Weston Ward - Bath

Lucklands Road pavement

2011-04-12T18:00:00.002+01:00

I have asked the council to inspect the surface of the pavement on Lucklands Road as a number of residents have complained that the surface makes it difficult to push buggies up there and it's also dangerous for those with impaired mobility.

Cleaning up the Rec

2011-03-21T23:39:00.002Z

I have asked the council to remove the fly-tipped mattress and garden waste that has been left by one of the entrances into the Rec from Southlands.

I have also requested that the dog mess is cleared up from around the entrance to the children's playground.

Moss

2011-01-23T20:56:00.003Z

I have asked the council to send someone to clear the moss from the pavement on Beresford Gardens - as you can see from the photograph, it's quite unsightly, and when it rains, it will become slippery.

Grit bins

2011-01-14T00:09:00.003Z

I have requested that the grit bins on The Weal and Purlewent Drive be re-stocked.

If you notice any grit bins that are empty, please e-mail councilconnect@bathnes.gov.uk or call 01225 394041

More information on Council Connect can be found here: http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/contactus/Pages/councilconnect.aspx

Weston Lib Dem Surgery - Saturday 15th January

2011-01-13T22:36:00.001Z

Michelle will be at Pinicchio's Day Nursery on Saturday morning from 10am-12pm.

No appointment is necessary - just come along and have a cuppa!

Changes to bus timetables in Weston

2011-01-08T13:10:00.002Z

There have been a few changes to a couple of the routes that run though Weston from January:

The no 14 bus, operated by Faresaver, now has a revised Monday-Friday timetable. Details can be found here:

http://www.faresaver.co.uk/timetables.php

The no 17 service, operated by First, has had some changes to the Sunday and Bank Holiday services to improve punctuality. Details of these changes can be found here:

http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/southwest/bristol/timetables/timetable.php?day=3&source_id=2&service=17&routeid=1798001&operator=3&source=sp

Next PACT Meeting

2011-01-02T21:33:00.002Z

The next Weston and Newbridge PACT meeting is to be held on 8th February 2011 at St John's Hospital, Combe Park at 7pm.

If you have something to say about what goes on in our community then why not go along and have your say and help shape the priorities for action for the community as a whole.

The last Weston and Newbridge PACT meeting that was held at WASPS produced the following priorities.

Agreed 5th October 2010

1. Speeding vehicles on Lansdown Lane
2. Vehicles contravening the ‘One way’ system and inappropriate parking on High
3. Anti-social behaviour on High Street, Weston

Happy New Year

2011-01-02T21:28:00.002Z

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone in Weston a happy and healthy 2011.

I will be continuing to work hard in Weston in the coming months, and I will be calling on residents over the next few weeks to find out more about any problems or concerns that they may have.

Have a great year!

Michelle

PACT meeting minutes

2010-07-05T20:06:00.002+01:00

The minutes of the Newbridge and Weston PACT meeting (Partners and Communities Together) held on 8th June are now available.
You can read them at http://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/information/documents/cache/PDF/Document4738_229556.pdf

Advice Surgery

2010-07-05T19:24:00.000+01:00

New in Weston from July is a monthly advice surgery. Terry and Michelle will be at the Scout Hut (Pinocchio's Day Nursery) on the High Street on the third Saturday of every month. These advice surgeries are open to any residents of Weston who wish to obtain information and advice, make a complaint or enquire about any of the services that the Council provides.

You don't need to make an appointment to attend these surgeries - just turn up on the day. The first surgery will be held on Saturday 17th July at 10.30am.

The Weston 2010 Open Garden Event

2010-06-05T23:10:00.005+01:00

The 2010 Open Garden Event will be held on Sunday 13 June from 1.00pm to 5.00pm
Entrance £5 on the day (£4 in advance)
Entrance Tickets are on sale at Kit Johnson & Weston Fruit Stores, High Street Weston. On the day Entrance Tickets can be bought at the All Saints Centre & at any of the Gardens.
THE GARDENS
Apthorp Weston Road - Lunches & Teas
94 Broadmoor Lane - Teas
21 Brookfield Park
15 Combe Park
39 Combe Park - Teas
119 High Street
2 Harcourt Gardens
19 Harcourt Gardens - Teas
33 Lucklands Road - Ice Creams & lollies
24 Vernslade
Weston Lawn Lucklands Road - Teas
Also at Apthorp - Ploughman's Lunches from 12.30pm, Jazz Singing at 2.00pm & 3.30pm,
Weston Village Gardening Club Stand and Club Plant Sale.

