Issue 143: May/June 2019

ISSUE 143 – MAY/JUNE 2019

DIY SOS changes lives HELP FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS Communities and Local community groups voluntary organisations are invited to apply for With the ongoing national in North Somerset can grants to help initiatives benefit from up to £3,000 which support the PCC’s conversation about knife crime, Soroptomists International of to tackle issues in your priorities. I know local people continue to Weston-super-Mare received local area. be very concerned about serious Applications are welcome £500 for new resources to violence. Residential burglary, all year. Visit our website highlight domestic abuse knife crime and the illegal supply to find out more. and unhealthy relationships. of drugs have a devastating impact on our communities and you want to be assured that the police are doing everything they NOMINATE NORTH SOMERSET’S can do to tackle these issues. UNSUNG HEROES With the council tax bill coming Did you know that your enjoying lunch with the through all of our letterboxes PCC recognises those who PCC and a tour of the recently, you will have noticed go above and beyond to police communications an increase for policing. By keep their communities centre. January:”This award is not increasing policing by £2 a just for me, it also goes to safe? It’s a chance to say Naseem Talukdar founded month for the average band D all of the volunteers from to say a big thank you to ‘Feed the Homeless’ in Feed the Homeless and household, local people will help the truly extraordinary 2016 and the charity with without them the charity the police to intensify their fight individuals who make the help of volunteers would not exist.” against serious violence. a difference to their now provide meals for the communities. The winners To nominate the silent stars This investment means we can homeless in Weston-super- and their guests attend a Mare and Bristol. in your community, visit our recruit an additional 100 new ceremony at Police and website. officers and launch a focused Fire Headquarters before Naseem received a operation that will tackle PCC Pride Award in serious violence as part of an initiative Operation Remedy. We will be sending a loud and clear message to criminals that WHAT’S OP REMEDY? coming into our area to commit Suspected burglars, 100 police officers and sees dedicated officers crime and exploit the vulnerable armed robbers and violent a £2million investment working alongside local offenders were among from local taxpayers to neighbourhood policing is not an option. those arrested during the crack down on the crimes teams to tackle knife With your help, we will continue first few days of Operation that matter most to local crime, the supply of illegal to make our communities safe Remedy, which went live people. drugs and burglary. on April 1. and feel safe. Aiming to improve Visit our website for the Operation Remedy performance, satisfaction latest Operation Remedy involves an increase of and public confidence, it news.

Sue Mountstevens To improve Tackle operations Police & Crime Commissioner the police’s serious to disrupt violence & dismantle response to 100 residential burglary police officers better results = recruitment of 100 NEW officers, increasing including drug supply planned numbers for the justice knife crime on our street first time since 2004

For more information visit: AVONANDSOMERSET-PCC.GOV.UK • or call 01278 646 188 l @AANDSPCC • f AANDSPCC Contacts

Call us Do it online – report it, request it or pay for it at: For all council Direct numbers for other popular services: services, call www.n-somerset.gov.uk/connect For waste and For council tax and 01934 888 888 Or go straight to these popular web pages by recycling, road issues, benefits: (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) adding these shortcuts: planning and building 01934 888 144 www.n-somerset.gov.uk control: (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) At the prompt, say /myaccount 01934 888 802 who you want to talk For social services: /planning (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) to if you know their 01275 888 801 /schooladmissions name, or say what (Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm) /wastecollections you want to talk about /termdates in a word or two. Contents

4 News 18 Changes to bus network in 32 Could you get a Blue Badge? North Somerset 10 DIY SOS: The Big Build comes 36 Bright future for street lighting to town 24 Stretch your legs over Sand 38 State-of-the-art road repairs Point 12 Tackling rogue landlords 40 Lowdown on garden waste 28 Adrenaline-fuelled year of 14 Help change a future by recycling fostering sport 47 Tide times North Somerset Council does not endorse or recommend any commercial products or services advertising in Life magazine.

This publication is available in large print, Braille or audio formats on request. Help is also available for people who require council information in languages other than English.

www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 3 News International firm EnerMech to create 100 jobs in Portishead

An international mechanical arm Invest Bristol and Bath, has and electrical services specialist supported EnerMech’s successful is moving into Portishead and investment into the area, which will creating 100 jobs over the next create even more opportunities for three years. highly-skilled residents. Aberdeen-based EnerMech This included providing business is diversifying from its energy intelligence, advice on property, industry roots and setting up its talent acquisition and connections South West base at Kestrel Court into the region’s industry sectors. Business Centre, in Harbour Road. Duncan Frame, EnerMech’s The firm will target the nuclear, general manager for the South industrial processing, refining, West, said: “We envisage building petrochemical, aviation, defence, a significant team of competent, doorstep of, and accessible to, transport and infrastructure sectors to multi-skilled individuals with potential new clients.” experience across multiple sectors create the new roles as it diversifies. EnerMech currently employs in the next three to five years. North Somerset Council, along with 3,500 staff across 40 locations in the West of England Combined “We will establish the necessary the UK, Norway, the Middle East, Authority’s inward investment workshop, storage and testing Caspian, Asia, Africa, Australia infrastructure to be on the and Americas. Website winner picks up prize

The winner of a council-run MMcouncil tax – view your details, competition to win an iPad has set up a direct debit, make picked up her prize. payments, apply for discounts and amend address details Emma Anderson won the prize MMbenefits – make an application draw competition after signing up and report a change in your to the council’s online MyAccount circumstances service to manage her council services. MMReport problems – such as litter or fly tipping By registering for an online MMwaste and recycling – report a account, you can view and missed collection or request a download your latest council tax new or replacement bin bill, report road issues, order recycling boxes and more. MMbusiness rates – manage your Customer services apprentice business rates online. Coco hands the iPad to winner Sign up online at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/myaccount Emma Anderson

4 North Somerset Life • Issue 143 – May/June For the latest updates on North Somerset’s news visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/news

Funding secured for Underground cables getting Portishead Rail installed Underground cables are now The re-opening of Portishead’s Gloucestershire, Bristol City and being installed in North Somerset railway line is back on track Bath and North East Somerset as part of National Grid’s after the scheme received more councils. upgrade of the South West’s electricity infrastructure. than £31m of funding from the As well as reopening the Portishead Department for Transport. Rail branch line, with two new The 8.5km of cables are being buried The funding announcement stations at Portishead and at Pill, this underground following consultation for MetroWest Phase 1, which MetroWest scheme also includes feedback which asked National includes the reopening of the vital improvements to passenger Grid to protect the views through the Portishead to Bristol rail line, was services along the Severn Beach Mendip Hills area of outstanding made in April. and Bristol to Bath Lines. national beauty (AONB). It comes ahead of the submission Colin Medus, head of transport and Existing pylons will also be removed of a Development Consent Order infrastructure at North Somerset from this part of the AONB, leaving (DCO) to the Government in July. Council, said: “This is a nationally- it pylon free for the first time since significant project which will open the 1960s. Work is due to be All nationally-significant up the rail network to thousands of completed by the end of 2022. infrastructure projects require a people across the region and will DCO before they can progress. help relieve congestion during the Work is also progressing well at MetroWest Phase 1 is being led rush hour periods. Churchill substation, to connect it to the nearby overhead lines and by North Somerset Council and “MetroWest Phase 1 is firmly on install new equipment. the West of England Combined track for delivering rail services fit Authority on behalf of South for the future of our region.” Ground investigation surveys have also started along the route of the new underground cables between Climate emergency declared in North Somerset Nailsea and Portishead. In places where staff have to work in the North Somerset is one more than 50 councils across the country to declare road, traffic lights will be installed. a ‘climate emergency’ following UN warnings of future catastrophe. The motion was unanimously North Somerset Council had passed at a council meeting in already adopted a low carbon February in a bid to force through reduction target, agreed with the plans for more carbon reduction. other West of England councils, to reduce emissions by 50 per cent It follows the publication of a UN by 2035. report which warned countries have until 2030 to take positive action to The plan will be reviewed Find out more at www. limit climate ‘catastrophe’. regularly to include actions and hinkleyconnection.co.uk opportunities as they arise. The motions are not legally binding or contact National Grid but make it easier for the council to on 08003 777 347 or be held to account. hinkleyconnection@ nationalgrid.co.uk Read North Somerset Council’s low carbon action plan at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/climatechange

www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 5 News

Police enquiry service moves out of Castlewood

Police enquiries are no longer Instead, more and more people are Nailsea Police Station – being taken in Clevedon after the contacting the police in ways that Monday to Friday, 10am-6pm service desk was closed due to are convenient to them, such as the Weston-super-Mare Town Hall – declining usage. telephone or online. Monday to Friday, 8.30am-5pm Saturday, 9am-2.30pm Enquiry offices provide an important The Castlewood service closed in March but you can still make face- service in local communities but Local police officers will continue to to-face police enquiries at Nailsea there was progressively lower usage work in local communities across police station, in Pound Lane, and at the Castlewood office at certain North Somerset, with a focus on the Town Hall in Weston-super-Mare: times of the week and an overall protecting the most vulnerable from decline over the year. harm.

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6 North Somerset Life • Issue 143 – May/June New recycling calendars are now available from www.n-somerset.gov.uk/calendars – see back cover Childcare for children with additional needs More and more childminders children. Specialist childminders Term dates for in North Somerset are being are committed to ensuring children trained to help care for children with SEND are learning and 2020/21 decided with special educational needs developing in a high-quality, inclusive, home-based environment. School term dates for the and disabilities (SEND). 2020/21 academic year have A joint project between North As well as additional training, now been agreed. Somerset Council childminders can use the services and Springboard of the Springboard The school year is 195 days and Opportunity specialist childminder includes five in-service days used Group aims co-ordinator for for staff training. to develop advice and support. These are: specialist skills This then gives parents and confidence of children with SEND Term 1: in supporting more opportunities Tuesday 1 September 2020 to children with to access the 30 Friday 23 October 2020 SEND alongside hours of pre-school Term 2: mainstream childcare entitlement. Monday 2 November 2020 to Friday 18 December 2020 Do you have a child with special educational needs and Term 3: disabilities? Find out more about what’s on offer at Monday 4 January 2021 to www.n-somerset.gov.uk/sendchildcare Friday 12 February 2021 Term 4: Monday 22 February 2021 to Raising awareness Thursday 1 April 2021 Term 5: of deafness Monday 19 April 2021 to Find out more about the services available to Friday 28 May 2021 deaf and hard of hearing people during an Term 6: awareness week in North Somerset. Monday 7 June 2021 to Deaf Awareness Week runs until Friday 10 Wed 21 July 2021 May and various activities are planned. Foundation, trust, academy and These include British Sign Language story voluntary--aided schools set their times in four schools; a services day with own term dates and may differ organisations including Hearing Dogs, from North Somerset Council-run Sense, Action on Hearing Loss, Citizens ones. Advice North Somerset, Avon Fire and Check individual schools for Rescue, and Vision North Somerset; and BSL their term dates. taster sessions. Look out in the local press and on social Visit media for up-to-date listings, as well as www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ www.n-somerset.gov.uk/daw2019 termdates

www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 7 News Wacky race returns to Weston A wacky charity race which sees This is the third year the event The reigning champions are Grist bin men and women pushing has come to Weston and founder Environmental. Local team Biffa wheelie bins along the prom in Spencer Law said: “The town has Weston were first place runners-up Weston-super-Mare returns next been such a great host and we see last year. month. no reason to go elsewhere. The event runs from 9am-5.30pm. The National Refuse “The races are very entertaining, Championships can be seen on the free to watch and it’s a family- Beach Lawns on Saturday 15 June friendly event.” and on-site entertainment will make it a fun family day out. As well as the races, there will be food stalls, live music, fun fair rides, a children’s zone and refreshments. The annual event is in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society and last year £21,000 was raised. Find out more at www.nationalrefusechampionships.co.uk

Properties from £185,000 Annual service charges apply. Registered 202151 Charity Enjoy a full and active retirement at Sandford To fi nd out more or book a place Station Retirement Village in North Somerset on an open day call 0117 919 4262. Or visit our show home open every www.stmonicatrust.org.uk/villages/sandford-station Thursday 10am-12noon.

