IanGilchrist

Hello, I'm Ian Gilchrist, elected LibDem councillor for Widcombe in Bath in May 2007.

If you want to contact me please go via ian_gilchrist@bathnes.gov.uk

 

 

 

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 Additional information sent to residents on May 22, 2009

 1. Rossiter Rd scheme delay. A number of you have contacted me about this. The reasoning for the delay in the exact words of the Cabinet member responsible, Cllr Charles Gerrish, is, "The traffic modelling undertaken to demonstrate the working of the scheme for which plans had been developed indicated that the knock-on effect would be counter productive to the city.Rather than just therefore to abandon the scheme I have asked that officers undertake more work to seek to develop a scheme that will achieve the objectives -ie to take traffic out of Widcombe Parade." If you would like to tackle Cllr Gerrish direct on the subject, his email address is charles_gerrish@bathnes.gov.uk. I am continuing my own efforts here in coordination with the Widcombe Association.  

2. Date of next PACT meeting. I'm sorry but I got this wrong in my last email. It is June 25 not July 25. Time and place were correct (7.30 pm at Widcombe Junior School).  

3. The Council is introducing 'same day' waste and recycling collection from June 8th. To find out what day of the week this will be for you, please go to http://isharemaps.bathnes.gov.uk/mybathnes.aspx?tab=0 and put in your postcode. You should also receive a letter with this information soon.

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 E-Newsletter sent to about 350 residents in Widcombe May 12-23 2009

 Roads

There is disappointing news on the Rossiter Rd two-way scheme. The studies so far carried out by the Highways Dept have not found an option which 'works' and can be completed within the current budget. This decision has been taken by the Cabinet member responsbile, Cllr Charles Gerrish. The only compensating good news is that he has agreed to fund another year of studies, and has increased the money available to complete a scheme if a viable option is found. You can contact me for more details if wanted.
 
On Greenway Lane a sum of £55K is in the budget for improvements to slow and hopefully reduce traffic flows. The road narrowing at the rear entrance to Beechen Cliff School will be put in in July. Other measures are also under consideration. These will hopefully have a positive effect in areas such as Rosemount Lane, Lyncombe Vale, and Lyncombe Hill.
 
On Wells Rd at the corner with Oldfield Rd, a painted 'build-out' is now promised. This should have the effect of slowing traffic there, and hopefully reducing the number of over-sized vehicles entering Oldfield Rd.
 
On Widcombe Hill at the Macaulay Bldgs corner there are a number of measures under active consideration to reduce the danger to speeding cyclists.
 
Community Speed Watch (CSW) 
In response to residents' complaints about traffic speed I am making good progress on setting up a CSW for Widcombe. The next step will be for the Police to do their safety checks on an initial set of locations, then we get the equipment, training, and then start. I will send out notification at the point when this is likely to begin (we do not want to catch Widcombe residents). If you want to know more about this please contact me, or read the Police webpage:
http://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/units_and_departments/operations/rpu/speedwatch/index.aspx

PaCT (Partners and Communities Together)
The date for the next meeting is Thursday July 25, 7.30pm at Widcombe Junior School.
 
Two Tunnels
Following the well-attended public meeting organised by the Widcombe Association and Greenway! on April 22 I have been given assurances by the Council that residents will get a chance to see the details of Sustrans' plans on matters such as gates to the tunnels. As regards parking in Lyncombe Vale I am re-opening the question of a Residents Parking Zone here, fully aware that not everyone is in favour.

The Widcombe Schools crossing
Still not finished. Sorry, but am chasing.
 
Environment/Energy
The Transition Bath Energy group has launched a scheme where anyone can borrow (in return for a small deposit and donation) one of the nifty 'real-time' electricity meters which you may have read about. These are safe and easy to install, and if used properly can help you reduce electricity usage and cost. More details are available at http://www.transitionbath.org.uk/projects.html

Plus - Transition Widcombe anyone?

Song for Widcombe
Could you write a song for Widcombe? The Widcombe Association has running a competition with a £50 prize. See http://www.widcombeassociation.org.uk/songcontest.htm

Political Things
If anyone would like to consider becoming a Councillor at the next elections (not till 2011) we (LibDems) are starting to recruit candidates. I'd be happy to answer questions from anyone about what is involved, either in what the job involves or what you have to do to put your name forward.
in Widcombe around May 12-23, 2009

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E-Newsletter sent to about 300 residents in Widcombe on March 14-15, 2009

Road Safety

The main new thing here is that we now have about 10 volunteers for a Widcombe Community Speed Watch, and that I have asked the Police to provide us with some dates when we could have training. If you feel like joining in please contact me to say so.

For more information on this scheme see http://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/units_and_departments/operations/rpu/speedwatch/index.aspx

There are updates available on most of the usual trouble spots. Please contact me if you want to know about Wells Rd, Widcombe Hill at Macaulay Bldgs, Greenway Lane etc.

20A/C Bus Service

It has just been announced that the bus operators First will no longer operate this service (Widcombe Hill/University and round to the RUH), from May 10. The Council needs persuading that it cannot allow the service to drop. Our MP Don Foster is already taking up the cause, and there is a petiton to be signed here: http://ourcampaign.org.uk/onthebuses

PaCT (Partners and Communities Together)

The three priorities which emerged from the session on Feb 12 were:

1. Commuter parking on Lyncombe Vale. (Joint approach for leaflet drop with Parking Services/Residents (re) Survey/Parking permit zone).

2. Paragon School. (Approach to Parents via Newsletter)

3. Claverton Street. (Speeding & parking enforcement/Deliveries)

We were also introduced to our new Beat Manager, PC Malcolm Webley.

The Widcombe Schools crossing

Now promised (really) for completion before end of the financial year.

Planning Situations

The site of the former Lime Grove School is now again under offer. I am asking for details.