You can find out more about the Weston Village Gardening Club at their excellent website www.westonvillagegardeningclub.co.uk

Next PACT meeting Tuesday 8th June

2010-06-05T22:55:00.003+01:00

The next PACT meeting (Partners and Communities Together) will be held at 7.00pm at the Weston Methodist Church, Kennington Road, Lower Weston.

PACT gives you the opportunity to influence what happens in your neighbourhood. It is a mechanism whereby neighbourhood issues, identified through local meetings, are taken to a partnership panel, where courses of action are agreed.

Current public priorities agreed 9th February 2010

1. Traffic management issues - Traffic speeds on approach to pedestrian crossing, lack of signage advising of elder pedestrians, consideration of 20 mph “Hospital Zone” limit – Combe Park.

2. Traffic Management Issues - Traffic speeds on approach to pedestrian crossing, and in the one way road system along with general pedestrian safety - High Street, Weston.

3. Traffic management issues - abuse of double yellow lines either side of entrance to “Tesco” car park and of disabled bay – High Street, Weston.

You can find out more about the PACT Weston beat at www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/LocalPages/BeatDetails.aspx?BeatID=13

A personal note from Don on the coalition

2010-05-15T20:56:00.003+01:00

"Taking the decision to work with the Conservatives was not easy. I have fought against them for my entire political career. Nonetheless, when it was explained to the parliamentary party the deal we had been offered, not one of us felt able to turn it down.

I fought this election on Liberal Democrat policies: fairer taxes helping lower and middle-income earners; extra investment in schools; a new green, sustainable economy; and reform of the political system, including an elected upper house.

All these policies, and many more, are included in the coalition agreement we have signed with the Conservatives. After well over half a century outside of government, Lib Dem policies are now going to be implemented. We have seats around the cabinet table and real power.

Of course, we have had to compromise on some of our manifesto points, and in some areas we will still be able to oppose proposals in parliament. For example, we will still be arguing that we do not need the like-for-like replacement of Trident.

The Lib Dems have long argued for proportional representation, which would regularly lead to coalition government. At this election our discredited system has provided us with a hung parliament. We could have walked away and refused the compromise, but this would have weakened our position on proportional representation for future elections. Proving that coalition government can be strong, stable government will prove to sceptics that this can be done, and that coalition governments in the future are nothing to be afraid of. The alternative would have been a Tory minority government. A deal with Labour simply wasn’t on the table.

Finally, I know despite this that many of you might be uneasy about doing a deal with the Conservatives. I fully understand your point of view. I hope that, like me, you are able to conclude that we have done what is right for the country, but also that we now have the issues and principles we have fought for many years for actually being carried out in government".

You can read the full coalition agreement at www.libdems.org.uk

Planning applications registered in March & April

2010-05-15T20:35:00.003+01:00

App Ref: 10/01280/FUL
Registered: 19th March 2010
Expiry Date: 14th May 2010
Location: 80 Brookfield Park Upper Weston Bath BA1 4JJ
Proposal: Conversion and extension of existing dwelling to provide a block of 4 apartments (Resubmission).

App Ref: 10/01133/FUL
Registered: 26th March 2010
Expiry Date: 21st May 2010
Location: 3 Duncan Gardens Upper Weston Bath BA1 4NQ
Proposal: Enlargement of existing dormer to rear of roof.

App Ref: 10/01365/REN
Registered: 30th March 2010
Expiry Date: 25th May 2010
Location: 158 Southlands Upper Weston Bath BA1 4EB
Proposal: Renewal of application 07/00664/FUL (Erection of a two storey side extension after demolition of existing store)

App Ref: 10/01641/FUL
Registered: 14th April 2010
Expiry Date: 9th June 2010
Location: 8 Purlewent Drive Upper Weston Bath BA1 4AZ
Proposal: Provision of a rear balcony and a pitched tiled roof over existing two storey side extension to replace existing flat roof

App Ref: 10/01560/FUL
Registered: 15th April 2010
Expiry Date: 10th June 2010
Location: 3 Broadmoor Vale Upper Weston Bath BA1 4LP
Proposal: Erection of a two storey rear extension

App Ref: 10/01734/FUL
Registered: 26th April 2010
Expiry Date: 21st June 2010
Location: 12 Cranwells Park Lower Weston Bath BA1 2YD
Proposal: Erection of a two storey side extension incorporating a garage following demolition of existing single storey side extension.

