Thursday, September 09, 2010
Monday, June 07, 2010
First's first offer on 6&7 Bus routes.
Local Councillors David Dixon, Bryan Chalker and Cabinet Member in Charge of Transport Cllr Charles Gerrish met with Local Campaigners, First and Passenger Focus to discuss the cut to the 6&7 Bus Services.
Simon Cursio, Commercial Director at First has offered to reinstate the Circular Service, however only with the same number of buses that this service was cut back to, this offers a 40 minute service in each direction. There would also be a wait for this to happen - not until September.
Clearly the offer to reinstate the circular route is great, but there is still lots more to do.
It is quite clear that the 40 minute service is still a greatly reduced service from the 20 minutes previously, plus we do not accept that we should wait until September.
Cllr David Dixon said, "The offer from First is broadly what I expected and I will treat this as an opening offer for our negotiations. The service has still been dramatically cut. First and the Council have gone away to look at improving this offer and are due to report back to us next week.
As it stands we are still a little way from where we need to be, and First do need to ensure that they deliver a service which the community will continue to value. The locally run campaign has been well run and I congratulate all local residents that have been involved, it has certainly convinced First to do a U-Turn on the routes, we just need to speed up the implementation and improve the frequency, I am confident that First will better their offer."
Simon Cursio, Commercial Director at First has offered to reinstate the Circular Service, however only with the same number of buses that this service was cut back to, this offers a 40 minute service in each direction. There would also be a wait for this to happen - not until September.
Clearly the offer to reinstate the circular route is great, but there is still lots more to do.
It is quite clear that the 40 minute service is still a greatly reduced service from the 20 minutes previously, plus we do not accept that we should wait until September.
Cllr David Dixon said, "The offer from First is broadly what I expected and I will treat this as an opening offer for our negotiations. The service has still been dramatically cut. First and the Council have gone away to look at improving this offer and are due to report back to us next week.
As it stands we are still a little way from where we need to be, and First do need to ensure that they deliver a service which the community will continue to value. The locally run campaign has been well run and I congratulate all local residents that have been involved, it has certainly convinced First to do a U-Turn on the routes, we just need to speed up the implementation and improve the frequency, I am confident that First will better their offer."
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Community gardening project in Kensington Gardens
In 1902 the Hill family presented the City of Bath with a small park area in Kensington Gardens, Walcot. The family wanted to preserve an area of peace and tranquility for future local residence and to provide a habitat for flora and fauna.
The gardens have been well utilized over the last century, with local residents making the most of the wonderful views of Bath the park provides. However, these gardens wouldn’t be a pleasant place for residents and visitors to enjoy if it wasn't for the dedication of local volunteers.
I joined the gardening project for the first time on a rainy Sunday morning in May, when several volunteers showed up to plant, perform maintenance, and conduct a survey of work to be done. It was cold and wet, but the sprit of the event was light and warm. There was a wide variety of work to be undertaken, some lighter and some heavy, but everyone got stuck in and genuinely appreciated the contribution made by co-workers. Partially welcomed was the appearance of Cllr. David Dixon, who got down and dirty with his spade and weeded a good sized plot.
Signifying the general good nature of community volunteers, when our mornings work was completed everyone was invited for coffee and biscuits at a neighboring house – some volunteers even stayed on for lunch!
The gardening team meets monthly, and all donations of plants, materials or time are warmly welcomed. Please join us at 10am on; 6 June, 4 July, 1 August or 5 Sept.
Lisa Brett
The gardens have been well utilized over the last century, with local residents making the most of the wonderful views of Bath the park provides. However, these gardens wouldn’t be a pleasant place for residents and visitors to enjoy if it wasn't for the dedication of local volunteers.
I joined the gardening project for the first time on a rainy Sunday morning in May, when several volunteers showed up to plant, perform maintenance, and conduct a survey of work to be done. It was cold and wet, but the sprit of the event was light and warm. There was a wide variety of work to be undertaken, some lighter and some heavy, but everyone got stuck in and genuinely appreciated the contribution made by co-workers. Partially welcomed was the appearance of Cllr. David Dixon, who got down and dirty with his spade and weeded a good sized plot.
Signifying the general good nature of community volunteers, when our mornings work was completed everyone was invited for coffee and biscuits at a neighboring house – some volunteers even stayed on for lunch!