Hayesfield School in Upper Oldfield Park has put in its planning application for an extensive rebuild of parts of the school. I shall be meeting the Headteacher on March 18, so if you want to send me any opinions please do so.

'AQ521' or 'Millbrook Lane'

The lane between Prior Park Buildings and Millbrook Court has been known to council officials as 'AQ521' for years. I am happy to say that this has now been given a proper name, Millbrook Lane, and the street name plate went up in February at the Millbrook Court end. It is hoped that this will make it easier for residents to report crime, such as car vandalism, in the future.

Environment/Energy

At the Transition Bath Forum on April 14 I am leading a presentation and discussion on domestic energy generation/saving based on my own experiences (with numbers!). It will start at about 7.30pm in Widcombe Social Club. Entrance is free but donations are welcome, and please bring some food to share.

New local company 'Lock-In Energy' is running a one-day training course on April 4 for anyone wanting to become properly trained to understand and advise on the subject of home energy. The course will be held in the centre of Bath and the cost is a modest £15. I shall be doing this. If you want to know more email john.ingham@yahoo.co.uk

Song for Widcombe

Do you have song-writing skills or at least ambition? Could you write a song for Widcombe? The Widcombe Association has launched a competition with a £50 prize. See http://www.widcombeassociation.org.uk/songcontest.htm

Natural Theatre Company

Our favourite local actors appear to have resolved at last to stay at their current headquarters on Widcombe Hill. This means that our favourite event, Widcombe Rising, is likely to go ahead in 2010, probably with a canal theme.

Some Political Things

If you have heard about the Government wanting to force B&NES to build over 22,000 new homes in the area and don't think this is right, there is now a petition against it here: http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/SuspendRSS

If anyone would like to consider becoming a Councillor at the next elections (not till 2011) we (LibDems) are starting to recruit candidates. I'd be happy to answer questions from anyone about what is involved, either in what the job involves or what you have to do to put your name forward.

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Speech at Budget Council meeting on Feb 17, 2009

"The Council continues to make good progress on getting its own house in order from an energy reduction and CO2 emissions point of view. I applaud the efforts of our Sustainability Manager, Jane Wildblood, and her team in harnessing internal and external resources towards delivering this vital yet often poorly understood programme.

Nevertheless, we LibDems feel that we should be doing more to assist our residents in contributing towards the overall goal of reducing CO2 emissions across the area. This goal is enshrined in NI 186, which the authority has for now chosen not to adopt. But this overlooks the fact that many residents (who frequently contact me) want to play their part. We have accordingly included in our budget amendment proposal the sum of £0.5m towards the support of residents' initiatives in this area. It may be used to cover grants towards home insulation (thus helping reduce fuel poverty), installation of domestic micro-generation equipment, or support for the embryonic local 'green energy' economy, which it is said will be one of the drivers to help lift us out of the current economic downturn.

The sum we are proposing is not large, and will not go that far. But it does I believe go a long way to indicating to our residents that the council does understand the green agenda, and does want to help its residents play their role in bringing down energy costs and helping avert the causes of climate change. I commend the LibDem amendment to the Council."

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 E-Newsletter sent to about 300 residents in Widcombe on Jan 24, 2009

Road Safety

As traffic speed is a major concern to so many people in Widcombe, particularly along the Wells Rd, Widcombe Hill, and Prior Park Rd I am keen to see if we can get a Community Speedwatch programme into action this year. The essence of this will be to use volunteers from within Widcombe, and then: "Before going out onto the streets, volunteers are given full training on how to use speed detection equipment and how to monitor the speed of vehicles safely.

Volunteers take the registration number of any speeding vehicles.

The details are then sent on to the Police who then send tout warning letters to the registered keepers explaining the dangers of speeding and the problems it can cause to people living in the area.

Persistent offenders who disregard the warning notices will be identified by the police who will take further action in the form of speed enforcements.

Speedwatch enables people to get actively involved in road safety and helps to prompt motorists to watch their speed and keep to the limit. Motorists who speed through residential neighbourhoods are very often unaware of the impact their actions have on local residents, or the danger they pose to other road users."

If you think you'd like to be involved, or just want more information please let me know. The best way to show that you are concerned about traffic speed is to come to the next PACT meering - see below!

PaCT (Partners and Communities Together)

This is the regular evening meeting that we give to finding out what concerns people have in their neighbourhoods, and then try to work on a solution which may involve the Police, the Council, or others. There is some evidence of success of this process in Widcombe, in particular on the question of anti-social behaviour aroun Widcombe Parade.

The next session is on Thursday Feb 12, starting 7.30pm, at Widcombe Junior School.

The Widcombe Schools crossing!

I'm sorry to report that the Council still has not completed the work promised before Christmas, but the advisory 20mph signs should be done by the end of February. As for getting the railings painted - I keep pressing.

On slightly better news the playground at the schools is currently getting a big 'refresh'.

Planning Situations

The site of the former Lime Grove School is now without any plans as the former would-be developers appear to have withdrawn their interest completely. There is a suggestion being looked at to make some of the land available as temporary allotments. If anyone's interested - let me know.

'AQ521'

The lane between Prior Park Buildings and Millbrook Court has been known (only to council officials as 'AQ521' for years. This has been a source of concern to residents when wanting to report crime, such as car vandalism in the lane. I'm pleased to say that I have persuaded the council that it deserves a proper name an recognition on Ordnance Survey maps.This change should be in place by the end of February.

Environment/Energy

At the Transition Bath Forum on April 14 I am leading a presentation and discussion on domestic energy generation/saving based on my own experiences (with numbers!). It will start at about 7.30pm in Widcombe Social Club. Entrance is free but donations are welcome, and please bring some food to share.

My wood-burning stove arrives (3 months late) this week. I am interested to hear from anyone who has any wood going to waste in their house/garden. Will collect!

