Twerton Lampposts

After being contacted by local residents Councillor Sarah Moore reported both the Lamppost on Mill Lane and Shaws Way.

The lamppost on Mill Lane needs to be replaced and a new one is on order and will be put in place as soon as possible.

The lamppost on Shaws Way needs the lantern replacing and again a new one has been ordered and will be put in place as soon as it arrives.

We are also aware that a number of the small lights on the footpath in Innox Park have stopped working and we have asked that they are sorted.

If you are aware of any other issues, please do get in touch so that we can help get them resolved.

Litter picks

We have again been out in Twerton and Whiteway this weekend clearing litter from several roads including Windrush Close and Landseer Road.

We will be looking to start regular litterpicks across the area shortly, if anyone would like to get involved, please do get in touch.

Rubbish clearance - Woody Park

We have been out around Twerton again today and unfortunately found the bin in Woody Park had been pulled out and rubbish strewn all around the play area.

Tim and Sarah have returned to the park this evening and cleared this and the surrounding area.

They will also be carrying our regular litter picks and if you would like help, please do get in touch.

Free school meals vouchers for summer holidays

This summer, families in Bath and North East Somerset who are eligible for free school meals will be provided with vouchers worth £90 per child to help prevent holiday hunger. From 12:00 on Wednesday (July 20), families will receive an email from Bath & North East Somerset Council offering supermarket vouchers worth £15 per child per week. Once they confirm, a second email will be sent containing ‘Select’ codes with a web link to the council’s supplier, Hawk Incentives, taking them to a page where they will be presented with a selection of supermarkets to choose from. The reward total can be split between different supermarkets and codes can be added for each qualifying child to increase the reward total. The scheme is funded by the Government’s Household Support Fund to support vulnerable households. New rules set by the Government earlier this year about how the fund should be spent meant vouchers offered by the council from the May 2022 holiday onwards are now £15 per child, instead of the £20 per child offered in previous holiday periods. we are disappointed that government changed the rules around the distribution of the Household Support Fund, however we are pleased we are in a position to provide this support to families over the upcoming six-week holiday which can be a financially challenging time for people already on low incomes. With the rise in the cost of living we hope this funding will provide a significant boost to families who need it in Bath and North East Somerset. “Anyone who is struggling can get in touch with us. We can help you access other support with food across the area, including via our Welfare Support Team and the Community Wellbeing Hub.” Anyone eligible for benefit related free school meals and has not claimed a voucher previously can make a claim through council’s free school meals vouchers web portal which will open during the afternoon of July 20. Anyone eligible for the vouchers who does not have electronic means of contacting the council should telephone the Benefits team on 01225 477777 (option 4).

Planning Applications w/c 18.07.2022

This week we have no new planning applications for Twerton/Whiteway. All previous applications can be accessed on the BANES website.

New Street Signs

Whilst out and about in Twerton and Whiteway, Councillors Tim Ball and Sarah Moore have noticed a number of street signs that need replacing due to their poor condition.

These include the road signs in Garrick Road, Wedgwood Road and Walwyn Close as well as the Cheveron signs at the circle of trees on Haycombe Drive.

They have also requested a large number of white and double yellow lines are repainted as they are so badly faded.

If you have an issue in your street that needs resolving, please do get in touch.

Can you help by watering young trees

Newly planted trees need to be watered regularly over the summer months if they are going to become established and thrive. Our Parks & Greenspaces Team are busy out watering young street trees that were planted during the winters of 2020/2021 and 2021/2022, as part of the Council’s weekly tree watering schedule. However, during this spell of hot and dry weather, the trees need supplementary watering. Do you have a young tree outside your house, or perhaps you pass one on your walk to work or school? Then you can help! As a general rule, young trees should receive at least 50 litres of water per week during May, June, July, and August… but every little helps! Watering should ideally be carried out in the early morning or evening. A sustainable water source should be used where possible. Harvested rainwater is ideal, but bath water or water which has been used for washing up is also suitable. The TiCL National Tree Watering Scheme Could you become a local Tree Watering Champion? The National Tree Watering Scheme helps identify local trees that need extra water for individuals to ‘Befriend’ and give the tree regular water during the hottest parts of the year. Find out more at: https://www.trees.org.uk/Help-Advice/Public/Watering-young-trees-in-dry-weather PLEASE WATER YOUNG TREES REGULARLY DURING DRY PERODS WITH AS MUCH AS YOU CAN – EVERY LITTLE HELPS

