New businesses welcomed to Bathwick Parade

Bathwick Parade

For the first time in years, there is activity in every shop on Bathwick Parade.

Redlands Equestrian have moved into the old Threshers shop at the bottom of the parade. Their business organises holidays with horses.

Take Charge Bikes are now rennovating the former hairdressers nextdoor. They sell electric bicycles and are moving from Lansdown.

Myrtle Mee florists remain in the middle of the parade, and finally work is underway to clear out Bathwick Hill Stores.

Welcome to our new arrivals and good luck in your new premises.

New path for bus stop

Oakley bus path

Bus passengers have a new pavement thanks to Cllr Nicholas Coombes.

The bus stop at the top of Bathwick Hill which serves North Road, Copseland, The Avenue and the University is used by both standard and bendy buses. Previously passengers alighting from the rear of the bendy buses did so into grass or mud.

The new stretch of pavement was requested by Cllr Coombes a few months ago and has recently been completed.

New roles for Bathwick councillors

David Martin and Nicholas Coombes

Your Liberal Democrat councillors have both taken on additional roles within B&NES Council.

Dr David Martin has been appointed as the council’s energy champion. He is well qualified for this role given his professional background as an energy and transport adviser to the EU.

Cllr Martin will also sit on the Development Control committee and the Planning, Transport and Environment policy development and scrutiny committee.

Nicholas Coombes is now the chair of the Regulatory committee after serving on it for several years. He is also a member of the Pensions committee and its Investment Panel.

Bathwick Hill, North Road and Darlington Road to be resurfaced

Potholes on Bathwick Hill

The new Liberal Democrat council will be resurfacing several stretches of road in Bathwick this Summer.

Darlington Road, outside St Mary’s Primary School, will be re-surfaced over the school holidays, as will a stretch of North Road uphill from Cleveland Walk. In both cases the road will be closed for about a week in August.

Bathwick Hill, from Sydney Buildings to the roundabout ,is due considerable work and was set to be closed in October, but your councillors have asked for this to be moved to fit university holidays and avoid unnecessary disruption.

Canal bank repairs

Canal bank repairs

British Waterways are to repair the banks of the canal upstream of Bathwick Hill.

The bank to the turning pool has been eroded and the towpath is now crumbling into the water. A very specific ‘hand-brake turn’ is required to turn a narrow boat on this section of the canal and it is often done incorrectly, resulting in damage to the bank.

Piling will be installed to protect the bank and allow the towpath to be rebuilt.

PaCT meeting to decided local priorities

Cllr Coombes and Dr Martin at St Mary's Primary school

The Police and Communities Together are holding a meeting to review and reaffirm their priorities for our area.

The meeting is chaired by Rev David Prothero with representatives from the police and council in attendence. Cllr David Martin will join the panel following his election earlier this month.

It is at Bathwick St. Mary’s Primary School on Darlington Road at 6:30pm on Wednesday 25th May. Local residents are invited to participate with their questions, observations and ideas.

Liberal Democrats take control of B&NES Council

council chamber

Following their election success, councillors in B&NES have voted that the Liberal Democrats will run the council.

The Liberal Democrats and Labour councillors supported a motion to make Lib Dem leader Cllr Paul Crossley leader of the council. He then appointed a cabinet and promised to make the council more transparent and consultative. Under Liberal Democrat leadership B&NES Council will maintain a tax freeze, scrap the BRT and propose a new regeneration scheme for Keynsham without council offices. He also pledged to start work the following week on revoking the closure notice for Culverhay and consult on opening a co-educational school on the site.

Holburne re-opens

The Holburne Museum extension

This weekend the Holburne Museum re-opens after restoration and extension.

The modern extension has receieved almost universal praise locally and nationally. However, it wasn’t always the case. I am very proud to have supported the museum through all three of their planning applications. Indeed, speaking as ward member to the original planning meeting was my first speech as a councillor.

Entry is now free to the museum, with a charge for exhibitions. Details are at www.holburne.org.uk; please do enjoy our local museum.