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Welcome to 2009! In Widcombe we  do it in the best possible way, with a performance by the Widcombe Mummers, which I have the pleasure and honour to organise. This year's performance was probably our best ever, and featured two local talking points, namely Bladud's pigs of which we had two (Hazel and Charlie), and the annoying gulls (played by Peter and the Sharpe boys). Here we are at Widcombe Crescent, with in the picture King Bladud (Paul) and Mrs Bladud (Guida).

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E-newsletter sent to approx 300 Widcombe residents on Nov 23, 2008

Road Safety
I am in the process of arranging a tour of Widcombe's danger spots with the Council's new road safety person. Representatives from the Widcombe Association and Greenway! will hopefully come along too. The main places will include lower Wells Rd, the Pulteney Rd school crossing, Widcombe Hill, Rossiter Rd, Greenway/Lyncombe Vale, and Oldfield Rd.

On the question of SatNav devices misguiding HGVs along some of our narrower streets, the council has been persuaded to take part in the ongoing regional discussions aimed at alleviating the problem.

Police Matters
The matter of serious Anti-Social Behaviour  in the Widombe Parade area continues to be actively looked at. The council has pruned bushes and trees in the area, and a major clean-up operation was held there this week. There is now a good possibility that the lane between Millbrook Court and Prior Park Cottages will be given a proper name (e.g. 'Millbrook Lane') rather than just AQ521 as previously.

Parking Zones
A timetable for planned review of all residents' parking zones in Bath has been announced. As it affects Widcombe the relevant dates are:

 

Year	Zones
2008/09	none
2009/10	4 and 5
2010/11	2
2011/12	3

Planning Situations
The site of the former Lime Grove School is now in a planning hiatus as the would-be developers return to the planning dept with a new set of plans, the previous set having been rejected.

Environment/Energy
The next Transition Bath Forum will be on Tuesday Dec 9th from 7pm in Widcombe Social Club. Entrance is free but please bring some food to share.

On a personal note I am in the process of installing a word-burning stove and am interested to share thoughts and experiences with others who have a common interest.

Local Seasonal Things!
Lady Margaret assisted by the Widcombe Wobblers will be switching on the Widcombe Parade Christmas Lights on Thursday December 4 at 6.00pm.

The Widcombe Mummers will be doing their thing again on New Year's Day: 12.00 at Widcombe Crescent, and 12.20 at Prior Park Gdn Centre (St Matthews if raining). A new joke, a new script and new music are on offer. Be there to start the year in the best possible spirit!

Some Political Things
If anyone would like to consider becoming a Councillor at the next elections (not till 2011) we (LibDems) are starting to recruit candidates. I'd be happy to answer questions from anyone about what is involved, either in what the job involves or what you have to do to put your name forward.

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Questions asked by me to Cabinet, for answer on Nov 5:

To Cllr Chris Watt:

Does the Cabinet member agree that it is unacceptable for school buses to run where children are put at risk by being forced to stand?

To Cllr Charles Gerrish:

Will Cllr Gerrish please obtain a response from officers to my repeated emails on the subject of the crossing at Widcombe Junior School and why its restoration has stalled at an uncompleted state? It would be tedious to enumerate the one-sided communications on this topic, so I will just remind the Cabinet member that the job was supposed to have been finished before the start of last Summer term. The railings remain unpainted (white); there is no 20 mph restriction when the school warning lights flash, and the new post which is supposed to hold a light at the top remains unadorned.

To Cllr Malcolm Hanney:

In these troubled financial times when it seems even AAA ratings cannot be relied on, what reassurance can I give the residents of Widcombe that the Council's reserves are safe in your hands? Will the £5m VAT rebate so proudly announced still be available to provide essential council services such as road safety when needed?

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E-Newsletter sent to about 300 residents in Widcombe on Sept 21, 2008

Road Safety

The '20 is Plenty' campaign continues for safer streets across the whole of Bath. Please sign the electronic petition (http://ourcampaign.org.uk/twentyisplenty) if you agree with this important initiative. We collected about 80 signatures on a paper petition in just a few streets in the Holloway area over summer.

Lower Wells Rd - the council pedestrian safety person is considering the outcome of the inquest, with a study of needs in that area. Pulteney Rd school crossing - continuing action to try to get the crossing finished!

Widcombe Hill (cyclists crashing on corner with Macauley Bldgs) - the council's consultant has generated a report and residents are considering the response.

Rossiter Rd, - the feasibility of the preferred option is being evaluated.

Greenway/Lyncombe Vale - we're still trying to get an explanation from the Council about the details of the Wellsway bus route and how it will affect traffic on Greenway Lane. Meanwhile numerous incidents on Rosemount Lane have generated yet more calls for this to be made one-way NOW.

I have recently added Oldfield Rd to the list of actions requested of the Highways Dept.

Parking Permit charges

Our (LibDem) last-ditch effort to persuade the Cabinet to extend the city centre £1 charge between 6 -12pm to all car parks has regrettably not been successful. The £1 charge will only apply at Avon St and Charlotte St. At all others the higher rate will apply.

Police Matters

The matter of serious Anti-Social Behaviour in the Widombe Parade area continues to be looked at. The Police and Somer Housing are considering options.The council has been asked to prune bushes and trees in the area to meet Police crime preventation recommendations.

The next PACT meeting will probably be on Oct 22nd and at Beechen Cliff School. Top of the agenda is the above matter.

Planning Situations

The site of the former Lime Grove School is now seemingly destined for student accomodation, with Unite as the developers preparing ideas. I shall be engaging with them from next week in a joint action with LibDem colleagues from neighbouring Bathwick ward.

Gulls in Widcombe

Gulls appear to have replaced deer as the species causing most discussion amongst residents. If anyone wants a reminder of what the Council's 'gull strategy' is I can send the report from Nov 2007.

