Friday, 29 January 2010
New powers over HMOs welcomed
Liberal Democrats in Bath are “over the moon” following the government’s announcement of new powers for Councils to control ‘Houses in Multiple Occupation’ (HMOs). Councillors and Don Foster MP have been campaigning on this issue for 10 years.
Cllr Sharon Ball said: "I personally delivered letters to all households in the Westmoreland ward last year advising residents of the public consultation that was taking place and I know that many wrote letters in support of giving the council the powers to control the amount of HMO's and I would like to thank them for their support. I am delighted that residents of East Twerton and Oldfield Park have been listened to".
Today’s announcement shows that the government has finally bowed to national public pressure and has given local Councils the much-needed powers to control the spread of high concentrations of shared rented homes. This will allow Councils to tackle pockets of unsafe and substandard accommodation run by bad landlords. Liberal Democrats in the city headed by MP Don Foster had been calling on the Government to speed up action on the subject.
Our local MP Don Foster has been very supportive of the campaign and commented:
“I warmly welcome this announcement from the Minister. HMOs play an important role in providing affordable housing, but a dense population can have serious effects on the local community. It is great that the government has finally realised this and changed the law.”
Cllr Sharon Ball said: "I personally delivered letters to all households in the Westmoreland ward last year advising residents of the public consultation that was taking place and I know that many wrote letters in support of giving the council the powers to control the amount of HMO's and I would like to thank them for their support. I am delighted that residents of East Twerton and Oldfield Park have been listened to".
Today’s announcement shows that the government has finally bowed to national public pressure and has given local Councils the much-needed powers to control the spread of high concentrations of shared rented homes. This will allow Councils to tackle pockets of unsafe and substandard accommodation run by bad landlords. Liberal Democrats in the city headed by MP Don Foster had been calling on the Government to speed up action on the subject.
Our local MP Don Foster has been very supportive of the campaign and commented:
“I warmly welcome this announcement from the Minister. HMOs play an important role in providing affordable housing, but a dense population can have serious effects on the local community. It is great that the government has finally realised this and changed the law.”
Friday, 29 January 2010
E.ON Sustainable Energy Fund
After securing funding for 2010, the E-ON Sustainable Energy Fund is now open to receive new applications. The deadlines in 2010 to receive new applications are Friday 2 April and Friday 8 October.
The E.ON Sustainable Energy Fund has been developed to support community energy projects which either result in the production of energy from a sustainable source or which reduce the amount of energy used by a community organisation. The fund supports the development of efficient and sustainable energy measures for community organisations and is made up of two parts – a web resource and access to grant funding.
The fund is available to community groups, charities and not for profit organisations across England, Scotland and Wales and they invite applications for grants of up to £20,000. Examples of the types of organisations that have been granted funds in the past include schools, local and national charities, and special education colleges.
For more information visit their website:www.eon-uk.com/about/sustainableenergyfund.aspx or email: sustainableenergyfund@eon-uk.com
Friday, 29 January 2010
Bargain compost bins and water butts
Are you composting down your garden waste and collecting rain water but would like to do it better then this is a offer that you must take up.
There are special offers on compost bins (£18.50 including delivery) and water butts (100L @ £38 and 190L @ £48 including delivery).
View the compost bins and water butts and to order on-line visit: www.bathnes.getcomposting.com or call the order helpline on 0845 130 60 90.
Thursday, 28 January 2010
Estate Agent letting boards spoil our streets
Councillors have complained about the amount of Estate agent letting boards offering student accommodation that are littering many of our Streets.
Local Liberal Democrat Councillors have asked the estate agents not to put so many boards on display as this attracts crime to the neighbouring properties and the area as a whole.
The Picture shows Cllr Sharon Ball in Lyndhurst Road with several of the offending signs.
Local Liberal Democrat Councillors have asked the estate agents not to put so many boards on display as this attracts crime to the neighbouring properties and the area as a whole.
The Picture shows Cllr Sharon Ball in Lyndhurst Road with several of the offending signs.
Thursday, 28 January 2010
Clear up again demanded on Lansdown View Estate
WE have again asked that the rubbish and litter that has been left strewn around the Lansdown View Estate is cleared up without delay.
The Picture shows the mess left at Rooksbridge Walk.
The Picture shows the mess left at Rooksbridge Walk.
Wednesday, 27 January 2010
New Proposals to House Students at Newton Park
Bath Spa University are unveiling plans for building new student accommodation at Newton Park Campus where Bath Spa University is based.
Many Students that attend Bath Spa University live in houses in the East Twerton & Oldfield Park area including the two houses of residence on the Lower Bristol road. We welcome the proposals from Bath Spa University who are working in conjunction with their landlord the Duchy of Cornwall, Bath & North East Somerset council and English Heritage this will hopefully free up family homes in our area.
The University want to be able to show the community what their plans are at this stage and have arranged a public exhibition for the 5th & 6th February at the University Campus we will give precise details later.
Many Students that attend Bath Spa University live in houses in the East Twerton & Oldfield Park area including the two houses of residence on the Lower Bristol road. We welcome the proposals from Bath Spa University who are working in conjunction with their landlord the Duchy of Cornwall, Bath & North East Somerset council and English Heritage this will hopefully free up family homes in our area.
The University want to be able to show the community what their plans are at this stage and have arranged a public exhibition for the 5th & 6th February at the University Campus we will give precise details later.
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Minister asked not to let decision on HMOs drag on
We are pleased to see that our local MP for Bath Don Foster is supporting councillors efforts in writing writing to the new Minister for Housing and Planning, John Healey MP, asking him not to let the response to this summer’s consultation on House of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs) drag.
Earlier this year, the government consulted on changing the use class order of HMOs which would, in effect, mean someone wishing to convert a family home into a HMO would have to apply for planning permission.
Local Dem Councillors have been lobbying for changes to the law for a number of years. We believe where areas have a high concentration of HMOs it can add a number of strains to the community, for example in car parking and refuse collection.
Councils have not had the ability to do anything about the rise of the HMO, meaning that communities, such as East Twerton and Oldfield Park, can change very quickly as private landlords buy family homes to convert.
HMOs do serve a purpose, but they need to be controlled so that local communities aren’t damaged. That is why this government consultation is so important.
In Westmoreland we wrote to all residents last year and many of you wrote to the Government and told them that you thought the HMOs should be regulated by the local authority.
In backing our efforts Bath MP Don Foster said, “This consultation was finished in August, but the new Minister doesn’t seem to have any expectation of when the findings will be published, partly because of the overwhelming response.
“I have written to him to stress the importance of this issue, which is affecting communities up and down the country.
“When we clearly need more affordable housing, it is important that councils have the power to prevent more family housing being converted into HMOs, especially in the most affordable areas of our city. HMOs should be spread across cities, not concentrated in certain areas which can have a massive effect on the local community.”
Earlier this year, the government consulted on changing the use class order of HMOs which would, in effect, mean someone wishing to convert a family home into a HMO would have to apply for planning permission.
Local Dem Councillors have been lobbying for changes to the law for a number of years. We believe where areas have a high concentration of HMOs it can add a number of strains to the community, for example in car parking and refuse collection.
Councils have not had the ability to do anything about the rise of the HMO, meaning that communities, such as East Twerton and Oldfield Park, can change very quickly as private landlords buy family homes to convert.
HMOs do serve a purpose, but they need to be controlled so that local communities aren’t damaged. That is why this government consultation is so important.
In Westmoreland we wrote to all residents last year and many of you wrote to the Government and told them that you thought the HMOs should be regulated by the local authority.
In backing our efforts Bath MP Don Foster said, “This consultation was finished in August, but the new Minister doesn’t seem to have any expectation of when the findings will be published, partly because of the overwhelming response.
“I have written to him to stress the importance of this issue, which is affecting communities up and down the country.
“When we clearly need more affordable housing, it is important that councils have the power to prevent more family housing being converted into HMOs, especially in the most affordable areas of our city. HMOs should be spread across cities, not concentrated in certain areas which can have a massive effect on the local community.”
