Bathavon West

Lib Dems good for the rural area

2011-03-24T06:50:00.000-07:00

Energising speech from Lib Dem president Tim Farron. He clearly knows the challenges of living in a rural area. He stressed the importance of supporting rural producers and encouraging fair trade to British Farmers as well as developing countries and said Ed Davey MP will be taking responsibility for this in the near future. Tim is seen with local campaigner Louise Bray

"Thought for the Week" Somer Valley FM (97.5 FM)

2011-03-20T15:28:00.000-07:00

Just to let you know I will be presenting my “Thought for the Week“ on Somer Valley FM (97.5 FM) and at www.somervalleyfm.co.uk in a short slot between 8.45 and 9.00am on Monday 21st March and Wednesday 23rd March.

It was great fun to do and I hope you enjoy listening.
Louise Bray

Come and meet the President in Radstock next week‏

2011-03-20T15:23:00.000-07:00

Tim Farron MP (the President of the Liberal Democrats) will be coming to B&NES to launch the local party manifesto. The new party president is an exceptional public speaker and should give the campaign a great start so please come along if you can. All members and volunteers are welcome to Radstock from 11am at the Church Tearooms on Kilmerston Road.

The press will be invited, and the Tea Rooms will have plenty of tea and cake available :-)

Please join us if you can.

BANES Biodiversity Champion Backs Bid for AONB

2011-03-14T14:40:00.000-07:00

Local residents and parish councils of three villages Combe Hay, Englishcombe and Newton St. Loe have been working hard on a bid to have their area included in an extension of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)surrounding Bath.

Liberal Democrat campaigner Louise Bray and Chair of Englishcombe Parish Council Brian Huggett met with BANES Biodiversity Champion Cherry Beath who has given her support to raise the profile of the bid which is based on the quality of the areas outstanding landscape.

Louise said

"I feel very excited about this. Now the rules have been relaxed there is a terrific opportunity. It would be wonderful to see this diverse and beautiful area protected for the villagers of N.E. Somerset, people of Bath, and appreciative visitors to enjoy for many years to come."

Cherry Beath added

"The beauty of the countryside and villages surrounding Bath are what makes the area so special and attractive to residents and visitors alike. It is an anomaly that these areas were not included in the AONB originally, and it is important that they are protected. I fully support their inclusion, and commend the work done by residents and the Parish Councils towards this end."

Visit to Universal Yoga in Camerton

2010-12-19T04:17:00.000-08:00

Louise recently visited the Universal Yoga centre in Camerton to find out more about the work the centre does in the local area. She is pictured with Cllr Sarah Bevan, the Chairman of Bath and North East Somerset Council, and Charlotta Martinus - the Director of Universal Yoga.

" I enjoyed my time at Universal Yoga. It's a growing community centre which attracts a wide range of people. I do hope that people will time out in 2011 to go and visit."

Over the past 12 months the organisation has had many successes, these include:

· Working with the B&NES Get Active Leisure to run yoga classes in primary and secondary schools

· The launch of a new radio show called Time Out on Somer Valley FM

· Donating 5% of the centre’s profits to WaterAid, ensuring that some of the world’s poorest people have access to clean water

· Running free workshops for the local community on healthy eating

BANES Cold snap roads round-up: December 2010

2010-12-07T14:12:00.000-08:00

Bath & North East Somerset Council has been working around the clock alongside their contractor Atkins to ensure the 260 miles of priority routes are gritted by their nine-strong fleet of gritting vehicles to keep the road network flowing as smoothly as possible during the adverse weather.

Despite freezing temperatures, the prioritised routes on the BANES road network have been kept open. As a result, there have been no school closures due to access issues, the majority of waste collections have taken place, and adult social care providers have been able to make home visits as normal, amongst other services that have continued.

Staff from other Council services, like our Neighbourhood Teams, have been on stand-by to be re-deployed to deal with icy conditions and use multi-purpose equipment to spread salt.

Salt stocks situation

The Council has taken action to improve the resilience to extended periods of adverse weather. Braysdown Depot can now hold 1,000 tonnes of salt, which is addition to the 1,400 tonnes the Councilcan store at Clutton Depot and the emergency reserve stock of 500 tonnes at Avonmouth. The use of these facilities has contributed towards keeping routes open. However, salt stocks must continue to be prioritised and are not immune from the impact of an uncertain nationwide salt supply situation and adverse weather occurring earlier than expected this year.

The Council maintains 388 grit bins at present – these were all refilled during the summer. Since last winter, somewhere in the region of 400 requests for additional bins have been made and these are currently being assessed. Refilling bins during periods of adverse or severe weather/ snowfall is labour intensive and the salt stored in these is often spread too heavily, used on private drives, or sometimes stolen.

The Council’s priority must be to ensure that the 38% of the road network they plan to treat is gritted – this is well head of the national average of 30%. For BANES to complete this work, salt stocks and manpower must be prioritised. In response to feedback from local people, they have invested in salt bagging equipment which will enable small supplies of salt to be distributed more effectively and efficiently to the communities of greatest need during severe weather conditions when filling bins is not possible.

Keeping people updated

Local people have been kept updated on the impact of Council services, including the effect on the roads, via updates on the website and through the press.

The Council has drafted a leaflet aimed at the public giving guidance on clearing snow and providing self-help. This is due to be published shortly and will be made available to the public at Council Connect Offices, parish and town councils, and via the Council’s website.

The Winter Highways Review has been considered by parish councils and the Safer and Stronger Overview and Scrutiny Panel. This has placed BANES in a better position to cope with the type of weather experienced in February 2009 and January 2010, for example by increasing the amount of road network covered by gritting arrangements.