Environment/Energy

In August I completed a 3 year study looking at the real value of two domestic energy saving methods (solar heating panels and real-time electricity meters). My savings on gas and electricity were 12% and 22% respectively. If you want the details I'll happily send my report.

Transition Bath is holding a Forum on Oct 14 from 7pm in Widcombe Social Club with main item being how the Council is planning for 'Sustainability'. It will be led by the Council's Sustainability Manager, Mrs Jane Wildblood. Come and have your say about how Council can do more. the Entrance is free but please bring some food to share.

Council Connect

If you have ever used the Council Connect service you may be interested to know that in Widcombe the top three reasons for contacting it were Waste Disposal, Open Spaces, and Highways. I have the full set of statistics for August if anyone wants to see...

Some Political Things

There will be an opportunity to meet Don Foster at the Baptist Church in Widcombe on Saturday Oct 18, between 10-12am. Please call 338973 to make an appointment, or just turn up.

If anyone would like to consider becoming a Councillor at the next elections (not till 2011) we (LibDems) are starting to recruit candidates. I'd be happy to answer questions from anyone about what is involved, either in what the job involves or what you have to do to put your name forward.

 

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Sept 2008

Campaigning for 20 mph Speed Limit in Holloway. I have canvassed by email this area and found 80% of respondents were in favour. Over 80 signatures have so far been gained for our petition on this subject. 

 

 Picture shows residents Mike and Trilby Mapstone, with MP Don Foster, myself, and local campaigner David Martin.

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Questions to Cabinet for Sept 3.

The final decision on implementing Bath city centre car parking charges is long overdue; implementation should have started by Sept 1. Cllr Gerrish has stated that he is waiting for the consultation period to end. When will this be? How has the consultation been carried out, and what do the results so far show? Can we expect Cllr Gerrish to respond to public demand and announce that the new regime of £1 for hours 6.00 -10.00 pm will be introduced across all city centre car parks rather than just the two previously announced? This would be consistent across the city (see 6.2 of E1836, "The Council is constantly seeking to correct any anomalies...")

In relation to the proposal to drop parking charges for Blue Badge holders in Keynsham while retaining them for Bath and the rest of B&NES can Cllr Gerrish please explain how this anomaly may be interpreted in any way other than acting to favour residents in his own ward? If disabled drivers are being treated in one fashion in Keynsham should the same principle not equally be applied elsewhere? If the cost reasons (as explained in E1886) are paramount now, why were the same reasons not developed in the original paper, E1715?

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August 18, 2008. Had the great pleasure of organising a Deep Clean Keep Clean action by the council and Somer Housing to improve conditions on the Dolemead estate in Widcombe. This meant tackling graffiti on the railway arches (picture), cutting back overgrown trees, giving all the streets a thorough brushing and treatment with weed-killer as appopriate. There is lots more to do but hopefully we will get there.

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August 7, 2008. Out campaigning with residents and Ziggy the Zebra for safer traffic conditions in Geenway Lane and surrounding areas. We are calling for a reduction in the volume, weight and speed of traffic. The current conditions represent a danger to both residents and also to the many school children who go to Beech Cliff School via Greenway Lane everyday in term time.

Picture courtesy of Jim Canham (Greenway Lane resident). Ziggy courtesy of the Bathwick LibDems. Residents courtesy of themselves.

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E-newsletter sent to approx 280 Widcombe residents on July 26, 2008

 Road Safety
We will be running a campaign on '20mph is plenty' in residential roads over the summer and into autumn, starting with the Holloway area. I have found a high degree of support for this idea, and would like to extend to other areas. If you agree with it let me know.

The familiar local issues (lower Wells Rd, Pulteney Rd school crossing, Widcombe Hill, Rossiter Rd and Greenway/Lyncombe Vale) are all still moving slowly. Please contact me for an update if you want.

Parking Permit charges
As a result of continuing LibDem pressure we think the Cabinet will extend the £1 parking charge to more city centre car parks than it was previously prepared to do. I am only sorry we have been unable to to do anything about the 65% increase in residents and 500% increase in visitor permit charges.

Police Matters
There has been a renewed outbreak of 'serious AntiSocial Behaviour' around the Widcombe Parade area. I am attempting to get a long-term remedy implemented, but this is a request for any resident who is a victim (however small) of this, they should let the Police know. Reports such as this constitute evidence/statistics, and this gives the basis for positive actions. Call the Police non-emergency number  0845-4567000

Planning Situations
Hayesfield School in Upper Oldfield Park has unveiled ambitious plans to improve its on site facilities. The Headteacher, Erica Draisey, is very keen for affected residents to take a look and make objections now while the plans are still being formulated. You can see them on www.hayesfield.com

The site of the former Lime Grove School is now nearing a sale and should apparently be complete by about August. I shall be looking out for applications for new use on this site.

'Deep Clean Keep Clean' (DCKC)
I have arranged with the council for a DCKC to take place on the Dolemeads estate on Monday August 18th. If anyone would like to take part as a volunteer helper please let me know.

Deer in Widcombe
There are a large number of wild deer in and around Widcombe. If you have strong feelings about whether they should be treated as more than a nuisance please let me know.

Some Political Things
If anyone would like to consider becoming a Councillor at the next elections (not till 2011) we (LibDems) are starting to recruit candidates. I'd be happy to answer questions from anyone about what is involved, either in what the job involves or what you have to do to put your name forward.

There will be an opportunity to meet Don Foster in Widcombe on Oct 11. I'll circulate more information later.

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"20 (mph) is Plenty" in Holloway.