8 North Somerset Life • Issue 143 – May/June For the latest updates on North Somerset’s news visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/news

Volunteers needed Enjoy a fun and free for Summer Reading Challenge Festival of Learning Volunteers are needed to help run this year’s Summer Reading Try your hand at laser technologies, build a Challenge in North Somerset’s a range of fun garden wall, learn British libraries. activities during sign language, take part The annual scheme encourages a new festival in in a drawing techniques children aged four to 11 to keep Weston-super-Mare workshop, try 3D printing, design a storyboard and reading throughout the school which will bring much more. summer holidays and have fun learning to life. visiting the library. If anyone is interested in The first ever Festival becoming an apprentice, This year’s challenge runs from of Learning takes studying part-time or Saturday 13 July to Saturday 7 place on Saturday remotely, doing an September and volunteers aged 15 June in the Italian evening leisure course, 14 and over are needed to talk to Gardens and Winter or being supported back into children about the books they have Gardens ballroom and will employment, Weston College staff read and hand out rewards. feature a host of hands-on will be available to tell you what’s activities for all ages. Flexible volunteering sessions are on offer and help you enrol. available and full training provided. Have a go at making slime, take The festival runs from 11am to part in science experiments, carry 3pm on Saturday 15 June. out a survey using digital and

Register to attend the festival in advance at www.weston.ac.uk/festivaloflearning or just turn up on the day. Call 01934 411 411 to find out more. Get the insiders’ guide to local arts Do you want to help and culture encourage children to read and have a few An insiders’ guide to Each month, the My Bath Bristol e-newsletter hours to spare? will feature exclusive competitions, behind- culture, arts and heritage No previous experience is the-scenes opportunities and special in North Somerset, Bristol necessary. To apply visit discounts to inspire residents to explore the and beyond has launched northsomersetlibrary world-class cultural and heritage attractions to encourage local people volunteers.wordpress.com, on their doorstep. to live like a tourist. email library.volunteers @n-somerset.gov.uk or call Sign up at www.mybathbristol.co.uk with your name, 01934 426 657. email address and postcode. Closing date for applications is Monday 10 June.

www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 9 Hundreds of volunteers help transform a family home

Adaptation and improvement officer Stephen Philp with the DIY SOS team Hundreds of volunteers came together in Weston-super-Mare to help transform a home into a wheelchair-friendly space for a local family. “Helping adults with disabilities The flagship BBC show DIY SOS: In 2017, Louisa and Max were and families with disabled children The Big Build came to the town in diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia, complete adaptations to their March and up to 100 volunteers a rare and neurodegenerative life- homes to maintain independence worked 12 hours each day during limiting neuromuscular condition is very rewarding but does have its the nine-day build. for which there is currently no challenges.” treatment or cure. The house, in the Coronation estate, DIY SOS: The Big Build is presented got a two-storey timber frame Both Max and Lou are already part- by Nick Knowles and his team of extension on the back to make room time wheelchair users and are likely Billy, Mark, Chris and Jules. for three wheelchairs and four hoists. to be increasingly reliant on them as their mobility is affected in the future. Interior designer Sophie Robinson, It was a joint project with North presenter of The Great Interior Somerset Council, who arranged Stephen Philp, senior adaptation Design Challenge, worked on the planning and other permissions and improvement officer at North inside of the house. and also helped sort out assistive Somerset Council, said: “Working equipment. on such a big project demonstrates Producer Hamish Summers said: how critical close relationships The house belongs to the Sweet between the trades and good “ We completely rely on the family – parents Cat and Chris and communication are to achieve the support and generosity their three children, Louisa, aged goal within tight deadlines. 14, Max, aged 11, and six-year- of the local community of old Harry. “It has been particularly pleasing tradespeople and suppliers to see how local contractors All three children were born healthy to carry out the work, to worked alongside national ones in but Harry was then diagnosed with responding to the challenges and help transform the lives of the rare genetic condition Ehlers they worked together to complete truly deserving families.” Danlos syndrome, which affects his the project. joints.

10 North Somerset Life • Issue 143 – May/June Hundreds of volunteers help transform a family home

The Sweet family

The Weston-super-Mare episode of DIY SOS: The Big Build is expected to be broadcast on BBC One next year. Tailored services for individual needs Tailored services are provided Assistance is available through Stephen said: “We recognise that by North Somerset Council to a Disabled Facilities Grant finding a home suitable for later programme, funded by central life can be complicated and some support adults with disabilities government. This grant is means difficult choices need to be made. and families with disabled tested for adults but not families “Planning ahead can help you children to live as independently with disabled children. as possible. stay as independent as possible, An assessment will first be made for as long as possible.” The council provides a range by an occupational therapist of services, such as providing to decide on the level of need specialised equipment or and identify the necessary and adaptations to the home. appropriate work.

These adaptations might include People can also be supported portable ramps, handrails, to find more appropriate stairlifts, hoists, bathing aids or accommodation to meet their more. needs.

For information about social care services available from North Somerset Council visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/adults, call 01275 888 801 or email [email protected] For information about care options in later life visit www.firststopcareadvice.org.uk

www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 11 Crackdown on rogue landlords to improve housing standards

Rogue landlords who let out “We’re committed to improving Lisa added: “Our message to poor-quality properties can make standards in the private rented landlords in North Somerset is this life a misery for their tenants so a sector across North Somerset. – make sure you’re accredited. crackdown is now on to improve “Accreditation to the NLCE “And if you’re a tenant looking to standards. means tenants can be confident rent a property, always look for a Poor housing conditions can have the landlord has the professional NLCE-accredited member.” a huge impact on your general expertise to provide safe, quality health and wellbeing so if you rent accommodation. Housing inspections privately, you have the right to ask “You get access to advice and Inspections are now taking place for problems to be fixed. information, including regular at properties in a part of Weston- Most private landlords in North newsletters and training events super-Mare where landlords are Somerset do provide high-quality to keep up-to-date on changing not accredited by the NLCE. legal requirements and help accommodation but some do very Officers are visiting properties to little to maintain their properties or ensure continued professional development.” assess safety, quality and legal listen to tenants’ complaints. compliance. The NLCE works to ensure both North Somerset Council’s private If they find a hazard which is rented housing team is working landlords and tenants are clear about their obligations and actionable, the council will use its hard to tackle this and is now statutory powers. cracking down on landlords responsibilities, to reduce the who aren’t meeting their legal possibility of misunderstandings This could include issuing a formal responsibilities. and disputes, and offering notice of legal proceedings and/ assistance and guidance where or a civil penalty if the landlord Earlier this year the team received problems do arise. fails to complete the required work £10,000 from the Government’s – which could result in a penalty of Rogue Landlords Fund to challenge up to £30,000. irresponsible landlords who offer unsafe or inadequate housing and improve standards in the private rented sector.

A key part of this is encouraging private landlords to become accredited to the National Landlords Code of Excellence (NLCE).

Lisa Osborn, the council’s private rented housing manager, said: “No-one should have to live in an unsafe, run down or neglected property.

12 North Somerset Life • Issue 143 – May/June What powers Crackdown on rogue landlords do councils have? More powers are now available to local councils to ensure private rented accommodation to improve housing standards meets minimum, safe standards. These include… “The rogue online reporting tool is great Civil penalties – imposed on because I could make an anonymous individuals or organisations for complaint about the lack of fire certain housing offences. detection and a leaking roof and I Rent repayment orders – knew it would go to the right people. a way for tenants or the council I was always scared that if my to claim back rent or housing landlord found out I’d made a benefit from a landlord. complaint to the council that he Banning orders – preventing would evict me. I can’t afford to those who commit certain move anywhere else and just housing offences from working wanted it fixed.” in the lettings industry in the future. Sarah, tenant (not her real name) Changes to mandatory Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licensing – properties shared by five or more people over any number of storeys must now be licensed. Privately rented accommodation must comply with minimum energy efficiency standards.

All landlords (or agents) must Report concerns make sure rental properties are New online forms are available You can report… fit for human habitation. If not, to make it even easier to report a MMovercrowding or anti-social the tenant can take the landlord problem about landlords, letting behaviour at a privately rented to court for breach of contract, agents or a property. property who can be forced to carry out improvement works and pay MMa neglected rental property in Whether you are a tenant, compensation. neighbour or someone in the local need of repair community, the private rented MMpoor letting practices, such as housing team will respond to your no tenancy paperwork or poor Find out more concern. response to repair requests about the National Landlords Code of MMunlicensed houses in multiple Excellence accreditation at occupation (HMOs). www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ Report it at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/roguelandlord landlordaccreditation

www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 13 Help change a future by fostering

Caring people are needed to step forward and help Busting some transform the life of a local child or young person. fostering myths Foster Care Fortnight runs from There are some myths about who Monday 13 to Sunday 26 May can foster and many people do and the message to potential not come forward because they Discover the truth carers in North Somerset is – we think they won’t be accepted. need you. behind some Clare McCarthy, a North common fostering The awareness event was Somerset Council social worker, established nearly 20 years ago said this isn’t the case. myths: to raise the profile of fostering She said: “While fostering is a and show how it can transform challenging and demanding role, lives. we believe there are people in There are about 230 children and our community who’d like to step young people being looked-after up and become foster carers. by foster carers in North Somerset “During Foster Care Fortnight at any one time. we’d like to give you a nudge to These children are unable to live get in touch. with their birth family for a variety “We’re looking for a wide range of reasons. of carers who can reflect society Some might need to be looked as a whole and we’d love to talk after for just a short time, others to anyone who’s interested.” might need care until they are There are some set criteria, such ready to live independently. as having some experience of Due to a shortage of foster carers caring or working with children, in North Somerset, some children as well as practical issues such must be placed in expensive as having time and a spare private agency foster placements. bedroom.

This is extremely costly and can But Clare added: “Even if you be very upsetting for the children don’t meet the criteria at the and young people who might moment, we’d be happy to have to move far away from discuss how you might achieve their families, schools and other this in the future. familiar sources of support. “By coming forward and It can also add unnecessary stress becoming a foster carer you could during a time that might already help change the life of a North be traumatic. Somerset child or young person, and really make a difference.”

14 North Somerset Life • Issue 143 – May/June Help change a future by fostering

I don’t own my home I’ve never been a parent You don’t need to – a safe home with a secure tenancy is fine, While you do need some I have children still living at whether that’s privately rented, experience of working with owned or in shared ownership. children, you don’t need to be home All you need is a spare bedroom a parent. Experience could be Different children have different so the child or young person has gained through your work or needs. Some foster children a space of their own. helping to look after siblings or benefit from being placed in friends’ children. households with other children while others don’t. Fostering North Somerset will always talk I’m disabled to each family member to ensure Every new foster carer goes a good match is made. through an assessment process during which any disability will I can’t foster because of my be considered. If you’re able to offer a safe, caring home to a ethnicity, religion, sexual foster child and can meet their orientation or gender needs, Fostering North Somerset Foster carers come from all would hope to take your enquiry backgrounds – your ethnicity, forward. religion, sexual orientation or gender should never be I’m single considered a barrier.

Whether you are married, in a partnership or single – your relationship status isn’t important as long as you can provide a safe, loving home.