Preventing damage to the roads

Highways improvement crews are currently in the final stages of completing the extensive 2010/11 £8.5 million investment into improving road surfaces which will help to prevent costly potholes caused by severe weather. These improvements include resurfacing or surface dressing 10% of the entire road network.

Contacting the Council

The quickest and most direct way of bringing to their attention a problem on the roads, or any other service, is by contacting the Council via the following methods.

Web: www.bathnes.gov.uk/reportit

Email: councilconnect@bathnes.gov.uk

Phone: 01225 39 40 41

Text SMS: 0779 7806545

Support The National Osteoporosis Society at the Bath Abbey Christmas Concert

2010-11-28T15:11:00.000-08:00

Bath Abbey Christmas Concert
Wednesday 8th December 2010, 7.00pm (performances start 7:30pm)

The National Osteoporosis Society is delighted to announce the only local Christmas performance of the Bath Male Choir at A Celebration of Christmas, on Wednesday 8th December, 7.00pm at Bath Abbey.

The Bath Male Choir will be joined by some very special guests including Susan Hampshire OBE, the Prior Park Senior Chapel Choir and the Bath Chorus. The Celebration will feature a wealth of varied performances and will definitely be one to remember!

Tickets are on sale now and are available from only £8 - £35. Please call the Bath Festivals Box Office on 01225 463362. Members of the National Osteoporosis Society are eligible for a 10% by calling the charity’s Box Office on 01761 473106.

Brainy-Bones Challenge
If you like quizzes, puzzles and brain training games, you'll love this online competition, timed to coincide with World Osteoporosis Day. It only costs £2.50 to play and you could win an iPod! Winners announced on December 14th. Register for the Brainy-Bones Challenge

National Osteoporosis Society
Camerton
Bath
BA2 0PJ

Direct line: 01761 473105
Switchboard: 0845 130 3076 or +44 (0)1761 471771
Fax: +44 (0)1761 471104
Helpline: 0845 450 0230 or +44 (0)1761 472721

Websites: www.nos.org.uk www.bones4life.org

Bathavon West Beat Surgeries December 2010

2010-11-28T15:06:00.000-08:00

Priston Village Hall 6th Dec. 17:30 - 18:30pm

Combe Hay Church 6th Dec. 19:00 - 20:00pm

Camerton School 8th Dec. 15:00 - 15:30pm

Englishcombe Old School 9th Dec. 10:30 - 11:30am

Newton St Loe O/S Post Office 9th Dec. 18:30 - 19:30pm

Tunley King William Public House 10th Dec. 10:30 - 11:30am

Royal Mail Alert Against Scam

2010-11-28T14:44:00.000-08:00

The Trading Standards Office are making people aware of the following scam - it has been confirmed by Royal Mail:-

A card is posted through your door from a company called PDS (Parcel Delivery Service) suggesting that they were unable to deliver a parcel and that you need to contact them on 0906 6611911 (a Premium rate number).

DO NOT call this number, as this is a mail scam originating from Belize.

If you call the number and you start to hear a recorded message you will already have been billed £315 for the phone call.

If you do receive a card with these details, then please contact Royal Mail Fraud on 020 7239 6655

Louise Meets the Osteoporosis Helpline Nurses

2010-11-19T14:36:00.000-08:00

Your Local Lib Dem has been supporting the nurses who run the helpline at the
National Osteoporosis Society in the village of Camerton. I was so impressed by the Society's work when I visited earlier this year that I took the opportunity to make a return visit and to talk to the nurses who run the helpline.

Bathavon West is home to the headquarters of the National Osteoporosis Society. The charity runs a helpline, 5 days a week from 9 till 5 staffed by nurses who are experienced in Osteoporosis and bone health. They receive more than 13,000 calls a year. As my mother-in-law has recently fallen over and suffered a badly broken wrist I know firsthand how valuable a service like this is. It gives help, reassurance and advice and is free to anyone, but by becoming a Helplines Association Member you will actively support the charity.”

The Helpline Service tel. 0845 450 0230 or 01761 472721.
www.nos.org.uk
www.bonesforlife.org

Visit to Combe Hay Monday 8th November

2010-11-10T14:44:00.000-08:00

It was good to talk to so many households in Combe Hay on Monday this week. Several issues were raised with me, but by far the biggest issue was the continuing anger at the ineffective "bus lane" leading up to the Park and Ride roundabout. We agree with you that this was a waste of £1million that our Conservative Cabinet would have been better spending elsewhere on the highway network. However several of you also complained about the measures being put in on Wellsway, especially the confusing priorities at the Red Lion roundabout. I have raised this concern with the Highways Department and will keep you informed.

A New Pavement For Christmas!

2010-11-07T09:35:00.000-08:00

<- Louise Bray inspecting the wide grass verge where she has been inspecting for a footpath to be built for 5 years now.

Residents of Crossways Park, Dunkerton, have been complaining to us for over 5 years now about the need for the pavement to this local bus stop. The speed of traffic makes the lack of a pavement a real safety hazzard for pedestrians walking to the bus stop.

We have been working to persuade the council during this time that the provision of a pavement is vital. One of the problems was the BT telegraph pole, and we are delighted to report that negotiations with BT over this obstacle are now nearly complete. This means the council can proceed with building a pavement.

The council have assured us that work is scheduled to start towards the end of November.We will be keeping an eye on this.

After five years of waiting it will be a great christmas present for bus users from Crossways Park to be able to reach the bus stop in safety without having to walk along the road.

Mad housing targets scrapped

2010-06-12T13:06:00.000-07:00

Louise Bray (pictured) has welcomed the news that the target to build thousands of houses on rural countryside in North East Somerset has been scrapped.

The new coalition government has thrown Labour’s plans out of the window, which could have seen 2,000 houses built at Newton St Loe with no consideration given to the views of local residents, or the effect if could have on amenities and services.