Having done a quick email survey of residents' views about introducing a 20mph zone in Holloway/Calton Gdns/Park Ave and Magdalen Ave, I find that 80% (8/10) are in favour. Over the summer I will be doing some petitioning on the subject with a view tocoordinating with other Bath areas on the subject, and going to Council with a strong position in Autumn. In the meantime, please sign our online petition: http://ourcampaign.org.uk/twentyisplenty

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Took part in the B&NES Bike Week event on June 18, 2008. I actually ride the bike (a Bath-designed electric 'Powabyke' every day to work, and to most visits within the ward. Here I am with fellow LibDem councillors (from left) Nick Coombes, Paul Crossley, Roger Symonds, me, Cherry Beath.

 

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E-newsletter sent to approx 280 Widcombe residents on May 11, 2008

Road Safety
Lower Wells Rd. Since my last e-newsletter in which I mentioned I was intending to press for a pedestrian crossing in the lower Wells Rd I am assured that the council intends to do something but is waiting for the inquest to be held on the resident who was killed there. There is currently no date fixed for the inquest but I am tracking closely.

Pulteney Rd school crossing. Some of the promised improvements have already been made, and the remainder are promised 'soon'. The matter has the personal attention of the Cabinet Member in charge of Highways.

Widcombe Hill. There have been two very serious accidents in the last month involving (university student) cyclists on Widcombe Hill, which brings to a total of about 5 on this stretch of road in the last couple of years. I have taken part in a meeting on site with several residents and the council's acting head of road safety to come up with ideas of what might be done.The Bathwick Councillor Nick Coombes will be working with the university to (again) ask students to be more sensible and responsible.

The Rossiter Rd and Greenway/Lyncombe Vale schemes continue to inch forward - please contact me for an update if you want.

Parking Permit charges
The revised charges and applicable times (up to 8.00pm in the City centre) went into effect on May 1st. If anyone thinks they were unfairly caught by the new charges before that date please let me know.

Police and PACT
The next such meeting will be on May 29, 7.30 pm at Widcombe Junior School.

The top issues at the last PACT meeting were:

• Excessive speed in Lyncombe Vale and Rosemount Road .
• Begging/Vagrancy on Halfpenny Bridge .
• Better Cycling routes on roads. (To prevent cars parking on cycle lanes and Claverton Street to include a protective kerb for cyclists).

Come and have your say about what is important for you in Widcombe.


Planning Situations
The site of the former Lime Grove School is now nearing a sale and should apparently be complete by about August. I shall be looking out for applications for new use on this site.

The Two Tunnels project is about to be given planning permission to proceed. While in general agreement with the aim of this project I am aware that residents in Lyncombe Vale have legitimate concerns about behaviour and parking in their area. I am in touch with the project director (Frank Tompson) about their concerns.

Satisfaction with the Council
The latest survey shows that residents satisfaction with the council overall in the B&NES is area is 59%, with Widcombe showing 52%. If anyone would like to see the full report please email.

'Transition Bath' in Widcombe
The movement to adjust Bath to a world without cheap energy is gathering strength. Many of the activities and discussions currently take place in Widcombe. See the website - link below.

Widcombe Rising
The Widcombe Rising street party will be held again this year on Sunday June 15. For info on this see the Widcombe.Net link below. If you would like to volunteer help on the day please contact ralph@naturaltheatre.co.uk

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Email sent to Widcombe residents on March 30

You are receiving this email because I think you may have objections to the current Council intentions to:

• increase residents parking permit charges by about 65%
• extend the city centre paying times to 8.00pm

The full details are available to see at http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/Committee%5Fpapers/Executive/WL/2008/080222/02E1715ResidentsParkingTRO.htm

This decision is being 'called-in' by the city LibDem group, and this hearing will take place on Monday April 7th, at 10.00 at the Guildhall. Members of the public can attend. If you wish to speak you can but should first arrange to do so by emailing scrutiny@bathnes.gov.uk.

You can also register your opposition by signing our petition at http://ourcampaign.org.uk/BathResidentsParkingCharg
Comments received via the petition website may be used in our presentation on April 7th.

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E-newsletter sent to 250 Widcombe residents. March 16, 2008

Road Safety
Lower Wells Rd. Since my last e-newsletter in which I mentioned I was intending to do something about a crossing in the lower Wells Rd we have run a petition and got over 200 signatures. The petition was presented to the Cabinet on March 5, and Cllr Gerrish has promised to look at the situation as soon proper procedures (including the inquest on the local man killed there) are complete. If you want still to join the campaign please sign my petition on-line at: http://campaigns.libdems.org.uk/wellsrdbath

Pulteney Rd school crossing. It can't have escaped your notice that there has been a fifth crash there recently, this time resulting in casualties and serious damage to the crossing itself. Urgent action is promised - watch this space.

The Rossiter Rd and Greenway/Lyncombe Vale schemes continue to inch forward - please contact me for an update if you want.

Parking Permit charges
As you have probably heard the Council is planning to raise residents parking permit charges by about 65%. If you think this is iniquitous and unjustifiable please contact me back - we (Lib Dems) are considering a formal action on this matter and would appreciate the views of as many residents as possible. You can read the Cabinet's recommendation on the subject here:
http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/Committee_papers/Executive/WL/2008/080222/02E1715ResidentsParkingTRO.htm

Police and PACT
The top issues at the last PACT meeting were:

• Excessive speed in Lyncombe Vale and Rosemount Road.
• Begging/Vagrancy on Halfpenny Bridge.
• Better Cycling routes on roads. (To prevent cars parking on cycle lanes and Claverton Street to include a protective kerb for cyclists).

The next such meeting will be in May - date and venue to be announced.

Bath Secondary Schools
There will be a special Council meeting to consider the next step on this subject on March 29 at 6.30 pm. Come along to listen if you are interested in the subject. If you have thoughts and concerns that you are burning to make public there is opportunity to do so.

'Transition Bath' in Widcombe
The movement to adjust Bath to a world without cheap energy is gathering strength. The steering group is currently meeting once a month at a location conveniently in Widcombe, and the first pub session was held at the Ram in Widcombe on March 4. It's a cheerful, friendly, dynamic, and bubbling with positive ideas. Want to get involved? See the website - link below.

