SPRING 2020
Help shape North Somerset’s future Save time, do it online
Visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/myaccount
Sign up for an online account and:
• make payments • set up a direct debit • pay your council tax • apply for benefits • register a change of details and also a change of address • tell us about a pothole • report fly-tipping. Dear reader...
As the new year springs into life in our Residents will well know we We are also supporting residents to gardens and green spaces, we in North always look after our most vulnerable make different decisions about their Somerset are working to find our own citizens as our biggest priority and so garden waste. Given our cost pressures, green shoots. Residents are aware of the we have to do both less elsewhere in asking all to contribute to the garden financial challenges westill face. There some cases and find ways to provide waste service through council tax, when is a central government budget due in services in different ways. The latter many have no garden, and then cut March and their new administration has also gives us the opportunity to vital services is just not fair. And the promised much, but, as yet, very little is offer choices to address the climate impact on our environment of moving there to help us. And any extra money emergency challenges we face. around large amounts of green waste we have is largely through raising more when that could be composted must We can influence how much car cash from us as residents rather than be something we need to do less of. use we encourage by looking at car any substantial funding from the centre. Realising that we need to assist people to parking costs. Currently all council tax We have been ‘allowed’ again to raise start composting, free and subsidised payers support our ‘free’ car parking a special precept of 2 per cent of council composting bins will be available. through council tax, as on average the tax for social care, but that unfortunately car parks cost the council £50,000 Cllr Don Davies does not address the underlying flawed each per year. It would be great for all funding system for social care, which has The Executive if there were fewer cars on the roads, been the subject of many promised but for the health of those not using their Cllr Don Davies (Independent) so far undelivered proposal papers by a cars and those already walking and Leader of North Somerset Council number of previous governments. cycling. As a start, I would ask as Cllr Mike Bell (Liberal Democrat) In the context of North Somerset, to many of you as are able to join me in Deputy Leader balance our budget we have had to a kilometre challenge this spring, make Cllr Mark Canniford (Liberal Democrat) cover a £5m cut in funding as well any journey less than 1,000 metres Cllr Ashley Cartman (Liberal Democrat) as £11m of extra cost pressures to either on foot or on a bicycle. It’s Cllr Caritas Charles (Independent) deliver our existing services, with more amazing how much more I see, how Cllr Catherine Gibbons (Labour) adults needing help and more children much more I talk to my neighbours and Cllr Bridget Petty (Green) coming into council care, as well as how much less lethargic I feel. wage and other cost increases. Cllr James Tonkin (Independent)
Contents
26 Climate emergency 4 News update 28 Reducing flood risk 10 New fostering programme 36 Spotlight on parking 12 Budget and council tax set changes 16 Significance of hillfort 41 Enabling access for highlighted everyone 18 Make a big difference to 46 Valuable mentoring service your local community gets accreditation 24 Love your place – Blagdon 47 Contact details
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 Bestselling author Zero Carbon group to visit Portishead Bestselling author Rosanna Ley launches in North Somerset is visiting Portishead library this Grassroots organisations It features the top 10 tips for climate month to talk about her latest work. action: are coming together across Find out how she writes and North Somerset to tackle 1. know your carbon footprint researches her books, which are set in places like the Italian Riviera, climate change. 2. change to a renewable energy provider Burma and Havana. Volunteers have set up Zero Carbon 3. insulate your home Her two latest books are North Somerset, a partnership of 4. use active travel The Lemon Tree Hotel and organisations coming together to From Venice With Love. encourage people to live within their 5. move your money to an ethical allowable carbon footprint. bank Rosanna can be heard at 6. try a seasonal, organic, plant- Portishead library from 7-9pm, The organisation will provide a way based diet on Tuesday 17 March. to put individuals in touch with local 7. join a local group Tickets are free but booking in groups, identify funding to take advance is essential. action, and to collect information 8. fly less and feedback to North Somerset 9. buy well, less or second-hand Visit www.n-somersetlibraries. Council. 10. tell your friends. eventbrite.com A new website – Find out more at Volunteers needed to www.zerocarbonnorthsomerset.org www.zerocarbonnorthsomerset.org – has launched. help bereaved relatives Read more about the Could you provide emotional climate emergency on and practical support to someone page 26. attending an inquest? Being told about the last moments of your loved one’s life can be hard but having someone there to help can make the process less traumatic. Avon Coroner’s Court in Flax Bourton is now looking for more volunteers to join the Coroners’ Court Support Service (CCSS). Volunteers from CCSS are there to listen and offer emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending an inquest. Anyone interested can email [email protected] or call 07534 149 962. www.coronerscourtssupportservice. org.uk
4 North Somerset Life • Spring 2020 For the latest updates on North Somerset’s news visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/news
Local partnership helps tilt the For more information about the Hinkley balance for Connection Project and National Grid’s work visit birdlife www.hinkleyconnection.co.uk
Wading birds are being The weir, built to a Dutch design “Unlike traditional sluices it can be encouraged to the marshy adapted for the site, retains and safely and accurately adjusted. wetland near Tickenham thanks raises water levels, so creating a more “This means we get just the right reliable feeding and breeding ground. to the installation of a specially- amount of water to support flora designed tilting weir. The idea was proposed during and fauna year-round, creating National Grid has partnered with consultation on the Hinkley stability for existing wildlife and a local landowner Stewart Plant Connection Project by local attracting wintering wildfowl and and Natural England to install the resident and North Somerset wading birds. weir on the Tickenham Moor Site Conservation Advisor for Natural of Special Scientific Interest near England, Mary Trump. “Peat moors like this also the Causeway, between Nailsea Mary said: “The wetlands are a assist with carbon capture and Tickenham. precious resource and the tilting and flood mitigation.” weir is an impressive feature.
Exhibition of Gypsy and Traveller history opens soon The history of Gypsies and as facts, photographs and artefacts This national event was established Travellers is being celebrated to create a vibrant and interactive in 2008 to challenge stereotypes during an exhibition at Weston experience. and raise awareness of different groups of Travellers. Museum from next month. It runs from April to June in the The free exhibition will combine Community Gallery, to coincide Find out more about recordings of oral histories from with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller events at Weston Museum, Travellers who live locally, as well History Month in June. in Burlington Street, at www.westonmuseum.org
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 5 News Communities to come together to mark VE Day
Towns, villages and organisations across North Piranhi / Shutterstock.com Somerset are being encouraged to come together to Activities could include a street party, poems read by mark VE Day in their local communities. local dignitaries, a short service, the call of a town crier, or more. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the end of World War Two in Europe (Victory in Europe) and in Tag any events with #VEDay75NS on social media, so the Far East (Victory in Japan). people in North Somerset can find details of your event.
To mark VE Day, the bank holiday in early May is VJ Day activities will take place on Saturday 15 August. being moved to Friday 8 May to enable communities to organise their own VE75 activities across the weekend. www.veday75.org Change lives and earn a bonus
Hundreds of pounds are on offer in their hospital discharge, For more information to people in North Somerset who reablement, end-of-life or dementia about working in care call: become new recruits into the care teams, you will be eligible for a • Weston-super-Mare – industry. Proud to Care bonus every six months of employment, thanks Alliance Living Care If you want to make a difference to to the scheme run with North 0300 012 1447 people’s lives and help someone Somerset Council. • Clevedon and Portishead – stay independent in their own home, Nobilis 01275 595 557 a career in care could be for you. More than £100,000 has been paid out in the last six months, with • Worle, Nailsea, Three of the council’s contracted an average bonus of about £300. Congresbury and rural providers are now giving you the areas – Notaro Homecare chance to top-up earnings with Community care and support staff 01934 422 800 bonuses as an added incentive. work various hours and are paid between £8.50 and £11 per hour, Or visit If you join Alliance Living Care, plus mileage. www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ Nobilis Care or Notaro Homecare proudtocare
6 North Somerset Life • Spring 2020 Could you help a child read this summer? Volunteers are needed this summer to help Piranhi / Shutterstock.com run a popular reading challenge in libraries throughout North Somerset.
The annual Summer needed to talk to Reading Challenge children about the encourages children books they have read aged four to 11 and hand out rewards. to keep reading Flexible sessions are throughout the summer available and full holidays and have fun Are you fostering training is given. visiting the library. You do not need any This year’s challenge – privately? previous experience Silly Squad – runs from of volunteering or Saturday 11 July to Private foster carers are being reminded they need working in a library. Saturday 5 September to inform North Somerset Council about their living and volunteers aged arrangements. 14 and over are Private fostering is an informal arrangement when a child under 16 (or 18 if disabled) stays with someone who is not a close relative for more than 28 continuous days.
A close relative is a step-parent, grandparent, brother, sister, uncle or aunt, whether of full blood, half blood or marriage.
