A campaign led by community leaders in Peasedown St John has seen bike stands installed in the centre of the village.

Local Councillors Karen Walker and Gavin Heathcote, who are both standing as the Independent Candidates in the May 4th elections, first surveyed residents in 2021 to ask for their views.

Cllr Karen Walker said: “Just over 18 months ago, Gavin Heathcote and I carried out Peasedown St John’s biggest ever Environment Survey. We recruited a team of volunteers to hand deliver the survey to 2,700 homes - asking for residents’ views on the local environment and what improvements they’d like to see made.

“A large number of respondents wanted to see more facilities to encourage and support cycling in and around the village.”

After consultation with B&NES Council staff, Karen and Gavin arranged for new bike stands to be installed at the top of Braysdown Lane, opposite the Methodist Church – right in the middle of Peasedown’s busy shopping area.

“The benefits to cycling are endless”, added Gavin Heathcote, “as a physical activity it helps you get fit and healthy, boosts your brain power, helps alleviate stress and is good for mental health!

“Thanks to everyone for returning their survey; Karen and I are always keen to hear residents’ views on a wide range of issues – particularly the environment!”