And finally - Widcombe Rising
Thanks to the tireless efforts of Ralph Oswick, Nick Steel and the Natural Theatre Co (NTC) the Widcombe Rising street party will be held again this year on Sunday June 15. For info on this and other NTC events see the Widcombe.Net link below. Musicians interested to join the Widcombe Wobblers are invited to contact me - no audition!

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PRESS RELEASE, March 2, 2008

Widcombe Schools Crossing - FIFTH strike

It is only three weeks since we reported a fourth accident at the Pulteney Road crossing leading to Widcombe schools in Bath. Now a fifth accident has occurred, and it is beginning to look like the crossing's reputation as the most dangerous in Bath is more justified than ever.

The accident occurred at 3.15 a.m. this morning. A car (blue Peugeot) travelling in a westerly direction failed to see the black-painted railings protruding into the carriageway and crashed into them. It then spun round out of control. A person was injured and an ambulance and the police were called. The scene today (see pictures) is of devastation at the site, with the railings smashed beyond recognition and car parts and glass strewn up to 30 yards away.

Councillor Ian Gilchrist says, "I was informed of the accident today and went straight down to see the evidence. Together with Fran Bryden, chair of the Junior School governors, and her family we inspected the damage and heard the story of some of the locals who were on the scene. It seems there was a hospital case but no information at this stage of how serious the injuries are.

Considering the warnings that have been given to the council including a petition against the state of the crossing last September, I find it very worrying that nothing has been done. We were promised measures including making the railings stronger and more visible but these have not been put in place. The effect on residents and school parents will be to make them more concerned than ever that one day something even worse than this will happen."

Fran Bryden said, "My boys saw the aftermath of the accident this morning and when we came to look it was clearly worse than any of the previous accidents. The railings which are supposed to protect people crossing were completely flattened. There were pieces of car all over the place, and marks on the road extending right to the other side. When we look at the history of warnings that the council has had I find it quite unbelievable that we are still no further forward on this than we were last year."

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PRESS RELEASE, February 23, 2008

Local Councillor Ian Gilchrist (Lib Dem Widcombe) has today launched a campaign calling for a safe pedestrian crossing to be installed on the lower Wells Road . Last November local resident, John Bettley was killed while attempting to cross the road which has strengthened calls by local campaigners for a safe crossing to be installed as soon as possible.

Today [Saturday 23 February] Cllr Gilchrist, joined by local MP Don Foster, will be encouraging residents in the area near Wells Road to sign his petition calling for safer routes for pedestrians. Commenting, Cllr Gilchrist said: "For some time residents in Wells Road and neighbouring streets have expressed to me their concerns about this area which has for too long been known as a bit of a race track. "The curving dual carriageway up from the roundabout at the bottom seems to tempt drivers to accelerate, and the apparent absence of pedestrians only acts as a bit more of a spur to speed. However, fatefully this same point is precisely where converging pedestrian routes from the upper Wells Rd and Holloway encourage people walking into town to want to cross the road. The alternatives are a grim underpass approximately 300 m in the wrong direction or a crossing about 200 m back up the hill. "When I last approached the Council's Highways Department I was told there was not enough evidence that the street was unsafe which is clearly not a view shared by the residents. In fact, the Council nearly put a crossing in a few years ago but didn't go ahead due to reasons I have not yet had fully explained." Don Foster said: "I fully support local residents' calls for a safer crossing and will be out with Cllr Gilchrist today meeting with local residents and urging them to sign his petition. "I hope this will encourage the Cabinet that this is a matter long overdue for serious attention."

Local campaigner Meryl Stannard said: "We have been trying to get this new crossing for a long time as the road is getting busier and more dangerous with the high speeds cars and lorries. "The existing crossing is not in a practical position for many and I hope the Council will listen to the views of residents to prevent further accidents happening. I would also like to see the installation of cameras to monitor and fine speeding motorists."

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PRESS RELEASE, February 9, 2008

Is this the Most Dangerous School Crossing in Bath?

Last summer it was reported that the crossing on Pulteney Rd in Widcombe, Bath had been crushed by an out-of-control car. As this is a crossing much used by parents and children going to the Widcombe Infants and Junior schools, this caused considerable concern, especially as it was the second time in 18 months that such an accident had occurred. Then a further accident at the crossing occurred in November, making it three times.

Now, a fourth accident has occurred here, on Wednesday February 6 at approx 10.30 in the morning. A green Mondeo driven by a man struck the central island causing considerable damage to the bollard. There was apparently little damage to the car which reversed and drove off. However this incident has profoundly shaken all regular users of the crossing, who say it further reinforces their argument that this is probably the most dangerous school crossing in Bath, and that much should be done to improve the situation.

Councillor Ian Gilchrist says, "I was contacted by a worried parent, Mrs Domini Barry, almost immediately after the latest accident. She knows the whole history of incidents at this place and is most concerned for peoples' safety. Mrs Barry was with me when I presented a petition to the councillor (Charles Gerrish) in charge of roads at Cabinet last September. It is clear that the current measures planned are slow in coming and even when in place will not provide the confidence that locals are demanding. I am taking this up with council officers again at the highest level."

Mrs Fran Bryden (Chair of Governors at Widcombe Junior School) says, "As soon as I heard about the latest crash I spoke with Robert Stanley, our crossing man, parent Domini Barry, and Christine Fairweather, Junior School secretary. Putting these together it seems that the crossing was struck between 10.30am and 10.45am on Tuesday by a green car which drove over the top of the island,
taking down the light they were trying to install.

'Christine, whose office overlooks the crossing, heard the crunch and saw the car stopped on the island before it drove off. Passers-by cleared some of the debris, and the council called by Christine were very prompt in arriving to tidy up further. Domini has called the council but was apparently told that drivers cause accidents not islands. Having seen Robert working the crossing this morning it is clear that it is currently dangerous, in that the rest area in the island is smaller than usual because of the debris. Robert has reported the crash to his supervisor regarding his own safety."