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Clear this mess up!
We have asked that the mess made near the play area in Loxton Drive is cleared up ASAP. It is clear that this mess has been deliberately created by a local resident.
We would have thought that people would have more pride in their area and are disturbed that this mess was just left. If you know who made this mess then will you please let us know so we can chase them up and ensure that they do not do it again.
We would have thought that people would have more pride in their area and are disturbed that this mess was just left. If you know who made this mess then will you please let us know so we can chase them up and ensure that they do not do it again.
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Take your signs away!
Local Residents are furious that a new forest of “To Let” signs has sprung up across East Twerton & Oldfield Park.
Local residents have told us that they think it’s quite unnecessary to have so many To Let signs when the agents are mainly trying to attract students. Students will either be looking on line for accommodation or using the accommodation lists the universities provide.
The signs are also upsetting for the people who live in the houses at the moment; some have told us that the signs single them out as a house in multiple occupation and are an advertisement to thieves.
Local Liberal Democrats have asked the police, and unfortunately the crime data confirms that student houses are targeted in particular at this time of year, when the signs go up.”
The main culprits at the moment are Trustease, Pullin Knight and Roman City. Back in December a Liberal Democrat Councillor in Oldfield Ward wrote to all 74 Estate agents in the City and asked them not to use the signs this winter. Of the Big four in Oldfield Park only Roman City responded saying that they only put the signs up because the other agents did.
We are particularly annoyed because these companies were all written to on behalf of the residents but Trustease and Pullin Knight did not have the common politeness to respond. Clearly they are only interested in competing with each other as to who can put the most signs up.”
Local residents have told us that they think it’s quite unnecessary to have so many To Let signs when the agents are mainly trying to attract students. Students will either be looking on line for accommodation or using the accommodation lists the universities provide.
The signs are also upsetting for the people who live in the houses at the moment; some have told us that the signs single them out as a house in multiple occupation and are an advertisement to thieves.
Local Liberal Democrats have asked the police, and unfortunately the crime data confirms that student houses are targeted in particular at this time of year, when the signs go up.”
The main culprits at the moment are Trustease, Pullin Knight and Roman City. Back in December a Liberal Democrat Councillor in Oldfield Ward wrote to all 74 Estate agents in the City and asked them not to use the signs this winter. Of the Big four in Oldfield Park only Roman City responded saying that they only put the signs up because the other agents did.
We are particularly annoyed because these companies were all written to on behalf of the residents but Trustease and Pullin Knight did not have the common politeness to respond. Clearly they are only interested in competing with each other as to who can put the most signs up.”
Thursday, 14 January 2010
Bath Spring Flower Show
Now in its 24th year, the Bath Spring Flower Show is set to take place over May Bank Holiday weekend (1-3 May 2010), in the beautiful surroundings of Bath’s Royal Victoria Park.
Organised by Bath and North East Somerset Council, the prestigious Bath Spring Flower Show is the largest local flower show with this year’s event expected to attract over 10,000 visitors. It promises to be a great day out for the whole family and offers something for everyone.
Highlights include beautiful plant and flower exhibits in the main Floral Marquee by some of the country’s leading nurseries. In the Floral Art Marquee members of the area’s Floral Art Clubs will compete to produce some stunning exhibits. Horticultural Sundries, Crafts and Gifts will on display and available for sale.
Many residents from the Oldfield Park & East Twerton area also exhibit at the show and in the past have severed us proud so please make an effort to go along and see friends old and New
Bands and dancers will provide entertainment throughout the event and there will also be a Children’s Activity Marquee for the under 5’s and a crèche.
Refreshments will be available throughout the day and most of the show is held under cover so weather will not a problem. Parking is also available close to the show ground.
The entrance charge is £7.50 for adults, £5 for OAP’s unaccompanied children and concessions. Entry for children under 16 is free when accompanied by an adult and B&NES Discovery Card holders get a £1 discount when they show their card. Discounts are available for groups of over 20 when tickets are purchased in advance.
For more details about the Bath Spring Flower Show please visit www.bathnes.gov.uk/bathspringflowershow or call Council Connect on 01225 394041. Further details are also available at www.visitbath.co.uk.
Organised by Bath and North East Somerset Council, the prestigious Bath Spring Flower Show is the largest local flower show with this year’s event expected to attract over 10,000 visitors. It promises to be a great day out for the whole family and offers something for everyone.
Highlights include beautiful plant and flower exhibits in the main Floral Marquee by some of the country’s leading nurseries. In the Floral Art Marquee members of the area’s Floral Art Clubs will compete to produce some stunning exhibits. Horticultural Sundries, Crafts and Gifts will on display and available for sale.
Many residents from the Oldfield Park & East Twerton area also exhibit at the show and in the past have severed us proud so please make an effort to go along and see friends old and New
Bands and dancers will provide entertainment throughout the event and there will also be a Children’s Activity Marquee for the under 5’s and a crèche.
Refreshments will be available throughout the day and most of the show is held under cover so weather will not a problem. Parking is also available close to the show ground.
The entrance charge is £7.50 for adults, £5 for OAP’s unaccompanied children and concessions. Entry for children under 16 is free when accompanied by an adult and B&NES Discovery Card holders get a £1 discount when they show their card. Discounts are available for groups of over 20 when tickets are purchased in advance.
For more details about the Bath Spring Flower Show please visit www.bathnes.gov.uk/bathspringflowershow or call Council Connect on 01225 394041. Further details are also available at www.visitbath.co.uk.
Thursday, 14 January 2010
BIG FREEZE UPDATE - 14.1.10, 8:00am
Waste collections will continue to take place where roads have been treated. Households whose scheduled collection is Thursday are asked to put their waste out for collection where it is safe to do so. Members of the public can also take their waste to special collection points. Recycling Centres are planned to open. Some schools are closed on Thursday. See below for further details.
The medium-term weather forecast indicates the very cold weather is likely come to an end towards the weekend where there is likely to be a thaw. However, low overnight temperatures will mean a continued risk of icy roads, especially on untreated routes. The Council advises anybody to plan carefully for any journeys and keep a close eye on the weather forecast. The Council is liaising with partners such as police, fire and the NHS Primary Care Trust to coordinate efforts.
Central Government is now influencing the salt supply chain and has instructed all local Councils to reduce the use of salt by 25%. The Council must continue to ration the available supplies for priority routes because of this decision and the predicted freezing road temperatures.
Because the Council must focus its resources on priority routes and reduce salt consumption by 25%, side roads will not be gritted and there will be very limited salting of pavements. The Council will continue to monitor road conditions and will provide additional salting and gritting on priority routes when required.
Highways officers have worked extremely hard to secure salt deliveries and we now have enough salt for our state-of-the-art gritting fleet to comfortably take us into next week and spread grit across 253 miles. That is 37% of the road network – a figure considerably above the national average of 30%.
As a consequence of the predicted sub-zero road temperatures and uncertainty surrounding the national salt supply chain, the Council must now prioritise which grit bins will be refilled by considering the needs of local communities, surrounding terrain and ability to access the main road network. The Council relies upon the public to tell us when grit bins are empty and we can be contacted 24 hours a day on the Council Connect line.
People are asked not to travel to the Council Salt Barn in Clutton to request salt because of the need to prioritise our stocks for key transport routes. We suggest visiting your local builder’s merchants.
Members of the Public should contact the Police direct with road closure requests. The Council does not have the powers to make emergency closures of roads in these circumstances. The Council works closely with the emergency services and if we are requested by the Police to close a road we will implement a physical closure as far as our resources permit.
Council staff have worked hard to improve site conditions by treating the surface at Charlotte Street car park. Following an inspection, this car park is now open but drivers should use caution because the surface is slushy. All car parks are open.
Drivers are asked to drive and park their vehicles considerately during the cold weather. They should consider how their parking will affect the pedestrian use of road safety measures like zebra crossings and dropped kerbs.
