Residents surgery

This Saturday is the time of month for our regular residents surgery.

Sarah and I will be at Carlton court in the student block on the Lower Bristol Road from 1pm till 3pm.

If you have a problem that you need help with or just need a chat then pop in and see us we are always will to help no matter what it is.

So it's

Saturday 2nd November
1pm till 3pm
Carlton Court Lower Bristol Road

By Councillor Sharon Ball

Halloween and Bonfire Night advice

Avon and Somerset Police say they're working to make sure the seasonal fun of Halloween and Bonfire Night passes off safely.

In previous years, Halloween has been one of the busiest nights of the year for police across the country as more people started ‘trick or treating’, leading to complaints about damage and nuisance.

In Avon and Somerset they've been working hard to help everyone understand that the majority of people going trick or treating are out to have fun without any intention of causing trouble to anyone, while people who choose not to take part in the spooky festivities should have their wishes respected. 

The Police have seen a fall in the number of complaints year on year, with fewer than 500 calls to our 999 number at Halloween in each of the past two years, a decrease of 60 per cent compared with 2009. 

Chief Superintendent Nikki Watson, who leads the force’s response to anti-social behaviour, said: 

'This year neighbourhood policing teams across the Avon and Somerset policing area will be rolling out well-rehearsed plans to discourage people from nuisance behaviour in the first place, while dealing robustly with any incidents that do happen.

'Once again, we’ll have extra staff on duty answering 101 and emergency calls, plus officers patrolling areas where we’ve had problems before and responding to those calls.

'There needs to be a balance so that children and young people can enjoy ‘trick or treat’ and Bonfire Night while vulnerable members of the community feel safe and supported.

'People should be prepared for some noise from excited children, but no one should accept being made to feel harassed, alarmed or distressed – and I’d ask parents and guardians to make sure their children understand how to stay safe and out of trouble.'

You can report crime or incidents on the night on the non-emergency number 101 or through our website,www.avonandsomerset.police.uk If it's an emergency, with someone at risk of being hurt or a crime happening there and then, call 999.

Neighbourhood officers will also be busy in the run up to October 31 and November 5 visiting schools, shops, and calling on vulnerable members of the community.

At schools, officers will talk to children and young people about the ‘Halloween Code’, giving them personal safety advice, like never going into a stranger’s home. They’ll also explain that what might seem like harmless fun to young people could be alarming or distressing to vulnerable members of the community such as frail elderly people or families with very young children.

Retailers will be reminded of their responsibilities around selling fireworks and alcohol. They’ll be given posters to display to show they won’t sell eggs or flour – sometimes thrown at property as a trick – to children.

People can get a luminous orange ‘sorry no trick or treat’ poster to display in their window from neighbourhood police.  They’ll be asked to be prepared for some noise from children and teenagers on the streets on the night but reminded that we can take action if they feel harassed, alarmed or distressed.

Check out our website, www.avonandsomerset.police.uk for more Halloween and Bonfire Night advice - you can also download a version of the poster to print at home.

In Bath and North East Somerset Volunteer Police Cadets visited shops and residential areas to deliver ‘sorry no flour or eggs' or ‘sorry no trick or treat’ posters (see pictures).

New home energy grants available now

Save money on your bills and keep cosy this winter’; that is the message from Bath & North East Somerset Council who have joined forces with the Centre for Sustainable Energy to make new funding available for insulation and heating improvements.

New grants are available for eligible residents across the area for loft and cavity wall insulation, including hard to treat cavities, and for boiler upgrades. People living in certain areas of Twerton or Southdown may be eligible for extra support, including a grant towards the cost of solid wall insulation ( This also includes a small part of Westmoreland ward ).

This is a great opportunity for Bath & North East Somerset Council residents to get support to install these measures which could help bring their energy bills down, whilst contributing to reducing our collective carbon footprint. It is the first time this kind of funding has been made available and this scheme is specifically for residents in Bath and North East Somerset.

We encourage all residents to call us to find out what you might be eligible for. As an added bonus, if you install insulation or heating through this scheme before 31 December you will be entered into a prize draw to win £170 of Love2shop Vouchers.

To find out if you are eligible for a grant towards the cost of installing energy efficiency measures, call CSE’s on 0800 082 2234 or visit www.cse.org.uk/energy-at-home to find out more information and download a brochure.