I’m too old If you think you could There is no upper age limit foster and make a I work full-time providing you can meet a child’s difference to the life needs. Many local carers are of a local child or young person, Many people combine working retired and make fantastic foster get in touch with Fostering North with caring. You still need to be carers. Somerset. able to meet the needs of the foster child, though. Different 01275 888 999 I’m not qualified fostering schemes are available [email protected] www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ if you work full-time, such as No professional qualifications fostering respite fostering at weekends are needed as all support and and during holidays. training is provided. l @FosteringNS f fosteringnorthsomerset

www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 15 Weston Vision Multi-million pound bid for Weston town centre

A big cash boost could be coming to Weston-super-Mare’s Alex Hearn, assistant director for high street following an expression of interest in a placemaking and growth at North Somerset Council, said: “Shopping multi-million pound government pot. habits are starting to change as shoppers are looking more towards A share of £675m is being made As part of the High Street Fund, a visitor experience than a purely available to local councils through £40m of the £675m is being made retail one. the Government’s new Future High available to Historic England to set Streets Fund. up a parallel Historic Future High “As retail starts to move away from Street Fund – Regenerating Historic a homogenous high street, more North Somerset Council has High Streets. variety is starting to emerge. submitted a proposal for £10m to make significant improvements to This fund is being launched this “ We are committed to Weston-super-Mare town centre. spring and the money will be used continuingly seek to invest to create 60 new Heritage Action The money could be used for in Weston’s town centre and Zones. a range of initiatives, such as hope that this bid forms part of improving transport networks, North Somerset was one of the that future investment.” converting retail units into new first areas in the country to gain homes or restoring historic high Heritage Action Zone status and The Future High Streets Fund is a street buildings to create new work the council hopes to bid for a two-stage bidding process, with the spaces or cultural venues. portion of this money. next stage taking place in 2020.

16 North Somerset Life • Issue 143 – May/June Weston Vision Multi-million pound bid for Weston town centre Hundreds attend new book launch to celebrate Weston’s history More than 200 people attended the launch of a new book which celebrates Weston’s heritage. Weston-super-Mare: The town and its seaside heritage was launched in March at a sold-out event at the Blakehay Theatre. The book is part of the Great Weston Heritage Action Zone initiative, to boost regeneration and encourage people’s understanding of the historic town. Sir Laurie Magnus, chair of Historic England, said: Shops in North Somerset “Historic England is proud to launch this fascinating new book. receiving business rates cut “It explains the importance of Weston’s architectural heritage, Small businesses in North Somerset are getting a from its Georgian seaside third off their business rates this year thanks to a structures to its distinctive new government scheme being introduced by crescents and Victorian villas. North Somerset Council. “These special places are The Government Paul Batts, chairman not only a source of local announced in its budget of Weston-super-Mare last autumn that UK Business Improvement pride but also have a vital high streets would get a District (BID), said: role to play in making £1.5bn boost through “This will help many Weston more attractive the business rates cuts. small retailers in the area. and prosperous.” However, the Government Retail properties that have needs to do more to Weston-super-Mare: The town and its seaside heritage a rateable value of below tackle online retailers is available to buy from local shops and online, £51,000 are receiving if we are to preserve priced £14.99. the discount, which came our town centres and into effect in April. specialist independent Business rates are set by trading areas.” central government every Julie Bisacre, businesses year, collected by local owner and chair of councils and sent back to Clevedon BID said: the Government. “This is a most helpful Local councils can keep development that will be a proportion of the much appreciated by money paid, which is independent businesses, then used to help pay for which are clearly the local services. lifeblood of a successful high street.” Sir Laurie Magnus, Chair of Historic England and authors Dr Kate Hudson-McAulay, Allan Brodie, Johanna Roethe

www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 17 ADVERTISEMENT

Your New Look Excel Services Changes have been made to X1 X5 some routes and timetables No longer serves Long Ashton and All journeys now operate via on First’s Excel bus network instead provides a more direct and Sheepway following customer quicker journey for most customers feedback. The 0625 from following feedback from travelling between Weston-super- Portishead to Weston-super-Mare customers. Mare and Bristol. has been removed due to low Long Ashton customers are now customer demand and several other The changes, which began on 28 served by the X2, X7 and X9. timetable changes have been made. April, are designed to provide There are minor timetable changes faster, more punctual and reliable for this service. services across the network. X1X *new* All customers are advised to A new express service operates check timetables carefully before Monday to Friday between travelling. Weston-super-Mare and Bristol. This commuter-friendly service provides limited stops at peak times, giving www.firstgroup.com/excel customers a direct option for peak weekday travel. X2 Significant changes have been X6 made to the route and frequency Some timetable changes have been of this service. It now operates made. Monday to Saturday evening Download the First Bus Travel via Locking Castle, West Wick, journeys and all journeys on App for live times and tickets Congresbury, Yatton, Claverham, Sundays and public holidays now or visit the Bristol bus station Cleeve and Long Ashton. It operate as X7 rather than X6. travel shop to pick up paper operates hourly throughout the day, timetables. providing important local links from X7 Monday to Saturday. Significant changes include an X3 / X3a / X4 additional hourly evening and Sunday daytime service, replacing Timetable changes have been those previously operated by the X6. made to improve reliability and punctuality. Refer to timetables The X7 no longer covers Yatton, before travelling. West Wick and Locking Castle as these are now served by the X2. The revised route means more of Clevedon will be served.

18 North Somerset Life • Issue 143 – May/June

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h X1X c Ebdon a A370 W e e Bourton st B on X2 Rd Kewstoke Qu List of Routes and Destinations in North Somerset area ee nsw Hewish a Puxton X5 y St Congresbury Weston-super-Mare to Bristol Georges A370 X1 Worle ol Rd via Worle, Congresbury, Backwell, Flax Bourton, Ashton Gate and Hotwells Brist Weston- New Puxton X1 Park Weston-super-Mare to Bristol Express super-Mare d X1X lton Rd g R Worle X via Worle then non-stop on M5 and Portway Mi in C 2 ck hu o rch West Wick L W la Weston-super-Mare to Bristol ay nd W A370 X2 o via West Wick, Congresbury, Yatton, Claverham, Backwell, Flax Burton, Long Grand l uin Weston v Pier rl e r Ashton, Ashton Gate and Hotwells He y Milton s

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7 Weston M5 to d Portishead Bristol 0 X3 A37 via Portishead Marina, Abbots Leigh, Bower Ashton, Ashton Gate and Hotwells 1 Windwhistle Locking Lane X3A Portishead to Bristol via Portishead Marina, Easton-in-Gordano, Pill, Abbots Leigh, Bower Ashton, Uphill Ashton Gate and Hotwells Portishead to Bristol Loxton Oldmixon X4 Rd via Easton-in-Gordano, Pill, Abbots Leigh, Bower Ashton, Ashton Gate and Hotwells X5 Weston-super-Mare to Cribbs Causeway via Worle, M5, Clevedon, Weston-in-Gordano, Portishead and M5 X6 Clevedon to Bristol via Tickenham, Failand, Ashton Gate and Hotwells X7 Clevedon to Bristol via Tickenham, Nailsea, Wraxall, Long Ashton, Ashton Gate and Hotwells X8 Nailsea to Bristol via Backwell, Flax Bourton, Ashton Gate and Hotwells X9 Nailsea to Bristol via Wraxall, Long Ashton, Ashton Gate and Hotwells

X8 X9 The service operates every 60 There is a revised route around minutes, Monday to Saturday Nailsea, customers are advised to daytime, between Bristol and check this before travelling. There Nailsea, and via the Long Ashton are a number of minor timetable by-pass and Backwell. There is a adjustments made to improve revised route around Nailsea and overall punctuality. customers are advised to check timetables before travelling. Bus

www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 19 Speak up to help stop crime

Do you know any the criminals behind the operation remain detached and are less likely How does it work? vulnerable people who to be detected. Criminal gangs establish a base might be taken advantage in a location and sometimes take It is often associated with other over the home of a vulnerable adult of by criminals? serious crimes such as sexual by force or coercion, known as exploitation, violence, money Crimestoppers charity is running ‘cuckooing’. laundering and human trafficking. a national campaign to raise Victims are often drug users but awareness of ‘county lines’ and North Somerset Council works can also include older people, how vulnerable people might be with Avon and Somerset Police to those suffering from mental or exploited – and that speaking up address these issues and regular physical health problems, female can help keep your community safe. partner meetings take place. sex workers, single mums or County lines is the term used for Howard Pothecary, community those living in poverty. They may organised illegal drug dealing safety manager and chair of North also suffer from other forms of networks, usually controlled by a Somerset Serious Organised Crime addiction, such as alcoholism. person using a single telephone Disruption Panel, said: The criminals then target vulnerable number or ‘deal line’. “Better information sharing local children and adults through grooming to become drug sellers. between the council, police and partner agencies Once someone is involved with a is providing increased criminal gang, it becomes difficult for them to escape. opportunities for us to take action together to The police rely on the public to safeguard vulnerable report these issues. people, disrupt organised Signs that cuckooing might be criminal groups and bring going on inside a property include offenders to justice.” an increase in people entering They operate from major UK cities and leaving, an increase in cars or and then distribute illegal drugs Early intervention is essential bikes outside, a possible increase across rural and suburban counties to counter the problem so in anti-social behaviour, increased via ‘runners’. Crimestoppers is encouraging litter outside, signs of drugs use people to step forward and report and a lack of healthcare visitors. Vulnerable children and adults it, while remaining 100 per cent are recruited to transport drugs anonymous. and cash all over the country so

20 North Somerset Life • Issue 143 – May/June was a Mr P’s flat was overrun, his keys Over the next few weeks there vulnerable taken from him, and he witnessed were police visits, arrests were Mr Psingle person assaults in his home. made and weapons seized, without living a very secluded life in his putting Mr P at risk. Local police and his social landlord ground floor flat on a local estate. visited the flat and realised what Civil legislation was then He was alcohol and drug was happening. implemented to ban the individuals dependant and struggled to from entering the town, Mr P was Mr P was initially reluctant to share manage simple tasks but had not moved to suitable accommodation any information because of a fear of come to the attention of police or to avoid a similar situation reprisals but police served a ‘cuckoo’ local services so did not get any happening again, and he was notice to show the unwanted support. given support in his daily life and to occupants that the police were help tackle his addiction. With no family or friends, he was interested in the property. an ideal candidate for cuckooing.

County line runners find suitable premises through contacts with local users or drug dealers and offer ‘freebies’ to the occupants in return.

Are you worried a young person is being groomed by drug gangs? Call Crimestoppers charity 100 per Things to watch out for: MMare they carrying weapons or cent anonymously know people that have access on 0800 555 111 MMare they often missing from to weapons? or www.crimestoppers-uk.org school or home? MMdo they socialise with older or f Crimestoppersinthe MMdo they travel alone to far off controlling people? WestCountry places? MMdo they have unexplained l @WestCountry_CS MMdo they suddenly have lots injuries? Fearless is Crimestoppers’ of money, clothes or mobile youth programme, educating phones? MMare they very reserved or seem teachers and youth workers like they have something to MMare they receiving more calls or about crime issues. Young hide? texts than usual? people can report concerns MMdo they seem scared? anonymously at MMare they carrying or selling www.fearless.org drugs? MMare they self-harming?