Parents/ guardians can also listen to their local radio station for information. Parents/ guardians should assume that Council-run transport to and from the school will attempt to run.
The Council waste and recycling collection services were cancelled on Wednesday 6th January, Thursday 7th, and Friday 8th last week. This was because of the conditions under foot and on side roads where heavy waste collection vehicles may have slid on ice and could have seriously damaged cars and/ or seriously injured pedestrians.
Recycling Centres are open but drivers must take care on the approach roads.
Any concerns regarding meal deliveries call 01225 394350.
All Day Centres were closed on Wednesday. More information will be issued Thursday tomorrow morning.
Agencies commissioned by the Council to provide Home Care services will advise clients or relatives of any problems with services. Telephone numbers for clients/ carers/ families can be found on www.bathnes.gov.uk/homecareproviders
Useful vulnerable adult telephone numbers: Community and Health Access Team at Lewis House, Bath: 01225 396000. Emergency Duty Team: 01454 615165.
Chew Valley Sports Centre remains open.
No Mobile Library service ran on Wednesday. More information about Thursday will be issued in the morning. For more information on Mobile Library services and routes go to www.bathnes.gov.uk/mobilelibrary
Weather Forecast
The Met Office forecast indicates that there will be cold weather on Thursday with freezing road temperatures towards the evening. As a result, highways are expected to remain very icy. Road and pavement conditions will remain extremely hazardous. The Met Office has advised that the snowfall is dying out and no further snowfall is expected after this band of weather has passed through, although night time road temperatures are likely to stay around freezing,The medium-term weather forecast indicates the very cold weather is likely come to an end towards the weekend where there is likely to be a thaw. However, low overnight temperatures will mean a continued risk of icy roads, especially on untreated routes. The Council advises anybody to plan carefully for any journeys and keep a close eye on the weather forecast. The Council is liaising with partners such as police, fire and the NHS Primary Care Trust to coordinate efforts.
Highways update
The Council gritting fleet were out on Wednesday evening to keep prioritised routes open, which are passable with care. There has been some snow drifting on higher grounds. Drivers should take special care on untreated roads and hills. Gritting crews remain available around the clock to tackle any specific problems on the main network.Central Government is now influencing the salt supply chain and has instructed all local Councils to reduce the use of salt by 25%. The Council must continue to ration the available supplies for priority routes because of this decision and the predicted freezing road temperatures.
Because the Council must focus its resources on priority routes and reduce salt consumption by 25%, side roads will not be gritted and there will be very limited salting of pavements. The Council will continue to monitor road conditions and will provide additional salting and gritting on priority routes when required.
Highways officers have worked extremely hard to secure salt deliveries and we now have enough salt for our state-of-the-art gritting fleet to comfortably take us into next week and spread grit across 253 miles. That is 37% of the road network – a figure considerably above the national average of 30%.
As a consequence of the predicted sub-zero road temperatures and uncertainty surrounding the national salt supply chain, the Council must now prioritise which grit bins will be refilled by considering the needs of local communities, surrounding terrain and ability to access the main road network. The Council relies upon the public to tell us when grit bins are empty and we can be contacted 24 hours a day on the Council Connect line.
People are asked not to travel to the Council Salt Barn in Clutton to request salt because of the need to prioritise our stocks for key transport routes. We suggest visiting your local builder’s merchants.
Members of the Public should contact the Police direct with road closure requests. The Council does not have the powers to make emergency closures of roads in these circumstances. The Council works closely with the emergency services and if we are requested by the Police to close a road we will implement a physical closure as far as our resources permit.
Public spaces and Car Parks
Council staff continue to clear shopping areas and car parks where resources allow and once priority routes have been attended to. However, there will be no further salting in these areas until the further supplies of salt can be guaranteed.Council staff have worked hard to improve site conditions by treating the surface at Charlotte Street car park. Following an inspection, this car park is now open but drivers should use caution because the surface is slushy. All car parks are open.
Drivers are asked to drive and park their vehicles considerately during the cold weather. They should consider how their parking will affect the pedestrian use of road safety measures like zebra crossings and dropped kerbs.
Schools update
Some schools are closed or partially open on Thursday. The latest schools information can be found at www.bathnes.gov.uk/schoolclosuresParents/ guardians can also listen to their local radio station for information. Parents/ guardians should assume that Council-run transport to and from the school will attempt to run.
Waste Collections
Households where roads have been treated and are scheduled for a collection are asked to leave their waste out for collection on Thursday. Our drivers will be using their discretion to determine where vehicles can operate safely and it is safe underfoot. All other households are asked not to put out their waste for collection on Thursday. To minimise the waste collection disruption caused by the bad weather conditions, the Council has set-up 5 staffed waste collection points where refuse collection vehicles will be located.- Bath City Football Club- Twerton High Street, Twerton, Bath;
- Co-op Car Park - Broadmead Lane, Keynsham;
- Radco Car park, Radstock; (we have changed location from The Hollies car park to improve accessibility)
- Tesco Car Park, Old Mills, Paulton;
- Morrisons Car Park, London Road, Bath (this is the only location where a recycling vehicle is available).
The Council waste and recycling collection services were cancelled on Wednesday 6th January, Thursday 7th, and Friday 8th last week. This was because of the conditions under foot and on side roads where heavy waste collection vehicles may have slid on ice and could have seriously damaged cars and/ or seriously injured pedestrians.
Recycling Centres are open but drivers must take care on the approach roads.
Public Transport
For information on the wider public transport network, bus passengers can call Traveline on 0871 200 2233.Other services
Community Meals
Although road conditions are treacherous for our Community Meals Service we intend to provide a full service for our customers on Thursday. The Council is encouraging carers or neighbours to those people who receive a community meal to see whether that person needs a meal, and to help them if possible.Any concerns regarding meal deliveries call 01225 394350.
Adult Services
If you have a vulnerable neighbour, please try and check their well-being during the cold weather.All Day Centres were closed on Wednesday. More information will be issued Thursday tomorrow morning.
Agencies commissioned by the Council to provide Home Care services will advise clients or relatives of any problems with services. Telephone numbers for clients/ carers/ families can be found on www.bathnes.gov.uk/homecareproviders
Useful vulnerable adult telephone numbers: Community and Health Access Team at Lewis House, Bath: 01225 396000. Emergency Duty Team: 01454 615165.
Leisure Services
Aquaterra Leisure - the Council’s leisure centre contractor - are opening all sites as usual, however some classes and courses may still be impacted and suggest people contact their local leisure centre before setting out on their journey.- Bath Sports and Leisure Centre - 01225 486905
- Keynsham Leisure Centre - 01225 395164
- South Wansdyke Sports Centre - 01761 415522
- Culverhay Sports Centre - 01225 480882
Chew Valley Sports Centre remains open.
Heritage Services
All Council attractions are due to open on Thursday.Libraries
All libraries are due to open their normal hours.No Mobile Library service ran on Wednesday. More information about Thursday will be issued in the morning. For more information on Mobile Library services and routes go to www.bathnes.gov.uk/mobilelibrary
Democratic Services
The Council will to try to maintain its calendar of public meetings, but people are advised to check the website for more details.Thursday, 14 January 2010
Local schools open in our area
Taken from B&NES website 8am
Oldfield Park Infants School - Bath Opening at 10:00 a.m.Thursday Please check website for any changes
Oldfield Park Junior School - Bath Opening at 10:00 a.m.Thursday Please check website for any changes
Oldfield Park Infants School - Bath Opening at 10:00 a.m.Thursday Please check website for any changes
Oldfield Park Junior School - Bath Opening at 10:00 a.m.Thursday Please check website for any changes
Thursday, 14 January 2010
BIG FREEZE UPDATE - 13.1.10, 5.45pm
Waste collections will continue to take place where roads have been treated, although this is proving very difficult in the atrocious conditions. Households whose scheduled collection is Thursday are asked to put their waste out for collection where it is safe to do so. Members of the public can take their waste to special collection points. Recycling Centres are planned to open. Some schools are likely close on Thursday. See below for further details.