Examples of private fostering might include:
MMa teenager living with the family of a boyfriend or girlfriend MMchildren living with a friend’s family as a result of parental separation, divorce or arguments at home MMchildren sent to this country for education or To apply or for more information visit health reasons by parents who live abroad. www.northsomersetlibraryvolunteers. wordpress.com, email library.volunteers@ Anyone who is privately fostering, or aware of a n-somerset.gov.uk or call 01275 888 864 or private fostering arrangement, can contact 01934 426 657. North Somerset Council on 01275 888 808 or [email protected] Applications are open from Monday 6 April to Monday 1 June 2020.
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 7 Get the latest news straight into your inbox
Stay up-to-date with council news, events and services by signing up to the North Somerset Life email newsletter.
The e-newsletter is a monthly round-up of what’s happening in the area, including school holiday events, consultations, offers, recycling updates, travel initiatives and more.
Subscribe online and stay informed at www.northsomersetlife.co.uk
ADVERTISEMENT
Properties from £185,000
Community fee and reinstatement fee apply Registered 202151 Charity
Enjoy a full and active retirement at Sandford Station Retirement Village in North Somerset. Find out more or book a place on an open day call 0117 919 4262. Or visit our show home open every Thursday 10am-12noon. www.stmonicatrust.org.uk/villages/sandford-station
8 North Somerset Life • Spring 2020 Have your say about your neighbourhood
Ambitious strategies are being Your views are now needed to drawn up in North Somerset to shape what comes next in these Speak to keep delivering much-valued services: services. MMgarden waste officers
North Somerset Council is now MMleisure and sports centres Public engagement and drop- looking into how some of its MMlibraries in sessions will take place this services are currently run and what MMparks and open spaces month for people to speak to changes could be made in the council officers in person and MMstreet cleaning. future – and it needs your input. find out more. The council is particularly interested The council is committed to being Tell officers about your ideas open and transparent and a in ideas about how it might work with local communities and for your local area at one of number of consultations are now these sessions: running with residents and other stakeholders to create effective partnerships, pool resources where stakeholders. MMMonday 2 March, possible and take advantage of 1.30-3.30pm – These consultations are being income generation opportunities Sovereign Centre grouped together as ‘Your to make these valued services Weston-super-Mare Neighbourhood’, bringing them as efficient and sustainable as together so the council can possible. MMMonday 9 March, 6-8pm – understand the bigger picture while Tithe Barn, Nailsea also showing how each proposal MMTuesday 10 March, or strategy works on its own. Read more about the noon-2pm – garden waste collection For All Healthy Living changes on pages 30-31. Centre, Weston-super-Mare MMThursday 12 March, 6-8pm – Somerset Hall, Portishead MMTuesday 17 March, 6-8pm – The Barn, Clevedon MMWednesday 18 March, 6-8pm – Yatton Library MMTuesday 24 March, 5-7pm – Long Ashton Community Centre MMThursday 26 March, 6-8pm – Winscombe Community Centre MMTuesday 31 March, 6-8pm Find out more about the – The Campus Your Neighbourhood consultations, Weston-super-Mare read FAQs and have your say online at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/yourneighbourhood
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 9 Innovative programme to revolutionise fostering service
Have you ever thought of fostering but Hub carers offer peer support to other carers and children in their worried about what support you might get? constellation, as well as training and organising regular activities To give you extra encouragement, an innovative support network has now for everyone. launched in North Somerset for foster families to connect with each other and share information, experiences and activities. These social events give the children and young people the North Somerset Council has chance to spend time together, become the first fostering agency which helps normalise their in the South West to implement the experience of being looked after. Mockingbird Family Model. The first constellation launched in This programme is led by the December and North Somerset Fostering Network and has been Council hopes to have the second created to support both foster carers one ready to launch within the next and the children they look after. six months.
The Mockingbird programme sets The ambition is to eventually have up a network ‘constellation’ of up the programme available to all to 10 fostering families and up to fostering families, carers, children 18 children who are supported by and young people who are looked ‘hub’ home carers. after and their families within North Somerset.
Above: Mockingbird Hub home carers Nick and Fran with their homemade banner.
Nick and Fran, who have been “It takes those aspects of foster carers for four years, are support that already exist the hub home carers in the first constellation. within extended families and informal foster carer networks, Nick said: “It is not a radically and provides a framework to new way of doing things. In fact, enable all that good work to it is quite simple, which is why it works so well. continue and flourish.”
10 North Somerset Life • Spring 2020 Innovative programme to revolutionise fostering service
The programme offers foster people with a strong network of as schools, friends and hobbies, carer-led advice, guidance and authentic and trusted relationships. which provide comfort at a time emotional and social support, when it is needed most.” If siblings are looked after in as well as formal and informal different families, it gives them a The Mockingbird programme is training opportunities, planned regular and safe space to meet being piloted in North Somerset and unplanned sleepovers and and spend time together. thanks to funding from the Home whole community social activities. Office Trusted Relationships Grant The stability in relationships and and support from the Fostering Jo and Martin have been foster placements that Mockingbird Network. carers for eight years. provides helps to support fostering families in times of crisis, transition Find out more at Jo said: “Being part of this and times of celebration. www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/ programme is like having an mockingbird extended therapeutic family, The council also hopes that this knowing we have so much new model will attract more immediate support will enrich people to become foster carers in our fostering journey. the first place. Could “For the children, it will provide More are urgently needed and the you foster? a network of friends to share council’s ambition is to recruit 20 amazing experiences with, new carers in 2020. If you’re interested in fostering which will make them feel safe now or in the future, North Mark Reynolds, from North and secure.” Somerset’s fostering team Somerset’s fostering team, said: would love to hear from you. “If we can achieve this it will help Feedback from the Mockingbird to ensure that children from our Call 01275 888 999 for more programme shows that it provides community who need foster care can information or visit home life stability for children who are be placed within North Somerset. www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ looked after and reduces the number fostering of moves they may experience. “If not, external placements could @fosteringnorthsomerset be anywhere in England, away l It also provides both the foster fosteringNS from familiar environments such f carers and children and young
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 11 Value for money Budget and council tax set for year ahead
Council tax bills for the year ahead are being sent out to households across North Somerset this month.
Last month councillors set the budget Richard Penska, interim head of and council tax levels for the new finance at North Somerset Council, financial year. said: At the time of Life going to print, a “Making savings is never rise of 1.99 per cent was expected. an easy thing to do In addition to this, a 2 per cent levy is also being added specifically to but we have a targeted help fund the increasing costs and financial strategy to demand for adult social care. minimise the impacts. The demands on the council’s services continue to increase and “This includes developing financial austerity has not gone sustainable local income streams away. from business and housing growth, managing demand for services and A further £5.2m of savings needed promoting independence, being to be identified on top of those more efficient and transforming already made to ensure a balanced our services so they are more budget for 2020/21. accessible.” And looking forward, a further £19m of savings still need to be identified for the period 2021-2024.
For every £100 the council receives to fund services, it spends:
28 27 15 13 6
caring for adults helping children on housing benefit on support services collecting waste and young people and preventing such as elections and recycling and homelessness looking after the countryside
12 North Somerset Life • Spring 2020 Value for money
What can I expect to pay? This year’s anticipated rise of 1.99 per cent, plus the 2 per cent levy for adult social care, means an average Band D household would pay £1,433.50 in Where does the 2020/21 for North Somerset’s share of the council tax bill – about £27.57 money go? a week.
Council tax is charged by local The final bill also includes charges for councils to help fund the services they Avon and Somerset Police Authority, provide. Avon Fire and Rescue, and town and For every £100 North Somerset parish councils. Council has to spend on funding North Somerset Council has no control services from its net revenue budget, over the level of these charges. almost £60 of this goes on caring for adults who need help and supporting local children and young people to give them the best start in life. Manage your council This leaves less than £40 to spend tax bill online on all the other council services – recycling and waste collections, parks Sign up for e-billing to view and and open spaces, leisure centres, download your latest council tax bill libraries and more. online at a time to suit you.
Through MyAccount you can also access many other council services, such as reporting issues regarding streets, roads, parks and more.
Visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/myaccount
For every £100 the council receives to fund services, it spends:
5 3 1 1 1
fixing and helping people stay planning on online services running libraries, maintaining healthy new homes, schools to improve registration services roads and public and roads customer access and Trading transport Standards
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 13 Creating an OPEN, FAIRER AND GREENER North Somerset Open, fairer and greener is the Chief executive Jo Walker said: One of the greatest challenges is vision for the area set out in “We want North Somerset to be a balancing the pressing need for North Somerset Council’s new great, sustainable and fair place to housing, infrastructure and local corporate plan. live, work and visit. employment, while tackling the climate emergency and preserving “But we can’t achieve this ambition The corporate plan is the over- the beautiful natural environment alone. We all need to get involved arching strategic document for the and built heritage. council, which sets out the vision, in shaping our future together aims and objectives for the next and harness the great opportunity The council can’t do everything four years. we have to achieve more for our on its own so will need to work people and place.” with partners, volunteers and It is an important tool to help focus community groups. efforts and resources on the right There are many issues to consider. Jo added: “Over the past 10 years things. Austerity over the last 10 years we have become increasingly means that some North Somerset The document, which was successful at working with partners residents have seen their living expected to be approved by to achieve more together, and this standards fall, and the council councillors last month, outlines big, must continue. urgent issues which need to be wants to close the inequality gap. “We must also work more closely tackled – such as climate change, The growing population also with our communities, enabling reducing inequality and engaging creates pressures and there is an them to have a greater say and better with residents. increasing demand for adult social involvement in shaping the future. However, the ambitions also need care services. to be realistic. “Working together as a community, we can become more successful and a place that delivers positive futures for everyone.”