Find out more about these issues at: www.sscb.safeguardingsomerset.org.uk www.childline.org.uk/get-support www.gangsline.com www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-exploitation-of- children-and-vulnerable-adults-county-lines

www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 21 Operator chosen to run innovative food and drink centre An operator has been chosen to It will help new businesses to get run the unique food and drink started and established producers Do you run a innovation centre now being built to innovate and grow, as well as food or drink in Weston-super-Mare. creating about 250 new jobs. business and would you like Nottingham-based The Food and The centre will include: to know more about the Drink Forum will run The Food MM12 food grade business units to opportunities available at The WorksSW on North Somerset lease Food WorksSW? Council’s behalf, after it was MMfour product development areas Do you want to know more granted a 15-year contract in MMexhibition, training and about the support and March. workshop space opportunities available to businesses in the wider The £11.8m centre is being built MMmeeting rooms and a café. in a 10-acre Food Enterprise Zone, Junction 21 Enterprise Area? within Junction 21 Enterprise Area. It is funded by the West of England Contact North Somerset Local Enterprise Partnership, Council’s economic The new contract began at the through the Local Growth Fund, development team on beginning of May so The Food and is the only one of its kind in the 01934 426 266 or email and Drink Forum now has the South West. [email protected] opportunity to influence the centre’s The Food and Drink Forum has www.foodworks-sw.co.uk fit-out, sign-up occupiers and take more than 14 years’ experience of bookings ready for when it opens food grade premises and facilities in spring next year. management. The centre will provide specialist It currently operates two successful facilities, technical and business food parks in the East Midlands support for food and drink and an extensive business support manufacturers across the South West. programme.

Construction starts, seen here in March

22 North Somerset Life • Issue 143 – May/June Take timeTake out time – Walk out Celebrate 150 years of Clevedon Pier

Help celebrate the 150th A ticket-only evening event will A souvenir brochure is also being birthday of Clevedon’s historic follow, with live music and fireworks. produced and there will be a public memories section of the visitors Grade 1-listed pier with a fun- Clevedon Pier opened in 1869 to centre, with people sharing their receive paddle steamer passengers filled event this month. stories and images of the pier. from Devon and Wales. The Party at the Pier takes place on bank holiday Monday 27 May to Special events will continue throughout 2019 to mark the celebrate the historic milestone. www.clevedonpier.com anniversary, such as a Salsa night, Enjoy live music and dancing, wine tasting, talks and presentations. l @clevedonpierg1 explore the pier’s archive and enjoy f clevedonpiergrade1 family activities from noon to 6pm. May June

Tuesday 14 – Thursday 16, and Thursday 6, 7.30pm Tuesday 21 – Thursday 23, 7.30pm Very Modern Living Quiz with Living Spit by Sarah Corbett A quiz with a twist – every A homage to the modernist age question is acted, sung, mimed or and an ideology for a better, danced. For age 12+. brighter future. For age 12+.

Friday 17, 7.30pm Friday 7, 7.30pm Spring Hot Flushes Sing Happy by Kate Dimbleby by Documental Theatre Classic popular songs with stories about the human voice. For age 10+. A Country and Western musical season about BHS and the pension crisis. Friday 14, 7.30pm For age 12+. Poet Laureate by Luke Wright at Theatre Shop Thursday 30, 7.30pm Luke Wright is on a mission to Passionate Machine reinvent his poetry, to unite rather Clevedon’s Theatre Shop has than divide. For age 14+. by Rosy Carrick re-opened for another season Saturday 15, 7.30pm to provide a mix of thought- Rosy attempts to rewrite history and save herself with a time An Evening of Light Opera provoking and fun entertainment. machine. For age 12+. and Show Tunes Here’s what’s on at the Queens with Teresa De Roberto Square shop…. A musical journey from Puccini to Lloyd Webber. For age 10+.

All tickets £12. Group bookings and family discounts available. For information and tickets visit www.theatreshop.org.uk or call 0333 666 3366.

www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 23 Take timetime outout – – Walk Walk Stunning views from Sand Point

Walk information

Distance: about 4 miles Difficulty: medium to hard: narrow, rugged paths, a couple of wooden stiles. Wear suitable footwear Duration: allow 2-2.5 hours at a leisurely pace

Map: OS 153 Explorer Sand Point is an extension grassy and it can get a bit muddy of the Mendip Hills and so you might want to step up onto firmer ground, next to the trees. walkers trekking across the You will come to a wall, the How to get there peninsular will be rewarded remains of concrete forts which with wonderful views across were used as a line of defence Start at map ref: ST332646 the Bristol Channel. during World War 2 by local By car: Two car parks in troops and the Home Guard. Sand Bay have recently Head onto the beach from the Walk alongside the wall and at been improved. The Sand Sand Road car park. The sand the end there are a couple of steps Road (bus terminus) car dunes are man-made sea defences, leading to a path and the National park – where this walk starts installed in 1983/4 after a major Trust car park. – has been resurfaced and storm in 1981. redesigned. Drainage has More than 600,000 tonnes of sand also been improved and was dredged up from the Severn electric vehicle charging Estuary to raise the beach by about points installed. Charges are three metres. Fencing was also 20p for 30 mins, 50p for one installed to help stabilise the dunes hour, £1 for two hours, and and encourage vegetation. £2 all day Head north on the beach, towards Sand Point. The sand becomes By bus: Service 1 Take the steep steps on your left, Refreshments: Available signposted Sand Point. At the top from the Sand Road car park of the steps the path forks. Take the kiosk (open 10am-5pm every left-hand route, through the wooden day, weather permitting), fence and gate at the top. and Sand Bay Tea Rooms on Keep going on this rugged track Beach Road past the trig point, which continues on until the end of the peninsular.

24 North Somerset Life • Issue 143 – May/June TakeTake time time out out –– WalkWalk Stunning views from Sand Point

The path is quite rocky and It you veer up and over the grassland, slippery in places so take extra you’ll be above the coastal path care. It also becomes quite narrow below you. Head to the top of the so be courteous to walkers going in highest mound for wonderful views. the opposite direction. Start veering downhill and see the Sand Point is one of just three remnants of an old stone hut on places in England where volcanic your left. This hut, from the 1850s, rock can be found within a layer of was used by shrimp fishermen. limestone. This map is for guidance only and walkers Continue onwards and you’ll see should carry and use the OS 1:25000 On a clear day you can see for three more pebbly beaches ahead map when out. © Crown copyright and database rights 2019 Ordnance Survey miles around. of you. Walk to the first one, which 100023397. You are not permitted to is another picturesque place to rest. copy, sub-license, distribute or sell this data On the return leg, keep to the left to third parties in any form. to walk on the other side of the Ahead of you is a drystone wall peninsular. It’s a well-trodden path, and a stile. You can continue with Middle Hope ahead of you. through here to explore more of Middle Hope. Exit the path over a wooden stile, above a pebbly beach. However for this walk, cross back over the headland towards the wire Continue up and over the grassy fence. expanse. It has been grazed by local farmers since the Middle Ages and Continue with the fence on your stock grazing still takes place so left-hand side. Eventually you’ll keep dogs under effective control. reach a stile, signposted to the car park. Follow these steep steps You will have far-reaching views down and you can return to Beach over the mudflats, sand banks, Road and your starting point. rocky platforms and saltmarsh which form the Site of Special Scientific Interest.

www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 25 Take time out

LOCAL EVENTS Sunday 23 Weston-super-Mare Golden Oldies sing and Nailsea and District Petanque (French boule) Tickenham Open Gardens Fibromyalgia Group (4) stretch classes. Venues in Footpath Group (E) and (E, and Sundays at 11am) Day Villagers have got 2pm, Our Lady of Lourdes Clevedon, Portishead, Thu (E), Sun (2,3), Sat 1pm, Clarence Park May together to open as many church hall, Baytree Road, Weston-super-Mare, Pill (4). Range of walking bowling club. All ages gardens as possible for one Worle. and Nailsea. difficulties. welcome. 01934 429 563 Tuesday 7 day. See flowers, fruit and [email protected] 01761 470 006 www.nfpg.org.uk or or 07873 768 127 or www.wsmfi www.golden-oldies.org.uk 01275 810 067 just meet at main gate by Trinity Singers concert as vegetables as see chickens clubhouse. part of North Somerset and rabbits, water features Myalgic Encephalopathy/ Stroke Group (E) noon, Bipolar UK (2) 7.30pm, Arts Week 7.30pm, and more. Entry £3.50 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Parish Wharf Leisure Room 4, Victoria Methodist NHS Stop Smoking Café (E) Christchurch, Chapel Hill, for adults, £1 for children, Support Group (4) 1.30pm, Centre, Portishead. Church, Station Road, 6pm, Tesco café, Weston. Clevedon. A free concert, under 5s free, including The Sub Station, 07899 754 937 Weston. 0845 434 9915 01275 546 744 with Handel’s Zadok the a booklet and map. Any St Andrew’s Parade, Fibro Friends WSM – Tuesday Badminton club Weston Area National Priest as the centrepiece. profits will be shared Weston-super-Mare. Fibromyalgia and Chronic (E, term time) 8-10pm, Rheumatoid Arthritis Society www.trinitysingers.co.uk between the charities [email protected] Fatigue Support Group Broadoak School, (2) 6.30-8.30pm, The Alive and the Brown Rock Qigong (E) 7.30-9pm, (2) 11am, 1 in 4 People, Weston-super-Mare. Campus, Locking Castle, Saturday 18 Woodland. Locking Village Hall. Oxford Street, Weston [email protected] Weston. www.nras.org.uk, Bohemian Rhapsody 07913 922 063 www.fibrofriendswsm.co.uk 01934 620 583 Wednesdays screening at Long Ashton [email protected] Backwell table tennis Nailsea and Backwell Community Cinema HEALTH AND Ashcombe Park Bowling Club Tuesdays club (and Thurs). Diabetes Support Group (2) 7.15pm, Community FITNESS Contact for details – (E)(and Sat) 10am-noon, 7-9pm, Methodist Church Centre, Keedwell Hill. Western Active Stroke jeanetteanderson@hotmail. Ashcombe Park, Weston. Hall, Silver Street. nailsea. £5 a ticket from www. Mondays Group (E) 10am, co.uk or 07960 041 104 01934 522 779 [email protected] LA-Cinema.uk (also The Worlebury Golf Club. Stroke Communication Cancer Rehabilitation class Stroke Communication Breadwinner on Saturday 01934 519 266 Bogs of Somerset Hash Group (E) 10am, Summer (E) 2-3pm, Hutton Moor Group (A) 10am, Methodist House Harriers (E) 7.15pm, 15 June and Some Like it Lane Care Home, Diamond Somerset Cancer Care Church Hall, Silver Street, Hot on Friday 12 July) leisure centre, various locations. See Batch. 01275 870 328 Support Group (E) 10am, Weston-super-Mare. Nailsea. 01275 870 328 www.bristolhash.org.uk/bogs Sunday 19 Positive Step Coffee Summer Lane Care Home, 07899 754 937 Woodspring Indoor Bowls 079 6649 5086 or Morning (2) 10am-noon, Diamond Batch. Blagdon Village Fete Weston Macular Support Club (E) noon-2pm (and 01275 874 671 Locking Castle Church Hall, 0800 731 4608 1-4.30pm, Blagdon Court, Group (2) 2pm, every Sat 8.30-10.30am) Jasmine Way. Thursdays High Street, Blagdon. Dance fitness (E) 10am, Lauriston Hotel, Weston. 236 Milton Road, www.positivestep.org.uk YouTree Cancer Support Everyone welcome but Clevedon Triangle Club. 01934 516 627 Weston-super-Mare. £4. 01275 544 472 07709 682 696 Group (E) 10am, Lauriston please leave dogs at home. Arthritis Care Weston Weston-super-Mare Hotel, Knightstone Rd, Branch (2) 2pm, St Saviours Walking Football (E) Breatheasy Club Women’s Action Group (3) Healthy Weston. 07932 143 452 Hall, Locking Rd. 10-11am, Weston Football Living Centre, Lonsdale (WAGS) 12.30-2pm, June 01934 622 808 Club. £2 per session. Avenue, Weston. Support 35 Boulevard. Weston- FUCHSIA Cancer Support Croquet Club (E, and 07970 681 178 for people living with a super-Mare. Women-only Group (E) 10am, Saturday 22 Weds and Fri, April-Oct) DIAL (Disability Information lung disease. group for those who need Night Jar pub, Worle. help with addiction. 07896 699 627 Butcome Midsummer Fete 2-4pm, Clarence Park and Advice Line) (E) Cancer Rehabilitation class 01934 427 940 2pm, in the gardens of East, Weston-super-Mare. 11am-3pm (also (E) 3-4pm, Hands Stadium, Friendship Group (E) the Old Rectory. Stalls, Just turn up or call Thursdays). Answer Davis Lane, Clevedon. 10am-noon, Worlebury games, attractions and 01934 413 515 machine at all other times. £1.50 per class. Golf Club. For people with refreshments. clarenceparkcroquet@ 01934 419 426 07800 743 305 long-term illness, carers 01761 462 812 gmail.com www.westondial.co.uk also welcome. 01934 823 415

