Got a problem with Public Transport in Bath and North East Somerset?

Do you have a grumble about Public Transport in Bath?

If so we want to know about it.

Although public transport is no longer under local authority control it is still important that your local council are kept aware of the problems which people face when trying to use public transport.

Councillor David Dixon (Lib Dem, Walcot) who also Chairs the Council's Planning Transportation Economy and Sustainability Overview and Scruntiny Panel would like to hear your concerns.

The website www.bathnestransport.blogspot.com has been launched by Cllr Dixon in order to act as a vehicle for residents to share their problems surrounding public transport.

Fed up with late buses? Fares too high? Buses too dirty? Please let us know about it! I will share these comments with the Planning, Transport, Economy and Sustainability Overview and Scrutiny Panel will also call for the companies which provide our public transport services to address these problems!

Cllr Dixon says, "To get a discussion item on the blog visitors must first email transport@bathnes.fsnet.co.uk and I will add this to the blog. Residents can then contribute to the discussion by adding a comment on the site. I hope that this can be used to an extent as evidence to give to operators and to be shared with my fellow councillors to highlight some of the issues which passengers have. Any praise for the services are also welcome and will be passed on."

Council is rated "Good" by Audit Commision

Bath & North East Somerset Council has been rated a three star council by independent inspectors who say it continues to deliver high standards of service and is continuing to improve.

The council has been rated as three stars (out of a possible four) against a set of central government standards referred to as 'the harder test' that were specifically designed to be far more stringent than in previous years.

Cllr David Dixon said: “For Bath & North East Somerset Council to achieve a three star score is an excellent result, particularly as the assessment has been made much tougher this year. This is a credit to all staff.”

The Audit Commission’s report highlights the Council’s achievements against community priorities such as education, recycling, affordable housing, support for older people, increasing the use of public transport as well as reducing the fear of crime.

Cllr Colin Darracott said: “This independent assessment shows that Bath & North East Somerset Council continues to deliver good services which are value for money. It also says that the Council is continuing to improve standards.”

Chilton Road to be resurfaced

The Council intends to carry out carriageway resurfacing and footway works along the length of Chilton Road. It is important that this work is undertaken to ensure that the carriageway remains safe and serviceable. Cllr David Dixon following calls from local residents has asked for several years for this to happen and hopes that residents will be equally as pleased.

The works are to be carried out as part of the Surfacing 2005/ 2006 – Urban Contract which is currently underway and is due to be completed in January 2006. Works will include carriageway reconstruction and resurfacing, footway resurfacing and the renewal of road markings.

In order to balance the requirements of road users, retailers and residents, and to ensure that delay and disruption is minimised, it is anticipated that the works will be carried out during the following times:

0900hrs – 1700hrs Monday to Friday

Every effort will be made to minimise the noise and disturbance for local residents and the Council’s contractor will be encouraged to complete the contract at the earliest possible date.

As soon as a firm date for the works at Chilton Road is agreed I will update.

Sydney Gardens Road Scheme

The new road scheme has been in for over a year now and councillors are still working with officers and with residents to alleviate some of the problems that this has brought with it. A meeting will be held on site with councillors, residents and officers to discuss some of the issues on Monday 12th December.
Councillor David Dixon has said, "The road scheme has so far been very much traffic orientated and somewhere along the line pedestrians have sadly been forgotten about. To cross from the Bathwick Estate to get to Great Pulteney Street, you have to use three seperate crossings and the layout is confusing for cars, cyclists and pedestrians. I hope that we can negotiate some solutions which would help all three." We would like your views at walcot@bathnes.fsnet.co.uk or by calling 01225 462590.

Loading Bay on the London Road

The decision to create a lorry loading bay outside of Walcot Terrace on the London Road have been met with stiff opposition. The bay sees part of the pavement and a section of cycle lane removed to make way for a convenient “Pull in” for lorries.

Liberal Democrat Councillor David Dixon has said, “My main concern is that the loading bay does not warrant spending any money on it when there are other things we should be spending money on. Thomas Street, just opposite is crying out to be resurfaced, but they are not doing anything about that.”

This decision was by the Conservatives who stated at a meeting to review the decision led by Cllr Dixon that this loading bay would be the first of many across the city.

This loading bay would make it possible for a 44 tonne lorry to come and park on resident’s vaults, some of which are their kitchens and bathrooms.

This will only make life easier for the through traffic on the London Road and sacrifices a dedicated cycle lane and valuable footway outside of a listed terrace.