Eagle-eyed residents may have noticed a B&NES blunder recently. The Council, often criticised by locals for its lack of interest in the Somer Valley whilst it concentrates on the jewel in its crown, the city of Bath, has proudly erected a new ‘Welcome’ sign on the A367 as drivers enter Westfield – but with the wrong logo.

The new, shiny piece of street furniture shows an outdated logo – abolished by the Council in 2008, some twelve years ago.

Somer Valley business leader and Charity Director, Nathan Hartley, said: “Bath and North East Somerset Council has always struggled to come to terms with the reality that there is life outside of the city of Bath.

“They’ve failed to show adequate support for businesses during the coronavirus pandemic, and still think that giving us a tokenistic street sign, with the wrong logo, is good enough!”

The new street sign, thought to cost over £1,000 to produce, has been criticised by business and community leaders alike.

“The Lib Dem-run Council’s half-hearted attempt to appease the Somer Valley is depressing,” he added.

It is not the first time the Council has made an embarrassing Private Eye style mess up! Just earlier this year the Local Authority – which despite declaring a Climate Emergency – approved plans to install a gas power plant in Midsomer Norton and only now, after public pressure has put them on hold.

And who can forget their £1 million purchase of land in Odd Down – just to lay a 700-yard bus lane?!

Business leaders have written to the Council asking for the sign on the A367 to be corrected.