The gardening team meets monthly, and all donations of plants, materials or time are warmly welcomed. Please join us at 10am on; 6 June, 4 July, 1 August or 5 Sept.
Lisa Brett
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Bus Cuts - Key Dates!
Help reverse the cuts to Nos 6/7 Bus Services
****************************************************
From 23rd May
No. 6 will only serve FAIRFIELD PARK
& No. 7 will only serve LARKHALL
****************************************************
****************************************************
It will also be CUT from every 20mins to every 30mins.
Watch your local bus stop for latest news
****************************************************
From 23rd May
No. 6 will only serve FAIRFIELD PARK
& No. 7 will only serve LARKHALL
****************************************************
There will be NO DIRECT LINK
between
LARKHALL & LONDON RD
and
CLAREMONT, FAIRFIELD PARK,
CAMDEN & LANSDOWN
It will also be CUT from every 20mins to every 30mins.
****************************************************
Sign the petition! http://www.gopetition.co.uk/petitions/save-our-6-7-buses.html
Write to Sarah Bell, Western Traffic Commissioner,
2 Rivergate, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6EH
2 Rivergate, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6EH
Write to First Group
First, Freepost 3782, BATH BA1 1SS Email – bath.csc@firstgroup.com
First, Freepost 3782, BATH BA1 1SS Email – bath.csc@firstgroup.com
Contact us the campaign organisers
Email – saveour6.7buses@gmail.com Tel – 01225 311163
Watch your local bus stop for latest news
Join us to support the campaign
Thurs 20th May – 9.30am – Guildhall
B&NES Council meeting at which we will be speaking
B&NES Council meeting at which we will be speaking
Fri 21st May – 7.00pm – St Marks School
Open Meeting to Save Our Buses
Open Meeting to Save Our Buses
Sat 22nd May – 10.30am – Bath Bus Station
Demonstration for press & media
Demonstration for press & media
Sat 22nd May – 6.59pm – Larkhall Square
“Ride the Last No 7 Bus to the Bus Station”
“Ride the Last No 7 Bus to the Bus Station”
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Kensington Meadows - Play Area Open!
Officially opened this afternoon, the play equipment at Kensington Meadow has already been a big hit with all ages! See Susan Traill from the Friends of Kensington Meadows getting to grips with the climbing equipment here!A huge well done has to go to the Friends of Kensington Meadows and the PlayPathfinder team at the Council, and to all the people who were involved in this scheme.
Cllr David Dixon said, "I am so pleased that after 18 months of planning and discussions, this scheme is finally open. Today has shown what a big hit it is with well over 50 people attending during the afternoon."
More pics of the event are avaible on Cllr David Dixon's Facebook Page which can be accessed here!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Demo over 6 and 7 Bus Cuts
This morning we attended a demonstration run by local residents opposing cuts to the number 6 and 7 Bus Services, we managed to speak to the Operations Manager at First who is willing to meet with us, with the Managing Director and Operations Director from First Bus.Our very own local campaigner Lisa Brett who lives on the London Road alerted us to the demonstration and I do hope that we can find a positive way forward.
Lisa said, "I am glad that our local councillor, David Dixon has been able to secure a way forward with First, a demonstration is one thing but getting a way forward on this issue is something else."
Cllr David Dixon said, "I am so impressed with the turnout and commitment shown by local residents and would urge people to sign the petition."
The petition can be found here Online petition - Save our 6/7 Buses
You can view more photos by following this link!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Bus Service Cuts!
First Bus are looking to cut the number 6 service which is a circular route which covers Camden, Larkhall and Fairfield Park.
Passengers are currently able to bus it from Larkhall up along Camden every 20 minutes. This service is being reduced to every 30 minutes and split into 2 services.
This would now mean that someone wanting to go to the post office in Larkhall who lives in Camden would need to take one bus into town, change and take another bus back out to Larkhall. Furthermore the service is proposed to run every 30 minutes which would mean that (provided the buses run on time) could take up to 2 hours and cost twice as much.
One of the reasons that the post office on Camden was suht was because there is a post office in Larkhall served by a good bus route. This will no longer be the case.
We are trying to set up a meeting with First about this. I do not see this as improvements to the service at all, more like a much poorer service to me. So I will be interested to hear what they have to say on this.
We may also set up a meeting with another bus company such as Wessex Connect who have recently been filling in the gaps left by First on a number of services across the city.
