We’ve widely consulted on this plan, and we will also of course consult on individual schemes as they come forward. I also need to stress that this plan is all about providing attractive alternatives to car use, and we recognise that there are some journeys that we will continue to need our cars for. It’s all about extending choice and so to progress this plan, we are attracting significant investment through West of England Combined Authority (WECA) into improving walking, cycling and public transport, right across our area

Despite this, however, I remain very worried about the impacts of rising costs and the impacts of the pandemic on the local bus services that people rely on. We will continue to work closely with WECA on this and to lobby central government for proper funding for our bus services. In the meantime, despite these pressures, I am pleased that we have recently secured continued provision of the Park and Ride services into Bath, which are so valued by commuters and visitors alike.

We also need to provide more jobs and facilities closer to where people live, to reduce the need for travel. That’s why we are, from 19th May, asking for views on plans to move forward the Somer Valley Enterprise Zone. This will help create 1,300 much-needed full-time equivalent local jobs, as well as flexible workspace for businesses.

We have set up dedicated web pages to give people the chance to view the plans online and submit feedback. You can find these on our website: www.bathnes.gov.uk

As well as the online consultation there will be displays on these proposals at Radstock Library (from 24th May) and at Midsomer Norton Library (from 20th May), until 30th June.

Paper copies of our questionnaire will be available in these locations, along with a box to post completed questionnaires. We can also provide hard copies of the information available on our website, on request.

We have some great community events coming up starting with celebrations to mark Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum anniversary which is being celebrated in true community style in B&NES with 53 street parties having been planned so far during the bank holiday weekend.

We are illuminating Bath Abbey, the Guildhall, the Roman Baths and Pulteney Bridge in purple from 10pm on Thursday, 2nd June to mark the national lighting of the beacons. St John’s Church in Keynsham and the Town Hall in Midsomer Norton will also be lit on that evening. We are hosting the Big Jubilee Picnic on the Lower Lawn of the Royal Crescent in Bath on Saturday, June 5th.

Finally, my thanks go to everyone in our community who has shown such a generous response to the Homes for Ukraine scheme. We are working closely with our partners including schools, health services and voluntary groups to make sure those arriving from Ukraine receive a warm welcome and get the help they need. Councillor Kevin Guy