Heat Health warning what to do

With temperatures set to continue rising and a UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Met Office Level 3 heat-health alert residents across Bath & North East Somerset are being encouraged to stay safe in the sun. And people are being reminded about earlier waste and recycling collections, starting at 6am as well as highways teams starting earlier at 7am so crews can make the most of working in the cooler mornings. During the extreme heat people are being encouraged to: Check on others Check on older people or sick neighbours, family or friends every day during hot weather Stay hydrated Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol. Try to keep out of the sun between 11am-3pm when UV radiation is strongest and always use sunscreen Physical activity Avoid extreme physical exertion. If you can’t avoid strenuous outdoor activity, such as sport, DIY or gardening, keep it for cooler parts of the day Keeping the home cool Keep your living space cool. Shade or cover windows exposed to direct sunlight and keep windows that are exposed to the sun closed during the day. Turn off non-essential lights and electrical equipment. During the hottest periods find the coolest part of your home or garden/outside On car journeys Ensure babies, children, older people and pets are not left alone in parked cars, which can quickly overheat Make sure you take water with you if travelling, in the event of delays or traffic congestion Look out for the signs of heat-related harm If you feel dizzy, weak or have intense thirst and a headache, move to a cool place asap. Drink water or diluted fruit juice to rehydrate. Avoid excess alcohol Call 111 if you feel unusual symptoms, or if symptoms persist. Call 999 if a person develops any signs of heatstroke as this is a medical emergency Enjoy the water safely Take care and follow local safety advice if you are going into the water to cool down. Alcohol is a major factor in accidental drownings Avoid swimming in reservoirs or harbours – there are hidden dangers and strong under-currents If you’re driving to a local lake or river to cool down, please be considerate and follow parking restrictions for the safety of others and to allow for an ambulance or fire engine to pass Risk of wildfires The risk of wildfires is high – please take care of the countryside, parks and open spaces by avoiding BBQs and fires and clearing up litter Calling emergency services Only call 999 in an emergency, as demand on blue light services increases during periods of extreme weather Ends LRF Extreme Heat advice_AMBER warning_July 2022 v2

Poolemead Road Safety

Another priority that was raised with Councillors Sarah Moore and Tim Ball by a large number of local residents was to ensure there was a safer way to cross Poolemead Road outside Twerton Infants School.

They met with Highways offices and the school’s head teacher George Samios to discuss options to slow the traffic and narrow the road to help keep all the pedestrians safe.

The above image has been drawn up following the meeting with the officers and is what is planned to be put in place as soon as it possibly can be.

Community Action Days

Following a number of conversations with residents, Councillors Tim Ball and Sarah Moore are pleased to confirm that during the last few weeks of July the Council along with Curo will be taking action across Twerton and Whiteway to clear some of our areas.

The action days will include litter picks, weed clearance and sign post cleaning as well as other issues that need resolving. The action days will involve Council and Curo staff who will work alongside residents and Councillors to help resolve some issues that are outstanding.

We will publish the dates and locations on social media and deliver a newsletter to tell residents which areas will be worked upon several days before each event.

Residents will be very welcome to help out with any of the action days.

Some areas have already benefited from this clearance work over the past few weeks and it would be great to see more areas covered.

Twerton High Street Regeneration Update

Following our recent updates, below is some further information on what is happening and planned for Twerton High Street. 

• Upcoming engagement/consultation: In terms of the Love Our High Streets Bath Local Centres project, an announcement is due soon for the engagement/consultation sessions which are programmed to take place August/September. 

• Newspaper storage and graffiti outside the former supermarket: B&NES is in discussion with Greenacres about removing the newspaper storage box and graffiti. We are also looking to arrange an art installation to be put in place in the shop windows.  