Louise, who spoke against the plans at a previous B&NES Council meeting, said:

“People living in their own communities should always be asked about what things they’d like, and not like, to see in their areas.
When the previous government introduced plans to build thousands of houses in North East Somerset none of us were consulted.
Thankfully, these plans have now been scrapped. I have seen the way the campaigners have relentlessly fought their corner in protecting the countryside. They can now breathe a huge sigh of relief.”

Under the previous government, a centrally imposed target was given to build 21,000 houses in B&NES by 2026.

Public Announcment

2010-06-09T14:14:00.000-07:00

BATH AND NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL

(SKINNER’S HILL, CAMERTON)
(TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF USE BY VEHICLES) NOTICE 2010

Notice is hereby given that the Bath and North East Somerset Council in pursuance of the provisions of section 14 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 as amended has made a notice the effect of which will be to close temporarily to vehicles that length of Skinner’s Hill which extends from its junction with Under Tree Road to its junction with A367 Fosseway.

This notice is required because works are being or are proposed to be executed on or near the road consequent upon urgent surface patching and will be operative from the 7TH JUNE for a maximum period of five days. However, the restriction may not be effected for the whole of the period but it is anticipated that the road will be closed as and when traffic signs are in position and only for so long as is necessary to execute the works which it is anticipated will be for ONE DAY.

ALTERNATIVE ROUTE – Under Tree Road, A367 Fosseway

Dated: 4 June 2010

Floor 2, Riverside,Temple Street,Keynsham, BristolBS31 1LA

David Trigwell
Divisional Director of Planning and
Transport Development

Camerton School to remain open

2010-05-26T00:01:00.000-07:00

Local campaigners and politicians have welcomed the news that Camerton Church Primary School is to remain open.

Concerns over the school’s future rose a few years ago when a review by B&NES Council’s education scrutiny panel noted the total number of children in the school was on the decline.
The same scrutiny panel though on Monday night voted to keep the school open, following a recommendation in a report presented to the panel.

Local Lib Dem campaigner Louise Bray is delighted with the news. She said:

“I know Camerton very well and have seen the way the local community supports the school in all sorts of ways.

For a number of years the number on roll at the school had declined, but thanks to the support of community groups, the Parish Council and the on site pre-school the numbers are on the rise.
Camerton School may be small, but it has a big role to play in village life.”

The decision follows a successful OFSTED report earlier in the year when the school was congratulated for its hard work in raising standards and providing a first class education to all its pupils.

Cllr Nathan Hartley (Lib Dem, Peasedown), the Shadow Cabinet Member for Children’s Services in B&NES, visited the school in January to see for himself what they’ve been doing and to congratulate them on their success. He said:

“The staff, under the leadership of Headteacher Keith Ford, have worked really hard to make Camerton a community school and provide a learning environment that is tailor-made to suit each child.

I was really impressed by the school and hopefully, when I visit again in the future, will see even more progress.

The scrutiny panel’s decision to keep the school open is good news for pupils, parents, staff and the whole community.”

Dance can help prevent fractures says Osteoporosis Society

2010-04-15T12:16:00.000-07:00

Gail Coleshill, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate, is supporting Dance in North East Somerset as a health and social activity.
She said:
“I was surprised to find that dance is recommended by the National Osteoporosis Society to prevent fractures. I visited them recently with my colleague Louise Bray to hear about the work they are doing locally at the Mineral Hospital and nationally to help prevent the disease.”
Gail and Louise Bray visited the Headquarters of the national Osteoporosis Society, whose President is the Duchess of Cornwall, to see how they are addressing the very serious issue of fractures caused by thinning of the bones. Although Osteoporosis afflicts more women it can affect men too. The fractures caused by Osteoporosis need hospital care and can lead to ongoing care problems for the sufferer. The Society is working with local health authorities to identify people at risk and try to put in some preventative measures.
Louise said:
“The recent fracture suffered by the Duchess of Cornwall, although not directly related to osteoporosis, because of her family history and link with the Society serves to remind us that the ongoing care of fracture patients is a serious matter. Preventative measures are seen by the Society as a better way of dealing with the health problems of osteoporosis.”
Apart from dancing a diet rich in calcium is one of the preventative measures recommended for the mainly older women who are identified as being at risk. Beer has recently been recommended but apparently it is the silicon within the water which is the element to help prevent Osteoporosis.

Gail ready for election fight

2010-04-07T13:05:00.000-07:00

After 18 months of uncertainty, the Prime Minister has finally called a General Election.
Here in North East Somerset, the Liberal Democrats have re-selected well respected political activist Gail Coleshill to contest the election, which will be fought under brand new parliamentary boundaries.

Gail, who has worked for ten years on community projects and initiatives in the area, said:

“A lot has changed here since the last General Election. Not just do we have new boundaries, but our Labour MP has become even more unpopular and the Conservatives have selected a candidate who has no track record of doing anything in our area.
I’m 100% ready for the election contest and hope the people of North East Somerset will elect me as their new MP.”

The new constituency, previously known as Wansdyke, will be losing the Bitton, Oldland Common area to the north of Keynsham – which has had a Labour MP for the last 13years.
New additions to the constituency include Batheaston, Bathampton, South Stoke and Freshford (a total area of around 7,000 voters) – which have all been served by the Lib Dem MP Don Foster for the last 18 years.

Today, Gail Coleshill has published her four pledges for election to Parliament:

1. Economy: I’ll work with Vince Cable to help working families by raising the individual tax free allowance to £10,000. We’ll cut out tax loopholes for the rich and reduce income tax by taxing pollution.
2. Environment:
· I will continue to campaign to protect the environment, particularly against plans to build thousands of houses on the greenbelt.
· We do need more low cost housing, so I want to bring empty homes back into use for affordable housing and increase the energy efficiency of all houses to save money and keep homes warmer.
· I’ll work with other Lib Dem MPs to push for planning decisions to be taken away from central government and decided locally.
· I would like to make buses and trains affordable and reliable so that people have a real choice on how to travel. Re-open railway lines and stations such as Bathampton, Saltford and Radstock to Bristol.
· I support the local Lib Dems plans’ to give all young people free bus passes so they have better access to services.