Local Policeman gets top award

Last week our local beat officer that covers the Westmoreland Ward Adrian Secker was given a top accolade by the Avon & Somerset Police.

Adrian was given the Police beat Manager of the year award for his work in the communities and we believe that this award is well deserved as he has worked tirelessly in our area.

Some of the work Adrian has carried out has brought the main graffiti artist to Justice.

Well done Adge a well deserved accolade that has been a long time coming but well deserved.


By Councillor Sharon Ball

Linear Way clear up

Councillor Sharon Ball and I joined a number of volunteers yesterday morning on Linear Way between Millmead Road and Bellotts Road, to help cut back overhanging vegetation and clear litter around the area.

We spent a couple of hours in the morning cutting back a number of overhanging trees and bushes and were fortunate enough to get the work completed before the rain started.

Sustrans volunteers do a lot of work along the two tunnels route to enable everyone to enjoy a clean and safe environment and we were happy to go and assist with this.

These events are carried out each month along the route and everyone is welcome to come along and join in.

by
Sarah Moore

King Georges Road Planning application

I have raised objections to the planning application to build houses on the former allotment site at King Georges Road.

The Objection that I have raised is as follows:

I would to raise an objection to the planning application on the grounds of over development of the site as I believe that their are too many houses being crammed into a very small site.

I have gone through the National Policy Framework quite closely and it is clear that development is normally permitted in these sort of schemes as most of our planning policies are set aside at the moment the guidelines of the NPPF apply as we do not have a current adopted local plan.

I would still however ask you to take into account the small site that is close to a railway track that by the looks of the layout has at least 5 to many properties on the site making it overdeveloped.

The affects on the Junction with Lansdown view would also have highway concerns and should not be permitted without works being carried to mitigate the extra traffic that is being created.

So in short I am objecting to the current application.

By Councillor Sharon Ball

Twenty is Plenty role out

The council are now consulting on the next phase of the 20MPH scheme for residential roads in Westmoreland that affects the areas that are not already covered by the current scheme.
The council schedule for consultation is below please make sure that you reply. 


By Councillor Sharon Ball

BATH AND NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL

(VARIOUS ROADS, LYNCOMBE (PART), OLDFIELD, 
WESTMORELAND AND WIDCOMBE (PART), BATH) (20 M.P.H.
 SPEED LIMIT) ORDER 201-

NOTICE is given that the Bath and North East Somerset Council  proposes to make an order under provisions contained in the Road  Traffic Regulation Act 1984, the effect of which will be that it is   prohibited to drive a motor vehicle at a speed exceeding 20 miles  per hour on the lengths of roads in Lyncombe (part), Oldfield,  Westmoreland and Widcombe (part), Bath, described in the  Schedule to this notice.
Full details of the proposals are contained in the draft order, which   together with a map and a Statement of the Council's Reasons  for proposing to make the order may be inspected at The  One Stop Shop, 3-4 Manvers Street, Bath and at the offices  below during normal office hours.
Objections and representations with respect to the proposal,  together with the grounds on which they are made must be  sent by 14th November 2013 either in writing to the  Transportation Team at the address below, or by email to  transportation@bathnes.gov.uk. Please quote the title of the scheme; (Various Roads, Lyncombe (part),  Oldfield, Westmoreland and Widcombe (part), Bath)  (20 M.P.H. Speed Limit) Order 201-)and the reference  PEV9502/TJ. For any queries concerning this proposal  please telephone 01225 394216. Please note that all  representations received may be considered in public  by the Council and that the substance of any representation  together with the name and address of the person making it , could become available for public inspection.
Transportation Team Floor 2, Riverside, Temple Street, Keynsham, Bristol BS31 1LA Dated: 24th October 2013

SCHEDULE

Acacia Grove, Albert Terrace, Ambleside Road, Arlington Road, Ash Grove, Ashford Road, Ayr Street, Beckhampton Road, Beech Grove, Bellotts Road, Belvoir Road, Bloomfield Avenue, Bloomfield Drive, Bloomfield Grove, Bloomfield Park, Bloomfield Rise, Bloomfield Rise North, Bloomfield Road, Brook Road, Brougham Hayes, Brougham Hayes Car Park Access Road, Burnham Road, Caledonian Road, Canons Close, Canterbury Road, Castle Gardens, ,Cedar Grove, Cedar Walk, Cedar Way, Chantry Mead Road, Cheltenham Street, Chelwood Drive, Chestnut Grove,