Residents, local organisations and businesses had the chance to shape the council’s visions, aims and priorities for the area during a consultation exercise.
Focus groups were held around North Somerset followed by an online consultation. Nearly 200 responses were received from residents and organisations.
14 North Somerset Life • Spring 2020 North Somerset Council’s vision is to be OPEN, FAIR AND GREEN.
The priorities are for North Somerset to be:
a thriving and sustainable place
a council which empowers and cares about people
an open and enabling organisation.
Find out more about the council’s vision, aims and priorities for the area by reading the corporate plan online at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ corporateplan
Read more about the climate emergency on page 26
The big conversation
Results showed that 66 per cent of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that it was the right vision for North Somerset; 16 per cent were neutral; and 18 per cent did not agree it was the right vision.
In addition, 73 per cent either agreed or strongly agreed they were the right aims for North Somerset.
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 15 New research highlights national significance of hillfort New research has further highlighted the national significance Why is the hillfort of the Iron Age hillfort overlooking Weston-super-Mare – important? but the site is at risk. Worlebury Camp hillfort is the site Worlebury Camp Iron Age hillfort Mark Bowden, senior investigator of Weston’s first settlement, built is a scheduled monument and at Historic England, said: “The more than 2,000 years ago for one of the most significant in the hillfort was declared a Heritage at defensive purposes. country because of its prominent Risk site because of concerns over It is one of only about 50 large coastal location. its deteriorating condition through hillforts with multiple ramparts in neglect and vandalism. However, the hillfort was added England and provides a detailed to Historic England’s Heritage at “The more effective long-term insight into Iron Age society in Risk register in 2016 because of solution must lie in removing the this area. the harm that was being caused trees which are causing many of Significant features include 93 to the monument through tree and the problems. known stone pits, stone ramparts vegetation growth and vandalism. “This would also open up the site, and ditches. Historic England’s archaeological explaining and sharing the hillfort’s survey and investigation team significance and value, and recently completed an analytical nurturing respect for it.” What are the risks to earthwork survey of the hillfort and the site? The hillfort is managed by North its surrounding landscape. Somerset Council with help from When the hillfort was constructed, The research provided further volunteers from Worlebury Hillfort the rocky outcrop without trees insight into the hillfort and activity Group, Weston Civic Society would have been similar in during the later prehistoric period and Weston Archaeological and appearance to nearby Sand Point and provided recommendations Natural History Society. and Brean Down. for further work to recover evidence for scientific dating and The trees (the majority of which are environmental analysis. not native species) were planted in the 1820s by the Smyth-Piggotts to provide a game estate.
Clearance of the eastern ramparts carried out by volunteers of Worlebury Hillfort Group
16 North Somerset Life • Spring 2020 These trees now bring three main The council must apply for a felling nature to reinstate to a more natural risks: licence to remove trees. This would environment. If the felling licence MMroot erosion of features ask to remove about six hectares is granted, the council will apply including pits and ramparts within the hillfort’s scheduled area, for lottery funding to enable the and thin vegetation on the northern work to be carried out. Funding MMerosion caused by tree collapse cliff by 30 per cent. would also pay for new information or leaning trees boards at the site. MMcollapse of trees across formal This totals about five per cent footpaths. of the total woodland within Subject to funding being Weston Woods. approved, it is anticipated that Further damage was caused by felling will take place next winter, The felled hillfort area would then quarry excavation on the south outside the bird nesting season. side and vandalism of the ramparts return to limestone grassland, with over many years. significant biodiversity benefits for View the management plan online the ecology of the area. at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/hillfort Some trees were removed in 2005 to create a gladed area, which This approach supports the opened-up an important part of council’s rewilding policy – to allow the hillfort and protected many important stone pits. 5,000 new trees planted However, this intervention did little to protect the majority of the site Rewilding and re-planting is consultation and more and continuing damage led to it under way in North Somerset than 200 people volunteered being placed on Historic England’s after 5,000 new trees were to help. planted last month. Heritage at Risk Register in 2016. As a result, 5,000 trees – The planting is part of a donated by the Woodland Trust What next? rewilding project to create more – were planted across North habitats and help mitigate the Somerset during the February North Somerset Council owns and effects of climate change. school holiday. manages a total of 126 hectares on Worlebury Hill. The project was agreed last There will be lots more July and officers then identified opportunities to get involved in the A management plan was adopted council-owned verges, parks and coming year, as the council will be by the council last year and its open spaces as potential sites. planting 50,000 trees in total. main objective is to uncover the hillfort, to help reveal the secrets More than 500 people To get involved email lost for the past 200 years under responded to the recent rewilding [email protected] extensive tree and vegetation growth.
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 17 Community engagement
Make a big difference to your local community Volunteering can bring many benefits – both for you and your local community.
It can help you gain confidence supporting organisations to deliver and learn new skills, meet people, essential services in the community. discover hidden talents, and help Green-fingered Fiona Murphy make a visible difference to society decided she wanted to make better in general. Joy Waspe use of her free time and found a There are lots of opportunities role through VANS as a volunteer to choose from but local charity gardener at Yeo Valley Children’s “The gardens are well kept, Voluntary Action North Somerset Centre. (VANS) can help you find the the children get excited Two years on and Fiona has made right one for you, whatever your about being involved in a positive impact at the children’s interests. the gardening and Fiona centre. The charity launched in 1997 and has made new friends, Jenny Kingston, from the children’s works to strengthen the voluntary learned a lot more about centre, said: “Fiona has done sector by matching volunteers with wonders for the outside space and gardening and physically charities that need support. we couldn’t manage without her. and mentally benefitted It currently represents about 600 from working outside organisations, has more than more.” 450 volunteering opportunities advertised, and has about 1,200 people registered on its site.
Opportunities might include improving the environment, spending time with people who would otherwise be lonely, or
18 North Somerset Life • Spring 2020 Community engagement
Number crunching
Tens of millions of people volunteer across the UK every year. An estimated 20.1 million Improvements to the outdoor space people volunteered formally of Yeo Valley Children’s Centre with a group, club or organisation at least once Retiree Joy Waspe previously Banwell-based not-for-profit social during 2017/18, and 11.9 worked for North Somerset enterprise Osprey Outdoors runs million volunteered at least Community Partnership (NSCP), regular environmental and outdoor once a month. which provides community health courses, such as bushcraft, walking This work contributed more services in North Somerset. and conservation. than £17bn to the UK After retirement she was very The organisation has used VANS economy, according to the UK active with different commitments for a couple of years to find Civil Society Almanac last year but still had time to spare. volunteers who could help promote – the definitive resource on the the roles and activities they offer. state of the voluntary sector. Joy said: “I wanted to volunteer and thought – why not my past Wendy Watkins, of Osprey employer?” Outdoors, said: “One of the volunteers who joined our Volunteering Joy is now a volunteer meet and conservation volunteering greeter, welcoming new starters to boosts happiness programme was initially NSCP on their corporate induction accompanied by his support Researchers at the London day and supporting NSCP’s worker. School of Economics found training team. that people become happier “Over a period of time, his She’s also a reserve volunteer by volunteering more. confidence grew and his support at The Little Teapot Café in worker was able to just drop him When you give your time to Clevedon’s Community Hospital. off at the pick-up point. others, you attain a personal Joy said: “Through volunteering, sense of accomplishment, “He now works as part of the I’ve had the opportunity to help which brings about positive conservation team and engages people I used to work with. effects on your mood. with them on different topics such “I enjoy knowing that what I as climate change, renewable Volunteers who committed do takes some pressure off the energy, volunteering and cycling. to at least one or two hours training team, and that what I do is every week reaped the fullest “As a direct result of volunteering worthwhile.” benefits. with us, he’s now started Find out about how to take Volunteering can help build volunteering at a local cycle action for a happier and confidence and enable a person to group, demonstrating some of the more caring world at develop work and life skills. benefits that volunteering brings to www.actionforhappiness.org people.”
Could you Search for current volunteering or call opportunities online at 01934 416 486 to speak volunteer? www.vansweb.org.uk to the team directly.