3. Education: I plan to give teachers more time in the classroom by cutting administration. Raise standards in every school with a pupil premium for every child. Reduce and eventually eliminate university tuition fees.
4. Democratic Reform: The expenses scandal in parliament has put people off politics. I want to change this by using local groups to bring democracy closer to the people, to give people the freedom to sack their MP, and introduce a fairer voting system where every vote counts.
Gail believes the contest locally is wide open:

“Our canvass results are looking very good, with Labour finishing in third place. Every week I am meeting new people on the doorstep, and they’re telling me they want a change from the old-style politics and break from the two older parties.

As we get closer to polling day, election fever is sure to heat up in North East Somerset.”

To watch Gail’s General Election Campaign video visit http://www.nes-libdems.org.uk/

Fears arise over future of Community Transport

2010-03-18T13:20:00.000-07:00

Fears have arisen over the future of community transport in Bath and North East Somerset, following the news that the Council’s designated Community Transport Officer role is being scrapped.

For several years, B&NES has employed an officer to work directly work with community transport groups in Keynsham, Radstock, Bath and elsewhere to liaise on behalf of the authority and represent the views of the groups within the Transport Department.

Now, after years of successful work, Tory-run B&NES Council has decided to pull the plug on the role and leave many of the voluntary groups without this vital support.

Senior Lib Dem Gail Coleshill, who is standing at the next General Election has her party’s choice in North East Somerset, said:

“I was very worried to hear that the Council has decided to scrap this role. Every year, hundreds of volunteers work hard to provide a transport service to the elderly, the disabled, and anyone else who finds it difficult to use Public Transport.

In North East Somerset, groups such as the Norton-Radstock Ring & Ride, Keynsham Dial-a-Ride, Bath Community Transport and the Swan Advice Network play a vital role in offering a life-line to residents.

Many people use these services to do their weekly shop, to visit friends and get to important medical appointments.”

Last year, 14,000 passengers used the Ring and Ride service in Radstock and Midsomer Norton. B&NES currently gives £94,000 a year to support the service, but with severe government cuts on the way this funding could be under threat. Gail added:

“The current government has got its priorities wrong when it comes to using public finances to improve public and community transport. Instead of investing £millions on building bus lanes that no one wants, money should be going towards extending the community transport schemes in rural areas.

Also, if the Tories win the next election, they are telling us to expect big cuts to public services. I wonder if the Tory Candidate for North East Somerset will distance himself from his party’s actions locally and their plans nationally?

I believe that in rural areas such as North East Somerset we can’t under estimate the importance of community transport and I call on the Council to reinstate the Community Transport Officer role before it’s too late.”

Innovative transport designs

2010-02-24T14:41:00.000-08:00

Local Lib Dems Gail Coleshill, Cllr Neil Butters and Tim Bray went on a fact finding visit to Stourbridge where there is a very successful light rail link between the station and the town.

The light rail car, or Parry’s People Mover, runs along rails on a 2 litre LPG diesel engine with a flywheel attachment to provide kinetic energy which saves fuel and carbon emissions.
Gail Coleshill was impressed by the possibilities of using such a low energy solution in Bath and North East Somerset.

She said “I can see the possibilities in a number of situations where the track beds of old railways still exist. It could be used in Bath along the old track instead of buses which use the same congested road space as cars. There are also the two tunnels track, the Radstock to Frome track, and maybe a branch line to Swindon.

Parry’s People Mover was first developed for use in the developing world but has been designed in Stourbridge to specifications from Network Rail.

The car which carries 60 people makes journeys every ten minutes along a disused branch line but the design of its body means that it can be extended to travel along tracks in or beside the road.

Gail was particularly impressed by its affordability. She added:

“LPG fuel makes it really cheap to run and the fuel is carried in a large tank within the vehicle. The car is light weight and the flywheel which stores up energy is what makes this such an innovative solution. I believe this could be a useful way to make a link between Bristol and Radstock along the old railway track which still exists most of the way.

Local resident and rail enthusiast Tim Bray thought there were practical applications within the Radstock area.

“I know there are public transport shortages between Farrington and Midsomer Norton and there is a track bed which is going to be an extension to the Greenway. I think this would be an ideal place to try out a pilot scheme for an ultra light railway.”

Why are we waiting?

2010-02-14T06:23:00.000-08:00

Photo shows: Mike Rawlings, Louise Bray, Gail Coleshill, Rosemary Todd and residents in front of the Peasedown-bound bus stop.

Residents living in a small cul-de-sac in Dunkerton say they have been let down by Bath and North East Somerset Council after a broken promise five years ago.

The residents of Crossways Park do not have access to amenities or services in the village and rely on public transport to get them into Bath or Midsomer Norton.

Outside the cul-de-sac is a bus stop on the A367, bound for Peasedown St John. Unfortunately though, residents can rarely get to it because doing so means walking in the face of oncoming traffic at speeds of 50mph and more. Also there is a steep verge making it even more impossible if you are disabled.

Since 2005, residents have been asking B&NES Council to lay a small footpath leading to the bus stop – five years later though no action has been taken.

Frustrated resident Mike Rawlings says he and his neighbours were promised the footpath:

“The Council promised us five years ago a footpath, but despite years of waiting we have received nothing.

All we want is a small pathway that can get us safely out of our estate and to the bus stop.”