Passengers are currently able to bus it from Larkhall up along Camden every 20 minutes. This service is being reduced to every 30 minutes and split into 2 services.
This would now mean that someone wanting to go to the post office in Larkhall who lives in Camden would need to take one bus into town, change and take another bus back out to Larkhall. Furthermore the service is proposed to run every 30 minutes which would mean that (provided the buses run on time) could take up to 2 hours and cost twice as much.
One of the reasons that the post office on Camden was suht was because there is a post office in Larkhall served by a good bus route. This will no longer be the case.
We are trying to set up a meeting with First about this. I do not see this as improvements to the service at all, more like a much poorer service to me. So I will be interested to hear what they have to say on this.
We may also set up a meeting with another bus company such as Wessex Connect who have recently been filling in the gaps left by First on a number of services across the city.
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
Secondary School Shake Up
The dates for the public meetings, which form part of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Secondary school consultation, have now been set.
The meetings form part of the wider consultation where parents, teachers and pupils have the chance to have their say on proposals outlined in Bath and North East Somerset Council’s Secondary Review.
Dates for public meetings are as follows:
Keynsham
Tuesday 11 May, Wellsway School, 7pm
Tuesday 18 May, Broadlands School, 7pm
Wednesday 26 May, St Keyna Primary School, 7pm
Bath
Tuesday 12 May, St Mark's C of E School, 7pm
Wednesday 19 May, Oldfield School, 7pm
Thursday 20 May, Culverhay School, 7pm
Tuesday 25 May Guildhall, Brunswick Room, 7pm
Timescale
Consultation – began on 31 March 2010 and will end 28 May 2010.
Decision on proposals – Cabinet will make a decision on the proposal on 21st July 2010.
How to give feedback on the proposals
Consultation booklets which give details of the proposals have been distributed to all schools and also to wider stakeholders in Bath and Keynsham and are available online. Everyone with an interest in the education of our young people can comment on the proposals by email, letter or online. For more information visit www.bathnes.gov.uk and navigate to the School Consultation documents through the ‘have your say’ section on the homepage.
The meetings form part of the wider consultation where parents, teachers and pupils have the chance to have their say on proposals outlined in Bath and North East Somerset Council’s Secondary Review.
Dates for public meetings are as follows:
Keynsham
Tuesday 11 May, Wellsway School, 7pm
Tuesday 18 May, Broadlands School, 7pm
Wednesday 26 May, St Keyna Primary School, 7pm
Bath
Tuesday 12 May, St Mark's C of E School, 7pm
Wednesday 19 May, Oldfield School, 7pm
Thursday 20 May, Culverhay School, 7pm
Tuesday 25 May Guildhall, Brunswick Room, 7pm
Timescale
Consultation – began on 31 March 2010 and will end 28 May 2010.
Decision on proposals – Cabinet will make a decision on the proposal on 21st July 2010.
How to give feedback on the proposals
Consultation booklets which give details of the proposals have been distributed to all schools and also to wider stakeholders in Bath and Keynsham and are available online. Everyone with an interest in the education of our young people can comment on the proposals by email, letter or online. For more information visit www.bathnes.gov.uk and navigate to the School Consultation documents through the ‘have your say’ section on the homepage.
Saturday, May 01, 2010
Resident's Parking - AGAIN
It has come to our attention that the Council have sent out application letters to residents for permits for the Camden Scheme, but have omitted a covering letter stating when the scheme will come into place. A new covering letter should go out next week to say that the scheme will come into force from 1st July!
Monday, April 26, 2010
Resident's Parking Update
OK so resident's parking for Camden Road area has been agreed to go ahead, the one way system is scrapped and the Thomas Street area is going back out with some alterations, including allowing permits for Walcot Parade residents, for more consultation.
Following feedback from residents, the operating hours have been reduce from 8am to 7pm.
The Council received 122 responses on the Camden Road scheme, 127 responses on the One Way scheme and 44 responses for the Thomas Street scheme. All can be viewed by using the links you will also see responses from Council officers to each comment.
For the full decision report on this please follow this link!
Following feedback from residents, the operating hours have been reduce from 8am to 7pm.
The Council received 122 responses on the Camden Road scheme, 127 responses on the One Way scheme and 44 responses for the Thomas Street scheme. All can be viewed by using the links you will also see responses from Council officers to each comment.