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 19 Weston Vision Council amends £5.3m plans following public consultation
Changes include: MMTrees – the layout has been adjusted to retain more mature trees in the centre of Alexandra Parade MMTaxis – the existing rank near the Tesco entrance is being Alexandra Parade retained and extended MMNew green area – a new green Feedback and ideas from residents, local businesses, the town council space outside the Tavern Inn the and developers have helped shape plans for improvement works in Town will be created Weston-super-Mare town centre. MMParking spaces – the planned bus stop on Oxford Street has Work is due to start on Regent MMscattered town centre bus stops been moved to make way for Street, Alexandra Parade, Station brought into one location in a loading and parking bay for Road and Walliscote Road this Regent Street, creating a more shops in Walliscote Road spring and will take about nine accessible and simpler hub MMToilets on Alexandra Parade months to complete. MMenhanced cycling and pedestrian – North Somerset Council is links across the town centre. It will include: working closely with the town MMan improved road layout of The project is being funded council to provide public toilets Alexandra Parade and Walliscote by a £4.45m grant from the near the bus interchange Road, reducing the volume of Department for Transport and the MMGated pedestrianised zone – the traffic in the town centre West of England Local Enterprise pedestrianised zone will be gated MMa reduction in the number of Partnership Local Growth Fund to eliminate unauthorised driving, vehicles circulating through the for public realm, highways and apart from during delivery times. town centre and Alexandra transport improvements to Station This work is being delivered as Parade during the day. Road, Walliscote Road and part of Weston-super-Mare’s Deliveries to Regent Street will Alexandra Parade. regeneration programme, which be allowed between 6pm and A further £850,000 from the same is delivering improvements to key 10am sources has also been awarded for development sites to encourage MMa more attractive entrance similar works in Regent Street. investment and attract more to the town with improved people to live in the town centre, Extensive public consultation took landscaping and more than thereby creating an improved local place and the proposed plan 30 new trees planted economy that is also sensitive and has been amended as a result of supportive of its vibrant heritage. feedback.
20 North Somerset Life • Spring 2020 Weston Vision Council amends £5.3m plans following public consultation Weston High Street store gets Grade II listing Historic High Street store WHSmith has received Grade II listed status following recent renovations to its façade.
The historic branch of the stationery plaster work of rustic scenes and a Discover how Weston retailer was built by WHSmith & man holding a leather-bound book. developed from Son in 1926 and is decorated with Rebecca Barrett, regional director local motifs and literary quotes. village to town at a for Historic England in the South It has now been listed at Grade West, said: “As a bookshop and new exhibition at the II by the Department for Digital, library it has played an important town’s museum. Culture, Media and Sport on the role in the lives of the people advice of Historic England. of Weston for generations. Its From Village to Town: beautiful details add character.” Weston-super-Mare’s Built The façade’s lead panels feature carvings of flowers and animals, Helen Burgess, group property Heritage brings together objects, and coats of arms of Somerset, director at WHSmith, said: images and film to tell the Bath, Bristol and Taunton. “The response from customers and story of Weston-super-Mare’s locals following the reconstructive architectural development over Weston-super-Mare itself is not work to the building and fascia the past 250 years. represented because the town’s coat has been very positive. of arms was not created until 1928. The exhibition has been created “We are glad that the community The frieze above the windows by the South West Heritage continues to enjoy the restored includes a quote from Trust in partnership with Weston appearance and shopping Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus Heritage Action Zone and experience.” and is carved in the official font of Historic England. WHSmith created in 1903 by Arts The High Street is part of Weston’s It is open now until Saturday and Crafts designer Eric Gill. Heritage Action Zone. 9 May, at Weston Museum in The shop also had a lending Find out more at Burlington Street. library on the first floor when it first www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ www.westonmuseum.org opened and this features neo-Tudor heritageactionzone
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 21 say hello to a new sunday service
Long Ashton Park & Ride to Bristol City Centre via Ashton Gate, SS Great Britain, Wapping Wharf, Temple Meads
buses every 20 mins from Sunday 5th April every 20 mins on Saturdays and up to every 10 mins Monday-Friday. parking is free, just buy a bus ticket! unlimited bus travel for a day £4.50 per person £9 Group ticket for up to 5 people including all First buses in the Bristol Zone
metrobusbristol.co.uk Local events Creative workshops to boost wellbeing An uplifting and celebratory The event runs from Friday 3 to The website www.cultureweston. three-day festival focusing on arts Sunday 5 April, and will showcase org.uk, which will list full details, and health is coming to Weston- the people, places and activity that launches early this month. super-Mare next month. form the heartbeat of the town. Photo by Company Chameleon The Weston Arts + Health Weekender It will feature dance, theatre, art, say hello to a is co-produced by Culture Weston and music, poetry, storytelling, heritage, #UHBristolArts, the arts and culture food and sport. new sunday programme of University Hospitals There will also be creative Bristol NHS Foundation Trust. workshops and medical humanities service It marks the joining of University seminars for health sector staff, Hospitals Bristol and Weston Area as well as hospital-based arts Health NHS Trusts and the launch activities. Long Ashton Park & Ride of Culture Weston. to Bristol City Centre via Ashton Gate, SS Great Britain, Wapping Wharf, Temple Meads Thought-provoking theatre and dynamic dance Two dance performances will be coming to Weston-super-Mare this spring as part of a year-round programme of professional arts and community engagement for all ages. Mr and Mrs Clark – Louder is Not Always Clearer Teacher Jonny is different, The show is accessible to deaf, hard growing up deaf in a hearing of hearing and hearing audiences, family. Louder Is Not Always using spoken English, British Sign Clearer highlights those Language and creative captions. differences in a warm and Image by Jorge Lizaldi See it on Thursday 12 March. humorous way. buses every 20 mins This performance uses contemporary from Sunday 5th April dance, confessional performance and Dan Watson comedy to re-enact how Dan would every 20 mins on Saturdays and up to like have liked the dance to happen. every 10 mins Monday-Friday. – Venus parking is free, just buy a bus ticket! The audience are asked to take on Dan lost a British holiday camp unlimited bus travel for a day the roles of judges, other contestants £4.50 per person dance competition as a child, and enthusiastic family members at £9 Group ticket for up to 5 people partly because they didn’t play the competition. including all First buses in the Bristol Zone his song of choice – Venus by See it from Image by Bananarama. 7.30pm on Friday 3 April. Holly Revell/Rich Rusk metrobusbristol.co.uk Both shows can be seen at the Blakehay Theatre, in Wadham Street, Weston-super-Mare. Tickets for both cost from £10, from www.theatreorchard.org.uk/weston
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 23 LoveTake timeyour outplace – Walk Enjoy bustling Blagdon Picturesque Blagdon is a thriving community with a long history found within the Mendip Hills.
The village overlooks Blagdon There are many social and sports Lake and is popular with walkers, groups, such as the local history ramblers and fishing enthusiasts. group, WI, village lunch, brownies, guides, scouts, tennis, football and According to the census in 2011, cricket. The Space@St Andrew’s has been just over 1,100 people live here created at the back of the church to and the community feeling is strong. host a variety of activities, such as In 2015 more than 100 residents Wifi Wednesday. got together to create The Mosaic A red telephone box, outside Body on the Mead, a community project and Soul, in the High Street, has funded with support from the also been converted to a well-used Mendip Hills Foundation book exchange. Another telephone It was designed by artist Wendy St Andrew’s Church overlooks the box holds a defibrillator. Phillips and illustrates the great lake and can be seen for miles things about living in the village. around, with one of the tallest towers in Somerset at 116-foot.
Get walking Blagdon sits within the View them, and other walks Shorter, circular routes are also Mendip Hills Area of in Life since 2012, online at available to download from Outstanding Natural Beauty www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk and many walks can be walks Choose from a 2.5 mile enjoyed in the local area. The West Mendip Way also Blagdon Lake walk, a Life has previously published passes to the south of Blagdon, 3.75 mile Blagdon and walks here, in the June 2014 part of the 50-mile long-distance Burrington Ham walk, or many and March 2015 editions. Mendip Way trail from more around the Mendip Hills. Weston-super-Mare to Frome.