Prospective Lib Dem MP Gail Coleshill visited the affected residents recently to hear their concerns. She commented:

“It’s so frustrating that B&NES has promised to do something for these residents, but now they have been forgotten about because the Council doesn’t consider it a priority.

Why should these residents be treated any differently? They pay their Council Tax that is being wasted on transport projects elsewhere in the authority that no one wants.”

Local campaigner Louise Bray believes the Council has been wrong to have de-prioritised this scheme:

“It is a relatively small piece of work that would have a big impact on the lives of everybody living in this development.

Some of the residents are in poor health and two have died since this footpath was originally promised to them.

Once again this shows how the more vulnerable members of our rural communities are being sidelined. I am appealing to B&NES Council to take action on this before the financial year end.”

Gail Coleshill has written to the Traffic and Safety Department asking them to take action on this issue.

Street Surgery

2010-01-25T14:42:00.000-08:00

Gail Coleshill, Prospective Lib Dem MP, and local campaigner Louise Bray will be holding a street surgery in Combe Hay on Tuesday 2nd February from 3.30pm.

Gail and Louise will be in the village to talk to residents, and help with any issues of concern.

Any residents of these streets who would like a visit can contact Gail on 01761 432923 or Louise on 01225 834673.

Bring empty properties back into use!‏

2010-01-16T10:17:00.000-08:00

Figures obtained by the Liberal Democrats show that there are almost 600 empty properties currently in the Bath and North East Somerset Council area.

The properties, which have been uninhabited for more than six months, are located in places all over the district from Keynsham to Batheaston, and from Midsomer Norton to Peasedown St John.

The news comes at the same time that Conservative controlled B&NES Council has revealed proposals that could see an extra 15,000 additional house built in the authority by the year 2026.

Gail Coleshill, the Prospective Lib Dem MP for North East Somerset, has been an active voice against the housing building plans – particularly on the green belt. She said:

“If the Council can bring some of these empty properties back into use that would be a benefit in tackling the housing needs we have. Let’s first use some of these properties that already exist for new homes before we even think of building anymore.”

The Lib Dems want the council to more to do more to bring some of the boarded up properties in B&NES back into use.

Local campaigner Louise Bray believes that we need to adopt the same approach as Mendip District Council whereby landlords are offered grants, professional guidance on lettings, rent deposit schemes and private sector leasing.

Louise commented:

“If B&NES Council were to adopt the same approach as our colleagues in Mendip, many of these 600 properties could be brought back into use which would be a great help in providing much needed social housing.”

The Lib Dems first raised their concerns about the number of empty properties in the authority in November 2008 when Peasedown Councillor Sarah Bevan highlighted the issue at a meeting of the B&NES Full Council.

Following this, in January 2009, the Cabinet Member for Housing confessed at a public meeting to Councillor Nathan Hartley that he had no idea of the number of empty properties in B&NES.

The above photo shows Lib Dems Gail Coleshill and Louise Bray outside the old St Nicholas Junior School in Radstock, with has been empty for years. Gail and Louise want to see empty properties like this used for social housing.

Keeping Warm - Essential Numbers

2010-01-13T15:09:00.001-08:00

It has been exceptionally cold weather recently and I am aware that many people, particularly those from vulnerable groups, will be thinking about how best to stay warm and manage their energy costs. British Gas can help. We advise that customers should contact us direct so that we can ensure that we can offer them every assistance in keeping warm and managing their energy bills during this bitterly cold period.

If they are a British Gas customer, they should call us direct on freephone: 0800 072 7100 or for Prepayment Customers 0800 294 8604

Alternatively they can call the Home Heat Helpline (0800 33 66 99). This is a free-phone number providing vulnerable customers with direct access to free insulation and reduced or ‘social’ tariffs from their energy supplier.

At British Gas we are firmly committed to playing our part in supporting all our customers especially during this cold period. We are urging customers concerned about the cost of energy to refrain from switching off their heating and contact us to see how we can help. Our call centres have received the highest level of contact ever with a nearly 300% rise in calls compared to this time last year. We have been processing these calls as quickly as possible.

We want to ensure that we can help to get out to those who are most vulnerable and will always seek to prioritise those who have no heating or hot water. We are also offering advice on line at www.britishgas.co.uk that may help protect boilers and central heating systems as the freezing temperatures continue across the country.

We may also be able to offer extended payment terms or in the case of vulnerable customers on specific benefits, transfer them onto our low cost social tariff. For customers whose bills arrive late as a result of the bad weather delaying postal services, they will still receive their prompt pay discounts as normal.

In addition we have a number of programmes specifically designed to help our most vulnerable customers which we are promoting through our charity partners and Citizen Advice Bureaux. These include:

Essentials Programme

British Gas has introduced a special tariff aimed at cutting gas and electricity bills for our most vulnerable low income customers. We currently have over 300,000 customers on the Essentials tariff saving up to £264 on average per annum, compared to a standard tariff. The tariff represents a £77.4million spend by the company and is open to existing British Gas customers in receipt of at least one of a number of specific Government benefits.

For further information on eligibility for the Essentials tariff tel: 0800 072 7100 or for Prepayment Customers 0800 294 8604

British Gas Energy Trust

British Gas has established the British Gas Energy Trust for customers to apply for grants and sustainable advice to manage their energy payments. The Trust also funds third party debt advice and in cases of extreme need, awards customers for other non-energy related debts and essential household costs.

British Gas has committed to the Trust for a further four years, taking the total committed by British Gas to the Trust to £21.3million since 2005.
The Trust is run independently of British Gas and is a registered charity.