App Ref: 10/01775/FUL
Registered: 4th May 2010
Expiry Date: 29th June 2010
Location: 17 Purlewent Drive Upper Weston Bath BA1 4AZ
Proposal: Erection of first floor rear and side extension.

Details of all these planning applications can be found online at www.bathnes.gov.uk/BathNES/environmentandplanning/planning/planningapplications/default.htm

Weston post office consultation begins

2010-05-13T19:29:00.004+01:00

Consultation on the long-term future of Weston post office begins today for 6 weeks, finishing on 22nd June.

Post Office Ltd is proposing a move to a new site in Weston, alongside the current Premier Stores at the other end of Weston High Street to the current branch.

Bath MP Don Foster said, “It is great news for Weston that Post Office Ltd has found a new site at the heart of the village to guarantee the long-term future of the branch. The post office is an important part of the local community. I know that local traders in Weston have suffered since the post office closed, and they will want the new branch open as soon as possible.”

This is a positive step forward for Weston, the long-term future of the post office is key for this area.
Maintaining the service in the heart of the village is crucial, and I hope that residents will support this proposal and that the service is able to open as soon as possible.

Secondary school consultation - public meeting dates set

2010-05-05T18:37:00.004+01:00

The dates for the public meetings, which form part of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Secondary school consultation, have now been set.

The meetings form part of the wider consultation where parents, teachers and pupils have the chance to have their say on proposals outlined in Bath and North East Somerset Council’s Secondary Review.

Dates for public meetings are as follows:

Keynsham
Tuesday 11 May, Wellsway School, 7pm
Tuesday 18 May, Broadlands School, 7pm
Wednesday 26 May, St Keyna Primary School, 7pm

Bath
Tuesday 12 May, St Mark's C of E school, 7pm
Wednesday 19 May, Oldfield School, 7pm
Thursday 20 May, Culverhay School, 7pm
Tuesday 25 May, Guildhall, Brunswick Room, 7pm

Timescale
Consultation – began on 31 March 2010 and will end 28 May 2010

Decision on proposals – Cabinet will make a decision on the proposal on 21July 2010.

How to give feedback on the proposals
Consultation booklets which give details of the proposals have been distributed to all schools and also to wider stakeholders in Bath and Keynsham and are available online.

Everyone with an interest in the education of our young people can comment on the proposals by email, letter or online. For more information visit www.bathnes.gov.uk and navigate to the School Consultation documents through the ‘have your say’ section on the homepage.

Overhanging trees in The Weal

2010-04-30T09:33:00.003+01:00

Following recent doorstep conversations in The Weal some residents expressed concern about the trees overhanging the road, pavement and in some cases front gardens.
In the autumn gales some of these branches will fall and the consequences may be serious.

I shall be lobbying the Council to deal with this issue and remove branches which they consider dangerous or potentially dangerous.

As far as I know the trees are not Council property but the Council does have a duty of care towards persons and property using The Weal which is a public road.

Now we know what the Conservatives are up to in Eastfield Avenue – nothing

2010-04-29T20:13:00.004+01:00

I have had a reply to my letter to Charles Gerrish (Conservative Cabinet Member for Customer Services) querying the inclusion of a statement in the Conservative newsletter that “A one-way system on Eastfield Avenue is being explored” (See my blog dated 20th March).

According to his latest letter, the Council “…..did not suggest that a one-way system had been indefinitely ruled out or that the Council was closed to the possibility….”
This is the oldest trick in the book – never say never, that way the Council can get away without doing anything but still pretend that they are exploring / considering / evaluating / thinking / investigating / etc, any particular subject.

In other words, the answer to the three possibilities a), b), or c) raised in my blog is:
c) Conservatives are being economical with the truth in their newsletter and have absolutely no intention of exploring the one-way system. They just want to sound as though they are doing something.

Pot holes in Lucklands Road

2010-04-29T15:32:00.004+01:00

The Council is working it's way through the backlog of road repairs in Bath but I have now asked the Council to raise the priority of the work involved in repairing pot holes at the lower end of Lucklands Road, Weston.

This road has some of the worst examples of pot holes that I have seen in residential streets anywhere in the country. In fact, the whole of the surface at this end of the road is in a very poor state and needs urgent action now before it resembles a road from a third world country.

Sections of the road have been sprayed so presumably there is a plan to repair the road in due course but it is the priority which I am asking the Council to consider more closely.

I'm surprised that Weston's Conservative Councillors do not seem to have the clout to get this work prioritised.

