THIS New Year brought a new chief executive for Bath & North East Somerset Council, after Will Godfrey moved on following six years in post.

He led the organisation through challenging times with a strong focus on public service. On behalf of residents and council colleagues, I want to warmly thank Will and wish him all the best.

Our new chief executive Sophie Broadfield has extensive experience at senior level in local government and the Civil Service, most recently as B&NES director of sustainable communities since 2021. Sophie’s drive and commitment to unlocking more of our area’s potential are great assets, and I look forward to working with her in her new role.

Our administration is focused on prudent financial management. A great deal of work has been brought together on our budget proposals, which will be presented and set at full council on February 24. Despite the challenges we face with limited resources and increasing demand on services, we are ambitious about investing in the care we provide, for example to children with special educational needs and preventative support in adult social care.

Work on our new Local Plan will continue in 2026 and we will continue to focus on ‘the right homes in the right places’. I want to thank residents who have engaged with the Local Plan Options consultation so far. The insights and local knowledge you have provided is much appreciated and will help inform upcoming stages of the process.

Another key council priority will be increasing sustainable travel choices. We will also continue to prioritise a cleaner, greener Bath and North East Somerset.

Winter weather can test our communities. As a council, we prepare all year for severe weather. Our emergency planning team, highways and community teams work with the Environment Agency, emergency services, voluntary groups and local flood wardens to monitor forecasts, grit priority routes, respond to fallen trees and flooding, and coordinate support if conditions worsen.

If you spot an issue like a blocked drain, damaged tree or road hazard, please report it via our website - www.bathnes.gov.uk/report-it - or call Council Connect on 01225 394041 so that we can act quickly. Please consider your own preparations for severe weather, and if you can, check in on neighbours.

Cemeteries are precious to our communities, and they must be treated with respect. Sadly, some dog owners have allowed their dogs to run free in council-owned cemeteries, one of which is Harptree Cemetery. In the worst cases, visitors and staff have experienced abusive behaviour and dog mess has been left on graves.

Despite the council’s efforts to raise public awareness on these issues, we have had no choice but to consult on a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in our cemeteries. This would require owners to keep dogs on a lead of two metres or less and remove dog mess immediately. If introduced, anyone violating the PSPO would receive a Fixed Penalty Notice of £100 which could increase to £1,000 if the case goes to court.