SUPPORTING our high streets is a priority for Bath & North East Somerset Council. Access to banking is a vital community service. Unfortunately, high street banking branches have been closing across the country.

The upcoming closure of the NatWest branch in Midsomer Norton has understandably caused concern for residents and those in nearby communities Radstock and Westfield who also rely on its services.

It's great that your Liberal Democrat MP Anna Sabine is working with Midsomer Norton North Ward Cllr Michael Auton on residents’ behalf on this issue. Anna has spoken with LINK, the organisation responsible for assessing the need for banking hubs.

As TSB remains open, Midsomer Norton is not currently eligible for a hub. TSB have confirmed there are no current plans to close their branch. Anna will continue to monitor the situation.

NatWest has given assurances that they are taking steps to support customers through this transition. The Post Office remains available for cash withdrawals and other transactions, and NatWest staff are helping customers to set up online and phone banking, even where formal ID may be lacking.

On a lighter note, with schools breaking up for the summer holidays I want to highlight two fun events happening very soon. The Shape Your High Street Arts Weekender is a free creative trail along Midsomer Norton High Street which runs from July 25 to 27. Each of the artworks – created by four local artists in collaboration with residents of all ages – celebrates the town’s identity and expresses hopes for its future.

The event is part of IMAGINE Midsomer Norton, the ongoing project exploring the future of the town centre. Local people have been working together with local councils, artists, designers, and businesses to develop a new Town Centre Plan – a route map to a more vibrant and welcoming town centre. Visit www.bathnesplaces.co.uk for more information.

Meanwhile in Radstock, Fashion Museum Bath is delighted to be collaborating with Old Printworks Arts again for a dynamic practical workshop exploring protest and fashion. Fashion and protest are deeply intertwined, with clothing serving as a powerful tool for expressing personal identity and beliefs, challenging authority, and promoting social change.

Throughout these fashion-focussed, free pop-up workshops, participants will be inspired by some of the museum’s incredible garments and work towards designing and creating their own t-shirts, tote bags or badges to make a statement, led by local artist, Edwina Bridgeman. Materials will be provided, or bring your own projects to upcycle and accessorise.

The workshops run over three days: Tuesday, July 29, and Wednesday, July 30, (ideal for 14-plus years) and Thursday July 31 (all the family welcome). Choose from two sessions each day: 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm.

Please share your views and help shape the future of Fashion Museum Bath, a major new museum for our area dedicated to the transformative power of fashion. Take a look at the proposed plans online and then have your say by completing the survey at this link: www.fashionmuseum.co.uk/have-your-say.

I wish you a wonderful summer!