Photos by: Julie Chamberlain, Sophie Moore, Matt Pluchino
24 North Somerset Life • Spring 2020 TakeLove time yourout – placeWalk
Blagdon Lake Blagdon Lake is a well-known landmark at the foot of the Did you know? Mendip Hills. MMBlagdon was called Blachedon It covers 440 acres, has a seven- The building is currently not in the Domesday Book mile perimeter and is a Site of open to the public due to MMSeveral Roman coins and Special Scientific Interest for its extensive work to the site. fragments of Roman pottery wildflower meadows and bird have been found in the village Visitors can walk around the populations. north-west corner. The rest of the MMThere were lead and silver The reservoir was constructed lake is open to permit holders workings at Charterhouse, in the early 1900s and from its only (opening from Tuesday 10 about 1.5 miles uphill to the early days has been popular March for season ticket holders south of Blagdon with trout fly fishing anglers. and Thursday 12 March for the MMWriter and educational pioneer The Grade II* listed pumping general public). Hannah More founded a station is an imposing red brick www.bristolwaterfisheries.com/ Sunday School in the village in structure in Jacobean revival style. lakes/blagdon-lake 1795, after being shocked at the poverty and ignorance in Mendip villages. The event features the ever-popular Traditional fun human fruit machine and more. Traditional fun is Other events in the village include coming to Blagdon youth week in August (events for this May when the local children), Christmas fairs, a popular annual Wassail in January and Lantern Blagdon Church Parade in February. and Village Fete returns. Follow f blagdonvillage for updates. Eat and drink Quench your thirst and satisfy your hunger at these places: MMThe Queen Adelaide www.queenadelaideblagdon. co.uk MMThe Seymour Arms www.theseymourarms.com MMThe New Inn www.newinnblagdon.co.uk MMYeo Valley HQ canteen www.yeovalley.co.uk/ the-canteen
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 25 Climate emergency Crucial year to tackle climate emergency
Now is the time to tackle climate change before it’s too late, according North Somerset’s climate to the world’s leading authorities. emergency strategy
In January Sir David Attenborough It is seen as an essential step in A climate emergency was declared said the moment of crisis had come getting world leaders to set out in in North Somerset early last year and that while climate scientists detail exactly what they are doing. an action plan was put together. are becoming clearer about the The BBC has now begun a year- need for a rapid response, the North Somerset aims to become long series of special programming pace of international negotiations a carbon neutral council and a and coverage, called Our Planet is too slow. carbon neutral area by 2030. Matters. The United Nations has also said The climate emergency strategy It includes new shows and services that 2020 is the crucial year and contains seven key principles with features from the BBC weather that inaction is not an option. which outline how the council department and coverage of will address the causes and Later this year the UN’s climate debates and events across the consequences of climate change. change conference, known as world. COP26, takes place in Glasgow. What damage could be done by rising temperatures?
A global temperature rise of 1.5°C If this happens we could see more above pre-industrial levels is frequent and intense heatwaves considered to be a moderately safe and wildfires; experience severe level of heating and most countries droughts and floods; lose the agreed to keep to this during the ability to grow crops such as Paris Agreement of 2015. rice, maize and wheat; the coral reefs could be wiped out; global However, a report by the UN’s sea levels would rise and tens of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate millions of people be displaced. Change (IPCC) in 2018 said the The natural world is also at risk and world was on course for a rise of the UN published a report last year 3°C by the end of this century. which said one million animal and
26 North Somerset Life • Spring 2020 Climate emergency
The big Crucial year to tackle climate emergency About 250 comments were conversation received during the council’s consultation on the climate “We cannot do this on our own. emergency strategy. But we need to be seen to set an Of these, about 80 per cent of example.” people supported the council’s “One of the easiest ways to reduce aims of becoming carbon neutral our greenhouse gas emissions is by by 2030. adopting a lower carbon diet.” Some thought this was unrealistic “Poor public transport but many wanted the council to infrastructure needs to be improved go further or faster. with radical upshift in efficiency Feedback included: and convenience for users.”
“As a scientist I know that the “Overreaction to something we climate emergency is real. As a cannot really control could be parent I believe that action is vital.” very disruptive and expensive.”
“I am convinced by the Sign up for future workshops to arguments that global warming help develop the action plan. and pollution are on the verge of Find out more and read the being out of control. I think we action plan at have to take action ourselves and www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ not wait for government to grind climatechange slowly into action.” Do you live in a ‘green home’? Does your home have special green credentials that you would be willing to show off, or would you like to visit one?
If you live in North Somerset and Sunday 14 June and participants What damage could be done by rising temperatures? have exceptional insulation, a living are needed to open their homes roof, a ground or air source heat to the public, and visitors are pump, solar panels with battery needed to view them. plant species were threatened with storage, an electric vehicle or more, extinction in the coming decades If you’d like to take part, either you could help spread the word because of human activity. as a host or visitor, email about the benefits of such technology. [email protected] A more recent study found that the A Green Open Homes event by the end of April. growth of cities, clearing forests for takes place on Saturday 13 and farming and the soaring demand for fish had significantly altered nearly three-quarters of the land and more than two-thirds of the oceans.
To combat this, rapid and significant changes are needed in energy use, land use, cities and industry.
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 27 Reducing North Somerset’s flood risk
Flooding can threaten lives and cause substantial damage to property, infrastructure and land.
Significant flooding hit North Wrington Somerset in 2012 and 2016, exacerbated by wet summers A £1.4m flood defence scheme Several properties have also followed by periods of heavy was completed in Wrington last received bespoke Property Level rainfall in the autumn and winter. year, jointly funded by North Resilience, depending on their need. Somerset Council, the Environment This has included flood doors or air Flooding is a natural process and Agency, Wessex Water and brick covers installed, which seal up can’t be completely prevented, but Wrington Parish Council. the impact can be reduced. vents and openings of buildings to This work includes a new two-metre prevent floodwater getting in. North Somerset Council works high, 163-metre long bank, known Before the scheme was finished, to lower flood risks from surface as a flood storage embankment. water, ordinary watercourses 79 properties were at risk of such as ditches and streams, It provides an area for excess flooding – 26 with a moderate groundwater, and drainage from water to be held when the Rye risk, 42 with a significant risk, and the road network. Brook reaches full capacity. 11 with a very significant risk.
It works with the Environment A culvert has also been built at Now, just 13 properties are at Agency and Internal Drainage Garstons Orchard to carry away moderate risk of flooding. Board, which is responsible for water. tidal flooding and main rivers, to The culvert is a box with a screen find the best ways of reducing the into which overland flood water New flood defences in Wrington overall risk of flooding. can run if the brook does break Trained officers keep an eye on its banks. the weather forecasts to respond to potential problems and temporary flood defence systems can be deployed in areas of high risk.
Where homes in towns and villages are at significant risk, extra flood defences may be built.
28 North Somerset Life • Spring 2020 What you can do
Flooding can happen in even low- risk areas.
To help you prepare, visit the National Flood Forum online for lots of advice about what you can do: nationalfloodforum.org.uk
Watercourses
Does the bank of a watercourse run through your land?
If so, you are responsible for its maintenance and keeping it clear Be prepared for flooding of obstructions, such as garden rubbish, which can fall in and MMFor more information about flooding visit cause a blockage. www.n-somerset.gov.uk/flooding MMMake sure you have the correct level of home insurance For more advice visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ MMAn online directory developed by the National Flood Forum gives links watercourseownership to products and services to help protect your property, as well as flood resilience advice. Visit www.bluepages.org.uk MMSign up for free flood warnings from the Environment Agency at Stay safe in flooding www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings or call 03459 881 188 Highways teams work hard to MMThe Met Office weather forecast app, which is available on the Google keep roads clear, put out warning Play and Apple stores, gives real-time severe weather warnings signs, or close dangerous routes. MMNorth Somerset’s Community Resilience scheme includes trained Stay safe if you see flooding on the volunteers who work with highways officers to spot, report, and solve road or a blocked drain and never issues such as gullies that need clearing, in their local communities. enter flood water on foot or in Find out more about Community Resilience and help prepare your your vehicle. Just six inches of fast community for an emergency at www.communityresilience-ns.org.uk flowing water can knock you over and there may be hazards under the water which you cannot see. Report flooding
MMIf there is an emergency or danger to life, call 999 MMReport flooding to a property (both internal and external) to help the council New flood defences in Wrington understand how flooding affects different parts of the area. Download and fill out a form at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ reportpropertyflooding or call Council Connect on 01934 888 802 MMReport road flooding issues online at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ reporthighwayflooding or call Council Connect on 01934 888 802
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 29 Recycling Changes coming to garden waste collections
Tackling climate change has This annual fee will make it become a priority for many comparable to all neighbouring councils. people. Introducing changes to Hints for home composting the garden waste service will At the same time, the council will Now is the time to give have a major impact on North support home and community composting. home composting a go if Somerset’s climate emergency you want to dispose of your strategy. Composting is the cheapest and most eco-friendly method garden waste in a more Due to the council’s commitment to of disposing of garden waste, eco-friendly way. encouraging sustainable behaviour because you can use the nutrient- and rising cost pressures, the rich fertiliser in your own garden. Composting at home is an easy decision was made in January way to recycle garden waste to introduce an annual charge of A reduction in the volume of yourself and enjoy the benefits. £50 per bin. This was necessary to garden waste collected would also promote more eco-friendly methods mean a vital decrease in vehicle It is a natural and inexpensive and make it a self-financing service. emissions, as less trucks would be process which turns your kitchen needed. Home composting reduces and garden waste into nutrient- the waste miles travelled to zero. rich garden food. Compost contains everything your Join the plants need to grow, including conversation nitrogen, phosphorous and Have your say potassium, and it even acts as a buffer to soils that are very acidic Consultation is currently under or alkaline. way on the future of garden waste Feedback will help inform the collections in North Somerset. design of the service and ensure home composting and other It forms part of the Your options are available to local Neighbourhood consultation, communities. which also includes questions about libraries, leisure centres, The consultation closes in April parks and more. and responses will be made public in the summer. If you’re currently Many issues about garden waste registered for garden waste, have not been decided yet so your collections will continue as your views are needed, including normal until the new charge is how to sign up, payment options, implemented. Residents will be bin size, and how to access kept informed. composting support. The bins belong to North Somerset Council Visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ and any unwanted ones will be yourneighbourhood collected back.