26 North Somerset Life • Issue 143 – May/June KEY: (E) Every • (A) Alternate • (1) First • (2) Second • (3) Third • (4) Fourth • (L) Last Take time out

Badders Badminton Group Fridays DANCE Avon Dance Club (E) Latin and jive (E) (absolute Fridays (E) 10am-noon, Strode Partially Sighted and Blind 8-10pm, Somerset Hall, beginners 7-8pm, next Sequence, Ballroom, Leisure Centre. Club (E) 10.15am-2pm, Mondays Portishead. Ballroom and steps 8.15pm) St Peter’s and Latin Tea dance (E) 01179 682 461 Pembroke Court, Elton Rd, DB’s Dance Club (E) Latin practice night. Church Hall, Clevedon. £5. 2-4.30pm, Kewstoke Village Walking Football (E) Clevedon. 10-11am, Clevedon 01934 823 128 07940 823 581 Hall. 07760 176 747 10.30-11.30am, 01275 219 730 Community Centre. Line Backwell Sequence Dance Easy Strollers line dancing North Somerset Intercultural Hand Stadium, Clevedon. Long Ashton Bowling dancing. 01275 854 375 Club (E) 8-10.15pm, (E) beginners 7-8pm, Dancing Association (E) 01275 878 052 Club (E, April-Sept) 6pm, Latin and jive (E) (absolute WI Hall, Backwell. £3 per 2nd Clevedon Scout Hall, 7.45-9.30pm, Nailsea Wrington Vale Croquet Community Centre, beginners 1-2pm, next person. 07710 460 550 Coleridge Vale Road North Methodist Church, Silver Club (E, April-Oct) 2.30pm, Keedwell Hill, Long Ashton. steps 2.15pm) St Peter’s Weston Folk Dance Club 50s and 60s rock ‘n’ roll Street. Admission £2. Wrington Recreation No previous experience Church Hall, Clevedon. £5. (E) 8-10pm, Corpus Christi (E) 8pm-late, Tavern Inn www.nida.site40.net Ground, Silver Street. necessary. 07940 823 581 Church Hall, Weston-super- the Town, Regent Street, Clevedon Sequence Dance 01934 862 838 01275 853 885 Sequence, Ballroom Mare. 01934 514 226 Weston-super-Mare. Club (E) 7.45-10.30pm, Parkinson’s UK Weston Portishead Stroke Drop-In and Latin Tea dance (E) Brazilian carnival style 01934 412 826 Walton St Mary’s Church Branch (1) 2.30pm, Centre (1) 10.30am, 2-4.30pm, St George’s dance with live drummers Social dances (2, 4) Hall. 01275 847 293 St Saviour’s Hall, Locking Clarence House, High Community Centre, Willow (E) 8-10pm, All Saint’s Hall 8-10.30pm, Grand Social dance (1) Rd. 01934 813 547/ Street. 01275 818 492 Close, Weston-super-Mare. Clevedon. Atlantic Hotel, Weston. 8-11.30pm, Somerset Hall, 625 633 07437 203 642 Call 07780 641 427 Regular social dances on Saturdays Portishead. £5. Portishead Macular Help Egyptian Bellydance (E)(term Portishead LeRoc (E) Wednesdays, with monthly 01275 831 884 Parkinson’s UK North West dances on Fridays and Group (4) 2.30pm, Folk time only) 7-8pm, Backwell 8-10.30pm, Portishead Social dance (4) Somerset branch meeting Saturdays. See Hall. 01275 845 238 WI Hall, Station Road. Primary School, Station 8-10.30pm, St. James Hall, (2) 10.30am-12.15pm, www.mthdancing.com for Weston Osteoporosis 01275 855 016 Road. Modern jive. Winscombe. £4. St Francis Church Hall, dates, or call 07711 548 Support Group Meets Nailsea Scottish Dancers 07909 063 624 01934 516 852 Nailsea. 01275 855 524 924 or 01934 518 750. 5 times a year (March, (E) 8pm, Christchurch heather@portisheadleroc. Saturdays May, July, September and Sundays Hall, Christchurch Close, com Thursdays November), in the Lecture Nailsea. £2.50. In Motion Dance Chelis Theatre Company (E) Weston Ability FC (E) (E) Irish Set, English and Theatre, The Academy, 01275 790 937 8-11pm, Banwell Village 2-5pm St. Saviours Church 11am-noon, @Worle, Scottish Country Dance (E) Weston General Hospital. Hall. 07903 655 924. Hall, Weston-super-Mare. New Bristol Road, Weston. Fine Lines Dancing 10am-noon, North Weston Information about local www.in-motion-dance.co.uk Drama, dance and singing Football club for ages 8 (E) 8-9pm, Folk Hall, Village Hall, Portishead. services and practical Portishead. £5 a class. for 6-18-year-olds. and up with special needs. Wednesdays £5. 01275 847 909. matters for people with Shelleyanne.douglas@ 01934 625 301 07876 064 439 DB’s Dance Club line ostepporosis. gmail.com New and Old Sequence 01934 415 096 dance class (E) dancing (E) 11am-1pm, Sundays [email protected] Tuesdays 10.30am-12.30pm, Folk Hall, Portishead. Avon Dance Club Tea Dance STAY STEADY 01275 854 375 Diabetes UK (Weston) (1) Social Morning with Historic Kewstoke Village Hall. (Monthly) 3-6pm, Somerset 7.30pm, Waverley Suite, CLASSES and Country Dancing to Live 07437 203 642 Yatton Sequence Dance Hall Portishead. Weston Hospital Academy Age UK Somerset runs Music (E) 9.30-11.30am, DB’s Dance Club Club (E) 2-4.30pm, 01934 823 128 [also – quiz night (2) Social classes across the area for Folk Hall, Portishead. £3 per line dancing (E) Claverham Village Hall. Ballroom and sequence Club, Devonshire Road] anyone aged 50 and over, person. 01275 847 909 10.45-11.45am, Clevedon 01275 851 221 Egyptian (E) 7.30-10pm, Kewstoke Bellydance (E) (term time 01934 628 985 including Movement to Movement to Music (E) Community Centre. Village Hall. only) 6.45-7.45pm, South Avon Canoe Club (E, Music, seated yoga, Stretch 10-11am, Methodist 01275 854 375 07437 203 642 St Saviours Church Hall, Oct-March) 8.15-10pm, and Flex, Tai Chi, Boccia, Church, Portishead. Total beginners sequence Social dancing (E) Locking Road, Churchill Swimming Pool. Kit and chair-based Flexercise 07899 754 937 and ballroom (E) noon-1pm, 7.30-10.30pm, Hutton Weston-super-Mare. provided All are welcome. sessions. Kewstoke Village Hall. Moor Leisure Centre, DB’s Dance Club social 01275 855 016 southavoncanoeclub@gmail. Classes cater for all tea dance (E) 2.30-5pm, 07760 176 747 Weston-super-Mare. £5. Nailsea Le Roc (E) com www.sacc.co.uk abilities. To view the whole Clevedon Community Sequence tea dance (E) 01934 518 529 www. 8-10.30pm, Scotch Horn programme visit Centre. 01275 854 375 2-4pm, Avonway Hall, westonsocialdancing.co.uk www.ageuksomerset.org.uk/ Leisure Centre, Nailsea. Abanico Salsa Classes (E) Portishead. somerset or contact Beginners/intermediates. 7.30-10.30pm (3 classes, 01934 644 745 Nikki Smith on £6. 07816 649 077 beginners to improvers) 07530 777 895 or Kenn Village Hall. Call in nikki.smith@ageuksomerset. advance. 07971 565 406 org.uk

www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 27 Could you complete the ultimate obstacle course?

Do you want to get your heart Owner and founder Adam Turner What does Extreme pumping and be one of the first said: “Extreme Amphibirun prides Amphibirun involve? itself on its approach of blending to try a new ultimate obstacle an obstacle course with iconic A 10km course packed with 25 course on Weston-super-Mare’s seaside locations. world-class obstacles, including sea beach later this year? entry (weather dependant). “This unique spin on the mud-based Extreme Amphibirun is a brand- running challenges is creating big Who can race? new event on the town’s seafront waves in the obstacle course racing and it debuts on Saturday 21 world. Competitors must be prepared to and Sunday 22 September with run, climb, haul, leap, slide and competitors testing their personal “ We chose Weston-super- crawl as they stampede around the fitness, courage, determination, Mare ultimately because of course. teamwork and camaraderie. its size and location on the There is a separate mini 2km It’s designed as a challenge, not west coast.” course for eight to 15-year-olds. just a race, for anyone aged 16 or over to tackle at their own pace, whatever their ability.

28 North Somerset Life • Issue 143142 – May/JuneMarch/April A year of adrenaline-packed sport ahead Lots more sporting events are taking place across North Somerset this year, whether you want to join in yourself or just watch from the sidelines…

Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 May Saturday 3 August National Water Ski Races, Mendip Marauder ultra Weston-super-Mare marathon Competitors from across the Run 30 or 50 miles along the country will take part in this Mendip Way from Frome or Wells prestigious national competition. to Uphill beach. Three races will be held each day. www.albionrunning.org/ www.bwsw.org.uk mendip-marauder

Sunday 9 June Saturday 17 August Regional Water Ski Races, Portishead Triathlon Weston-super-Mare Swim in the open air pool, run up Topping speeds of 60mph, finalists to Battery Point and cycle around from across the South West will go the hillside. head-to-head. www.pac-tri.com www.bwsw.org.uk

Saturday 6 July Clevedon Swim Run Enjoy multiple swimming and Could you complete running laps along Clevedon’s historic seafront. Swim 1.2km in Saturday 24 – Sunday 25 August your running gear and run 5.5km 401 Festival of Running, in your swimming gear – Portishead the ultimate obstacle course? no changing in-between. Open to all ages and abilities. www.clevedonmarinelake.co.uk/ Races include a 5km, 10km, a whats-on half marathon, or an additional How much does entry 6.1km for those who want to cost? Sunday 14 July complete a total of 26.2 miles over Great Weston Ride the weekend. Children’s races Early bird tickets cost £49, a youth A 57-mile challenge bike ride too, along with food, bars and ticket is £19, and an elite ticket is from Bristol to Weston-super-Mare, entertainment. Organised by 401 £49. Prices correct at time of Life through the Mendips and across marathon runner Ben Smith, to raise going to print. Check the event the Somerset Levels. money for the 401 Foundation. website for latest offers, www.greatwestonride.com www.the401challenge.co.uk/events discounts and pricing. Saturday 20 July Friday 18 – Sunday 20 October Clevedon Aquathlon Weston Beach Race Teams of 10 or A swim followed by a run along Recognised as the biggest more will receive Clevedon’s seafront. Complete motorsport event on the UK, a 10 per cent it by yourself or in relay with a Weston Beach Race returns discount on tickets. friend. Novice and sprint distances for its 37th year. Amateur and Sign up at available. professional riders competing www.amphibirun.co.uk www.clevedonmarinelake.co.uk/ together over two days. whats-on f amphibirun www.rhlactivities.com

www.n-somerset.gov.ukwww.n-somerset.gov.uk ll@NorthSomersetC@NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 29 Health matters Are you aware of mental health issues? Everyone needs a support network to connect, offload, share, belong and laugh so a new group has launched in North Somerset to help promote this. Community group AWARE The festival is part of aims to highlight the national Mental Health importance of wellbeing Awareness Week and and maintaining good all money raised will go mental health and will do to mental health service this by organising feel- users in North Somerset. good events and creating AWARE is open to all days of positivity. members of the public as The first event is the well as people who have Feelgood Festival, at the first-hand experience of Salthouse pub in Clevedon, living with mental health on Saturday 18 May. problems, whether having the illness themselves or It starts at 9am with a taster care related. outdoor swimming session and activities from 11am.