Witness, Martyn James, whose home overlooks the crossing says, "I was working that day when I heard the crash. Looking out of the window I was astonished to see a green car reversing backwards off the traffic island with which he had obviously just collided. I know the history of this crossing and I am most concerned that someone will be killed or seriously injured unless something is done. I am all the more concerned as my little boy has just started at the Infants school, and my wife Laura and I use the crossing at least twice a day."

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E-newsletter sent to 200+ Widcombe residents, January 2008

Road Safety
Wells Rd. Since my last e-newsletter in which I mentioned the fatal accident involving a Widcombe resident I have moved to get the issue of speed on safety onto the Highways Dept list of things to do. There will be a residents' petition on the subject going round the Wells Rd/Holloway areas, but you can also sign on-line at: http://campaigns.libdems.org.uk/wellsrdbath

The ongoing campaigns for Rossiter Rd, Pulteney Rd, and Widcombe Hill are still being pursued. Contact me if you'd like an update.

Sadly the request for a consideration of a pedestrian crossing on Ralph Allen Drive at the corner with Lyncombe Vale has been refused.

Police and Community Safety
The next Widcombe PACT meeting will be held on Monday January 28th, at 7.30 in Widcombe Junior School. We will hopefully be hearing of news about progressing the previous priority issues, as well as discussing any new ones residents want to raise.

If you want to receive the new 'Widcombe Beat Box' newsletter please let me know.

A new Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) scheme is being established in the Dolemeads estate. If any readers would like to be involved please let me know. If any readers want help in starting an NHW scheme in their area please contact me.

B&NES Council Budget, 2008-2009
Apologies if I get a little political here... The budget for next year is currently under discussion. One thorny issue is that of the cost of residents parking permits. These have not been increased since they were introduced a few years ago and no final decisions have been taken on what they will be, but current indications are that rises might be of the order of 90%. We (LibDems) suspect that such rises go against the original intention for the permits, which was that their price should only cover the cost of administering the scheme, not become a general revenue stream. If you would like to join with me in ensuring the any rises in cost are reflective only of administration cost increases then please contact me back.

Environment
Given this week's latest news of 15% increases in energy costs you have have started to wonder about 'life after oil'. In which case you may be interested to know that others in Bath are also thinking the same, and that a 'Transition Bath' movement is taking shape. Feel free to contact me about this, and if you have any suggestions for actions in Widcombe itself I'd be delighted to hear.

...And Finally
The Widcombe Mummers (supported by the Widcombe Association - link below) took to the streets on New Years Day, and raised about £167 to help keep St Matthews Church Hall in good repair. An excellent time was had by all, so thanks to the performers and all the people who came out to watch.

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Questions to B&NES Cabinet, January 9 2008

Question for Cllr Hanney from Cllr Ian Gilchrist re Biomass Boilers for the Guildhall and/or Victoria Park Nurseries
In my question to Council on Sept 13th, I asked what the timetable might be for the proposed installation of a biomass boiler for the Guildhall. This question was in part deflected by reference to a pilot scheme for the replacement of boilers at the Victoria Park Nurseries. Can Cllr Hanney please provide any more detailed plans for this scheme?

Question for Cllr Hanney from Cllr Ian Gilchrist re the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC)
From 2009 under the Climate Change Bill, 'larger local authorities' will become subject to the CRC, a mandatory CO2 emissions cap-and-trade scheme. The definition of 'larger' is those organisations with annual electricity consumption in excess of 6000 MWh (approx equivalent to electricity charges > £600K/annum). Can Cllr Hanney please say whether B&NES Council is likely to fall into this definition? If so, what steps are currently being considered to learn more about the details of the council's obligations and opportunities under the scheme?

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E-newsletter sent December 2007 to about 200 Widcombe residents

Road Safety
Many of you will be aware of the sad death of a Widcombe resident killed in a traffic accident on the lower Wells Rd about three weeks ago. I am pressing the Highways Dept to bring back into consideration a plan for a controlled pedestrian crossing at this point.

Another request has been raised for consideration of a pedestrian crossing on Ralph Allen Drive at the corner with Lyncombe Vale.

Messages of support for both of these initiatives will be welcomed by me.

Police and Community Safety
A new Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) scheme is being established in the Dolemeads estate. If any readers would like to be involved please let me know. If any readers want help in starting an NHW scheme in their area please contact me.

The next Widcombe PACT meeting will be held at the end of January. Date and location to be advised as soon as known. If you want to receive the new 'Widcombe Beat Box' newsletter please let me know.

Local Appeals
As you probably know the Two Tunnels project has been successful in gaining substantial lottery fund underwriting. There is still matching money to be raised and it is likely to be some time before the project is up and running. If anyone wants to help see the link below.

St Marks won £1000 in the recent competition run by the Bath Chronicle to find community ventures in need of a makeover. Well done to the supporters of St Marks.

And Finally
The Widcombe Mummers (supported by the Widcombe Association - link below) will be bringing their now familiar blend of traditional humour, music and mystery to the streets of Widcombe on New Years Day. If you want a reason to get out of bed that day there is nothing better. Performances are as follows
12.00 noon at Widcombe Manor
12.20 at Prior Park Gdn Centre
12.40 at Widcombe Crescent
There will be a collection in aid of refurbishments at St Matthews.

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November 2007. Email newsletter sent to about 200 residents in Widcombe.

Rossiter Rd Scheme
This has progressed in two minor ways recently. Widcombe Parade is now included in a draft report on Air Quality Management areas, which makes it easier to justify the 2-way scheme on health grounds. B&NES Highways Dept has prepared a project spec for the consultants which will be considered by a group from the Widcombe Association on Nov 19.