Weather Forecast
The Met Office forecast indicates that there will be cold weather overnight with freezing road temperatures. As a result, highways are expected to remain very icy. Road and pavement conditions will remain extremely hazardous. The Met Office has advised that the snowfall is dying out and no further snowfall is expected after this band of weather has passed through, although night time road temperatures are likely to stay around freezing,
The medium-term weather forecast indicates the very cold weather is likely come to an end towards the weekend where there is likely to be a thaw. However, low overnight temperatures will mean a continued risk of icy roads, especially on untreated routes.The Council advises anybody to plan carefully for any journeys and keep a close eye on the weather forecast. The Council is liaising with partners such as police, fire and the NHS Primary Care Trust to coordinate efforts.
Highways update
The Council gritting fleet will be out on Wednesday evening to keep prioritised routes open, which are passable with care. There has been some snow drifting on higher grounds. Drivers should take special care on untreated roads and hills. Gritting crews remain available around the clock to tackle any specific problems on the main network.
Central Government is now influencing the salt supply chain and has instructed all local Councils to reduce the use of salt by 25%. The Council must continue to ration the available supplies for priority routes because of this decision and the predicted freezing road temperatures.
Because the Council must focus its resources on priority routes and reduce salt consumption by 25%, side roads will not be gritted and there will be very limited salting of pavements. The Council will continue to monitor road conditions and will provide additional salting and gritting on priority routes when required.
Highways officers have worked extremely hard to secure salt deliveries and we now have enough salt for our state-of-the-art gritting fleet to comfortably take us into next week and spread grit across 253 miles. That is 37% of the road network – a figure considerably above the national average of 30%.
As a consequence of the predicted sub-zero road temperatures and uncertainty surrounding the national salt supply chain, the Council must now prioritise which grit bins will be refilled by considering the needs of local communities, surrounding terrain and ability to access the main road network. The Council relies upon the public to tell us when grit bins are empty and we can be contacted 24 hours a day on the Council Connect line.
People are asked not to travel to the Council Salt Barn in Clutton to request salt because of the need to prioritise our stocks for key transport routes. We suggest visiting your local builder’s merchants.
Members of the Public should contact the Police direct with road closure requests. The Council does not have the powers to make emergency closures of roads in these circumstances. The Council works closely with the emergency services and if we are requested by the Police to close a road we will implement a physical closure as far as our resources permit.
Public spaces and Car Parks
Council staff continue to clear shopping areas and car parks where resources allow and once priority routes have been attended to. However, there will be no further salting in these areas until the further supplies of salt can be guaranteed.
The Council closed Charlotte Street car park on Wednesday because of site conditions were dangerous. Other car parks were open. We will assess Charlotte Street car park tomorrow and attempt to clear spaces of snow.
Drivers are asked to drive and park their vehicles considerately during the cold weather. They should consider how their parking will affect the pedestrian use of road safety measures like zebra crossings and dropped kerbs.
Schools update
A number of schools are likely to be closed on Thursday. The latest schools information can be found at www.bathnes.gov.uk/schoolclosures
Parents/ guardians can also listen to their local radio station for information. Parents/ guardians should assume that Council-run transport to and from the school will attempt to run.
Waste Collections
Households where roads have been treated and are scheduled for a collection are asked to leave their waste out for collection on Thursday. Our drivers will be using their discretion to determine where vehicles can operate safely and it is safe underfoot. All other households are asked not to put out their waste for collection on Thursday. To minimise the waste collection disruption caused by the bad weather conditions, the Council has set-up 5 staffed waste collection points where waste collection vehicles will be located.
Trained waste disposal staff will be available to help members of the public who take their waste and recycling to these locations.
The Council waste and recycling collection services were cancelled on Wednesday 6th January, Thursday 7th, and Friday 8th last week. This was because of the conditions under foot and on side roads where heavy waste collection vehicles may have slid on ice and could have seriously damaged cars and/ or seriously injured pedestrians.
Recycling Centres are open but drivers must take care on the approach roads.
Public Transport
For information on the wider public transport network, bus passengers can call Traveline on 0871 200 2233.
Other services
Community Meals
Although road conditions are treacherous for our Community Meals Service we intend to provide a full service for our customers tomorrow. The Council is encouraging carers or neighbours to those people who receive a community meal to see whether that person needs a meal, and to help them if possible.
Any concerns regarding meal deliveries call 01225 394350.
Adult Services
If you have a vulnerable neighbour, please try and check their well-being during the cold weather.
All Day Centres were closed on Wednesday. More information will be issued Thursday tomorrow morning.
Agencies commissioned by the Council to provide Home Care services will advise clients or relatives of any problems with services. Telephone numbers for clients/ carers/ families can be found on www.bathnes.gov.uk/homecareproviders
Useful vulnerable adult telephone numbers: Community and Health Access Team at Lewis House, Bath: 01225 396000. Emergency Duty Team: 01454 615165.
Leisure Services
Aquaterra Leisure - the Council’s leisure centre contractor - are opening all sites as usual, however some classes and courses may still be impacted and suggest people contact their local leisure centre before setting out on their journey.
Council Golf Courses will be closed until further notice, although work is taking place to ensure that once the thaw is complete the sites will be operational as soon as possible.
Chew Valley Sports Centre remains open.
Heritage Services
All Council attractions are due to open.
Libraries
All libraries are due to open their normal hours.
No Mobile Library service ran on Wednesday. More information about Thursday will be issued in the morning. For more information on Mobile Library services and routes go to www.bathnes.gov.uk/mobilelibrary
Democratic Services
The Council will to try to maintain its calendar of public meetings, but people are advised to check the website for more details.
For more information
1. The Council’s website will be updated regularly to keep residents up to date about general information: www.bathnes.gov.uk People logging onto the website should regularly refresh their web browser to ensure that they have the latest up date. by logging of the page and relogging on.
2. All other enquiries should be made to Council Connect on 01225 394041 between 8am – 6pm weekdays (Wednesday 9.30am – 6pm);
3. Outside of these times the Council’s Out of Office Emergency number is 01225 477 477;
4. People can email on council_connect@bathnes.gov.uk or SMS text on 07797806545. These can be contacted 24 hours a day and a response will be sent next working day. These methods should not be used for emergency communication.
Service specific telephone numbers
Enquiries about Adult care transport should call 01225 394371.
Weather Forecast
The Met Office forecast indicates that there will be cold weather overnight with freezing road temperatures. As a result, highways are expected to remain very icy. Road and pavement conditions will remain extremely hazardous. The Met Office has advised that the snowfall is dying out and no further snowfall is expected after this band of weather has passed through, although night time road temperatures are likely to stay around freezing,
The medium-term weather forecast indicates the very cold weather is likely come to an end towards the weekend where there is likely to be a thaw. However, low overnight temperatures will mean a continued risk of icy roads, especially on untreated routes.The Council advises anybody to plan carefully for any journeys and keep a close eye on the weather forecast. The Council is liaising with partners such as police, fire and the NHS Primary Care Trust to coordinate efforts.
Highways update
The Council gritting fleet will be out on Wednesday evening to keep prioritised routes open, which are passable with care. There has been some snow drifting on higher grounds. Drivers should take special care on untreated roads and hills. Gritting crews remain available around the clock to tackle any specific problems on the main network.
Central Government is now influencing the salt supply chain and has instructed all local Councils to reduce the use of salt by 25%. The Council must continue to ration the available supplies for priority routes because of this decision and the predicted freezing road temperatures.
Because the Council must focus its resources on priority routes and reduce salt consumption by 25%, side roads will not be gritted and there will be very limited salting of pavements. The Council will continue to monitor road conditions and will provide additional salting and gritting on priority routes when required.
Highways officers have worked extremely hard to secure salt deliveries and we now have enough salt for our state-of-the-art gritting fleet to comfortably take us into next week and spread grit across 253 miles. That is 37% of the road network – a figure considerably above the national average of 30%.