Find out more by emailing [email protected], call 01275 885 154 or visit the Facebook page. f AwareNS Supporting good mental health among men A new group has launched in To combat this, a new Male Health North Somerset to help tackle the Stakeholder Group has launched silent crisis in men’s mental health. to tackle these issues and wider health inequalities among the Money worries, stress at work or male population, such as lower life the death of a loved one can affect expectancy. our mental health at any point in our lives. The group will meet four times a year in Weston-super-Mare and However, recent data shows that is supported by North Somerset men in particular have high rates Council with help from Community of mental health issues and suicide Connect, an information, advice is the biggest killer of young and and guidance service for people middle-aged men locally and aged 50 and over. across the UK.

To find out more or attend a meeting email [email protected] or call 01934 888 803

30 North Somerset Life • Issue 143 – May/June Funding for sustainable travel facilities Businesses, schools and Grants are available for schemes and wellbeing and giving them a which encourage people to leave cheaper and easier commute. community organisations their cars at home – whether to The scheme is funded by the in North Somerset can now cycle, walk or car share. Department for Transport’s Access apply for up to £3,000 of This brings benefits to the Fund for Sustainable Travel and funding for new facilities organisation, by improving staff grants must be at least 50:50 and initiatives to promote productivity and having a cleaner match-funded by the organisation. and greener reputation, and also Thousands of pounds are already sustainable travel. to staff, by enhancing their health being spent locally...

St Anne’s Church eat:Festivals Paneltech Academy Scooter parking has been installed eat:Festivals – which runs popular Design and manufacturing at St. Anne’s Church Academy in food and drink festivals across company Paneltech received West Wick after it received £500. North Somerset – received £2,700 £3,000 towards installing a to encourage walking and cycling shower and changing facility at The storage is part of the school’s to their events. their Clevedon site. wider sustainable travel plan to help families travel actively. Temporary cycle parking, free Employees can now cycle or run to bike check-ups, information about the office, or take part in lunchtime School business leader Helen sustainable travel and freebies activity, and shower before starting Burge said: “Without this funding, were given as rewards for cycling. work. it might have taken a couple of years to save for and during this Festival organiser Bev Milner- Designer Will Passey said: time other priorities might have Simonds said: “The grant enabled “This allow us to promote a cycle superseded the original plan.” us to encourage people who would to work policy and help increase usually drive to walk and cycle, staff fitness.” The school hopes its sustainable therefore reducing traffic and travel plan will also encourage helping people be more active.” families to opt for alternatives to short car journeys. Organisations have until Friday 31 May to apply. Download an application form from www.travelwest.info/businesses/north-somerset

www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 31 Helping people live independently in their community

Free on-street parking is available across North Somerset to disabled people with serious mobility problems.

The national Blue Badge scheme “We are keen to help people live helps eligible people park closer independently in the community to their destination – whether as despite the daily challenges which a driver or passenger – to make it can arise from having a disability. easier for them to access local shops “The badge allows them to park “We support the national Blue and services. more conveniently so it makes life a Badge parking scheme as it provides little easier by reducing the distance The scheme is administered locally some assistance to people who find to shops and services.” by North Somerset Council and walking any distance extremely Sarah Shaw, the strategic lead for difficult. Life found out more… Blue Badges at the council, said:

What are Blue Badges?

The national Blue Badge scheme aims to help disabled people with severe mobility problems to access goods and services by allowing them to park on-street close to their destination.

Blue Badges are available to eligible disabled people as both passengers or drivers.

You can also apply if you have a Who grants How do I get one? child with a health condition that Blue Badges? affects their mobility. Badges are only given to those who Nationally, the Department for meet the eligibility criteria. Fast-track applications can also Transport sets out the framework for Check and apply online at be processed for someone who the scheme, such as the eligibility www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge is terminally ill, to help make the criteria, maximum fee, length of final weeks of their life easier. If you don’t have access to a issue, how the badge should be computer, free internet access is Blue badges are not a licence to displayed, and more. available in local libraries. park anywhere, though. If you The day-to-day running of the park where it would cause an You must answer the questions scheme is carried out locally by obstruction or danger to other honestly and agree to abide by North Somerset Council. Local road users you could be fined, the rules of the scheme, as well authorities follow national guidance receive a penalty charge notice or as submit a passport-sized photo, to do this. have your vehicle removed. supply supporting documents and pay the fee.

32 North Somerset Life • Issue 143 – May/June Helping people live independently in their community

Using your Blue Badge

It is down to you to use the Blue Badge properly and it is a criminal offence for you or anyone else to misuse it.

You must never give the badge to friends or family to allow them to benefit from the parking concessions.

You must never use a copy of the badge or attempt to alter the details on it.

The badge remains the property of the council and it can ask for it to be returned if it’s misused. This misuse could also lead to a £1,000 fine.

If you are using the badge as a passenger, it is your responsibility to make sure the driver is aware of the rules surrounding the scheme.

Organisations that transport disabled people

How do I get one? Organisations that care for and transport disabled people who would have qualified for a Blue Badge in North Somerset Council then carries their own right may apply for an organisational one. out checks during the application stage to ensure no badges are This badge can be used while transporting eligible obtained fraudulently. disabled people but cannot be used at other times.

You may need to have an independent If employees use the badge when there are no eligible assessment to demonstrate your passengers in the vehicle they could face a fine of up difficulty in walking. to £1,000.

Badges last for three years and there is a £10 fee, which is also charged Find out if you’re eligible for a Blue for lost, stolen or damaged badges. Badge and apply online at www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge Allow eight weeks for a new badge application to be processed. If you have any questions or would like to report the misuse of a badge, email blue. [email protected]

www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 33 Growth Building a booming family of businesses

One of the UK’s fastest growing company in South Wales and, anything from new websites to clever marketing and media groups following the sale of that business Facebook or Google advertising. is based right here in North to an American company, I In 2007 we launched a software decided to work with other firms to Somerset – and it has ambitious and data management business, help them grow. plans to grow even further. Insight Data. We have a fantastic The Ascot Group is the umbrella I had planned to keep it small, call centre team based in Worle company under which several other with a small office above an estate who make thousands of telephone independent companies operate agent on the Boulevard in Weston- calls every week to collect and – Purplex Marketing, Insight Data, super-Mare, but quickly spotted add business information to our Business Leader and Ascot Property opportunities to scale-up the database. This is then used by Management. business and build a new group of companies all over the world companies. via our own software platform to Its headquarters is at Worle analyse UK business activity. Parkway Business Park, in Weston- super-Mare, and Life spoke to What activities is the Ascot As part of the journey with Purplex founder and chief executive Group involved in today? and Insight Data we had struggled Andrew Scott to find out more… to find quality business media to share our story with. Lots of We’ve grown from a start-up general media was available, like to several companies and 70 How was the group newspapers or magazines, but employees. Today Purplex is a major very little for business-to-business. founded? PR, creative and digital marketing agency with clients all over the So in 2012 we took a massive The Ascot Group started in 2004 world. We work on exciting projects, risk and launched Business Leader when I launched Purplex, a from developing PR campaigns to magazine. Originally this was specialist consultancy business. building great digital marketing circulated in the South West as a I had previously built a £12m campaigns, that can involve print magazine sent to business

34 North Somerset Life • Issue 143 – May/June Growth Building a booming family of businesses

Andrew Scott

owners and directors, plus a news really talented people in the area perhaps acquiring businesses that website and email newsletters. who were travelling to Bristol or have the ambition to grow but not further afield to work and I had that the resources. In 2016 we launched the ‘lightbulb’ moment. magazine nationally. Thankfully the Our approach with people is risk paid off and today Business Over the years we’ve been really simple – we employ those Leader is Britain’s largest B2B tempted to relocate to Bristol or with passion and talent and a magazine for entrepreneurs, and even London but it just doesn’t great work ethic rather than their also operates some huge business academic grades. People have make sense. North Somerset events and awards all over the UK. to start at the bottom and work has everything and collectively up, but for those that do, the we need to raise the profile opportunities are immense. Why did you set up of the area and let the world the business in North know what a great place it is We want to create an Somerset? to live and work. Ascot Campus that will support 200 people, provide learning I was living in London and running and training facilities and a business in South Wales and What are your plans for encourage other start-ups and decided to relocate somewhere the future? growing businesses to operate between the two. I actually came from North Somerset. across Weston-super-Mare by Our team is really excited for the accident but instantly fell in love future. We are now ready to create with the area. 200 jobs, from technology and The region just ticked every box; media positions to call centre staff. from a great lifestyle to excellent We are also looking to add other www.ascotgroup.co.uk transport links. I also met some companies to the Ascot family,

www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 35 Investment in roads Bright future for street lighting Street lights are being improved across North Somerset to save energy and reduce maintenance costs thanks to a new £6.7m contract.

About 18,500 street lanterns across the “The lanterns will also be replaced What are the benefits of LED area are being upgraded to LED units with low energy LED units which street lighting? as part of the four-year arrangement, will conserve energy, helping the which began last month. environment and reducing the drain LED street lighting brings a number on council resources. of benefits to residents, road users The contract is being delivered and North Somerset Council. These by Centregreat Ltd, which is also include: responsible for the upkeep of “The initial investment in illuminated road signs and ongoing improving the condition of • big energy, maintenance and routine maintenance. carbon emission savings – our street lighting will be compared with traditional street The company will also replace about recouped in future years lighting 2,352 corroded concrete lighting columns with new galvanised steel with reduced maintenance • white lighting – which makes units. and operating costs.” colours look more natural • a long life – up to 100,000 Jerome Mathias, managing director hours, which results in less at Centregreat, said: “We are maintenance thrilled to be the new street lighting • reduced light pollution – contractor for North Somerset compared with traditional street Council. lighting systems “We look forward to providing an • uniform, high-quality white excellent service and undertaking light – which is better for security the delivery of the contract in a Shaun Chilcott, North Somerset facial recognition and CCTV, so friendly and diligent manner.” Council’s lead officer for street making areas safer. lighting, said the new contract would Centregreat has been operating in bring big improvements. the street lighting industry for more than 40 years. “Many of our street lights have reached the end of their life so this The company installs, repairs, work will see outdated concrete upgrades and maintains street columns replaced with modern steel lighting, signage and other street units. furniture for councils, highway agencies, civil engineering companies, housing developers, airports and private clients.

