Following some concerns expressed by residents about the noise level of fireworks launched from Beechen Cliff on the opeing night of the Festival (this year, June 1) we have been working with the Festivals office to minimise any potential nuisance. The latest letter from them says, “”we have understood concerns expressed by some local residents about the volume of fireworks in 2010, and … have designed a display with these concerns in mind. The positioning of the launch site will minimise the impact of the firework display in the immediate area. The display will be focused towards the city centre…. Firework volume will be managed and any sound will be a by-product of effects.”
If you have any questions please contact Ian Gilchrist.

The latest information about the access from Lyncombe Vale Rd on to the Two Tunnels track is that there will be no ramp and therefore no official access when the track is opened probably in October. This is due to the well-known restrictions on the land availability here. The question will continue to be looked at and a solution will hopefully eventually be found.

The third meeting to consider how to respond to last year’s consultation outcomes was held last week. It was between representatives of the Widcombe Association, Widcombe councillors, cabinet members Roger Symonds and David Bellotti, councillor officers and the independent traffic engineers. This revealed that there is now agreement on all points apart from the White Hart junction, which is tied between mini-roundabouts and traffic lights. The issue is due to be decided at Cabinet in June.

As part of the ‘Bath Homes Fit for the Future‘ programme, organised by B&NES council, the Bath Preservation Trust, and Transition Bath, the home of Cllr Ian Gilchrist at 24 Horseshoe Walk will be open for visitors over the weekend of March 17-18. You can come and see what it means to have renewable energy supplies such as Solar Thermal and Electricity installed, and find out what it has meant in terms of reduced energy use.

Booking is essential, and can be done online at here, or call the organisers on 477528.

To help alleviate the long-term problem of unsuitably large vehicles going down Church St from the Widcombe Hill end an illuminated traffic island has been put in. It is hoped that the island will also make life easier for pedestrians crossing the road at this point. This has been paid for partly from Ward Councillor Initiative funds, and partly from individual residents and the Widcombe Association. As an added bonus, the bollards are solar-powered so there should be few ongoing costs associated with this crossing.

The Council’s Cabinet is due to make a decision on 14th March whether to formally start the process to implement planning controls to stop any further increase in the number of HMOs in the area. Please contact Ian if you would like to address Cabinet on this subject.

The Council voted on Tuesday (Feb 14) £1.8m PROVISONAL funding to meet the full cost of the proposed Rossiter Rd scheme. The plans for this are still undergoing a detailed rethink with the aid of an independent consultant and much traffic modelling. The outcome of this is due hopefully in March, at which point it will be clear whether a viable scheme can be implemented.

City of Bath College is holding a skills fair on Wed 7th March. It’ll be a great opportunity to link young people up with potential employers, apprenticeships and courses. Click here for more information.

There is a link here to the B&NES events toolkit which gives helpful advice and information for B&NES residents who may be planning a Diamond Jubilee event in June 2012.
This government website has full details of the celebrations planned nationally including The Big Lunch.
If you could email event@bathnes.gov.uk as soon as possible with more info. about your plans that would be very helpful.

At the meeting held last night in Widcombe Junior School the only priority adopted was for the Police to keep an eye on the street drinkers. It was also reported that the Widcombe Association have made some progress on planting prickly plants in the bushes along the Parade, as a means to deter street drinkers congregating in there. More remains to be done.