Election well under way

2010-04-13T22:53:00.008+01:00

The General Election is now well under way with Lib Dems out in force across all wards in Bath talking to residents on the doorstep, listening to their views and putting forward our Lib Dem proposals.
We have been out canvassing in Weston and will continue talking with residents right up to election day.

If you are able to help in any way - delivering leaflets, helping out at the Lib Dem office - you can contact me at terry_randall@btinternet.com or contact the Lib Dem office at www.bathlibdems.org.uk/pages/campaign or telephone 01225 316316.

You can read or download the Lib Dem manifesto at www.libdems.org.uk/our_manifesto.aspx

You can find out more about the election in Bath by visiting the Council's website www.bathnes.gov.uk/elections or telephone 01225 477333.

If you are eligible to vote but have not yet registered, you have until Tuesday 20th April to do so. Details on the Council's website.

You can also apply for a postal or proxy vote - the deadline is also Tuesday 20th April.

If you would like to help the Lib Dem effort by putting up a window poster or by having a stakeboard in your front garden, please let me know - terry_randall@btinternet.com, or telephone 01225 426149 or 07521 363046

Pot holes in Lansdown Lane

2010-03-23T14:54:00.003Z

Thanks are due to my colleague and councillor for Odd Down, Nigel Roberts, who has lobbied the Council to repair pot holes including those at the bottom of Lansdown Lane.

Eastfield Avenue - what are the Conservatives up to?

2010-03-20T19:34:00.007Z

Readers of this blog will recall Lib Dem efforts to introduce a one-way system on a part of Eastfield Avenue between Weal Terrace and Haviland Park in the direction of bus travel (See this blog 10th Feb 2010). We conducted a street survey involving 110 residents in Eastfield Avenue. 69% of those who replied were in favour of the one-way system.
I wrote to Charles Gerrish (Conservative Cabinet Member for Customer Services) asking the Council to look into the matter.
This met with a flat refusal to even bother to investigate our proposals, completely ignoring the wishes of local residents.
I am therefore more than surprised to read in the recent Conservative newsletter 'Weston Matters' that "A one-way system on Eastfield Avenue is being explored"
This suggests to me that either:
a) Conservative councillors in Weston have no idea what's going on in their area or
b) Conservatives are trying to steal our idea and take the credit (not for the first time) or
c) Conservatives are simply lying in their newsletter and have absolutely no intention of exploring the one-way system. They just want to sound as though they are doing something.
Come on councillors Malcolm Lees and Colin Barrett - I know you read my blog - perhaps you can inform our readers which of the above applies.

Pedestrian crossing - Lansdown Lane

2010-03-09T20:12:00.007Z

The crossing at the lower end of Lansdown Lane in Upper Weston provides an extremely useful facility for pedestrians across what is now a very busy main road.

However, many local people have expressed concern that there is no additional lighting at the site. There is only standard street lighting in the vicinity of the crossing making it potentially dangerous at dusk and at night.

On many pedestrian crossings there is additional lighting which provides for a much safer crossing environment.

I have asked the Council to investigate and hopefully instigate additional lighting at the site or inform me as to reasons why additional lighting is not needed.

As usual I'll keep the blog updated with the Council's response.

Planning application

2010-03-06T17:35:00.005Z

App Ref: 09/04872/REG03
Registered: 5th February 2010
Expiry Date: 7th May 2010
Location: Weston All Saints Ce Vc Primary School Broadmoor Lane Upper Weston Bath Bath And North East Somerset
Proposal: Erection of key stage 2 building and link to key stage 1 building with associated external works and landscaping following demolition of existing key stage 2 building and alterations to key stage 1 building.

View planning application here

Pamper Evening and Entrepreneurs' Sale at WASPS

2010-03-04T19:25:00.002Z

Weston All Saints Primary School will be holding a Pamper Evening and Entrepreneurs' Sale on March 18th from 7pm to 9pm.
Tickets cost £2.50 which includes a free goodie bag and free cupcake.
Please support the event which is aimed at helping to raise funds for an on-site swimming pool which will be a fantastic resource for the school and hopefully encourage large numbers of local children to swim.

Weston Post Office opens

2010-03-04T18:46:00.003Z

Weston Post Office finally opened today after being closed for more than 8 months.
This is a temporary arrangement until a long term solution can be found.
Terry and Michelle together with Bath MP Don Foster have been lobbying Post Office Ltd to re-open the branch ever since the closure was announced and are delighted that all the hard work has paid off.
In 2008 campaigning led by Don and the Liberal Democrats helped to save post offices in Lower Weston and Bear Flat.
We all know how much the post office means to the local community and residents throughout Weston will be pleased to hear the news.