• 106 & 107 High Street Vacant Units: The occupation of these units is currently being worked through and temporary occupation of these should be in place later this Summer.

• Long term regeneration plans: The bid for WECA funding to support the development of a Twerton High Street Area Masterplan was successful and work on this project is scheduled to begin in September.

Planning Applications w/c 11.07.2022

This week we have 4 planning applications for Twerton/Whiteway, please see the details below and if you want to comment, please follow the relevant link.

Ward:               Twerton                                    App Ref:            22/02566/FUL

Parish:             N/A

Registered:      24th June 2022                         Expiry Date:     19th August 2022

Location:         Linne House  Poolemead Road Whiteway Bath Bath And North East Somerset BA2 1QS

Grid Ref:          (E)372069 - (N)164435                          LB Grade:            N/A

Proposal:         Replacement of all existing timber and aluminium windows with new white uPVC windows

Officer:            Danielle Milsom

Applicant:        Curo	Agent:    Kendall Kingscott Ltd
The Maltings River Place Lower Bristol Road Bath BA2 1EP	Glentworth Court Lime Kiln Close Stoke Gifford Bristol BS34 8SR

To view the case click on the link here.

Ward:               Twerton                                    App Ref:            22/02568/FUL

Parish:             N/A

Registered:      24th June 2022                         Expiry Date:     19th August 2022

Location:         Meade House  Wedgwood Road Whiteway Bath Bath And North East Somerset BA2 1QN

Grid Ref:          (E)372031 - (N)164281                          LB Grade:            N/A

Proposal:         Replacement of all existing timber & aluminium windows with new white uPVC windows.

Officer:            Christopher Masters

Applicant:        Curo	Agent:    Kendall Kingscott Ltd
The Maltings River Place Lower Bristol Road Bath BA2 1EP	Glentworth Court Lime Kiln Close Bristol BS34 8SR United Kingdom

To view the case click on the link here.

Ward:               Twerton                                    App Ref:            22/02569/FUL

Parish:             N/A

Registered:      24th June 2022                         Expiry Date:     19th August 2022

Location:         Naish House  Shaws Way Twerton Bath Bath And North East Somerset BA2 1SF

Grid Ref:          (E)372123 - (N)164596                          LB Grade:            N/A

Proposal:         Replacement of all existing timber & aluminium windows with new white uPVC windows.

Officer:            Owen Hoare

Applicant:        Curo	Agent:    Kendall Kingscott Ltd
The Maltings River Place Lower Bristol Road Bath BA2 1EP	Glentworth Court Lime Kiln Close Bristol BS34 8SR United Kingdom

To view the case click on the link here.

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Ward:               Twerton                                    App Ref:            22/02571/FUL

Parish:             N/A

Registered:      24th June 2022                         Expiry Date:     19th August 2022

Location:         Poole House  Poolemead Road Whiteway Bath Bath And North East Somerset BA2 1QU

Grid Ref:          (E)371898 - (N)164315                          LB Grade:            N/A

Proposal:         Replacement of all existing timber & aluminium windows with new white uPVC windows.

Officer:            Angus Harris

Applicant:        Curo	Agent:    Kendall Kingscott Ltd
The Maltings River Place Lower Bristol Road Bath BA2 1EP	Glentworth Court Lime Kiln Close Bristol BS34 8SR United Kingdom

To view the case click on the link here.

Pennyquick Park - update

Following feedback from residents, Councillors Tim Ball and Sarah Moore have met with the Parks team and Cabinet Member responsible to discuss all options.

They have asked the parks team to draw up plans for full refurbishment of the park to include, replacing play equipment, installation of disabled play equipment, outdoor gym equipment, a path around the circumference of the park, replacement pump track, picnic benches, more seating and a wildflower meadow area.

Councillor Sarah Moore has submitted an application for CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) funding to put in some outdoor gym equipment and refurbishment of the pump track and this will be decided at a meeting in July.