For the full decision report on this please follow this link!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Kensington Meadows - Play Area Opening!
The opening event for the Play Pathfinder equipment at Kensington Meadows is on Sunday 16 May at 2 pm. It is hoped that the weather will be kind and that we will all have a very enjoyable time. Exact activities not yet decided - however I am sure that The Friends of Kensington Meadows will motivate people into action!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Cllr David Dixon - Facebook Page
Cllr David Dixon has created a new Page on Facebook so that you can quickly and easily follow the work that he is doing for the residents of Walcot.
You can visit http://tinyurl.com/cllrdixon and follow his activities from your Facebook feed!
You can visit http://tinyurl.com/cllrdixon and follow his activities from your Facebook feed!
Friday, April 23, 2010
Black Cat moves into Porter Butt
I visited The Porter Butt this evening and met with Dave from the Black Cat - who are the organisation currently squatting.
Talking to them they didn't know of the future plans for the building so I updated them and said that their squatting may delay things further.
They said that they don't really want to delay things but would like to somehow stay until Richers are ready to start works.
I have passed their contact details onto Richers and I hope that things can be resolved without long and costly court battles etc.
They do run a blog if you want to know more http://blackcatcentre.blogspot.com
It's an interesting one as in principle I do support what The Black Cat are trying to deliver. I am hoping that the Council might open up dialogue with a view to finding them a proper home so that they do not have to keep on squatting in empty properties.
Talking to them they didn't know of the future plans for the building so I updated them and said that their squatting may delay things further.
They said that they don't really want to delay things but would like to somehow stay until Richers are ready to start works.
I have passed their contact details onto Richers and I hope that things can be resolved without long and costly court battles etc.
They do run a blog if you want to know more http://blackcatcentre.blogspot.com
It's an interesting one as in principle I do support what The Black Cat are trying to deliver. I am hoping that the Council might open up dialogue with a view to finding them a proper home so that they do not have to keep on squatting in empty properties.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Liberal Democrat Manifesto Available to Download
We have had such a warm welcome on the doorstep while out canvassing, so thank you to all those we have met.
Many have asked for a copy of our manifesto, our printed manifesto is quite a chuncky document, so here is the link to it and below a quick summary,
a fair chance
for every child
• Ensure children get the individual attention they need by
cutting class sizes
• Made possible by investing £2.5 billion in schools targeted
to help struggling pupils
• Give schools the freedom to make the right choices for
their pupils
fair taxes
that put money back in your pocket
• The first £10,000 you earn tax-free: a tax cut of £700 for
most people
• 3.6 million low earners and pensioners freed from income
tax completely
• Paid for in full by closing loopholes that unfairly benefi t
the wealthy and polluters
a fair future
creating jobs by making Britain greener
• Break up the banks and get them lending again to protect
real businesses
• Honesty about the tough choices needed to cut the defi cit
• Green growth and jobs that last by investing in infrastructure
a fair deal
by cleaning up politics
• Put trust back into politics by giving you the right to sack
corrupt MPs
• Restore and protect hard-won British civil liberties with a
Freedom Bill
• Overhaul Westminster completely: fair votes, an elected
House of Lords, all politicians to pay full British taxes
Many have asked for a copy of our manifesto, our printed manifesto is quite a chuncky document, so here is the link to it and below a quick summary,
a fair chance
for every child
• Ensure children get the individual attention they need by
cutting class sizes
• Made possible by investing £2.5 billion in schools targeted
to help struggling pupils
• Give schools the freedom to make the right choices for
their pupils
fair taxes
that put money back in your pocket
• The first £10,000 you earn tax-free: a tax cut of £700 for
most people
• 3.6 million low earners and pensioners freed from income
tax completely
• Paid for in full by closing loopholes that unfairly benefi t
the wealthy and polluters
a fair future
creating jobs by making Britain greener
• Break up the banks and get them lending again to protect
real businesses
• Honesty about the tough choices needed to cut the defi cit
• Green growth and jobs that last by investing in infrastructure
a fair deal
by cleaning up politics
• Put trust back into politics by giving you the right to sack
corrupt MPs
• Restore and protect hard-won British civil liberties with a
Freedom Bill
• Overhaul Westminster completely: fair votes, an elected
House of Lords, all politicians to pay full British taxes
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