This blog will keep you updated on the long term future of the post office with news updates as we get them.

Council Connect data for Weston

2010-03-01T16:55:00.006Z

Calls or e-mails to Council Connect in January for Weston were as follows:

Complaints:9 logged - 9 closed, 2 still outstanding
Highway management:41 logged - 7 open, 34 closed, 38 still outstanding
Neighbourhood services:9 logged - 2 open, 7 closed, 16 still outstanding
Libraries:2 logged - 2 closed
Traffic & transport:3 logged - 3 closed, 4 still outstanding
Waste:175 logged - 64 open, 111 closed, 200 still outstanding
Out of the scope of the scheme:16 still outstanding

You can email Council Connect to report any issues or concerns at councilconnect@bathnes.gov.uk or telephone Council Connect on 01225 394041

Newbridge and Weston PACT meeting

2010-03-01T16:32:00.007Z

The last PACT meeting (Police And Communities Together) for Newbridge and Weston took place on Tuesday 9th February at St John's hospital.
Minutes of these meetings can be found on the Avon and Somerset Police PACT website at http://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/information/documents/Section.aspx?s=117
The documents are in alphabetical order - scroll down to M - Minutes of PACT meeting Newbridge and Weston.
The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 8th June, venue TBD.

Food waste collection - at last

2010-03-01T16:07:00.002Z

The collection of food waste as a separate waste stream is something that was planned for introduction in the spring of 2008. The incoming Conservative administration put this off until autumn 2011. Now under continuing pressure from the Liberal Democrats they have brought this forward to this autumn.
This delay has been part of the reason for the rapid growth over the last two years of the seagull population. Many residents have had their black plastic bags ripped open by seagulls and other animals creating a litter mess in the streets. Collecting food waste separately also has the hidden benefit that residents actually waste less food as they see just how much they are throwing away.
Food waste collections go live in October
Residents will be able to recycle their food waste weekly in secure, lockable containers from autumn 2010 following an £800,000 investment by Bath & North East Somerset Council to make the recycling service even more comprehensive and tackle some of the causes and effects of climate change. Food waste makes up a third of all household waste and gives off methane, a potent greenhouse gas, when it is sent to landfill.
Similar schemes operate successfully in local authorities nationwide. Across the country 80% of people support food waste collections and local residents have been asking when they can start to recycle their food waste. The new recycling collection vehicles operating since November can easily be modified by recycling contractor May Gurney to start collecting food waste from this autumn.
Residents can find out more by going to www.bathnes.gov.uk/foodwaste and in the meantime they can learn how to turn leftover food into a delicious meal by viewing a short video at www.bathnes.gov.uk/lovefoodhatewaste

Holcombe Green

2010-03-01T16:03:00.000Z

Work to demolish ‘concrete-cancer’ ridden homes in Holcombe Green is now well under way. The stricken homes were built of pre-cast reinforced concrete after the war and as a result of structural problems either in the concrete used in the construction, or due to corrosion of the steel reinforcement inside the concrete, the properties have been classed as technically defective.
44 new homes will be built between September 2010 and April 2011 and will be a mix of one and two bedroom flats and two and three bedroom houses. Some will be offered through one of two schemes which help people to eventually buy their homes on a shared ownership basis.
Similar work will take place in parts of Southlands and is scheduled for completion in the spring of 2012.

New hope for Weston post office

2010-02-24T17:31:00.000Z

As we all know, the post office failed to open on 11th February.
In their recent communication to Bath MP Don Foster at the Liberal Democrat office, Post Office Ltd said:
“The Post Office alarm system that was installed in the premises at 7 High Street Weston has been badly damaged by the landlord's builders. This was not notified to anyone on Post Office Ltd's side nor to the temporary subpostmaster in her discussions with the landlord and hence was only discovered when we visited last week to get the branch ready for re-opening.”
We have called on Post Office Ltd. to rectify the situation as soon as possible although it seems that they are now waiting for staff to come and fix the alarm system.
Meanwhile, Bath MP Don Foster has learnt that there is now an official application in to run the post office branch in Weston in the long-term.
For commercial reasons, Don has been asked not to name the business that has applied, but can reveal that they have been involved in the process for a while.
We are delighted to learn that they have got this bid back on track and now have a formal application in. This is promising news for the future of the service in Weston.
The bidder will now go forward to an interview process.
The application, if successful, would involve a change of site for the branch, and so there would be a period of public consultation before opening could be confirmed.
A short deadline has now been set on another interested party to complete the application, and then the interview stage will follow soon after that.
Don is still pressuring Post Office Ltd to get the temporary service on the current site open as a top priority, but it is important to sort out the long-term future of this branch.