For further information tel: 01733 421 021 (information) 01733 421 060 (applications)

‘here to HELP’

The largest social initiative of its kind in the UK, ‘here to HELP’ is a unique coalition between the public, private and charity sectors, delivering real benefits to vulnerable and fuel poor households. The scheme aims to tackle the root causes of household poverty by improving the living conditions and quality of life in some of Britain 's most deprived communities. The programme offers energy efficiency products, benefits assessments, essential appliances and adaptors, home security measures, and advice from our charity partners who include Help the Aged, Scope & the RNIB.

To date, the scheme has covered nearly 600,000 homes and has found unclaimed benefits totalling nearly £12.9 million. On average, qualifying applicants are over £1,500 a year better off as a result of the benefit health check alone.

For further information on ‘here to HELP’ tel: 0800 072 8339

Free Insulation to those Aged over 70

Insulating the home is one of the most effective ways to keep warm and cut energy bills.

British Gas customers over 70 years old or on income related benefits may be able to get their home insulated for free.

British Gas ExtraCare

British Gas has given a voluntary public commitment not to disconnect anyone we know to be vulnerable. “ExtraCare” is the process we have adopted to help us proactively identify signs of vulnerability amongst our customers; how we keep this information on our systems and what we need to do once we have identified someone as being potentially vulnerable. As part of our day to day contact with our customers, we listen out for any signs the customer may give us that might indicate that they are vulnerable.

British Gas Home Energy Care Register

Our Home Energy Care Register provides essential services for some of our most vulnerable customers and around 560,000 customers now benefit from the service. The Home Energy Care Register is a priority service register for all our gas and/or electricity customers who are elderly, disabled or chronically sick. It enables us to record any specific requirements these customers may have and helps us to provide them with services appropriate to their needs

For further information tel: 0800 072 8625

Home Heat Helpline

The national Home Heat Helpline was launched in 2005, offering help to customers struggling to pay their energy bills. The service is run by the Energy Retail Association and is funded by British Gas and other major energy suppliers. It gives one point of contact, connecting customers to advice and help from their energy supplier. A specialist British Gas team takes the calls from British Gas customers and connects them to the most appropriate support.

For further information tel: 0800 33 66 99 (Mon-Fri 9am-6pm Sat 10am-3pm)

Keeping Warm - Essential Numbers

2010-01-13T15:09:00.000-08:00

If they are a British Gas customer, they should call us direct on freephone: 0800 072 7100 or for Prepayment Customers 0800 294 8604

In addition we have a number of programmes specifically designed to help our most vulnerable customers which we are promoting through our charity partners and Citizen Advice Bureaux. These include:

Essentials Programme

For further information on eligibility for the Essentials tariff tel: 0800 072 7100 or for Prepayment Customers 0800 294 8604

For further information tel: 01733 421 021 (information) 01733 421 060 (applications)

‘here to HELP’

For further information on ‘here to HELP’ tel: 0800 072 8339

British Gas ExtraCare

British Gas Home Energy Care Register

For further information tel: 0800 072 8625

Home Heat Helpline

For further information tel: 0800 33 66 99 (Mon-Fri 9am-6pm Sat 10am-3pm)

Englishcombe Street Surgery

2009-12-28T01:17:00.000-08:00

Gail Coleshill, Prospective Lib Dem MP, and local campaigner Louise Bray will be holding a street surgery in Englishcombe on Tuesday 5th January from 3.30pm.

Street surgeries are being increasingly used by Liberal Democrats all over the country to bring politics to local people. Gail said:

“It’s really important for politicians to take the time to visit people in their communities and listen to their concerns.”

Any residents of these streets who would like a visit can contact Gail on 01761 432923 or Louise on 01225 834673.

Street Surgery in Camerton

2009-11-02T14:33:00.000-08:00

Street Surgery

Gail Coleshill, Prospective Lib Dem MP, and local campaigner Louise Bray will be holding a street surgery in Camerton on Tuesday 10th November from 3.30pm.

Street surgeries are being increasingly used by Liberal Democrats all over the country to bring politics to local people. Gail said:

“It’s really important for politicians to take the time to visit people in their communities and listen to their concerns.”

The Surgery will take place in The Daglands, Cambrook Close and Camerton Hill.

Any residents of these streets who would like a visit can contact Gail on 01761 432923 or Louise on 01225 834673.

Printed (hosted) by Google UK Ltd, 76 Buckingham Palace RoadLondon SW1W 9TQ. Published and promoted by Louise Bray on behalf of Gail Coleshill (Liberal Democrats) at 17 Waldegrave Terrace, Radstock, Bath, BA3 3EY, 01225 834673

Lib Dems Gail Coleshill and Louise Bray speak out against mass housing development

2009-11-02T00:40:00.000-08:00

(Click on the image to watch the video)

Newton St Loe Conservation Group Public meeting

2009-10-31T09:54:00.000-07:00

Gail Coleshill, Lib Dem spokesperson, is attending a public meeting on Tuesday November 3rd at 7.30pm in Corston Church, called by the Newton St Loe Conservation Group.

She said:

“Worried residents of Newton St Loe have discovered that neighbouring parishes of Saltford and Corston did not even know about the proposed allocation of housing development on land between the Globe Inn and Twerton. They are calling this meeting with a representative from B&NES planning department to find out more about the plans.”

The B&NES Core Strategy names land west of Twerton as the preferred option for the Government’s requirement of an extra 2000 houses on the edge of Bath. The landowner (Duchy of Cornwall) supports the proposal and has been having discussions with planners about moving forward.

(The photo above shows Gail, with Lib Dem campaigner Louise Bray, and Newton St Loe residents).

Say NO to 2,000 homes next to Newton St Loe

2009-10-21T06:59:00.000-07:00

This week, North East Somerset Liberal Democrats have published a special edition of 'Focus' with reference to B&NES Council's plans to build 2,000 homes next to Newton St Loe.

To read it click here.
.