36 North Somerset Life • Issue 143 – May/June Investment in roads Bright future for street lighting

Will the new lights be brighter or a different colour from the ones they are replacing? Why are LEDs considered to be Any new or replacement lighting is designed to British and European environmentally-friendly? Are you replacing all lighting standards and will be LEDs are considered to be ‘white’ light. The aim is to provide environmentally friendly in a number existing street light columns? the right standard for the type of ways: In the majority of cases the of road, traffic flow and local new LED lanterns will be fitted • their long lifespan offers about conditions. Therefore, some roads to existing street light columns. 20 years of maintenance-free will have noticeably brighter However, those that have reached service, therefore reducing lighting. the end of their useful life will be pollution from maintenance and replaced by new galvanised steel delivery vehicles Will they shine through my columns. windows at night? • unlike conventional street lighting units, there is no lamp to change, Will the new lights turn on at Light is directed down so is unlikely which means no waste to stray into people’s homes. the same time? • LEDs use significantly less energy The new LED lanterns will operate Do LEDs contain hazardous and their light output can be at the same time as they currently controlled more efficiently than chemicals? do. Where street lights currently traditional street lights. This switch off for part of the night, this Street lighting LEDs contain no reduces the amount of carbon switching regime will be applied to hazardous chemicals, unlike emissions from the electricity the new units. Similarly, where street most fluorescent or High Intensity production required to operate lights dim, this dimming regime will Discharge (traditional street lighting) them be applied. lamp sources which contain • LEDs emit light in a specific mercury. direction so they can provide When will the work be In addition, LED lanterns are uniform illumination of an carried out? RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous area, so reducing light spill and Substances) compliant. pollution. Work is due to start in December and is expected to last about 18 months.

www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 37 Investment in roads The road ahead State-of-the-art treatments are Pothole patching being used to prolong the life of roads in North Somerset as A special machine is carrying out compaction, leaving a long-lasting £250,000 of pothole repairs on and well-defined patch. part of an additional £1.8m North Somerset’s roads this year. investment this year. The machine can quickly and The Roadmaster Spray Injection effectively apply single or multiple North Somerset Council is using Patcher can fill up to 200 potholes sealing layers to the cracked the latest technology as part of its a day and is being used for surface, extending the life of the ongoing commitment to investment three months to repair post-winter road at minimum cost, and with in the local road network. damage. very little disruption to normal The council has adopted a traffic. The machine is used to fill holes proactive ‘whole-life’ approach and patch roads before surface All the work is carried out by a to road maintenance, in line with dressing works takes place, to single operator who sits in the best practice encouraged by the ensure a smoother surface is safety of a cab. Department for Transport. created. As well as saving money, this This means that preventative work The Roadmaster cleans and coats technology increases the safety of is carried out wherever possible to the defected base with binder, fills the operation by removing a road extend the life of a road surface it with coated chips and then adds worker from a live traffic situation. before the condition deteriorates a top layer of binder and chips. to a point where a much more The Roadmaster is also being used expensive repair is needed. A built-in sweeper takes care of to carry out repairs on rural roads any loose chips on the road while which have been highlighted by the roller wheels provide additional the council’s team of area officers.

38 North Somerset Life • Issue 143 – May/June Investment in roads

How do potholes form? A pothole is a structural failure in a road surface due to water getting into the underlying soil structure and traffic passing over the affected area. The water weakens the underlying soil and traffic then fatigues and breaks the poorly supported asphalt surface. Continued traffic removes both the asphalt and underlying soil material, which creates a hole.

Road recycling

Two busy roads in North Somerset It involves excavating the existing It greatly reduces the need to are set to be resurfaced using a asphalt materials from the road, dispose of huge volumes of waste specialist recycling technique, known as ‘asphalt planings’, and materials, and import processed as part of the council’s ongoing transporting them to a processing aggregates and hot bituminous commitment to improving the unit to be used as an ingredient in bound material, resulting in a lower district’s roads. fresh asphalt mixtures. carbon footprint overall.

The B3124 (Clevedon Road, Bristol The new material is brought back It is also a cost-effective way of Road and High Street, Portishead) to the site to be installed as a new dealing with hazardous waste that and Winterstoke Road, in Weston- road surface. would otherwise cost £150 a tonne super-Mare, will receive the to send to landfill. This means the road surface is treatment during 2019/20. effectively dug up, taken away, The process is possible thanks to Four more residential roads will also recycled, brought back and relaid. the flexibility of asphalt materials be resurfaced using this technique, which can be totally recycled and, The recycled road has the known as ‘ex situ recycling’. in most cases, re-used directly back strength and life expectancy of at the site they came from. The technique sees a damaged a traditionally designed and road restored by recycling and constructed road surface but has reusing the existing construction huge environmental benefits. materials to build a new surface.

Report potholes and other road issues at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/connect For the latest updates on roads and travel in North Somerset follow: l @NStravel _roads • f NStravelandroads

www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 39 Recycling Help feed farmers’ fields with your garden waste

Garden waste is rich Garden and food waste sent Things to put in your garden waste to landfill releases methane, a bin: in nutrients and can greenhouse gas which is 28 times grass cuttings and shrub prunings more potent than carbon dioxide. become a useful compost flowers, leaves, plants and weeds for farmers across North The best way of dealing with this is fruit and vegetables grown in your Somerset to improve recycling as much at home using a garden compost bin. their crop productivity. hedge and conifer clippings This will create a nutrient-rich twigs and tree branches of a Recycling garden waste is also fertiliser for your garden and cut maximum 10cm diameter. good for the environment because down on transportation, which is oxygen is circulated around the better for the environment. Items not accepted: waste, allowing it to decompose soil, turf, stone or rubble aerobically. In North Somerset, garden waste treated wood is collected fortnightly for most of If this organic matter – including the year, with monthly collections in plant pots food and garden waste – is sent to December, January and February. cat and dog litter. landfill instead, then air cannot get It is only collected from registered to it. properties. It costs £25 per bin and up to two bins can be registered per property. Compost corner! Composting at home is a natural and inexpensive process that uses fruit and vegetable peelings and garden waste and turns Online collection it into nutrient-rich food for your garden. Plants and flowers will love everything calendars your compost bin has, including nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. Recycling, waste and garden waste collection calendars will It will even act as a buffer to very acidic or only be available online from alkaline soils. now on to help the council Home compost bins are available from reduce its environmental impact. North Somerset Council for £15. View or download your calendar Order one at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/composting from www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ Find out more about your compost bin and what can go calendars in it at www.recyclenow.com Free internet access is available in local libraries. If you still need Information contained here applies to households in North a paper copy, call the council on Somerset. If you live in Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol 01934 888 802. or Somerset council areas, you will need to check your local arrangements.

40 North Somerset Life • Issue 143 – May/June Recycling Help feed farmers’ fields with yourgarden waste

Questions are often asked about where the recycling goes once it’s taken from the kerbside. Wash it. Squash it. This month, Life looks at garden waste… Sort it.

It takes just 20 seconds to collect MMThe waste is shredded, laid out in rows and turned regularly to oxygenate it using a well-sorted box but up to two minutes for one where all items are natural aerobic processes MMAfter 10 weeks it can be used as mixed together. soil improver on Separating materials means a farmers’ fields faster collection, less congestion, a more reliable service and better use of public money. www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ recycling

Either box:

Spectacles, Batteries, sunglasses, small electrical textiles, shoes appliances, and and clothes mobile phones (bag separate) (bag separate)

BOX 1: Plastic and cans together – paper separate

Bottles, tubs, trays and pots. No black.

MMGarden waste collected Paper from the kerbside Tins, cans, foil and empty aerosols Read the next edition of Life to BOX 2: MMIt is taken to Enovert in find out about Card and cartons together – Gloucestershire for composting food waste. glass separate

Cardboard Top tip (flattened) Placing paper in a separate, untied bag will keep it dry and help crews empty your box more quickly. Cartons Glass bottles and jars

www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 41 Make sure your home renovations comply with building regulations

Are you thinking of extending or James Brown, of Cuppa Architects Here are the top reasons why most altering your home this year? in Weston-super-Mare, said: “North people use North Somerset Council Somerset Building Control are our Building Control and why you If you want to improve rather than preferred partner for all Building should consider using them too: move, you to need to make sure Regulations work. MMofficers are professionals with any changes comply with building extensive local knowledge regulations to ensure your home “Their thorough, helpful service about key issues such as ground is safe. ensure that our full plans conditions and drainage submissions resolve any potential The Government has recently issues before they reach site, so MMthey provide an independent updated the standards required to saving time and money for our ‘second pair of eyes’ giving comply with building regulations, customers. you assurance that your project particularly around fire safety and complies with regulations “When on site, their experienced, keeping homes secure. MMthe team is accredited with the co-operative approach ensures British Standards Institute for Some builders might suggest you any problems are resolved quality management procedures use their preferred inspector to pragmatically and swiftly, both of MMNorth Somerset Building Control carry out the checks but the choice which are key when dealing with has helped homeowners longer is yours and North Somerset people’s home projects.” Council’s building control team than anyone else, so officers provide a professional, quality Steve Ritchie, of Back to the know their business and are service. Drawing Board in Weston-super- here to stay Mare, said: “I will always choose MMfree advice is available the council for building control MMthey can help builders by when I can because I cannot fault highlighting solutions to their service.” unforeseen technical problems.

Do you need advice about what requires building regulations approval or how to obtain it? Visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ buildingcontrol

Information guides about extending or renovating your home, or converting your property, are also available. Download a pdf from the website or pick up a paper copy from your local library.

42 North Somerset Life • Issue 143 – May/June Who can apply? People are needed from a wide range of backgrounds regardless of sexuality, Make a life changing ethnicity, religion or marital status. difference to an adult You don’t need to own your own home or have needing support professional qualifications. You just need a suitable property, have some Could you make a life-changing It could be suitable for… experience of caring and difference to an adult with a enough spare time, energy, disability, learning differences or People who can provide care patience and understanding to additional needs? within their own home but do meet the needs of the person. not have a spare bedroom for North Somerset Council’s Shared overnight stays. Ongoing support and Lives scheme is looking for people guidance is provided. across the area to share their Short-term respite homes, family life, interests and skills with someone who needs help If you do have a spare bedroom, and support to live a fulfilling life. you could offer overnight support – whether for one night at a time, You could help an adult with a at weekends, for a week or longer. disability or other learning difficulty Support can be in the home or to build positive relationships with doing activities during the day. you, your family, friends and wider community network. It could be suitable for…

Different options are available People with a spare bedroom who depending on your circumstances, can offer overnight stays. including day support, short- term respite care or a longer Long-term placements placement… Carers are needed who can open up their family home and life to Could you provide Day support offer long-term support. support to an adult with a learning Day support, which could extend It could be suitable for… into the evening, sees carers difficulty? offering up to eight hours of People with a spare bedroom who Find out more about the support in their own home or doing could provide on-going care. Shared Lives scheme by activities in the local community. It calling 01275 888 368 or does not include an overnight stay. emailing sharedlives @n-somerset.gov.uk

www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 43 Giving a voice to older people Are you an older person Barbara Seaton, chair of the Barbara added: “Come and join Older People’s Championship us. No other organisation for older who wants their voice Group said: “North Somerset is a people has a direct link to the heard and to get issues wonderful place to retire because council like this. resolved? the council cares.” “ Your experience of living as Members have given their views Older people meet monthly across about many issues, such as bus an older person in North North Somerset to discuss relevant passes, dropped kerbs, winter fuel Somerset may hold the issues and share their views as allowance, parking for disabled part of Senior Community Link knowledge to make changes people and visual aids at bus (SCL), which was set up in 2009 and drive the real needs shelters. with the help of Age UK and North of the people.” Somerset Council. They have also arranged for cash and cheques to be accepted when Representatives from each SCL paying for the garden waste group then attend the Older service and drew attention to Are you an older People’s Championship Group the lack of transport for people person who would like four times a year, along with in Weston-super-Mare to get to to have your say and influence people from various organisations, hospital. services? Call Barbara Seaton councillors and council officers. on 01934 620 391 or email [email protected]

44 North Somerset Life • Issue 143 – May/June GetGet vocal,vocal, bebe heardheard

Get vocal, be heard

Listening to residents’ views You said: Public and legal notices is an important part of the I’m worried about the number of covering a range of council democratic process and North cars parked near Flax Bourton matters can be viewed online at Somerset Council welcomes Primary – this will only get worse www.n-somerset.gov.uk/notices ideas to make things better. when the school expands.