 

Corston View, Cotswold Road, Crandale Road, Cynthia Road, Denmark Road, Dorset Close, Dorset Street, Durley Park, Edgeworth Road, Egerton Road, Elm Grove, Englishcombe Lane, Englishcombe Way, Faulkland Road, First Avenue, Georgian View, Hatfield Road, Hayden Close, Hazel Grove, Hensley Gardens, Hensley Road, Herbert Road, Highland Terrace, Hillside Road, Hiscocks Drive, Inverness Road, Junction Avenue, Junction Road, King Edward Road, Kingsfield, Kingsway, Livingstone Road, Lorne Road, Lower Oldfield Park, Lyndhurst Road, Maple Gardens, Maple Grove, Marsden Road, Maybrick Road, Mayfield Road, Mead Close, Melcombe Road, Millmead Road, Monksdale Road, Moorfields Drive, Moorfields Road, Moorland Road, Oak Avenue,Oak Street, Oldfield Lane, Oldfield Road, Poplar Close, Ringwood Road, Rowacres, Sabin Close, Second Avenue, Shaftesbury Road, Sladebrook Court, Somerdale Avenue, Somerdale View, South Avenue, South View Road, St Kilda's Road, St Luke's Road, Stanley Road West, Stirtingale Avenue, Stirtingale Road, Stuart Place, Sydenham Buildings, The Oval, Third Avenue, Thornbank Place, Triangle East, Triangle North, Triangle West, Upper Oldfield Park, Vernon Park, Victoria Road, Victoria Terrace, Walnut Drive, Weatherly Avenue, West Avenue, Westfield Close, Westmoreland Drive, Westmoreland Road, Westmoreland Station Road, Westmoreland Street, Winchester Road, Wood Street.

Improved lighting Loxton Drive

I have asked the council to look at the street lighting at certain parts of Loxton Drive.

It seems that since the lights were upgraded a while ago it has been darker in this area and I hope that the council will ensure that the lights are operating to a higher standard.

By Councillor Sharon Ball

Trees at Priddy Close

I have been receiving complaints from several residents at Priddy Close that the tall trees at one point are completely blocking their view.

I have asked Curo to consider lowering the height of the tress that seem to have grown rather large and out of  control.

By Councillor Sharon Ball

Rooksbridge Walk

I have asked the council to clear the footpaths of the weeds and litter in Rooksbridge Walk.

On a recent visit the estate was looking very scruffy and in need of a good clear up, I have asked the council to give me their schedules for clearing the weeds and litter form this area.

I would hope that this area can be brought up to standard quite quickly.

By Councillor Sharon Ball

New Lidl application registered.

We promised residents that we notify them when the registration of the new Lidl planning application was complete.

The application is now fully registered and open for comments and we hope that residents will make supportive comments so that we can at last have the Lidl store that we have all been waiting for.

The listed building application can be found on this link listed building application number is 13/04409/LBA

The full application can be found here LIDL the planning application reference number is 13/04408/FUL

New Lidl application submitted

We are pleased to hear that a new planning application has been submitted by Lidl in the past few hours for development of their part of the former Herman Miller building, the application will be registered in the next few days and we will publish the application number when it is registered.

The new application is for a larger store than in previous applications and is for a single Lidl store on the land that they own, It also has a new entrance via Fieldings Road that fits in well with work being undertaken on cycling provision in the area.

We understand that Lidl has acquired additional land to enlarge the area at the bottom of Fieldings Road to make this entrance viable and probably better than in previous applications that was to the city centre end of the site.

Councillor Sharon Ball said: "I am delighted with this new application it brings a scheme closure that I have been working on closely with Lidl for well over two years now.

I will be supporting this application and encourage the community that have been waiting so long for this store to get behind the application that will bring a relief to a blighted area".

This application we understand has no relation to previous schemes that were jointly with the other land owner on the former Herman Miller site and is a stand alone application from Lidl directly relating to land that they own.

Lib Dem campaigner Sarah Moore said: "This is great news for the local community and it will allow  local people to be able to shop in a reasonable priced store in their own community.

I would also like to thank Sharon for her tireless work to bring this about".

Lansdown View resurfacing

We have been in contact with the council with regards to the condition of the Highway after the road was treated with the micro-asphalt method.