As a consequence of the predicted sub-zero road temperatures and uncertainty surrounding the national salt supply chain, the Council must now prioritise which grit bins will be refilled by considering the needs of local communities, surrounding terrain and ability to access the main road network. The Council relies upon the public to tell us when grit bins are empty and we can be contacted 24 hours a day on the Council Connect line.
People are asked not to travel to the Council Salt Barn in Clutton to request salt because of the need to prioritise our stocks for key transport routes. We suggest visiting your local builder’s merchants.
Members of the Public should contact the Police direct with road closure requests. The Council does not have the powers to make emergency closures of roads in these circumstances. The Council works closely with the emergency services and if we are requested by the Police to close a road we will implement a physical closure as far as our resources permit.
Public spaces and Car Parks
Council staff continue to clear shopping areas and car parks where resources allow and once priority routes have been attended to. However, there will be no further salting in these areas until the further supplies of salt can be guaranteed.
The Council closed Charlotte Street car park on Wednesday because of site conditions were dangerous. Other car parks were open. We will assess Charlotte Street car park tomorrow and attempt to clear spaces of snow.
Drivers are asked to drive and park their vehicles considerately during the cold weather. They should consider how their parking will affect the pedestrian use of road safety measures like zebra crossings and dropped kerbs.
Schools update
A number of schools are likely to be closed on Thursday. The latest schools information can be found at www.bathnes.gov.uk/schoolclosures
Parents/ guardians can also listen to their local radio station for information. Parents/ guardians should assume that Council-run transport to and from the school will attempt to run.
Waste Collections
Households where roads have been treated and are scheduled for a collection are asked to leave their waste out for collection on Thursday. Our drivers will be using their discretion to determine where vehicles can operate safely and it is safe underfoot. All other households are asked not to put out their waste for collection on Thursday. To minimise the waste collection disruption caused by the bad weather conditions, the Council has set-up 5 staffed waste collection points where waste collection vehicles will be located.
- Bath City Football Club- Twerton High Street, Twerton, Bath;
- Co-op Car Park - Broadmead Lane, Keynsham;
- Sainsbury Car Park, adjacent to the Hollies, Midsomer Norton (although this could not be set-up Wednesday because of bad weather, we hope o do so Thursday);
- Tesco Car Park, Old Mills, Paulton;
- Morrisons Car Park, London Road, Bath.
Trained waste disposal staff will be available to help members of the public who take their waste and recycling to these locations.
The Council waste and recycling collection services were cancelled on Wednesday 6th January, Thursday 7th, and Friday 8th last week. This was because of the conditions under foot and on side roads where heavy waste collection vehicles may have slid on ice and could have seriously damaged cars and/ or seriously injured pedestrians.
Recycling Centres are open but drivers must take care on the approach roads.
Public Transport
For information on the wider public transport network, bus passengers can call Traveline on 0871 200 2233.
Other services
Community Meals
Although road conditions are treacherous for our Community Meals Service we intend to provide a full service for our customers tomorrow. The Council is encouraging carers or neighbours to those people who receive a community meal to see whether that person needs a meal, and to help them if possible.
Any concerns regarding meal deliveries call 01225 394350.
Adult Services
If you have a vulnerable neighbour, please try and check their well-being during the cold weather.
All Day Centres were closed on Wednesday. More information will be issued Thursday tomorrow morning.
Agencies commissioned by the Council to provide Home Care services will advise clients or relatives of any problems with services. Telephone numbers for clients/ carers/ families can be found on www.bathnes.gov.uk/homecareproviders
Useful vulnerable adult telephone numbers: Community and Health Access Team at Lewis House, Bath: 01225 396000. Emergency Duty Team: 01454 615165.
Leisure Services
Aquaterra Leisure - the Council’s leisure centre contractor - are opening all sites as usual, however some classes and courses may still be impacted and suggest people contact their local leisure centre before setting out on their journey.
- Bath Sports and Leisure Centre - 01225 486905
- Keynsham Leisure Centre - 01225 395164
- South Wansdyke Sports Centre - 01761 415522
- Culverhay Sports Centre - 01225 480882
Council Golf Courses will be closed until further notice, although work is taking place to ensure that once the thaw is complete the sites will be operational as soon as possible.
Chew Valley Sports Centre remains open.
Heritage Services
All Council attractions are due to open.
Libraries
All libraries are due to open their normal hours.
No Mobile Library service ran on Wednesday. More information about Thursday will be issued in the morning. For more information on Mobile Library services and routes go to www.bathnes.gov.uk/mobilelibrary
Democratic Services
The Council will to try to maintain its calendar of public meetings, but people are advised to check the website for more details.
For more information
1. The Council’s website will be updated regularly to keep residents up to date about general information: www.bathnes.gov.uk People logging onto the website should regularly refresh their web browser to ensure that they have the latest up date. by logging of the page and relogging on.
2. All other enquiries should be made to Council Connect on 01225 394041 between 8am – 6pm weekdays (Wednesday 9.30am – 6pm);
3. Outside of these times the Council’s Out of Office Emergency number is 01225 477 477;
4. People can email on council_connect@bathnes.gov.uk or SMS text on 07797806545. These can be contacted 24 hours a day and a response will be sent next working day. These methods should not be used for emergency communication.
Service specific telephone numbers
Enquiries about Adult care transport should call 01225 394371.
Wednesday, 13 January 2010
BIG FREEZE UPDATE - 13.1.10, 8.20am
Waste collections will continue to take place where roads have been treated. Households whose scheduled collection is Wednesday are asked to put their waste out for collection where it is safe to do so. Members of the public should also be able to take their waste to special collection points, which will be open from mid morning. Primary schools will open at 10.00am.
Weather Forecast
The snow that has fallen overnight and drifting was experienced over high ground. Extensive ploughing was necessary to keep these roads open. Road conditions are expected to remain very icy. Road and pavement conditions remain extremely hazardous. The Met Office have advised that the snowfall is dying out and no further snowfall is expected after this band of weather has passed through.
The long-term weather forecast indicates the extremely cold weather is likely come to an end towards the weekend where there is likely to be a thaw. The Council advises anybody to plan carefully for any journeys and keep a close eye on the weather forecast. The Council is liaising with partners such as police, fire and the NHS Primary Care Trust to coordinate efforts.
Highways update
The Council gritting fleet has gritted and ploughed throughout the night to keep prioritised routes main routes open, which are passable with care. However there has been some drifting on higher grounds. The gritting team are currently treating Bathwick hill which should open shortly. Drivers should take special care on untreated roads and hills. An emergency gritting vehicle will be available around the clock to tackle any specific problems on the main network. We will continue to put grit in bins where essential. The Council relies upon the public to tell us when grit bins are empty and we can be contacted 24 hours a day on the Council Connect line.
Because the Council must focus its resources on priority routes, side roads will not be gritted and there will be very limited salting of pavements. Road users should also take special care with the steep hills and untreated roads. The Council will continue to monitor road conditions and will provide additional salting and gritting on priority routes when required.
Highways officers have worked extremely hard to secure salt deliveries and we now have enough salt for our state-of-the-art gritting fleet to comfortably take us into next week and spread grit normal treatment rates across 253 miles. That is 37% of the road network – a figure considerably above the national average of 30%. People are asked not to travel to the Council Salt Barn in Clutton to request salt because of the need to prioritise our stocks for key transport routes. We suggest visiting your local builder’s merchants.
Members of the Public should contact the Police direct with road closure requests. The Council does not have the powers to make emergency closures of roads in these circumstances. The Council works closely with the emergency services and if we are requested by the Police to close a road we will implement a physical closure as far as our resources permit.
Limited waste collections on treated highways routes took place on Monday and Tuesday. These arrangements remain in place on Wednesday.
Public spaces and Car Parks
Council staff continue to clear shopping areas and car parks where resources allow and once priority routes have been attended to. However, there will be no further salting in these areas until the further supplies of salt can be guaranteed.