30 North Somerset Life • WinterSpring 20202019 Recycling Changes coming to garden waste collections Hints for home composting Composting at home also means you save the equivalent carbon emissions to boiling your kettle Become a litter-picking hero for a year or using your washing Help clean up your local than 950,000 bags of litter – machine for three months. equivalent to nearly 240,0000 neighbourhood by becoming There is also no need for extra full wheelie bins. transportation so it cuts down on a litter-picking hero. Of this, 61 per cent was general vehicle emissions too. Environmental charity Keep waste litter and the other 39 per North Somerset Council sells Britain Tidy is running this year’s cent was then recycled. compost bins for £15 or you can Great British Spring Clean from pick one up from most garden Friday 20 March to Monday Keep an eye out for information centres. 13 April and there will be many about this year’s litter picks in opportunities to get involved. North Somerset on the council’s Order online at recycling and waste social media www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ Last year, more than 560,000 pages, or visit composting people took part nationally, www.keepbritaintidy.org and Visit www.recyclenow.com for doing more than 17,000 click on the Great British Spring more information about how to clean-ups and collecting more Clean tab. get started and what items you can put in your compost bin. Be a year-round litter picker
Volunteers are needed to become council will supply litter picking year-round litter pickers to help equipment and safety information keep their local area tidy. to help you.
Register online for the Adopt a For more information visit Street scheme, choose the street www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ you would like to adopt, and the adoptastreet
Information contained here For waste tips, applies to households in North recycling advice Somerset. If you live in Bath and questions, and North East Somerset, follow the team on social media. Bristol or Somerset council l ns_recycling areas, you will need to check NSrecyclingandwaste your local arrangements. f
www.n-somerset.gov.ukwww.n-somerset.gov.uk ll@NorthSomersetC@NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 31 Reducing car use brings many benefits
Hopping on a bike or walking short distances instead of using the car can dramatically improve the environment around you. Walking and cycling brings Here in North Somerset, the Top five reasons for many benefits for all age council has worked on a groups – it’s a great way to get three-year project with Bristol, leaving the car at home: active, help reduce traffic and South Gloucestershire and improve air quality. Bath and North East Somerset MMYou’ll avoid the stress of congestion councils to encourage In January, a Department for MMYou’ll arrive at your destination more sustainable travel. alert, ready to learn and work Transport (DfT) survey showed that 76 per cent of respondents Schools, businesses and MMYou’ll benefit physically, mentally and were in favour of reducing communities have taken part socially motor vehicle usage in urban in local and regional projects MMYou’ll get more quality family time areas for the sake of the to reduce car use, thanks for MMYou’ll have less impact on the environment. funding from the DfT’s Access environment. Fund. Also in January, Birmingham – famous for its Spaghetti Life looks at some successes… Junction road network – announced a new transport plan which would ban private cars from driving through the city centre, to encourage walking, cycling and using public transport instead.
32 North Somerset Life • Spring 2020 Schools Children have learnt about road Fifteen schools also received The school also set up a Park and safety, carried out travel surveys additional free support from walking Stride group and held two Big and enjoyed Bikeability and charity Living Streets to run the year- Community Walks. round walk to school challenge. scooter training as part of a A group of parents were also national accreditation scheme for Pupils were encouraged to walk to inspired by the project and active travel. school at least once a week during completed a sponsored walk along the whole school year and log their Hadrian’s Wall to raise school funds. In North Somerset, journeys. 42 schools took part in Jane Bennet, head teacher at the the Modeshift STARS, Flax Bourton Primary School school, said: “The travel tracker the national school made great strides and was a great hook for pupils and travel awards, and increased active travel at the made them think about it more. nearly half gained school by 21 per cent as a We are delighted that pupils and accreditation. result. parents supported the initiative.”
Communities Community groups across cycling the Brean Down Way and has included offering free Dr Bike North Somerset have benefited Strawberry Line cycle routes. The check-ups at the festivals, courtesy from award winning projects. project won the ‘Excellence in of Griffin Cycles. As a result, it Cycling’ category at the Modeshift was recognised at the Travelwest Boombox Youth Project offers National Sustainable Travel awards in the Best Motivational a range of activities for young Awards in November. Campaign category. people living in the South Ward of Weston-super-Mare. ‘Bike Fix’ The Travelwest roadshow team sessions, which have continue to spread the word about been made possible active travel at public events, by council offering journey planning and funding, give other support. Nearly 200 North participants Somerset residents have taken the chance to eat:Festivals is a social enterprise part in activities, such as adult develop bike which runs free food and drink cycle training and two-week bike maintenance festivals across North Somerset. loans. The team also offers security skills and The council has helped it marking and so far has registered experience encourage visitors to walk, cycle nearly 200 bicycles, worth and take the bus to its events. This £45,000.
Businesses Individuals in workplaces across North Somerset are acting as ambassadors for sustainable travel. With council support, Active Travel England, where participants track Businesses were also Champions are encouraging their sustainable journeys in the supported to put colleagues to think of more hope of winning prizes. in place workplace sustainable ways to get to work. infrastructure such as cycle The council’s fleet of electric bikes parking and changing facilities, They do this through initiatives such has also been popular for work with match-funded grants. as the annual Travelwest Challenge, travel and have covered 2,310 which runs across the West of miles in six months.
Could your child’s school or your workplace benefit from sustainable travel initiatives? Email the team on [email protected]
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 33 Investment in roads The road ahead is paved with... green
Case study – Winterstoke Road, Weston
Road quality in North Somerset is being improved in Nearly 500 metres of road was an environmentally-friendly way thanks to a successful recycled at Winterstoke Road in recycling initiative. Weston-super-Mare in October. The £490,000 project involved Roads in Weston-super-Mare, What does the recycling recycling a 3,330m² stretch of this Portishead and Long Ashton have process involve? busy route. all been upgraded in the last year by removing the existing road Ex-situ recycling restores a damaged The whole project, which was surface, treating it offsite and then road by recycling and reusing completed using a night closure, relaying in the same location. the existing construction materials also involved fixing footpaths, to build a new road with the cleaning and improving the The process, part of the council’s strength and life expectancy of a drainage system, relaying kerbs, commitment to becoming carbon traditionally-designed carriageway. and replacing damaged ironwork neutral by 2030, is known as such as drains and manhole covers. ‘ex-situ recycling’ and has two key It is only used if the whole structure benefits: of the road is damaged and if M Environmental simple resurfacing is not sufficient M – by recycling reduce the need to dispose of huge to repair the carriageway. the existing road surface, huge volumes of waste materials. CO savings are made by not 2 Asphalt materials are almost unique using new asphalt that would The existing asphalt materials are among construction products as need to be extracted, mixed excavated from the road (known as they can be totally recycled and, in and transported – all using ‘asphalt planings’), then transported many cases, re-used on the site they energy. to a processing unit to be used as an were extracted from. MMFinancial – huge cost savings ingredient in fresh asphalt mixtures. are made by not using new Ex-situ recycling involves rebuilding the lower levels of the road before The material is brought back to the site materials and not having to to be installed in the lower levels of the dispose of the old road surface. a new road surface is installed. The process is an alternative to new road construction, before a new using new materials and helps to road surface is installed on top.
34 North Somerset Life • Spring 2020 Investment in roads The road ahead is paved with... green
Case study – Winterstoke Road, Weston
The project was led by the council’s One tonne of CO2 is equivalent to: highway contractors Skanska, with assistance from: MMthe average emission of one passenger on a return-flight MMJohn Wainwright and Co who from Paris to New York completed the on-site surfacing works and transporting of the MMdriving 3,700 miles with a road surface diesel car MMOCL Regeneration for the MM4,300 kWh of power production of the recycled mixture consumption (which is enough to run a 50” LED TV non-stop MMForest Traffic Services who for 30 years). carried out traffic management, and MMWJ Roadmarkings who marked the road.
By recycling materials, more Climate emergency than 30 tonnes of CO were 2 North Somerset Council declared emergency, and the measures saved during the Winterstoke a climate emergency in February are set out in the council’s Road resurfacing works. 2019 and set a target of becoming Climate Emergency Strategy and carbon neutral by 2030. Action Plan. This is half the CO2 that would have been used during A series of initiatives, projects See the feature on page 26 for traditional road construction. and policy changes have been more information. devised to help tackle the climate
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 35 Spotlight on parking changes Changes to car parking charges are coming to North Somerset this year and the council wants your help to shape the plans.