We have raised concern that the road was left with the iron work and drain covers sunk into the ground without any signage warning drivers of any danger.

The council have now put in signage until contractors return to complete the works including the resisting of the drain covers.

By Councillor Sharon Ball

why oh why more dumped rubbish

I have again had to ask the council to remove rubbish that has been dumped on Albany Road near to the footpath with Twerton High Street.

It is understood that this should have been removed yesterday and i will be checking to ensure that it has gone.

If you area aware who keeps dumping in this area will you please let us know so that we can put a stop to it.

By Councillor Sharon Ball

Fly Tipping

During a walk around the area yesterday, we came across a quantity of rubbish that has yet again been dumped on Loxton Drive and also on Claude Avenue.


Council guidelines state that you should not leave waste out any earlier than 8pm on the evening before the day it is due to be collected.  If you are caught Fly Tipping you may be liable for a fine.

Please can you ensure your rubbish is not left out any earlier than this as it is not only unsightly, but it could cause health risks and attract animals that could rip open the bags.

If you are unsure when you rubbish is due to be collected, either contact us or check on the BANES website here.

by
Sarah Moore

Lymore Gardens

During a recent walk around the area, we came across a few issues that we have requested the council sort out.  One of these was this tree:

It is so rotten, it is being propped up by a plank of wood.  We have requested BANES arrange for this to be cut back as soon as possible as it is very dangerous.

If you have any issues in your area that you would like to discuss, please contact us.

by 
Sarah Moore

Western Riverside

Councillor Sharon Ball and I would like to thank all the residents in Western Riverside for their time on Tuesday evening. 

We received some good feedback and during our discussions we also identified a few issues that we will look into.

We have arranged a meeting with Crest Nicholson to discuss the issues highlighted and will update you on the outcome of that meeting shortly.

If you missed us during our walkabout on Tuesday, please do get in touch as we would be more than happy to come along and talk with you.

by
Sarah Moore

Bellotts Road safety

Councillor Sharon Ball and I are pleased to be able to confirm, following recent discussions and meetings, work will be starting shortly on the old footbridge over the railway line at the top of Bellotts Road to continue the two tunnels route, with a view to this being open before Christmas.

This will mean cyclists and walkers will be able to continue their journey along the route without having to travel the wrong way up the top end of Bellotts Road.

By
Sarah Moore

Jews lane to close for up to six weeks

Notice is given that Bath and North East Somerset Council in exercise of its powers under section 14 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 intends to make an orderthe effect of which will be to temporarily introduce a road closure on the full length of Jews Lane, Bath and on that length of Lansdown View, Bath which extends from its junction with Jews Lane to its junction with Albany Road.

This order is required because works are being or are proposed to be executed on or near the road consequent upon the construction of a toucan crossing, footway realignment and the diversion of public utilities’ apparatus and will be operative from  21st October 2013 for a maximum period of 6 months. The road will only be restricted as and when traffic signs are in position and may not be effected for the whole of the period but only for so long as is necessary to execute the works.  This is anticipated to be for a period of 6 weeks.

ALTERNATIVE ROUTE: A36 Lower Bristol Road, High Street/Mill Lane, Shophouse Road, Lansdown View (unaffected part).

Lidl - a new era?

Councillor Sharon Ball and Liberal Democrat campaigner Sarah Moore are delighted
to confirm, after working closely with Lidl over the past 2 years, a planning application is due to be submitted later this month to develop a Lidl store on
the former Herman Miller site.

Councillor Sharon Ball said: "residents have been telling us for a long time that they want
the former Herman Miller building used as a Lidl store and I will be supporting the planning application, this has gone on far too long and the area needs this site developed".

Liberal Democrat campaigner Sarah Moore said: "your views are very important for the development of this site and we would like to encourage all residents to express their views as part of this process".

Full details of the planning application will be posted on the BANES website as soon as it has been submitted and everyone will be able to make comments. 

by
Sarah Moore.

King George's Road planning application

A planning application has been submitted by Curo to build more social houses on the allotments in King George's Road.

The proposal is to demolish some of the existing housing in King George's Road and build 11 houses and 10 flats.

Comments are invited via the BANES planning page and the planning reference is 13/03835/FUL.  The deadline for comments is 24th October 2013.

by
Sarah Moore