Conservatives say 'no' to one way proposals

2010-02-10T15:07:00.002Z

The Conservative council has again blocked Liberal Democrat plans to make part of Eastfield Avenue one way in the direction of bus travel. They have again ignored local resident’s wishes to investigate the situation.
In a recent street survey, 69% of those who replied were in favour of the one-way option.
I am very disappointed that the views of local residents have again been ignored. The results of the street survey indicate the strength of feeling in the area regarding traffic flow in Eastfield Avenue.

Temporary re-opening of Weston post office

2010-02-04T18:52:00.005Z

The Weston post office is scheduled to re-open on the original premises on February 11th.
This is great news for all Weston residents and something they have long been waiting for. This will be a temporary arrangement until the long term future of the post office is sorted out.
The sole applicant interested in running the service - Nigel Chaplin, owner of Chaplins newsagents - is waiting to hear if his application has been successful.

Planning application

2010-02-04T18:46:00.003Z

App Ref: 10/00039/FUL
Registered: 15th January 2010
Expiry Date: 12th March 2010
Location: 27 Vernslade, Upper Weston, Bath, BA1 4DN
Proposal: Erection of a lean to extension on side of dwelling following demolition of existing conservatory, erection of an replacement garage and widening of driveway
Officer: Victoria Griffin
Applicant: Miss Susan Scoble
Agent: Slade, Smith And Winrow

Weston post office update

2010-02-02T16:01:00.003Z

Weston residents are getting increasingly frustrated at the length of time it is taking to get the post office re-opened. There is currently just one applicant in the selection process - Mr Chaplin, owner of High Street newsagents Chaplins - but this application has been delayed.
Bath MP Don Foster continues to be in regular contact with Post Office Ltd and has put pressure on the company to provide a temporary licence for the post office.
A spokeswoman for Post Office Ltd said that she was concerned that local residents were frustrated at the time being taken. However, she said that it is important for the long term interest of any local service to ensure that the applications they receive are thoroughly assessed so that ultimately the right candidate is appointed.

Southland's residents hopeful of resolution to TV aerial problem

2010-01-25T17:08:00.003Z

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

2010-01-25T16:51:00.002Z

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

2010-01-21T16:05:00.007Z

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

2010-01-06T21:49:00.003Z

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

2010-01-04T18:18:00.002Z

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

2010-01-04T17:59:00.001Z

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

2010-01-04T17:51:00.001Z

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

Further delay on Weston post office

2009-12-12T18:46:00.002Z

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

2009-12-12T18:33:00.002Z

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

2009-12-04T18:41:00.002Z

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

2009-12-03T20:53:00.003Z

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

2009-11-21T13:30:00.003Z

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

2009-11-18T15:43:00.003Z

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

2009-11-18T15:28:00.002Z

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

2009-11-12T19:11:00.005Z

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

2009-11-09T16:10:00.002Z

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

2009-11-08T22:35:00.002Z

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

2009-11-04T14:19:00.002Z

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

2009-11-04T12:02:00.003Z

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

2009-11-02T19:56:00.004Z

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

2009-11-02T19:28:00.002Z

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

2009-10-26T20:40:00.000Z

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

2009-10-26T14:11:00.001Z

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

2009-10-21T18:38:00.003+01:00

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

2009-10-17T23:01:00.004+01:00

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

2009-10-13T21:59:00.002+01:00

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

2009-10-13T19:05:00.005+01:00

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

2009-10-12T18:28:00.002+01:00

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 ?

2009-10-04T09:42:00.002+01:00

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

2009-10-04T09:37:00.001+01:00

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

2009-09-16T19:09:00.001+01:00

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

2009-09-16T19:06:00.003+01:00

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

2009-09-16T19:04:00.000+01:00

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

2009-09-16T19:02:00.000+01:00

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

2009-08-16T08:10:00.001+01:00

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

2009-08-12T19:11:00.001+01:00

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

2009-08-12T19:01:00.001+01:00

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

Partners and Communities Together (PACT) Meeting

2008-04-13T10:37:00.000+01:00

The next PACT meeting is 29 April 2008 at 7:00 PM lasting 1 hour 30 minutes (In 2 weeks and 2 days)
at Weston Methodist Church, Kennington Road, Lower Weston, Bath.