Several changes to what and where The changes aim to make sure people will have to pay to park were parking is managed in the best and agreed by councillors at an Executive fairest way possible, to encourage meeting in January. turnover of visitors to town centres, to make sure any fees are reasonable, However, before plans are finalised, and to cover the costs of enforcement. the council is collecting feedback from communities to help it design the best The changes also aim to encourage approach for each area. people to choose different ways to travel, which links to the climate The proposals were drawn up by emergency declared by the a cross-political party council last year. working group in response to residents’ Transport teams in the calls for a fairer council are now working approach to parking. with councillors and town and parish councils Some tariffs in car parks in areas where new If you have any comments or and on roads in Weston- charges are proposed to concerns about these changes then super-Mare will become understand any issues. first speak to a representative from cheaper, while fees will your town or parish council or be introduced to other They will be asking for their your local ward member for North areas and charges will feedback and this will be Somerset, who will forward your become more consistent used to finalise plans. comments to the council. across North Somerset. Find details of your local North Somerset councillor online at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ findmycouncillor
An online questionnaire is also due to be set up to engage with residents more widely.
The questionnaire will help get people thinking about the key issues and help the council understand how people currently use parking spaces and where they’d like to see changes in the future.
36 North Somerset Life • Spring 2020 Spotlight on parking changes
Car parks where new charges are proposed: MMClevedon – As Life went to print, it was hoped Great Western Road East this would be available in early MMClevedon – March. Visit Great Western Road West www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ carparkingreview to find out more. MMClevedon – Marson Road MMNailsea – Clevedon Road Once all the feedback has been collected, transport teams will use MMNailsea – Station Road it to develop detailed proposals for MMPortishead – Roath Road each area.
A legal process will then follow, Areas where new which usually includes a statutory on-street charging is consultation, before the council’s proposed: Executive makes a final decision. MMClevedon town centre The earliest new charges could MMClevedon Hill Road area come in is the summer, but this will M depend on feedback given in the MClevedon seafront coming weeks. MMLeigh Woods area MMNailsea town centre MMPortishead town centre
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 37 Violent crime being tackled in Weston Violent crime is being tackled in Weston-super-Mare thanks to a new partnership between the council and police.
Thanks to funding from the Home The same level of funding will also work together to ensure that these Office, a Violence Reduction Unit be received this coming financial have the greatest impact in tackling has been set up in the town centre year to continue the project. serious violence. to focus on knife crime, sexual Weston town centre was highlighted “This funding has enabled us to violence, domestic violence, alcohol- as an area experiencing higher adopt a ‘one team’ approach, related violence, serious youth levels of serious violence focused on providing violence and robbery. so establishing a sustainable solutions It is being jointly co-ordinated by Violence Reduction that prevent serious North Somerset Council and Avon Unit brings violence problems and Somerset Police. opportunities for escalating.” prevention and Officers meet weekly to review all Key agencies early intervention crimes in the town centre from the involved in the to be identified previous seven days, look to identify programme locally and given a who is carrying out the serious include social care, local response. violence, and develop co-ordinated the youth offending responses to tackle them. Community safety manager service, probation, police, Howard Pothecary said: “There are community safety team and schools. It has come about after Avon and already many different strands of Somerset Police received £1.16m The funding is also being used to work in Weston-super-Mare town last year through the Police Crime support 10 projects and initiatives centre and it is crucial that all local Commissioner, from a national £35m which relate to tackling serious partner agencies, businesses, the pot of money from the Home Office. violent crime in Weston town centre. voluntary sector and the community
“We want people to enjoy what is one of the best locations in the South West for a night out” Howard Pothecary, community safety manager
38 North Somerset Life • Spring 2020 Violent crime being tackled in Weston Violent crime is being tackled in Weston-super-Mare thanks to a new partnership between the council and police.
These include… As a result of the work of the MMcommunity-based projects aimed MMfunding for teachers and staff Violence Reduction Unit, people at raising awareness of knife to attend workshops to hear can now be excluded from the town crime, sexual abuse and serious people talk first-hand about their centre during the night. youth violence experiences within the criminal The exclusion period is for three MMfunding support services for justice system, to explore the months and prohibits the person from victims of serious crime, such realities and consequences of entering a defined section of the town as domestic abuse and sexual serious youth violence and how centre between 10pm and 5am. assault to protect vulnerable young people from being drawn in So far, 12 people have been subject MMproviding an additional crew to these exclusions. member on MAVISbus for three MMtargeted mentoring and months, the distinctive purple wellbeing support for young Howard said: “We want people multi-agency vehicle which offers people who are already, or at to enjoy what is one of the best a safe, warm place for people risk of becoming, involved in locations in the South West for to go on nights out. This new serious violent crime. a night out, safe from any issues recruit is an expert in identifying, that many areas find themselves responding and supporting suffering when alcohol is involved. victims of rape, sexual assault or “This has been a focus of the domestic abuse Violence Reduction Unit, a small team dedicated to making Weston as safe as possible.”
Follow the Safer Stronger North Somerset team on social media for regular updates. l saferstrongerns f saferstrongerns
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 39 Enjoy the countryside but be tick aware
Sunny spring weather gives lots To avoid being bitten… Look out for anything as tiny as a of opportunities to enjoy the M Mwalk on clearly defined paths freckle or speck of dirt. countryside but remember the MMavoid dense vegetation risk of ticks before you head out. Ticks prefer warm places, especially M Mwear light-coloured clothing the groin area, waist, armpits, Ticks are small, spider-like creatures so ticks are easier to spot and behind the knee and along which feed on the blood of animals brush off hairlines. and people. Their bites can cause MMuse repellents such as DEET serious conditions, including Lyme Young children are more commonly M disease. Mmake it a habit to check your bitten around the head so check clothes and body regularly when around the neck, behind the ears They are found throughout the year you’re outdoors and when you and scalp. but are most active between spring get home. and autumn. If you are bitten, remove the tick as soon as possible using sterilised They live in damp, shady tweezers and grasping as close to vegetation, dead leaves or long your skin as possible. grass, near to deer, small mammals or wild birds. Pull upwards slowly and firmly, totally removing as much of the tick Ticks climb onto people or animals as you can. as they brush past and bite into the skin. Apply antiseptic to the bite area and keep an eye on it for several weeks.
Contact your GP or call NHS 111 if you begin to feel unwell and tell them you were bitten by a tick. www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ticks Check for symptoms at www.nhs.uk/conditions/lyme-disease Stub it out this No Smoking Day Thousands of smokers across the UK decide to stub it out for good every year and begin a new, healthier lifestyle.
No Smoking Day, on Wednesday Support is also available from 11 March, is a good time to quit most GP surgeries and pharmacies because you will know you’re not throughout North Somerset so alone. contact your local one to see what they offer. Smokefree North Somerset can help you succeed. You are three times more likely to stop with its combination of behavioural Contact Smokefree North Somerset directly on 01275 546 744 support and stop smoking aids. or www.smokefreenorthsomerset.co.uk
40 North Somerset Life • Spring 2020 Reducing inequality everyoneEnabling access for Disabled people in North It’s estimated that one-in-five working adults have a disability Somerset are influencing and that nationally High Street shops and businesses shops are losing £267m and across the area to be more supermarkets £501m annually because of the barriers faced by accessible for everyone. disabled households.
The Disability Access Group was The Disability Access Group set up 15 years ago so disabled has grown over the years and a Steve Ledbrook people could feed back and wide variety of disabilities are advise on physical access to represented within it. businesses and services, including has been involved in discussions Steve Ledbrook has been a the work of the council. about improving access at Weston member for many years. He has train station. It has been involved in everything muscular dystrophy and cannot from the refurbishment of the Town walk or stand so is now in a He said: “It’s better if you can talk Hall in Weston-super-Mare, to wheelchair full-time. to each other because then things the introduction of on-street pay can get resolved. You learn to Steve said: “Everyone has a and display schemes, as well compromise. different experience. My needs are as customer services initiatives not the same as someone who is “There are some things that such as the council’s automated visually impaired.” can’t be done but it’s good to operator phone system. know you’ve had an impact and Steve has worked to encourage Anthony Rylands, from the improved it as much as possible.” shops to change their signage and council’s equalities team, said: “Understanding the needs of disabled people is important to anyone offering a service, running To find out about the Disability Access Group and to get an association or a business.” involved, contact North Somerset Council’s equality and diversity team on 01934 634 989.