All other aspects are being costed and whilst there is not currently a budget to do all the work, once the costs are known, they are looking at a phased approach to the work and are looking at all possible funding streams to enable it to happen.

Tim and Sarah are committed to improving this amazing park and will keep everyone updated of progress. 

Footpath/Road resurfacing

The Council is responsible for the maintenance of approximately 1150Km of adopted highway within it's boundaries and the budget has to be spread around the whole area, however, as part of their election pledge, Sarah Moore and Tim Ball committed to get more of the damaged roads and footpaths in Twerton and Whiteway resurfaced.

Since the election in 2019, the following roads in Twerton and Whiteway have been repaired -North Way, West Close, St Michael's Road, East Close, East Way, Wedgwood Road, Landseer Road, Innox Road, North View Close, Springfield Close, Highfield Close, Long Hay Close, The Brow, Newton Road, How Hill, Shaw's Way, Watery Lane as well as parts of Redland Park, Shophouse Road and Poolemead Road together with several footpaths.

It is great to see the team out on Shaws Way this week to resurface the footpath at the rear of Twerton Infant School.

Last week, Sarah and Tim met with Highways officers to discuss the condition of more of the roads in our area and how they can be repaired. The roads discussed were Poolemead Road (remaining sections), Haycombe Drive, Windrush Close, Rosewarn Close, Woodhouse Road, Freeview Road, Dominion Road and Highland Road. Some of these roads will require more substantial and costly repairs due to the volume of traffic and their condition.  

We are aware this is not all the remaining roads in Twerton and Whiteway that require repairs, but with such underinvestment in our roads over a long period of time the budget needs to be spread around the whole of BANES. We will provide more updates on these repairs as soon as we have them,

Bath Area Play Project National Playday event proposed

As you might be aware, the Bath Area Play Project (BAPP) run family playdays during the summer holidays which are free for families and very well liked and appreciated.

Before COVID, they have always held a larger scale event to celebrate National Playday which has been held in Queen Square.  However, these haven’t been carried out since 2019 but this year they are hoping to hold this in Pennyquick Park on Wednesday 3rd August 2022 between 1pm and 4pm.

Both Councillor Tim Ball and Councillor Sarah Moore fully support this as they believe that with a large number of families living in the ward, this is an ideal location for them to be able to access something fun and exciting on their doorstep!

According to B&NES, BAPP need to consult with local residents. Full details can be found on the attached link, together with as short form that they are requesting a response to by 7th June - https://forms.office.com/r/1sb2FdNfYB

Planning Applications - w/c 30.05.2022

The below new planning applications have been received this week:

Ward:               Twerton                                    App Ref:            22/02042/FUL

Parish:             N/A

Registered:      17th May 2022                          Expiry Date:     12th July 2022

Location:         42 High Street Twerton Bath Bath And North East Somerset BA2 1DB 

Grid Ref:          (E)372588 - (N)164642                          LB Grade:        II

Proposal:         Conversion of first floor to residential use and associated alterations.

Officer:            Ben Burke

Applicant:        The PCC, St Michael's, Twerton	Agent:    Mark Taylor Chartered Architect
42 High Street Twerton Bath Bath And North East Somerset BA2 1DB	The Warren Stoke Road North Curry TA3 6HN

To view the case click on the link here.

Ward:               Twerton                                    App Ref:            22/02043/LBA

Parish:             N/A

Registered:      17th May 2022                          Expiry Date:     12th July 2022

Location:         42 High Street Twerton Bath Bath And North East Somerset BA2 1DB 

Grid Ref:          (E)372588 - (N)164642                          LB Grade:        II

Proposal:         Internal alterations for the conversion of first floor to residential use and associated alterations.

Officer:            Ben Burke

Applicant:        The PCC, St Michael's, Twerton	Agent:    Mark Taylor Chartered Architect
42 High Street Twerton Bath Bath And North East Somerset BA2 1DB	The Warren Stoke Road North Curry TA3 6HN

To view the case click on the link here.