More work needed on land-use paper

2009-10-07T15:02:00.000-07:00

B&NES Council has adopted a land-use policy paper setting out options for distribution of land for housing and jobs from 2011-2026.

Liberal Democrat Councillors voted to abstain on the paper citing concerns over the lack of preparation of the document. The Lib Dems have previously opposed the increased housing targets imposed by central government.

“We believe that our community should set housing needs targets, not the RDA or central government in London”, stated Councillor Paul Crossley (Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group and Councillor for Southdown).

“Whilst points in the recommendation before us tonight were in line with our policies on housing and land-use, we did not feel that the ‘spatial options’ paper was ready for publication.

“The Conservative administration of the Council has not allocated enough resources to the planning department to properly prepare the proposals – for example, we have been told that insufficient funds were available to carry out infrastructure modelling.

“However, we recognise that the Government requires this work to be done, even though the targets are undeliverable, so we did not vote against the proposals to ensure that local people would have their say and would be able to object once again to these unreasonable, centrally-imposed targets.

“A real consultation will show changes when the strategy comes back next year.“

2009-09-30T11:37:00.000-07:00

North East Somerset Liberal Democrats

News Release – 28^th September 2009

Street Surgery

Gail Coleshill, Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesperson for NE Somerset, and local campaigner Louise Bray, will be holding a street surgery in the village of Priston on Tuesday 6^th October from 3.30pm.

Street surgeries are being increasingly used by Liberal Democrats all over the country to bring politics to local people. Gail said:

“It’s really important for politicians to take the time to visit people in their communities and listen to their concerns.”

Any residents of Priston who would like a visit can contact Gail on 01761 432923 or Louise on 01225 834673.

ENDS

Contact: Gail Coleshill (01761 432923) or Louise Bray (01225 834673)

Nathan

Cllr Nathan Hartley

Campaign Manager

North East Somerset Liberal Democrats

"Standing up for local people"

Please feel free to forward this email to anyone who may be interested in our activities.

You have received this email because in the past you have given us your contact details. If you do not want to receive emails from North East Somerset Liberal Democrats please click on 'unsubcribe' at the top of this email.

For more information about what the Liberal Democrats are doing in your area and how to get involved visit www.nes-libdems.org.uk

Published and promoted by Gail Coleshill and North East Somerset Liberal Democrats, all at 17 Waldegrave Terrace, Radstock, Bath, BA3 3EY.

The Oddown Bus Lane saga continues...

2009-09-16T07:50:00.000-07:00

“Conservative Council spends £1million on a 700 yard bus lane... and they can't even get the poles round the right way!” said Lib Dem Parliamentary hopeful Gail Coleshill.

Lib Dems have discovered another boob with the Odd Down bus lane which cost nearly a £1million. They have found that the light reflective poles are the wrong way round.

Gail and Louise next to the light reflective poles - positioned around the wrong way!

Gail Coleshill said:

“Not only are the Tories poles apart from local residents views on how their money should be spent but they have got the light reflective poles the wrong way round.”

Resident Louise Bray was passing one day and drew attention to the fault. She commented:

“I was thinking that the bus lane could easily be mistaken for a third lane and cause accidents – and then I noticed that the light reflective poles which should have the red side pointing towards the oncoming traffic actually didn’t!”

Cllr Nathan Hartley (Lib Dem, Peasedown) has contacted Highways managers asking them to correct the fault.

Mobile Library petition handed to deputy Chairman of Council

2009-09-16T07:36:00.000-07:00

Gail Coleshill and Louise Bray, representing Mobile Library users across the district, handed in some of the petitions they have collected requesting that the Council retains the rural routes.

Seen here presenting the petition to acting Chair of Council Sarah Bevan, Gail and Louise are concerned many residents who use the mobile library are elderly, not car users, have young children or mobility problems.

In her statement Gail said these are the people about whom the Council should be most concerned in maintaining services in rural areas.

Gail presented the petition to the acting Chairman of Council at a Full Council meeting on 10th September saying that she had received signatures from villagers in Wellow, Bathford, Priston, Hunstrete, Compton Martin, and Hinton Charterhouse and had had messages from people including teachers in Shoscombe, Wellow, Combe Hay and Midford.

Gail said in reply to a question from a Councillor about numbers of users:

“The numbers of users at present may be below in some villages but that is no reason to exclude those villages from the service. More use could be made of the Mobile Library to provide other Council services and to make residents more aware of the visits by the mobile library.”

Louise Bray, who relied on the mobile library service after an eye operation, was pleased that the Cabinet member was now proposing to consult other options.

She said:

“I am sure that many residents are relieved to know that the consultation on the Mobile Library route review will now include more options than just scrapping the village routes. I hope the Council will make efforts to consult residents and parish councils in all the villages presently visited by the library.”

Sunday, 30 August 2009

Village Phone Boxes Under Threat Again

Under threat: Cllr Neil Butters, Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate Gail Coleshill, and residents in Monkton Combe next to the threatened village phone box.

Telephone boxes in 6 villages just outside Bath are once again under threat of removal by BT. Notices have been posted in the traditional, red boxes offering local communities the opportunity to ‘adopt’ the boxes without the telephone service so as to preserve them as a heritage feature. However if the box is adopted, the telephone service will be withdrawn. And if it is not adopted, they will press for closure anyway.

At a meeting of Monkton Combe Parish Council on 25th August 2009 several Parish Councillors expressed concerns about the move and pointed to the facts that there are 400 young people in the village, and that mobile phone coverage is in effect restricted to Vodaphone.

Councillor Neil Butters (Liberal Democrat, Bathavon South) said:

“Six out of seven telephone boxes in this area are now under threat – another local service at risk. This follows BT’s threatened removal of the service in Midford and Shoscombe last year which residents successfully saw off.

