Parliamentary Undersecretary of State for Transport states that the work undertaken “sounds potentially very promising”.

Lib Dems in Bath have been backing calls for more appropriate routes for traffic, especially HGVs, and encouraged Bath & North East Somerset Council to start sending a representative to the Freight Forum. Now the DfT will be represented at the meetings and will “consider what support [they] can provide.”

Bath MP Don said, “I am pleased that the Department for Transport are showing a keen interest in this project. I have highlighted a number of areas in Bath where HGVs are using totally inappropriate routes and getting these routes removed from Sat Nav maps will be a big step to helping resolve the problem.

New Super Off-Peak ticket will only add confusion

With First Great Western (FGW) set to introduce a new ‘Super Off-Peak’ ticket early in September, Bath MP has criticised the move saying it will only add to confusion for passengers.

Currently FGW have an Off-Peak and Peak ticket. The new Super Off-Peak ticket will be at the same price as the current Off-Peak ticket, with Off-Peak prices rising by 20%. Super Off-Peak travel will force people to leave Bath later in the morning, and also deny a return from London between 3pm and 7pm.

Don said, “Travelling from Bath to London on the train already involves one of the most expensive journeys per mile in the world. Adding extra restrictions on cheaper leisure travel is hardly going to encourage more families to use the railways.

“Moving to three types of fare only add confusion, and many people won’t even know what ticket to buy.

All not lost in quest to stop proposed-BRT

Bath MP Don Foster has vowed to continue to fight the controversial proposed-BRT route, after it passed through B&NES Council’s Development Control Committee at the third attempt.

The BRT is now subject to an Article 14 declaration, which means that Secretary of State John Denham will decide whether or not to call for a public inquiry into the scheme.

Don said, “In many ways last week saw a sad day for local democracy, the Conservative Cabinet have just forced this scheme back to the planning committee until they got the result they wanted.

SATNAV misery

B&NES councillors Neil Butters and Ian Gilchrist, together with MP Don Foster, are working on a number of ideas to reduce the common problem of lorries guided by SatNav taking bad routes through the area and frequently getting stuck.

The problem has been highlighted recently by such cases occurring in Freshford and also in Greenway Lane, Bath. When a lorry does get stuck it is not only inconvenient to the driver but also massively inconvenient to locals who may be unable to use that route for several hours.

If you have any issues please contact us at weston@bathlibdems.org.uk