Ward:               Twerton                                    App Ref:            22/02047/FUL

Parish:             N/A

Registered:      17th May 2022                          Expiry Date:     12th July 2022

Location:         65 Poolemead Road Whiteway Bath Bath And North East Somerset BA2 1QP 

Grid Ref:          (E)371868 - (N)164285                          LB Grade:            N/A

Proposal:         Change of use from (C3) dwellinghouse to (C4) small house in multiple occupation and erection of a single-storey rear extension.

Officer:            Christopher Masters

Applicant:        Rivers BIrtwell	Agent:    Lewis & Co Planning SE Ltd
Henry Dorman Care Of Lewis & Co Planning 2 Port Hall Road Brighton BN1 5PD	2 Port Hall Road Brighton BN1 5PD

To view the case click on the link here.

May Half Term Jubilee Celebration events

This May half-term, families can enjoy a programme of special craft activities to celebrate the Jubilee week at the Roman Baths, Fashion Museum and Victoria Art Gallery.

Make a Roman crown at the Roman Baths, design your own coronation cape at the Fashion Museum, or create a self-portrait worthy of a king or queen at the Victoria Art Gallery.

There’s also a chance to take a tour of the Local History Centre in Lansdown, which is normally closed to the public, and find out about the weird and wonderful spa objects stored there.

Cllr Richard Samuel, Deputy Leader of the Council & Cabinet Member for Economic Development & Resources, said: “We hope lots of families will come and enjoy our museums over the half-term holidays, whether taking part in Jubilee-themed craft sessions, exploring the Local History Centre, or simply looking around the museum displays. If you’re a local resident, you can get free admission to the Roman Baths, Fashion Museum and Victoria Art Gallery – though it’s still advisable to book in advance.”

Activities are suitable for children aged 3+. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Crowning Glory
The Roman Baths
Monday 30 May to Friday 3 June, 10am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-4pm

Explore coins and medals celebrating special events through the ages and make a Roman crown.

Included in admission price. Book online in advance to avoid disappointment.

All Dressed Up
The Fashion Museum
Tuesday 31 May, 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3pm

Make a coronation cape using special papers, fabric scraps and sequins.

Free drop-in activity in the Assembly Rooms. Tickets required to visit the Fashion Museum.

Superior Selfie
Victoria Art Gallery
Wednesday 1 June, 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3pm

Create a right royal self-portrait using drawing and collage.

Free drop-in activity in the Upper Gallery. Tickets required to visit the Bath Society of Artists exhibition in the Lower Gallery.

Local History Centre Tour
Tuesday 31 May 2022

Explore the weird and wonderful objects from the spa collection at the Local History Centre in Lansdown. Among the objects you’ll see are:

• Victorian needle douche showers
• A Vichy bath ­– a wet table on which Victorian spa-goers would lie to be showered with water and receive some of the latest spa treatments of the time
• Original Victorian spa visitor books
• The City of Bath’s weights and measures
• Historic furniture from the Pump Room and Guildhall

 Join a tour at 10am, midday or 2pm.

Join a tour at 10am, midday or 2pm.

Free but booking essential. Please email romanbaths_enquiries@bathnes.gov.uk to book.

www.romanbaths.co.uk

www.fashionmuseum.co.uk

www.victoriagal.org.uk

There are also a number of locally organised events including:

Southside Centre - Afternoon Tea - 2.30pm - 4.30pm Tuesday 31st May - you need to book (01225 396980)

Southside Centre -  Children's Afternoon Tea - 2.30pm - 4.30pm Wednesday 1st June - this is fully booked

Southside Centre - Pirate Time - 1.00pm - 2.00pm - Friday 3rd June

Rose Cottage - Tea Party - 2.00pm - 4.00pm Friday 3rd June

The Centurian - Family Funday - 1.00pm - 6.00pm - Friday 3rd June

Bath City Farm - Picnic Time - 11.30am - 2.30pm - Saturday 4th June

New birth registration office opens

Parents of babies born in Bath and North East Somerset can now register the birth and find out about support for bringing up children throughout their younger years all in one place, thanks to the opening of a second register office in Bath.

