Southland's residents hopeful of resolution to TV aerial problem

Residents in Southlands are hopeful of a resolution to the problem of faulty TV aerial boosters in their homes. Liberal Democrat MP for Bath, Don Foster, has written to Somer Housing in an effort to resolve the situation.

The fault has persisted for over a year and is denying residents access to terrestrial television channels. Residents have been repeatedly told that the firm which manages the equipment on behalf of Somer has claimed that it is awaiting replacement parts.

Local resident Mian Bashir said “This problem has persisted for over a year but at last it seems we may be able to get our TV aerial booster repaired thanks to Don's intervention".

An update on Weston post office

Bath MP Don Foster continues to be in regular contact with Post Office Ltd over the situation in Weston.

Don reports that:

There are two applications on the table. There is a deadline of this Friday to complete applications and submit them. If this deadline is met, interviews will take place shortly after.

Neither application relies on taking over the current site, which would mean a consultation period for the preferred venue. This means late April before any re-opening.

There is very real hope of opening the previous branch on a temporary basis. Hopefully more on this in the near future.

To view this article and other news go to Don Foster's website at http://www.donfoster.co.uk/newsarticle.php?id=434

Grit bins in Cranwells Park

After the bad weather we have been experiencing, unsurprisingly the grit bins at the top of Cranwells Park are empty. I have asked the council to come and re-fill them.

Some residents further down were concerned that should we get another cold snap, they will have difficulties getting out of their houses, as there is only one grit bin to cover the whole road, so Council Connect have now put in an application for a new bin to be installed (ref no 52768)

Michelle.

The Liberal Democrats are not for sale

If there is no party with an overall majority after the next general election, what will be the Lib Dems position?
Read Nick Clegg's interesting article in the Times for his views on this and other subjects HERE.

Planning application

Ward: Weston
App Ref: 09/04365/LBA
Registered: 9th December 2009
Expiry Date: 3rd February 2010
Location: Laura Lodge, Weston Road, Lower Weston, Bath.
Proposal: External alterations for repairs/replication of existing balcony and ironwork to front elevation.
Applicant: Mr Christopher Smith

Two applications in for Weston post office

Post Office Ltd have announced that two firm applications have now been received to run the closed Weston branch.

The news comes following the 16th December deadline for applications. Bath MP Don Foster had previously urged Post Office Ltd to work hard with potential applicants to help them meet this deadline after an initial date was missed.

Don said, “I’m pleased that Post Office Ltd have now put the effort in and have got two options for a new branch. Weston village needs its post office back as soon as possible, not just for residents but for other local businesses as well.

“It’s good news that Post Office Ltd have kept their promise to continue to work to open a replacement branch in Weston.”

Interviews for the post will take place on 12th January, and should the post office need to change location then there will be a consultation period.

Weston Lib Dem Campaigner Terry Randall added, "I know from talking to residents that they are desperate for a conclusion to this issue. However, with the possibility of consultation we might still be looking to March or April before this branch opens."

“Residents are questioning why a temporary service can’t be offered to fill the void.”

Nick Clegg to hold public meeting in Bath

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg will hold a public meeting in Bath on 7th January, to discuss with local people the issues that matter to them.

Since Nick became leader of the Lib Dems he has held well over 50 public meetings across the country, and anyone is free to attend at St Michael’s on Broad Street in the centre of Bath, start time 6.30pm.

Nick said, “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. I am looking forward to meeting the people of Bath and discussing the issues that matter most to them.”

If you’d like to come along and ask a question of Nick, then you can register your interest by going to http://meet.nickclegg.com