Drivers are asked to drive and park their vehicles considerately during the cold weather. They should consider how their parking will affect the pedestrian use of road safety measures like zebra crossings and dropped kerbs.
Schools update
As of 6.45am 13 January: Primary schools will open at 10.00am this will allow Head Teachers to assess the situation for their individual school, decisions on further restrictions or closures will be taken by each school and will be posted on this and school's own websites. It is anticipated that most primary schools will be open from 10.00am.
The latest schools information can be found at www.bathnes.gov.uk/schoolclosures Parents/ guardians can also listen to their local radio station for information. Parents/ guardians should assume that Council-run transport to and from the school will attempt to run.
Waste and Recycling
Households where roads have been treated and are scheduled for a collection, are asked to leave their waste out for collection. Our drivers will be using their discretion to determine where it is safe to collect waste (i.e where vehicles can operate safely and it is safe underfoot for staff). All other households are asked not to put out their waste for collection on Wednesday.
In order to help a a time when many waste collections have been disrupted by the weather, the Council has set up 5 staffed waste collection points (where waste collection vehicles will be located) and these will be available from mid morning today (Wednesday). Crews are currently out salting access to these areas
Bath City Football Club- Twerton High Street, Twerton, Bath
Co-op Car Park - Broadmead Lane, Keynsham
Sainsbury Car Park, adjacent to the Hollies, Midsomer Norton
Tesco Car Park, Old Mills, Paulton
Morrisons Car Park, London Road, Bath
Members of the public may take their waste and recycling to these locations where staff will assist them in disposing of their waste.
The Council waste and recycling collection services were cancelled on Wednesday 6th January, Thursday 7th, and Friday 8th last week. This was because of the conditions under foot and on side roads where heavy waste collection vehicles may have slid on ice and could have seriously damaged cars and/ or seriously injured pedestrians.
Recycling Centres are open.
Public Transport
It is likely that there will be some disruption to public transport. First bus have suspended all services in Bath. For information on the wider public transport network, bus passengers can call Traveline on 0871 200 2233.
Democratic Services
The Council will to try to maintain its calendar of public meetings, but people are advised to check the website for more details.
For more information
1. The Council’s website will be updated regularly to keep residents up to date about general information: www.bathnes.gov.uk People logging onto the website should regularly refresh their web browser to ensure that they have the latest up date. by logging of the page and relogging on.
2. All other enquiries should be made to Council Connect on 01225 394041 between 8am – 6pm weekdays (Wednesday 9.30am – 6pm);
3. Outside of these times the Council’s Out of Office Emergency number is 01225 477 477;
4. People can email on council_connect@bathnes.gov.uk or SMS text on 07797806545. These can be contacted 24 hours a day and a response will be sent next working day. These methods should not be used for emergency communication.
Service specific telephone numbers
Enquiries about Adult care transport should call 01225 394371.
Weather Forecast
The snow that has fallen overnight and drifting was experienced over high ground. Extensive ploughing was necessary to keep these roads open. Road conditions are expected to remain very icy. Road and pavement conditions remain extremely hazardous. The Met Office have advised that the snowfall is dying out and no further snowfall is expected after this band of weather has passed through.
The long-term weather forecast indicates the extremely cold weather is likely come to an end towards the weekend where there is likely to be a thaw. The Council advises anybody to plan carefully for any journeys and keep a close eye on the weather forecast. The Council is liaising with partners such as police, fire and the NHS Primary Care Trust to coordinate efforts.
Highways update
The Council gritting fleet has gritted and ploughed throughout the night to keep prioritised routes main routes open, which are passable with care. However there has been some drifting on higher grounds. The gritting team are currently treating Bathwick hill which should open shortly. Drivers should take special care on untreated roads and hills. An emergency gritting vehicle will be available around the clock to tackle any specific problems on the main network. We will continue to put grit in bins where essential. The Council relies upon the public to tell us when grit bins are empty and we can be contacted 24 hours a day on the Council Connect line.
Because the Council must focus its resources on priority routes, side roads will not be gritted and there will be very limited salting of pavements. Road users should also take special care with the steep hills and untreated roads. The Council will continue to monitor road conditions and will provide additional salting and gritting on priority routes when required.
Highways officers have worked extremely hard to secure salt deliveries and we now have enough salt for our state-of-the-art gritting fleet to comfortably take us into next week and spread grit normal treatment rates across 253 miles. That is 37% of the road network – a figure considerably above the national average of 30%. People are asked not to travel to the Council Salt Barn in Clutton to request salt because of the need to prioritise our stocks for key transport routes. We suggest visiting your local builder’s merchants.
Members of the Public should contact the Police direct with road closure requests. The Council does not have the powers to make emergency closures of roads in these circumstances. The Council works closely with the emergency services and if we are requested by the Police to close a road we will implement a physical closure as far as our resources permit.
Limited waste collections on treated highways routes took place on Monday and Tuesday. These arrangements remain in place on Wednesday.
Public spaces and Car Parks
Council staff continue to clear shopping areas and car parks where resources allow and once priority routes have been attended to. However, there will be no further salting in these areas until the further supplies of salt can be guaranteed.
Drivers are asked to drive and park their vehicles considerately during the cold weather. They should consider how their parking will affect the pedestrian use of road safety measures like zebra crossings and dropped kerbs.
Schools update
As of 6.45am 13 January: Primary schools will open at 10.00am this will allow Head Teachers to assess the situation for their individual school, decisions on further restrictions or closures will be taken by each school and will be posted on this and school's own websites. It is anticipated that most primary schools will be open from 10.00am.
The latest schools information can be found at www.bathnes.gov.uk/schoolclosures Parents/ guardians can also listen to their local radio station for information. Parents/ guardians should assume that Council-run transport to and from the school will attempt to run.
Waste and Recycling
Households where roads have been treated and are scheduled for a collection, are asked to leave their waste out for collection. Our drivers will be using their discretion to determine where it is safe to collect waste (i.e where vehicles can operate safely and it is safe underfoot for staff). All other households are asked not to put out their waste for collection on Wednesday.
In order to help a a time when many waste collections have been disrupted by the weather, the Council has set up 5 staffed waste collection points (where waste collection vehicles will be located) and these will be available from mid morning today (Wednesday). Crews are currently out salting access to these areas
Bath City Football Club- Twerton High Street, Twerton, Bath
Co-op Car Park - Broadmead Lane, Keynsham
Sainsbury Car Park, adjacent to the Hollies, Midsomer Norton
Tesco Car Park, Old Mills, Paulton
Morrisons Car Park, London Road, Bath
Members of the public may take their waste and recycling to these locations where staff will assist them in disposing of their waste.
The Council waste and recycling collection services were cancelled on Wednesday 6th January, Thursday 7th, and Friday 8th last week. This was because of the conditions under foot and on side roads where heavy waste collection vehicles may have slid on ice and could have seriously damaged cars and/ or seriously injured pedestrians.
Recycling Centres are open.
Public Transport
It is likely that there will be some disruption to public transport. First bus have suspended all services in Bath. For information on the wider public transport network, bus passengers can call Traveline on 0871 200 2233.
Democratic Services
The Council will to try to maintain its calendar of public meetings, but people are advised to check the website for more details.
For more information
1. The Council’s website will be updated regularly to keep residents up to date about general information: www.bathnes.gov.uk People logging onto the website should regularly refresh their web browser to ensure that they have the latest up date. by logging of the page and relogging on.
2. All other enquiries should be made to Council Connect on 01225 394041 between 8am – 6pm weekdays (Wednesday 9.30am – 6pm);
3. Outside of these times the Council’s Out of Office Emergency number is 01225 477 477;
4. People can email on council_connect@bathnes.gov.uk or SMS text on 07797806545. These can be contacted 24 hours a day and a response will be sent next working day. These methods should not be used for emergency communication.
Service specific telephone numbers
Enquiries about Adult care transport should call 01225 394371.