Bath & North East Somerset Council officially opened the office on 24th May at the Bath Children and Family Centre in Charlotte Street which offers families easy access to the other services available at the hub - not only to the birth parent, but to the whole family network.

The register office has been opened in response to a government report which stated that registering births in family hubs provides an opportunity to alert parents to the support services available and improves the health outcomes of babies.

The Children and Family Centre’s location next to Charlotte St car park offers a convenient alternative to the council’s main register office in Bath at the Guildhall. The Centre was originally the register office for a hundred years until 2005.

Up to 4,500 babies per year are born in Bath and North East Somerset.

Sean Heneghan was the first parent to register a baby at the new office last week. Sean said: “The Children and Family Centre was very easy to find and was very accessible because of Charlotte Street car park.”

Councillor David Wood, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “Congratulations to Mr Heneghan on his new addition. Registering the birth of a baby is a special occasion but it can also be an effort to travel with a newborn in tow, so I hope this new register office will prove convenient for families. There’s a wealth of support on offer at our Children and Family Centres that parents can find out about at this early opportunity, including baby massage, local toddler groups, parenting courses, programmes to support a child’s development, courses for families with additional needs and postnatal support.”

The new register office will be open from 9.15am to 4.00pm, Tuesdays to Fridays. Appointments should be booked online and birth certificates paid for in advance at https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/register-birth

Further Update on Energy Rebate

The majority of the 43,000 eligible residents in Bath and North East Somerset who pay their council tax by direct debit have now received the Government’s £150 energy rebate, with the remainder set to be paid over the next two weeks.

Bath & North East Somerset Council is urging anyone not already on direct debit payments to sign up so that they can receive the money as soon as possible.

Anyone who does not have a direct debit will be contacted by the council by the end of June to invite them to make a claim.

There have been a number of cases where it has not been possible to make payments to existing direct debit payers, for example when bill and bank account names do not match or the bank has rejected the payment. The council is working to resolve this and will contact affected residents directly if needed.  

The government announced earlier this year that residents living in properties in Council Tax bands A to D will receive a £150 energy rebate as a one-off payment to help with rises in fuel bills. The money does not have to be repaid.

Families who do not qualify for the £150 energy rebate, for example those living in bands E and above, may qualify for a discretionary payment if they are on a low income or receive certain benefits. All awards will be for £150.

Residents will be eligible for the discretionary fund if they meet the following criteria:

• They are not entitled to the main energy rebate scheme as they are not liable for council tax or their home is in council tax band E or above
• They are directly liable for energy costs i.e. their name is on the electricity or gas bill
• They receive an income-based benefit including Universal Credit or Working Tax Credit OR have combined household earnings and pensions below £500 per week.

Further details, including the form to apply for the payments will be available on the council’s energy rebate web page when the scheme is open for applications.

Councillor Richard Samuel, Deputy Leader and cabinet member for Economic Development and Resources, said: “Since the government announced the energy rebate we have worked to get the payments to residents in need as soon as possible. It’s been a huge task because adjustments were needed to the software and systems we use, but I’m pleased we have been able to get the money to the majority of households and this will total just under £9.6m when all the payments have been made.

“It’s really important that anyone who isn’t on direct debit signs up now so that we can speed up getting your payment to you. If you aren’t able to arrange a direct debit, we will contact you in the coming weeks with details of how you can apply for the rebate.”

Further updates will be added to the energy rebate webpage.

The website includes a link to check households' Council Tax bands for anyone unsure which band their property is in.

The council is also highlighting support that some families might not be aware of and is encouraging people who are struggling to pay their bills to seek help and advice before financial problems become a real crisis.

More information is available online about free school meals vouchers, the Welfare Support Scheme , Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support , Discretionary Housing Payment, Welcome Cafes and Food Clubs, the BANES Food Finder, the Community Wellbeing Hub, Citizens Advice Bath and North East Somerset.

Residents can also email welfare_support@bathnes.gov.uk or call 01225 477277. Monday to Thursday 9am to 4.30pm and Friday 9am to 4pm