Priorities established on 22nd January 2008

1. Overspill parking from the RUH and rubbish from smokers not allowed in the RUH grounds.
2. Weston Park - speeding.
3. Lack of lighting in Chandlers Close.

Partners and Communities Together gives you the chance to influence what happens in your neighbourhood. PACT is a mechanism whereby issues identified through PACT meetings in your neighbourhood, are taken to a PACT partnership panel where courses of action are agreed.

Bath loses out again

2008-04-08T18:57:00.001+01:00

Liberal Democrat Councillors have expressed their disappointment that the scrutiny call-in, which had been organised to look into the increases in parking costs in Bath, has been dismissed.

The panel voted, by four votes to three, to dismiss the call-in, with Conservative Councillors from outside of Bath backing the original decision taken by their Conservative Cabinet colleague. The Cabinet member will now be free to go ahead and implement the decision to apply increases of up to 60% to residents’ permit costs across the city, as well as a number of other changes to parking costs and arrangements. Of the four who voted against 3 do not live in Bath

The call-in panel raised a number of issues around poor consultation and excessive increases to permit costs. Although all Councillors agreed that consultation on this decision had been inadequate, Conservative Councillors appeared more concerned with the state of the Council’s finances than the issue of engaging with those who will be affected.

More charges for the elderly

2008-04-08T18:51:00.001+01:00

A call-in on the decision to increase the cost of home care services for elderly residents has been submitted by the Liberal Democrat Group on Bath and North East Somerset Council. Members of the Labour Group agreed to co-sign the call-in. The call-in has been verified and the hearing will be held within 2 weeks.

The signatories are calling on the Cabinet member to reconsider his decision to increase the charges for a range of services to elderly people, such as:

Community meal costs up by over a pound per meal.
Hourly rate for home care to rise by 74%.
Maximum weekly charge for care to go up by almost 400%.

Councillor for Newbridge, Loraine Brinkhurst, who is leading the call-in, commented:

“When we heard that Cllr. Vic Pritchard the Conservative Cabinet Member was authorising these extortionate price increases for Home Care we were incensed. The price increases will have a huge impact on our residents who so desperately need these services. My fear is that many residents may cut down or even cancel the use of home care due to this hike in charges, and this could then lead to our residents struggling to live independently in their own homes.”

Councillor Cherry Beath (Combe Down) said:

“When decisions like this are made, you have to question the focus and value systems held by this current administration. This decision is, like many we have seen in recent months, all about money, and disregards the dire impacts it will have on a particularly vulnerable group of our residents, hitting them hard at their point of need, and at a time in their lives when they are least able to protect themselves.”

The undersigned Councillors wish to support the call-in of the decision E1795 ‘Charging Policy for Adult Care Community Services’ taken by the Cabinet member for Adult Social Services and Housing, Cllr Vic Pritchard (WL 14-Mar-08). This paper is called-in for the following reasons:

· Home care rates are to rise from £8.04 to £14. This represents an increase of 74% which would seem to be an unfairly steep rate of increase the impact of which should have been given more weight in the decision making.

· Evidence is given that charges are being increased in line with those of neighbouring authorities. However no evidence is given that the difference in cost of living between authority areas has been taken into account.

· In section 6.2 pf the decision paper it is stated that only an estimated 90 service users will potentially be faced by domiciliary care charge increases. However in the same section it is stated that the Council expects an extra £100,000 of income from these 90 people. This equates £1111 per person on top of the charges they are already paying. This would seem to be disproportionate and unfair.

· Similarly, the charges for community transport are to rise by 50%, with an expected additional £133 income to the Council per user, per year. Again this seems disproportionate.

· Charges for community meals are to rise by 38% or £1.05 per meal. This will have a wider impact than some of the charges mentioned above given that 67,000 meals are served per year.

· No evidence is given that an assessment has been carried out of the impact on those residents who will be affected by several or all of these price increases. Many pensioners are on fixed incomes; with costs of food and fuel also rising, these charges increases could be the last straw.

· If costs go up residents may reduce their care. There is no evidence of a risk analysis of this possibility having been carried out.

Round and Round We Go

2008-04-08T18:46:00.001+01:00

Plans to improve the look of roundabouts in Bath and North East Somerset through sponsorship deals have been delayed thanks to the Council's legal department say Lib Dem Councillors.

After at least 15 years of going backwards and forwards, including 297 emails from one Councillor to try and get something done, the Planning Committee gave permission for the first sponsored roundabouts last summer. It was hoped that the scheme would help make the entrances to our city more attractive and would save council tax payers money.