Tuesday, 12 January 2010
Lyndhurst Road Planning application
We have one planning application this week and that is for the provision of a rear dormer at 15 Lyndhurst Road Oldfield Park.
Tuesday, 12 January 2010
Big Freeze update 12th Janruary
The Council plans to conduct a limited waste collection service on Tuesday where roads have been treated. Households where roads have been treated are asked to leave their waste out for collection.
All other households are asked not to put out their waste for collection on Tuesday. All schools are either open or partly open.
All other households are asked not to put out their waste for collection on Tuesday. All schools are either open or partly open.
Thursday, 07 January 2010
BIG FREEZE UPDATE - 6.1.10, 4.50pm
The following was issued by Bath and North East Somerset Council this afternoon.
Weather Forecast
Snow was continuous throughout the day causing treacherous conditions.
The Met Office predicts that early this evening, temperatures will plummet with clearing skys with road surface temperatures falling to -9c. This is likely to lead to the most hazardous driving conditions experienced this winter. Road and pavement conditions will be even more hazardous.
Residents are urged not to travel unless absolutely necessary. If residents have to, the Council advises anybody to plan carefully for any journeys and keep a close eye on the weather forecast. The Council is liaising with partners such as police, fire and the PCT to coordinate efforts.
Highways update
There are nationwide problems with the supply chain of salt which does not appear to be improving and there will be a need to conserve and ration salt stocks. Although the Council has a reasonable stock at the present time, the appalling weather conditions are making the situation difficult.
The Bath & North East Somerset Council gritting fleet will be going out this evening to do another full salting run on prioritised routes. Gritting vehicles will be available around the clock to tackle any specific problems on the main network.
Key transport routes and roads to key facilities like hospitals and care homes have been gritted and are passable with care. Steep hills not on the main network are impassable. Because the Council must focus its resources on these priority routes, side roads will not be gritted. There will be very limited salting of pavements and car parks because of the nationwide problem with the salt supply chain.
The Council will continue to monitor road conditions and will provide additional salting and gritting on priority routes when required.
Snow and ice can seriously damage the highways surface increasing the number of potholes because of the action of frost on the highway. Highways Inspectors will inspect the condition of the roads during the adverse weather conditions and the Council will resolve these problems as soon as it can.
Public spaces and Car Parks
Council staff will be redeployed onto snow clearing to keep shopping areas and car parks clear once priority routes have been attended to. However, there will be very limited salting in these areas because of the nationwide problem with the salt supply chain.
Public Transport
The Council will issue a service update as early as possible tomorrow morning. For more information on the wider public transport network, bus passengers can call Traveline on 0871 200 2233.
Waste and Recycling
All services were cancelled today.
Thursday waste collections in Bath & North East Somerset Council are cancelled. Please don't put your waste out for collection.
Residents will be notified when the Council intends to collect waste from cancelled collections.
All three Recycling Centres closed on Thursday.
Schools Update
All schools in the district will be closed tomorrow. Full details are on www.bathnes.gov.uk/schoolclosures
All nurseries and Children’s Centres will be closed.
Other Services
Adult Services
If you have a vulnerable neighbour, please try and check their well-being during the cold weather.
Plans are in place to ensure that services to vulnerable people continue. People who use day centres are advised to call their centre to check if it is open.
There will be a very limited community meals service tomorrow. The Council will prioritise any deliveries to those customers who can't cook for themselves. We have phoned all others to tell them that we may not be able to deliver hot meals tomorrow.
The Council is encouraging carers or neighbours to those people who receive a community meal to see whether that person needs a meal, and to help them if possible.
Agencies commissioned by the Council to provide Home Care services have contingency plans in place. Clients or relatives should call the relevant agency for more information. These telephone numbers can be found on www.bathnes.gov.uk/homecareproviders
Useful vulnerable adult telephone numbers: Community and Health Access Team at Lewis House, Bath: 01225 396000. Emergency Duty Team
01454 615165.
Leisure Services
Chew Valley Sports Centre will be closed on Thursday 7 January 2010
Aquaterra Leisure - the Council’s leisure centre contractor - are planning to open sites as usual, however some classes and courses may be cancelled and suggest people contact their local leisure centre before setting out on their journey.
Bath Sports and Leisure Centre - 01225 486905
Keynsham Leisure Centre - 01225 395164
South Wansdyke Sports Centre - 01761 415522
Culverhay Sports Centre - 01225 480882
Council Golf Courses will be closed until further notice
Weather Forecast
Snow was continuous throughout the day causing treacherous conditions.
The Met Office predicts that early this evening, temperatures will plummet with clearing skys with road surface temperatures falling to -9c. This is likely to lead to the most hazardous driving conditions experienced this winter. Road and pavement conditions will be even more hazardous.
Residents are urged not to travel unless absolutely necessary. If residents have to, the Council advises anybody to plan carefully for any journeys and keep a close eye on the weather forecast. The Council is liaising with partners such as police, fire and the PCT to coordinate efforts.
Highways update
There are nationwide problems with the supply chain of salt which does not appear to be improving and there will be a need to conserve and ration salt stocks. Although the Council has a reasonable stock at the present time, the appalling weather conditions are making the situation difficult.
The Bath & North East Somerset Council gritting fleet will be going out this evening to do another full salting run on prioritised routes. Gritting vehicles will be available around the clock to tackle any specific problems on the main network.
Key transport routes and roads to key facilities like hospitals and care homes have been gritted and are passable with care. Steep hills not on the main network are impassable. Because the Council must focus its resources on these priority routes, side roads will not be gritted. There will be very limited salting of pavements and car parks because of the nationwide problem with the salt supply chain.
The Council will continue to monitor road conditions and will provide additional salting and gritting on priority routes when required.
Snow and ice can seriously damage the highways surface increasing the number of potholes because of the action of frost on the highway. Highways Inspectors will inspect the condition of the roads during the adverse weather conditions and the Council will resolve these problems as soon as it can.
Public spaces and Car Parks
Council staff will be redeployed onto snow clearing to keep shopping areas and car parks clear once priority routes have been attended to. However, there will be very limited salting in these areas because of the nationwide problem with the salt supply chain.
Public Transport
The Council will issue a service update as early as possible tomorrow morning. For more information on the wider public transport network, bus passengers can call Traveline on 0871 200 2233.
Waste and Recycling
All services were cancelled today.
Thursday waste collections in Bath & North East Somerset Council are cancelled. Please don't put your waste out for collection.
Residents will be notified when the Council intends to collect waste from cancelled collections.
All three Recycling Centres closed on Thursday.
Schools Update
All schools in the district will be closed tomorrow. Full details are on www.bathnes.gov.uk/schoolclosures
All nurseries and Children’s Centres will be closed.
Other Services
Adult Services
If you have a vulnerable neighbour, please try and check their well-being during the cold weather.
Plans are in place to ensure that services to vulnerable people continue. People who use day centres are advised to call their centre to check if it is open.
There will be a very limited community meals service tomorrow. The Council will prioritise any deliveries to those customers who can't cook for themselves. We have phoned all others to tell them that we may not be able to deliver hot meals tomorrow.
The Council is encouraging carers or neighbours to those people who receive a community meal to see whether that person needs a meal, and to help them if possible.
Agencies commissioned by the Council to provide Home Care services have contingency plans in place. Clients or relatives should call the relevant agency for more information. These telephone numbers can be found on www.bathnes.gov.uk/homecareproviders
Useful vulnerable adult telephone numbers: Community and Health Access Team at Lewis House, Bath: 01225 396000. Emergency Duty Team
01454 615165.
Leisure Services
Chew Valley Sports Centre will be closed on Thursday 7 January 2010
Aquaterra Leisure - the Council’s leisure centre contractor - are planning to open sites as usual, however some classes and courses may be cancelled and suggest people contact their local leisure centre before setting out on their journey.
