Winter Warmth Club aims to put end to suffering in the cold

Residents who can't afford to keep their homes warm during the winter are invited to contact Bath & North East Somerset Council's Winter Warmth Club, which offers practical support and advice on how to stay warm and well during the colder weather.

The Winter Warmth Club, which is particularly aimed at vulnerable and older people, offers a number of crucial services including:

• Personal visits from Red Cross staff or volunteers;
• Discounted repairs and improvement to heating and hot water systems;
• Clearance of paths;
• Advice on benefits and grants and referrals to get funding for energy efficency improvements.

Full details about the service are available on the Council website www.bathnes.gov.uk/wwc or by calling the Home Energy Team free on 0800 0822234.

The project is being launched by the council's Housing Services Department and is managed by the Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) in partnership with West of England Care and Repair, British Red Cross, Age UK and social housing provider Curo.

Head of Household Energy Services at CSE, Phillip Morris, added, "The really great thing about this project is that because of all the partners involved we can give a whole range of support – from someone simply coming to your home and taking the time to talk through your options to stay warmer, right up to support to get funding for improvements, advice on benefits and even free temporary heating replacement if your heating breaks down. You could even arrange a visit from the Fire Service to advise you on fire hazards and fit free smoke alarms."

The Winter Warmth Project is funded by the Department of Health. It is managed by the Centre for Sustainable energy (CSE) in partnership with West of England Care and Repair, British Red Cross, Age UK and Curo the areas' major social housing provider. Listed benefits are available to households in Bath and North East Somerset.

Southside Youth Hub offers young people free gym qualification

It is great news that young people have the chance to gain a Level 2 gym qualification for free at Bath & North East Somerset Council's Southside Youth Hub in Bath. The sessions are open to 16 – 18 year olds and require no previous entry requirements to sign up.

The course begins on Monday 11 February and will last 15 working days. Assessments will take place the following week, between Monday 4 and Wednesday 6 March. Those who are successful will then be qualified to work in a gym environment or potentially gain a place on an apprenticeship programme. 

"Bath & North East Somerset Council aims to provide opportunities that help young people to make a positive difference to their lives and communities and Southside hosts a range of activities, including sessions in healthy cooking, music and gardening."

Southside Youth Hub also provides one to one support on a range of issues to young people who need it, with evening drop in sessions every Monday and Wednesday from 7pm until 9pm. 

The Youth Hub is running an introductory session to the gym qualification course at 11am on Friday 8 February, giving those who are interested a taste of what to expect. To book a place at the session, or to find out more about Southside's other projects, contact Jenny at Jenny_Williams@bathnes.gov.uk or on 01225 394482.

Young people have the chance to gain a Level 2 gym qualification for free at Bath & North East Somerset Council's Southside Youth Hub in Bath. The sessions are open to 16 – 18 year olds and require no previous entry requirements to sign up.

The course begins on Monday 11 February and will last 15 working days. Assessments will take place the following week, between Monday 4 and Wednesday 6 March. Those who are successful will then be qualified to work in a gym environment or potentially gain a place on an apprenticeship programme. 

"Bath & North East Somerset Council aims to provide opportunities that help young people to make a positive difference to their lives and communities and Southside hosts a range of activities, including sessions in healthy cooking, music and gardening."

Southside Youth Hub also provides one to one support on a range of issues to young people who need it, with evening drop in sessions every Monday and Wednesday from 7pm until 9pm. 

The Youth Hub is running an introductory session to the gym qualification course at 11am on Friday 8 February, giving those who are interested a taste of what to expect. To book a place at the session, or to find out more about Southside's other projects, contact Jenny at Jenny_Williams@bathnes.gov.uk or on 01225 394482.

Curo planning application

Curo have made a planning application for internal alterations for refurbishment and alterations to the layout of their offices

The Application reference: 12/05623/LBA received on 24/12/2012
Planning Portal reference: PP-02372430

please see link below

Curo, The Maltings, River Place, Twerton, Bath, BA2 1EP

Steps by 13 Freeview Road

I have asked the council to repair the steps at the side of 13 Freeview Road, the steps have become very warn & are out of shape.

I have also asked the council to look at putting a hand rail on these steps.

Twerton War Memorial

It has come to my attention that the war memorial at St Michaels Church has gone into disrepair and is often surrounded by litter at the war memorial and particularly on the grass area by the large tree.

I have asked that an eye is kept on this area and that it is cleaned up regularly, I have also asked for consideration for a litter bin to be put in place on the path that runs through the churchyard as this will help keep this area clear.

There is another matter that is a cause of concern and that is there is no ceremony held at the War Memorial on Remembrance Day apart from a reef being laid by St Michaels Junior School.

I am investigating with St Michaels Church the local Schools and the council whether we are able to hold a ceremony there on Remembrance Day each year.

Dumped mattress

I have asked for the dumped mattress at the entrance to Innox Park to be removed as soon as possible.

I would hope that the mattress would be removed quite quickly, If you know of any of dumped items that need to be removed please contact me or phone council connect on 394041.

Wedgewood Road Parking

I have asked for the councils parking enforcement officers to take action on the parking on the Corners of Wedgewood Road & Eleanor Close.

It has been brought to my attention that on many occasions the corners of these roads are full of parked cars often on the double yellow lines.

I hope that this matter can be sorted out as soon as possible.