“I believe that there is a good case for retaining the telephone service to these kiosks given the poor mobile phone signal in the area and the fact that not everyone has access to a mobile phone. The geographical separation of the villages also means the service can be vital in an emergency situation.”

Bathavon West watch your telephone boxes!

Twenty is Plenty - support the Lib Dem campaign

2009-08-23T01:51:00.000-07:00

Possible Massive New Development in Bathavon

2009-08-18T14:37:00.000-07:00

News that Baker Associates have put in a planning application for over 9000 new homes south of Bristol before the RSS has been ratified have worried local residents in the three areas of search in B&NES. That is south of Whitchurch, Newton St Loe and South Stoke. The Government Regional Spatial Strategy has been put on hold while there is a legal wrangle but developers are already in discussion about building new homes. They are working on the draft strategy as if it had been ratified. Residents are advised to look out for planning applications in the above places so that they can object – or put forward design suggestions. For instance: energy efficiency measures; provision for allotments; play area; community halls; landscaping. Contact campaign group Save our Green Spaces for more information http://www.saveourgreenspaces.org/

Gail Coleshill spearheads campaign to save the village mobile library service

2009-07-25T08:01:00.000-07:00

Gail Coleshill, Louise Bray, and Cllr Neil Butters with school children in Wellow next to the mobile library service that could be axed.

Local campaigners including a parish councillor attended Thursday’s Safer Stronger Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel at the Guildhall in Bath, in order to express their concerns about the proposed review of the mobile library route.

Gail Coleshill representing the views of people living in the rural areas, said:

“I have been speaking to residents in the villages where there is shock and dismay at the proposals. Many users are elderly or have mobility problems and some parents with young children may not get the opportunity to take them to a library any other way.”

Local resident and campaigner Louise Bray told the committee how much she depended on the mobile library when she was unable to drive. She told the panel:

“It is no good relying on public transport to get you to the main library from Wellow village because there isn’t any. When I had an operation in my eye I could not drive and the mobile library was a Godsend for me. Staff were so helpful and were able to get me talking books.

There is an old English proverb that says a good book is the best of friends. For the people in the villages the mobile library is a friend, and a good friend is someone you might not see for a while, but is always there when you need them."

Gail has launched an online petition against the proposal to cut the service.

To sign visit: www.ourcampaign.org.uk/saveourlibraries

By signing, you will also be kept updated on the progress of the consultation and the campaign.

For a paper copy of the petition download one from the website, or contact Gail Coleshill on 01761 432923.

Lib Dems plea to Council “Leave the mobile library service alone”

2009-07-21T12:04:00.000-07:00

News that the mobile library service is proposed for cuts in the very rural areas has caused consternation to villagers who rely on the library van’s regular visits.

Gail Coleshill, Parliamentary spokesperson, representing views from villages like Combe Hay, Priston and Wellow, said:

“I cannot believe that the Council is proposing to take away the mobile library from villages where it is already difficult to explain what they get for their council tax.

Surely rather than a consultation on cuts to the service we should be consulting on how to get more residents interested in using the mobile service and what they want and need from such a service.”

Local Lib Dem Louise Bray is very concerned that it will be young mums and the elderly who will suffer. She said:

“However short, the visit from the library in villages like Combe Hay and Priston is very important for people with young children and the elderly who cannot easily get to places like Timsbury or the main libraries.”

Cllr Neil Butters, Bathavon South ward, is annoyed that this is a cut too far.

He said:

“I am trying hard to get better transport for villages in my ward to save trips by car and then the Council Cabinet seems to do nothing but make it more and more necessary to make car journeys.

Villagers in places like Wellow are fed up with being sidelined by the Council. Creating sustainable communities will increasingly mean getting services to people and communities and not asking them to make lots of individual journeys to centralised locations.”

Gail and Louise will be attending the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Stronger Communities), at the Guildhall on Thursday 23at 10am to represent the views of people who want to keep the mobile library service. Cllr Neil Butters would be pleased to hear views from any residents.

Give power back to the people - by Gail Coleshill

2009-07-15T03:19:00.000-07:00

I commend the Midsomer Norton Society for having acted rather than sat about moaning. They were unhappy about the activities – or lack of them – of the Norton Radstock Town Council and decided that having their own town council would be more effective. They have collected enough signatures to enable them to qualify for a Community Governance Review by B&NES.

Now I hear that Westfield is taking similar action and people in Writhlington also don’t want to be left out. If they all get their own parish council then Norton Radstock as a body will cease to exist. Instead there will be a number of smaller parish councils.

I would like to suggest a democratic solution which should satisfy local residents in Midsomer Norton, Radstock, Paulton, Peasedown and the surrounding villages. It is one which I have put before and which was supported by the Liberal Democrats on B&NES but not the Tories or Labour.

B&NES could set up an area committee in Midsomer Norton which would consist of the local Councillors and have given responsibilities for the locality. There could be a portfolio holder for the area and the local parish councils could also be given responsibilities, for example the river, playgrounds, footpaths as happens in other areas of the country. B&NES Officers would be brought out of Bath and be based in a revamped Victoria Hall or the Hollies and would carry on their present activities – but only for the villages and towns round here - on behalf of local residents.

An essential part of this would be frequent consultation with local residents and meetings where residents could speak. I believe this would lead to a much better connection with local people and thus more interest in what is happening in the Council.

Let's reconnect with the people and get our Council out of Bath .

Welcome

2009-07-15T03:16:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the new online blog, exclusively for the Bathavon West area.

Covering the villages of Camerton, Combe Hay, Englishcombe, Dunkerton, Newton St Loe, Priston and Tunley, Bathavon West is one of the District Council wards in Bath and North East Somerset.

We hope you find this website helpful in finding out more about life and news in Bathavon West.

For past news visit: www.bathavonwest.nes-libdems.org.uk