So I am pleased we recently were able to ensure that most of the WECA-supported bus services that serve people in our area will continue as they are until at least April of next year. This will give WECA time to undertake a proper review of the supported bus network to make sure it meets local needs for people to access shops, health services, leisure and jobs.

We also need to explore new and enhanced routes. There are huge opportunities for harnessing new technology and innovation so we can tailor services to what people actually need. We will push hard for our communities to be in the “driving seat” during the review. We also need to keep up the pressure on central government for proper funding for our bus services.

Another piece of good news is that we are seeing the benefits of our £950,000 investment in our “Clean and Green” campaign. There will be a new response team working across parks, cleansing and highways service areas to respond to problems with overhanging vegetation and sign cleaning.

The Council is no longer using the chemical weedkiller glyphosate for regular maintenance, and this means more labour-intensive manual and mechanical weed removal is necessary. So, as part of our “Clean and Green” campaign, we are helping community volunteers carry out weed removal in their local area. We have set up “No Place for Litter hubs” with hoes, brushes and shovels which people can borrow. There are Hubs in Radstock and Chew Magna, as well as in Keynsham and Bath.

Also as part of our efforts to reduce transport emissions on our “journey to net zero”, thirty new electric charging points are being installed across our area, following the expansion of the Revive vehicle charging network

Bays are already operating at Kingsmead Square, Charlotte Street, Larkhall and Claverton Road car parks in Bath. By late summer, there will also be bays next to Bath Railway Station and in South Road car park in Midsomer Norton, and Church Street car park in Radstock: By late 2022 there will also be sites at Keynsham Civic Centre.

Finally, as well as securing a cleaner, greener environment I want our fantastic heritage and culture to be accessible to all our local community. I am very proud of our new Roman Baths Clore Learning Centre, which opened on 16th June. It will allow pre-booked school and community groups to learn about history and heritage. We’re really looking forward to welcoming school children and local community groups into the centre. Once established, about 15,000 people per year are expected to use the Centre.