THE snowdrops are starting to burst through. With the days getting longer, we’re reminded that spring will be here before long. This is a good time to think ahead to what we want to grow in our gardens, pots or allotment beds and dust off the seed packets - the slugs and caterpillars of last year are long forgotten. A bit of gardening provides wonderful health benefits.

While we’ve got used to hearing people talk about the January blues, isolation and depression can affect many of us at any time in our lives. We are lucky to have dedicated local community groups and resources that can help keep us feel connected with others instead of feeling lonely.

We have Chew Chat (for the over 70s), the wonderful Community Farm, and Chew Valley Snails or Chew Medical Practice Patients’ Walking for Health Group for those wanting more active things to do. We also have the Chew Valley Library, Chew Valley Arts, and the Village Hall coffee mornings to mention just a few. Bath & North East Somerset Council has a wealth of information on support of all kinds – visit https://livewell.bathnes.gov.uk.

We know how important regular and reliable bus services are for reducing isolation for some of our residents and helping people get to work. We are waiting to hear about the future of the X91 and 99 buses, as current West of England Combined Authority funding runs out at the end of March, and government funding to WECA for buses is insufficient to maintain all services. We desperately hope that all our lobbying and the work of the Chew Valley Sustainable Transport CIC will have been successful in maintaining our vital services.

Going back to exercise, we have had further discussions with Parish Councils and B&NES Council officers about National Cycle Network route 3 through Compton Martin to Norton Malreward and the Walk Wheel and Cycle Trust's proposals and how we may make the route better and safer for cyclists and walkers, without compromising the road network for drivers and businesses.

Speaking of difficult challenges on the roads, we had another community meeting with Sergeant Rob Turner, our Community Beat Police Lead, to discuss anti-social behaviour and ongoing plans for managing reckless driving and racing around the lake. I’m pleased to report that work is underway to implement a Public Spaces Protection Order. This a UK legal tool that empowers local authorities to control anti-social behaviour in specific areas. Meanwhile the new Police Constable for the Chew Valley beat has just started in his new role. The police team will be at Bishop Sutton Library on Thursday February 12 (10.30am to noon), and at Salt and Malt on Tuesday February 24 (10am to 11 am). Do take this opportunity to come along, have a chat, and raise any concerns you might have.

Have a happy February and look after your health!

By Liberal Democrat councillors on Bath and North East Somerset Council for the Chew Valley, Anna Box and David Harding