While the council can’t act on We did: every suggestion, it listens to As part of the school expansion, feedback and makes changes North Somerset Council was Comment where possible. able to purchase a parcel of land on council You said: adjacent to the school site. Part of this now has car parking (the other consultations How can I find out when planning part will be leased to the parish Have your say on North applications are being considered council for community use). This Somerset Council’s policies by that affect me? has already had a big impact for taking part in consultations. residents in Parsons Mead and We did: Bourton Mead. All consultations are listed at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ In addition to fulfilling the council’s One parent, Alison Calder, said: consult statutory duty to notify residents “I know that it’s human nature to directly, an email alert system complain when something needs Sign up online to receive has been introduced which tells improving but it’s not often that email alerts when new you when a new application is the effort is made to provide consultations are opened. registered in your area. positive feedback when there’s an If you can’t get online at improvement. Visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ home, posters are put up at lookatplanningapplications and “So, I wanted to let you know the beginning of every month follow the instructions. that it’s made such a difference: in all North Somerset libraries sometimes I have to check my Once completed, you will receive and council connect points, watch on the way to school an email every time a new such as the Castlewood office drop off or pick up, wondering application is registered within the in Clevedon, to publicise open if I’m late/early or maybe it’s a area you specified. consultations and how to take weekend!” part.

www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 45 Your views – Letters, photos, tweets, posts

Dear Editor, Citizens Advice is celebrating its 80th love to hear from people who have Your views anniversary this year. Nationally, the supported our charity over the last 80 charity started giving advice in 200 years, whether it’s as a volunteer, staff ? Send your items to locations on 4 September 1939, the member or funder. Editor, North Somerset Life day after World War Two started. Please get in touch by emailing North Somerset Council At that time the service gave advice [email protected], leave a Floor 1, Town Hall to whoever needed it on a range of message on 01934 836 213, or visit Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1UJ issues, including evacuation, what to www.citizensadvice.org.uk/yourstory or email [email protected] do if they’d lost their home, and how to get a new ration book. Diana Nicoll, @NorthSomersetC Citizens Advice North Somerset l The first North Somerset Bureau NorthSomersetCouncil opened in Weston-super-Mare at f the end of 1939 and has survived Correction: NorthSomersetLife a bombing raid, several changes of In the last issue of Life, the Diamond premises and many other challenges. Travelcard bus pass was listed as a Items submitted without a valid name and address It is proud to still be helping the way for over 60s to save money. To will not be considered for publication. Please tell us people of Weston and the wider area clarify, unless you have a qualifying if you do not want your details published. Due to of North Somerset. disability, the age for a Diamond space restrictions letters may be edited. Travelcard is in line with pensionable We would love to hear about how age and not when you turn 60. Citizens Advice has helped you – Check when you become eligible whether back in 1939, 1960 or just at www.gov.uk/state-pension-age last week. We are proud of making or visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ a difference and it would be great diamondtravelcard to hear from you. We would also

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North Somerset Council: Went to walk dogs on Could you please pass l Windford Parish Council, f Felton common #winford on my thanks to Darren at

fl 28835 0319 Bristol Airport and North today about midday and Weston recycling centre who Somerset Council are currently Many topics are surprised to find so many has been fantastic today? working together to identify covered on Twitter airport taxis parked on grass We cleared our garage out and implement a legally and filling the area despite yesterday so I’ve had to visit and Facebook and enforceable solution for this notices advising no parking. the centre a few times today. last month these issues matter. You know the times of planes He’s been courteous and were raised… arriving, can you not send helpful each time I’ve visited. someone to correct this? A real credit to the team there.

46 North Somerset Life • Issue 143 – May/June Life contacts and tides times North Somerset Life North Somerset Life is published by The next edition will be delivered For free regular emails North Somerset Council. from: Monday 1 July 2019 about news, events and services subscribe at For advertising and sponsorship Your copy should be delivered with www.northsomersetlife.co.uk opportunities contact Will Jenkins: your post unless you use Royal 01934 426 474 or Mail’s opt-out service to block Coming next issue: [email protected] unaddressed mail. l Summer Special For editorial contact View back issues at What’s on guide [email protected] or www.n-somerset.gov.uk/nsl 01275 884 139

MAY 2019 JUNE 2019 Date High water Low water High water Low water Date High water Low water High water Low water

Time Height (M) Time Height (M) Time Height (M) Time Height (M) Time Height (M) Time Height (M) Time Height (M) Time Height (M) AM PM AM PM 1 Wed 05:24 10.02 11:19 1.94 17:47 10.19 23:39 1.89 1 Sat 06:03 10.85 – – 18:24 11.08 12:01 1.52 2 Thu 06:07 10.68 11:59 1.54 18:26 10.81 – – 2 Sun 06:46 11.31 00:22 1.48 19:05 11.54 12:44 1.25 3 Fri 06:45 11.15 00:18 1.52 19:02 11.27 12:37 1.27 3 Mon 07:29 11.63 01:04 1.22 19:46 11.84 13:26 1.06 4 Sat 07:20 11.49 00:55 1.26 19:37 11.62 13:15 1.08 4 Tue 08:11 11.83 01:45 1.06 20:28 12.00 14:07 0.97 5 Sun 07:55 11.74 01:31 1.08 20:11 11.87 13:50 0.95 5 Wed 08:54 11.89 02:26 1.00 21:10 12.00 14:46 0.99 6 Mon 08:32 11.89 02:07 0.96 20:47 11.98 14:27 0.90 6 Thu 09:38 11.77 03:08 1.05 21:54 11.82 15:30 1.14 7 Tue 09:09 11.86 02:43 0.97 21:24 11.87 15:02 1.00 7 Fri 10:24 11.48 03:51 1.21 22:42 11.46 16:12 1.36 8 Wed 09:47 11.61 03:19 1.11 22:02 11.53 15:37 1.23 8 Sat 11:14 11.04 04:39 1.42 23:34 11.01 17:01 1.61 9 Thu 10:28 11.14 03:51 1.36 22:44 11.01 16:10 1.53 9 Sun – – 05:34 1.65 12:08 10.57 18:01 1.85 10 Fri 11:15 10.54 04:29 1.64 23:33 10.43 16:52 1.84 10 Mon 00:32 10.59 06:40 1.85 13:10 10.20 19:13 2.04 11 Sat – – 05:20 1.95 12:10 9.96 17:51 2.19 11 Tue 01:36 10.33 07:55 1.97 14:17 10.05 20:30 2.09 12 Sun 00:35 9.93 06:33 2.26 13:19 9.59 19:15 2.47 12 Wed 02:47 10.30 09:07 1.95 15:30 10.18 21:39 1.97 13 Mon 01:51 9.73 08:08 2.39 14:39 9.63 20:52 2.42 13 Thu 03:59 10.49 10:10 1.83 16:38 10.53 22:39 1.79 14 Tue 03:13 10.00 09:33 2.10 15:59 10.13 22:06 2.00 14 Fri 05:04 10.80 11:11 1.70 17:36 10.94 23:39 1.59 15 Wed 04:30 10.61 10:39 1.69 17:08 10.86 23:12 1.55 15 Sat 06:00 11.08 – – 18:28 11.26 12:06 1.53 16 Thu 05:33 11.28 11:45 1.30 18:05 11.50 – – 16 Sun 06:49 11.27 00:27 1.40 19:11 11.49 12:49 1.39 17 Fri 06:26 11.75 00:08 1.13 18:52 11.91 12:34 0.97 17 Mon 07:33 11.40 01:08 1.29 19:53 11.64 13:27 1.34 18 Sat 07:11 12.01 00:52 0.85 19:35 12.14 13:14 0.83 18 Tue 08:13 11.46 01:44 1.25 20:33 11.68 14:02 1.34 19 Sun 07:52 12.12 01:31 0.75 20:13 12.24 13:51 0.83 19 Wed 08:53 11.40 02:19 1.27 21:10 11.53 14:34 1.41 20 Mon 08:32 12.12 02:07 0.78 20:52 12.18 14:25 0.93 20 Thu 09:32 11.16 02:52 1.37 21:48 11.20 15:06 1.57 21 Tue 09:10 11.91 02:40 0.90 21:30 11.86 14:56 1.12 21 Fri 10:07 10.76 03:25 1.55 22:23 10.73 15:37 1.79 22 Wed 09:49 11.44 03:11 1.14 22:07 11.28 15:25 1.42 22 Sat 10:40 10.29 03:58 1.78 22:56 10.23 16:08 2.02 23 Thu 10:25 10.75 03:41 1.47 22:42 10.53 15:54 1.79 23 Sun 11:14 9.83 04:34 2.01 23:33 9.76 16:44 2.24 24 Fri 11:01 10.00 04:13 1.86 23:17 9.80 16:25 2.15 24 Mon 11:52 9.41 05:15 2.24 – – 17:30 2.48 25 Sat 11:37 9.33 04:52 2.23 23:59 9.18 17:03 2.51 25 Tue 00:17 9.34 06:06 2.49 12:37 9.04 18:23 2.73 26 Sun – – 05:39 2.58 12:23 8.79 17:57 2.86 26 Wed 01:10 9.02 07:05 2.71 13:35 8.82 19:28 2.95 27 Mon 00:57 8.72 06:41 2.91 13:29 8.46 19:05 3.17 27 Thu 02:18 8.93 08:12 2.84 14:49 8.91 20:43 3.00 28 Tue 02:16 8.60 08:01 3.09 14:50 8.54 20:34 3.27 28 Fri 03:29 9.23 09:33 2.71 15:58 9.40 22:06 2.69 29 Wed 03:30 8.95 09:39 2.87 15:58 9.06 22:07 2.86 29 Sat 04:30 9.81 10:38 2.25 16:56 10.11 23:01 2.15 30 Thu 04:28 9.58 10:34 2.35 16:53 9.77 22:56 2.30 30 Sun 05:25 10.48 11:26 1.78 17:48 10.82 23:50 1.69 31 Fri 05:18 10.25 11:19 1.89 17:40 10.48 23:40 1.84

Tide timetables for Weston-super-Mare Tide facts Weather conditions which differ from the Tidal predictions for Weston-super-Mare Approximate high water times at: average will have an effect on the differences have been computed by the Proudman Clevedon: 10 min • Portishead: 18 min between predicted and actual tide times. Oceanographic Laboratory. later than Weston-super-Mare. Strong winds can hold the tide in or push Copyright reserved. the tide out. Air pressure can also cause fluctuations in predicted levels. www.n-somerset.gov.uk/tidetimes recycle me when you’ve read me www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 47 New recycling calendars are now available from www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ calendars

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