Bath Sports and Leisure Centre - 01225 486905
Keynsham Leisure Centre - 01225 395164
South Wansdyke Sports Centre - 01761 415522
Culverhay Sports Centre - 01225 480882
Council Golf Courses will be closed until further notice
Wednesday, 06 January 2010
Weather Update
The following was issued by Bath & North East Somerset Council this morning.
Weather Forecast
Snow was continuous throughout the night. Accumulations of snow have caused problems on main routes around Midsomer Norton, Radstock and Peasdown and snow ploughs were deployed to clear these.
The Met Office predicts snow will continue until lunchtime when it will die out. The weather has resulted in treacherous conditions. The road temperature is likely to plummet during the afternoon and overnight to as low as -8c making road and pavement conditions hazardous.
Residents are urged not to travel unless absolutely necessary. If residents have to, the Council advises anybody to plan carefully for any journeys and keep a close eye on the weather forecast. The Council is liaising with partners such as police, fire and the PCT to coordinate efforts.
The Council is already planning ahead for more difficult conditions tomorrow.
Highways update
The Bath & North East Somerset Council gritting fleet was out salting the roads during the night and using snow ploughs. Key transport routes and roads to key facilities like hospitals and care homes have been gritted and are passable with care. Steep hills not on the main network are impassable.
Because the Council must focus its resources on these priority routes, side roads will not be gritted. Pavements and car parks will be salted following the gritting of priority routes.
The Council will continue to monitor road conditions and will provide additional salting and gritting on priority routes when required.
There are nationwide problems with the supply chain of salt for salt, but the Council has a reasonable stock at the present time.
Snow and ice can seriously damage the highways surface increasing the number of potholes because of the action of frost on the highway. Highways Inspectors will inspect the condition of the roads during the adverse weather conditions and the Council will resolve these problems as soon as it can.
Public spaces and Car Parks
Council staff will be redeployed onto snow clearing and salting duties to keep shopping areas and car parks clear once priority routes have been attended to.
This morning, crews have cleared paths through fallen snow in main urban centres. Snow will be cleared and salt applied to keep car parks operating throughout the district.
Public Transport
As of 09:00 hrs, situation may change as the day goes on.
First
Waste and Recycling
All services have been cancelled for today as the conditions would make use of the vehicles on untreated roads hazardous. Residents are requested not to place their refuse out for collection as this will not be collected until next week. The Council will give more information about tomorrow’s waste collections later today.
All three recycling centres are currently open.
Schools Update
All schools shut. The Council will be updating its website from early tomorrow morning on www.bathnes.gov.uk/schoolclosures
Parents/ guardians should also listen to local radio stations.
All Council run nurseries and Children’s Centres are closed.
Other Services
Adult Services
Plans are in place to ensure that services to vulnerable people continue. People who use day centres are advised to call their centre to check if it is open.
There is a very limited community meals service today, although we are able to deliver to customers in Keynsham. The community meals service delivered frozen meals to people yesterday in case of severe weather conditions. People who need to use this meal are being called today.
For those who are unable to cook, special arrangements have been made. The Council is encouraging carers or neighbours to those people who receive a community meal to see whether that person needs a meal, and to help them if possible.
Agencies commissioned by the Council to provide Home Care services have contingency plans in place. Clients or relatives should call the relevant agency for more information. These telephone numbers can be found on www.bathnes.gov.uk/homecareproviders
Useful vulnerable adult telephone numbers: Community and Health Access Team at Lewis House, Bath: 01225 396000. Emergency Duty Team
01454 615165.
Libraries
Bath Central Library was the only library due open today. Reduced opening hours are 9.30am – 1pm.
Heritage Services
Open as normal.
Weather Forecast
Snow was continuous throughout the night. Accumulations of snow have caused problems on main routes around Midsomer Norton, Radstock and Peasdown and snow ploughs were deployed to clear these.
The Met Office predicts snow will continue until lunchtime when it will die out. The weather has resulted in treacherous conditions. The road temperature is likely to plummet during the afternoon and overnight to as low as -8c making road and pavement conditions hazardous.
Residents are urged not to travel unless absolutely necessary. If residents have to, the Council advises anybody to plan carefully for any journeys and keep a close eye on the weather forecast. The Council is liaising with partners such as police, fire and the PCT to coordinate efforts.
The Council is already planning ahead for more difficult conditions tomorrow.
Highways update
The Bath & North East Somerset Council gritting fleet was out salting the roads during the night and using snow ploughs. Key transport routes and roads to key facilities like hospitals and care homes have been gritted and are passable with care. Steep hills not on the main network are impassable.
Because the Council must focus its resources on these priority routes, side roads will not be gritted. Pavements and car parks will be salted following the gritting of priority routes.
The Council will continue to monitor road conditions and will provide additional salting and gritting on priority routes when required.
There are nationwide problems with the supply chain of salt for salt, but the Council has a reasonable stock at the present time.
Snow and ice can seriously damage the highways surface increasing the number of potholes because of the action of frost on the highway. Highways Inspectors will inspect the condition of the roads during the adverse weather conditions and the Council will resolve these problems as soon as it can.
Public spaces and Car Parks
Council staff will be redeployed onto snow clearing and salting duties to keep shopping areas and car parks clear once priority routes have been attended to.
This morning, crews have cleared paths through fallen snow in main urban centres. Snow will be cleared and salt applied to keep car parks operating throughout the district.
Public Transport
As of 09:00 hrs, situation may change as the day goes on.
First
- Very limited service on 5, 13 and 14 routes. P&R from Newbridge (21) also has a limited service. All other services not operating at present;
- 42 Odd Down – RUH limited service operating via Wellsway and Lower Bristol Road;
- 349 Bristol – Keynsham limited service.
- No services operating at present.
- No services operating at present.
- No services operating – unlikely to operate for most of the day.
- No services operating
- 20A/C limited service serving RUH, Twerton and Centre.
- 532 to Keynsham not operating.
- 665 Keynsham Local not operating.
- 752 Chew Valley not operating.
- 94 into Bath not operating.
- 620 not operating.
Waste and Recycling
All services have been cancelled for today as the conditions would make use of the vehicles on untreated roads hazardous. Residents are requested not to place their refuse out for collection as this will not be collected until next week. The Council will give more information about tomorrow’s waste collections later today.
All three recycling centres are currently open.
Schools Update
All schools shut. The Council will be updating its website from early tomorrow morning on www.bathnes.gov.uk/schoolclosures
Parents/ guardians should also listen to local radio stations.
All Council run nurseries and Children’s Centres are closed.
Other Services
Adult Services
Plans are in place to ensure that services to vulnerable people continue. People who use day centres are advised to call their centre to check if it is open.
There is a very limited community meals service today, although we are able to deliver to customers in Keynsham. The community meals service delivered frozen meals to people yesterday in case of severe weather conditions. People who need to use this meal are being called today.
For those who are unable to cook, special arrangements have been made. The Council is encouraging carers or neighbours to those people who receive a community meal to see whether that person needs a meal, and to help them if possible.
Agencies commissioned by the Council to provide Home Care services have contingency plans in place. Clients or relatives should call the relevant agency for more information. These telephone numbers can be found on www.bathnes.gov.uk/homecareproviders
Useful vulnerable adult telephone numbers: Community and Health Access Team at Lewis House, Bath: 01225 396000. Emergency Duty Team
01454 615165.
Libraries
Bath Central Library was the only library due open today. Reduced opening hours are 9.30am – 1pm.
Heritage Services
Open as normal.
Wednesday, 06 January 2010
Weather Update
The Weather as you will all know is very bad in our local area. All Buses are not running at the moment.
All Schools are Shut,
Bath & North East Somerset Council has cancelled its refuse collections today and residents are being asked not to put out the rubbish for collection today.
Also please do not use your car as the road conditions are terrible and the footpaths are not much better either.
All Schools are Shut,
Bath & North East Somerset Council has cancelled its refuse collections today and residents are being asked not to put out the rubbish for collection today.
Also please do not use your car as the road conditions are terrible and the footpaths are not much better either.
Sceptical
Mad
What’s The Big Transition Bath Event?