Two Tunnels Scheme
This interesting project to re-open the tunnels under Combe Down for walkers and cyclists has reached the finals of the Big Lottery Bid. It is included in the Sustrans 'Connect2' bid totalling about £50m, of which £1m is for Two Tunnels. To register support please visit www.sustransconnect2.org.uk. For more information on Two Tunnels itself visit www.twotunnels.org.uk

PACT Meeting
The first public Widcombe PACT meeting was held on Oct 1. This was organised by the Police, with partners present from the Council and Somer Housing. People had opportunity to say what bothered them about living in Widcombe, and then a vote was taken on the most urgent. These turned out to be drunken/yobbish behaviour around Halfpenny Bridge (people going home drunk from town) and Widcombe shops, and trafffic (speed and bad parking). At the next meeting in January it will be announced how the partners intend to deal with these.

Bath Chronicle 'Makeover' Competition
This was an opportunity to vote for St Matthews or St Marks (or other community buildings in Bath) to receive a £10000 makeover. I am informed by the newspaper that the probable winner is known, and an announcement will be made later in November when the votes have been validated.

Up the Abbey
You have a unique chance to visit the Abbey roof and tower on Saturday Nov 17, when small guided tours will take place between 10.00 and 3.30 pm. There is no booking; just turn up.

Widcombe Xmas Lights SwitchOn
Lady Margaret and the Naturals will be officiating at the Xmas lights switch-on in Widcombe on Dec 8.00 at 6.15pm. Other jolly events will be taking place the same evening, including a performance by the Handful of Singers at St Matthews at 7.45.

And talking of the Natural Theatre Co, don't forget to buy your tickets for the next cabarets, on Nov 22 ('BonBon in Space') and Dec 20 ('BonBon's Grotto'). Proceeds go towards the next Widcombe Rising event in June 2008. Tickets are on sale only through the Bath Festivals office in Abbey Green.

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September 2007 - e-newsletter sent to 200 email addresses in Widcombe:

Roads and Traffic Safety
How to replace the unsafe road crossing on Pulteney Rd by the Junior School was the subject of a petition to Council Cabinet on Sept 4. It was presented to Cllr Gerrish by myself and parent/resident Mrs Domini Barry. A meeting on-site with the Head of B&NES Highways will take place next week. It is hoped that this consultation will cover a number of safety issues around the schools.

The proposed two-way Rossiter Rd scheme has now got the full verbal backing of Cllr Gerrish, to whom thanks. The Council project engineer is supposed to be drawing up contracts for the consulting engineers who will do the detailed design. It is intended that the Widcombe Association will have input on these plans.

An unsafe situation involving parked cars on Wells Rd above Upper Oldfield Park has been alleviated thanks to the intervention of one resident who contacted me with his concerns. A further unsafe situation on Rossiter Rd by Halfpenny Bridge is also hopefully alleviated, thanks again to an alert resident who lives close by.

Crime and Street Safety
An important crime and safety public meeting (PACT = Partnerships and Communities Together) is announced for Thursday Oct 4, at 7.30 to be held at Widcombe Baptist Church. This is an excellent chance to meet the police beat officers responsible for Widcombe, and tell them what improvements you would like to see.

In August a trio of conmen tricked their way into the house of some residents in Broadway by pretending to be from Wessex Water. When inside they stole cash. Be very careful about who you let into your house!

For general use here is a reminder of the Police non-emergency number - 0845-456-7000. You can use this to report the presence of problem drinkers, and other non-urgent matters such as vandalism, graffiti etc.

Planning
As you probably know the Dyson Foundation will no longer be involved in the development of the South Quays site on the Lower Bristol Rd. Instead this is now entirely in the hands of Bath Spa University. Two questions arise in my mind:
1. Will this involve any change in the controversial design?
2. Since Bath Spa will be expanding student numbers by 600 to use their extra space, where will they all live?!

The old Widcombe School site in Alton Place is resubmitting designs for 9 dwellings. If you want to see the plans the reference is 07/02602/FUL.

The revised plans for 43 Upper Oldfield Park will be resubmitted to Planning Committee sometime soon. I am open to representations (for and against) from Widcombe residents. The planning ref is 07/02461/FUL.

For the big picture in Bath the revised Local Plan will soon be published. Copies will be available in a number of places, including the library. This will be effective to 2010. After which date it will be replaced by a Local Development Framework (LDF). In a significant break with previous practice, the Council will be asking for community inputs at the start of the process, from October. So if you have any views on how you want Widcombe to develop within the framework of B&NES up to 2026 you should start formulating them now! A critical issue will be the government requirement to build over 15000 new houses in the area.

Local History and Gossip
My attempts to get an official name for AQ521 (between Prior Parke Cottages and Millbrook Court) have run into opposition so I will not be pursuing this further.

I have recently learned that No 1 Widcombe Crescent might lay claim to be the most haunted house in Bath. I'm still trying to get some facts on this, but the current occupants (local firm Eden Ventures) have no confirmed sightings of ghosts, while strange events are reported from No 6. If anyone has anything to contribute please let me know.

Our devoted fans will be please to know that the Widcombe Mummers are starting to plan the next New Years Day performances in and around Widcombe. We're currently one down in the actors section so volunteeer enthusiasts are encouraged to come forward. "Make room, make room I say!"

The Widcombe Association together with the Natural Theatre Company are planning a grand opening night for the Widcombe Parade Christmas lights on Saturday Dec 8. Start time is tbd. Music,singing and other festive jollities are promised.

Talking of the Natural Theatre Company, news leaks out that a new Widcombe Rising will take place in 2008, so get your outfits ready. Ralph Le Bon Bon is hosting a series of monthly Thursday evening cabarets in the Widcombe Social Club to help fund this, so please support them. These events are not usually suitable for children or the easily-shocked so be warned.