Dear Editor,

Well done Brian Snellgrove for your views on the nearly finished town hall and lack of possible use which I fully agree with.

Over the last 50 years the number of bars, sports and social clubs have increased or been developed. There are now many more options for entertainment both locally and afar. For those purposes the town hall has little or no chance, as a market it's limited.

It was built 165 years ago by locals of wealth and power when only about 200 to 300 men who owned property could vote (population approximately 4,000) so very much for them and their wives. So not built for a famous owner or by a significant architect that might bring tourists with money either.

So unless Baldrick has the answer we'll be picking up the bill for a long time.

Peter Rutter

Midsomer Norton

Dear Editor,

It’s time to celebrate the good things.

There are enough issues locally (the Town Hall project and local car park charges), and abject failures nationally, (privatisation of monopoly water supplies and of monopoly airports for example) that we may overlook triumphs.

The privatisation of Royal Mail has finally led to a proposal to deliver mail on alternate days. When implemented this will be the greatest improvement in the postal service since the introduction of the penny black.

At this time of peace and joy let’s be more grateful for the better things.

Mike Bell

Midsomer Norton

Dear Editor,

Would you please thank everyone who came to Paulton Pensioners get together on November 21.

We had elderly brothers entertaining us who were wonderful and had everyone singing along to all their songs — so a big thank you.

Can you please remind everyone our last get together of the year is on December 19, 2pm, at Paulton Scouts Hall. We will be doing a Christmas bingo raffle and ending with few Christmas carols. There will also be wine, coffee, tea and mince pies.

Everyone welcome to join us and all our funds go to local charities. Please come and join in as fun afternoon.

Shandy Udell and friends

Paulton

Dear Editor,

Bath & North East Somerset Council has proposed a new Traffic Regulation Order (25-063) that would impose a 3-hour time restriction on the Disabled Bays in front of Bath Abbey at Orange Grove.

This measure, requested by the council’s traffic management team on behalf of Councillor Paul Roper, is intended to “provide a turn round of vehicles and allow the bays to be utilised by more blue badge holders” (Bath Echo, 18 December 2025).

Disabled residents and visitors argue the restriction will reduce accessibility and inclusion, making Bath less welcoming for those with mobility challenges.

This restriction risks isolating disabled residents and visitors. Bath needs more disabled bays, not fewer, and certainly not restrictions that undermine their purpose.

Key concerns:

Accessibility ignored: Blue Badge holders often need longer stays due to mobility difficulties.

Shortage of spaces: Bath already suffers from limited accessible parking near the Guildhall and in the city centre generally.

Equality impact assessment missing: The council has not published an Equality Impact Assessment for this proposal.

Call to action: Blue Badge holders and supporters are urged to object before 18 December 2025.

How to object:

• Online: Bath & North East Somerset consultation portal, select consultation 25-063, and complete the feedback form.

• Email: [email protected] (quote reference 25-063)

• Post: Write to Bath & North East Somerset Council, quoting reference 25-063

• Phone enquiries: 01225 394041

Do contact Cllr Lesley Mansell if you have concerns about this. E mail: [email protected]

Lesley Mansell

BANES councillor Radstock, Labour and Co-Operative Party

Dear Editor,

I want to start by thanking you. The tourism and visitor economy sectors – including businesses across the hotel, hospitality, cultural and creative industries – are part of what makes our part of the world so special.

The last few years have not been the easiest, I know, for lots of reasons, but we can look forward with real hope and excitement.

The West remains the place to be, thanks to our culture, our nature, and so much more besides. International visitor numbers are soaring, thanks to what you offer, and the work of the travel trade, and the brilliant Visit West. Tourism was worth a record amount last year, not just making money for our regional economy but creating jobs for local people and making memories for the people visiting.

The visitor economy, hospitality, and the creative industries are key strengths in our new ten-year Growth Strategy. Your sectors support tens of thousands of jobs and life here simply wouldn’t be the same without you. Because, thanks to you, the West isn’t just the best place to spend money, start a business, or invest – it’s the best place to spend time.

The announcement from the government around a visitor levy has already sparked a wider debate across the region and the country. That is something to welcome. I would encourage everyone in the region who has a view, particularly businesses like yours, to take part in the national consultation. It is running until February 2026, so please do have your say.

Devolving this power to mayors like me, all around the country, is going to take time. You would expect me to cheer on the prospect of decisions like this being moved out of Westminster so that they can be taken here, in the West of England, and I do. It’s another real vote of confidence in our region. But new laws will have to go through Parliament, and nothing is happening overnight.

It is, of course, important that any visitor levy includes all those paying to stay. More widely, there is clearly a need for a short term lets registration scheme to ensure a more level playing field, and I hope to see the legislation take that into account.

Any regional visitor levy here in the West Country would only be introduced after thorough consultation: listening to businesses and learning from the places that already do it well around the world, gathering the necessary evidence and data. We also need to look at places that have struggled to implement a simple system that visitors can understand, and businesses can easily deliver, to avoid their mistakes.

This is a chance for the West of England – to raise investment to make our area better and help support bringing more visitors to our part of the world.

Helen Godwin

Mayor of the West of England