However, despite Councils across the country allowing companies to sponsor roundabouts, the legal department at B&NES Council is not sure whether we can do it here. Now Liberal Democrat Group leader Cllr Paul Crossley has written to Cabinet members Charles Gerrish and Malcolm Hanney asking them to take action and clear away this most recent hurdle.

Cllr Nigel Roberts (Odd Down) who has been following this issue since permission was given in principle for two roundabouts in Odd Down, said:

“It's now 8 months since permission was in theory given for these roundabout sponsorship deals. It's not as if B&NES would be blazing a trail – this is a well-established practice in many areas. You would think that the Cabinet as it has been putting up charges in so many areas would want to pursue this idea.”

Councillor Marian McNeir (Lyncombe) said:

“When you travel around the country, you see many well planted and looked after sponsored roundabouts. They can often reflect something special about the local area, for example there is one near the Eden project in Cornwall which has the same wonderful flags that you find at Eden. Why can't we do the same in B&NES? We've been talking about it for years, now is the time to act. After all it is an opportunity to save the Council money which could go towards bringing the other charges down.”

Schools closures, nearer boys school ?

2008-03-19T19:09:00.004Z

The council is carrying out a secondary school review. The recommendations suggest Oldfield School will become co-ed and that there should be only one site for a secondary school north of the city. If school was built on the Oldfield site it would mean a closer school than Beechan Cliff for boys in Weston, but the nearest single sex school for girls would be Hayesfield.

If the new school was built on the St. Mark's site in Larkhall that would mean a long trip for all children in the Weston area, for that we would need school buses, as suggested by the yellow bus campaign. What are your views ?

The recommendation of the report for Bath are below:

Bath

Retain Beechen Cliff School and Hayesfield Technology College as single sex boys and girls 11-18 schools with co-educational post 16 provision.

Retain St. Gregory’s Catholic as an 11-16 co-educational Catholic school.

Retain Ralph Allen as a co-educational 11-18 school.

Consult on closing Culverhay and re-opening the school as a new 11-18 co-educational Community school or Academy on the current site. This would address the issue of parental demand for a higher number of coeducational places.

Consult on the closure of St Mark’s Church of England and Oldfield schools and opening a new 11-18 co-educational Church of England school in the north of the city. The consultation should determine the site for the school. This would address the issue of parental demand, and also factors including the high number of places at Oldfield which are currently filled by South Gloucestershire students.

Post Office Closures

2008-03-09T14:07:00.002Z

We are pleased that Weston Post Office is not included on the list for closure, although the post office in lower Weston is threatened.

Four Bath Post Offices are down for closure and Liberal Democrat Councillors with threatened Post Offices in their wards are campaigning with Don Foster MP against the Government plans.

Councillor Caroline Roberts (Newbridge) who is a regular patron of the Lower Weston Post Office, said:

“After the closure of Yomede Post Office, local people were hoping that the Lower Weston Post Office on Newbridge Road would be safe. Since the closure of Yomede, elderly people in Newbridge area have already had to take the bus to get to Lower Weston. The nearest Post Office will now be in Weston Village – which is not on a bus route – or the city centre.

“The future of the very popular shop attached to the Post Office is now in jeopardy.”

“I urge all residents to support the campaign to save Bath’s Post Offices, and to sign the petition on our website.”

http://campaigns.libdems.org.uk/savebathspostoffices

This is a backward step which does nothing to help local people. I call on the govt to reconsider.”

Don Foster MP said:

“I am concerned that the social importance of Post Offices is being ignored by the Government. These closures do not take into account the knock-on effect on other shops in the local community. It will be the elderly and vulnerable who are most affected by these closures as they may struggle to travel the extra distance to important services”.

7.56% is real tax increase in Council budget

2008-03-09T13:43:00.000Z

7.56% is the real tax increase residents are facing this year

Directly, residents are going to be charged a 3.95% Council tax increase. However, with all of the hikes in other fees and charges and the introduction of new fees planned by the Conservative Cabinet, the real figure is 7.56%.

New and increased charges in this budget include: the introduction of charges for on-street parking for disabled drivers; increases in charges for services for older people; an increase of 56% for residents’ parking permits; increases in park and ride fares; extensions to other car park charges; and a 10% increase in garden and bulky waste charges.

The budget will hit vulnerable people with high charges; it will punish drivers, without improving traffic flows; it will delay, put off or abandon important environmental measures, such as same-day collection and extending recycling; and it will exacerbate problems through cuts to the Council’s youth and other services.