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 41 Creativity flourishing at co-working space New businesses are thriving and creativity is Upcoming flourishing at a co-working space in Weston- events super-Mare which has more than doubled in Creative business training, writers’ nights, drawing size in the last year. courses, speed dating, code clubs, silent movies and yoga The Stable, in Wadham Street, There is also hot desking space for retreats are just some of the increased its shared and office up to 40 people and five event/ events coming up at The Stable. space from 3,000 to 7,000 square meeting rooms. For the most up-to-date listing, foot last year. As well as this, there is a beauty visit the Facebook page. It offers small businesses, salon, dance school, café and a f thestableweston entrepreneurs and start-ups a meditation/yoga room. new place to call home with its A wide variety of artistic and collaborative working environment we are ensuring we keep talented creative public events take place and access to mentoring, entrepreneurs and small business in each month, such as sell-out live networking, advice and workshops. the area. music nights, pop-up restaurants, It is run by a not-for-profit community and artisan makers markets. “The Stable is a beautiful building, interest company and has 15 private in a great location two minutes from Jemma Coles took over the running offices, which are now fully-occupied the centre of town. of the building in January last year by local businesses. and said “We love what we do and love doing our bit to contribute to the “The aim of The Stable is local economy.” to support the creation of The Stable now has a waiting list new business. for private offices but hot desking is available, from £10 a month. “By providing a collaborative, Room hire is from £8 an hour. inspiring place to work and access to support and a wider community,
Find out more at www.thestableweston.com
42 North Somerset Life • Spring 2020 Food innovation centre to open soon
An eagerly-awaited food He has been be joined by and drink innovation innovation manager Zoe Plant and the pair are now working to get the centre is on track to open centre ready for its opening in April. in Weston-super-Mare next Site manager David has worked in the food month. David Nute industry for 40 years, going from a The Food WorksSW – the only one small family bakery to large-scale food manufacturing. of its kind in the South West – is The centre will include product in the Food Enterprise Zone within development facilities for He said: “I want the centre to develop Junction 21 Enterprise Area. businesses of all sizes to test, and support local businesses to play develop and reformulate products, It will offer 12 food-grade units a key role in supplying a range as well as meeting rooms, a for food manufacturing, enabling of innovative products, to achieve café and conference facilities new businesses to start up and sustained economic growth for both to host food-related events and providing established businesses the businesses and surrounding area. workshops. with the ideal premises to grow “I am passionate about all aspects and innovate. The building will be officially of the food industry and gain great handed over to the council in March The £11m centre, funded by the satisfaction from products I have from contractors Willmott Dixon. West of England Local Enterprise taken to market. Partnership through the Local Nottingham-based The Food and “There is no better feeling than Growth Fund, will play a vital part Drink Forum will operate it on the in North Somerset Council’s drive council’s behalf and site manager seeing a product on a shelf to stimulate growth in the local David Nute was the first member and saying to yourself. ‘I was economy. of staff to be appointed. part of that’.”
For more information on leasing a food-grade business unit, renting the product development kitchens, booking a meeting room or operating the café, contact The Food and Drink Forum on 0115 975 8810 or email [email protected]
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 43 Combining independence and support for over-55s Independence, friendships and The on-site care team provides Denis and Patricia have moved on-site support provide the personalised care and a 24/7 from sheltered accommodation into perfect combination for older emergency response service, to Diamond Court, in Worle, Weston- people living in extra-care enhance the feeling of safety and super-Mare. security. housing developments in North Patricia said: Somerset. Deciding to make the move can be challenging but has been “We’ve found everyone These developments offer a lifetime worthwhile for those who have home for over-55s who need extra to be so friendly and made the leap. support with day-to-day tasks. helpful and certainly Jean lives at Waverley Court in Extra-care housing offers more don’t have any regrets Portishead. She said: care and support than sheltered about the move.” housing and is a real alternative to “Extra-care housing allows residential care. Denis added: “I’ve joined the me to do what I want social committee and helped set up The latest development – to do. various activities such as a fish and Strawberry Gardens – will open chip supper night.” soon in Yatton. “It’s my home. I love my flat, It is being developed by North especially my bathroom. I join in Somerset Council in partnership activities but like to know that it’s with not-for-profit retirement my flat and I can close the provider Housing 21. door and not see anyone if I choose.” Denis and This will bring the total number of Patricia extra-care housing developments Couples who may across North Somerset to six. have different levels of need can stay All have either one or two together and live bedrooms, a lounge, kitchen and independently in level-access shower room, and their apartment for as each development is suitable for long as possible. wheelchair users throughout.
The community facilities provide an opportunity for new friendships to be formed and social activities to be enjoyed.
There are residents’ lounges and a restaurant, as well as a hairdresser, scooter store and guest bedroom for visiting family or friends. Jean
44 North Somerset Life • Spring 2020 Could you work at Strawberry Gardens?
Radis Care, the on-site care provider at Strawberry Gardens, will be recruiting. Find out more by calling the recruitment line on 0330 100 8150 or email [email protected]
Would you like to live in extra-care housing?
There are already extra-care You must: If you’re interested in applying housing developments in five MMbe 55 or over for a rental flat at Strawberry places across North Somerset. Gardens, or any of the other MMhave eligible care needs developments, call Care Connect These are: MMbe eligible for North Somerset on 01934 888 801 and ask for MMTamar Court, Worle Council funding a care assessment for extra-care housing. MMLakeside Court, Worle MMhave a current application for housing via North Somerset MMDiamond Court, Worle For shared ownership sales at Council’s HomeChoice scheme Strawberry Gardens, contact MMWaverley Court, Portishead MMbe a resident in North Housing 21 on 0345 608 4021 or MMSandford Station, Sandford Somerset. email [email protected]
Certain criteria must be fulfilled Strawberry Gardens, in Yatton, Find out more about the options to rent a flat in extra-care housing opens late spring. It will have 30 available at (this does not apply for shared two-bedroom flats available to rent www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ ownership). through North Somerset Council, housing-for-older-people as well as 30 two-bedroom flats available to buy on a shared ownership scheme through Housing 21.
www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 45 Valuable mentoring service gets accreditation
A mentoring service which offers Volunteers also work with young 21 had achieved the Approved face-to-face support to young people in the care system and those Provider Standard (APS), people at risk of offending experiencing mental health issues. recognising its excellent work. in North Somerset has been The service is part of North Volunteer mentor Debbie said: accredited by a national body. Somerset Council’s youth offending “Junction 21 is such a valuable Junction 21 aims to prevent and prevention service and aims service for both mentees and young people from offending and to give young people effective mentors alike. and individual support to achieve committing anti-social behaviour. “The support you get as a goals, which will have a positive volunteer is second-to-none.” It matches volunteer mentors with impact on their lives and their young people aged between 10 communities. One young person who has and 18, who then usually meet benefitted from the service said: An assessor from the National weekly for up to a year. “My mentor is absolutely amazing. Council of Voluntary Organisations I don’t know where I’d be without Mentors are positive role models visited the service at the end of last her, she is a star.” who engage with the young year and confirmed that Junction person to help them reach mutually-agreed targets, such as improved school attendance. Could you become a volunteer mentor? If you’re interested and would like to find out more, This can help reduce the risk of contact mentoring co-ordinator Steve Coggins on offending, vulnerability and to [email protected] or call 01275 888 360 motivate them to make positive life choices.
46 North Somerset Life • Spring 2020 Life contacts North Somerset Life North Somerset Life is published The next edition will be delivered by North Somerset Council and from: Monday 6 July delivered to 100,000 housholds. Your copy should be delivered with For advertising and sponsorship your post unless you use Royal opportunities contact Will Jenkins: Mail’s opt-out service to block 01934 426 474 or unaddressed mail. [email protected] View back issues at For editorial contact www.n-somerset.gov.uk/nsl [email protected] or 01275 884 139
Get the Contacts latest news Call us For all council services, call 01934 888 888 straight into (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) your inbox Direct numbers for other popular services: For waste and recycling, For council tax and benefits: road issues, planning and 01934 888 144 building control: (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) Stay up-to-date 01934 888 802 For social services: with council news, (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) 01275 888 801 events and services (Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm) by signing up to the North Somerset Life Do it online – report it, request it or pay for it at: email newsletter. www.n-somerset.gov.uk/connect Or go straight to these popular web pages by adding these Subscribe online and stay informed at shortcuts: www.n-somerset.gov.uk/myaccount /planning www.northsomersetlife.co.uk /schooladmissions /wastecollections /termdates
Tide times
Check tide times online at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/tidetimes
29423 0120 Tide predictions are computed by the Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory and adjusted for Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and British Summer Time (BST) differences. l For Clevedon – add 10 minutes. Walks in the area are available to view and l For Portishead – add 18 minutes. download at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/walks
recycle me when you’ve read me www.n-somerset.gov.uk l @NorthSomersetC f NorthSomersetCouncil 47 We urgently need more foster families to ensure our children can stay in the community they trust.
Make a difference, Be the difference
To receive an information pack or attend one of our regular
information sessions, call us or fill in our online enquiry form. 29492 0120 01275 888 999 www.n-somerset.gov.uk/fostering
29492 Fostering A4.indd 1 30/01/2020 12:29